I am finally back. There have been many interesting developments since my last posting. There are so many things that need to be looked at and I will be updating a little more often. Tomorrow offers us our most overrated day in all of college football…it is the 1st BCS ranking. Many people want to use this as a way to explain why the BCS is a joke, and to those people, I say just be patient. The BCS is a tried and trued system that has had a better success rate than ANY OTHER SYSTEM IN ANY SPORTS AT DETERMINING A CHAMPION! Do not panic if Boise State is at the top, the system will work itself out. To add to the chaos, today’s slate of games are going to shake the BCS up as there will be several top teams to lose, including 2 in the top 10. So let me give you picks for the games today…
Arkansas @ Auburn
These two teams were 2 teams who I was really high on coming into the season, and they have not failed to live up to expectations. This game matches 2 of the biggest quarterbacks in all of college football in Cam Newton and Ryan Mallett. Arkansas has been one of the most impressive teams in the country during the 1st half of games this season, but the offense has really struggled in the second half of games this year, being outscored 37 – 20 in the last 3 games and they only managed 3 second half points each against Alabama and Texas A&M. Auburn on the other hand has been one of the most impressive second half teams in the country, they trailed both Clemson and South Carolina by 2 touchdowns before coming back and eventually winning. This looks like it sets up perfectly for Auburn, the only problem is Arkansas defense plays good in the second half and I don’t think Auburn gets the turnovers that they got against South Carolina. Look for Arkansas to win a very entertaining and very close ball game.
Iowa @ Michigan
This is one of the more interesting matchups of the weekend. Michigan is coming off an emotional game where they were outplayed in every area of the game against Michigan State. Denard Robinson for the first time this season looked like he was out of place. The Michigan State defense had him confused resulting in bad decisions that led to turnovers. Things do not get any easier today against the big Iowa defense. Look for Iowa to try to dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. They should be fairly successful on the offensive line and this should allow Ricky Stanzai to make some plays. On defense, the Hawkeyes will pressure Robinson and have him running around for his life at times. The problem with this is he will wear down that big defensive line of Iowa and will resume his magical ride this season. Look for Michigan to win a back and forth ball game.
South Carolina @ Kentucky
South Carolina pulled off the biggest win in school history last week at home against Alabama. Stephen Garcia played as close to perfect as you can, going 17 – 20 for 201 yards and 3 touchdowns. The thing that made this so impressive is the fact that he was benched the week before. Many people have spent the last week talking about this being a let down game against Kentucky. I believe this will not be so much of a game that is a let down, but it will be more of what South Carolina and Stephen Garcia have become…INCONSISTENT. Stephen Garcia will make some mistakes and Kentucky will capitalize. Kentucky is coming off of its own big game last week where they gained confidence after playing a highly favored Auburn team very close. I think Kentucky behind the big play ability of Randall Cobb upsets South Carolina and continues the shake up in the SEC East and this could possibly be the game that everyone looks back to at the end of the year as to why the SEC streak of 4 consecutive BCS Title Game appearances ends.
Texas @ Nebraska
In a rematch of last years Big 12 Championship game, the Longhorns head north to do battle for the last time in Big 12 regular season play with the Cornhuskers. I think revenge factor has been blown out of proportion. I do not think this game has anything to do with last season and the famous :01 second that was put back on the clock. Regardless of the final score, understand this game has nothing to do with last season. This is about Taylor Martinez and the Cornhuskers going out with a bang. They do not like Texas and this will give them a chance to hammer them and not to have to think about the consequences. Do not mistake me, if Bo Pelini and co. can drop 50 on Texas they will because the perception is look at what they did to Texas and the Huskers are showing they are for real this season. I don’t think that happens. I think Texas looks respectable for most of the game, but in the end Nebraska will be too much for the Horns and they pull out a fairly easy 2 touchdown win.
Ohio State @ Wisconsin
The big one in Madison. Ohio State is the new surprise #1 team in the country after the shocker in Columbia last week. Ohio State is really hard to put my finger on this year. You will remember in my preseason picks I predicted them to win the National Championship, but as I type away, I can’t help but think we are headed for a season like we had in 2007 where everyone falls. There has been nobody who has overly impressed me this year. Ohio State is one of many teams who have had flashes of brilliance but then they have been mediocre at other times. The crowd in Madison will be fired up for the 7:00 kick off. The Badgers will look to control the game with its dynamic duo John Clay and James White. For the Badgers to have a chance, they must slow down the front 7 of Ohio State. The Badgers defense must force Pryor to move around and make decisions while on the run. I think they will do this and Badgers quarterback Scott Tolzien will play mistake free football and lead the Badgers to the upset win at home.
There are other winners where there is no explanation necessary…
FSU over Boston College
UGA over Vandy
Baylor over Colorado
VA Tech over Wake Forest
Alabama over Mississippi
Until Next Time...
