Week 9 picks
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fleaflicker
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Week 9 picks
There may not be many games, but there are three games that will play key roles in sorting contenders from pretenders in the ACC, SEC, and Big 10. All are this Saturday. In the Big 10, Northwestern will try and establish whether or not they're for real against a Michigan team that's having a bit of a down year. In the ACC, Boston College will try and knock off an unbeaten Virginia Tech squad. And in the SEC, the Florida Gators will see if their spread offense is any good against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
I cannot do all my picks at once, so I will edit and add throughout the week.....
Thursday at 7:30pm
Boston College Eagles at Virginia Tech Hokies
The Virginia Tech Hokies will face a severe test from this somewhat underrated Boston College team, but they still have home field advantage. This one game (as well as every game after it) could be for all the glory and fame if VT has any shot at getting to the Rose Bowl. Boston College is simply playing the role of spoiler, or rather, trying to. But until proven otherwise, Tech is the class of the ACC. Virginia Tech by 10.
Friday at 8:00pm
Colorado State Rams at New Mexico Lobos
Another Mountain West matchup, but this isn't quite as interesting, mainly because there is no way either of these teams can win the conference. However, Colorado State is paving the way to a late December bowl game if it keeps up the good work. I'm sure they will. Rams by 10.
Saturday at noon
Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Duke Blue Devils
The Dukies not only will lose this game, but they will lose every game that is left on their schedule for the 2005 season. Any team that allows an offensively challenged Florida State team to hang up 55 points definately has problems. Wake Forest by 7.
Wisconsin Badgers at Illinois Fighting Illini
Ron Zook, as mentioned last week, cannot even pronounce Illinois correctly. Does he know how to pronounce blowout loss? Because he has yet another one of those on the horizone when he plays host to Wisconsin. Wisconsin by 31.
North Carolina Tar Heels at Miami (FL) Hurricanes
Man, UNC is going to kill the Hurricanes! Miami doesn't even know how to dribble or shoot! Wait, this isn't a basketball game, is it? You say it's football. In that case, UNC is going to get killed. The Hurricanes have gotten their stuff together on offense, and they have the top ranked defense in the nation. In other words, John may not get his six wins this year, and they'll be calling for his head. See TAE's posted link on UNC-Miami. Miami by 30.
Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan State Spartans
This is going to be a much better game than it looks like on paper. The only conference win for these two teams is Illinois, and now one of them will get another conference win over the other. As horrible as Michigan State has been in conference play, I cannot pick against them at home. Michigan State by 3.
Ohio State Buckeyes at Minnesota Golden Gophers
Ohio State still has a shot at the Big Ten title, and they are going to play like it. This is the best Big Ten team outside of Happy Valley. They are traveling to Minnesota to play another up and down Golden Gopher team. What will happen? Well, with OSU's run defense, Maroney won't have to worry about scheduling a trip to NYC. He won't be invited. Ohio State by 13.
Oklahoma Sooners at Nebraska Cornhuskers
It's hard to believe, but Oklahoma is still a halfway decent team, even if they got blown out by Texas and needed OT to beat Baylor. And they are good enough to beat the Huskers on the road. So, believe it or not, the Sooner Schooner will be rolling yet again. OU by 3.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles at NC State Wolfpack
This is a matchup between a very good C-USA team and a very unpredictable ACC team. Yet again, this is a game NC State could win by 20 or lose by 7. And yet again, though I can see a major upset here, I will very reluctantly pick NC State by 17.
Cincinnati Bearcats at Syracuse Orange
Well, this is the cupcake of the week. Two of the weakest Big Weak teams will have their pillowfight, as scheduled, in Syracuse. Only the worse team can lose. They both suck, but Syracuse sucks worse. Cincinnati by 3
Saturday at 12:30 pm
Mississippi Rebels at Auburn Tigers
After a tight OT loss to LSU, Auburn will take whatever pent up energy it has on taking care of Ole Miss. The likely effect will be to make Auburn look like a world beater for one week. Tigers by 21.
Texas Tech Red Raiders at Baylor Bears
This is therapy for Texas Tech. They can release all that pent up anger and disappointment they have after getting blown out by Texas by taking it out on the Baylor Bears. Baylor is better than they usually are, but playing this team after a blowout loss is definately not desirable. Texas Tech by 35.
Saturday at 1:00 pm
Iowa State Cyclones at Texas A&M Aggies
Iowa State is far from the class of the Big 12 North, and Texas A&M is a long ways from competing for the title in the south. However, Iowa State is good at losing games that it shouldn't (like hosting Baylor at home). Traveling to Texas A&M should be a win for ISU, but it won't be. Reggie McNeal's boys will get it done. Aggies by 6.
Missouri Tigers at Kansas Jayhawks
Yet again, the Big 12 North is in a league with the Big Weak when it comes to incompetent teams. But when Missouri has a QB that can throw for 200 yards and rush for 200 more, Kansas has some major problem. Especially since Kansas is the worst team in the Big 12, save possibly Oklahoma State. Missouri by 24.
Miami (OH) Redhawks at Temple Owls
The Redhawks are not nearly bad enough to let lowly Temple give them a hard time. Even so, the Owls are improving bit by bit. So instead of losing by 45 (like they would have at the beginning of the season), they will only lose by 30. How inspiring.
Saturday at 1:30pm
Ohio Bobcats at Buffalo Bulls
Frank Solich has the Bobcats within shooting distance of a winning season. With Buffalo, Miami, Akron, and Toledo left on the schedule, two upsets would get them above .500 for the year. That's not likely. However, the Bobcats are good enough to beat the pathetic team from Buffalo and improve to .500 for a week or so. Ohio by 13.
Saturday at 2:00pm
Toledo Rockets at Central Michigan Chippewas
Toledo is on track for a MAC title if it keeps this up. That's pretty good. Central Michigan is on track for a winning season, but that's about it. They aren't on track to win this game. Toledo by 17.
UCF Golden Knights at East Carolina Pirates
UCF is going to be bowl eligible this year, after losing 17 games straight, including the first two games this season. That is because this team has the confidence, determination, and sheer grit to pull it off. ECU doesn't have nearly the intangibles of this UCF team. That is why UCF is going to have won 5 of the past 6 when this game is over, and why they can finish with 8 wins this season with a little luck. Central Florida by 10.
Kent State Golden Flashes at Western Michigan Broncos
This game is just going to be ugly all around. The worse team will lose, and that's all there is to it. Unfortunately for Kent State, the only teams worse than them right now would be Temple and maybe Buffalo. So, Western Michigan by a baker's dozen (13).
Saturday at 2:10 pm
Colorado Buffaloes at Kansas State Wildcats
TAE's favorite team, Rape U., demonstrates that it is the class of the Big 12 North by annihilating the Wildcats. However, after getting annihilated by the Longhorns, they still have a long way to be the class of the Big 12. Colorado by 21.
Saturday at 3:00 pm
Utah State Aggies at Alabama Crimson Tide
After a hard, emotionally draining win against the Tennessee Volunteers, the Crimson Tide gets to have its cupcake and eat it too. There is no better way to recover from a very difficult win than with an easy lay up such as this one. Utah State couldn't compete in the Sun Belt; it can't compete in the WAC, and there is no way that it will be able to hang with the Crimson Tide. Alabama by 41.
Nevada Wolf Pack at Boise State Broncos
And here we have yet another game that may not be worth watching. However, no matter how good Boise State is, they seem to have a tendency to play down to the level of their opposition. Which means rather than slaughtering teams like San Jose State or Hawaii 52-7, they merely beat them by scores like 45-38 in a shootout. Even so, Boise State by 7.
Air Force Falcons at Brigham Young Cougars
Air Force is a solid team, that is in a must win situation for the postseason. However, BYU is also in a must win situation if they wish to continue play into December. And as much as BYU has struggled early on, it appears that they have improved considerably since Week 1 of the season. That's why I like the Cougars in this matchup. BYU by 10.
Saturday at 3:30pm
Georgia Bulldogs at Florida Gators
D.J. Shockley is gone for the week, making a tough situation even tougher on the Georgia Bulldogs. This is make or break time. Elite teams win no matter the circumstances, and it is time for Georgia to step up to the plate and show that it belongs in the Rose Bowl discussion. Florida, on the other hand, while being a solid contender, is not yet elite. The spread offense has sputtered against most SEC defenses. Georgia has a solid defense. So this may be a bit of an upset, with Georgia's starter on the bench, but I think the Dawgs' defense will give Urban Meyer fits. Georgia by 3.
Maryland Terrapins at Florida State Seminoles
Florida State has already had its upset loss of the year at the hands of a Virginia team that will struggle to make the postseason. In other words, with FSU concentrating entirely on this week's game, the Terps don't stand a chance. FSU by 13.
Clemson Tigers at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Well, these two unpredictable teams tend to lose games they shouldn't. So what can a person do to come up with the correct outcome? The best answer, as TAE discovered when picking Clemson over NC State, is to pick the team that you think should lose. I think Clemson should lose this game. Thus, Clemson will win by 7.
Purdue Boilermakers at Penn State Nittany Lions
Well, Purdue was slated to be a Rose Bowl contender in the preseason without Ohio State and Michigan on the schedule. As it turns out, the Boilermakers haven't needed those two teams scheduled to self destruct. And Penn State, at 11, is ranked right where Purdue was before Week 1. How the mighty have fallen! Penn State by 30.
Navy Midshipmen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Any other year, this would be ugly. But it is this year, rather than any other. And this year, Rutgers has found a way to win games in the Big East, and surprise teams that it shouldn't, and claw their way to a bowl game. The key here is rush defense. And Rutger's rush defense is pretty solid. It doesn't mean that it won't bend, or even break a few times, seeing as Navy is an unusually good rushing team. But it does mean that Rutgers should be able to hold on for the win, and get just enough to clinch a winning record Saturday. Rutgers by 3.
Iowa State Cyclones at Texas A&M Aggies
The Iowa State Cyclones are about the worst team at choking for big games. And let's face it, if the Cyclones want to go to a halfway decent bowl game, this is a pretty big game. And it gets worse, especially with the Cyclones having to find a way to contain Reggie McNeal's legs, and also having to worry about his effective passing attack. Texas A&M has got some of their swagger back, and they are going to tear through the choke artists. Texas A&M by 21.
Washington State Cougars at USC Trojans
Wow, this game isn't on national tv. Thank God. Who wouldn't want to watch a blowout as USC tears Wazzou a new arse? At least Tyrone Willingham lived through the embaressing loss last week, mainly because it wasn't as bad as it should have been. The Notre Dame game two weeks ago made it a little easier on him. However, after gulping down their cupcake last week, USC is going to be reenergized. They keep going and going and going.... USC by 30.
Saturday at 4:00 pm
Akron Zips at Bowling Green Falcons
Both teams are experiencing a down year, but Bowling Green has the offense to take it to the Zips. Akron just hasn't been with the program this year, and the Falcons look to take advantage of that. Bowling Green by 13.
Ball State Cardinals at Northern Illinois Huskies (4:05 pm)
Ball State stinks, even though they actually won one game so far this year, I think it must have been a fluke. Northern Illinois has one of the top offenses in the MAC, and is hosting the hapless Cardinals. Can you say blowout? NIU by 42.
Arizona Wildcats at Oregon State Beavers (4:05 pm)
How did Oregon State become the Beavers, or is that something that I really don't want to know? In any case, the Wildcats have already lost their postseason bowl berth, by losing 6 of their first 7 games. I don't think I need to say anymore than that. OSU by 27.
Saturday at 5:00 pm
Troy Trojans at Louisiania Lafayette Ragin Cajuns
Believe it or not, Louisiana Laughingstock is a 3 point favorite in this game. Either the handicappers have lost their good senses, or they know something that I don't. Well, it's all about the money, on the other hand, so it's a line worth ignoring. Troy by 6.
Saturday at 6:00 pm
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Florida International Golden Panthers
Another really lengthy introduction with school names and mascots, for another stupid Sun Belt game. You do have to admit the league has parity, even if there is no way that it could compete with any other team from any other conference. But anyways, for this game, FIU is new to I-A football, so MTSU has the experience advantage. Besides, it is still playing for a league title if North Texas, LA Monroe, and Troy all manage to screw it up, which in this horrible conference, is a distinct possibility. Middle Tennessee by 6.
UTEP Miners at Rice Owls
Rice hasn't won a game yet, and it isn't about to ruin it's winless streak on this game. UTEP is still in the lead for winning the Western division of C-USA, and is playing each and every conference game with a league title on the line. Rice, meanwhile, is playing just to avoid the ultimate shame of losing every single game. This game isn't going to be the game where their luck changes, though. UTEP by 24.
Saturday at 6:30pm
Washington Huskies at Arizona State Sun Devils
In the last few weeks, we have learned that Arizona State is completely and totally overrated. However, not even they are bad enough to lose to Tyrone Willingham's completely pathetic Washington Huskies at home. Willingham is going to need a few years to straighten out this team, but will he get any more time if he wins only one game this year? Hmmm.... Anyways, Arizona State by 17.
UCLA Bruins at Stanford Cardinal
Walt Harris, the other new PAC 10 coach, still has managed to lose to UC Davis. However, if he beats UCLA and USC, he'll have the honor of being the second best football team in California (behind UC-Davis). It's not going to happen though. UCLA by 30.
Saturday at 7:00 pm
Texas Longhorns at Oklahoma State Cowboys
Texas has the opportunity to travel to the lesser of the Oklahomas and demonstrate yet again how much of a butt whooping it can give a really crappy opponent. Texas by 45.
Fresno State Bulldogs at Hawaii Warriors
Even though Boise State beat Hawaii by only 3 points, the Broncos also have a bad habit of playing down to their opponent's level at times, particularly in conference games. That is not a habit that Fresno State has, however. Look for the Bulldogs to administer quite a butt whooping, once they get over the jet lag and play football. Fresno State by 42.
Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kentucky Wildcats
Not even Mississippi State is pathetic enough to allow Kentucky to pull the upset. Kentucky has years of practice and experience at playing horrible football. Rich Brooks (I think he's the coach) will be forced to resign after this season if he isn't fired outright. Anyways, Bulldogs by 17.
San Jose State Spartans at Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
For some reason, Louisiana Tech is still in the WAC, though from a geogrophy perspective, it makes no sense after Rice and SMU joined C-USA. Maybe it makes sense from a scheduling perspective, as the Bulldogs can still beat up on Idaho, Utah State, San Jose State, and Hawaii. Gotta love the conference schedule. Louisiana Tech by 30.
Michigan Wolverines at Northwestern Wildcats
Michigan may have been able to beat Iowa, but that was more momentum than anything else. Northwestern has even more momentum going than Michigan, they are playing at home, and they can rack up points like few other teams in the NCAA. Did you see that butt whooping they gave to Michigan State IN EAST LANSING? Yikes. Nope, I can't pick against Northwestern, because they got it going on. Wildcats by 13.
Marshall Thundering Herd at Tulane Green Wave
Tulane is going through a lot after being dislocated by Katrina. I believe they've been playing some home games at Louisiana Tech, though they're going to have to move elsewhere, again. There's no telling where it will be held. They are getting home field advantage from a fan base perspective, as many people are turning up to give them support, but from knowing the playing surface? No way. Anyways, Marshall still has a decent team, though they are having quite a down year. Marshall by 6.
Saturday at 7:45 pm
South Carolina Gamecocks at Tennessee Volunteers
Both teams are going through their ups and downs at QB, but South Carolina is the team hurting more from it as Steve Spurrier is trying to run a Fun N' Gun offense from it. Ouch. Anyways, USC has proven over this year that while they can compete occasionally, they are still one of the worst teams in the SEC. Tennesee by 14.
Saturday at 8:00 pm
North Texas Mean Green at LSU Tigers
North Texas must be getting paid a lot of money for this game. They can beat no team outside the Sun Belt, and not only is LSU outside the Sun Belt, but they are regularly a top tier team in the SEC. North Texas doesn't stand a chance. Are they getting paid based on the margin of victory for LSU? For their sake, I hope so. LSU by 45.
Idaho Vandals at New Mexico State Aggies
Mumme says, "Idaho is a little like us. They've been struggling, so it should be a pretty good ballgame." Actually, if this game was on tv anywhere where I was, I might have to turn it off after seeing one of the most awful games of football known to man. Idaho has one win to NMSU's none. NMSU's coach is also undergoing investigation by ACLU for allegedly discriminating against a Muslim player. He has a lot on his mind. Like whether his losses and lawsuits will cost him a job at the end of the season. Anyways, Idaho by 7.
TCU Horned Frogs at San Diego State Aztecs
TCU is simply the better team, and that is all there is to it. They will not lose again for the rest of this regular season, as there is nobody in the MWC that can stop this awesome offense combined with a tenacious defense. Nobody. The Aztecs are going to have to run for shelter from the air attack, and pounding rushing attack. TCU by 27.
I cannot do all my picks at once, so I will edit and add throughout the week.....
Thursday at 7:30pm
Boston College Eagles at Virginia Tech Hokies
The Virginia Tech Hokies will face a severe test from this somewhat underrated Boston College team, but they still have home field advantage. This one game (as well as every game after it) could be for all the glory and fame if VT has any shot at getting to the Rose Bowl. Boston College is simply playing the role of spoiler, or rather, trying to. But until proven otherwise, Tech is the class of the ACC. Virginia Tech by 10.
Friday at 8:00pm
Colorado State Rams at New Mexico Lobos
Another Mountain West matchup, but this isn't quite as interesting, mainly because there is no way either of these teams can win the conference. However, Colorado State is paving the way to a late December bowl game if it keeps up the good work. I'm sure they will. Rams by 10.
Saturday at noon
Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Duke Blue Devils
The Dukies not only will lose this game, but they will lose every game that is left on their schedule for the 2005 season. Any team that allows an offensively challenged Florida State team to hang up 55 points definately has problems. Wake Forest by 7.
Wisconsin Badgers at Illinois Fighting Illini
Ron Zook, as mentioned last week, cannot even pronounce Illinois correctly. Does he know how to pronounce blowout loss? Because he has yet another one of those on the horizone when he plays host to Wisconsin. Wisconsin by 31.
North Carolina Tar Heels at Miami (FL) Hurricanes
Man, UNC is going to kill the Hurricanes! Miami doesn't even know how to dribble or shoot! Wait, this isn't a basketball game, is it? You say it's football. In that case, UNC is going to get killed. The Hurricanes have gotten their stuff together on offense, and they have the top ranked defense in the nation. In other words, John may not get his six wins this year, and they'll be calling for his head. See TAE's posted link on UNC-Miami. Miami by 30.
Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan State Spartans
This is going to be a much better game than it looks like on paper. The only conference win for these two teams is Illinois, and now one of them will get another conference win over the other. As horrible as Michigan State has been in conference play, I cannot pick against them at home. Michigan State by 3.
Ohio State Buckeyes at Minnesota Golden Gophers
Ohio State still has a shot at the Big Ten title, and they are going to play like it. This is the best Big Ten team outside of Happy Valley. They are traveling to Minnesota to play another up and down Golden Gopher team. What will happen? Well, with OSU's run defense, Maroney won't have to worry about scheduling a trip to NYC. He won't be invited. Ohio State by 13.
Oklahoma Sooners at Nebraska Cornhuskers
It's hard to believe, but Oklahoma is still a halfway decent team, even if they got blown out by Texas and needed OT to beat Baylor. And they are good enough to beat the Huskers on the road. So, believe it or not, the Sooner Schooner will be rolling yet again. OU by 3.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles at NC State Wolfpack
This is a matchup between a very good C-USA team and a very unpredictable ACC team. Yet again, this is a game NC State could win by 20 or lose by 7. And yet again, though I can see a major upset here, I will very reluctantly pick NC State by 17.
Cincinnati Bearcats at Syracuse Orange
Well, this is the cupcake of the week. Two of the weakest Big Weak teams will have their pillowfight, as scheduled, in Syracuse. Only the worse team can lose. They both suck, but Syracuse sucks worse. Cincinnati by 3
Saturday at 12:30 pm
Mississippi Rebels at Auburn Tigers
After a tight OT loss to LSU, Auburn will take whatever pent up energy it has on taking care of Ole Miss. The likely effect will be to make Auburn look like a world beater for one week. Tigers by 21.
Texas Tech Red Raiders at Baylor Bears
This is therapy for Texas Tech. They can release all that pent up anger and disappointment they have after getting blown out by Texas by taking it out on the Baylor Bears. Baylor is better than they usually are, but playing this team after a blowout loss is definately not desirable. Texas Tech by 35.
Saturday at 1:00 pm
Iowa State Cyclones at Texas A&M Aggies
Iowa State is far from the class of the Big 12 North, and Texas A&M is a long ways from competing for the title in the south. However, Iowa State is good at losing games that it shouldn't (like hosting Baylor at home). Traveling to Texas A&M should be a win for ISU, but it won't be. Reggie McNeal's boys will get it done. Aggies by 6.
Missouri Tigers at Kansas Jayhawks
Yet again, the Big 12 North is in a league with the Big Weak when it comes to incompetent teams. But when Missouri has a QB that can throw for 200 yards and rush for 200 more, Kansas has some major problem. Especially since Kansas is the worst team in the Big 12, save possibly Oklahoma State. Missouri by 24.
Miami (OH) Redhawks at Temple Owls
The Redhawks are not nearly bad enough to let lowly Temple give them a hard time. Even so, the Owls are improving bit by bit. So instead of losing by 45 (like they would have at the beginning of the season), they will only lose by 30. How inspiring.
Saturday at 1:30pm
Ohio Bobcats at Buffalo Bulls
Frank Solich has the Bobcats within shooting distance of a winning season. With Buffalo, Miami, Akron, and Toledo left on the schedule, two upsets would get them above .500 for the year. That's not likely. However, the Bobcats are good enough to beat the pathetic team from Buffalo and improve to .500 for a week or so. Ohio by 13.
Saturday at 2:00pm
Toledo Rockets at Central Michigan Chippewas
Toledo is on track for a MAC title if it keeps this up. That's pretty good. Central Michigan is on track for a winning season, but that's about it. They aren't on track to win this game. Toledo by 17.
UCF Golden Knights at East Carolina Pirates
UCF is going to be bowl eligible this year, after losing 17 games straight, including the first two games this season. That is because this team has the confidence, determination, and sheer grit to pull it off. ECU doesn't have nearly the intangibles of this UCF team. That is why UCF is going to have won 5 of the past 6 when this game is over, and why they can finish with 8 wins this season with a little luck. Central Florida by 10.
Kent State Golden Flashes at Western Michigan Broncos
This game is just going to be ugly all around. The worse team will lose, and that's all there is to it. Unfortunately for Kent State, the only teams worse than them right now would be Temple and maybe Buffalo. So, Western Michigan by a baker's dozen (13).
Saturday at 2:10 pm
Colorado Buffaloes at Kansas State Wildcats
TAE's favorite team, Rape U., demonstrates that it is the class of the Big 12 North by annihilating the Wildcats. However, after getting annihilated by the Longhorns, they still have a long way to be the class of the Big 12. Colorado by 21.
Saturday at 3:00 pm
Utah State Aggies at Alabama Crimson Tide
After a hard, emotionally draining win against the Tennessee Volunteers, the Crimson Tide gets to have its cupcake and eat it too. There is no better way to recover from a very difficult win than with an easy lay up such as this one. Utah State couldn't compete in the Sun Belt; it can't compete in the WAC, and there is no way that it will be able to hang with the Crimson Tide. Alabama by 41.
Nevada Wolf Pack at Boise State Broncos
And here we have yet another game that may not be worth watching. However, no matter how good Boise State is, they seem to have a tendency to play down to the level of their opposition. Which means rather than slaughtering teams like San Jose State or Hawaii 52-7, they merely beat them by scores like 45-38 in a shootout. Even so, Boise State by 7.
Air Force Falcons at Brigham Young Cougars
Air Force is a solid team, that is in a must win situation for the postseason. However, BYU is also in a must win situation if they wish to continue play into December. And as much as BYU has struggled early on, it appears that they have improved considerably since Week 1 of the season. That's why I like the Cougars in this matchup. BYU by 10.
Saturday at 3:30pm
Georgia Bulldogs at Florida Gators
D.J. Shockley is gone for the week, making a tough situation even tougher on the Georgia Bulldogs. This is make or break time. Elite teams win no matter the circumstances, and it is time for Georgia to step up to the plate and show that it belongs in the Rose Bowl discussion. Florida, on the other hand, while being a solid contender, is not yet elite. The spread offense has sputtered against most SEC defenses. Georgia has a solid defense. So this may be a bit of an upset, with Georgia's starter on the bench, but I think the Dawgs' defense will give Urban Meyer fits. Georgia by 3.
Maryland Terrapins at Florida State Seminoles
Florida State has already had its upset loss of the year at the hands of a Virginia team that will struggle to make the postseason. In other words, with FSU concentrating entirely on this week's game, the Terps don't stand a chance. FSU by 13.
Clemson Tigers at Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Well, these two unpredictable teams tend to lose games they shouldn't. So what can a person do to come up with the correct outcome? The best answer, as TAE discovered when picking Clemson over NC State, is to pick the team that you think should lose. I think Clemson should lose this game. Thus, Clemson will win by 7.
Purdue Boilermakers at Penn State Nittany Lions
Well, Purdue was slated to be a Rose Bowl contender in the preseason without Ohio State and Michigan on the schedule. As it turns out, the Boilermakers haven't needed those two teams scheduled to self destruct. And Penn State, at 11, is ranked right where Purdue was before Week 1. How the mighty have fallen! Penn State by 30.
Navy Midshipmen at Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Any other year, this would be ugly. But it is this year, rather than any other. And this year, Rutgers has found a way to win games in the Big East, and surprise teams that it shouldn't, and claw their way to a bowl game. The key here is rush defense. And Rutger's rush defense is pretty solid. It doesn't mean that it won't bend, or even break a few times, seeing as Navy is an unusually good rushing team. But it does mean that Rutgers should be able to hold on for the win, and get just enough to clinch a winning record Saturday. Rutgers by 3.
Iowa State Cyclones at Texas A&M Aggies
The Iowa State Cyclones are about the worst team at choking for big games. And let's face it, if the Cyclones want to go to a halfway decent bowl game, this is a pretty big game. And it gets worse, especially with the Cyclones having to find a way to contain Reggie McNeal's legs, and also having to worry about his effective passing attack. Texas A&M has got some of their swagger back, and they are going to tear through the choke artists. Texas A&M by 21.
Washington State Cougars at USC Trojans
Wow, this game isn't on national tv. Thank God. Who wouldn't want to watch a blowout as USC tears Wazzou a new arse? At least Tyrone Willingham lived through the embaressing loss last week, mainly because it wasn't as bad as it should have been. The Notre Dame game two weeks ago made it a little easier on him. However, after gulping down their cupcake last week, USC is going to be reenergized. They keep going and going and going.... USC by 30.
Saturday at 4:00 pm
Akron Zips at Bowling Green Falcons
Both teams are experiencing a down year, but Bowling Green has the offense to take it to the Zips. Akron just hasn't been with the program this year, and the Falcons look to take advantage of that. Bowling Green by 13.
Ball State Cardinals at Northern Illinois Huskies (4:05 pm)
Ball State stinks, even though they actually won one game so far this year, I think it must have been a fluke. Northern Illinois has one of the top offenses in the MAC, and is hosting the hapless Cardinals. Can you say blowout? NIU by 42.
Arizona Wildcats at Oregon State Beavers (4:05 pm)
How did Oregon State become the Beavers, or is that something that I really don't want to know? In any case, the Wildcats have already lost their postseason bowl berth, by losing 6 of their first 7 games. I don't think I need to say anymore than that. OSU by 27.
Saturday at 5:00 pm
Troy Trojans at Louisiania Lafayette Ragin Cajuns
Believe it or not, Louisiana Laughingstock is a 3 point favorite in this game. Either the handicappers have lost their good senses, or they know something that I don't. Well, it's all about the money, on the other hand, so it's a line worth ignoring. Troy by 6.
Saturday at 6:00 pm
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Florida International Golden Panthers
Another really lengthy introduction with school names and mascots, for another stupid Sun Belt game. You do have to admit the league has parity, even if there is no way that it could compete with any other team from any other conference. But anyways, for this game, FIU is new to I-A football, so MTSU has the experience advantage. Besides, it is still playing for a league title if North Texas, LA Monroe, and Troy all manage to screw it up, which in this horrible conference, is a distinct possibility. Middle Tennessee by 6.
UTEP Miners at Rice Owls
Rice hasn't won a game yet, and it isn't about to ruin it's winless streak on this game. UTEP is still in the lead for winning the Western division of C-USA, and is playing each and every conference game with a league title on the line. Rice, meanwhile, is playing just to avoid the ultimate shame of losing every single game. This game isn't going to be the game where their luck changes, though. UTEP by 24.
Saturday at 6:30pm
Washington Huskies at Arizona State Sun Devils
In the last few weeks, we have learned that Arizona State is completely and totally overrated. However, not even they are bad enough to lose to Tyrone Willingham's completely pathetic Washington Huskies at home. Willingham is going to need a few years to straighten out this team, but will he get any more time if he wins only one game this year? Hmmm.... Anyways, Arizona State by 17.
UCLA Bruins at Stanford Cardinal
Walt Harris, the other new PAC 10 coach, still has managed to lose to UC Davis. However, if he beats UCLA and USC, he'll have the honor of being the second best football team in California (behind UC-Davis). It's not going to happen though. UCLA by 30.
Saturday at 7:00 pm
Texas Longhorns at Oklahoma State Cowboys
Texas has the opportunity to travel to the lesser of the Oklahomas and demonstrate yet again how much of a butt whooping it can give a really crappy opponent. Texas by 45.
Fresno State Bulldogs at Hawaii Warriors
Even though Boise State beat Hawaii by only 3 points, the Broncos also have a bad habit of playing down to their opponent's level at times, particularly in conference games. That is not a habit that Fresno State has, however. Look for the Bulldogs to administer quite a butt whooping, once they get over the jet lag and play football. Fresno State by 42.
Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kentucky Wildcats
Not even Mississippi State is pathetic enough to allow Kentucky to pull the upset. Kentucky has years of practice and experience at playing horrible football. Rich Brooks (I think he's the coach) will be forced to resign after this season if he isn't fired outright. Anyways, Bulldogs by 17.
San Jose State Spartans at Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
For some reason, Louisiana Tech is still in the WAC, though from a geogrophy perspective, it makes no sense after Rice and SMU joined C-USA. Maybe it makes sense from a scheduling perspective, as the Bulldogs can still beat up on Idaho, Utah State, San Jose State, and Hawaii. Gotta love the conference schedule. Louisiana Tech by 30.
Michigan Wolverines at Northwestern Wildcats
Michigan may have been able to beat Iowa, but that was more momentum than anything else. Northwestern has even more momentum going than Michigan, they are playing at home, and they can rack up points like few other teams in the NCAA. Did you see that butt whooping they gave to Michigan State IN EAST LANSING? Yikes. Nope, I can't pick against Northwestern, because they got it going on. Wildcats by 13.
Marshall Thundering Herd at Tulane Green Wave
Tulane is going through a lot after being dislocated by Katrina. I believe they've been playing some home games at Louisiana Tech, though they're going to have to move elsewhere, again. There's no telling where it will be held. They are getting home field advantage from a fan base perspective, as many people are turning up to give them support, but from knowing the playing surface? No way. Anyways, Marshall still has a decent team, though they are having quite a down year. Marshall by 6.
Saturday at 7:45 pm
South Carolina Gamecocks at Tennessee Volunteers
Both teams are going through their ups and downs at QB, but South Carolina is the team hurting more from it as Steve Spurrier is trying to run a Fun N' Gun offense from it. Ouch. Anyways, USC has proven over this year that while they can compete occasionally, they are still one of the worst teams in the SEC. Tennesee by 14.
Saturday at 8:00 pm
North Texas Mean Green at LSU Tigers
North Texas must be getting paid a lot of money for this game. They can beat no team outside the Sun Belt, and not only is LSU outside the Sun Belt, but they are regularly a top tier team in the SEC. North Texas doesn't stand a chance. Are they getting paid based on the margin of victory for LSU? For their sake, I hope so. LSU by 45.
Idaho Vandals at New Mexico State Aggies
Mumme says, "Idaho is a little like us. They've been struggling, so it should be a pretty good ballgame." Actually, if this game was on tv anywhere where I was, I might have to turn it off after seeing one of the most awful games of football known to man. Idaho has one win to NMSU's none. NMSU's coach is also undergoing investigation by ACLU for allegedly discriminating against a Muslim player. He has a lot on his mind. Like whether his losses and lawsuits will cost him a job at the end of the season. Anyways, Idaho by 7.
TCU Horned Frogs at San Diego State Aztecs
TCU is simply the better team, and that is all there is to it. They will not lose again for the rest of this regular season, as there is nobody in the MWC that can stop this awesome offense combined with a tenacious defense. Nobody. The Aztecs are going to have to run for shelter from the air attack, and pounding rushing attack. TCU by 27.
Last edited by fleaflicker on October 27th, 2005, 11:26 am, edited 7 times in total.
"To give anything less than the best is to sacrifice the gift." -Steve Prefontaine
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The Ancient Enemy
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Re: Week 9 picks
Well, apbk, you couldn't be more wrong, yet again.
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fleaflicker
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The Ancient Enemy
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Re: Week 9 picks
So they didn't sneak up on Tech and that proves I'm wrong? They're inconsistent. That means, they don't win every game, or lose every game. You dont knwo which team Foley is going to have show up. Inconsistent!!!
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fleaflicker
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The Ancient Enemy
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Re: Week 9 picks
I'm not just talking about this year. If you consider yourself a college football fan and you haven't noticed how BC is, you don't know very much.
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fleaflicker
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I am just talking about this year. I think playing in the bigger conference has helped them.
But yeah, I know that when they were back in the Big East they lost quite a few games they should have won. Especially last year, the next to last game (or maybe it was their last game) they had the Big East title all but wrapped up going to play Syracuse, and Syracuse blew them out of the water big time. I also think they lost to Pitt last year as well, which is another game that they should have won, but didn't. So far this year though, I haven't seen that behavior.
But yeah, I know that when they were back in the Big East they lost quite a few games they should have won. Especially last year, the next to last game (or maybe it was their last game) they had the Big East title all but wrapped up going to play Syracuse, and Syracuse blew them out of the water big time. I also think they lost to Pitt last year as well, which is another game that they should have won, but didn't. So far this year though, I haven't seen that behavior.
"To give anything less than the best is to sacrifice the gift." -Steve Prefontaine
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fleaflicker
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Yet another interesting week of college football has passed us by. Michigan has just made it three wins in a row, while Wisconsin and Penn State, by winning, are taking 8-1 records into their showdown at Happy Valley that is likely for the conference title. Missouri lost to a pretty bad Kansas team to remove itself from contention for the Big 12 North crown (or the race to see who can get slaughtered by Texas at the Big 12 Title game). The choke artists at Iowa State made Texas A&M choke big time. And Georgia, by losing at the World's Largest Cocktail Party, has been removed from the ranks of the unbeatens, largely due to D.J. Shockley's injury. Meanwhile LA Monroe still has the inside track to the Sun Belt Title, Rich Brooks has job security for another week after beating Mississippi State, and Steve Spurrier has just officially ruined Tennessee's season. That's a summary of this weeks games.
So how did your local college football 'experts' do this week? Well, my lead has just extended to 4 games, after going 34-12 for this weekend and TAE went 31-15. So the official standings are at 370-119 versus 366-123. However, with 6 weeks left in the regular season, and a bowl season to follow, anything can and likely will happen. That's how it stands for now, kiddies. Enjoy it while it lasts.
So how did your local college football 'experts' do this week? Well, my lead has just extended to 4 games, after going 34-12 for this weekend and TAE went 31-15. So the official standings are at 370-119 versus 366-123. However, with 6 weeks left in the regular season, and a bowl season to follow, anything can and likely will happen. That's how it stands for now, kiddies. Enjoy it while it lasts.
"To give anything less than the best is to sacrifice the gift." -Steve Prefontaine