2014-15 College Football

Going to be some teams knocked out of the playoffs this Saturday, but no other place to start than with the FUSA Special:

Iowa at Minnesota. Encore, are you going? Identical 6-2 and 3-1 Big Ten records means these two are playing for more than just the bacon. 9 am left coast start time, so no partying for Lax on Friday night. Will come down to a key turnover or special teams play. Sorry Encore, going with the Hawkeyes.

3 huge games where the loser is done:

#7 Kansas State at #6 TCU. Things tend to balance out over the course of the season. TCU had no business losing at Baylor, but should of lost at West Virginia. Rooting for KState, but think the Frogs will win.

#10 Notre Dame at #9 Arizona State. Either team wins out and they'll likely finish in the playoff. The Domers have given up a ton of points in recent weeks to North Carolina and Navy. The Scum Devils have improved on defense, but the QB Taylor Kelly isn't moving well since his return from a broken foot. Rare day game in Tempe. Tough game to call, but will go with ASWho.

#14 Ohio State at #8 Michigan State. Not sure even if they win the rest of their games the Buckeyes would get into the Final 4. Don't think it will matter because Sparty will take care of business.

#5 Alabama at #16 LSU. This will be as physical a game as any other this Saturday. Huge rivalry between these two. LSU has a shot since it's in Death Valley, but will go with the Tide.

#4 Oregon at #17 Utah. The Utes had ASU on the ropes and couldn't finish them off in regulation. Utah's strength is rushing the passer, and the Ducks weakness is protecting Mariotta. The Utes will give Oregon all they want, but will take the Ducks to cross a big hurdle.

#12 Baylor at #15 Oklahoma. Bears slim playoff chances end in Norman.

Upset Alert:

#20 West Virginia at Texas. WIll say this is the week the Horns pull off a victory against a ranked team.

 

Unfortunately, I have some commitments that will prevent me from seeing Goldy get the bacon live, but I should be available for some second half TV viewing! That being said, the Hawkeyes dismantling of Northwestern last weekend has me thoroughly concerned! COYGophers!

 

been a hectic month for me here, but back on the wagon.

I think the Frogs will win. I don't think it's a blowout, but will be comfortable the whole game.

I will be pulling for the SunDevils this weekend hard, but the Domers made me a believer in Tallahasse. I think ND pulls out a close one here and actually use defense to win it.

I have been misreading the SEC every week this year. everything for me says to go with the Tide here, but I honestly dont think Kiffin and Saban are getting along so great. their demeanor with each other on the sidelines during games is off. the Mad Hatter always has his teams motivated for the big home games. Make it a night game and the atmosphere will be amazing. I'll take LSU at home.

Ducks by 2 td's +.

Baylor. just cause.

I agree with you on Texas. My upset watch. CU over the 'Cats. SO MISS to beat Marshall! bam. makes for a great weekend.

 

Nice one with UnionCats, Joe. It must be odd for someone new to the site to see back and forth between Iowa and Minnesota on here.

Speaking of....Iowa @ Minnesota - 2 teams headed in opposite directions I'm afraid. Iowa looks much improved from earlier in the year while I think the Gophers' back-loaded schedule will see them regress to the mean. Hawkeyes win the pig.

K State @ TCU - TCU's defense isn't very good when you look at yds allowed/play. But they feast on opponent turnovers. Problem this week, the Cats don't turn it over. On the other side, KSt is pretty pedestrian on offense while TCU is very dynamic and one of the better teams in offensive efficiency. They struggled last week in the first half at WV, but I don't see driving rain and swirling wind in the forecast for Ft Worth this weekend, so gimme the Frogs.

Notre Damn @ Ariz St - I know Joe hates them and their coach is a total d-bag, but I can't help it, I think the Sun Devils are a very fun team to watch. They've struggled on offense since Kelly returned and while the defense has been better, they're doing it by going very blitz heavy. Good teams will eat that up, and while I don't think the Domers are playoff worthy, I do buy them as a top 10 team. Interesting stat, ND is 1-9 ATS following the Navy game in their last 10. Will be rooting for Arizona St (sorry Joe) but picking the Irish.

Ohio St @ Michigan St - The Buckeyes have looked a lot better in recent weeks while feasting on pretty mediocre teams. With Gameday in town, you have to think the Michigan St crowd will be chomping at the bit. I'll go with Sparty and that defense.

Alabama @ LSU - Everything I know about the SEC says take LSU in this situation....but that offense. I think Bama is easily the better team on both sides of the ball, so I'm going with them.

Oregon @ Utah - The Ducks seem to have gotten their o-line back on track and with Mariotta's mobility, could easily turn Utah's pass aggression against them. The Utes appear to be struggling for offense even more since losing Dres Anderson. I don't see them keeping pace and the Ducks win going away.

Baylor @ Oklahoma - Teams rarely bag the Landtheives twice in a row, but there's just something about this OU team I don't like. In another game where I'll be rooting against my pick, I'll go with the despicable little cubs.

I disagree on WV @ Texas. I like the Neers third down D and think they have enough offense to keep the Horns in the rearview mirror.

Upset Special -

Texas A&M @ Auburn - Nah, just kidding. I'll go with the Snarlin' Pups of Montlake over UCLA. With the exception of the Arizona State game, UCLA has played every road game tight, mostly against inferior opposition. They've been fortunate to escape the upset so far in that situation but I think their luck runs out in this one.

 

Big fan of UC Bearcats former coaches Kelly and Dantonio and want both of 'em to lose.
Once again I feel an intense anxiety about the Buckeyes. My twisted views say The Bucks are in position to pull off the big upset of the day. Imagine that! BUT...
More likely it's LSU over Bama. WVU over Tx but that's not so much.

 

I might have underestimated these gophers?!? Wow!

 

I love everything Ferentz has done for the Iowa program in his 16 years and it saddens me to say this, but it might be time for him to move along.

 

Has Ferentz been at Iowa that long?!! Seems like just yesterday I was reading how he was the new sliced bread. Hmmm.. thinking 'sell by'.
Matt shows again he really knows his football. Sometimes, though you overanalyse and under-estimate. The buckeye TEAM finally got it through their collective mind that the overall win-loss in big program football doesnt mean diddly. They went in with something to prove... Spartans read the experts. Thus this was onna those 'Head Games'. Doesnt prove anything about the Buckeyes national ranking, yet. Except I think they could beat anyone on a given Saturday. And how long till everyone realizes {again} OSU ALWAYS has two really good QB's?
And ND finally got what they deserve. I just hate the Irish on principle. How much? When I watched 'Rudy', I wanted to smack the idjit upside the head. And kick all the patronizing condescending people who put him on the field in the ass.
The only guesstimate I missed was WVU - TX. Another 'Head Game'. I'm betting WVU came in thinking upset, not proving they were better. Texas was thinking we are better!
- Auburn is the Wisconsin Badgers of the SEC. New guys in the conference like Tx A&M dont realize just how awesome they are.
Come to think of it... good day for Texas football, wuddennit!

 

Wow a crazy day like non other. Congrats to Matteo, Encore, and Fog for huge W's for the teams they support.
• Urban Meyer is one of the best in the business for a reason. After squeaking by in OT to a lousy Penn State team a few weeks ago, didn't think they had that performance in them...until next season.
•Auburn won so many crazy ways last season, that the Karma gods had to start getting even. 2 unforced fumbles in the last 4 minutes? The smile hasn't left Matt's face yet.
• What a show by the Gophers, that big TE was a beast.
• Scum Devils, TCU, Baylor(what does the committee do with the latter 2?) jump into the mix.
• LSU lets Bama off the hook
• My boys are really young, and it warms my heart to see a great bounce back win (sorry Dtown).

***The longest play I've ever seen in the Utah/Oregon game. 181 yards???? Utah hit a long pass that was going to be a 82 yard td for a Utah 14-0 lead...BUT the kid drops the ball at the 1 yard line because he was celebrating the score...Oregon picks up the ball and takes it back 100 yards for a 7-7 score. INSANITY.

 

I did not see that coming! But I'll take the W and the bacon!

And, I think you're right Lax, Ferentz's influence may have gotten a little stagnant lately. I'm sure the Michigan job will be opening up soon. Any maybe you guys can scoop up Bob Stoops, who seems to be in the same situation as Ferentz.

 

aggie might have bet the moneyline on the Aggies this weekend and we may never hear from him again...

 

I hear what you're saying Lax, but be careful what you wish for. Arizona pushed out our winningest coach (Dick Tomey) with the same thought and our next coach (even spelling Mackovich makes me cringe) turned our program into a dumpster fire that has taken over a decade to recover. Ferentz hasn't forgot how to coach, but he needs to find a quarterback.

FUSA Special: #8 Ohio State at #25 Minnesota. Fog's Buckeyes roll into Minnesota fresh off a smashing of Sparty. Encore's Gophers had their best performance of the season, routing Iowa. Hard to pick against Ohio State since they've won 23 of the last 24 meetings in this series.

Game of the Week: #1 Mississippi State at #5 Alabama. Didn't know until hearing it this week that these 2 campuses are a mere 80 miles apart, but the gulf in history and tradition is immeasurable. That said, I love the fact the chip on MSU shoulders has to huge since they opened up as monster underdogs (when has a #1 team ever been an 8.5 point dog?). How healthy is Dak Prescott? He needs to be his best to win this game. Really hope the cowbells find a way.

#3 Florida State at Miami. The Canes true freshman QB Brad Kaaya leads the ACC in every meaningful QB stat, and Miami is vastly improved. This is the easy pick for upset of the week, but the Noles know how to win.

#19 Clemson at #22 Georgia Tech. Will take the Wreck at home.

#16 Nebraska at #20 Wisconsin. You know the Big 10's reputation is bad when a 1 loss Husker team is only ranked 16. Make it 2 losses on Saturday.

#9 Auburn at #15 Georgia. Have to think Auburn will bounce back.

Missouri at #24 Texas A&M. And Matt thought the Aggies wouldn't feature in this thread again. FakeBlood's Mizzou (Steve are you out there?) has to be the only SEC team that doesn't get much respect. The Aggies looked dead and buried, but goes to Auburn and saves their season. Hope the scoreboard operator is ready to go, because it might take 45 points to win this.

 

I'm just hoping to keep the inevitable Gopher's loss respectable...within a couple of touchdowns. Although it is supposed to start snowing close to game time so that could be a factor. Just sayin'.

 

We had the same issue when we got rid of RC Slocum, however there is a truth in the maxim that the message starts to get lost after a coach has been in one spot for 10+ years. Va Tech, Oklahoma and Iowa are all in the same boat, imo. Much like Texas was. I'd forgotten that my favorite coach, Mackovic (for what he did to the Sips), had coached at Arizona as well.

Last weekend I had a couple of errands to run and I put off doing it before the A&:M game figuring it would be over by halftime. Oops. Didn't see that coming but was happy to see it. Of course, driving around town like a madman with the game on the radio for most of the 3rd quarter sucked, but well worth the end result.

As for this week:

Ohio St @ Minnesota - I've been wrong when underestimating the Gophers before, but I just can't pick against Ohio St with the way they're playing. Besides, I'd rather the Killer Gophers win anyway, so maybe picking against them will work again.

Miss St @ Bama - I really don't get the line on this one. I know the Tide are a different team at home, but I also know that the common thread in their losses under Saban since 08 is a a mobile qb. Last time they escaped Baton Rouge with a win after a knockout, dragdown game....the Aggies rolled into town and took them down. I think the Bulldogs are good enough up front defensively and are versatile enough offensively to win this game. The only question for me is Prescott's health. I'm taking Hell State in a close game.

FSU @ Miami - Looking at Miami's numbers, I had no idea they were one of the most explosive offenses this year. Of course you could make the argument about who they've played. On the other side the Noles can't run the ball, can't protect Winston and are a shell of themselves defensively. But Winston is Rasputin and I think he'll figure out a way to survive again. I'm not one to root for "The U", but I'll be hoping for the upset again this week. Btw, after watching FSU this year, I now get the other side of the Manziel coin.

Clemp @ Ga Tech - Who cares. I honestly have no clue and oddly don't feel compelled to read up on either of these two, so I'll take the home team and move on. Still can't believe Clemson blew that game in Tallahassee.

Nebraska @ Wisconsin - Two similar, one dimensional teams. The Nebbish qb is from here in SA, but give me the Badgers at home.

Auburn @ Georgia - Todd Gurley makes his return so the Bulldog faithful should be in full voice. However, Jawja's kryptonite defensively this year has been the run game. And few teams scheme a rushing offense better than Malzahn and his Tigers. Auburn to spoil the party between the hedges.

Mizzou @ A&M - I got tickets to this one for my birthday (yesterday) but when I was asked about it a month ago, it took all I had to look happy about it. Fortunately, we bounced back last week. I have no idea if we've turned a corner or if that was a one off game. I'm reluctant to even pick it, so I'll go with Misery. It's going to be awfully cold tonight, especially by Texas standards, so hopefully the boys keep us warm with their performance on the field.

Upset Alerts:

I'm going with Joe's approach this week and giving several potential upsets as opposed to one sure-fire call.

LSU @ Arky - Just as I think the Tide will suffer a hangover effect, I think the same of LSU, especially on a very cold night in the Ozarks. The line makes calling this an upset questionable (Ark -1) but Arky is still seeking their first win in the SEC under Beilama and the Tigers are ranked.

SC @ Florida - Spurrier has a really good track record when his teams are 6 pts or greater dogs. Florida ran all over Georgia, but they are still incredibly one dimensional on offense. I like Cocky for the upset in the Swamp.

Arizona St @ Oregon St - Can the Sun Devils keep it going after that super charged win last weekend at home against the Irish? Or do they too suffer a hangover? One thing is for certain, these late, late night Pac12 games have been CRAZY this year. Of the 3, I have the least confidence in this upset alert, but I won't be surprised if the Beavers make a game of it and even take them down.

And with that, I'm off to Aggieland. Should be able to get in a good 3-4 hours of tailgating before joining the expected 100,000+ in Kyle Field to yell for the Fighting Farmers. I'm just glad they've given us a reason to be optimistic again. Hopefully that continues tonight.

 

Lol... there's intangibles but I dont think the weather's gonna be one of 'em. wouldnt be surprised to see a pendulum swing. Close game by the numbers.. an upset by the law of hubris, fate and happenstance.
I call Buckeyes by 9 won in qtr 4

- Alabama wins SEC is not as orderly as some like to think and the spread is there for a reason.

- FSU Miami Wishing for a tie. That way neither wins.

- Northwestern @ ND. sigh, secret wishes!

 

Lions and Tigers and Wildcats. Oh MY!!!
..
Of course the 3rd loss puts the Fighting Irish (tm) at some risk of falling out of the top 20 ranks. They had been #15 because... well... they are just swell.

'Bama call was easy.. so was Buckeyes.

- added: Let me say that I totally understand why other fans hate tOSU Buckeyes like I hate ND. Every time I hit 'yahoo.com' and there's more than one football article one concerns the Buckeyes. Dont know whether that's from tracking my clicks or not. If not from tracking they get lots more attention than warranted. And local interest inside the columbus media belt is cloying and obnoxious.
An example:True yet trite:
Ohio State would be a scary College Football Playoff matchup for anybody

 

And the SEC cannibalizes itself once again.

Now FSU sits atop the polls once again as the only team with a perfect record. I will commend them on their comebacks, but the sad thing is that they have only beaten 3 ranked teams... and none of those teams are currently ranked! I hope they get destroyed in the playoff.

 

Not much action, as for the most part the best teams have a patsy before playing their arch rival next. However, these are 18-21 year old kids and it's not uncommon for the better team to slip on a banana peel;

Games of the Week;

#19 USC at #9 UCLA: In the crazy Pac 12 South with 5 ranked teams, the Bruins control their own destiny. Coin flip, but will go with Brett Hundley and the Teddy Bears at the Rose Bowl.

Yale (8-1) at Harvard (9-0). "The Game" as it's billed will see College Gameday in Cambridge for this one. I know it's only the Ivy League, but it's true student-athletics, it's an arch rivalry, and with the records they have it's good stuff. Going with Harvard to complete their perfect season.

Others:

Boston College at #3 Florida State: Jimsig's Eagles travel south in what should be an easy 'Nole W. However, BC is a perfect 4-0 on the road (only 2-4 at home), and FSU is coming off an emotional win against Miami. FSU might be in for a tussle before holding on late.

#15 Arizona at #17 Utah. Nice to play a huge non-ASU game this late in the season. Have to play much better than last week's comeback win to have a chance. Head says Utah at home.

#25 Minnesota at #23 Nebraska. Pretty simple game plan for the Gophers; the Huskers got destroyed by Wisconsin's great rb Gordon to the tune of 408 yards. Minnesota has a fine rb in Cobb and will try to pull off the upset through him.

Upset Alert
#8 Ole Miss at Arkansas. The Hogs got the monkey off their back and their first conference win in awhile. Don't be surprised if they make it 2 on Sat.

 

Since you brought up Harvard going undefeated, I feel that it is my duty to educate everyone on the only other undefeated team in FCS, my alma mater Coastal Carolina University. Currently ranked number 1 in the coaches poll (http://www.ncaa.com/news/football/a...-remains-no-1-fcs-coaches-poll-top-10-remains), they look to complete their perfect season against rival Liberty this weekend.

The most interesting fact is that prior to coaching CCU, head coach Joe Moglia spent about 25 years in finance - eventually becoming CEO of TD Ameritrade.

Here's hoping they finish better than their quarterfinal exit last year.

Come on you Chanticleers!

 

I'm not a big "pointy ends" (as Mr. Hymel calls it) football fan, but when your hometown basketball school beats Notre Dame in South Bend, well, that's a watershed moment. I know the Irish aren't that good this year, but I've been in Louisville since 1981 and I can honestly tell you I never in my wildest dreams thought a day like this would come.
Somewhere in heaven, Bob Weber is smiling.