College Football Pick 'Em: Week Nine

My picks for the week:
#1 Florida vs. Georgia: I expect Florida to show up pretty angry and for them to handle Georgia comfortably. Herschel Walker's record will fall and the chances of Willie Martinez keeping his job will also continue to fall.
#2 Alabama vs. Idle
#3 Texas vs. #14 Oklahoma State: I like Texas to win this one because of their defense. Everyone talks about Colt McCoy and the Longhorns offense, but their defense is EXTREMELY strong and I don't think Oklahoma State has enough offense to stay with them.
#4 Iowa vs. Indiana: As much as I don't want to pick Iowa, I really don't see them losing to Indiana.
#5 USC vs. #10 Oregon: It's tough to pick against Oregon when they're playing in a night game at home, but I also have a hard time picking against USC in a big game. I feel like Pete Carroll could be the difference in this one in getting a big road win for the Trojans.
#6 TCU vs. UNLV: TCU is finally getting some deserved respect. Great defense & speed is the formula for success for the Horned Frogs and they have emerged as one of the most dominant programs in college football over the past five years.
#7 Boise State vs. San Jose State: I'd like to see a Boise State/TCU BCS game at the end of the season. Boise State will mow down San Jose State this week.
#8 Cincinnati vs. Syracuse: The Bearcats just continue to roll. I see Greg Paulus and Syracuse putting up little resistance this weekend.
#9 LSU vs. Tulane: Should be a good weekend for LSU to pad some stats and score a blowout win against Tulane.
#11 Georgia Tech vs. Vanderbilt: It's disturbing that Georgia Tech has one of the best offenses in the country, and they seem to be getting better on a weekly basis. Look for them to blow the doors off Vanderbilt (pardon the pun).
#12 Penn State vs. Northwestern: I sure was smart in picking against Penn State last week in a shootout against Michigan, as they killed the Wolverines. I like them to kill Northwestern this week.
#13 Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina: Played Thursday night. So much for thinking Virginia Tech is good.
#15 Pittsburgh vs. Idle
#16 Utah vs. Wyoming: Yet another week of not knowing anything about Utah's opponent. Go Utes!
#17 Ohio State vs. New Mexico State: What the heck is this game doing here? Ohio State wins big and looks stupid for scheduling this game.
#18 Houston vs. Southern Miss: This could be an upset special. Southern Miss has some good athletes on both sides of the ball and could make it difficult on the Cougars offense. I'll take Southern Miss.
#19 Miami (FL) vs. Wake Forest: I think Randy Shannon will be able to re-focus the Hurricanes and have them ready to play against Wake Forest. I like Miami to win.
#20 Arizona vs. Idle
#21 West Virginia vs. South Florida: Played Friday night. South Florida won.
#22 South Carolina vs. Tennessee: This could be a very good game in Knoxville tonight. It's two great defenses and two offenses that have the potential for big plays, but also having the potential to make lots of mistakes. I think I'll take South Carolina, due to Tennessee being down after last week's tough loss to Alabama.
#23 Notre Dame vs. Washington State: If Notre Dame loses another game this season, I think Charlie Weis will probably lose his job. They shouldn't have anything to worry about this week.
#24 California vs. Arizona State: As long as Cal finds ways to get the ball to Jahvid Best, they should be fine against the Sun Devils.
#25 Ole Miss vs. Auburn: The battle of two teams that have been ridiculously overrated at different points during the season. I'll take Ole Miss in this one because I'll say they have a coaching advantage.

College Football Pick 'Em: Week Eight

After last week's debacle of predicting games, I probably shouldn't even take a shot at this. But, since this isn't for money and this is read by about ten people, who cares?!

#1 Florida vs. Mississippi State: Historically, Florida doesn't play well at Mississippi State and they're going into this game beat up and facing a former coordinator. I think it could be a close game, but the Gators win.
#2 Alabama vs. Tennessee: A battle of defensive gurus in this one. Too bad for Tennessee that most of the playmakers will be wearing crimson helmets. Roll Tide!
#3 Texas vs. Missouri: If Colt McCoy is going to win the Heisman, he needs to have one of those 400 yard, 5 TD games and he might be able to get it against this Mizzou defense. I think the Longhorns win big.
#4 Boise State vs. Hawaii: Boise State looks better and better as Oregon continues to move up in the rankings. I like them to take down the Fighting Rainbow Warriors of Hawaii this week.
#5 Cincinnati vs. Louisville: I wouldn't be surprised if Cincinnati struggled in this game, but I still think they'll get the win.
#6 Iowa vs. Michigan State: At what point will I give Iowa some respect? They are undefeated and they did get a good win on the road last week at Wisconsin, which is a tough place to play. Not this week! Michigan State gets the upset playing in the night game at home!
#7 USC vs. Oregon State: USC should show up ticked off after last year's upset from the Beavers. I think this game could get ugly and the Trojans win big.
#8 TCU vs. #16 BYU: I'm glad College Gameday stepped up and has their set at this game today, because it is the biggest match-up of the weekend. I like TCU to win because their defense is consistently good and I think they have enough speed to make it difficult for the BYU offense.
#9 LSU vs. Auburn: If this game were at Auburn, I'd take the Tigers. (How stupid is it that these two teams play in the some division of a conference and have the SAME name!) But, since it's a night game at LSU, I like the Bayou Bengals to win at home.
#10 Miami (FL) vs. Clemson: Miami hasn't been quite as impressive in their last two games against bad opponents, but I think that's the case of a young team not being as energized to play in games that aren't against marquee names. I think Miami wins this weekend, mainly because Clemson sorta' sucks.
#11 Oregon vs. Washington: Who'd have thought Oregon would be sneaking into the Top 10 after their opening week performance? I think the Ducks keep moving along with a win over UW.
#12 Georgia Tech vs. Virginia: Georgia Tech completes a sweep of the commonwealth teams with a win over the Cavs this week.
#13 Penn State vs. Michigan: I like Michigan in the upset in this game. I think Michigan will be able to turn this game into a shootout, and Penn State won't be able to keep up.
#14 Virginia Tech vs. Idle
#15 Oklahoma State vs. Baylor: Oklahoma State gets the win.
#17 Houston vs. SMU: Houston wins this one, and should be ranked ahead of Oklahoma State.
#18 Utah vs. Air Force: The continued trend of me knowing NOTHING about the teams Utah plays, so I'll take Utah.
#19 Ohio State vs. Minnesota: Same issue as last week with Minnesota, they're not good enough to beat the best teams from the Big 10. Buckeyes roll.
#20 Pittsburgh vs. South Florida: Anytime expectations get moderately high at Pittsburgh, they crumble under the pressure and spotlight. Now that the Panthers are ranked and appear to be good, I think they'll lose to South Florida.
#21 Wisconsin vs. Idle
#22 Arizona vs. UCLA: I'll take Arizona. I like the Stoops brothers coaching that team and I think they come ready to play.
#23 West Virginia vs. UConn: I can't imagine what it will be like in the UConn locker room today - playing without a teammate who was murdered just a few days ago. I think the Huskies will play hard and inspired, but West Virginia will still win the game.
#24 South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt: South Carolina will destroy the Vanderbilt offense and the score will probably not indicate how lopsided this game is.
#25 Kansas vs. Oklahoma: Even with Sam Bradford, I think Oklahoma is better than Kansas. Sooners in the mildest of upsets.

Saturday Tidbits

I should probably have my ability to make college football predictions revoked after this past weekend. I was wrong with a ton of picks and looked rather foolish in making some bold statements about teams that totally let me down. However, I spent a large part of the day watching games and taking it all in and had plenty of random thoughts throughout the day about the teams and players I was watching:

- Bobby Johnson, Vanderbilt's Head Coach, looks like he should enjoy sailing near Martha's Vineyard. Bless his heart.
- There were a number of great defensive plays in the Texas/Oklahoma game made by some serious playmakers. It was one of the hardest fought games I've seen this season and I really enjoyed watching it.
- I would say Mark Ingram, the Alabama running back, should be the leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy.
- I would also say that Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow have yet to do anything that warrants them being in the Heisman discussion, yet they're still in it.
- Jimmy Clausen might be the more valuable to his team than any one player to any other team in the country.
- The hits Sam Bradford has taken this season would concern me if I were an NFL GM because those types of hits don't seem too uncommon.
- The ACC might have the worst divisional alignment I've ever seen (even worse than the Big 12), with the top three teams in the same division.
- I will continue to hate on Iowa because I still think they're overrated and I'm now probably basing it on my own stubborn opinion more than anything else.
- Nick Saban has quickly created a mentality at Alabama where they beat most teams by simply walking out onto the field - similar to FSU and Miami (FL) during the 90's.

- I don't know how to describe what Rennie Curran means to the Georgia defense. To say he's the heart of the defense is an understatement. He's the leader. He's the playmaker. He's often the game-saver. When I get older, I'll tell people, "I went to Georgia in the time of Rennie Curran."

College Football Pick 'Em: Week Seven

I was unable to get my picks posted last week due to some technical difficulties, but I'm back at it this week! On a personal level, the season has been a pretty big disappointment for me as Georgia has shown very little to get excited about and the team has quickly fallen into the dreaded category of "rebuilding." On a broader level, there have been very few teams that have really stood apart as dominant and elite, which should make to an exciting end to the season. And this weekend could features some teams that could emerge as legitimate contenders, or fall into the ever-growing lump of pretenders.

#1 Florida vs. Arkansas: If people could ever shut up about Tim Tebow, we might talk about how the Florida defense is playing at a level that could make them one of the best of all-time. Yes, I just went Kanye West on Tim Tebow? Arkansas is known for putting up points, but they're going against a defensive unit that is full of future NFL players. Florida will pound the ball with their running game and roll to another victory.
#2 Alabama vs. #22 South Carolina: The Tide appear to be improving every week, which is scary for the rest of the SEC west. My only concern with Alabama is that they could peak too early in the season and struggle down the stretch, similar to last season. But, I don't expect them to stumble this week and I think they'll overpower the Gamecocks.
#3 Texas vs. #20 Oklahoma: The game that decides the Big 12 South every season has a lot of questions going into tomorrow. Will Sam Bradford be comfortable with the Sooner offense after missing so much time? Will Texas be able to establish any sort of running game? Which injury will prove most costly for either of these teams? I haven't seen Texas play this season, and I feel like no one has really seen an Oklahoma team led by Sam Bradford. It should be an interesting game in the Cotton Bowl, and I'm going to take the Longhorns because I don't expect Bradford to be comfortable with his receivers yet.
#4 Virginia Tech vs. #19 Georgia Tech: From a personal perspective as a fan, I really don't like Virginia Tech - their fans, their stadium, their players, any of it. From a perspective of trying to figure out the best teams in the country, I really like Virginia Tech. I think they match up well against Georgia Tech and I think their speed on defense will present problems for Georgia Tech's option attack. And, I think they'll be able to control the ball with their own rushing game and keep the Yellow Jacket offense off the field. Hokies get a big ACC win.
#5 Boise State vs. Tulsa: Played Wednesday night. Boise State won 28-21.
#6 USC vs. #25 Notre Dame: Since this game is being hyped up, I'll take USC to win. USC seems to show up in every big game and play well, and it's usually the pushover game where they struggle. The Trojans' defense will get after the Notre Dame offense and I don't expect this game to be a shoot out, which hurts the Irish. Similar to the Ohio State/USC game, I would take Notre Dame if this were a battle of QB's because Jimmy Clausen is better than Matt Barkley. But, I think USC has the advantage at nearly every other position and they'll get the victory.
#7 Ohio State vs. Purdue: As boring as it is to watch Ohio State, they're a model of consistency when it comes to success. They play great defense and control field position and they don't beat themselves, which means they win the games they're supposed to win. Naturally, they'll take care of Purdue.
#8 Cincinnati vs. #21 South Florida: Played Thursday night. Cincy won 34-17.
#9 Miami (FL) vs. Central Florida: Check out the ACC with two teams in the Top 10! The 'Canes will roll against UCF and have a good shot at winning out.
#10 LSU vs. Idle
#11 Iowa vs. Wisconsin: I'm going to keep throwing rocks at the Iowa bandwagon until they lose and then I can scream "I told you so!" This plan works beautifully unless they go undefeated and win the Big 10 and the National Championship. So of course, I'll take Wisconsin to ride the momentum of the home crowd and pull off the upset in Madison. Go Badgers!
#12 TCU vs. Colorado State: TCU should win this game, but they need to be careful about looking ahead to the big game against BYU next weekend. I think the scare against Air Force last weekend will have this team focused and ready to take care of business against Colorado State.
#13 Oregon vs. Idle
#14 Penn State vs. Minnesota: The Penn State defense seems to be really strong, and they still have some playmakers on offense. Minnesota is a good team but they still don't have enough playmakers to beat the best teams in the Big 10 (that's really not saying much). I like the Nittany Lions to win.
#15 Nebraska vs. Texas Tech: For the first time in a long time, the Nebraska defense is probably underrated. They might have the best defensive tackle in the country and they're one broken play away from being undefeated. Their defense has another chance to shine against the high flying offense from Texas Tech, and I think they'll be up to the challenge. Huskers win.
#16 Oklahoma State vs. Missouri: I'll take Missouri in this game. I think Oklahoma State is dealing with the distraction of Dez Bryant (How ridiculous does the Dez Bryant for Heisman talk seem now?) and Missouri is looking to bounce back after their loss to Nebraska. It'll be tough for them to win on the road in Stillwater, but I think Mizzou can do it.
#17 Kansas vs. Colorado: Kansas will win this weekend, but then their season will really start. After Colorado, they play @ Oklahoma & @ Texas Tech. Let's see where they're ranked then.
#18 Brigham Young vs. San Diego State: BYU could probably look ahead to next week and still beat San Diego State. They'll win this weekend and then move on to next week against TCU.
#23 Houston vs. Tulane: Uhhh....Tulane is BAD and they give up a lot of points. I'm wondering if Houston can score 100.
#24 Utah vs. UNLV: I like Utah to win this because I know nothing about UNLV and I'll go ahead and assume Utah is better.

College Football Pick 'Em! Week Five

The college football season is flying by! We're already in week five and October tends to be the month of HUGE conference showdowns. I struggled with my predictions of the big games last weekend, but I've held my own for the season with a record of 72-11. We've got some marquee names playing against each other today and it should be a fun day of games, so let's see how my predictions work out!

#1 Florida: Idle

#2 Texas: Idle

#3 Alabama vs. Kentucky: In the SEC west, there's Alabama and then there's everyone else. I think they've been the most complete team in the conference this season and I expect them to handle Kentucky easily. And Kentucky is AWFUL this season.

#4 LSU vs. #18 Georgia: I can't figure out these two teams. I think LSU is woefully overrated and Georgia is woefully inconsistent. When I think about the match-ups in this game, I feel like Georgia has an advantage, but that doesn't mean much. LSU has some holes on the defensive line, and Georgia should be able to establish the running game. And Georgia is weak in the secondary, but LSU hasn't done too much with the vertical passing game. And for the same reason that I usually pick every week, I'll take the Dawgs because I think Mark Richt is a better coach than Les Miles.

#5 Boise State vs. UC Davis: Boise State will continue to win and move up the rankings and it'll be interesting to see where they are when the BCS standings are released. UC Davis will be just another small bump on the road as Boise motors ahead.

#6 Virginia Tech vs. Duke: People were down on Virginia Tech after their opening loss against Alabama, but I think that's more of an indication of how good Alabama is than anything else. The Hokies are tough on defense and special teams, and they're starting to develop some playmakers on offense. No chance of a letdown this week against Duke.

#7 USC vs. #24 California: I think everyone jumped off the Cal bandwagon like it was about to explode. Not me! The loss to Oregon didn't surprise me, but I was surprised with the way they lost. If California can complete some big passes and open up running lanes for Jahvid Best, I think they have a great chance to win this game. I expect the Bears to play a little more relaxed coming off a loss and their crowd should be wild. USC just seems down this year and I think losing Stafon Johnson will really hurt. Bears in the upset!

#8 Oklahoma vs. #17 Miami (FL): Oklahoma comes into this game without their starting quarterback and their best receiver, but I'm still taking the Sooners. I don't think Miami has played against a defensive unit like Oklahoma's this season, and I think the Sooners will frustrate Jacory Harris all game. I expect this to be a low-scoring battle, but Oklahoma's defense will shut down the Canes and get a huge road win in Miami.

#9 Ohio State vs. Indiana: Indiana played tough against Michigan last week, but I don't expect the same close game this weekend against the Buckeyes. Ohio State will play great defense and not make mistakes and win comfortably.

#10 Cincinnati vs. Miami (OH): As I look at the schedule for the Bearcats, this is a team that'll be favored in the rest of their games this season. It's a long way to go, but Cincinnati certainly has a chance at going undefeated. It'll be interesting to see how they handle the pressure as they continue to win games and move up the rankings. If you can't tell, I think they'll beat Miami (OH).

#11 TCU vs. SMU: TCU continues to establish themselves as one of the best defensive teams in the country and they're showing it again this season. The Horned Frogs will take care of business against SMU and march towards their showdown against BYU on October 24th.

#12 Houston vs. UTEP: I love how half of Houston's schedule is against other teams from the state of Texas. The Cougars will beat UTEP and continue to put up points and maybe Case Keenum deserves some Heisman consideration.

#13 Iowa vs. Arkansas State: I'll go ahead and say right now I think Iowa is overrated. I don't consider beating Penn State last week to be a huge accomplishment because Penn State was even MORE overrated. I'll take the Hawkeyes to beat Arkansas State, but it wouldn't surprise me if this game ends up being close.

#14 Oklahoma State vs. Idle

#15 Penn State vs. Illinois: The Nittany Lions should come out angry after their loss last week and strangle the Illinois offense. However, Ron Zook has so much talent on this Illinois team that you always worry about playing them just because of their potential. I'll take Penn State because the Fighting Illini never seem to pull it all together.

#16 Oregon vs. Washington State: Too much was made of Oregon's opening loss against Boise State. They're still a good team and they'll have a solid year, even if they don't bring back LeGarrette Blount. They'll win this game because Washington State is one of the worst teams in any of the major conferences in football.

#19 Kansas vs. Idle

#20 BYU vs. Utah State: Played Friday night

#21 Ole Miss vs. Vanderbilt: Ole Miss is finally ranked where they deserve to be. All the players spent the past week talking about how they're glad the pressure is off and now they can get back to working hard and just playing football, which is RIDICULOUS! If you want to become great, you have to learn how to handle expectations and Houston Nutt needs to change the mindset of his players. I like Ole Miss to win this game but I expect them to be a big disappointment this season.

#22 Michigan vs. Michigan State: This could be the most exciting game of the weekend. I expect both teams to put up tons of points, but I expect the Wolverines to make the most plays and get the win.

#23 Nebraska vs. Idle

#25 Georgia Tech vs. Mississippi State: Georgia Tech got a strong win against North Carolina last week and I expect them to build on that momentum against Miss. State. Hopefully, this will be the only win against the Bulldogs for Georgia Tech this season.