Bowl Picks 2009-2010

It is that time. Time for the bowl season to kick into gear. Though I would love nothing more than a playoff like D1AA, D2, and D3 college football, the BCS is the system we are stuck with. So, let's make the best of things and pick some games. For the final week, I'll look at the National Title game, the Papajohn's.com Bowl and the Music City Bowl.

National Title Game (Jan. 7 @ 8 pm)
1 Alabama (13-0) vs 2 Texas (13-0)
For the first time, we may have a legit number 1 vs number 2 for the national title. Alabama made a statement last week when they dethroned the defending national champion Florida Gators in the SEC title game 32-13.

Texas didn't have quite of an easy road last week in the Big 12 title game against Nebraska. Whether you think the Cornhuskers got robbed (which they did) Texas won the game on a last second field goal 13-12.

But none of what happens matters. All that matters is what they bring to the table that day.

Three to Watch
Longhorns
Colt McCoy (Quarterback, Sr.)
McCoy is coming off a rough Big 12 game where he was thrown around by Nebraska's Ndemekong Suh, which probably cost him the Heisman. Now, McCoy gets one last chance to show how good of a QB he is. The Texas offense will go as he goes. If he does well, Texas has a shot, if he struggles, Alabama will take over.


Jordan Shipley (Wide receiver, Sr.)
The favorite target of McCoy, he is the big play threat. He leads the team in receptions and yards, and will be counted on big time. His ability to draw double teams will hopefully free up the other wideouts. His return skills will be called upon as well.


Blake Gideon (Safety, Soph.)
Sadly, Gideon is known as the guy that missed Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree last year that probably cost Texas a shot at the title last season. Gideon will see another top flight receiver in Julio Jones. Gideon hopes history won't repeat itself.


Crimson Tide
Mark Ingram (Runningback, So)
The Heisman winner will look to show that he is legit, as if the past weeks haven't already shown that. If Ingram gets churning, combined with Trent Richardson, and Alabama will be able to keep McCoy and the Longhorn offense off the field.

Terrance Cody (Defensive tackle, Sr.)
The big man in the middle of the defense will be crucial. The Longhorn O-line showed that they are susecptible to a team with a dominate defensive tackle. Cody is no Suh, but if he can control the line, it will be a long day for McCoy.

Javier Arenas (Cornerback, Sr.)
Arenas will be charged with guarding Shipley. If he can take away, or limit, McCoy's favorite target, it will really hamper the Longhorn offense. Also, Arenas in the return game could be a big swing for the Tide.

Pick:
Alabama 34
Texas 17

Music City Bowl (Dec. 27 @ 8:30)
Clemson (8-5) vs Kentucky (7-5)
It is a rematch of the 2006 Music City Bowl where Kentucky won 28-20: The Wildcats are hoping history repeast itself, while the Tigers are looking to relegitimize themselves after their late season slum to South Carolina and Georgia Tech.

As mentioned, Clemson is coming into this game limping after a loss to in-state rival Carolina, and then Georgia Tech eeked out a 39-34 victory over the Tigers in the ACC Title game. But that doesn't mean the Wildcats of Kentucky are guaranteed a victory. RB/KR/PR CJ Spiller may be the most electrifying player on the field, and WR Jacoby Ford may be even faster than Spiller, and dependable TE Michael Palmer has turned into a favorite target of QB Kyle Parker. The defense is also a tough unit, with the best defensive line and secondary in the ACC.

Kentucky finished up the month of November hot, going 3-1, and were a play away from beating rival Tennessee and going 4-0. Freshman QB Morgan Newton has come in and been servicable, RB Derrick Locke has shown to be a workhorse, and WR Randall Cobb has been the "do everything" guy for the 'Cats. The D isn't too shabby either, led by DE Taylor Windham, LB Micah Johnson, and CB Trevard Lindley.

Three To Watch
Tigers
CJ Spiller (Runningback, Sr.)
Clemson goes as Spiller goes. If he has a big game, then Clemson will have a shot to win. If Kentucky can shut him down, then Clemson will have next to no shot at winning the bowl game.

DeAndre McDaniel (Safety, Jr.)
McDaniel leads the team in interceptions, and is also a hard-hitting threat to any receiver crossing the middle. He will be key in shutting down Cobb and fellow WR Chris Matthews.


Kyle Parker (Quarterback, R-Fr.)
This could very well be Parker's last football game. He is projected to be a high draft pick in the MLB draft, and it appears his future is in baseball. No one wants to go out a loser, and that is a big motiviation for not only Parker, but Spiller and the other seniors on the Clemson roster.

Wildcats
Randall Cobb (Receiver, Sr.)
Cobb does it all for Kentucky. He catches, he runs the ball, and he runs the WildCat. He is the only "answer" to Spiller. Cobb's leadership will be called on with an offense led by a freshman QB.

Trevard Lindley (Cornerback, Sr.)
Lindley will be called upon to guard Ford. Ford is the second option in the Clemson offense, and if Lindley can control him and force Clemson to put everything on Spiller, then the Wildcats will have a good shot to win their third Music City Bowl in the past 4 years.

Derrick Locke (Runningack, Jr.)
Locke has come in and become a good back. His toughness and ability to get tough yards could give the Wildcats the best weapon against Spiller: Keeping him off the field. A good RB will also help calm down a freshman QB in Newton.

Pick:
Kentucky 31
Clemson 30

Papajohn's.com Bowl (Jan. 2 @ 2 pm)
South Carolina vs Connecticut
Papajohn's Bowl is entering its fourth year, and the past two years have seen competitive bowl games with Rutgers/NC State and Cincinnati/Southern Miss. Now, Carolina and UConn get a chance to add a chapter the the Papajohn's Bowl.

South Carolina has ended their season on a good note, beating rival Clemson, and now look to close the season on a two-game win streak. QB Stephen Garcia has improved a good bit, and will be in consideration as top QB in the SEC next year. RBs Kenny Miles and Brian Maddox have created a servicable run game, and WR Alshon Jeffery has given USC a go-to receiver. The key to this game will be All SEC LB Eric Norwood, who always seems to play big when the cameras turn on.

UConn has had the roughest season imaginable with the loss of Jasper "Jazz" Howard. The team could've called it a year, but instead rallied and were able to beat Notre Dame to give their season a high note. The Huskies have a huge offensive line and are anchored by a power running game and RBs Jordan Todman and Andre Dixon. The passing game is servicable, but the Huskies would love to run the ball all game, and hit deep passes to WR Marcus Easley.

Three to Watch
Huskies
Andre Dixon (Runningback, Sr.)
Dixon is the powerback of the duo. His ability to ge the tough yards and find the endzone will be key to UConn controlling the clock and keeping the Carolina offense off the field. He will also be depended on the give blocking help on Norwood.

Jordan Todman (Runningback, So.)
Todman is the speed back of the two. He will be responsible to gash the defense of Carolina. He will also need to catch balls out of the backfield.


Lindsey Witten (Defensive end, Sr.)
Witten is the sack and tackles-for-loss leader. If he is able to get in the backfield and disrupt the running game and force them to depend on Garcia, UConn will have a chance to win.


Gamecocks
Eric Norwood (Linebacker, Sr.)
The guy does everything for USC on defense. He tackles, he gets sacks, he gets in the backfield, recovers fumbles, intercepts passes, and he leads the D. UConn will have to account for Norwood every down if they want to get their offense running.


Kenny Miles (Runningback, R-Fr.)
Miles has come on this year as a primary rusher. After a big Clemson game, Miles work horse ability and hard-nosed running will be key to controlling the clock and wearing down the UConn D.


Ladi Ajiboye (Defensive Tackle, Jr.)
Ajiboye will have to get in the backfield, as well as keep the big UConn linemen from getting to the next level and blocking LBs Norwood and Shaq Wilson. If he can disrupt the running game, it will go a long way to helping Carolina get the win.

Pick:
South Carolina 38
Connecticut 17

The rest of the bowls
New Mexico Bowl: Fresno State over Wyoming
St. Petersburg Bowl: Rutgers over Central Florida
New Orleans Bowl: Southern Miss. over Mid. Tenn. State
Las Vegas Bowl: Oregon State over BYU
Poinsettia Bowl: Utah over California
Hawaii Bowl: SMU over Nevada
Little Cesaer's Bowl: Ohio over Marshall
Meineke Bowl: Pittsburgh over North Carolina
Emerald Bowl: Southern Cal over Boston College
Independence Bowl: Texas A&M over Georgia
Champs Sports Bowl: Miami (FL) over Wisconsin
Humanitarian Bowl: Bowling Green over Idaho
Holiday Bowl: Nebraska over Arizona
Sun Bowl: Stanford over Oklahoma
Armed Forces Bowl: Houston over Air Force
Texas Bowl: Navy over Missouri
Insight Bowl: Minnesota over Iowa State
Chick-fil-a Bowl: Tennessee over Virginia Tech
Outback Bowl: Auburn over Northwestern
Gator Bowl: Florida State over West Virginia
Capital 1 Bowl: LSU over Penn. State
Rose Bowl: Oregon over Ohio State
Sugar Bowl: Florida over Cincinnati
International Bowl: South Florida over Northern Illinois
Cotton Bowl: Oklahoma State over Ole Miss.
Liberty Bowl: Arkansas over East Carolina
Alamo Bowl: Texas Tech over Michigan State
Fiesta Bowl: TCU over Boise State
Orange Bowl: Georgia Tech over Iowa
GMAC Bowl: Central Michigan over Troy

College Playoffs for 2009-2010

Here come the bowls. And before I give my bowl picks in the next blog, I'd like to examine a playoff for this year in D1A college football.
We had 5 undefeated teams close out the year, so wouldn't this have been the perfect year for a playoff.

Heck, if Texas would've lost to Nebraska (the Cornhuskers were robbed in the last second) we would've had a big ole mess that only a playoff could've solved.

So here we go.
First, take all the conference champs in D1A.
ACC: Georgia Tech
Big 10: Ohio State
Big 12: Texas
Big East: Cincinnati
C-USA: East Carolina
MAC: Central Michigan
Mountain West: TCU
Pac-10: Oregon
SEC: Alabama
Sun Belt: Troy
WAC: Boise State

Now for the hard part, making it a 16-team field.
So, we need 5 at-large teams. This is the only part of the selection process that is flawed. The best way to do this is use the final rankings.

So, after looking at the 5 slots, here are the teams that round out the field.
1-Florida
2-Iowa
3-Virginia Tech
4-Nebraska
5-Stanford

Now the field is picked, and it is time to seed.
Obviously, Alabama is the 1 seed.
1-Alabama
2-Texas
3-Oregon
4-Ohio State
5-Georgia Tech
6-Cincinnati
7-TCU
8-Boise State
9-East Carolina
10-Central Michigan
11-Troy
12-Florida
13-Iowa
14-Virginia Tech
15-Nebraska
16-Stanford

So, here we go in Round 1:
Alabama over Stanford
Nebraska over Texas (rematch)
Oregon over Virginia Tech
Iowa over Ohio State (rematch)
Florida over Georgia Tech
Cincinnati over Troy
TCU over Central Michigan
East Carolina over Boise State

Round 2
Alabama over Oregon
Florida over ECU
TCU over Cincinnati
Nebraska over Iowa

Round 3
Bama over Florida (rematch)
TCU over Nebraska

Title game
Bama over TCU

Now, the site for the first round is home of the higher seed. Round 2, goes to site of a bowl game.
Round 3 alternates with two of the BCS Bowls (Fiesta, Rose, Sugar, Orange)
The final game is a neutral site, like it is now.

You still have the other bowls for teams that didn't make the tournament. So the money revenue isn't lost for the big schools and conferences.

Besides, who wouldn't want to see those rematches, and a title game with a real David vs Goliath?

Next up, I pick the bowl winners...stay connected.

Championship Week

Well, I've been off a while, and after a sickness and other circumstances, I'm back just in time for Championship Weekend.
This week's games started early when Oregon beat rival Oregon State in the Civil War, and punched their ticket to the Rose Bowl and a Pac-10 title. The Ducks will be facing off against Ohio State, the Big 10 Champs.

But now, we have some big time title games in the SEC, Big 12, MAC, C-USA and ACC.

First, the Big 12 Title game.

The Big 12 Title game this year features 3 Texas facing 21 Nebraska. The Longhorns are led by Colt McCoy, and the Hiesman hopeful who is doing next to everything on offense. Not only is he completing over 70% of his passes, but he has surpassed 3,000 yards passing with 27 TDs to 9 INTs (a 9:1 ratio). He also is the second leading rusher on the team.

The Cornhuskers are a tough, hard-nosed team led by their defense. The leader of that particular unit is a dark-horse Heisman hopeful in defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh. Suh is a gamechanger in every since of the word. The QB must know where he is at all times, he attrachs double, and sometimes triple, teams, and is a sack machine that also shuts down running lanes.

The only chance Nebraska has in this game is their defense. If they can keep it a low scoring ball game, they will have a chance to win. The Cornhuskers do not have the firepower on offense to get into a shootout with Texas. If McCoy is able to run wild and pass it all around, it will be a long day for Husker nation.

Final score
Texas 34
Nebraska 20

*McCoy has an impressive game and solidifies his name as the Heisman winner.

Now for the MAC title game:
The MAC title game should be a fun one to watch between Central Michigan and Ohio...fun if you are a Chippewa fan. CMU is led by QB Dan LeFevour, who is completing 70% of his passes and has thrown 25 TDs to 5 INTs (5:1 ratio), and is also the leading rusher for the team. Needless to say, the Chippewas go as LeFevour goes, and so far, they have gone far as they look to notch another MAC championship in their belt buckles.

QB Theo Scott leads the Bobcats. He has thrown 19 TDs to 10 INTs while completing just under 60% of his passes. Ohio has a decent running game, but they also spread the ball between Taylor Price and Lavon Brazil.

Last time these two teams met in 2008, Ohio walked away with a 31-28 victory.
I don't look for history to repeat itself. CMU seems too good this year with LeFevour. It will be a close game, and I wouldn't be surprised if it turned into a shootout.

Final Score:
CMU 42
Ohio 37

Now, for the ACC.
Both Clemson and Georgia Tech come into this game realing. Both lost to in-state rivals South Carolina and Georgia (says a lot about the ACC this year). Last time these two teams met earlier this year, Tech pulled out early and the Tigers clawed their way back into it, but couldn't quite pull off the comeback as Tech won 31-17.

Clemson will depend on RB C.J. Spiller, TE Michael Palmer and WR Jacoby Ford, along with a tough D that all but shut down the option attack of the Yellow Jackets earlier this year. DT Jarvis Jenkins will have to have a big game if Clemson has any shot of stopping the dive-option of Tech.

Tech will be appearing in the title game again, and are led by Josh Nesbit and Jonathan Dwyer. The Tech D will have to account for Spiller in the backfield, in the slot, and on punt and kick returns.

Spiller will get his return in for a TD, the key is to limit him in rushing and receiving, and to let Palmer and Ford be the keys for Clemson to win. For Tech, if they can control the ball and wear down the Clemson D, and keep Spiller off the field, like they did the 1st of the game earlier this year, they will win.

Final Score:
Clemson 17
Georgia Tech 24

For C-USA:
It will be Skip Holtz's fighting Pirates of East Carolina against 18 Houston Cougars. RB Dominique Lindsey has filled in nicely after Chris Johnson was drafted by the Tennessee Titans last year. His 954 yards rushing leads the team while Dwayne Harris leads the team in receiving, with 791 yards and 5 TDs.

The high-powered Cougar offense is overpowering. One-time Heisman hopeful QB Case Keenum has nearly 5,000 yards passing with 38 TDs and 6 INTs. Receivers Patrick Edwards, James Cleveland and Tyron Carrier could all surpass the 1,000 yard mark after this game, and they have caught 22 TDs between the three of them.

I just think that Houston's offense is too powerful for ECU to stop. This game may be close for a half, but I think Houston pulls away late. Keenum I expect to have a 300+ yard passing day, and two of this three receivers go over the 1,000 yard mark.

Final Score:
Houston 56
ECU 30


And now...the SEC Title game.
It is a rematch of last year's game that saw 1 Florida Gators outpace 2 Alabama Crimson Tide by a score of 31-20. This year, expect another close one.

Florida, as you all know, is led by QB Tim Tebow. He essientially does everything for the team. If throwing motion may be sloppy, and he may not be a typical QB, but he isn't in a typical system, and he wins and sets SEC records. No doubt, he will go down as one of the most famous, and to some the most infamous, college player of recent memory. One thing to note, DE Carlos Dunlap will not be playing after the 20-year-old was arrested on drunk driving, and I imagine underage drinking, charges. This could play a role in depth for the Gators.

Alabama is looking to avenge last year's heartbreak by doing something not even Florida did last year, go undefeated and win a national title. RB Mark Ingram is hurt, so true freshman Trent Richardson will get the start, but watch for Roy Upchurch to play a big role. Also, WR Julio Jones is expected to have a big game.

This will be a defensive ball game. The Gators will trot out a slew of stars in LB Brandon Spikes, DE Jermaine Cunningham, CBs Janoris Jenkins and Joe Haden, and safeties Ahmad Black, Will Hill and Major Wright. The Crimson Tide will bring out DT Terrance "Mount" Cody, DE Brandon Deadrick, LBs Rolando McClain and Cory Reamer, CB Javier Arenas to slow down Tebow and the Gators option offense. I see 'Bama getting it done this year to play Texas in the National Title game.

Alabama 17
Florida 14


Other Games this week:
West Virginia over Rutgers
Pitt over Cincinatti
Boise State over New Mexico State
UConn over South Florida
Southern Illinois over Williams & Mary
Montana over Stephen F. Austin
New Hampshire over Villanova
Southern over Texas Southern
App State over Richmond

All-SEC and All-ACC selections

The season is done, and now it is time for the bowls.
This also brings up the All-Conference selections for the ACC and SEC.

Both conferences will have a first and second team, and without further ado...here they are.

SEC (1st Team)
QB-Ryan Mallett (Ark)
RB-Mark Ingram (Bama)
WR-Julio Jones (Bama)
WR-Greg Childs (Ark)
OL-Mike Johnson (Bama)
OL-Ciron Black (LSU)
OL-Mike Pouncey (UF)
OL-Markice Pouncey (UF)
OL-Lyle Hitt (LSU)
TE-D.J. Williams (Ark)
WR-A.J. Green (UGA)
K-Drew Butler (UGA)
Specialist-Tim Tebow (UF)

DL-Carlos Dunlap (UF)
DL-Terrance Cody (Bama)
DL-Malcolm Sheppard (Ark)
DL-Kentrell Lockett (Miss)
LB-Eric Norwood (USC)
LB-Brandon Spikes (UF)
LB-Rolando McClain (Bama)
CB-Javier Arenas (Bama)
S-Chad Jones (LSU)
S-Eric Berry (UT)
CB-Joe Haden (UF)
P-Drew Butler (UGA)


(2nd Team)
QB-Stephen Garcia (USC)
RB-Ben Tate (Auburn)
RB-Anthony Dixon (Miss State)
WR-Riley Cooper (UF)
OL-John Jerry (Miss)
OL-Drew Davis (Bama)
OL-Jacques McClendon (UT)
OL-Mitch Petrus (Ark)
OL-Lemuel Jeanpierre (USC)
TE-Aaron Hernandez (UF)
WR-Randall Cobb (UK)
K-Spencer Lanning (USC)
Specialist-Dexter McCluster (Miss)

DL-Cliff Matthews (USC)
DL-Jermaine Cunningham (UF)
DL-Rahim Alem (LSU)
DL-Wes Brown (UT)
LB-Rico McCoy (UT)
LB-Rennie Curran (UGA)
LB-Micah Johnson (UK)
CB-Myron Lewis (Vandy)
S-Kendrick Lewis (Miss)
S-Reshad Jones (UGA)
CB-Trevard Lindley (UK)
P-P.J. Fitzgerald (Bama)


ACC (1st Team)
QB-Thaddeus Lewis (Duke)
RB-Ryan Williams (VT)
RB-DaRel Scott (Maryland)
WR-Owen Spencer (NC St)
OL-Jason Fox (Miami)
OL-Jake Vermiglio (NC St)
OL-Ed Wang (VT)
OL-Will Barker (UVA)
OL-Chris DeGeare (WF)
TE-Dan Gronkowski (Maryland)
WR-Damaryius Thomas (GT)
K-Steve Aponavicius (BC)
Specialist-CJ Spiller (Clem)

DL-Derrick Morgan (GT)
DL-Jason Worilds (VT)
DL-Ricky Sapp (Clem)
DL-Eric Ogohobasse (Duke)
LB-Alex Wujicak (Mary)
LB-Quan Sturdivant (UNC)
LB-Audie Cole (NC St)
CB-Brandon Ghee (WF)
S-Kam Chancellor (VT)
S-DeAnde McDaniel (Clem)
CB-Chris Chancellor (Clem)
P-Dawson Zimmerman (Clem)

(2nd Team)
QB-Russell Wilson (NC St)
RB-Jonathan Dwyer (GT)
WR-Laron Byrd (Miami)
WR-Jarvis Williams (NC St)
OL-Kyle Jolley (UNC)
OL-Thomas Clairborne (BC)
OL-Thomas Austin (Clem)
OL-Dan Voss (GT)
OL-Sergio Render (VT)
TE-Michael Palmer (Clem)
WR-Jarret Boykin (VT)
K-Casey Barth (UNC)
Specialist-Jacoby Ford (Clem)

DL-Shea McKeen (NC St)
DL-Markus White (FSU)
DL-Jarvis Jenkins (Clem)
DL-Robert Quinn (UNC)
LB-Brandon Maye (Clem)
LB-Dekoda Watson (FSU)
LB-Daryl Sharpton (Miami)
CB-Ras-I Dowling (UVA)
S-Randy Phillips (Miami)
S-Morgan Burnett (GT)
CB-Crezdon Butler (Clem)
P-Matt Bosher (Miami)

I'm sick of Tim Tebow Part 2

Here we are again: Throw the 4 letter network into a turmoil, the Golden Boy has got a concussion.

The story is on Tim Tebow (again) and his injury he sustained in the Gators past game when Taylor Windham sacked Tebow.

Now, I'm not one to jump up and down because he got injured....I actually hope he makes a full recovery and plays in two weeks against LSU.

But come on ESPN! Tebow got a concussion and will be fine in a few days with rest. The hit wasn't malicious, just a good, hard, clean hit on the QB.

The shot of him being carted away in an ambulance was almost comical. It made me think a head of state getting hurt, but is was just a college football player.

What's worse is that ESPN is paying very little to no attention to two serious injuries. Southern Cal's Staphon Johnson got his throat crushed in a weight-lifting accident where he was performing a bench press, lost his grip, and had the bar fall onto his neck. Did I mention that his injury called for a reported 6 HOURS in surgery.

Or, how about the SEASON ENDING injury to Baylor QB Robert Griffin?

Yet we hear next to nothing about these guys, and to me, their injuries are much more serious.

So now I'll add ESPN to the Tebow loving-fest of networks with CBS and ABC.

To Tim, get well soon.
To ESPN, get off your knees.

Week 5 Predictions (2009)

Didn't have that great a week of picks for Week 4...but the games were entertaining. How 'bout that Ole Miss/South Carolina game to kick off the week? And how about the Texas Tech/Houston ball game to close the week? Sure, there were some let downs like the Miami/VT game.

But I think it is pretty sad how a whole week of games to a backseat to a player getting injured, and yes, I'm talking about Tim Tebow.

But anyway, we got another slate of games to pick from, and let's see if I can pick em better.
But this week's Report is going to be a little shorter than usual. I'm feeling a little under the weather this week, and I'm really having trouble finding the initiative.

I apologize to my readers, and promise a better Report for Week 6.



ACC Game of the Week
8 Oklahoma (2-1, 0-0) vs 17 Miami (FL) (2-1, 2-1)

Prediction
Miami didn't look good at all last week against VT. The 'Canes looked slow, and really appeared to be the 'Canes of last year. If that team shows up, this will be a short game.

The key for Oklahoma is QB Sam Bradford. If he is back, this game is over by half-time. If he is out, expect an old-fashioned ball game with the Sooners running it.

I just think last week, VT showed holes in the Canes, and I think Oklahoma exploits them again.

Miami 14
Oklahoma 27


SEC Game of the Week
18 Georgia (3-1, 2-0) vs 4 LSU (4-0, 2-0)
Prediction
Georgia is coming off a big win over Arizona State, where WR AJ Green finally looked like the All-American freshman we saw last year. They will have a much tougher challenge this week with the Tigers.

LSU is coming off a close win over Miss. State (yep, Dan Mullen's Bulldogs looked good). This isn't the caliber of player that was on the National title team a few years ago, but they are still rough and tough. The Tigers need QB Jordan Jefferson to play better, and they need their defense to step up this week. The only question for the Tigers is, are they overlooking the Dawgs for a possible shot at a Tim Tebow-less Florida Gators squad?

Georgia
LSU 29
Georgia 15


Other Games this Week
3 Alabama over Kentucky
21 Ole Miss over Vanderbilt
South Carolina over SC State
Auburn over Tennessee
Arkansas over Texas A&M
25 Georgia Tech over Mississippi State
6 Virginia Tech over Duke
North Carolina over Virginia
Clemson over Maryland
Wake Forest over NC State
Boston College over Florida State
West Virginia over Colorado
10 Cincinnati over Miami (OH)
22 Michigan over Michigan State
11 TCU over SMU
South Florida over Syracuse
21 Houston over UTEP
Notre Dame over Washington
7 Southern Cal over 24 California
5 Boise State over UC-Davis
App State over The Citadel
Furman over Elon
Stony Brook over Presbyterian College
Wofford over Georgia Southern

Record
Week 1: 23-3
Week 2: 21-5
Week 3: 21-5
Week 4: 18-8
Total: 83-21

Week 4 Predictions (2009)

Who saw what was coming last week? So Cal upset by Washington? Although a lot of "experts" saw it coming, I still didn't believe it. I also didn't see FSU beating BYU. But, the week started off great with a great Miami (Fl) victory, and closed out with a competitive Texas v Texas Tech game.

I again went 21-5, so let's see if I can do a little better.

SEC Game of the Week
South Carolina (2-1, 0-1) v 4 Ole Miss (2-0, 0-0)
The Gamecocks are coming off a home opener where they took care of Florida Atlantic. The offense has been improving from week-to-week, but the defense seems to be taking steps backward; of course that has a lot to do with the losses of MLB Rodney Paulk, the now ended suspension of DT Ladi Ajiboye, the injury to DT Nate Pepper, along with the health of SS Darian Stewart. QB Stephen Garcis looks to have a very good grasp of the offense, and his receivers seem to be catching the ball now. Still, the running game is still a question mark.

The Rebels must have revenge on their minds after the loss to Carolina in Oxford last year. Ole Miss has had two tune-up games against Memphis (45-14) and SE Louisiana (52-6) to get any kinks worked out. QB Jevan Snead is a viable NFL Draft pick, but one area to watch is the run game. The Rebs have 3 power backs in Brandon Bolden (5'11, 220 lbs), Cordera Eason (5'10, 224 lbs) and Enrique Davis (6'0, 220 lbs). Also, they have the speedy WR Dexter McCluster. I do have questions about the defense though, mostly because of the caliber of teams they have played.


Three to Watch
Gamecocks
QB Stephen Garcia (6'2, 219 lbs, So)
Can the sophomore keep it up. After a weak NC State performance, he followed with a near perfect performance at Georgia, and then took care of business vs FAU. This will be most hyped team Garcia has faced in his time at USC, and his leadership will be key on the offense. Garcia needs to take care of the ball, give it to the athletes, and take what the D gives him, and a running game.

DT Ladi Ajiboye (6'1, 285 lbs, Jr)
Ajiboye is back from his 3 game suspension, and it couldn't be at a better time. The middle of the Gameock D is razor thin, and if Nate Pepper can't go, it will put more pressure on Ajiboye. His ability to control the middle and force Rebel runners to the outside so USC can use its speed will be key.

RB Jarvis Giles (5'11, 183 lbs, Fr)
The SEC freshman of the week looks to build on his 100-yard game against FAU. His ability to change field position with one run will be big for the USC offense. If the line can give him a seam to run through, it will go a long way in helping the offense against the Rebel D.

Rebels
LT Bradley Sowell (6'7, 310 lbs, So)
Sowell is replacing NFL draft pick Michael Oher. Though he has played well in his first two games, this will be his first test at protecting Snead's blindside. How well he blocks speed rushers like DE Cliff Matthews and LB Eric Norwood will be key to the Rebel offense.

DT Lawon Scott (6'2, 310 lbs, Jr)
It is time to see how good this defense is. Scott has been charged with replacing former Rebel star Peria Jerry (now in the NFL). Jerry was a key to shutting down opposing run games while at Ole Miss, and it is now Scott's job to fill that void. The question is, can he do it against equally talented competition? If not, expect a lot of runs right up the gut of that Rebel Defense.

QB Jevan Snead (6'3, 220 lbs, Jr)
Snead had a forgetable game last year against Carolina. He is now looking to rebound and show that it was a fluke, and that he is the real deal. The offense goes as Snead goes, and it is his job to get the ball to McCluster and fellow receiver Shay Hodge. Also, the power running game will be a big aid to him if it gets going.

Prediction
This is an interesting matchup. South Carolina has had two legitimate games to knock the rust off, and a gimme to work on some things, while Ole Miss has had two gimmes to work on things. But the Rebels really don't know how good they are, and neither do we.

Is Ole Miss the 4th best team in the country? Maybe. They certainly have what it takes on paper, but the loss of Jerry is glaring to me in run defense, and I think it will hurt more than the Rebels think. Also, the loss of LT Michael Oher to the NFL may also hurt the Rebs a lot.

For South Carolina, they need a crowd to feed off of, and will need to play top-notch ball, and forget about what happened last year.

Even though on paper Ole Miss looks better, I look at the depth chart and I see the same team minus Jerry and Oher. Of course, this is a new Defense for Carolina from last year as well.
Still, I think Carolina has what it takes to pull the upset.

Carolina 17
Ole Miss 14

ACC Game of the Week
9 Miami (2-0, 2-0) v 11 Virginia Tech (2-1, 0-0)
The Hurricanes of Miami look to be back to their old ways...well, maybe not the thug old ways. QB Jacory Harris has been solid in two games, chopping up defenses with short, intermediate, and deep passes, and his receivers have been making (what seems like) all the catches. Even the defense is looking better, and is starting to use their athleticism to really disrupt and shut down opposing teams.

The Hokies are coming off a big 16-15 win over Nebraska. The Hokies still play tough D and special teams, but the offense is still sporadic at best. QB Tyrod Taylor has looked good at points, especially the poise it took to throw the game winning TD against Nebraska, but other times has looked lost. Also, the Hokies need to get a running game going more consistently.

Three to Watch
Hokies
QB Tyrod Taylor (6'1, 216 lbs, Jr)
The Hokies need the Taylor that showed up against Nebraska to play in this game, and not the one who showed up against Alabama. He will have to play a lights out game, and take care of the ball.

TE Greg Boone (6'3, 287 lbs, Sr)
Taylor needs his security blanket, and Boone is it. They will also need his run blocking ability, as well as his ability to run the "Wild Cat."


DE Jason Worilds (6'2, 262 lbs, Jr)
The Hokies will have to get pressure on Harris to disrupt the Cane passing attack. Worilds will have to play lights out, and put continuous pressure. Also, his performance can draw a double team, freeing up another lineman in one-on-one situations, to hopefully create more pressure.

'Canes
QB Jacory Harris (6'4, 190 lbs, So)
Harris has been on fire this year so far. Under the direction of offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, Harris is blossoming into what looks like, and solid QB. If he has time to sit back and read the defense, it will be a long day for the Hokies.

DE Eric Moncur (6'2, 250 lbs, Sr)
Moncur is the leader of the defense. He is also a force to be reckon with. Taylor will have to know where he is on every play, or he will make it a long day for the Hokie QB and RBs.

WR Leondard Hankerson (6'3, 215 lbs, Jr)
He is called the "old man" of the receiving corps. Hankerson is a solid target for Harris, and his leadership will be key. If he can set a good, fundamental tempo, the other wideouts will follow.

Prediction
This is what the ACC envisioned when the added these two teams. It is essientially a rematch of the old Big East title. If Miami wins this game and goes 3-0 in the conference, they will be in prime condition to run the table and unseat Tech as champs of the ACC.

For Tech, this game is crucial, because it is a division game. A loss here puts VT in catch up mode the rest of the year.

I think in this game, poise will be the key in such a stressful situation, and the nod has to go to Harris, who has looked like an early Heisman candidate. Don't expect a blowout here though.

This game will be rough, competitive, and we may even see some trick plays, and expect Beamer ball to rear its head.

In the end, I think Miami's offense is just too explosive, and Tech's too anemic.

Miami (Fl) 21
Virginia Tech 18

Other Games this Week
LSU over Miss. State
Alabama over Arkansas
Florida over Kentucky
Tennessee over Ohio
Georgia over Arizona State
Auburn over Ball State
Vandy over Rice
Georgia Tech over North Carolina
Florida State over South Florida
TCU over Clemson
Wake Forest over Boston College
Maryland over Rutgers
Pittsburgh over NC State
Duke over North Carolina Central
Penn State over Iowa
So. Cal over Washington State
Texas Tech over Houston
Texas over UTEP
Coastal Carolina over NC A&T
Charleston Southern over N. Greenville
Citadel over Presbyterian
App State over Samford
Furman over W. Carolina
Wofford over Chattanooga

Record
Week 1: 23-3
Week 2: 21-5
Week 3: 21-5