Weekly Predictions: Week 7
Another week in the books, and college football shows no signs of slowing down as we inch closer and closer to the announcement of the first BCS Top 25 poll. (Another short intro because it is midterm time at school.)
Needless to say, the South Carolina defense and I had something in common; our worst statistical weeks yet (I went 8-4). I missed on both major matchups last week; FSU beat Miami and Vanderbilt beat Auburn.
But, it is a new week, a time for even more excitement, and a time for me to redeem myself.
#4 Tigers (4-0, 2-0)
LSU's offense is coming off a tune up game with North Texas. They are averaging 36 points/game on 206 rushing yards/game and 220 passing yards. QB Jarrett Lee (45-for-77, 643 yards, 6 TDs, 3 INTs) has taken control of the offense, while RB Charles Scott (71 carries, 535 yards, 6 TDs) provides the muscle and while WRs Brandon Lafell and Demetrius Byrd provide the fireworks (combined 32 catches, 401 yards, 6 TDs).
The defense is giving up 15 points/game on 191 passing yards, and allowing a miniscul 69 yards rushing. They are led by safety Harry Coleman (22 tackles), defensive end Alem Rahim (7 tackles, 2 sacks) and cornerback Chris Hawkins (16 tackles, 2 INTs).
#11 Gators (4-1, 2-1)
Florida is coming off a blowout 38-7 win over the rebuilding Arkansas Razorbacks. They are putting up an average of 36 points/game on almost 180 rushing yards, and 212 passing. QB Tim Tebow (79-for-128, 1025 yards, 8 TDs, 1 INT; 61 carries, 157 yards, 2 TDs) is the catalyst for the offense, while Curtis Rainey (31 carries, 220 yards, 2 TDs) and Jerald Demps (13 carries,13.7 yards/carrry, 3 TDs) supply a secondary running game behind Tebow. The other key to the offense is WR Percy Harvin (19 catches, 284 yards, 3 TDs; 27 carries, 177 yards, 2 TDs).
The defense is giving up about 12 points/game on 100 yards rushing and 165 passing. The D is led by linebacker Brandon Spikes (41 tackles, 1 sack), defensive end Carlos Dunlap (15 tackles, 3.5 sacks), and DBs Major Wright (27 tackles, 2 INTs) and Ahmad Black (25 tackles, 2 INTs).
Breakdown
This will be Florida's first true competition of the year, after playing a lot of light weights (and losing to a surprising Ole Miss squad). Two questions for the Gators: Which defense shows up (the one that gave up 31 points to Ole Miss, or the one that gives up only 12 points/game) and where is Emmanuel Moody (the heralded transfer from So. Cal that really hasn't done what he is supposed to do, spell Tebow in the running game)? A key to a Gator win may be WR Louis Murphy.
For LSU, they just need to play tough defense, use those two standout wideouts, run Charles Scott, and limit their young QBs chances for mistakes. Players to watch are WR/RB Trindon Holliday and RB Keiland Williams.
Prediction
Another top 15 matchup in the SEC, and this one doesn't look to disappoint. Florida is coming off a blowout of Arkansas, while LSU has just been beating opponents with tough football, and gambles that go their way.
The Gators need Tebow to find his Hiesman form, and not the QB that played against Ole Miss two weeks ago. They also need some form of defense to show up.
For LSU, they need to run the ball with Scott, and pound the Gator defense into submission and keep the explosive, yet sporatic, Gator offense off the field. Also, watch for Les Miles to go all in and depend on Lady Luck if this is a close one.
LSU 24
Florida 14
#21 Demon Deacons (3-1 ,1-0)
Wake Forest is hurting after a bye to reflect on their loss to Navy, but have also had a week to look at Clemson. The offense is averaging 25 points/game on 243 passing yards, but only 84 rushing yards. QB Riley Skinner (102-for-148, 974 yards, 6 TDs, 4 INTs) is the leader of the offense and WR DJ Boldin (28 catches, 276 yards) is his favorite target, while Marsh Williams, Chris Brinkman, and Brian Wooster (combined 38 catches, 407 yards, 4 TDs) supply the TDs.
The defense is allowing 17 points/game on 150 yards rushing and 144 yards passing. Leading the D is linebacker Aaron Curry (30 tackles, 1 INT), defensive end Brian Robinson (15 tackles, 2.5 sacks), and defensive backs Kevin Patterson (19 tackles, 3 INTs) and Alphonso Smith (13 tackles, 2 INTs).
Tigers (3-2, 1-1)
Clemson is also coming off a bye week to think about a loss to Maryland that can only be contributed to coaching insanity. The offense is averaging 30 points/game on 165 rushing yards and 220 yards passing. QB Cullen Harper (84-for-126, 944 yards, 3 TDs, 5 INTs), RB James Davis and CJ Spiller (combined 107 carries, 679 yards, 10 TDs), and WR Aaron Kelly (25 catches, 253 yards, 0 TDs) are the keys to Clemson offense. Other important role players to watch are WRs Jacoby Ford (21 catches, 216 yards, 1 TD) and Tyler Grisham (15 catches 161 yards).
The defense is giving up 16 points/game on 115 yards rushing and 200 yards passing. They are led by linebackers Kavell Connor (49 tackles) and Brandon Maye (34 tackles, 1 sack), safety Michael Hamlin (36 tackles, 3 INTs), and corner Chris Chancellor (16 tackles, 1 INT).
Breakdown
This is the game of the week for the ACC. It could also be a major decider as to who goes to the ACC Title game. Whoever wins this game, will be in prime position to run the table in the division to meet the winner of the Coastal division.
The question for the Tigers is will they show up in a big game this year? Can they rebound from the Maryland loss? Also, where is the offense and TDs? And where are the super future guys (WRs Marquan Jones Xavier Dye, RBs Andre Ellington and Jaime Harper)?
For the Deacs, can they rebound from that ugly loss to Navy, and can they find a running game with Josh Adams (55 carries, 151 yards, 2 TDs)? Can their defense contain the lighting in a bottle play of Spiller and Ford?
Prediction
This is a must win game for the Tigers. A loss here puts Bowden's squad in desperation with 2 losses; a loss that would make this season the biggest dissappointment in his decade at Clemson.
For Wake, a win puts them in excellent position to go to the title. The Deacs may be in for some trouble, as the Tigers tend to play well in Winston-Salem. Also, Bowden has been the king of the mid-season turn around that usually happens with Wake Forest.
Clemson has the better athletes on paper and should win this game. But Wake Forest has the better coach. The game will be a microcosm of the debate, "Do athletes win championships, or does great coaching?"
We will find out Thursday night.
Clemson 13
Wake Forest 14
Last Week: 8-4
Week 1: 15-6
Week 2: 14-3
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 12-2
Week 5: 11-6
Overall: 73-23 (76%)
The Rest of the Week
S. Carolina over Kentucky
Vanderbilt over Miss. State
Georgia over Tennessee
Auburn over Arkansas
E. Carolina over Virginia
Georgia Tech over Gardner-Webb
Miami over Central Florida
North Carolina over Notre Dame
Texas over Oklahoma
Penn State over Wisconsin
Mizzou over Oklahoma St.
Coastal Carolina over VMI
App. State over Samford
Furman over W. Carolina
Wofford over Chattanooga
Needless to say, the South Carolina defense and I had something in common; our worst statistical weeks yet (I went 8-4). I missed on both major matchups last week; FSU beat Miami and Vanderbilt beat Auburn.
But, it is a new week, a time for even more excitement, and a time for me to redeem myself.
@
#4 Tigers (4-0, 2-0)
LSU's offense is coming off a tune up game with North Texas. They are averaging 36 points/game on 206 rushing yards/game and 220 passing yards. QB Jarrett Lee (45-for-77, 643 yards, 6 TDs, 3 INTs) has taken control of the offense, while RB Charles Scott (71 carries, 535 yards, 6 TDs) provides the muscle and while WRs Brandon Lafell and Demetrius Byrd provide the fireworks (combined 32 catches, 401 yards, 6 TDs).
The defense is giving up 15 points/game on 191 passing yards, and allowing a miniscul 69 yards rushing. They are led by safety Harry Coleman (22 tackles), defensive end Alem Rahim (7 tackles, 2 sacks) and cornerback Chris Hawkins (16 tackles, 2 INTs).
#11 Gators (4-1, 2-1)
Florida is coming off a blowout 38-7 win over the rebuilding Arkansas Razorbacks. They are putting up an average of 36 points/game on almost 180 rushing yards, and 212 passing. QB Tim Tebow (79-for-128, 1025 yards, 8 TDs, 1 INT; 61 carries, 157 yards, 2 TDs) is the catalyst for the offense, while Curtis Rainey (31 carries, 220 yards, 2 TDs) and Jerald Demps (13 carries,13.7 yards/carrry, 3 TDs) supply a secondary running game behind Tebow. The other key to the offense is WR Percy Harvin (19 catches, 284 yards, 3 TDs; 27 carries, 177 yards, 2 TDs).
The defense is giving up about 12 points/game on 100 yards rushing and 165 passing. The D is led by linebacker Brandon Spikes (41 tackles, 1 sack), defensive end Carlos Dunlap (15 tackles, 3.5 sacks), and DBs Major Wright (27 tackles, 2 INTs) and Ahmad Black (25 tackles, 2 INTs).
Breakdown
This will be Florida's first true competition of the year, after playing a lot of light weights (and losing to a surprising Ole Miss squad). Two questions for the Gators: Which defense shows up (the one that gave up 31 points to Ole Miss, or the one that gives up only 12 points/game) and where is Emmanuel Moody (the heralded transfer from So. Cal that really hasn't done what he is supposed to do, spell Tebow in the running game)? A key to a Gator win may be WR Louis Murphy.
For LSU, they just need to play tough defense, use those two standout wideouts, run Charles Scott, and limit their young QBs chances for mistakes. Players to watch are WR/RB Trindon Holliday and RB Keiland Williams.
Prediction
Another top 15 matchup in the SEC, and this one doesn't look to disappoint. Florida is coming off a blowout of Arkansas, while LSU has just been beating opponents with tough football, and gambles that go their way.
The Gators need Tebow to find his Hiesman form, and not the QB that played against Ole Miss two weeks ago. They also need some form of defense to show up.
For LSU, they need to run the ball with Scott, and pound the Gator defense into submission and keep the explosive, yet sporatic, Gator offense off the field. Also, watch for Les Miles to go all in and depend on Lady Luck if this is a close one.
LSU 24
Florida 14
VS
#21 Demon Deacons (3-1 ,1-0)
Wake Forest is hurting after a bye to reflect on their loss to Navy, but have also had a week to look at Clemson. The offense is averaging 25 points/game on 243 passing yards, but only 84 rushing yards. QB Riley Skinner (102-for-148, 974 yards, 6 TDs, 4 INTs) is the leader of the offense and WR DJ Boldin (28 catches, 276 yards) is his favorite target, while Marsh Williams, Chris Brinkman, and Brian Wooster (combined 38 catches, 407 yards, 4 TDs) supply the TDs.
The defense is allowing 17 points/game on 150 yards rushing and 144 yards passing. Leading the D is linebacker Aaron Curry (30 tackles, 1 INT), defensive end Brian Robinson (15 tackles, 2.5 sacks), and defensive backs Kevin Patterson (19 tackles, 3 INTs) and Alphonso Smith (13 tackles, 2 INTs).
Tigers (3-2, 1-1)
Clemson is also coming off a bye week to think about a loss to Maryland that can only be contributed to coaching insanity. The offense is averaging 30 points/game on 165 rushing yards and 220 yards passing. QB Cullen Harper (84-for-126, 944 yards, 3 TDs, 5 INTs), RB James Davis and CJ Spiller (combined 107 carries, 679 yards, 10 TDs), and WR Aaron Kelly (25 catches, 253 yards, 0 TDs) are the keys to Clemson offense. Other important role players to watch are WRs Jacoby Ford (21 catches, 216 yards, 1 TD) and Tyler Grisham (15 catches 161 yards).
The defense is giving up 16 points/game on 115 yards rushing and 200 yards passing. They are led by linebackers Kavell Connor (49 tackles) and Brandon Maye (34 tackles, 1 sack), safety Michael Hamlin (36 tackles, 3 INTs), and corner Chris Chancellor (16 tackles, 1 INT).
Breakdown
This is the game of the week for the ACC. It could also be a major decider as to who goes to the ACC Title game. Whoever wins this game, will be in prime position to run the table in the division to meet the winner of the Coastal division.
The question for the Tigers is will they show up in a big game this year? Can they rebound from the Maryland loss? Also, where is the offense and TDs? And where are the super future guys (WRs Marquan Jones Xavier Dye, RBs Andre Ellington and Jaime Harper)?
For the Deacs, can they rebound from that ugly loss to Navy, and can they find a running game with Josh Adams (55 carries, 151 yards, 2 TDs)? Can their defense contain the lighting in a bottle play of Spiller and Ford?
Prediction
This is a must win game for the Tigers. A loss here puts Bowden's squad in desperation with 2 losses; a loss that would make this season the biggest dissappointment in his decade at Clemson.
For Wake, a win puts them in excellent position to go to the title. The Deacs may be in for some trouble, as the Tigers tend to play well in Winston-Salem. Also, Bowden has been the king of the mid-season turn around that usually happens with Wake Forest.
Clemson has the better athletes on paper and should win this game. But Wake Forest has the better coach. The game will be a microcosm of the debate, "Do athletes win championships, or does great coaching?"
We will find out Thursday night.
Clemson 13
Wake Forest 14
Last Week: 8-4
Week 1: 15-6
Week 2: 14-3
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 12-2
Week 5: 11-6
Overall: 73-23 (76%)
The Rest of the Week
S. Carolina over Kentucky
Vanderbilt over Miss. State
Georgia over Tennessee
Auburn over Arkansas
E. Carolina over Virginia
Georgia Tech over Gardner-Webb
Miami over Central Florida
North Carolina over Notre Dame
Texas over Oklahoma
Penn State over Wisconsin
Mizzou over Oklahoma St.
Coastal Carolina over VMI
App. State over Samford
Furman over W. Carolina
Wofford over Chattanooga
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