Pigskin picking
You’ll have to excuse my 10-6 record of last week.
I lacked the proper focus and motivation.
To ensure I’m emotionally charged enough for this task, I’m going to leave the sideline and dance in the end zone after my first correct pick of this week.
Even if it means that my press box seat will be moved to the 8-yard line.
I’m 95-39 for the year, so I can afford an excessive celebration penalty.
Thursday appetizer
ACC
No. 11 Virginia Tech (6-2) at Georgia Tech (5-3)
Let’s see: Georgia Tech’s two best tailbacks are out with injuries. It can’t throw the ball. It’s facing one of the top defenses in the country. Sure, it makes perfect sense that they're 2.5-point favorites.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 20, Georgia Tech 13
Saturday main course
SEC
Troy (6-2) at No. 10 Georgia (6-2)
OK, based on the admonishment of SEC commissioner Mike Slive following Georgia’s end zone celebration against Florida, we probably won’t see Bulldogs offensive lineman Fernando Velasco doing a bump and grind dance on the goalpost after his team’s first touchdown against Troy. For that, we should be thankful. This has the makings of a trap game, but the Bulldogs should be motivated after last week. Plus, there’s a chance do-everything Troy QB Omar Haugabook won't play because of a hamstring pull. Don’t be surprised if the Trojans continue their habit of scaring the hair off Bowl Championship Series conference opponents.
Prediction: Georgia 38, Troy 27
No. 3 LSU (7-1) at No. 17 Alabama (6-2)
Alabama coach Nick Saban has spent most of the week denying there would be any trace of emotion when he faces off against his former team. Why is that so hard to believe? When has anyone seen Saban show a sappy, sentimental side?
Prediction: LSU 21, Alabama 17
Tennessee Tech (3-4) at No. 19 Auburn (6-3)
Auburn will momentarily interrupt its pattern of winning ugly and scoring as few points as possible.
Prediction: Auburn 42, Tennessee Tech 7
No. 23 South Carolina (6-3) at Arkansas (5-3)
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier can’t seem to settle on a quarterback. It’s Chris Smelley. No, it’s Blake Mitchell. No, it’s Smelley. OK, we’re in agreement. The revolving QB idea stinks. Fortunately for Spurrier, Arkansas coach Houston Nutt can’t figure out how to maximize the talents of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.
Prediction: South Carolina 21, Arkansas 17
Vanderbilt (5-3) at No. 18 Florida (5-3)
Don’t get too excited, but Vanderbilt could receive the stamp of bowl approval for the first time in a quarter century if it gets one more win. You don’t go that long between bowl berths without blowing a few opportunities along the way.
Prediction: Florida 26, Vanderbilt 20
Louisiana-Lafayette (1-7) at No. 24 Tennessee (5-3)
That coughing sound you heard late last Saturday night was a blown 21-point lead lodging in the throat of Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer. He can breath thanks to an overtime win over South Carolina that quieted rumblings about his job security (for now). This week, he can transport himself back to a happier time when he picked up his first career victory as a head coach. The year was 1992. The team was Southwestern Louisiana, which evolved in Louisiana-Lafayette.
Prediction: Tennessee 45, La. Lafayette 13
Northwestern State (3-5) at Ole Miss (2-7)
I got crucified by Ole Miss fans for ranking Ed Orgeron 12th in my preseason ranking of SEC coaches. That was August. Guess what I've heard from them during a run that includes zero SEC wins and a combined 11 points in the last two games.
This is the sound of crickets chirping.
Prediction: Ole Miss 23, Northwestern State 10
ACC
No. 21 Wake Forest (6-2) at Virginia (7-2)
If anyone has a chance to knock off Boston College before the ACC championship game, it’s Wake Forest.
Prediction: Wake Forest 24, Virginia 23
N.C. State (3-5) at Miami (5-3)
Miami has the chance to salvage something positive out of this season after storming back to beat Florida State last week.
Prediction: Miami 28, N.C. State 14
No. 25 Clemson (6-2) at Duke (1-7)
Clemson coach Tommy Bowden’s name continually pops up on various hotseat lists, but he always does just enough to keep his posterior out of the fire.
Prediction: Clemson 31, Duke 14
Maryland (4-4) at North Carolina (2-6)
Maryland has lost two games in a row.
Prediction: Maryland 25, UNC 21
Florida State (5-3) at No. 2 Boston College (8-0)
Boston College QB Matt Ryan didn’t have a particularly efficient game against Virginia Tech last week, but is there any doubt about his Heisman Trophy credentials? He’s proven to be Mr. Clutch.
Prediction: Boston College 34, FSU 24
Dessert
No. 6 Arizona State (8-0) at No. 4 Oregon (7-1)
It’s time to talk about Oregon as a possible BCS championship game sleeper.
Prediction: Oregon 38, Arizona State 31
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Counterintuitive policy
Major League Baseball likes to flex its biceps and tell the masses that it has the toughest, most comprehensive drug testing policy in professional sports.
Maybe so.
But the primary focus of such testing, other than ensuring fairness in the game, should be catching steroid and performance enhancing drug cheats by surprise.
But, according to the New York Times, major league baseball has done everything but fly banner-dragging airplanes over ballparks with such pronouncements as, ''Drug testing on Friday!''
According to the Times, baseball franchises regularly receive a day or two of notice before a testing agent actually arrives to receive samples from players.
Home teams are notified in advance to leave stadium access and parking passes for testers.
So much for covert testing.
This amounts to Major League Baseball saying: ''Hey, guys, start taking those masking agents. You have two days.''
Here's an idea: Have the testing agents park a block or two from the stadium and walk. Have Major League Baseball grant them full season passes that are accepted in every stadium. And, here's a novel concept, have them show up with no warning.
Until all of that happens, Major League Baseball can boast of its exhaustive anti-drug policy.
But it can't be especially proud of its enforcement practices.
Major League Baseball likes to flex its biceps and tell the masses that it has the toughest, most comprehensive drug testing policy in professional sports.
Maybe so.
But the primary focus of such testing, other than ensuring fairness in the game, should be catching steroid and performance enhancing drug cheats by surprise.
But, according to the New York Times, major league baseball has done everything but fly banner-dragging airplanes over ballparks with such pronouncements as, ''Drug testing on Friday!''
According to the Times, baseball franchises regularly receive a day or two of notice before a testing agent actually arrives to receive samples from players.
Home teams are notified in advance to leave stadium access and parking passes for testers.
So much for covert testing.
This amounts to Major League Baseball saying: ''Hey, guys, start taking those masking agents. You have two days.''
Here's an idea: Have the testing agents park a block or two from the stadium and walk. Have Major League Baseball grant them full season passes that are accepted in every stadium. And, here's a novel concept, have them show up with no warning.
Until all of that happens, Major League Baseball can boast of its exhaustive anti-drug policy.
But it can't be especially proud of its enforcement practices.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
This week’s pigskin picks
Weekends like the last one show me why I didn’t become an oddsmaker. I went an awful 8-8, bringing my season record to 85-33. Undaunted, I’m back for more punishment.
Tonight
No. 2 Boston College (7-0) at No. 8 Virginia Tech (6-1)
All of the national coach of the year awards should be two-man races involving Boston College’s Jeff Jagodzinski and South Florida’s Jim Leavitt. Jagodzinski has been nothing short of remarkable in his first year as a head coach. Virginia Tech’s defense and special teams could contribute big plays, but the Eagles are solid in all phases.
Prediction: Boston College 24, Virginia Tech 16
Saturday
SEC
No. 20 Georgia (5-2) at No. 9 Florida (5-2)
If Georgia wins, it could sneak into the SEC championship game through the back door. That would have been a tall order with a fully healthy team. With so many injuries at running back, it will be next to impossible.
Prediction: Florida 30, Georgia 21
Ole Miss (2-6) at No. 23 Auburn (5-3)
An improbable last-second touchdown pass at LSU added to Auburn’s collection of kick-in-the-gut defeats started by South Florida and Mississippi State. The Tigers are, without argument, the best three-loss team in the country.
Prediction: Auburn 34, Ole Miss 14
No. 15 South Carolina (6-2) at Tennessee (4-3)
Which version of the Vols will show up? The fluid team that ground up Georgia or the timid bunch that curled up in the fetal position in Tuscaloosa?
South Carolina should be ready to release some anger after losing to Vanderbilt. If the Gamecocks win, it will magnify the issue of Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer’s job security.
Prediction: South Carolina 20, Tennessee 17
Mississippi State (4-4) at No. 14 Kentucky (6-2)
Andre Woodson threw for five touchdowns and no interceptions last weekend in Kentucky’s loss to Florida. What do you suppose he’ll do against a lesser opponent?
Prediction: Kentucky 41, Mississippi State 20
Miami-Ohio (4-4) at Vanderbilt (4-3)
The Commodores inch a step closer to bowl eligibility against the other Miami.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 34, Miami-Ohio 21
ACC
Clemson (5-2) at Maryland (4-3)
Clemson teams under Tommy Bowden always have the capacity to disappoint, but the Tigers’ defense can be smothering.
Prediction: Clemson 27, Maryland 17
No. 21 Virginia (7-1) at N.C. State (2-5)
The Cavaliers have one of the least productive offenses in Division I. How did Virginia get into the Top 25? We’ll have more time to ponder that question since they’ll stick around for at least one more week.
Prediction: Virginia 21, N.C. State 14
Duke (1-6) at Florida State (4-3)
Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi suggested this week that it might be time for Florida State coach Bobby Bowden to bow out gracefully and enjoy retirement. A loss to Duke might make him more inclined to do that.
Prediction: Florida State 31, Duke 10
North Carolina (2-5) at Wake Forest (5-2)
Is it basketball season yet?
Prediction: Wake Forest 23, North Carolina 17
Other games of interest
Troy (5-2) at Arkansas State (3-4)
Troy turned the ball over seven times last week against North Texas and still won 52-7. The Trojans’ level of firepower is especially frightening in such a weak conference.
Prediction: Troy 42, Arkansas State 17
No. 6 West Virginia (6-1) at No. 25 Rutgers (5-2)
Rutgers snatched the Cinderella slipper off South Florida’s foot a couple weeks ago. Tailback Ray Rice can be dynamic, but West Virginia features an inordinate amount of team speed on offense. Plus, the Mountaineers can work their way back into BCS title game contention -- assuming, there are more upsets.
Prediction: West Virginia 28, Rutgers 24
No. 11 South Florida (6-1) at UConn (6-1)
Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese actually called Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich to apologize for a series of botched calls that factored into UConn’s win over the Cardinals last week. South Florida may have to apologize for wiping its feet on a fraud 1-loss team.
Prediction: South Florida 31, UConn 20
No. 1 Ohio State (8-0) at No. 24 Penn State (6-2)
Ohio State won’t run the table, but it won’t pick up its loss in Happy Valley. The Buckeyes’ defense is playing too well to get jumped by a limited Penn State offense.
Prediction: Ohio State 20, Penn State 10
No. 12 Kansas (7-0) at Texas A&M (6-2)
Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione has been on the hotseat, partly because of the little $1,200 a pop newletter side business he had going. Problem is, how do you fire a coach who could guide his team to a nine-win season?
Prediction: Texas A&M 34, Kansas 28
No. 9 Southern Cal (6-1) at No. 5 Oregon (6-1)
Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon has played as well as anyone since its loss to Cal. Time for some new blood to replace the Pac-10 blueblood in the BCS.
Prediction: Oregon 27, USC 24
Weekends like the last one show me why I didn’t become an oddsmaker. I went an awful 8-8, bringing my season record to 85-33. Undaunted, I’m back for more punishment.
Tonight
No. 2 Boston College (7-0) at No. 8 Virginia Tech (6-1)
All of the national coach of the year awards should be two-man races involving Boston College’s Jeff Jagodzinski and South Florida’s Jim Leavitt. Jagodzinski has been nothing short of remarkable in his first year as a head coach. Virginia Tech’s defense and special teams could contribute big plays, but the Eagles are solid in all phases.
Prediction: Boston College 24, Virginia Tech 16
Saturday
SEC
No. 20 Georgia (5-2) at No. 9 Florida (5-2)
If Georgia wins, it could sneak into the SEC championship game through the back door. That would have been a tall order with a fully healthy team. With so many injuries at running back, it will be next to impossible.
Prediction: Florida 30, Georgia 21
Ole Miss (2-6) at No. 23 Auburn (5-3)
An improbable last-second touchdown pass at LSU added to Auburn’s collection of kick-in-the-gut defeats started by South Florida and Mississippi State. The Tigers are, without argument, the best three-loss team in the country.
Prediction: Auburn 34, Ole Miss 14
No. 15 South Carolina (6-2) at Tennessee (4-3)
Which version of the Vols will show up? The fluid team that ground up Georgia or the timid bunch that curled up in the fetal position in Tuscaloosa?
South Carolina should be ready to release some anger after losing to Vanderbilt. If the Gamecocks win, it will magnify the issue of Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer’s job security.
Prediction: South Carolina 20, Tennessee 17
Mississippi State (4-4) at No. 14 Kentucky (6-2)
Andre Woodson threw for five touchdowns and no interceptions last weekend in Kentucky’s loss to Florida. What do you suppose he’ll do against a lesser opponent?
Prediction: Kentucky 41, Mississippi State 20
Miami-Ohio (4-4) at Vanderbilt (4-3)
The Commodores inch a step closer to bowl eligibility against the other Miami.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 34, Miami-Ohio 21
ACC
Clemson (5-2) at Maryland (4-3)
Clemson teams under Tommy Bowden always have the capacity to disappoint, but the Tigers’ defense can be smothering.
Prediction: Clemson 27, Maryland 17
No. 21 Virginia (7-1) at N.C. State (2-5)
The Cavaliers have one of the least productive offenses in Division I. How did Virginia get into the Top 25? We’ll have more time to ponder that question since they’ll stick around for at least one more week.
Prediction: Virginia 21, N.C. State 14
Duke (1-6) at Florida State (4-3)
Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi suggested this week that it might be time for Florida State coach Bobby Bowden to bow out gracefully and enjoy retirement. A loss to Duke might make him more inclined to do that.
Prediction: Florida State 31, Duke 10
North Carolina (2-5) at Wake Forest (5-2)
Is it basketball season yet?
Prediction: Wake Forest 23, North Carolina 17
Other games of interest
Troy (5-2) at Arkansas State (3-4)
Troy turned the ball over seven times last week against North Texas and still won 52-7. The Trojans’ level of firepower is especially frightening in such a weak conference.
Prediction: Troy 42, Arkansas State 17
No. 6 West Virginia (6-1) at No. 25 Rutgers (5-2)
Rutgers snatched the Cinderella slipper off South Florida’s foot a couple weeks ago. Tailback Ray Rice can be dynamic, but West Virginia features an inordinate amount of team speed on offense. Plus, the Mountaineers can work their way back into BCS title game contention -- assuming, there are more upsets.
Prediction: West Virginia 28, Rutgers 24
No. 11 South Florida (6-1) at UConn (6-1)
Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese actually called Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich to apologize for a series of botched calls that factored into UConn’s win over the Cardinals last week. South Florida may have to apologize for wiping its feet on a fraud 1-loss team.
Prediction: South Florida 31, UConn 20
No. 1 Ohio State (8-0) at No. 24 Penn State (6-2)
Ohio State won’t run the table, but it won’t pick up its loss in Happy Valley. The Buckeyes’ defense is playing too well to get jumped by a limited Penn State offense.
Prediction: Ohio State 20, Penn State 10
No. 12 Kansas (7-0) at Texas A&M (6-2)
Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione has been on the hotseat, partly because of the little $1,200 a pop newletter side business he had going. Problem is, how do you fire a coach who could guide his team to a nine-win season?
Prediction: Texas A&M 34, Kansas 28
No. 9 Southern Cal (6-1) at No. 5 Oregon (6-1)
Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon has played as well as anyone since its loss to Cal. Time for some new blood to replace the Pac-10 blueblood in the BCS.
Prediction: Oregon 27, USC 24
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Shameless self-promotion
We interrupt this day to bring you a frivolous exercise in ego-stroking.
The fine folks at Swampland.com, a Web site devoted to sports, music and other Southern cultural staples, asked me to participate in a series of interviews they’re doing with different sports writers and columnists in the region.
It can be found at:
http://www.swampland.com/articles/view/sports/450%20%20I%20think%20som
My interview covers some general background information as well as specific questions about our market and fan interests.
Speaking of which, I’m in the process of writing a column regarding the Georgia-Florida rivalry. Georgia coach Mark Richt was asked this week about the possibility of the game being rotated between Jackonville and another so-called neutral site (ie. Atlanta) in the not-too-distant future. The schools’ contract with Jacksonville will be open for re-negotiation after the 2010 game.
We interrupt this day to bring you a frivolous exercise in ego-stroking.
The fine folks at Swampland.com, a Web site devoted to sports, music and other Southern cultural staples, asked me to participate in a series of interviews they’re doing with different sports writers and columnists in the region.
It can be found at:
http://www.swampland.com/articles/view/sports/450%20%20I%20think%20som
My interview covers some general background information as well as specific questions about our market and fan interests.
Speaking of which, I’m in the process of writing a column regarding the Georgia-Florida rivalry. Georgia coach Mark Richt was asked this week about the possibility of the game being rotated between Jackonville and another so-called neutral site (ie. Atlanta) in the not-too-distant future. The schools’ contract with Jacksonville will be open for re-negotiation after the 2010 game.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Raising the white flag
It’s fitting that Byron Leftwich had been designated as the Atlanta Falcons’ ‘‘emergency quarterback’’ after missing two days of practice with an ankle sprain before a Monday Night Football game against the Giants.
If ever there was an emergency, this is it.
The Falcons are 1-5.
They are ranked 27th in the league in total offense and 29th in scoring offense.
They have scored six touchdowns in six games.
So Atlanta head coach Bobby Petrino went to his bullpen Wednesday.
Leftwich will replace Joey Harrington as the starter for Sunday’s game against New Orleans.
Before you start reserving your playoff tickets, please understand that this won’t change much of anything.
The Falcons’ problems go well beyond one player or one position.
Besides, it wasn’t as if Harrington should have been seen as the primary problem here. He’s completed 123-of-195 passes for 1,279 yards and owns an 80.3 quarterback rating. There were plenty of seasons when Michael Vick didn’t come close to those numbers after six games.
But Harrington is no Vick when it comes to avoiding pass rushers. Thanks in part to Atlanta’s ineffective offensive line, opponents have piled up 22 sacks.
That trend probably won’t improve now that Harrington has been replaced by the less mobile Leftwich.
For this offense to have any semblance of upward mobility, it needs to become well acquainted with running back Jerious Norwood.
Yeah, you know, the guy who broke off the 67-yard touchdown run against the Giants the other night.
He might need to wear a name tag so the Atlanta coaching staff remembers him. They obviously forgot Monday night.
Despite providing his team’s one big play of the first half, Norwood carried the ball just six times for 87 yards.
But look on the bright side.
If Atlanta’s offense continues to ignore its best playmaker and play QB switcharoo each week, it will likely be in prime position to win the Andre Woodson sweepstakes.
It’s fitting that Byron Leftwich had been designated as the Atlanta Falcons’ ‘‘emergency quarterback’’ after missing two days of practice with an ankle sprain before a Monday Night Football game against the Giants.
If ever there was an emergency, this is it.
The Falcons are 1-5.
They are ranked 27th in the league in total offense and 29th in scoring offense.
They have scored six touchdowns in six games.
So Atlanta head coach Bobby Petrino went to his bullpen Wednesday.
Leftwich will replace Joey Harrington as the starter for Sunday’s game against New Orleans.
Before you start reserving your playoff tickets, please understand that this won’t change much of anything.
The Falcons’ problems go well beyond one player or one position.
Besides, it wasn’t as if Harrington should have been seen as the primary problem here. He’s completed 123-of-195 passes for 1,279 yards and owns an 80.3 quarterback rating. There were plenty of seasons when Michael Vick didn’t come close to those numbers after six games.
But Harrington is no Vick when it comes to avoiding pass rushers. Thanks in part to Atlanta’s ineffective offensive line, opponents have piled up 22 sacks.
That trend probably won’t improve now that Harrington has been replaced by the less mobile Leftwich.
For this offense to have any semblance of upward mobility, it needs to become well acquainted with running back Jerious Norwood.
Yeah, you know, the guy who broke off the 67-yard touchdown run against the Giants the other night.
He might need to wear a name tag so the Atlanta coaching staff remembers him. They obviously forgot Monday night.
Despite providing his team’s one big play of the first half, Norwood carried the ball just six times for 87 yards.
But look on the bright side.
If Atlanta’s offense continues to ignore its best playmaker and play QB switcharoo each week, it will likely be in prime position to win the Andre Woodson sweepstakes.
This week’s Pigskin Picks
Got blindsided by Kentucky last week, but then again, so did LSU.
Still managed to go a sterling 10-2, bringing your college football oracle’s season record to 85-33.
Here’s how this week’s games should go down:
Thursday night appetizer
No. 2 South Florida (6-0) at Rutgers (4-2)
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing your fly in the 2007-08 Bowl Championship Series punch bowl ... the South Florida Bulls. The herd of undefeated teams thins out each week, but I like the Bulls’ chances of running the table. Defensive end George Selvie has been unblockable and there’s an abundance of speed on both sides of the ball.
Prediction: South Florida 34, Rutgers 28
Saturday
Southeastern Conference
No. 17 Auburn (5-2) at No. 4 LSU (6-1)
Auburn will go on the road as an underdog again, but the Tigers have won 14 of their last 15 SEC games away from home. Given the gusto with which Auburn plays defense, this should be a tight helmet-knocker of a game. Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, whom an ESPN boom microphone caught praising his defense in technicolor speak (‘‘Boom! Knock those mutha(bleep)’s out!’’) after a crucial stop, should devise a way to frustrate LSU.
LSU’s passing game hasn't been especially fluid the last few weeks, so Auburn could engineer an upset if they make the Bayou Tigers one-dimensional.
I’m betting that it happens because Muschamp is proving to be one bad, strategic mutha-(what he said).
Prediction: Auburn 14, LSU 10
No. 21 Tennessee (4-2) at Alabama (5-2)
The Third Saturday of October doesn’t have quite the same allure. Attention will mostly be focused elsewhere (ie. Baton Rouge and Lexington), but this game will certainly factor into the SEC championship equation.
Alabama escaped plucky Ole Miss with the help of a controversial replay ruling, while Tennessee has quietly improved since its two early losses.
Prediction: Tennessee 24, Alabama 20
Vanderbilt (3-3) at No. 6 South Carolina (6-1)
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier is known for offense, but the Gamecocks’ defense has been phenomenal this season. They rank third nationally in pass defense, allowing just 149.1 yards per game and a 49.3 percent completion rate.
Prediction: South Carolina 28, Vanderbilt 13
No. 15 Florida (4-2) at No. 7 Kentucky (6-1)
Kentucky quarterback Andre Woodson put himself back in Heisman Trophy contention with a stellar performance against formerly top-ranked LSU. The stat that mattered most from that game, however, was the absence of quarterback sacks by LSU. I think Florida could be the best two-loss team in the country, but Kentucky has momentum and confidence.
Prediction: Kentucky 27, Florida 23
Mississippi State (4-3) at No. 9 West Virginia (5-1)
Tempted to pick upset here, simply because Mississippi State has played everyone but LSU close this season. The Bulldogs have been pretty salty on defense, thanks to Titus Brown, but West Virginia’s spread option offense is always productive. Only South Florida has solved the puzzle this season.
Prediction: West Virginia 24, Mississippi State 13
Arkansas (3-3) at Ole Miss (2-5)
Arkansas has shown the repeated ability to lose-from-in-front, which has done nothing to endear head coach Houston Nutt to Razorback Nation. It’s odd that the defending SEC West champs would be 0-3 in the league at this point despite having the nation’s most productive running game.
Prediction: Arkansas 28, Ole Miss 20
Atlantic Coast Conference
Army (3-4) at Georgia Tech (4-3)
Georgia Tech has been all over the place this season. Just when they start to resemble Georgia Yech, tailback Tashard Choice bails them out with one of his patented 35-carry, 150-yard afternoons.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 31, Army 13
Miami (4-3) at Florida State (4-2)
Remember when this game mattered?
Yeah, those images are starting to fade from my mind too.
Prediction: FSU 17, Miami 16
No. 19 Virginia (6-1) at Maryland (4-2)
People have been waiting for the wheels to fall off the Al Groh Express. We could see the lugnuts loosened this week.
Prediction: Maryland 23, Virginia 20.
Wake Forest (4-2) at Navy (4-2)
Wake Forest has been stingy against the run, allowing 100 yards per game on the ground, but Navy's triple option will present some difficulties. The Demon Deacons have won four straight and could emerge as a spoiler in the ACC East.
Prediction: Wake Forest 31, Navy 27
Central Michigan (4-3) at Clemson (4-2)
Clemson represents the ACC’s most confounding team not named Georgia Tech. The Tigers’ special teams have been horrible at times this season, but their defense should be good enough to limit Central Michigan’s potent passing attack.
Prediction: Clemson 38, Central Michigan 21
North Carolina State (1-5) at East Carolina (4-3)
Do you think N.C. State coach Tom O’Brien regrets on bailing out at Boston College?
Prediction: East Carolina 24, N.C. State 14
Sun Belt
North Texas (0-6) at Troy (4-2)
Troy QB Omar Haugabook should pass for 300-plus yards against North Texas' inept defense.
Prediction: Troy 45, North Texas 10
National games of interest
Michigan State at No. 1 Ohio State
No, Ohio State really hasn’t played anyone especially good yet.
Yes, Michigan State’s offense could put some dents in the scoreboard.
No, an upset won’t happen.
But take heart, Buckeye-haters. A loss is bound to happen in a finishing run that includes Penn State, Wisconsin, Illinois and a resurgent Michigan.
Prediction: Ohio State 27, Michigan State 20
No. 24 Texas Tech (6-1) at No. 16 Missouri (5-1)
Texas Tech has won three straight games by a combined margin of 152-31. The Red Raiders are better on defense this year, but they’ll have to step it up against Mizzou QB Chase Daniel (345.5 passing yards per game). Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell should match him yard-for-yard.
Prediction: Texas Tech 42, Mizzou 38
Got blindsided by Kentucky last week, but then again, so did LSU.
Still managed to go a sterling 10-2, bringing your college football oracle’s season record to 85-33.
Here’s how this week’s games should go down:
Thursday night appetizer
No. 2 South Florida (6-0) at Rutgers (4-2)
Ladies and gentlemen, introducing your fly in the 2007-08 Bowl Championship Series punch bowl ... the South Florida Bulls. The herd of undefeated teams thins out each week, but I like the Bulls’ chances of running the table. Defensive end George Selvie has been unblockable and there’s an abundance of speed on both sides of the ball.
Prediction: South Florida 34, Rutgers 28
Saturday
Southeastern Conference
No. 17 Auburn (5-2) at No. 4 LSU (6-1)
Auburn will go on the road as an underdog again, but the Tigers have won 14 of their last 15 SEC games away from home. Given the gusto with which Auburn plays defense, this should be a tight helmet-knocker of a game. Defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, whom an ESPN boom microphone caught praising his defense in technicolor speak (‘‘Boom! Knock those mutha(bleep)’s out!’’) after a crucial stop, should devise a way to frustrate LSU.
LSU’s passing game hasn't been especially fluid the last few weeks, so Auburn could engineer an upset if they make the Bayou Tigers one-dimensional.
I’m betting that it happens because Muschamp is proving to be one bad, strategic mutha-(what he said).
Prediction: Auburn 14, LSU 10
No. 21 Tennessee (4-2) at Alabama (5-2)
The Third Saturday of October doesn’t have quite the same allure. Attention will mostly be focused elsewhere (ie. Baton Rouge and Lexington), but this game will certainly factor into the SEC championship equation.
Alabama escaped plucky Ole Miss with the help of a controversial replay ruling, while Tennessee has quietly improved since its two early losses.
Prediction: Tennessee 24, Alabama 20
Vanderbilt (3-3) at No. 6 South Carolina (6-1)
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier is known for offense, but the Gamecocks’ defense has been phenomenal this season. They rank third nationally in pass defense, allowing just 149.1 yards per game and a 49.3 percent completion rate.
Prediction: South Carolina 28, Vanderbilt 13
No. 15 Florida (4-2) at No. 7 Kentucky (6-1)
Kentucky quarterback Andre Woodson put himself back in Heisman Trophy contention with a stellar performance against formerly top-ranked LSU. The stat that mattered most from that game, however, was the absence of quarterback sacks by LSU. I think Florida could be the best two-loss team in the country, but Kentucky has momentum and confidence.
Prediction: Kentucky 27, Florida 23
Mississippi State (4-3) at No. 9 West Virginia (5-1)
Tempted to pick upset here, simply because Mississippi State has played everyone but LSU close this season. The Bulldogs have been pretty salty on defense, thanks to Titus Brown, but West Virginia’s spread option offense is always productive. Only South Florida has solved the puzzle this season.
Prediction: West Virginia 24, Mississippi State 13
Arkansas (3-3) at Ole Miss (2-5)
Arkansas has shown the repeated ability to lose-from-in-front, which has done nothing to endear head coach Houston Nutt to Razorback Nation. It’s odd that the defending SEC West champs would be 0-3 in the league at this point despite having the nation’s most productive running game.
Prediction: Arkansas 28, Ole Miss 20
Atlantic Coast Conference
Army (3-4) at Georgia Tech (4-3)
Georgia Tech has been all over the place this season. Just when they start to resemble Georgia Yech, tailback Tashard Choice bails them out with one of his patented 35-carry, 150-yard afternoons.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 31, Army 13
Miami (4-3) at Florida State (4-2)
Remember when this game mattered?
Yeah, those images are starting to fade from my mind too.
Prediction: FSU 17, Miami 16
No. 19 Virginia (6-1) at Maryland (4-2)
People have been waiting for the wheels to fall off the Al Groh Express. We could see the lugnuts loosened this week.
Prediction: Maryland 23, Virginia 20.
Wake Forest (4-2) at Navy (4-2)
Wake Forest has been stingy against the run, allowing 100 yards per game on the ground, but Navy's triple option will present some difficulties. The Demon Deacons have won four straight and could emerge as a spoiler in the ACC East.
Prediction: Wake Forest 31, Navy 27
Central Michigan (4-3) at Clemson (4-2)
Clemson represents the ACC’s most confounding team not named Georgia Tech. The Tigers’ special teams have been horrible at times this season, but their defense should be good enough to limit Central Michigan’s potent passing attack.
Prediction: Clemson 38, Central Michigan 21
North Carolina State (1-5) at East Carolina (4-3)
Do you think N.C. State coach Tom O’Brien regrets on bailing out at Boston College?
Prediction: East Carolina 24, N.C. State 14
Sun Belt
North Texas (0-6) at Troy (4-2)
Troy QB Omar Haugabook should pass for 300-plus yards against North Texas' inept defense.
Prediction: Troy 45, North Texas 10
National games of interest
Michigan State at No. 1 Ohio State
No, Ohio State really hasn’t played anyone especially good yet.
Yes, Michigan State’s offense could put some dents in the scoreboard.
No, an upset won’t happen.
But take heart, Buckeye-haters. A loss is bound to happen in a finishing run that includes Penn State, Wisconsin, Illinois and a resurgent Michigan.
Prediction: Ohio State 27, Michigan State 20
No. 24 Texas Tech (6-1) at No. 16 Missouri (5-1)
Texas Tech has won three straight games by a combined margin of 152-31. The Red Raiders are better on defense this year, but they’ll have to step it up against Mizzou QB Chase Daniel (345.5 passing yards per game). Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell should match him yard-for-yard.
Prediction: Texas Tech 42, Mizzou 38
Monday, October 15, 2007
Put down your dukes
Hearing reports from 44-year-old Evander Holyfield’s heavyweight title bout loss to 32-year-old Sultan Ibragimov in Russia over the weekend made me think of the movie ‘‘Rocky IV.’’
Unfortunately, it made me think of Apollo Creed.
Creed got killed in the ring by Ivan Drago, the half-man, half-cyborg heavyweight whose punches had the power to liquify internal organs and stop a charging rhinocerous. Anyway, given Holyfield’s age and his new diversion of following retired champ George Foreman into the indoor barbecue grill industry, I really worried that he would become another Apollo Creed.
He didn’t kiss the canvas on Saturday, but he lost a unanimous decision.
That makes him 5-5-1 since he last wore a championship belt in 2000, but all of his victories have come against no-names.
The writing should be on the wall, on large block letters.
Roger Mayweather, Ibragimov's trainer, and the uncle of unbeaten welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather, said after Saturday’s fight: "If he couldn't get past this shot, it's time to walk away. He's won the championship four times. What's left to prove?’’
Exactly. Holyfield owns a 42-9-2 record and four titles. He overcame a heart condition in the mid-1990s (he says a faith healer fixed everything) and he stood up to Mike Tyson (he has the gnawed-on ear to show for it).
There’s nothing more for him to do than rest on his laurels and sell his barbecue grills, but it doesn’t sound as if he’ll be content to do that.
‘‘My goal is still to be undisputed heavyweight champion of the world,’’ he told reporters after his fight.
If he really insists on continuing such a quixotic quest, he may become something else.
A once-great boxer who loses his health to such an extreme that he can no longer enjoy the riches he accumulated.
Hearing reports from 44-year-old Evander Holyfield’s heavyweight title bout loss to 32-year-old Sultan Ibragimov in Russia over the weekend made me think of the movie ‘‘Rocky IV.’’
Unfortunately, it made me think of Apollo Creed.
Creed got killed in the ring by Ivan Drago, the half-man, half-cyborg heavyweight whose punches had the power to liquify internal organs and stop a charging rhinocerous. Anyway, given Holyfield’s age and his new diversion of following retired champ George Foreman into the indoor barbecue grill industry, I really worried that he would become another Apollo Creed.
He didn’t kiss the canvas on Saturday, but he lost a unanimous decision.
That makes him 5-5-1 since he last wore a championship belt in 2000, but all of his victories have come against no-names.
The writing should be on the wall, on large block letters.
Roger Mayweather, Ibragimov's trainer, and the uncle of unbeaten welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather, said after Saturday’s fight: "If he couldn't get past this shot, it's time to walk away. He's won the championship four times. What's left to prove?’’
Exactly. Holyfield owns a 42-9-2 record and four titles. He overcame a heart condition in the mid-1990s (he says a faith healer fixed everything) and he stood up to Mike Tyson (he has the gnawed-on ear to show for it).
There’s nothing more for him to do than rest on his laurels and sell his barbecue grills, but it doesn’t sound as if he’ll be content to do that.
‘‘My goal is still to be undisputed heavyweight champion of the world,’’ he told reporters after his fight.
If he really insists on continuing such a quixotic quest, he may become something else.
A once-great boxer who loses his health to such an extreme that he can no longer enjoy the riches he accumulated.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Pigskin Picking
I’m still waiting for the bruises to heal.
The crazy pattern of college football upsets continued with teams like Tennessee and Notre Dame swinging a pillow case full of soda cans and effectively beating the daylights out of my predictions.
I went 13-9, dropping me to 75-31 for the season.
Undaunted, I’m back to risk further punishment.
Let the picking commence ...
Southeastern Conference
Alabama (4-2) at Ole Miss (2-4)
Last week’s hold-your-breath 30-24 win over Houston demonstrates yet again that Alabama coach Nick Saban will need more time to get the Crimson Tide up to his standards. They’ll get pushed to the wall again this week.
Prediction: Alabama 27, Ole Miss 19
No. 24 Georgia (4-2) at Vanderbilt (3-2)
Let’s see: Georgia’s defense went AWOL at Tennessee last week, tailback Thomas Brown got injured and quarterback Matthew Stafford struggled mightily. As flawed as Georgia appears at this moment, head coach Mark Richt didn’t suddenly forget how to do his job.
Prediction: Georgia 21, Vanderbilt 10
No. 22 Auburn (4-2) at Arkansas (3-2)
Arkansas coach Houston Nutt will have some serious ’splain-in to do if the Hogs fall to 0-3 in the SEC despite having Darren McFadden and Felix Jones at their disposal. They have the motivation to pull an upset, but Auburn seems to have found its way.
Prediction: Auburn 27, Arkansas 17
No. 7 South Carolina (5-1) at North Carolina (2-4)
North Carolina coach Butch Davis sprang a huge surprise against Miami, his former team, last week. South Carolina hasn’t won in true Steve Spurrier fashion this season. They’ve relied on ball control and defense rather than big pass plays. Somehow, it works.
Prediction: South Carolina 31, North Carolina 13
No. 1 LSU (6-0) at No. 17 Kentucky (5-1)
LSU’s defense had some difficulty defending against mobile Florida quarterback Tim Tebow last week, but knuckled down in the second half. When push comes to shove, their defensive line gets the job done.
Prediction: LSU 34, Kentucky 20
No. 25 Tennessee (3-2) at Mississippi State (4-2)
Mississippi State’s defense has been respectable, allowing just 322 total yards per game, but the Bulldogs won’t be able to score enough to keep up against the Vols.
Prediction: Tennessee 24, Mississippi State 7
Atlantic Coast Conference
Georgia Tech (3-3) at Miami (4-2)
Miami offensive coordinator Patrick Nix goes up against his former employer. The Hurricanes were horrible against North Carolina last week, but Georgia Tech has been equally unpredictable.
Prediction: Miami 16, Georgia Tech 10
No. 12 Virginia Tech (5-1) at Duke (1-5)
Virginia Tech is much improved since its opening blowout loss against LSU. The Hokies’ special teams contributed kickoff and punt returns for touchdowns against Clemson.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 37, Duke 13
No. 4 Boston College (6-0) at Notre Dame (1-5)
Oddly enough, Boston College has won the last four games in the rivalry. Given the state of the respective programs today, No. 5 should be a mere formality.
Prediction: Boston College 34, Notre Dame 16
UConn (5-0) at Virginia (5-1)
Virginia actually could have been unbeaten heading into this weekend. A 23-3 loss to Wyoming represents the only blemish for a team that is surprisingly sitting atop the ACC Coastal Division. UConn is one of 11 unbeaten teams, but the Huskies’ most notable wins came against Duke and Pitt.
Prediction: Virginia 24, UConn 17
National games of interest
No. 6 Oklahoma (5-1) at No. 11 Missouri (5-0)
Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel has quietly put himself on Heisman Trophy watch lists. The Tigers thumped Nebraska last week, but will receive a much stronger test from Oklahoma's defense.
Prediction: Oklahoma 28, Missouri 27
Central Florida (3-2) at No. 5 South Florida (5-0)
Central Florida nearly toppled Texas earlier this season and features a darkhorse Heisman candidate in tailback Kevin Smith (860 yards, 11 TDs), but South Florida should be ready. The Bulls stuffed Auburn’s offense and shut down West Virginia scatback Steve Slaton earlier this season. South Florida’s magical ride continues.
Prediction: South Florida 26, UCF 17
I’m still waiting for the bruises to heal.
The crazy pattern of college football upsets continued with teams like Tennessee and Notre Dame swinging a pillow case full of soda cans and effectively beating the daylights out of my predictions.
I went 13-9, dropping me to 75-31 for the season.
Undaunted, I’m back to risk further punishment.
Let the picking commence ...
Southeastern Conference
Alabama (4-2) at Ole Miss (2-4)
Last week’s hold-your-breath 30-24 win over Houston demonstrates yet again that Alabama coach Nick Saban will need more time to get the Crimson Tide up to his standards. They’ll get pushed to the wall again this week.
Prediction: Alabama 27, Ole Miss 19
No. 24 Georgia (4-2) at Vanderbilt (3-2)
Let’s see: Georgia’s defense went AWOL at Tennessee last week, tailback Thomas Brown got injured and quarterback Matthew Stafford struggled mightily. As flawed as Georgia appears at this moment, head coach Mark Richt didn’t suddenly forget how to do his job.
Prediction: Georgia 21, Vanderbilt 10
No. 22 Auburn (4-2) at Arkansas (3-2)
Arkansas coach Houston Nutt will have some serious ’splain-in to do if the Hogs fall to 0-3 in the SEC despite having Darren McFadden and Felix Jones at their disposal. They have the motivation to pull an upset, but Auburn seems to have found its way.
Prediction: Auburn 27, Arkansas 17
No. 7 South Carolina (5-1) at North Carolina (2-4)
North Carolina coach Butch Davis sprang a huge surprise against Miami, his former team, last week. South Carolina hasn’t won in true Steve Spurrier fashion this season. They’ve relied on ball control and defense rather than big pass plays. Somehow, it works.
Prediction: South Carolina 31, North Carolina 13
No. 1 LSU (6-0) at No. 17 Kentucky (5-1)
LSU’s defense had some difficulty defending against mobile Florida quarterback Tim Tebow last week, but knuckled down in the second half. When push comes to shove, their defensive line gets the job done.
Prediction: LSU 34, Kentucky 20
No. 25 Tennessee (3-2) at Mississippi State (4-2)
Mississippi State’s defense has been respectable, allowing just 322 total yards per game, but the Bulldogs won’t be able to score enough to keep up against the Vols.
Prediction: Tennessee 24, Mississippi State 7
Atlantic Coast Conference
Georgia Tech (3-3) at Miami (4-2)
Miami offensive coordinator Patrick Nix goes up against his former employer. The Hurricanes were horrible against North Carolina last week, but Georgia Tech has been equally unpredictable.
Prediction: Miami 16, Georgia Tech 10
No. 12 Virginia Tech (5-1) at Duke (1-5)
Virginia Tech is much improved since its opening blowout loss against LSU. The Hokies’ special teams contributed kickoff and punt returns for touchdowns against Clemson.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 37, Duke 13
No. 4 Boston College (6-0) at Notre Dame (1-5)
Oddly enough, Boston College has won the last four games in the rivalry. Given the state of the respective programs today, No. 5 should be a mere formality.
Prediction: Boston College 34, Notre Dame 16
UConn (5-0) at Virginia (5-1)
Virginia actually could have been unbeaten heading into this weekend. A 23-3 loss to Wyoming represents the only blemish for a team that is surprisingly sitting atop the ACC Coastal Division. UConn is one of 11 unbeaten teams, but the Huskies’ most notable wins came against Duke and Pitt.
Prediction: Virginia 24, UConn 17
National games of interest
No. 6 Oklahoma (5-1) at No. 11 Missouri (5-0)
Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel has quietly put himself on Heisman Trophy watch lists. The Tigers thumped Nebraska last week, but will receive a much stronger test from Oklahoma's defense.
Prediction: Oklahoma 28, Missouri 27
Central Florida (3-2) at No. 5 South Florida (5-0)
Central Florida nearly toppled Texas earlier this season and features a darkhorse Heisman candidate in tailback Kevin Smith (860 yards, 11 TDs), but South Florida should be ready. The Bulls stuffed Auburn’s offense and shut down West Virginia scatback Steve Slaton earlier this season. South Florida’s magical ride continues.
Prediction: South Florida 26, UCF 17
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Schuerholz stepping aside
The artisan of the Atlanta Braves’ worst-to-first transformation put down his paint brush today.
General manager John Schuerholz stepped aside.
Schuerholz moved up the organizational chart and became the team’s president, turning his general manager responsibilities over to assistant Frank Wren.
Schuerholz’s accomplishments from 1991-2007 make him an excellent candidate for eventual Cooperstown enshrinement. The 67-year-old Schuerholz, who worked his way up the ranks after beginning his career as an administrative assistant for Baltimore in 1967, leaves his post as one of the most successful executives in professional sports history.
Jump into the time machine and go back to the beginning of his Atlanta tenure. The Braves, coming off a last-place division finish in 1990, won the first of 14 consecutive pennants in 1991.
The only real knock against Schuerholz, aside from the Braves’ postseason absence these last couple years (perhaps a symptom of its ownership as much as anything else), is their lack of World Series rings.
The Braves have only the 1995 World Series trophy to show for all of their sustained success. It should be noted that Schuerholz shared in the Kansas City Royals’ 1985 world championship, which makes him the only general manager to win titles with two different organizations.
How do you think Schuerholz’s career will be judged?
I’ll weigh in with a column that can soon be found at www.ledger-enquirer.com/sports, but I want to know what you think.
Do the Braves’ postseason failures tarnish his overall body of work?
The artisan of the Atlanta Braves’ worst-to-first transformation put down his paint brush today.
General manager John Schuerholz stepped aside.
Schuerholz moved up the organizational chart and became the team’s president, turning his general manager responsibilities over to assistant Frank Wren.
Schuerholz’s accomplishments from 1991-2007 make him an excellent candidate for eventual Cooperstown enshrinement. The 67-year-old Schuerholz, who worked his way up the ranks after beginning his career as an administrative assistant for Baltimore in 1967, leaves his post as one of the most successful executives in professional sports history.
Jump into the time machine and go back to the beginning of his Atlanta tenure. The Braves, coming off a last-place division finish in 1990, won the first of 14 consecutive pennants in 1991.
The only real knock against Schuerholz, aside from the Braves’ postseason absence these last couple years (perhaps a symptom of its ownership as much as anything else), is their lack of World Series rings.
The Braves have only the 1995 World Series trophy to show for all of their sustained success. It should be noted that Schuerholz shared in the Kansas City Royals’ 1985 world championship, which makes him the only general manager to win titles with two different organizations.
How do you think Schuerholz’s career will be judged?
I’ll weigh in with a column that can soon be found at www.ledger-enquirer.com/sports, but I want to know what you think.
Do the Braves’ postseason failures tarnish his overall body of work?
Friday, October 05, 2007
This week’s college predictions
Weekends like the last one serve as the foundation for our college football addiction.
Just when you think the national picture is beginning to take form, some graffiti kid with a spray paint can comes along and defaces it.
The string of upsets sacked me for a 13-7 record last week, bringing my season total to 62-22. As always, feel free to dissect my picks and provide your own predictions in the discussion forum.
Southeastern Conference
No. 12 Georgia (4-1) at Tennessee (2-2)
Georgia has won three straight since a loss to South Carolina and has revenge on its mind after a 51-33 home loss to the Vols last season. The Bulldogs are accustomed to winning big games on the road, while Tennessee hasn’t exactly been at its best in games of consequence. The Vols allowed 104 points in losses to Cal and Florida.
Georgia tailbacks Thomas Brown and Knowshon Moreno will set the tone.
Prediction: Georgia 23, Tennessee 21
Vanderbilt (3-1) at Auburn (3-2)
Auburn’s offense seemed to finally gel last week against Florida. Quarterback Brandon Cox minimized his mistakes and tailbacks Ben Tate and Mario Fannin were effective behind an offensive line that started three freshmen. The return of top tailback Brad Lester from academic suspension can’t hurt.
Prediction: Auburn 31, Vanderbilt 20
Houston (2-2) at Alabama (3-2)
Alabama administrators punished a couple fraternities for a debris-throwing incident at the end of a home overtime loss to Georgia. Unfortunately for the Crimson Tide, some of the frat boys seem to have more accurate passing arms than John Parker Wilson. Wilson ranks 91st nationally in passing efficiency after a lackluster outing against Florida State last week. Houston’s defense should provide ample opportunity for improvement.
Prediction: Alabama 24, Houston 14
No. 9 Florida (4-1) at No. 1 LSU (5-0)
Florida already had enough of a challenge getting off the deck after a surprising loss to Auburn. It didn’t need the distraction of defensive back and captain Tony Joiner getting arrested for allegedly breaking into an impound lot to liberate his girlfriend’s car. The charges were dropped Friday morning. The teams have comparable athletic talent, but LSU will be energized by its raucous home crowd.
Prediction: LSU 27, Florida 20
Louisiana Tech (1-3) at Ole Miss (1-4)
I received a deluge of e-mails from angry Ole Miss fans before the season. They couldn’t understand why I ranked Ed Orgeron last in my preseason ranking of SEC coaches. Getting the drift now, Johnny Rebs?
Coach O won’t look so overwhelmed this week.
Prediction: Ole Miss 34, Louisiana Tech 21
UAB (1-3) at Mississippi State (3-2)
Mississippi State has been surprisingly competitive this season, and it’s a wonder considering the Bulldogs’ injuries at quarterback.
Prediction: Mississippi State 17, UAB 9
Chattanooga (1-3) at Arkansas (2-2)
In spite of the talent of tailbacks Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, Arkansas looks like a team on the verge of disintegrating. Fortunately, a I-AA opponent will delay the collapse another week or so.
Prediction: Arkansas 55, Chattanooga 10
Atlantic Coast Conference
Georgia Tech (3-2) at Maryland (3-2)
The Yellow Jackets have been absolutely schizophrenic, losing to Virginia but beating a more talented Clemson team. Go figure. That means they should now lose to Maryland, but that’s probably what they want us to think, which means ... oh, the heck with it.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 19, Maryland 14
N.C. State (1-4) at Florida State (3-1)
Florida State may have moved a step closer to continuity at quarterback during last week’s win over Alabama. Xavier Lee, a mobile player with a strong arm, made a couple big plays in the second half to break that game open. Why he didn’t win the starting job earlier is a mystery.
Prediction: FSU 37, N.C. State 16
Miami (4-1) at North Carolina (1-4)
New UNC coach Butch Davis gets reunited with his old team.
Prediction: Miami 28, UNC 14
Bowling Green (3-1) at No. 7 Boston College (5-0)
Boston College toyed around with determined I-AA UMass last week, but eventually pulled away. The Eagles should follow a similar script this week against a decent Bowling Green team.
Prediction: Boston College 42, Bowling Green 27
Wake Forest (2-2) at Duke (1-4)
I’ll care about this matchup when it’s basketball season.
Prediction: Wake Forest 24, Duke 17
No. 15 Virginia Tech (4-1) at No. 22 Clemson (4-1)
Offensively-challenged Virginia Tech won’t be able to count on Clemson making the mistakes it did against Georgia Tech. The Tigers missed -- count 'em -- four field goals against the Yellow Jackets.
Prediction: Clemson 21, Virginia Tech 20
Virginia (4-1) at Middle Tennessee State (1-4)
Virginia hasn’t been spectacular by any means, but the Cavaliers just keep plugging along.
Prediction: Virginia 38, Middle Tennessee State 27
Local interest
Tuskegee (4-0) vs. Morehouse (4-1)
Tuskegee has won nine of the last 11 in the rivalry, but should get pressed by a newly-confident Morehouse team. The Golden Tigers’ advantage will be QB Jacary Atkinson.
Prediction: Tuskegee 27, Morehouse 20
Sun Belt
Troy (3-2) at Florida International (0-5)
The Trojans should enjoy what amounts to an open date. Florida International’s misery can be measured in this season’s point differential. The Panthers have been outscored 210-28.
Prediction: Troy 47, Florida International 13
National focus
No. 20 Cincinnati (5-0) at No. 21 Rutgers (3-1)
Cincinnati is off to its best start since rolling out to an 8-0 mark in 1954. Rutgers inexplicably got punked by Maryland last week, but the Scarlet Knights have been successful in bounce-back games. Since 2005, they’re 5-1 in games following a loss.
Prediction: Rutgers 35, Cincinnati 34
No. 5 Wisconsin (5-0) at Illinois (4-1)
The Illini happen to be a slight favorite, which Illinois coach Ron Zook labeled ‘‘ludicrous.’’ It’s just as incredible to me that Wisconsin has remained unbeaten despite experiencing a handful of close calls.
Prediction: Wisconsin 28, Illinois 26
Notre Dame (0-5) at UCLA (4-1)
Notre Dame has lost each of its games by double digits and is allowing an unconscionable 33.2 points per game. The Fighting Irish should fall to 0-6 for the first time in school history.
Prediction: UCLA 31, Notre Dame 14
No. 4 Ohio State (5-0) at No. 23 Purdue (5-0)
Five the last six games in the series have been decided by a touchdown or less. Ohio State’s defense has been granite, but Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter (18 TDs, three INTs) manages a game as well as anyone. I’m thinking upset.
Prediction: Purdue 28, Ohio State 24
No. 10 Oklahoma (4-1) vs. No. 19 Texas (4-1)
Texas and Oklahoma both turned in horrible performances last week, so this amounts to an elimination game -- both nationally and in the Big 12 South. No Big 12 South team has ever won the division after dropping its first two conference games. Texas has looked vulnerable for weeks.
Prediction: Oklahoma 38, Texas 27
No. 25 Nebraska (4-1) at No. 17 Missouri (4-0)
Two mediocre defenses + two productive quarterbacks = a whole bunch of fun.
Missouri QB Chase Daniel has passed for an average of 327 yards per game, but the Tigers rank just 104th in defending the pass.
Prediction: Nebraska 30, Missouri 28
Oklahoma State (3-2) at Texas A&M (4-1)
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy made headlines a couple weeks ago for directing a tirade at a female newspaper columnist over a critical piece she wrote. Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione made them last Friday when the San Antonio Express-News uncovered a money-making enterprise he had going on the side. Franchione was charging a small group of boosters $1,200 apiece for a newsletter detailing ‘‘inside’’ information, including injuries.
OSU players and fans have rallied around Gundy, while Franchione is being asked whether he’ll resign. You do the math.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 31, Texas A&M 28
Weekends like the last one serve as the foundation for our college football addiction.
Just when you think the national picture is beginning to take form, some graffiti kid with a spray paint can comes along and defaces it.
The string of upsets sacked me for a 13-7 record last week, bringing my season total to 62-22. As always, feel free to dissect my picks and provide your own predictions in the discussion forum.
Southeastern Conference
No. 12 Georgia (4-1) at Tennessee (2-2)
Georgia has won three straight since a loss to South Carolina and has revenge on its mind after a 51-33 home loss to the Vols last season. The Bulldogs are accustomed to winning big games on the road, while Tennessee hasn’t exactly been at its best in games of consequence. The Vols allowed 104 points in losses to Cal and Florida.
Georgia tailbacks Thomas Brown and Knowshon Moreno will set the tone.
Prediction: Georgia 23, Tennessee 21
Vanderbilt (3-1) at Auburn (3-2)
Auburn’s offense seemed to finally gel last week against Florida. Quarterback Brandon Cox minimized his mistakes and tailbacks Ben Tate and Mario Fannin were effective behind an offensive line that started three freshmen. The return of top tailback Brad Lester from academic suspension can’t hurt.
Prediction: Auburn 31, Vanderbilt 20
Houston (2-2) at Alabama (3-2)
Alabama administrators punished a couple fraternities for a debris-throwing incident at the end of a home overtime loss to Georgia. Unfortunately for the Crimson Tide, some of the frat boys seem to have more accurate passing arms than John Parker Wilson. Wilson ranks 91st nationally in passing efficiency after a lackluster outing against Florida State last week. Houston’s defense should provide ample opportunity for improvement.
Prediction: Alabama 24, Houston 14
No. 9 Florida (4-1) at No. 1 LSU (5-0)
Florida already had enough of a challenge getting off the deck after a surprising loss to Auburn. It didn’t need the distraction of defensive back and captain Tony Joiner getting arrested for allegedly breaking into an impound lot to liberate his girlfriend’s car. The charges were dropped Friday morning. The teams have comparable athletic talent, but LSU will be energized by its raucous home crowd.
Prediction: LSU 27, Florida 20
Louisiana Tech (1-3) at Ole Miss (1-4)
I received a deluge of e-mails from angry Ole Miss fans before the season. They couldn’t understand why I ranked Ed Orgeron last in my preseason ranking of SEC coaches. Getting the drift now, Johnny Rebs?
Coach O won’t look so overwhelmed this week.
Prediction: Ole Miss 34, Louisiana Tech 21
UAB (1-3) at Mississippi State (3-2)
Mississippi State has been surprisingly competitive this season, and it’s a wonder considering the Bulldogs’ injuries at quarterback.
Prediction: Mississippi State 17, UAB 9
Chattanooga (1-3) at Arkansas (2-2)
In spite of the talent of tailbacks Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, Arkansas looks like a team on the verge of disintegrating. Fortunately, a I-AA opponent will delay the collapse another week or so.
Prediction: Arkansas 55, Chattanooga 10
Atlantic Coast Conference
Georgia Tech (3-2) at Maryland (3-2)
The Yellow Jackets have been absolutely schizophrenic, losing to Virginia but beating a more talented Clemson team. Go figure. That means they should now lose to Maryland, but that’s probably what they want us to think, which means ... oh, the heck with it.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 19, Maryland 14
N.C. State (1-4) at Florida State (3-1)
Florida State may have moved a step closer to continuity at quarterback during last week’s win over Alabama. Xavier Lee, a mobile player with a strong arm, made a couple big plays in the second half to break that game open. Why he didn’t win the starting job earlier is a mystery.
Prediction: FSU 37, N.C. State 16
Miami (4-1) at North Carolina (1-4)
New UNC coach Butch Davis gets reunited with his old team.
Prediction: Miami 28, UNC 14
Bowling Green (3-1) at No. 7 Boston College (5-0)
Boston College toyed around with determined I-AA UMass last week, but eventually pulled away. The Eagles should follow a similar script this week against a decent Bowling Green team.
Prediction: Boston College 42, Bowling Green 27
Wake Forest (2-2) at Duke (1-4)
I’ll care about this matchup when it’s basketball season.
Prediction: Wake Forest 24, Duke 17
No. 15 Virginia Tech (4-1) at No. 22 Clemson (4-1)
Offensively-challenged Virginia Tech won’t be able to count on Clemson making the mistakes it did against Georgia Tech. The Tigers missed -- count 'em -- four field goals against the Yellow Jackets.
Prediction: Clemson 21, Virginia Tech 20
Virginia (4-1) at Middle Tennessee State (1-4)
Virginia hasn’t been spectacular by any means, but the Cavaliers just keep plugging along.
Prediction: Virginia 38, Middle Tennessee State 27
Local interest
Tuskegee (4-0) vs. Morehouse (4-1)
Tuskegee has won nine of the last 11 in the rivalry, but should get pressed by a newly-confident Morehouse team. The Golden Tigers’ advantage will be QB Jacary Atkinson.
Prediction: Tuskegee 27, Morehouse 20
Sun Belt
Troy (3-2) at Florida International (0-5)
The Trojans should enjoy what amounts to an open date. Florida International’s misery can be measured in this season’s point differential. The Panthers have been outscored 210-28.
Prediction: Troy 47, Florida International 13
National focus
No. 20 Cincinnati (5-0) at No. 21 Rutgers (3-1)
Cincinnati is off to its best start since rolling out to an 8-0 mark in 1954. Rutgers inexplicably got punked by Maryland last week, but the Scarlet Knights have been successful in bounce-back games. Since 2005, they’re 5-1 in games following a loss.
Prediction: Rutgers 35, Cincinnati 34
No. 5 Wisconsin (5-0) at Illinois (4-1)
The Illini happen to be a slight favorite, which Illinois coach Ron Zook labeled ‘‘ludicrous.’’ It’s just as incredible to me that Wisconsin has remained unbeaten despite experiencing a handful of close calls.
Prediction: Wisconsin 28, Illinois 26
Notre Dame (0-5) at UCLA (4-1)
Notre Dame has lost each of its games by double digits and is allowing an unconscionable 33.2 points per game. The Fighting Irish should fall to 0-6 for the first time in school history.
Prediction: UCLA 31, Notre Dame 14
No. 4 Ohio State (5-0) at No. 23 Purdue (5-0)
Five the last six games in the series have been decided by a touchdown or less. Ohio State’s defense has been granite, but Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter (18 TDs, three INTs) manages a game as well as anyone. I’m thinking upset.
Prediction: Purdue 28, Ohio State 24
No. 10 Oklahoma (4-1) vs. No. 19 Texas (4-1)
Texas and Oklahoma both turned in horrible performances last week, so this amounts to an elimination game -- both nationally and in the Big 12 South. No Big 12 South team has ever won the division after dropping its first two conference games. Texas has looked vulnerable for weeks.
Prediction: Oklahoma 38, Texas 27
No. 25 Nebraska (4-1) at No. 17 Missouri (4-0)
Two mediocre defenses + two productive quarterbacks = a whole bunch of fun.
Missouri QB Chase Daniel has passed for an average of 327 yards per game, but the Tigers rank just 104th in defending the pass.
Prediction: Nebraska 30, Missouri 28
Oklahoma State (3-2) at Texas A&M (4-1)
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy made headlines a couple weeks ago for directing a tirade at a female newspaper columnist over a critical piece she wrote. Texas A&M coach Dennis Franchione made them last Friday when the San Antonio Express-News uncovered a money-making enterprise he had going on the side. Franchione was charging a small group of boosters $1,200 apiece for a newsletter detailing ‘‘inside’’ information, including injuries.
OSU players and fans have rallied around Gundy, while Franchione is being asked whether he’ll resign. You do the math.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 31, Texas A&M 28
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