Guest Blackston Report post Posted September 16, 2002 National Game of the Week: Florida (2-1) at Tennessee (2-0) Synopsis: Traditionally, the winner of this game has an inside track on winning the SEC East, and has a legitimate shot at a national championship. For Tennessee, this is still the case, but for Florida, the stakes may be a bit higher. There is a sense of discontent in Gainesville, as Florida got trashed at home by Miami, then went on to struggle mightilly in the first half of their game against the lowly Ohio Bobcats. Ron Zook is not under fire as of yet, but another poor showing against a quality team may cause more discontent at the Swamp. Tennessee, on the other hand, still has not faced a legitimate opponent. They hold wins over Wyoming and Middle Tennessee State, and they didn't look very good in their victory over MTSU, with many offensive mistakes. UT is coming off of a bye week, so Phil Fulmer will get an opportunity to work out some of the kinks before welcoming the Gators to Knoxville. A win for UT would put them into serious contention for the national title, but I do not see this happening. Florida may not have looked very good in its' games, but they have had a serious dose of Miami football. In addition, the Gators are pissed off about their poor showing in the previous two weeks, and I'll bet they are chomping at the bit to knock off a top-5 team. The line: Tennessee by 4 My pick: Florida by 10 ACC Game of the week: BYU (2-1) (0-0) at Georgia Tech (2-1) (0-1) Synopsis: These two teams have had high hopes for the season dashed before they even hit October. BYU was planning to be a thorn in the BCS's side yet again, before disaster struck against Nevada. Georgia Tech saw its' slim hopes at winning an ACC crown slip away after a close loss in a driving rainstorm against Clemson. Both teams are probably feeling a bit down right now, so it will be interesting to see how either team rebounds. When picking the winner of this game, I only have to look at the strength of schedule thus far. BYU defeated Hawaii, and they throttled the Orangemen of Syracuse before faltering to Nevada. Georgia Tech slummed a little bit, destroying traditional doormats Vanderbilt and Connecticut, before losing at Clemson. BYU has simply played the better teams, and won more convincingly... This is why I like the Cougars The line: Georgia Tech by 8.5 My pick: BYU by 6 Big East Game of the Week: Boston College (2-0) (0-0) at Miami (3-0) (1-0) Synopsis: Yeah, this one doesn't look to favorable towards the Eagles on paper, but the game has to be played on the field. The Boston College Eagles played the Hurricanes extremely close last year, almost to the point of deserving the victory. This year's version of the Eagles has jumped out to a positive start with victories over Connecticut and the always-difficult Stanford Cardinal. Add that with the fact that Miami struggled a bit with the lowly Temple Owls in the first half, and you might think that we've got an upset brewing. Not a chance. Miami had troubles playing Boston College last year at Boston in the middle of fall. This year's game is being played in the friendly confines of the Orange Bowl in beautiful South Florida, where the Canes are damned near unbeatable. This game is also looking to be a statement game, as the Eagles are one of the few in-conference teams that will prove to be challenging in the slightest. Look for the Canes to roll large in this one. The line: Miami by 28 My pick: Miami by 28 Big Ten Game of the Week: Notre Dame (3-0) at Michigan State (2-1) Synopsis: This game is just begging for action in Vegas. After being drubbed by perennial Pac-10 doormat California, Michigan State is actually favored in their matchup against the resurgent Fighting Irish. There is good reason for that, as well. Michigan State is just about the most roller coasteresque team there is in college football. One week, they'll defeat a Michigan or an Ohio State, and the next week they will be drubbed by a Northwestern or an Indiana. Last week, MSU suffered a drop when they got shit kicked by the Golden Bears, but the Spartans are too talented to stay down for very long. Notre Dame has proven to the country that they belong back on the national picture, after they defeated Michigan in thrilling fashion. Unfortunately for the Irish, I think that they will feel a letdown against Michigan State. The line: Michigan State by 1.5 My pick: Michigan State by 10 Big XII Game of the Week: Virginia Tech (2-0) (0-0) at Texas A&M (2-0) (0-0) Synopsis: This game is looking like it has a good chance at being one of the most important games of the weekend. I will give Virginia Tech the proper credit, as they have played one hell of a non-conference schedule, and they have done the Big East proud in their efforts. A win for the Hokies this weekend will be a huge stepping stone up the top 25 polls, unfortunately there is a very good Aggie team down in College Station that plans on giving Va Tech a run for their money. A&M went on the road last weekend to play an always dangerous Pittsburgh squad, and squeaked out a victory. This will be the Hokie's first trip out of Blacksburg. For Texas A&M to win this game, they will need to stop the incredibly talented running back combination from Virginia Tech, and while the Aggie run defense is tops in the nation, I just don't know if they have faced running backs like this before... The line: Virginia Tech by 4 My pick: Virginia Tech by 17 PAC-10 Game of the Week: Colorado (1-2) (0-0) at UCLA (2-0) (0-0) Synopsis: Colorado is a team in a freefall right now, and they have to be questioning their abilities after getting drubbed at home by a very good USC team. Unfortunately, instead of a tune-up game against a I-AA team, the Buffaloes have to travel to Los Angeles, where the undefeated Bruins are waiting for them. UCLA has played a fairly tight schedule thusfar, knocking off a Colorado State team that also defeated the Buffaloes. they also travelled to Oklahoma State, and won that game fairly convincingly. The "X" factor of this game is if Colorado can get itself back together, and play football as a team. Make no mistake, the Buffaloes are a very talented football team, it is just a shame that they haven't been able to get themselves together as of yet. I don't see them doing any better in the Rose Bowl. The line: UCLA by 9.5 My pick: UCLA by 17 SEC Game of the Week: Southern Miss (3-0) (1-0) at Alabama (2-1) (0-0) Synopsis: This matchup between the C-USA frontrunners and the resurgent Crimson Tide should be a doozy. The Golden Eagles have proven to be a very good team, after knocking off last year's Big Ten Champion, Illinois, and they pummeled on C-USA rival Memphis. Alabama, on the other hand, struggled against Middle Tenessee State, before putting the fear of god into Oklahoma Sooner fans. This game will be a good tuneup for either team, as they begin to head into conference play. I like Alabama in this one, as the home field will prove to be devestating to the Golden Eagles, but I wouldn't be all that surprised to see a huge upset from Southern Miss. The line: Bama by 7 My pick: Bama by 10 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Strike Force! Report post Posted September 16, 2002 Why should Florida even show up? I mean, they are going up against the greatest force in college football this side of Knute Rockne's grave known as the Tennessee Volunteers (note my sarcasm). I must have missed the memo that said Tennessee has a great team this year. I've never rooted for Florida in this series before, but I am this year. Tennessee is getting too much hype. Also, Va Tech has no idea what they are in for in College Station. Those Aggie fans are crazy. Tech gets rattled by those psychos, and loses by two TDs. I'm not sure if the Hokies have ever played in an atmosphere like that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kotzenjunge Report post Posted September 16, 2002 Tennessee is getting hype? I had no idea. You wouldn't know they were 4th in the nation by watching television or reading the paper. Their highlights are always buried in the middle or end of football programs, and their games are always shoved into the SEC section of the sports section on Sunday morning, instead of with the Top 25 like seemingly everyone else. No one has ever given Tennessee any credit, and no one will ever give them any credit until they win a National Title, at which point everyone will say they knew it would happen all along. Hearing those ESPN dicks act surprised that Tennessee was good this year made my blood boil, considering that Tennessee and Florida have split their last four meetings. To pick Florida against Tennessee IN KNOXVILLE is insane. I'm surprised that the bookies(who never give Tennessee credit unless they're facing UAB or something) are giving Florida points at all. Admittedly, I would probably give a line of Tennessee by only four points if they were playing in The Swamp, but the Vols fans are louder and crazier than those Aggie fans could ever hope to be. Tennessee will bitchslap Florida, and then watch the truckloads of people jump on the bandwagon until they play Miami, at which time they'll give Tennessee zero credit, say the Florida victory was a fluke, etc. I hate being a Tennessee fan sometimes. We get no respect. Fo sheez, Kotzenjunge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest hardyz1 Report post Posted September 16, 2002 Irish, baby, Irish! They still need to get revenge on the Spartans after that last minute TD two years ago. Speaking of which, do you realize how close ND was to being undefeated 2 years ago? The losses were the afforementioned Michigan St. game and the Nebraska game they lost in overtime. And, finally, fuck Penn State. Fuck them right in the ear. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Blackston Report post Posted September 16, 2002 Tennessee has showed themselves to be a quality team this year, but destroying the Middle Tennessee States of the world does not really go a long ways towards generating buzz. Tennessee, like it or not, is still very very unproven this year, and that is why all of the positive publicity hasn't been coming the Volunteers' way. If UT can knock off Florida on Saturday, I can guarentee you that people will start to look at Tennessee as a legit title contender. As for Notre Dame, yeah, they could have gone undefeated very easily two years ago, but the title game against Oklahoma would have been really fucking ugly. I still remember the poor Irish in Tempe just getting fucking obliterated by the Oregon State Beavers. That game was incredible. Why the hatred against Penn State? Did you lose a bet or something? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest phoenixrising Report post Posted September 17, 2002 Wasn't that overtime game the game where the Husker fans bought 37,000 tickets? It was weird to see a sea of red in South Bend...and the Irish nearly pulled off the upset. UCLA gets Colorado in the Rose Bowl. Of course it would have been nicer if Colorado was still ranked...but oh well. Should be a nice matchup as both teams are very physical and run-oriented. In the end, UCLA has Cory Paus, and while he might suck at everything but throwing the deep ball he is better than Colorado's backup QB who apparently cant complete any type of pass. I just hope Toledo doesn't run his mouth before the game, he did last year before the Stanford game and UCLA went into the tank right after. Kotzenjunge - Tennessee does have a national championship - the first BCS one in 1998. I think Tennessee takes Florida...what's Washington's status for the game? I don't think he's played yet...might take him a bit to get back to game speed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kotzenjunge Report post Posted September 17, 2002 I KNOW WE HAVE A NATIONAL TITLE!!!! Hell, I even wore the shirt today. Washington may or may not play as far as I know, but even without him I think we have it well in hand. If we can get him in there even for a couple of series, then you can bet on Florida's secondary not being able to adjust. Fo sheez, Kotzenjunge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted September 17, 2002 Also, Va Tech has no idea what they are in for in College Station. Those Aggie fans are crazy. Tech gets rattled by those psychos, and loses by two TDs. I'm not sure if the Hokies have ever played in an atmosphere like that. Virginia Tech is actually playing a tough non-conference schedule. If they can get past Texas A&M there's a chance they could be undefeated headed into the Miami game in December. I hope Michigan St. shows up and kicks overrated Notre Dame's ass. They beat two mediocre teams, and it took a blown call and Michigan blowing an opportunity at the end of the game for Notre Dame to win. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest hardyz1 Report post Posted September 17, 2002 I hope Michigan St. shows up and kicks overrated Notre Dame's ass. They beat two mediocre teams, and it took a blown call and Michigan blowing an opportunity at the end of the game for Notre Dame to win. But Michigan was supposed to win easily, right? Wasn't even going to be close? Give it a fucking rest. Yeah, they got two calls in their favor. What's your point? I hate it when people say things like, "If they hadn't gotten that call they would've lost." How do you know that, Miss Cleo? Blackston: I live near Penn State and I despise everything and everybody associated with it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted September 17, 2002 Nothing is easy with Michigan. There one of the most underachieving teams in College Football. Michigan is not a team to judge if Notre Dame is truly a Top 10 team. No, you can't say for sure if the blown calls caused Michigan the game. But I will stand by the opinion that Notre Dame got a majority of the calls. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest hardyz1 Report post Posted September 17, 2002 No, you can't say for sure if the blown calls caused Michigan the game. But I will stand by the opinion that Notre Dame got a majority of the calls. Majority? They were both penalized quite a bit. There were...let's see...18 penalties total, not sure who got how many. I will admit that the PI and touchdown calls were bad, though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest El Hijo Del Lunatic Report post Posted September 19, 2002 I live near Penn State and I despise everything and everybody associated with it. An Irish fan living near Penn State? That's like taking a teddy bear with you into prison. You're asking to be someone's bitch. Virginia Tech is actually playing a tough non-conference schedule. If they can get past Texas A&M there's a chance they could be undefeated headed into the Miami game in December. I'll agree with that, but A&M is going to be a big test. I hope Michigan St. shows up and kicks overrated Notre Dame's ass. They beat two mediocre teams, and it took a blown call and Michigan blowing an opportunity at the end of the game for Notre Dame to win. I really don't think Notre Dame's THAT overrated. Their defense alone means they deserve to be in the Top 25. But their passing game is pretty bad right now, and I shudder to think hat'll happen if they get down by more than seven and have to throw the ball at some point down the stretch. I don't know if they're a top ten team right now or even top fifteen, but I think we'll see against a Michigan State team that should be pissed off. I know I would be if I were a Spartan. Majority? They were both penalized quite a bit. There were...let's see...18 penalties total, not sure who got how many. 15, I think, actually - 9 for Michigan, 6 for Notre Dame. And Michigan deserved every one of those calls they got. However, that was NOT the same Michigan team that played Washington, and Notre Dame was fortunate to win that ball game. There's no denying that. LUNATIC - Pimpin' ho's and clockin' a grip like my name was Dolemite. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest phoenixrising Report post Posted September 20, 2002 Thursday night game Auburn 42, Mississippi State 14 Daniel Cobb threw 3 first-half touchdowns and Carnell Williams had two second-half scores, but a couple of controversial things occured. First, the SEC was supposed to crack down on noisemakers like the cowbells at MSU. Of course the fans were ringing them, but no calls were made (even though ESPN was hyping this as the "showdown". Funniest sign of the night: One guy had "You May Take Our Cowbells" and another next to him had "But You'll Never Take Our FreeDOM". Funny stuff). The second moment came with Auburn up 35-14. On fourth down inside the 20, Auburn lined up to kick the field goal. The snap was made to the holder...who stood up and pitched the ball to the kicker who ran for the first. Pretty funny cause Corso went off talking about how you don't do that in a blowout and how this could come back to haunt Tuberville. When Sherrill and Tuberville shook hands at the end Sherrill kind of gave him a look before they shook. So I guess that Auburn/MSU matchup next year should be a must-see. Just funny cause Corso just went off about how that stuff shouldn't be done in a blowout, just kick the field goal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest El Hijo Del Lunatic Report post Posted September 20, 2002 CORSO OWNZ. LUNATIC - Pimpin' ho's and clockin' a grip like my name was Dolemite. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest phoenixrising Report post Posted September 20, 2002 Yeah he does. I've gotten over him saying that UCLA was a bunch of surfer boys and were soft during halftime of the Miami game in 1998, but hell they were then so I forgive him. Another cool moment was when MSU had a 4th and 1 and they were talking about what to run, Corso starts saying how the offensive coordinator has this QB bootleg and sure enough MSU runs the bootleg, the booth erupts because Corso calls it right. Memo to OSU: You are playing Cincinnati, not Michigan. Rest Clarett...yes Cincinnati is a good Conference USA team but they are not in your league...do not play him unless you ABSOULTELY NEED him. Friday night's game - A MAC battle for the ages between UCF and Marshall. Seriously now, Marshall has been waiting for this one...in the offseason several UCF players said they would go unbeaten through the MAC, a comment that you can bet is bulletin board material for the Thundering Herd. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Blackston Report post Posted September 20, 2002 I go to Toledo, and I am really looking forward to tonight's MAC matchup. UCF not only said that they would go through the MAC untouched, but they also said that they would be out of the MAC and into a BCS conference by five years. There is more then a little bit of animosity between the MAC schools and UCF. Not to mention that the game will have some damned good football played in it... A good game to watch before the big-time games start up on Saturday afternoon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Vern Gagne Report post Posted September 20, 2002 I go to Toledo, and I am really looking forward to tonight's MAC matchup. UCF not only said that they would go through the MAC untouched, but they also said that they would be out of the MAC and into a BCS conference by five years. There is more then a little bit of animosity between the MAC schools and UCF. Not to mention that the game will have some damned good football played in it... A good game to watch before the big-time games start up on Saturday afternoon. Toledo played Minnesota last weekend and Toledo has a huge O-Line. Alot bigger than the Gophers. The Gophers are a small team, but they are middle of the pack in the Big 10. Toledo would probably be a decent Big 10 school. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest phoenixrising Report post Posted September 21, 2002 Last years Toledo team was really good...heck their star running back plays for the Ravens, Chester Taylor...ok playing for Baltimore doesn't mean much anymore but he was spectacular in college. Anyway... Marshall 26, UCF 21 ESPN announcers told me this game would see 100 points scored. Again they were wrong. The stars were the Marshall defense, which intercepted UCF's Ryan Schneider on the last two drives to seal the win. Byron Leftwich was ordinary by his own standards, throwing for 330 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Schneider had an OK game, in a surprise both running backs (Alex Haynes of UCF and Brandon Carey of Marshall) had 130 yards apiece. Pissed cause my parents are making me go up to their cabin to help "painting" (putting wood stain on which isn't really painting), so I have to get up early, and will probably miss the morning games. Hopefully I'll be back in time for Colorado/UCLA, or listen to it when I come back down the mountain. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kotzenjunge Report post Posted September 21, 2002 Yeah, enough of that. Let's talk about the REAL story this week... Fo sheez, Kotzenjunge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Grenouille Report post Posted September 21, 2002 I have to go with with Florida. 28-17 2002 Tennessee Volunteers Citrus Bowl Bound The Citrus Bowl - Winter Home of the Tennessee Volunteers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kotzenjunge Report post Posted September 21, 2002 Sorry bubbles, but you'll be lucky to see Florida get to the Cotton Bowl this year. They'll drop a game to Tennessee today, then to Florida State, and probably Georgia too. 8-4 and probably a trip to the Cotton Bowl to play(extremely baseless pick) Colorado if they can get their act together. Welcome to the real world Gator fans, the world no longer wants to hype you now that Satan is up in Washington. Fo sheez, Kotzenjunge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kotzenjunge Report post Posted September 21, 2002 FUCKING LOCAL STATION WON'T CUT AWAY FROM THE OLE MISS/VANDERBILT GAME!!!!!! ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fo sheez, Kotzenjunge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest AlwaysPissedOff Report post Posted September 21, 2002 Wow... Tennessee has played like ass this half and I'm loving it. I may hate both teams, but Florida is the lesser of the two evils, so GO GATORS! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kotzenjunge Report post Posted September 21, 2002 This has been absolutely inexcusable. There is simply NO REASON for the FOURTH RANKED TEAM IN THE NATION to be playing this badly, especially at home. Missed tackles, special teams miscues, FOUR FUMBLED SNAPS?! I'm still good though. There's still plenty of football left, and so far this year we've been a second half team. Fo sheez, Kotzenjunge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kotzenjunge Report post Posted September 21, 2002 Good lord, Fulmer looked PISSED in that little encounter at the half. He's going into that locker room to light a fire under their asses. We're going to be just fine. If not, I'm prepared to kill something. Oh, and Jill Arrington needs to report at rainy games more often. Fo sheez, Kotzenjunge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kotzenjunge Report post Posted September 21, 2002 Good god, Zook sounds like a motivational speaker or something. "My name is Ron Zook, and I live in a VAN... DOWN BY THE RIVER!!!" Fo sheez, Kotzenjunge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Grenouille Report post Posted September 21, 2002 Damn, is everyone tackling for shit or is it just me? It's close, but I won't say it's over yet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kotzenjunge Report post Posted September 21, 2002 I would NOT have gone for it on fourth down just now. You know you've got to kick a field goal at some point just to tie it, why not then? Argh. I still won't say it's over(there's still 8:30 left), but it's damn close to being over now. Fo sheez, Kotzenjunge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Kotzenjunge Report post Posted September 21, 2002 And yeah, we just lost. Why do we lose every time we're favored against a top 10 team? Fo sheez, Kotzenjunge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Grenouille Report post Posted September 21, 2002 Well, Notre Dame's storybook season has been closed early. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
