Weekly Predictions: Week 3
It is week 3 in college football. Last week USC laid an egg against Vanderbilt by not converting opportunities into points. Georgia Tech smashmouthed their way to a conference victory over Boston College, and putting me at 1-1 in big games.
After the dust cleared, I had gone 14-3, bringing my season total to 29-8.
How will I fare this week?
(By the way, this week I will showcase 3, count em, THREE, headline games. One from the ACC and SEC, and a special game)
#2 Bulldogs (2-0, 0-0)
Georgia is coming off back-to-back blowouts over Georgia Southern and Central Michigan--which explains why the offense is putting up 50 points per game.
The Dawgs are led by pre-season Heisman hopefull, quarterback Matthew Stafford (31-for-49, 488 yards, 4 TDs), and sensational runningback Knowshon Moreno (26 carries-227 yards, 6 TDs). Stafford's main target so far has been junior Mohamed Massaquoi (8 catches, 134 yards 2 TDs).
The defense--that is giving up 19 ppg--is led by linebackers Rennie Curran (14 tackles, 1 sack) and Dannell Ellerbe (5 tackles, 1 INT) and defensive tackle Geno Atkins (8 tackles).
Gamecocks (1-1, 0-1)
South Carolina is coming off a heart breaker to Vanderbilt, for the second year in a row.
Chris Smelley (28-for-44, 325 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs) is the starter. Mike Davis, who had another good showing against Vandy will anchor the running game. Tight end Jared Cook had a coming out party in the loss, hauling in 7 passes for a 100 yard performance.
The defense held strong for 3 quarters last week, but just ran out of gas in the 4th against Vandy, and will be looking for vengence. Safety Emmanuel Cook (18 tackles), linebacker Eric Norwood (10 tackles, 1 sack), and corner Stoney Woodson (1 INT, 1 tackle) look to spearhead that effort.
Breakdown
Georgia looks to have a stiffling D--they are only giving up 80 yards per game.
The pass D has been more suspect--219 ypg--but most of those probably came against the second and third team defense.
The Bulldogs are still the Dawgs--strong D, strong running game, and timely playaction passing.
One thing the Bulldog faithful will have to worry about is the loss of some key guys due to injury.
The Gamecocks are scrambling to find out how to fix their offense. Luckily, they get left tackle Jamon Meredith back, but questions linger of where he will play--left tackle, or will he be moved to guard or the right tackle position (both have been suspect in the first two games).
Prediction
This type of game is hard to predict. On one hand, South Carolina has played better talent, and should be better tested to face adversity. On the other, Georgia has manhandled lower tier talent, but haven't faced adversity.
Really, this is a must win game for USC. Lose, and they are probably out of the SEC East race, win, and they still have hope.
Georgia will need to prove that their #2 ranking isn't a fluke.
I do see UGA using its power running game, but watch out for Caleb King to be a difference maker, and the Gamecocks will need to watch for the playaction bomb that Dawg coach Mark Richt utilizes to get that one, momentum swinging play.
The Gamecocks need to toughen up along the lines, and find someway to get their offense to some point of consistency. If that happens, this could be a close, defensive battle that could come down to the leg of one of the kickers.
Georgia 24
South Carolina 20
Yellow Jackets (2-0, 1-0)
Georgia Tech has started off the Paul Johnson era on high notes--a 2-0 start, and a win over divisonal foe Boston College. The smashmouth style of football has taken the ACC by storm, and teams are now red flagging GT on their schedules. QB Josh Nesbitt (26 carries, 110 yards, 3 TDs) pilots the option offense, and his wing men are running backs Johnathan Dwyer (29 carries, 220 yards, 3 TDs) and Ronald Jones (6 carries, 68 yards, 1 TD).
The defense of GT has kept their first two opponents down, allowing an average of about 15 points per game(121 yards on the ground, 139 through the air). The leaders are linebacker K yle Jackson (14 tackles, Morgan Burnett (14 tackles, 2 INTs) and defensive end Derrick Morgan (5 tackles, 2.5 sacks).
Hokies (1-1, 0-0)
The Hokies are coming off a 24-7 spring back game against D1AA Furman after a week 1 defeat by East Carolina.
Frank Beamer wisely removed quarterback Tyrod Taylor's ( redshirt, and the offense looked much better, albeit against a D1AA team. Running back Darren Evans (23 carries, 109 yards, 2 TDs) co-heads the running game with Taylor (14 carries, 112 yards) while the passing game, like GT, is almost nonexistent.
The D is led by linebacker Cam Martin (16 tackles, 1 sack), defensive back Stephan Virgil (11 tackles, 1 INT) and safety Victor "Macho" Harris (3 tackles)--who was out against ECU.
Breakdown
The Jackets are averaging 224 yards on the ground, while the passing game is as needed, and seldom used. The defense will get its first true test of speed against VT QB Tyrod Taylor.
The Hokies haven't manufactured much offense, and have relied on defense and special teams (Beamer Ball) but now they need an offense to at least put 2 scores on the board, preferably 3.
In short, the key is Taylor.
Prediction
The Hokies are a cunundrum at the moment. They have been beaten by a CUSA team, and beaten a D1AA team. The Hokie offense will go as Taylor goes, who is a game changer but whose passing game still leaves much to be desired.
The Yellow Jackets will continue to pound the ball and not pass by choice, while relying on tough defense.
This should be another slobbernocker. Both teams will be running the ball, and neither will be lighting up the skies with consistent 50-yard deep balls.
This will be a tough D, power running game that may come down to special teams (favor VT) or who can control the clock (favor GT).
Should be a good one.
Georgia Tech 21
Virginia Tech 17
Special Edition
Southern Cal vs. Ohio State
#1 Trojans (1-0, 0-0)
USC is coming off a bye week that came after they took Virginia to the woodshed to the tune of 52-7. Starting QB Mark Sanchez (26-for-35 338 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT) looked strong in his first start of the year. Joe McKnight (6 carries, 60 yards) and C.J. Gable (9 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD) head up the running game, while a young corps of talented, but unproven receivers supply the air in the passing game.
The defense is tough. Led by linebacker Kaluka Maiva (6 tackles), safety Taylor Mays (6 tackles), and defensive end Clay Matthews (6 tackles, 1 sack).
#3 Buckeyes (2-0, 0-0)
Ohio State is coming off a close win over Ohio University, in which they were without star running back Chris "Beanie" Wells (30 carries 111 yards, 3 TDs). The offense is captained by quarterback Todd Boeckman (30-for-45, 297 yards 2 TDs). The Wells Combo is completed by runningback Maurice Wells (14 carries, 80 yards). The passing game doesn't look explosive on paper, but Brian Robiskie (6 catches 49 yards, 1 TD) and Ray Small (8 catches, 62 yards) are targets that need to be watched.
The D is led by All-American linebacker James Laurinitis (14 tackles, 1 INT), defensive back Marcus Freeman (12 tackles), and defensive lineman Lawrence Wilson (4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT). They are giving up 67 yards on the ground and 97 through the air (on average).
Breakdown
The Trojans looked good against Virginia 2 weeks ago...only problem is that is was against Virginia--a team that is rebuilding. The question is how good will the skill guys be against better talent, how will Sanchez's knee hold up if he has to flee the pocket, and will the you widouts be a factor against better competition?
Ohio State needs Beanie Wells. Without him, the offense isn't the same, and it showed against Ohio. Maurice Wells is a servicable back, but there is a reason Beanie is #1. QB Tyrelle Pryor (14 carries, 89 yards, 1 TD; 4-for-8, 35 yards) will need to be effective in spelling Boekman.
Prediction
This is being touted the ticket for the National Title game for the winner, mostly because each team's conference is so bad that this is their only true test of the season besides a date with Oregon and UCLA--for USC--and a date with Penn State and Wisconsin--for Ohio State.
So Cal should win this game. They have better team speed, faster skill guys, and more hard hitters on defense. Sanchez is said to be the the best prepared QB So. Cal has had since Pete Carroll's arrival (better than Palmer, Lienhart, and Booty). The nation will find out just how good he is.
For Ohio State, it is going to be in their best interest to make this a power game where they control the clock, and keep the Trojan offense off the field. Also, the health of Chris "Beanie" Wells is key. If he isn't playing, the the Buckeyes have next to no shot. But, USC should keep an eye out for heralded true freshman QB Tyrelle Pryor.
Sadly, I see this being close for about a half, then I see the Trojans running away with it.
USC 48
Ohio State 24
Previous Weeks:
Week 1: 15-5
Week 2: 14-3 *(The LSU v Tulane game was postponed due to Hurricane. The Reports thoughts and prayers are with those in the Gulf Coast Region)
The rest of the week:
UNC over Rutgers
Clemson over NC State
Navy over Duke
Cal over Maryland
Florida State over Chattanooga
UConn over Virginia
Tenn. over UAB
Texas over Arkansas
Vandy over Rice
Alabama over W. Kentucky
Miss. over Samford
Auburn over Miss. State
Kentucky over Mid. Tenn. St.
LSU over North Texas
After the dust cleared, I had gone 14-3, bringing my season total to 29-8.
How will I fare this week?
(By the way, this week I will showcase 3, count em, THREE, headline games. One from the ACC and SEC, and a special game)
#2 Bulldogs (2-0, 0-0)
Georgia is coming off back-to-back blowouts over Georgia Southern and Central Michigan--which explains why the offense is putting up 50 points per game.
The Dawgs are led by pre-season Heisman hopefull, quarterback Matthew Stafford (31-for-49, 488 yards, 4 TDs), and sensational runningback Knowshon Moreno (26 carries-227 yards, 6 TDs). Stafford's main target so far has been junior Mohamed Massaquoi (8 catches, 134 yards 2 TDs).
The defense--that is giving up 19 ppg--is led by linebackers Rennie Curran (14 tackles, 1 sack) and Dannell Ellerbe (5 tackles, 1 INT) and defensive tackle Geno Atkins (8 tackles).
Gamecocks (1-1, 0-1)
South Carolina is coming off a heart breaker to Vanderbilt, for the second year in a row.
Chris Smelley (28-for-44, 325 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs) is the starter. Mike Davis, who had another good showing against Vandy will anchor the running game. Tight end Jared Cook had a coming out party in the loss, hauling in 7 passes for a 100 yard performance.
The defense held strong for 3 quarters last week, but just ran out of gas in the 4th against Vandy, and will be looking for vengence. Safety Emmanuel Cook (18 tackles), linebacker Eric Norwood (10 tackles, 1 sack), and corner Stoney Woodson (1 INT, 1 tackle) look to spearhead that effort.
Breakdown
Georgia looks to have a stiffling D--they are only giving up 80 yards per game.
The pass D has been more suspect--219 ypg--but most of those probably came against the second and third team defense.
The Bulldogs are still the Dawgs--strong D, strong running game, and timely playaction passing.
One thing the Bulldog faithful will have to worry about is the loss of some key guys due to injury.
The Gamecocks are scrambling to find out how to fix their offense. Luckily, they get left tackle Jamon Meredith back, but questions linger of where he will play--left tackle, or will he be moved to guard or the right tackle position (both have been suspect in the first two games).
Prediction
This type of game is hard to predict. On one hand, South Carolina has played better talent, and should be better tested to face adversity. On the other, Georgia has manhandled lower tier talent, but haven't faced adversity.
Really, this is a must win game for USC. Lose, and they are probably out of the SEC East race, win, and they still have hope.
Georgia will need to prove that their #2 ranking isn't a fluke.
I do see UGA using its power running game, but watch out for Caleb King to be a difference maker, and the Gamecocks will need to watch for the playaction bomb that Dawg coach Mark Richt utilizes to get that one, momentum swinging play.
The Gamecocks need to toughen up along the lines, and find someway to get their offense to some point of consistency. If that happens, this could be a close, defensive battle that could come down to the leg of one of the kickers.
Georgia 24
South Carolina 20
Yellow Jackets (2-0, 1-0)
Georgia Tech has started off the Paul Johnson era on high notes--a 2-0 start, and a win over divisonal foe Boston College. The smashmouth style of football has taken the ACC by storm, and teams are now red flagging GT on their schedules. QB Josh Nesbitt (26 carries, 110 yards, 3 TDs) pilots the option offense, and his wing men are running backs Johnathan Dwyer (29 carries, 220 yards, 3 TDs) and Ronald Jones (6 carries, 68 yards, 1 TD).
The defense of GT has kept their first two opponents down, allowing an average of about 15 points per game(121 yards on the ground, 139 through the air). The leaders are linebacker K yle Jackson (14 tackles, Morgan Burnett (14 tackles, 2 INTs) and defensive end Derrick Morgan (5 tackles, 2.5 sacks).
Hokies (1-1, 0-0)
The Hokies are coming off a 24-7 spring back game against D1AA Furman after a week 1 defeat by East Carolina.
Frank Beamer wisely removed quarterback Tyrod Taylor's ( redshirt, and the offense looked much better, albeit against a D1AA team. Running back Darren Evans (23 carries, 109 yards, 2 TDs) co-heads the running game with Taylor (14 carries, 112 yards) while the passing game, like GT, is almost nonexistent.
The D is led by linebacker Cam Martin (16 tackles, 1 sack), defensive back Stephan Virgil (11 tackles, 1 INT) and safety Victor "Macho" Harris (3 tackles)--who was out against ECU.
Breakdown
The Jackets are averaging 224 yards on the ground, while the passing game is as needed, and seldom used. The defense will get its first true test of speed against VT QB Tyrod Taylor.
The Hokies haven't manufactured much offense, and have relied on defense and special teams (Beamer Ball) but now they need an offense to at least put 2 scores on the board, preferably 3.
In short, the key is Taylor.
Prediction
The Hokies are a cunundrum at the moment. They have been beaten by a CUSA team, and beaten a D1AA team. The Hokie offense will go as Taylor goes, who is a game changer but whose passing game still leaves much to be desired.
The Yellow Jackets will continue to pound the ball and not pass by choice, while relying on tough defense.
This should be another slobbernocker. Both teams will be running the ball, and neither will be lighting up the skies with consistent 50-yard deep balls.
This will be a tough D, power running game that may come down to special teams (favor VT) or who can control the clock (favor GT).
Should be a good one.
Georgia Tech 21
Virginia Tech 17
Special Edition
Southern Cal vs. Ohio State
#1 Trojans (1-0, 0-0)
USC is coming off a bye week that came after they took Virginia to the woodshed to the tune of 52-7. Starting QB Mark Sanchez (26-for-35 338 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT) looked strong in his first start of the year. Joe McKnight (6 carries, 60 yards) and C.J. Gable (9 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD) head up the running game, while a young corps of talented, but unproven receivers supply the air in the passing game.
The defense is tough. Led by linebacker Kaluka Maiva (6 tackles), safety Taylor Mays (6 tackles), and defensive end Clay Matthews (6 tackles, 1 sack).
#3 Buckeyes (2-0, 0-0)
Ohio State is coming off a close win over Ohio University, in which they were without star running back Chris "Beanie" Wells (30 carries 111 yards, 3 TDs). The offense is captained by quarterback Todd Boeckman (30-for-45, 297 yards 2 TDs). The Wells Combo is completed by runningback Maurice Wells (14 carries, 80 yards). The passing game doesn't look explosive on paper, but Brian Robiskie (6 catches 49 yards, 1 TD) and Ray Small (8 catches, 62 yards) are targets that need to be watched.
The D is led by All-American linebacker James Laurinitis (14 tackles, 1 INT), defensive back Marcus Freeman (12 tackles), and defensive lineman Lawrence Wilson (4 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT). They are giving up 67 yards on the ground and 97 through the air (on average).
Breakdown
The Trojans looked good against Virginia 2 weeks ago...only problem is that is was against Virginia--a team that is rebuilding. The question is how good will the skill guys be against better talent, how will Sanchez's knee hold up if he has to flee the pocket, and will the you widouts be a factor against better competition?
Ohio State needs Beanie Wells. Without him, the offense isn't the same, and it showed against Ohio. Maurice Wells is a servicable back, but there is a reason Beanie is #1. QB Tyrelle Pryor (14 carries, 89 yards, 1 TD; 4-for-8, 35 yards) will need to be effective in spelling Boekman.
Prediction
This is being touted the ticket for the National Title game for the winner, mostly because each team's conference is so bad that this is their only true test of the season besides a date with Oregon and UCLA--for USC--and a date with Penn State and Wisconsin--for Ohio State.
So Cal should win this game. They have better team speed, faster skill guys, and more hard hitters on defense. Sanchez is said to be the the best prepared QB So. Cal has had since Pete Carroll's arrival (better than Palmer, Lienhart, and Booty). The nation will find out just how good he is.
For Ohio State, it is going to be in their best interest to make this a power game where they control the clock, and keep the Trojan offense off the field. Also, the health of Chris "Beanie" Wells is key. If he isn't playing, the the Buckeyes have next to no shot. But, USC should keep an eye out for heralded true freshman QB Tyrelle Pryor.
Sadly, I see this being close for about a half, then I see the Trojans running away with it.
USC 48
Ohio State 24
Previous Weeks:
Week 1: 15-5
Week 2: 14-3 *(The LSU v Tulane game was postponed due to Hurricane. The Reports thoughts and prayers are with those in the Gulf Coast Region)
The rest of the week:
UNC over Rutgers
Clemson over NC State
Navy over Duke
Cal over Maryland
Florida State over Chattanooga
UConn over Virginia
Tenn. over UAB
Texas over Arkansas
Vandy over Rice
Alabama over W. Kentucky
Miss. over Samford
Auburn over Miss. State
Kentucky over Mid. Tenn. St.
LSU over North Texas
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