College Gameday headed to Eugene

In a somewhat surprising move, ESPN's College Gameday show announced they will be in Eugene, Oregon this weekend ahead of the big game between #13Stanford and #4Oregon. College Gameday passed up on both #1Alabama @ #7Florida and #16Texas vs. #8Oklahoma  to make  it's 5th trip to Eugene.

NCAAF Game Picks

   Game                                                   My Pick

C. Michigan @ Northwestern            Northwestern

NC State @ Georgia Tech                  Georgia Tech

Virginia Tech @ Boston College       Virginia Tech

UAB @ Tennessee                                 Tennessee

#1Alabama @ #11Arkansas                  Alabama

Uclas @ #4Texas                                      Texas

#16Stanford @ Notre Dame                 Stanford

UNC @ Rutgers                                  North Carolina

#9Oklahoma @ Cincinnati                  Oklahoma

Nevada @ BYU                                          Nevada

Kentucky @ #7Florida                            Florida

Fresno St @ Ole Miss                            Ole Miss

#15South Carolina @ #14Auburn         Auburn

Oregon St @ #3Boise St                        Boise St.

Utah St @ SDSU                                   San Diego St

#21W.Virginia @ #12LSU                       LSU

Cal @ #16Arizona                                   Arizona

#6Oregon @ Arizona St                         Oregon

Detailed Game Prediction

The third installment of Detailed Game Prediction

You can compare with my prediction from last week here with the actual results here.

This weeks game:

#6 Oregon (3-0) @ Arizona State (2-1)

                     1Q        2Q      3Q       4Q       F

Oregon       6          14          7         17      44

ASU             3           3         10         7       23

 Oregon

D.Thomas  17-30, 206 yards, 2TD, 1int (1 rush TD)

L.James 28, carries, 187 yards, 2TD

R.Alston 7 carries, 35 yards

J.Maehl  8 rec, 110 yards, 1TD

L.Tuinei 5 rec, 48 yards

D.Paulson 2 rec, 32 yards, 1TD

 ASU

S.Threet  22-35, 231 yards, 1TD, 1int

C.Marshall 13 carries, 41 yards, 1TD

D. Lewis  8 carries, 62 yards

A.Pflugrad  6 rec, 91 yards, 1TD

K.Taylor  6 rec, 79 yards

M.Willie  4 rec, 36 yards

Picture of the Day

A little late on this one, but it's worth it

Practicing the heisman pose already?

Pac 10 Review

So how did the Pac-10 measure up on "Measuring Stick Saturday"?

Cal clearly did not cut it. Yes, Nevada is no pushover but Cal was blown out and QB Kevin Riley looked like he's looked his enitre career, average. The Golden Bears showed everyone that they probably won't come close to having a golden season.

#8Nebraska came into to Husky Stadium and made Washington look horrible. Heisman hopeful, now probably ex-hopeful, had the worst game of his career and was outplayed by Nebraska freshamn QB Taylor Martinez. 

Washington St were heavy underdogs on the road against SMU and were able to stick with the Mustangs early on but were eventually outplayed. A double digit loss was the outcome of this one. 

Arizona St wasn't expected to compete with #11 Wisconsin but that's certainly what they did. QB Steven Threet and good defense kept the Sun Devils in it the entire game, even helping ASU hold a lead. In the end, a blocked extra point attempt was the difference as Arizona St came up short 20-21. This game went in the loss column for the Pac-10 but was a good showing for the conference.

USC didn't look overly impressive, again, but end up with an 11 point win on the road against Minnesota. It's still tough to figure out exactly how good this Trojans team is.

Oregon St almost blew a big lead at home to Louisville but did what they had to do and came out with a win as expected.

Stanford were double digit favorites and ended the game against Wake Forest with an impressive 44 point win. Andrew Luck looked like the best QB in the conference and helped the conference get another win.

UCLA looked like it was headed to a dreadful season after a 35 point loss at home to Stanford but the Bruins instead went out and easily beat #23 Houston. This was an impresive win for the Bruins and the Pac-10.

The marquee matchup of the day was #10Iowa at #18Arizona. Arizona built up a 20+ point lead in the first half but ended up letting a good Iowa team back in the game. More impressive than building that lead was how the Wildcats responded when Iowa tied it up late in the fourth quarter. All Arizona did next was move the ball down the field for a touchdown in a long scoring drive and then overpower Iowa's touted line to get 3 sacks and put the game away on defense. Beating Iowa was a huge win for Arizona and the Conference and made measuring stick saturday a successful one.

*Not included was Oregon's 69-0 win over FCS opponent Portland St.

Measuring stick saturday record: 5-4

NCAAF Upset Watch Week 3

Upset Watch

#24 Cal @ Nevada

 x factor: Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick

#8Nebraska @ Washington

 x factor: Jake Locker and the Washington Crowd

Baylor @ #4TCU

 x factor: Baylor QB Robert Griffin

#5Texas @ Texas Tech

 x factor: Red Raiders Defense

#10Iowa @ #18Arizona

 x factor: Nick Foles, Nic Grigsby and Arizona Crowd

 

NCAAF Game Picks

Game Picks for Week 3

      

           Game                                 My Pick

Kansas @ Southern Miss                   Kansas

#24Cal @ Nevada                                    Cal

#13Arkansas @ Georgia                   Arkansas

Maryland @ 21W.Virginia             W.Virginia

Georgia Tech @ UNC                  North Carolina

Vanderbilt  @ Ole Miss                    Ole Miss

#8Nebraska @ Washington       Washington

#7Florida @ Tennessee                   Florida

Arizona St @ #11Wisconsin         Wisconsin

Wash St @ SMU                          Washington St

Hawaii @ Colorado                            Hawaii

BYU @ Florida St                             Florida St

Baylor @ #4TCU                                   TCU

Clemson @#15Auburn                     Auburn

#5Texas @ Texas Tech                  Texas Tech

Notre Dame @ Michigan St        Notre Dame

Fresno St @ Utah St                         Utah St.

#10Iowa @ #18Arizona                  Arizona

#23Houston @ UCLA                       UCLA

Wake Forest @ #19Stanford         Stanford

Detailed Game Prediction

The 2nd installment of Detailed Game Prediction.

First lets look back at last week's results.

My Prediction                                                    Real Results

Oregon 40                                                         Oregon 48

Tennessee 13                                                    Tennessee 13

Thomas: 16-27, 179yds, 1TD                         17-32, 202 yds, 2TD

James: 26 car, 207 yds, 2TD                         16 car, 134 yds, 1TD

Maehl: 6 rec, 88yds, 1TD                               5 rec, 50 yds

Simms: 17-36, 149 yds                                  15-29, 151 yds, 

T.Poole: 19 car, 69 yds, 1TD                          23 car, 162yds, 1TD

D.Moore: 7 rec, 59 yards                               4 rec, 37yds

This Week's Prediction

#18USC @ Minnesota

              1q      2q       3q      4q      F

USC      21      10        14       7      52 

Minn     0        6         7        7      20

USC

M.Barkley  22-29, 235 yards, 3TD

M.Mustain 5-11, 49 yards

M.Tyler 19 carries, 102 yards, 2 TD

A.Bradford 9 carries, 41 yards, 1TD

D.Baxter    11 carries, 62 yards

R.Johnson 7 rec, 112 yards, 2TD

R.Woods   5 rec, 86 yards, 

S.Havili     4 rec, 31 yards, 1 TD

Minnesota

A.Weber  19-39, 210 yards, 2 TD

D.Bennet 20 carries, 87 yards

M.Gray  6 rec, 62 yards, 1TD

D.McKnight 5 rec, 49 yards, 1TD

T.Stoudemite 3 rec, 41 yards

Big Week for the Pac-10

In what is being called,"measuring stick Saturday", the Pac-10 will look to bolster the conference reputation. Other than Oregon taking on Portland St, each matchup offers an interesting test for the Pac-10. 

nr/#24California (2-0) @ Nevada (2-0)   ESPN (friday)

California has to travel to Nevada on Friday night and take on a Wolfpack team that can rush the ball with the best. Cal is a good team but this won't be as an easy game. Having said that, Cal's talent outweighs that of Nevada and should leave with a victory.

na/#18USC (2-0) @ Minnesota (1-1)   ESPN

USC goes on the road and should have no problem with Minnesota. USC hasn't hit on all cylinders but they are far better than a Golden Golpher team that lost to FCS opponent South Dakota St last weekend. A win should be a sure thing for SC but anything less than a blowout will leave us with even more questions about the Trojans team.

Washington St (1-1) @ SMU (1-1)

This won't be highlighted as a marquee matchup but i think it has the potential to be a good game. The Cougars will be heavy underdogs on the road but coming in with some momentum may help them grind out a win. This would be a nice win for the conference as it would say even the worst of the conference can win.

Arizona St (2-0) @ #11Wisconsin (2-0)  ABC

The Sun Devils are 2-0 but have yet to face an FBS opponent and will be expected to lose this game. A win may be out of reach but a good showing is key. Avoiding a blowout on national TV and showing they can hang with the Badgers even as a lower tier Pac-10 team will certainly help the how the conference is viewed.

#8Nebraska(2-0) @ Washington (2-0)   ABC

This game should be a good one. Nebraska is the better team but Jake Locker and Washington should be able to compete with the Cornhuskers at home. If the Huskies can keep it close, the crowd and confidence may be enough for them to pull the upset. This would go a long way to help not only the Pac-10 but the Jake Locker heisman talk.

Louisville (1-1) @ #25/nrOregon State (0-1)

This should be a win for the Beavers, especially at home. Oregon State more talent and experience than Louisville and a double-digit win should be expected. Considered a contender in the conference, a loss by the Beavers would be unacceptable.

#9/10Iowa (2-0) @ #24/18Arizona (2-0)   ESPN

Neither of these teams have faced a considerable challenge this season but this matchup should change that. Iowa will probably be slightly favored but Arizona will have a chance. QB Nick Foles and the Wildcats will have home-field advantage and the stadium should be rocking. Arizona is allowing 4 points per game and Foles has an 83% completion percentage but it wont be so easy against the Hawkeyes. The wildcats will have to be able to run the ball and be physical. I think Arizona has the tools to pull this one out in what would be a huge win for the conference.

#23Houston (2-0) @ Ucla (0-2)

The big question surrounding this game is whether or not Houston QB Case Keenum will play. If he plays, i don't see Ucla having any chance at outscoring the Cougars. If he isn't able to play, it may be easier but not easy for the Bruins to pull out a win. I believe Keenum won't suit up and Ucla will be able to slow Houston down and get win a close one. 

Wake Forest (2-0) @ #19Stanford (2-0)

Stanford looked good last week on the road against Ucla while Wake Forest escaped in a shootout against Duke at home. I don't see this game being a problem for Andrew Luck and Stanford and a double digit win will be expected.

*Rankings

    AP Poll/Coaches Poll

NCAAF Game Picks

Picks for Saturday Afternoon Games


-------Game------------------------------Pick
#12Miami @ #2Ohio St-----------Ohio State
#17Florida St @ #10Oklahoma--Oklahoma
Michigan @ Notre Dame----------Michigan
Colorado @ Cal-------------------------Cal
BYU @ Air Force-----------------------BYU
#7Oregon @ Tennessee-------------Oregon
Syracuse @ Washington---------Washington
#18Penn St @ #1Alabama---------Alabama
Ole Miss @ Tulane------------------Ole Miss
Virginia @ #16USC--------------------USC
#25Stanford @ Ucla----------------Stanford
Colorado St @ Nevada--------------Nevada

NFL Picks: Week 1

NFL WEEK 1

      Game                                        Pick

Minnesota @ New Orleans       New Orleans

Carolina @ NY Giants                  Carolina     

Atlanta @ Pittsburgh                  Pittsburgh

Cleveland @ Tampa Bay             Tampa Bay

Denver @ Jacksonville              Jacksonville

Indianapolis @ Houston              Houston

Miami @ Buffalo                            Miami

Detroit @ Chicago                        Chicago

Oakland @ Tennessee                Tennessee

Cincinnati @ New England        Cincinnati

Arizona @ St.Louis                       Arizona

San Francisco @ Seattle          San Francisco

Green Bay @ Philadelphia        Green Bay

Dallas @ Washington                   Dallas

Baltimore @ NY Jets                 Baltimore

San Diego @ Kansas City         Kansas City

New Segment..Detailed Game Prediction

Every Thursday from here on out I will post a segment in which i predict one College Football game in detail. Only for fun but maybe i'll get close on some of these.

This Weeks Game:  #8Oregon Ducks @ Tennessee Volunteers

                 1Q      2Q     3Q    4Q     F

Ducks      6         17       7       10     40

Vols         0         3        10      0     13

Oregon

D.Thomas  16-27, 179 yards, 1 TD

L.James    26 Carries, 207 yards, 2TD

K.Barner   11 Carries, 72 yards, 1 TD

J.Maehl    6 rec, 88 yards, 1 TD

D.Davis    3 rec, 31 yards

L.Tuinei   4 rec, 29 yards

Tennessee

M.Simms  17-36, 149 yards

T.Poole   19 carries, 69 yards, 1TD

R.Neal    6 carries, 17 yards

D.Moore   7 rec, 59 yards

L.Stocker  4 rec, 33 yards

K.Cooper   3 rec, 27 yards

Random Bold Pick

Just had to note my random bold statement

BCS National Title Game

#1Oregon (12-0) vs. #2Ohio State (11-1)

calling it now

Notes from College Football

Some Quick Notes from the College Football Season so Far..

-USC's defense is going to need to get much better if they want to competet in the Pac 10

-Top teams like Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma weren't exactly impressive.

-LSU was lucky to escape with victory against a depleted North Carolina team.

-Oregon St,UCLA, and Washington let games slip away late that could have made the Pac 10 look very good.

-Duck stats..Backup RB had 5 TDs in first half, Backup returner had two punt returns for TD..14 players had receptions..720+ yards..oh ya they won 72-0.

-The Big East didnt' have a great showing.Pitt and Cincy lose to non-BCS schools and Uconn and Louisville lose. Only Syracuse beat an FBS opponent.

-Ole Miss should have never lost to Jacksonville St. The SEC would have had a perfect record for week 1 if it weren't for the Rebel's blunder.

NCAAF Game Picks

Game Picks for Saturday
(only Fbs vs. Fbs;not all included)

------Games----------------------------Pick

Illinois vs. Missouri-------------Missouri
Colorado vs. Colorado St------Colorado
New Mexico @ #11Oregon------Oregon
Purdue @ Notre Dame---------Notre Dame
Kentucky @ Louisville----------Kentucky
Uconn @ Michigan---------------Uconn
Ucla @ Kansas St------------------Ucla
Washington @ Byu-----------Washington
Northwestern @ Vandy------Northwestern
#16LSU vs. #18UNC----------North Carolina
#22Oregon St @ #7TCU------Oregon St
Cincy @ Fresno St---------------Cincy

What to Watch Today

Thursday September 2nd

The Games i believe are "must watch"

NCAAF

#15Pittsburgh @ Utah, 5:30pm Versus

This should be a good game between the Big East Favorite and a perennial Mountain West power. I wouldn't be surprised at Utah pulling the upset.

#14USC @ Hawaii, 8pm ESPN

Lane Kiffin's first game as head coach of the Trojans comes on the road. USC are a three touchdown favorite but it will be interesting to see this team play.

NCAAF Game Picks

-Game Picks for Thursday and Friday-

  (only games between to FBS teams)

              Game                               My Pick 

   -Thursday-

Marshall @ #2Ohio St                         Ohio St

Minnesota @ Mid.Tenn.St.               Minnesota

S.Miss @ S.Carolina                           S.Carolina

Florida Atlantic @UAB                  Florida Atlantic

#15Pittsburgh @ Utah                            Utah

#14USC @Hawaii                                     USC

   -Friday-

Arizona @ Toledo                                  Arizona

NCAA Football Conference Previews Part 9

-Pacific 10 Conference-

Predicted Finish

1.Oregon

 With Jeremiah Masoli, the Ducks would have been a preseason top 5 team and a national title contender. Without Masoli, the expectations and hype are as lofty. However, this team returns 19 starters from a team that won the conference by two games last year. The entire offensive line returns with valuable experience, the receiving corps returns in tact led by Jeff Maehl and the backfiels included Heisman hopeful LaMichael James and versatile speedster Kenjon Barner.The defense returns 9 starters and,while losing a few players, there is plenty of depth.It should be noted that the Ducks linebacker corp may end up being the deepest and most talented in the conference.Defensive line may be of concern early but should be okay. The big question for this team is quarterback. Redshirt Sophomore Darron Thomas earned the job and if he is able to keep this offense rolling, watch out. Probably the most important part to Thomas having success is his ability to carry out good ball fakes and to have the defense worry about his running ability.A brutal backloaded schedule doesn't help any.

2.Oregon St.

 Oregon St seems to be in the mix late in the year in this conference every season. They've put themselves in a position to go to the Rose Bowl with a win in the Civil War the last two seasons and this year may be no different. The Beavers return 17 starters and most importantly the Rodgers brothers. The duo of WR James Rodgers and back JaQuizz Rodgers will certainly have this team contending for a Rose Bowl berth. Question will be quarterback production and whomever starts in that spot for the Beavers will be tested early with games against TCU and Boise St.

3.USC

 About the only attention the Trojans are getting nowadays is about off field issues but this team shouldn't be overlooked. It is still USC and the major talent is gonna be there. Several spots have to be filled but at USC, spots are filled with future all americans. QB Matt Barkley will be better, the stable of running backs will be solid, and the offensive line will be good. The defense must replace 6 starters but all linebackers return and defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin and defensive line coach and vocal leader Ed Orgeron will have a huge impact on the defense. The hurdle for this team will be performing to its highest potential week in and week out without the incentive of post-season play.

4.Washington

 Jake Locker, Jake Locker, Jake Locker. The senior quarterback for the huskies has been receiving a lot of hype and now it'll be time for him to come through. He is being touted as the possible #1 pick in the next NFL draft and a heisman hopeful but it will depend on the improvement and success of the team around him. Coach Sarkisian had this team looking much improved last year and he should be able to continue that ascent this season.Helping Locker will be RB Chris Polk, receivers Jermaine Kearse and Devin Aguilar, and four returning offensive lineman.If the offense performs well then the key will be the defense. Coordinator Nick Holt will have some pieces to work with like LB Mason Foster and CB Desmond Trufant but must be much better than last year. I believe this team will be a contender in the conference and we will get to see them tested early in an opening week road game against BYU.

5.Stanford

 Andrew Luck is another quarterback receiving massive amounts of hype this preseason and he will have to prove himself without All American RB Toby Gerhart.  Returning though, are 15 starters which includes four offensive lineman, receivers Chris Owusu and Ryan Whalen, and a good mix of players on defense. While im not ready to believe the hype on this Stanford team, a team picked to win the conference by ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit, i do think they will have a good year and be able to beat anyone in the league.

6.Arizona

 Offense should be no problem for Arizona as QB Nick Foles, being protected by four returning lineman, will put up big numbers throwin when he isn't handing the ball off to talented RB Nic Grigsby and Keola Antonin. Defense will be a problem for the Wildcats if it isn't able successfully fill the several holes on defense and that might just be the downfall to this team. 

7.Cal

 Not much has been said about the Golden Bears and that might have them in position to surprise a few people. QB Kevin Riley may (and this is a big may) be able to give California a consistent passing game and running back Shane Vereen will have his chance to show the conference he is a back to watch out for. Defensive Coordinator Clancy Pendergrast should be able to help this defense, especially the secondary, and if it improves this team can have a good year.

8.Arizona St

 Michigan transer Steven Threet has won the starting quarterback job but he won't be enough to turn this offense around. There is few pieces to work with and this will be a struggle throughout the season. The defense however, does have some potential to be solid. Only five starters return from a very good defense last year but those five pieces, including LB Vontaze Burfict, will be a good core to work around.

9.Ucla

 Rick Neuheisel will again have to make this lackluster offense work and he will install the pistol offense to make it work. This side of the ball will be decent at best and the defense wont be great either. LB Akeem Ayers and safety Rahim Moore will be stars but i'm not expecting too much out the this Bruins team.

10.Washington St.

 This team is going to be bad but Coach Paul Wulff will just be hoping to have him team improve and head in the right direction. This team will struggle to win a conference game and best case scenario they are able to grind out 3 or 4 total games.

-Player of the Year-

LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

This was a tough one as James had to beat out Jaquizz Rodgers and Jake Locker. If Kenjon Barner doesn't take too many carries away, James should rush for over 14oo yards and be the best player on the conference's best team. 

-Must See Games-

USC @ Stanford, Oct 9th

Oregon @ USC, Oct 30th

Washington @ Oregon, Nov 6th

USC @ Oregon St, Nov 20th

Oregon @ Oregon St, Dec 4th

Aroldis Chapman=Wow

Aroldis Chapman is legit (so far), very legit

Lets just start with the rundown of his lone inning of work last night in his major league debut against the Brewers:

-Against Johnathan Lucroy : 98 mph fastball (called strike); 86 (cutter, swinging strike); 103 (fastball, foul); 87 (slider, swinging strike 3).

-Against Craig Counsell  100 (fastball, swinging strike); 103 (fastball, groundout to short).
-Against Carlos Gomez  101 (fastball, ball); 99 (fastball, groundout to second). End inning.

It's hard not to say wow, unless your Bronson Arroyo and all he had to say was,"There are probably less than 10 guys that have ever walked the Earth that have ever thrown that hard.”

Then all he did tonight was earn his first win after pitching a scoreless 7th inning for the reds that included two strikeouts and topping out at close to 104 mph. With Stephen Strasburg done for the year, this guy is next big thing.

NCAA Football Conference Previews Part 8

-Southeast Conference-

Predicted Finish

  -East-

1.Florida

 The Gators lose great QB Tim Tebow and 5 starters from each offense and defense but don't be surprised to see this team win the East division. Coach Urban Meyer will have this team ready and there is always enough great talent at Florida to win. QB Jon Brantley won't be Tim Tebow but he will surely enjoy success.

2.Georgia

 10 starters returning on offense looks good for this squad and a good year is possible if the defense fills its holes and the quarterback play isn't bad. I dont see this team, however, challenging Florida.

3.South Carolina

 The quarterback carousel will probably continue as the Gamecock have another 7-9 win season. Nothing great, but a decent year and a bowl.

4.Tennessee

 Not gonna be a great year for the Vols but has the talent to surprise a few teams.

5.Kentucky

 Will be a decent team this season but all everything Randall Cobb should be exciting to watch.

6.Vanderbilt

 Predicting a last place finish for this team is not a stretch at all.

  -West-

1.Alabama

 Call me crazy but i am not as comfortable with this pick as you might think. They return 8 offensive starters including QB Greg McElroy and Heisman winner Mark Ingram along with WR Julio Jones but only 2 defensive starters return. This team will not finish the regular season with more than two losses but will replacing 9 guys on defense and Mark Ingram's knee injury hold this team back? The last game against Auburn might decide this division.

2.Auburn

 I really like this team, in part because of the 15 returning starters and a schedule that leaves off Florida and has only one daunting road game. Gene Chizik should have this team contending for the top spot in this division as i can't see the Tigers not finishing in the top 3. Look out out for juco transfer QB Cam Newton.

3.Arkansas

 Ryan Mallet has been receiving a lot of hype and he has the huge arm to make things happen this year. With 16 other returning starters surrounding Mallet, this team should also not fall any further than 3rd in this division. With an explosive offense, the key to success will be the defense and its ability to improve from last year. The reason i have this team at 3rd instead of maybe 2nd: they play Auburn on the road October 16th.

4.LSU

 With only 9 returning starters and , i don't think this team will live up to it's top 20 preseason ranking. I can see this team losing 3 or 4 conference games. 

5.Ole Miss

 Also returning only 9 starters, the Rebels won't be great and transfer QB Jeremiah Masoli not being able to play this year wont help. Winning seven games shouldn't be a problem and an eight win season isn't out of reach.

6.Mississippi State 

 Winning 6 games and making it to a bowl is probably out of reach for this team.

-Player of the Year-

Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

This was a tough one and i decided to go with Mallett who should put up huge numbers on a team that challenges for the top spot.

-Must See Games-

Alabama @ Arkansas, Sept 25th

Florida @ Alabama, Oct 2nd

Arkansas @ Auburn, Oct 16th

Florida vs. Georgia, Oct 30th

Auburn @ Alabama, Nov 26th

Afternoon Links

Afternoon Links

A look at Oregon State's new uniform. My opinion: yuckk.

Ohio St and Michigan to be in separate divisions.

Takes on the NCAA denying Jeremiah Masoli's waiver, here and here.

BYU goes through with their plan to go independent.