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
Gam
ecocks
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
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
Gam
ecocksQB 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
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