NCAA Bowl Picks

I enter the thick of bowl season with an 11-5 record in picking games

Picks for Friday December 31st

Meineke Car Care Bowl

South Florida (7-5) vs. Clemson (6-6)   9am, ESPN

  All season long i've had little confidence in South Florida and i think they find a way to lose this one. I expect USF QB Bj Daniels to make too many mistakes while Clemson QB Kyle Parker makes enough plays to win.

  USF 19, Clemson 24

Hyundai Sun Bowl

Miami (7-5) vs. Notre Dame (7-5)   11am, CBS

  I was going to pick Notre Dame but i'm going to change my mind and pick Miami. It should be a good game between two teams that have had mediocre seasons. Miami is replacing a head coach but i think Notre Dame may be too inexperienced at the Quarterback position to win.

  Notre Dame 23, Miami 31

Autozone Liberty Bowl

Georgia (6-6) vs. Central Florida (10-3)  12:30pm, ESPN

  Something tells me this won't be an easy win for Georgia as many may think and that UCF will play well. However, i can't bring myself to picking against the Georgia Bulldogs.

  Georgia 34, UCF 31

Chick-fil-A Bowl

South Carolina (9-4) vs. Florida St (9-4)  4:30pm, ESPN

  The last college football game of 2010 should be an interesting one. It will be important to see if South Carolina can shake off it's SEC title game loss to Auburn and win as slight favorites. I think QB Stephen Garcia and RB Marcus Lattimore will make enough plays to get South Carolina the win,

  S.Carolina 30, Florida State 20

  

College Football Bowl Season is here

With the regular season now finished in college football, it is time for Bowl season.

here is a rundown of all the games: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5168379

NCAAF Game Picks

Week 14

#2Oregon (11-0) @ Oregon St (5-6)

  The annual Civil War between this in-state rivals has never had so much on the line. A win for Oregon State knocks off their rivals and makes them bowl eligible while the Ducks need just one more win to play in the BCS National Championship game for the first time in school history. Oregon has more talent and is the better team plain and simple but you never quite know what will happen in a rivalry game. The Beavers may have a few highlights with QB Ryan Katz and RB Jaquizz Rodgers but the Oregon Ducks wont' be stopped as they speed to the victory and the BCS title game.  

  Oregon 45, Oregon State 20

#1Auburn (12-0) vs. #19South Carolina (9-3)

  After another week of speculation about Auburn QB Cam Newton's eligibility, the Tigers have to play South Carolina in the SEC Championship game. I'm tempted to pick South Carolina and using the line, "it's hard to beat a team twice in one year", but I am going to stick with Auburn and dynamic player Cam Newton in a close game. If the Gamecocks do pull the upset, RB Marcu Lattimore will play a huge role and Cam Newton will have to slip up.

  Auburn 34, South Carolina 31

Washington (5-6) @ Washington St (2-9)

  This game won't be on the national radar but it means a lot to the teams playing. Washington needs just one more win to become bowl eligible and the rival Cougars would love to end on a high note. Washington should win the game but Washington St is much improved and might be able to stay close atleast until the end.

  Washington 38, Washington St 23

#21Florida State (9-3) @ #15Virginia Tech (10-2)

  The ACC Championship is on the line when these two teams meet in what should be an interesting game. The Seminoles' QB Christian Ponder can throw the ball around but i think Virginia Tech will be too much behind QB Tyrod Taylor and a solid running game.

  Florida St 20, Virginia Tech 31

Connecticut (7-4) @ South Florida (7-4)

  In what is a  surprise to some, a win in this game for the Uconn Huskies would give them the Big East Championship and BCS berth. I think the Huskies will be able to run the ball and manage the game while USF QB BJ Daniels is good for a couple interceptions. 

  Uconn 23, USF 16

#9Oklahoma (10-2) vs. #13Nebraska (10-2)

  Nebraska is playing in the Big 12 Championship game for the 2nd year in a row but come into this game with questions about their QB's health. Healthy or not though, i think the Oklahoma Sooners have too many weapons and will be able to outscore the Huskers. QB Landry Jones will anchor the passing game as RB DeMarco Murray handles the ball on the ground for the Sooners.

  Oklahoma 45, Nebraska 31

USC (7-5) @ UCLA (4-7)

 Not in a long time has the battle for the victory bell hosted two teams with no chance at a bowl game but that will be the case this Saturday. Throw the records and stats out, this game should be a close one. Expect Matt Barkley to start for the Trojans, giving them a boost, but the key to this game will be energy and motivation and who want the victory more. I want to pick USC but my gut won't allow it

  USC 27, UCLA 29

  

  

What to Watch

Thursday December 2nd

NBA--Miami Heat @ Cleveland Cavaliers, 5pm, TNT

  Lebron James returns to Cleveland, a must watch

NFL--Houston Texans @ Philadelphia Eagles, 5pm, NFL Network

NCAAF--Arizona State @ Arizona, 5pm, ESPN

NCAAF Game Picks

Week 13

Friday

#2Auburn (11-0) @ #11Alabama (9-2)

  This early Friday game should be a great one, one that can change the landscape of college football. QB Cam Newton very well may be the Heisman winner next month but if Alabama can slow him down, the Crimson Tide can get the win. We haven't seen how good this Auburn team is when Newton is off his game and i wonder how they can respond. I see this one coming down to the wire with Auburn taking the loss.

  Auburn 27, Alabama 31

#21Arizona (7-3) @ #1Oregon(10-0)

  Arizona comes into Autzen trying to pull the upset an undefeated Oregon team that clinches the Pac-10 title with a win. Both teams are coming off disappointing performances but offer an exciting matchup. Arizona has enough weapons to challenge Oregon as they did last year and Oregon is a bit banged up but i expect the Ducks to end the night undefeated.  Keep an eye on the health of Ducks RB LaMichael James though.

  Arizona 34, Oregon 49

#4Boise St (10-0) @ #19Nevada (10-1)

  This is one of those games that seems like Boise St can be challenged and they end up destroying the opposition. However, i'm going to say Nevada is able to stay with Boise St for the majority of the game. Expect both offenses to move the ball behind Boise's QB Kellen Moore and Nevada's QB Colin Kaepernick but Boise St's defense to come up big in the 4th quarter.

  Boise St 47, Nevada 38

Saturday

#5LSU (10-1) @ #12Arkansas (9-2)

  This SEC matchup can possibly decide the 2nd BCS team for the conference. LSU has somehow managed only one loss and a top 5 ranking but Arkansas has enough to win this game. I think Arkansas and QB Ryan Mallet will be able to outscore the LSU offense and secure their 10th win.

  LSU 27, Arkansas 33

#10Michigan State (10-1) @ Penn State (7-4)

  This game doesn't come up often when talking about this week's marquee matchup but it looks to be intriguing. Michigan St is still in the hunt for the Big Ten Title but i think Penn State has a chance to end those hopes. The Nittany Lions will play a good game, a game that will come down to who makes plays in the fourth quarter.

  Michigan St 27, Penn State 23

#13Oklahoma (9-2) @ #9Oklahoma St (10-1)

  Oklahoma State has the chance to make it to its first Big 12 championship game as take on the rival Sooners, who are looking for their eighth trip to the conference title. Oklahoma State has certainly showed they can score with QB Brandon Weeden throwing to Justin Blackmon but i don't think they can outscore the Sooners QB Landry Jones and his many options. I see this as a shootout that the Sooners are able to pull out.

  Oklahoma St 41, Oklahoma 45

Notre Dame (6-5) @ USC (7-4)

  This game isn't as big as it has been in the past but it doesn't change these teams desire to win. The question will be if Southern Cal's QB Matt Barkley will be able to play and it is certainly a big question. If Matt Barkley plays, then the Trojans should be able to take care of business. I'm going to assume however that backup QB Mitch Mustain will get the start instead and make this game a bit more evenly matched. Notre Dame will score on the Trojans defense but i think USC's run game will be able to control the game when it matters most.

  Notre Dame 31, USC 35

other picks

Boston College @ Syracuse       Syracuse

Kentucky @ Tennessee             Tennessee

Florida @ #22Florida St            Florida

#25Miss St. @ Ole Miss            Ole Miss

Georgia Tech @ Georgia            Georgia

Back...

After an unexpected break from the blog, updates will resume..

NCAA Football Review

Week 10 Recap

-TCU goes into a big road game and completely dismantles Utah to stay undefeated.

-Boise St handles Hawaii to also stay unbeaten.

-#1Oregon shakes off slow start and routs Washington.

-#2Auburn keeps pace as they win easily.

-Alabama can't stay in the National Title race as they lose to LSU

-Nebraska escapes with a victory at Iowa State as Missouri falls to Texas Tech.

-Oklahoma goes on the road and loses to Texas A&M

-Oklahoma St blows out ranked Baylor at home.

-Stanford keeps national title and Pac-1o hopes alive as they rout Arizona.

NCAAF Game Picks

Week 10

Hawaii (7-2) @ #4Boise St (7-0)
Boise St. comes into this home game as 21 point favorites but i think the game will be closer than expected. Hawaii is no pushover and QB Bryant Moniz will make some plays. In the end, Boise St makes just enough plays to pull away late.
Hawaii 31, Boise St 42

#6Alabama (7-1) @ #10LSU (7-1)
At first glance this one looks to be pretty even but LSU might be one of the most overrated teams in the country at this point. Alabama's defense will be able to shut down LSU's offense and LSU won't be able to stop the Crimson Tide nearly enough.
Alabama 31, LSU 13

3TCU (9-0) @ #5Utah (8-0)
I really want to pick Utah in this one at home but i can't go against TCU's defense. I think Utah's 20+ home win streak comes to an end.
TCU 34, Utah 17

Washington (3-5) @ #1Oregon (8-0)
Washington might have been to keep it close but that was before QB Jake Locker was ruled out with cracked ribs. Replacement QB Keith Price has good mobility but making his first career start in Autzen stadium won't be easy. Expect the Ducks to continue rolling.
Washington 13, Oregon 55

#18Arkansas (6-2) @ #19South Carolina (6-2)
This matchup pits the #1 SEC passing offense against the SEC's worst pass defense. South Carolina isn't just going to go away but i doubt they will be able to consistently stop Arkansas.
Arkansas 45, South Carolina 34

#15Arizona (7-1) @ #13Stanford (7-1)
This might be the best game of the day as two of the Pac-1o's upper tier battle for position. Arizona will either go with proven QB Matt Foles or dual threat Matt Scott and Stanford will obviously be led by QB Andrew Luck. I'm tempted to choose Arizona in this one but i'm gonna stick with Stanford at home.
Arizona 34, Stanford 38

Arizona St (4-4) @ USC (5-3)
This should be an interesting one to see how USC responds' after a tough loss last week to Oregon. I think they will come out a bit flat but be able to come away with a win behind the play of Matt Barkley.
Arizona St 20, USC 28


other picks

Illinois @ Michigan Michigan
Baylor @ Oklahoma St Oklahoma St
Oregon St @ UCLA UCLA
Oklahoma @ Texas A&M Oklahoma

BCS Bowl Projections

My BCS bowl predictions 

BCS Title               #1Oregon vs. #2Alabama

Sugar Bowl           Auburn vs. Iowa

Orange Bowl       Virginia Tech vs. TCU

Fiesta Bowl         Oklahoma vs. Pittsburgh

Rose Bowl           Michigan St vs. Boise St

New BCS Rankings

Updated BCS rankings

 (#'s 1-15)

1.Oregon

2.Auburn

3.TCU

4.Boise St.

5.Utah

6.Alabama

7.Nebraska

8.Oklahoma

9.Wisconsin

10.LSU

11.Ohio St

12.Missouri

13.Stanford

14.Michigan St.

15.Arizona

Notes

-Oregon #1 in BCS for 1st time in program history

-First time three non-AQ's ranked in top 5 (TCU, Boise St, Utah)

      (Quick explanation of non-aq's process, here)

NCAA Football Review

Week 8 Review

-TCU, Boise St, & Utah all stay undefeated 

-Iowa ends Michigan St.'s perfect season in a blowout

-Nebraska hands Missouri their first loss

-Texas goes to 4-4 after losing to Baylor at home

-Andrew Luck and Stanford crush Jake Locker's Huskies

-Auburn takes care of Ole Miss on the road

-Oregon is able to take care of USC in up and down game

NCAAF Game Picks

Week 8

#17Oklahoma State (6-1) @ Kansas St (5-2)

  Oklahoma State is coming off their first loss and go on the road to face a decent Kansas St team. Decent meaning they wont be able to hang with the Cowboys.

  Oklahoma St 45, Kansas St 17

#15Arizona (6-1) @ Ucla (3-4)

  Ucla hasn't done much since upsetting Texas but all that means is they might be due for a good performance at home against a good Arizona team. I expect Ucla to keep it within striking distnace but fade late.

  Arizona 26, Ucla 16

Florida (4-3) @ Georgia (4-4)

  Rarely does game mean so little in the grand scheme of things but it still has to be played. Florida has more talent and should be better coming off a bye.

  Florida 31, Georgia 23

#6Missouri (7-0) @ #14Nebraska (6-1)

  Missouri looked impressive beating #1Oklahoma last week but i think they suffer their first loss this weekend on the road. It will come down to QB Taylor Martinez making more plays for Nebraska than QB Blaine Gabbert makes for Missouri. 

  Missouri 24, Nebraska 34

#5Michigan St (8-0) @ #18Iowa (5-2)

  Michigan St is undefeated but still comes into this game as Las Vegas underdogs. I think Iowa is too physical for Michigan St and that will be the key to Iowa's victory.

  Michigan St 20, Iowa 28

#1Auburn (8-0) @ Ole Miss (3-4)

  The #1 team in the country has lost three weeks in a row and i see this as being week 4 with that happening. Auburn QB Cam Newton is bound to have a bad game, or atleast average, and it might be this one. Ole Miss QB Jeremiah Masoli will be the absolute key to this game. If he can outperform Newton then Ole Miss will come away with the upset.

  Auburn 30, Ole Miss 34

#2Oregon (7-0) @ USC (5-2)

  This Saturday's primetime game is a good one. Oregon is in a spot they have rarely ever been in program history and USC certainly wants to spoil that. USC QB Matt Barkley has the Trojans offense rolling and the defense seems to be coming along as the Ducks come to town. Oregon's offense is among the best in the nation but their only weakness might be the defense. The key to this game will be which defense can get more stops. I believe that the Ducks defense is much more opportunistic and will come up with big plays. Should be a great game, especially if you're a Duck fan.

  Oregon 47, USC 34

other picks

Cal @ Oregon St.                         Oregon St

Texas Tech @ Texas A&M       Texas Tech

Stanford @ Washington        Washington

Michigan @ Penn St                  Michigan 

What to Watch

Tuesday October 26th

-NBA-

Miami Heat @ Boston Celtics, 4:30pm, TNT

Houston Rockets @ LA Lakers, 7:30pm, TNT

-NCAAF-

Louisiana Tech @ #3Boise State, 5pm, ESPN

Wednesday Octboer 27th

-MLB-

World Series Game 1

  Texas Rangers @ SF Giants, 4:57pm, FOX

New NCAAF Rankings

Coaches Poll                         BCS

1.Oregon                              1.Auburn

2.Boise St.                           2.Oregon

3.Auburn                             3.Boise St.

4.TCU                                  4.TCU

5.Michigan St.                    5.Michigan St.

6.Alabama                          6.Missouri

7.Utah                                  7.Alabama

8.Missouri                          8.Utah

9.Wisconsin                       9.Oklahoma

10.Ohio St.                       10.Wisconsin

11.Oklahoma                    11.Ohio St.

12.Nebraska                     12.LSU

13.LSU                              13.Stanford

14.Stanford                      14.Nebraska

15.Florida St.                  15.Arizona

NCAA Football Review

Review of Week 8

-Oregon stayed undefeated as they trounced UCLA 60-13 at home on Thursday

-Michigan State scores late to escape on the road against Northwestern, also staying undefeated

-Wisconsin is able to narrowly beat Iowa on the road 31-30 after a last minute touchdown

-Texas goes on the road and loses to Iowa State

-Utah and TCU stay undefeated with wins

-Baylor becomes bowl eligible after upset win against Kansas St

-Nebraska wins a shootout against Oklahoma St

-Auburn goes to 8-0 after beating LSU by a touchdown

-#1Oklahoma continued the trend of #1s losing as they fall in an upset to Missouri

NCAAF Game Picks

Week 8

#7Michigan St. (7-0) @ Northwestern (5-1)

  Michigan St. is in the thick of college football's best teams but they should not take Northwestern lightly. Led by QB Dan Persa, the Wildcats have the ability to hang with Michigan St.

  Mighigan St. 31, Northwestern 23

Mississippi (3-3) @ #23Arkansas (4-2)

  Both teams are coming off road losses to ranked teams but Arkansas has to deal with questions at the quarterback position because of a concussion suffered by starter Ryan Mallet. However, backup Tyler Wilson is more than capable of leading his team to victory. Can Jeremiah Masoli help Ole Miss pull the upset?

  Ole Miss 30, Arkansas 31

#6LSU @ #4Auburn

  The ranking make this game look even but i don't think anybody believes LSU is the 6th best team in the country. While LSU struggles to find an offense, QB Cam Newton of Auburn can move the ball with ease. LSU is finally exposed on the road.

  LSU 23, Auburn 38

#13Wisconsin (6-1) @ #15Iowa (5-1)

  Two 1 loss teams come into this game with the goal of leaving as a legitimate challenger in the Big Ten. Wisconsin is coming off a huge win and will be able to avoid a letdown but not avoid a loss. This game will be a game of tough, old fashioned football but in the end Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi will be the difference.

  Wisconsin 20, Iowa, 24

#16Nebraska (5-1) @ #14Oklahoma St (6-0)

  Nebraska enters this game a a week after a disappointing home loss to Texas as Oklahoma St. enters fresh off  a nice road victory. The problem for Oklahoma St will be stopping QB Taylor Martinez and i don't believe they have to ability to do so.

  Nebraska 38, Oklahoma State 27

#1Oklahoma (6-0) @ #11Missouri (6-0)

  I don't think this prime time clash of Big 12 undefeated teams will live up to the hype. Oklahoma has too many weapons on offense to be stopped and i don't see Missouri hanging with the Sooners.

  Oklahoma 45, Missouri 20

Washington (3-3) @ #18Arizona (5-1)

  Arizona's starting QB Nick Foles won't play in this one and the Huskies QB Jake Locker is a bit banged up but this game should be a good one. The Wildcats' backup is more than capable and Washington is coming off an upset win against Oregon St. I have this one going the way of the Huskies as Jake Locker is able to make more plays than Arizona.

  Washington 31, Arizona 27

other picks

Notre Dame vs. Navy         Notre Dame

Arizona St @ Cal                 Arizona State

Georgia @ Kentucky            Kentucky

N.Carolina @ Miami       North Carolina

BCS Bowl Projections

My BCS Projections after 7 weeks of College Football

BCS Title      #1Oregon (12-0) vs. #2Alabama (12-1)

Orange Bowl  Virginia Tech (9-3) vs. W.Virginia (10-2)

Sugar Bowl       Auburn (12-1) vs. Michigan St (11-1)

Fiesta Bowl         Oklahoma (12-0) vs. Stanford (11-1)

Rose Bowl            Iowa (11-1) vs. Boise St (12-0)

(My) Updated 2010 Heisman Candidates

My ever-changing Heisman list

Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

  65.6% completion, 1278 yds passing, 13Td, 5Int, 180.53 passer rating (2nd NCAA)

  860 rush yards, 6.7 yd/carry, 12TD

LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

   848 rush yards, 7.4 yd/carry, 9TD, 1 rec TD 

Kellen Moore, QB, Boise St

  69.5% completion, 1567 yds passing, 16Td, 1Int, 190.3 passer rating (1st NCAA)

Matt Barkley, QB, USC

  65.4% completion, 1869 yds passing, 20Td, 4Int, 167.3 passer rating (8th NCAA)

Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

  67.4% completion, 1791 yds passing, 14Td, 3Int, 146.1 passer rating (32nd NCAA)

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

  65.7% completion, 1538 yds passing, 16Td, 4Int, 166.9 passer rating (9th NCAA)

NCAA Midseason Awards

Week 7 of the college football season has come and passed and with that so has the first half of the season. Let's hand out some midseason awards.

Best Coach

  -Nominees: Gene Chizik (Auburn), Chip Kelly (Oregon), Mark Dantonio (Michigan St.), Chris Peterson (Boise St.)

  -Winner: Mark Dantonio

Best Player

  -Nominees: QB Cam Newton (Auburn), RB LaMichael James (Oregon), QB Kellen Moore (Boise St), Denard Robinson (Michigan)

  -Winner: QB Cam Newton

Best Team

  -Nominees: Oregon (6-0), Auburn (7-0), Boise St (6-0), Oklahoma (6-0)

  -Winner: Oregon

Biggest Surprise

  -Nominees: Michigan St (currently #8, began unranked), Auburn (#4, began #23), Utah (#9, began #24), 

  -Winner: Michigan State

Biggest Disappointment 

  -Nominees: Texas (#23, began #4), Virginia Tech (#25, began #6), Penn St (unranked, began #14), Pittsburgh (unranked, began #15)

  -Winner: Pittsburgh

Most Overrated Team

  -Nominees: #6LSU, #15Oklahoma St, #16Missouri, #4TCU

  -Winner: LSU

Most Underrated Team

  -Nominees: Utah (6-0),Iowa (5-1),USC (5-2),Texas (4-2)

  -Winner: Iowa

A BCS Explanation and other links

-How the BCS Works, here and here.

-The Current NCAAF Rankings here.

-An interesting story on former NFL great Junior Seau and his troubles, here.

-Sad story after the Army-Rutgers football game, here.

-

First NCAAF BCS Rankings Released

These ranking will change throughout the season but here is what the first ranking looks like:

#1Oklahoma

#2Oregon

#3Boise St.

#4Auburn

#5TCU

#6LSU

#7Michigan St.

#8Alabama

#9Utah

#10Ohio State

#11Missouri

#12Stanford

#13Wisconsin

#14Oklahoma St

#15Iowa

#16Nebraska

#17Florida St.

#18Arizona

#19Texas

#20West Virginia

#21South Carolina

#22Kansas St

#23Arkansas

#24Mississippit St

#25Virginia Tech

Some say at this early stage in the process, the most important poll is the coaches poll. Here is what the top 5 looks like:

#1Oregon

#2Boise St

#3Oklahoma

#4TCU

#5Auburn

NCAA Football Review

Week 7

-Texas makes Nebraska look pedestrian as they pull the upset on the road.

-Auburn pulls away from Arkansas in the 2nd half.

-South Carolina, fresh off their victory against #1Alabama, falls at Kentucky.

-Michigan falls to 5-2 after losing at home to Iowa.

-Michigan St, LSU, Oklahoma St, Oklahoma and Missouri all stay undefeated.

-The non-AQ's of TCU, Utah and Boise St also kept their unblemished record.

-San Diego St. upsets Air Force at home.

-Florida loses it's 3rd game in a row, this time to Mississippi state at home.

-The #1 team in the Country loses for the 2nd week in a row as Ohio St. is downed by Wisconsin.

NCAAF Game Picks

Week 7

Illinois (3-2) @ Michigan St. (6-0)

 Michigan St need to avoid a letdown after beating rival Michigan last week because Illinois and QB Michael Sheelhouse can make them pay. The Spartans are playing at home and that should get them through a tough one.

  Illinois 23, Michigan St. 31

#21Missouri (5-0) @ Texas A&M (3-2)

  Its week 7 and Missouri is going into it's first road game when they play the Aggies. Missouri hasn't impressed me yet and Texas A&M QB Jerrod Johnson has to break out of his funk sometime.

   Missouri 28, Texas A&M 38

#12Arkansas (4-1) @ #8Auburn (6-0)

  This should be one of the best game of the day and possibly the year. This game will shape the SEC race and be a showcase of two great quarterbacks in Arkansas' Ryan Mallett and Auburn's Cam Newton. I'm tempted to pick Arkansas but i've certainly been drinking the Cam Newton kool-aid and i think his dual threat ability plays a large role in him securing a victory for his team.

    Arkansas 31, Auburn 34

California (3-2) @ USC (4-2)

   There's no way i think USC will lose three games in a row but it will be interesting to see how motivated the Trojans team is after losing heartbreakers. I don't think Cal's Kevin Riley can pressure USC's defense enough and USC's QB Matt Barkely should have a good night at home.

     California 23, USC 38

#15Iowa (4-1) @ Michigan (5-1)

   Michigan's QB Denard Robinson is good but Iowa's defense will show they're better. Robinson will still put up good numbers but Iowa led by QB Ricky Stanzi should come out victorious.

     Iowa 34, Michigan 20

Texas (3-2) @ #5Nebraska

  At this point, it seems like everyone in the country is now on Nebraska's bandwagon for atleast this game. The Cornhuskers are certainly a good team but Texas is coming off a bye week and I can not see coach Mac Brown losing three straight games. I think the off week will help the Longhorns find a way to slow down Nebraska's freshman phenom Taylor Martinez at QB.

    Texas 26, Nebraska 18

#20Oklahoma St. (5-0) @ Texas Tech (3-2)

   Oklahoma State is undefeated but i would put them in the "pretenders" category. I think Texas Tech doesnt punt more than a handful of times and comes out with a home win.

    Oklahoma St. 28, Texas Tech 45

#1Ohio State (6-0) @ #18Wisconsin (5-1)

    The atmosphere will be booming at night in Camp Randall Stadium and the Buckeyes will have their first real road test. I am not overly impressed with either team and for that i will go with the home team and the upset. 

     Ohio St. 17, Wisconsin 23

#23Air Force (5-1) @ San Diego St (3-2)

    Air Force comes into this game with their only loss being a close one to Oklahoma and SDSU enters with a record that easily could and should be 5-0. This should be a good game and im going with QB Ryan Lindley and RB Ronnie Hillman leading State to an upset win.

      Air Force 24, San Diego St 26

#24Oregon State (3-2) @ Washington (2-3)

    Oregon State is coming off a big road win over Arizona as Washington comes off a disappointing home loss to Arizona State. The Beavers, however, lose star receiver James Rodgers for the year and their pass defense is less than stellar. I'm going with Jake Locker and the Washington Huskies.

      Oregon St. 28, Washington 34

What to Watch

For Friday October 15th

NCAA Football

 Cincinnati (2-3) @ Louisville (3-2), 5pm, ESPN

MLB Baseball

 NY Yankess @ Texas Rangers, 5pm, TBS

Cheerleaders of the Day

The UCLA Squad

MLB Championship Series

A look at the upcoming NLCS and ALCS

San Francisco Giants vs. Philadelphia Phillies

I don't see this as being much of a series. Sure the Giants can throw Tim Lincecum and Jonathan Sanchez but there's no way they can score enough runs to beat the Phillies 4 times. The Giants will have a hard time dealing with three headed monster of Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels. Maybe the Giants pull a win or two out though.

      Phillies win series 4-1

New York Yankees vs. Texas Rangers

This should be a good series to watch and i'm tempted to go with the upset. The Rangers have the luxury of homefield advntage, where they will throw underrated CJ Wilson in game 1, and a true ace in Cliff Lee. Lee will start game 3, which allows for him to pitch in a game 7 if necessary on regular rest, and this will ultimately be the key for the Rangers.

     Rangers win 4-3

Something worth reading...

Sports Illustated's "Confessions of an Agent"

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/magazine/10/12/agent/index.html?eref=sihp

Late Recap of the College Football Weekend

week 5

-#1Alabama loses on the road to South Carolina.

-Cal holds UCLA under 30 yards rushing en route to a blowout win.

-Oregon overcomes injuries to key players to win on the road against Washington State.

-Cam Newton led his Auburn Tigers to a close win against Kentucky.

-Michigan State tops Michigan as the Wolverines' Denard Robinson throws 3 interceptions.

-Boise St., TCU, Utah and Nevada all stay undefeated.

-LSU comes out of the Swamp with win after a touchdown in the closing seconds against Forida.

-Florida State goes into Miami and take it to the Hurricanes in a blowout win.

-Stanford needed a field goal as time expired to beat USC by 2.

-Oregon State come up with a big win in Arizona.

NCAAF Game Picks

Week 6

-Indiana (3-1) @ #2Ohio State (5-0)

 The Buckeyes are heavy favorites but if Indiana's Ben Chapel can get the passing game going like he did last week then the game might be closer than expected.

  Indiana 27, Ohio State 38

-Illinois (2-2) @ Penn State (3-2)

 Neither of these teams are great and that might make for an entertaining game. 

   Illinois 20, Penn State 23

-Tennessee (2-3) @ Georgia (1-4)

  Both teams are coming off heartbreaking losses and this will be a game of who can avoid a letdown. I believe the Volunteers are the better team but the game should remain close throughout.

  Tennessee 27, Georgia 23

-#1Alabama (5-0) @ #20South Carolina (3-1)

  South Carolina is at home but I don't think they have much of a chance. I believe the Crimson Tide are just too good. The questions at quarterback and a freshman runningback will not help the Gamecocks any.

  Alabama 38, South Carolina 20

-#16Michigan St (5-0) @ #17Michigan (5-0)

 Michigan enter this game as slight favorites and have a lethal threat in QB Denard Robinson. But can he keep it up against the best defense he's faced so far? Michigan's defense gives up way too many yards and points and i think that will be the Wolverines biggest problem.

  Michigan St 41, Michigan 34

-Ucla (3-2) @ California (2-2)

 An interesting game between a Ucla team coming off 3 straight wins and a Cal team coming off two straight losses. Whoever runs the ball the best will win the game. Will Kevin Prince be healthy enough to lead the Bruins run game over  Cal's Shane Vereen?

 Ucla 24, Cal 20

-#3Oregon (5-0) @ Washington St (1-4)

  This game will be over before it starts as even a bad letdown performance by the Ducks would get it done over this Washington St team.

  Oregon 62,Washington St. 3

-Oregon State (2-2) @ #11Arizona (4-0)

 Oregon St is probably underrated at this point but a bye week for Arizona will really help them this week. 

  Oregon St. 24, Arizona 38

-#24Florida St (4-1) @ #14Miami (3-1)

 This game seems to always be a close on and this year's edition should be no different. In the end, too many mistakes by Miami's Jacory Harris will ultimately decide the game.

  Florida St 31, Miami, 27

-USC (4-1) @ #18Stanford (4-1)

  This game features two teams coming off disappointing losses trying to rebound in Palo Alto. Stanford is probably the best team and Andrew Luck will be capable of putting up huge numbers against this USC defense but i the Trojans led by Matt Barkley pulling the upset. 

  USC 35, Stanford 31

Other Picks:

Baylor @ Texas Tech                   Texas Tech

Arkansas vs. Texas A&M           Texas A&M

Clemson @ North Carolina   North Carolina

Pittsburgh @ Notre Dame        Notre Dame

Utah @ Iowa St.                                  Utah

Auburn @ Kentucky                        Auburn

LSU @ Florida                                   Florida

Arizona St. @ Washington       Washington

Detailed Game Prediction

This week's matchup:

  Arizona State @ Washington

                                 1Q    2Q     3Q   4Q     F

Arizona St             7        7        3      14     31

Washington         10      3       14    10     37

Washington

Jake Locker  24-38, 231 yards, 2TD

C.Polk  16 carries, 79 yards, 1TD

J.Callier 4 carries, 14 yards

J.Locker 9 carries, 51 yards, 1TD

J.Kearse  8 rec, 112 yards, 1TD

D.Aguilar 6 rec, 71 yards

Arizona State

S.Threet  20-34, 226 yards, 2 TD

D.Lewis 14 carries, 98 yards, 1TD

C.Marshall  13 carries, 75 yards, 

K.Taylor 7 rec, 94 yards, 1TD

M.Willie  4 rec, 51 yards

A.Pflugrad 4 rec, 47 yards

MLB Postseason Picks

New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins

 I just can't see the Yankees losing this one. I wouldn't call the Yanks' pitching great but their lineup sure is. 

  Yankees win series 3-1

Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays

 I really like both of these teams and i don't think homefield is much of an advantage. I'm tempted to pick the Rangers but i'm not sure how bad Josh Hamilton's injury is and he has to be close to 100% for his team to have a chance. Still i believe this will be the most entertaining and close division series. In the end, i think the Rays pitching will get them to the next round.

    Rays win series 3-2

Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies

  I want to be wrong but i don't think the Phillies can be stopped at this point. The Reds are a solid team led by ,who should be the NL MVP, Joey Votto and have good pitching but the Phillies will be too good. Having Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt pitching in a five game series is a huge advantage and the Phillies can put runs on the board in a hurry.

      Phillies win series 3-1

San Francisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves

 This series is certainly not the most interesting of this year's postseason but could produce some good close games. The storyline of Bobby Cox's last season will be interesting but the main story of this series will be pitching. I don't expect any high scoring games and i have this series going to the Giants.

      Giants win 3-2

(My) Updated 2010 Heisman Candidates

After 5 weeks of football, my heisman candidates

QB Andrew Luck, Stanford

QB Terrelle Pryor, Ohio St

QB Cam Newton, Auburn

QB Landry Jones, Oklahoma

RB Marc Ingram, Alabama

RB LaMichael James, Oregon

RB Demarco Murray, Oklahoma

"College Gameday" sign of the week

The best sign seen on ESPN's "College Gameday":

"Grenades go to Stanford"

BCS Bowl Projections

My early BCS bowl projections after 5 weeks of football

BCS Title Game             #1Alabama vs. #2Oregon

Sugar Bowl                             Florida vs. Nebraska

Fiesta Bowl                       Oklahoma vs. West Virginia

Orange Bowl                      Virginia Tech vs. Ohio St

Rose Bowl                                   Iowa vs. Boise St

NCAA Football Review

A few notes from college football's past weekend

-Washington pulls the upset against USC for the second year in a row.

-Alabama completely handles Florida.

-Oklahoma squeezes by Texas.

-Oregon comes from behind to beat Stanford by double digits.

-Boise St. was moved down to #4 in the polls in favor of Oregon.

-Michigan St. looked legit against Wisconsin.

-Michigan escapes with a win against Indian.

-Ohio St. looks unimpressive in win over Illinois.

NCAAF Game Picks

Saturday Oct 2nd

Instead of the usual game and winner, I have changed the format a bit

#17Miami (2-1) @ Clemson (2-1)

  I expect this one to be a good close game. I have QB Kyle Parker leading his Clemson team to victory at home.

  Miami 27, Clemson 30

Kentucky (3-1) @ Ole Miss (2-2)

  Some nice playmakes to see in this one including UK receiver Randy Cobb and Ole Miss QB Jeremiah Masoli. Should be pretty competitive.

   Kentucky 31, Ole Miss 41

#16Texas (3-1) @ #8Oklahoma (4-0)

  A little luster came off this one when Texas was drubbed by UCLA but the Red River Rivalry rarely disappoints. If it Texas beats UCLA then i would pick Oklahoma in a heart beat, but the loss will only fire Texas up. Still, i think the Sooners pull it out in the end.

   Texas 23, Oklahoma 27

#9Wisconsin (4-0) @ #21Michigan St (4-0)

  Not exactly sure what to think of this one but i'm going to have to go with Wisconsin. Should be close into the fourth quarter.

    Wisconsin 31, Michigan St. 20

#7Florida (4-0) @ #1Alabama (4-0)

   Everytime i look at this matchup i just think easy Alabama win. It's a rivalry game but ill stick with my gut.

   Florida 22, Alabama 38

Washington (1-2) @ #18USC (4-0)

  USC is undefeated but doesn't look close to unbeatable and Washington QB Jake Locker has to step up sometime soon. I think it might be a good week for him to rebound against a USC defense i think it sub-par.I can just as easily see Matt Barkley going off on the Huskies defense but i'll go with the upset.

   Washington 31, USC 27

#20Penn St (3-1) @ #18Iowa (3-1)

   I don't have much confidence in Penn St and i think Iowa may be slightly underrated even with a loss. I don't think the game will ever be in much doubt.

  Penn St. 13, Iowa 24

#13Stanford (4-0) @ #4Oregon (4-0)

   I have a hard time figuring out how this one will end. One side of me think Andrew Luck and the running game will be able to control the entire game and the other thinks Chip Kelly won't let his team lose at home in a huge game. I think Oregon's defense will come up with some big play and the Ducks will be able to get the victory. 

   Stanford 34, Oregon 48

other picks:

Vanderbilt @ Uconn                           Uconn

Northwestern @ Minnesota    Northwestern

Navy @ Air Force                             Air Force

Arizona St @ Oregon St                Arizona St

Georgia @ Colorado                       Colorado