Weekly Predictions: Week 11
Happy Post election day.
Congratulations to Barack Obama and best of luck. You're going to need it.
Now, how bout Texas Tech upsetting Texas, and Florida railing Georgia. Even Clemson came up and bit the BC Eagles. I went 13-3 last week, how will I do this week?
*Rankings are according to the BCS for the week of Nov. 2
#1 Crimson Tide (9-0, 5-0)
The Tide are coming off a tune up game where they shut out Arkansas State 35-0. John Parker Wilson is doing a good job of managing games and finding wideouts Julio Jones and Mike McCoy, and tight end Travis McCall. The Tide are still based on the ground, with Glenn Coffee and Mark Engram carrying the load.
Defense, they Tide get back massive DT Terrence Cody, and linebackers Rolando McClain, Brandon Fanney, and Donta Hightower, corner Javier Arenas lead a tough defense.
#16 Tigers aka Bayou Bengals (6-2, 3-2)
The Tigers are also coming off a tune up, as they beat up Tulane 35-10. The dual QB system with Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch is working, but I'm sure Les Miles would love to have a true #1 guy. RBs Charles Scott and Keiland Williams need to have a big game, and receivers Demetris Bird and Brandon Lafell need to make catches. Keep an eye out for WR/RB Trindon Holliday.
On defense, the line needs to play up to its potential with guys like Kirston Pittman, Tyson Jackson, and Ricky Jean-Francois. Linebacker Derry Beckwith and safeties Harry Coleman and Curtis Taylor need to have big games for the Tigers.
Breakdown
The winner of this game wins the SEC West. For Alabama, every game has National Title implications. If they win out, they are more than likely in; a loss, and they are struggling to make the Sugar Bowl.
LSU is trying to get back into things, and a win to get to first place of the division, as well as beating the "best team in the country" would really help boost their position with pollsters.
Watch for Javier Arenas on special teams. His ability to change field instantly will be a factor.
For LSU, it is Trindon Holliday that can really eat up chunks of yards.
Prediction
In Nick Saban's first game back in Baton Rouge since he left for the Dolphins, along with the implications that go with the game, a raucous crowd will be on hand.
It will also go to settle the argument of who the better coach is: Did Les Miles win that title with coaching, or did he simply inherit a great team from Saban.
It will be a very fast, physical game.
LSU needs to worry, they don't win as much during the day as they do at night.
LSU 23
Alabama 24
#20 Yellow Jackets (7-2, 4-2)
Tech is coming off a 35-28 squeaker over Florida State. Jonathan Dwyer is the real deal at runningback, while Lucas Cox and Roddy Jones are good off the edges. Receiver Damariyus Thomas (6'3, 230) is slowly become a strong presence when a catch is needed. QB Josh Nesbitt has gotten a grasp of the offense, and when it is clicking, it is nearly impossible to stop.
The defense is tough, led by defensive ends Derrick Morgan and Michael Johnson. Corners Mario Butler and Jai-Word Daniels will have their hands full this week with Hakeem Nicks and Brooks Foster. Safety Morgan Burnett will have to not only lay some hits, but do some good coverage work.
#19 Tar Heels (6-2, 2-2)
UNC had a bye last week, and should be well prepared to take on the triple option attack. On offense, Cam Sexton will be called upon, and has been leading a pretty potent offense with receiver Nicks as the do everything guy. Foster adds to the passing game, and backup Kenton Thorton (6'5, 230) could be a factor if the game comes down to a jump ball situation. Runningbacks Shaun Draughn and Greg Little are big, powerful guys that have been pretty consistent this year.
On defense, tackle Marvin Austin and end Robert Quinn anchor the line, and backer Quan Sturdivant has a nose for the ball. These three will be key to stopping the option with Austin getting penetration, and Quinn and Sturdivant playing their assignments perfectly. The undersized corners may have trouble guarding GT's Thomas, while safeties Trimaine Goddard and Deunta Williams will be key to helping on Thomas, as well as getting containment on the option.
Breakdown
This is one crazy division. One odd thing is that both of these teams have also lost to the same teams--Virginia and Virginia Tech. If GT wins, they still stand a chance to win the division with losses by the Cavs and Hokies. If UNC wins, they are still in it, with Cav and Hokie losses.
Got a headache yet trying to work it out? Me too.
Prediction
The question is, can UNC stop the triple option. If they can contain it, they have a good shot at winning the game. Can the Tarheel Oline hold back the rush of the Jackets two standouts at defensive end is another question for the Heels.
For the Jackets, they need to keep doing what they are doing on offense, and attempt to lock down Heel receiver Hakeem Nicks. The winner here sets themselves up pretty well to win this crazy division that won't get settle until the final week.
North Carolina 17
Georgia Tech 14
The Rest of the Week
Georgia over Kentucky
Tennessee over Wyoming
Florida over Vanderbilt
Auburn over Tenn.-Martin
South Carolina over Arkansas
Boston College over Notre Dame
Maryland over Virginia Tech
NC State over Duke
Virginia over Wake Forest
Clemson over Florida State
Texas Christian over Utah
Okla. State over Texas Tech
So. Cal over California
Last Week: 13-3
Week 1: 15-6
Week 2: 14-3
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 12-2
Week 5: 11-6
Week 6: 8-4
Week 7: 11-6
Week 8: 12-4
Week 9: 11-5
Overall: 120-41 (74.5%)
Congratulations to Barack Obama and best of luck. You're going to need it.
Now, how bout Texas Tech upsetting Texas, and Florida railing Georgia. Even Clemson came up and bit the BC Eagles. I went 13-3 last week, how will I do this week?
*Rankings are according to the BCS for the week of Nov. 2
VS
#1 Crimson Tide (9-0, 5-0)
The Tide are coming off a tune up game where they shut out Arkansas State 35-0. John Parker Wilson is doing a good job of managing games and finding wideouts Julio Jones and Mike McCoy, and tight end Travis McCall. The Tide are still based on the ground, with Glenn Coffee and Mark Engram carrying the load.
Defense, they Tide get back massive DT Terrence Cody, and linebackers Rolando McClain, Brandon Fanney, and Donta Hightower, corner Javier Arenas lead a tough defense.
#16 Tigers aka Bayou Bengals (6-2, 3-2)
The Tigers are also coming off a tune up, as they beat up Tulane 35-10. The dual QB system with Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch is working, but I'm sure Les Miles would love to have a true #1 guy. RBs Charles Scott and Keiland Williams need to have a big game, and receivers Demetris Bird and Brandon Lafell need to make catches. Keep an eye out for WR/RB Trindon Holliday.
On defense, the line needs to play up to its potential with guys like Kirston Pittman, Tyson Jackson, and Ricky Jean-Francois. Linebacker Derry Beckwith and safeties Harry Coleman and Curtis Taylor need to have big games for the Tigers.
Breakdown
The winner of this game wins the SEC West. For Alabama, every game has National Title implications. If they win out, they are more than likely in; a loss, and they are struggling to make the Sugar Bowl.
LSU is trying to get back into things, and a win to get to first place of the division, as well as beating the "best team in the country" would really help boost their position with pollsters.
Watch for Javier Arenas on special teams. His ability to change field instantly will be a factor.
For LSU, it is Trindon Holliday that can really eat up chunks of yards.
Prediction
In Nick Saban's first game back in Baton Rouge since he left for the Dolphins, along with the implications that go with the game, a raucous crowd will be on hand.
It will also go to settle the argument of who the better coach is: Did Les Miles win that title with coaching, or did he simply inherit a great team from Saban.
It will be a very fast, physical game.
LSU needs to worry, they don't win as much during the day as they do at night.
LSU 23
Alabama 24
#20 Yellow Jackets (7-2, 4-2)
Tech is coming off a 35-28 squeaker over Florida State. Jonathan Dwyer is the real deal at runningback, while Lucas Cox and Roddy Jones are good off the edges. Receiver Damariyus Thomas (6'3, 230) is slowly become a strong presence when a catch is needed. QB Josh Nesbitt has gotten a grasp of the offense, and when it is clicking, it is nearly impossible to stop.
The defense is tough, led by defensive ends Derrick Morgan and Michael Johnson. Corners Mario Butler and Jai-Word Daniels will have their hands full this week with Hakeem Nicks and Brooks Foster. Safety Morgan Burnett will have to not only lay some hits, but do some good coverage work.
#19 Tar Heels (6-2, 2-2)
UNC had a bye last week, and should be well prepared to take on the triple option attack. On offense, Cam Sexton will be called upon, and has been leading a pretty potent offense with receiver Nicks as the do everything guy. Foster adds to the passing game, and backup Kenton Thorton (6'5, 230) could be a factor if the game comes down to a jump ball situation. Runningbacks Shaun Draughn and Greg Little are big, powerful guys that have been pretty consistent this year.
On defense, tackle Marvin Austin and end Robert Quinn anchor the line, and backer Quan Sturdivant has a nose for the ball. These three will be key to stopping the option with Austin getting penetration, and Quinn and Sturdivant playing their assignments perfectly. The undersized corners may have trouble guarding GT's Thomas, while safeties Trimaine Goddard and Deunta Williams will be key to helping on Thomas, as well as getting containment on the option.
Breakdown
This is one crazy division. One odd thing is that both of these teams have also lost to the same teams--Virginia and Virginia Tech. If GT wins, they still stand a chance to win the division with losses by the Cavs and Hokies. If UNC wins, they are still in it, with Cav and Hokie losses.
Got a headache yet trying to work it out? Me too.
Prediction
The question is, can UNC stop the triple option. If they can contain it, they have a good shot at winning the game. Can the Tarheel Oline hold back the rush of the Jackets two standouts at defensive end is another question for the Heels.
For the Jackets, they need to keep doing what they are doing on offense, and attempt to lock down Heel receiver Hakeem Nicks. The winner here sets themselves up pretty well to win this crazy division that won't get settle until the final week.
North Carolina 17
Georgia Tech 14
The Rest of the Week
Georgia over Kentucky
Tennessee over Wyoming
Florida over Vanderbilt
Auburn over Tenn.-Martin
South Carolina over Arkansas
Boston College over Notre Dame
Maryland over Virginia Tech
NC State over Duke
Virginia over Wake Forest
Clemson over Florida State
Texas Christian over Utah
Okla. State over Texas Tech
So. Cal over California
Last Week: 13-3
Week 1: 15-6
Week 2: 14-3
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 12-2
Week 5: 11-6
Week 6: 8-4
Week 7: 11-6
Week 8: 12-4
Week 9: 11-5
Overall: 120-41 (74.5%)
Wrong about (at least) one thing....
ReplyDeleteThis will not be Saban's return to "Death Valley."
Saban took his Dolphins into Death Valley to play the NO Saints when Hurricane Katrina damaged the Super Dome.
He was cheered as he entered.