I will attempt to get at least one opening remark in every week. There are many stories that happen off the field. These are what I will focus on during these remarks.
This week, instead of an opening remark, I will go on an opening tirade. Ohio State needs to get rid of their current athletic director, Gene Smith. There was the off-season story that just wouldn't end. We had heard about the five players selling their memorabilia for tattoos. University President G. Gordon Liddy said that he just hoped that "[Jim Tressell] doesn't fire us." Athletic Director Gene Smith said that there was no "systemic problem". Then came the story that Jim Tressell had known about that story for months before reporting it to the university. Then the speculation about the car dealership, and the coming forward by former wide receiver Ray Small. And there's kind that small issue of Pryor getting up to a grand a week for signing autographs. Pryor was seen driving around in a brand new car, practically waving to the cameras while on a suspended license ... while this was going on. And don't forget that Tressell was internally given a negative mark of self-reporting violations by Ohio State back in 2007. Now, three previously reinstated players are being held off the field because they received an unfairly generous amount of compensation for working at their jobs? So what does AD Gene Smith say? There's still no "systemic problem". * Sigh * After this off-season with Tressell/Pryor, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, Nevin Shapiro/Miami, and the fraudulent recruiting services provided by Willie Lyles, it was SO nice to finally see the opening kickoff of the year. That's the exact feeling I have right now as I begin to make these picks.
The first eight games I check results on last week had me sitting at 1-6-1 against the spread before rebounding to 9-9-1 when all was said and done. Additionally, after going 19-0 straight up in week 4, I was disappointed to have lost five games. Let's look for a heavy turnaround this week.
Heisman contenders (no particular order):
- Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin: I don't know how I didn't hear about this kid until he was about to transfer. First Wisconsin QB to throw for 300+ yards in consecutive weeks in about 20 years. Additionally, I know I said "no particular order", but Wilson is definitely my Heisman favorite.
- RG3, QB, Baylor: First interception of the year in game four. Leads the nation in passer efficiency. While putting up the numbers to be the favorite, let's see how he does as he heads into conference play and stiffer competition.
- Kellen Moore, QB, Boise St.: Worst game of his career last weekend, but all the guy does is win. Speaking of stiffer competition, he might already have a Heisman if people could respect the Broncos schedule.
- Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford: Heisman front-runner RE: last season. Yet to be tested this year, but the best overall QB going into next season's draft.
- Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson: Bringing the Tigers from unknown into the Top 10? Not to make a head-to-head comparison, but someone named Cam Newton did something eerily similar last season. Someone deserves to be mentioned ...
- Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: Offense is built around him. No drop-off from Ingram. #ScaryStatement?
- LaMichael James, RB, Oregon: Leads the nation in rushing despite 54 yards in week one vs. the nation's best run defense.
- Tommy Rees, QB, Notre Dame: #Sarcasm LOL
- Nathan Scheelhaase, QB, Illinois: By the way, it's pronounced "Scheel-house". Guy has Illinois at 5-0 and in the Top 25
- Brandon Weedon, QB, Oklahoma St.: Has guided the 'Pokes to #6 in the polls and an impressive rally to beat Texas A&M.
California (+24) @ #9 Oregon: Oregon's RB LaMichael James has come off a combined just over 100 yards in his first two games (1 against LSU, 1 a rout against Nevada), to lead the nation in rushing with over 150 yards a game and get him back into the Heisman conversation. Cal has played well against Oregon the past few seasons, but QB Darrin Thomas has stepped up his game, and in the last two years, the only teams that have stopped the Ducks are last year's Auburn and this year's LSU. Straight: Oregon Spread: Ducks
#5 Boise St. @ Fresno St. (+21): It's too bad about Boise this year. Georgia isn't living up to the preseason hype and TCU already has two losses. They have no shot at the title even if they were destroying people by 50 a game, including UGA and TCU. Boise's been impressive this year, but has been struggling to cover the spread. Kellen Moore had the worst game of his career, but RB Doug Martin really stepped up last week. Fresno St. played Nebraska close near the end, but hasn't played very well the rest of the year. Straight: Boise St. Spread: Broncos
#3 Oklahoma v. #11 Texas (+10): Texas has impressed me this year. I didn't think they'd be playing at this level after last year's atrocious 5-7 season. I was unimpressed until last week's sizable win against Iowa State. ISU is a pretty good team, but this week, we'll see if Texas is a contender or pretender. I don't see any way that Texas wins this game. While they did play well against Iowa St., Texas *barely* beat BYU, who got destroyed by Utah, who lost to USC, who nearly lost to lowly Minnesota. #TransitiveProperty LOL Seriously, though, I think Oklahoma is too strong. Straight: Oklahoma Spread: Sooners
Maryland (+14) @ #13 Georgia Tech: I know it was three weeks ago, but I still can't get over how Georgia Tech ran for 600+ yards in one game. I saw Notre Dame get absolutely DESTROYED by Navy's triple option (same offense that Georgia Tech runs) last year and they gave up I think 300+. It still blows my mind. On the other end, Maryland lost embarrassingly to Temple and then beat FCS Towson in an unconvincing fashion. Straight: Georgia Tech Spread: Yellow Jackets
Connecticut (+20) @ #16 West Virginia: West Virginia has been impressive. However, UConn has consecutive losses to Vanderbilt and Iowa State by a combined 7 points. Watch out for UConn. I'm not necessarily making them my upset or TTP special, but they've held leads in the 4th quarter in 3 of their last 4 games. Straight: West Virginia Spread: Mountaineers
Kentucky (+21) @ #18 South Carolina: Connor Shaw is the new starter for SC. Stephen Garcia has started a few games, but failed to live up to expectations ... and by that I mean he has 4 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. UK has lost by 38 and 28 points in consecutive weeks, but that was to much stronger teams in Florida and #1 LSU. Straight: South Carolina Spread: Kentucky
#23 Florida St. @ Wake Forest (+13): Florida State might not have beaten anybody of note, but they've played Oklahoma and Clemson very tough. I don't know why this spread is only 13. Straight: Florida State Spread: Seminoles
Army @ Miami-OH (+2): Miami (Ohio) played a decent Mizzou very closely in week one, but they've really fallen off since then. Army is having a pretty good season and they're second in the nation in rushing, albeit against inferior teams. Miami (Ohio) is one more of said inferior teams. Straight: Army Spread: Black Knights
#19 Illinois @ Indiana (+14): Illinois is a good team. Indiana has struggled all season. Straight: Illinois Spread: Fightin' Illini
Boston College (+21) @ #8 Clemson: Can my "surprise Top 5" team live up to the hype? They're not playing a tough team this week, but the short answer is yes. Straight: Clemson Spread: Tigers
#17 Florida (+14) @ #1 LSU: Florida's QB John Brantley is out. LSU may go back to the two-headed monster now that Jordan Jefferson is back from suspension. Entering last week's game against Alabama, Florida led the SEC in rushing, but was held to just 15. This is an LSU defense that held Heisman hopeful LaMichael James of Oregon to 54. Don't expect this game to be a runaway, but ... Straight: LSU Spread: Tigers
Kansas (+31) @ #6 Oklahoma St.: Oklahoma State has impressed this year. Kansas has not. My only question in this game is if Oklahoma State can win by such a margin. If the 'Pokes can keep the momentum they gathered in that second-half comeback against A&M, it shouldn't be a problem. Straight: Oklahoma St. Spread: Cowboys
Missouri (+3) @ #20 Kansas St.: Missouri was played tough by Miami (Ohio), and has lost to Arizona State and Oklahoma, albeit by a combined 17 points. Kansas State is coming off consecutive impressive nailbiters: a goalline stand against Miami (the regular Miami ... the one in Florida LOL) and a last-minute upset of Baylor. This looks to be a close game, and KSU's experience the last two weeks will help them. Watch out for another close one. Straight: Kansas St. Spread: Jayhawks
Miami (+7½) @ #21 Virginia Tech: Virginia Tech has now failed to cover the spread for 4 straight weeks. It was tough to cover the spread last week, seeing as they lost to Clemson. Miami has looked anything but impressive this year, with their only FBS win coming against a very down and suspension-riddled Ohio State. After opening with a dominating win over FCS Appalachian State, which surprised no one, the Virginia Tech has surprised in another way: the Hokies won but failed to impress over three consecutive inferior opponents and got smacked around by Clemson, failing to score a touchdown. The key in this game for me is rushing defense. While both teams leading rushers are average 127.8 yards per game (I know, that shocked me too), and Miami has played a tougher schedule, Virginia Tech has always had a strong defense under Coach Beemer. Miami is giving up over 200 yards rushing per game. Virginia Tech is allowing just shy of 60. Straight: Virginia Tech Spread: Hokies
#22 Arizona St. @ Utah (+4): I don't know how much stock to put into Utah. Their seemingly signature win, a 54-10 drubbing over BYU, came over a Cougars team that has both lost to undefeated Texas by 1 and barely escaped the likes of Ole Miss and Utah State. Arizona State, however is firing on all cylinders. They've beaten Missouri, throttled USC, and their only loss comes against undefeated Illinois by 3 points. Straight: Arizona St. Spread: Sun Devils
Air Force (+15) @ Notre Dame: Wow. Air Force is third in the nation in rushing. Out of curiosity, I checked on Navy's rushing statistics. Guess where they are. Yup ... 4th. "The U.S. Military Academies: building leaders and great runningbacks since 1802." LOL Air Force definitely impressed last week. Navy has been a beast in recent weeks. I guess it came down to a controversial penalty that aided blocking an extra point, but a W is a W. However, their two other wins are against FCS teams, and they lost by a sizable margin to an underwhelming TCU. I've been saying all year that Notre Dame has not been playing up to their potential. Last week was the first game this season in which they committed no turnovers. If they can keep that up, they'll start climbing the charts. Straight: Notre Dame Spread: Fightin' Irish
Vanderbilt (+29) @ #2 Alabama: It'd be a nice story if Vandy could win this one. They've been playing well this year and have a ball-hawking defense, but were held to just 80 yards against and underwhelming South Carolina in last week's loss. If they can get some takeaways, they could keep this game within reason, but I don't think it's in the cards. Straight: Alabama Spread Crimson Tide
Colorado (+29½) @ #7 Stanford: Call me crazy, but I'm still not sold on Stanford. Yes, they are very good. Yes, Andrew Luck is hands-down the best quarterback in the country and next year's #1 draft pick. However, they aren't as impressive to me (yet) as they were last year. I'm looking down the road for their games against USC, Oregon, and Notre Dame as a proper barometer of where they stand and if they belong with the elite. That said, Colorado is just awful. Straight: Stanford Spread: Cardinal
#15 Auburn (+10) @ #10 Arkansas: I think people are still riding the Cam Newton express when they're ranking Auburn, just as I feel that Arkansas is much to highly ranked. However, those are debates for my Top 25 posts, not here. Arkansas hung around Texas A&M and absolutely man-handled them in the second half en route to a win. Auburn could barely get out of its own way last week to beat South Carolina, although they did contain standout RB Marcus Lattimore, holding him to 66 yards. That comeback against A&M, on the heels of getting pushed around by Alabama, showed me something about Arkansas' resiliency. While this would be an upset according to my Top 25, the consensus of the voters would beg to differ. Straight: Arkansas Spread: Razorbacks
#12 Michigan @ Northwestern (+7): Northwestern played very well against Illinois ... for almost three quarters. QB Dan Persa's return was cut short by another injury. Brady Hoke has really rapidized the turnaround of this defense. (Yeah, I invented a word the other day and found it prudent to put it in my blog. What do you think?) This is another of those games that I'm confused by the spread. You're crazy if you think that Michigan will be held under 30 or so points. With the way this defense is playing, I don't see Northwestern keeping up with Michigan. Straight: Michigan Spread: Wolverines
#24 Texas A&M @ Texas Tech (+8½): I hesitate to even look into this matchup. My gut tells me that Tech will take this game. After blowing a 17-point halftime lead against Oklahoma State, the Aggies were up by 18 at the half against Arkansas. Yet another implosion. I saw the looks of coach Mike Sherman and everyone on the sidelines: utter disbelief. But more than that. I saw no fight, no desire. It was more along the lines of "I can't believe this is happening again" rather than "I'm NOT gonna let this happen again". That said, after SMU beat TCU last week, A&M's opening-week 46-14 win over SMU looks all the more impressive. However, with the breakdowns these last two weeks, that might as well have been last season. Tech comes into the game upset-minded and undefeated, though there's been no strength in their schedule. A&M has struggled on the defensive side of the ball, allowing back-to-back performances by Brandon Weedon and Tyler Wilson that set passing records for their respective programs. Texas Tech's QB is putting up RG3-like numbers: 73.3 completion percentage, 14 touchdowns, only one interception. Break out the Lee Corso headgear. Straight: Texas Tech Spread: Red Raiders
Iowa St. (+15) @ #25 Baylor: Both of these teams are looking to rebound. Iowa State was knocking on the door of the Top 25 before being brought back down to Earth by the Longhorns last weekend. Baylor suffered it's first loss to a very good Kansas State. Baylor's beaten TCU and went the distance with K State. Look for RG3 and Baylor to bounce back. Straight: Baylor Spread: Bears
Ohio St. (+11) @ #14 Nebraska: Everything I've read has told me that Nebraska is overrated. However, Ohio State is in turmoil. They've failed to score double-digit points twice this year, they have three personnel that have received additional suspensions. Additionally, Ohio State's starting WR is out for the season due to injury. This seems already like a lost season for the Buckeyes to me. I'm looking for the Huskers to bounce back. Welcome to the Big Ten! #Badgers Straight: Nebraska Spread: Cornhuskers
@KRiv69: You asked me to throw Wisconsin into my picks, but they're idle this week. I'll pick them not to lose. How's that? :-)
Upset special: Texas Tech over #24 Texas A&M
Take the points special: Kentucky (+21) over South Carolina
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
Post-week 5 Top 25
My first Top 25 of the year came out last week. Unfortunately, my blog did not yet exist. Numbers in parentheses indicate previous rankings in my poll, not the official polls. My summations in these posts will be year-in-recap summaries, which I feel will help to justify my rankings. Note about this week: Because of the missed posting for last week's Top 25, I've essentially taken the recap that I had typed for last week and added an additional sentence in some cases. This is where I most invite the debate I previously mentioned. KRiv69: I'm looking squarely at you!
1. (1) LSU: Smacked around Oregon and West Virginia, stifled Mississippi St.
2. (3) Alabama: Convincing win against Penn St. Smacked around Arkansas and Florida.
3. (2) Oklahoma: Tulsa comfortably, then Florida St. and Mizzou.
4. (7) Clemson: I'd hate to have to play in Death Valley, SC. Consecutive upsets against Auburn and Florida St. But then on the road and smacking around Virginia Tech?! Might Tahj Boyd be in the chatter of Heisman hopefuls?
5. (4) Boise St.: Beat UGA by 14, routs in everything else. Despite not having lots of big results against big names, I still believe they can run with anybody.
6. (5) Oklahoma St.: Rolled Arizona and Tulsa, outlasted Texas A&M.
7. (11t). Wisconsin: Russell Wilson favorite for Heisman? The only thing that could keep the Badgers out of the Rose Bowl Game might be a BCS title game invite.
8. (7) Stanford: Rolling in every game, but no big names save for Arizona on the résumé so far.
9. (10) Oregon: Gotta love the Ducks, but they still can't handle a strong D.
10. (14) Georgia Tech: Beat UNC by 7. You wanna know how dangerous the triple option can be. Ask Turner Gill at Kansas after giving up 604 rushing yards.
11. (9) Florida: Tennessee by 10. Three cupcake games combined score of 128-13. Smacked around by 'Bama, but the Tide is a beast, you can't hate on that loss too much.
12. Texas (18): The near-loss to BYU is still looming in my head. ... But you've gotta love the way they handled upstart Iowa State.
13. (13) Virginia Tech: Powerful team, but hasn't played anyone yet. They've won but failed to cover against all three FBS teams they've played this year ... make that four. I guess Clemson is for real. Definitely a good team,but not even close to elite level. With the losses this week, they move up one in spite of the loss to Clemson. #Rare
14. (16) Illinois: Possibly the surprise of the year. That was one heck of a comeback against Northwestern this weekend: down 28-10 in the third quarter and pulling out a win. Memo to RG3: you might not be the only Heisman darkhorse. Keep your eyes on Illinois' QB Sheelhaase (somehow pronounced "Scheelhouz").
15. (15) Arizona St.: Beat Mizzou, hammered USC. I guess Dennis Erickson really wants to keep his job. The hot seat is cooling off.
16. (17) Michigan: After last season, how can Shoelace still be running over people? I'd rank them higher if their D can prove themselves against stiffer competition.
17. (22) Auburn: Survived a week 1 scare against Utah St. Defeated Mississippi St. but suffered a convincing loss to Clemson. Defeated South Carolina in a close game of which I predicted "the ineptitude is too close to call." They're in my 25, but I have reservations about that.
18. (11t) Nebraska: Chugging along, but hasn't played anyone yet. Welcome to the Big Ten. I guess Wisconsin wanted to establish themselves as the big brother in the conference.
19. (6) South Carolina: Beat UGA and Navy, sizeable win over upstart Vanderbilt. However, they looked atrocious in the loss to Auburn. Garcia was supposed to be the savior. Why else would you bring someone back from five suspensions?
20. (20) Baylor: Three words: R-G-3 [sic]. No hangover after the shootout win aginst TCU. I can't hate on the Bears after their loss to K-State. It was only by 1, they're playing lights out, and K-State is 4-0 and has a win over Miami this year, which included a "put up or shut up" last-second goalline stand.
21. (24) Florida St.: The definition of why I hate preseason polls. You have to like the talent and recruiting classes, but they played a cupcake, and FCS team, and failed to deliver in against Oklahoma and Clemson.
22. (NR) West Virginia: Don't sleep on QB Geno Smith and Dana Holgorsen's high-powered offense. Eeked out a win against Maryland and saw that LSU was the real deal.
23. (NR) Arkansas: Still in awe that A&M blew that big of a halftime lead two weeks in a row. Very impressive comeback by the Razorbacks. Only one loss on the year, but was destroyed by Bama in that game.
24. (NR): Kansas St.: "Put up or shut up" goalline stand against Miami? First pick of the year against RG3? I feel like that's enough said.
25. (NR) Houston: 5-0. Absolutely soft schedule so far, but 5-0 is 5-0.
Also-rans:
- Notre Dame: I truly believe Notre Dame to be a top 15 to 20 team, but they haven't preformed well this year, with penalties and turnovers galore, thus they're not in my 25.
- Michigan St. Big loss to ND hurts. Could Sparty actually be rooting for ND until they play some big games?
- Vanderbilt: has played well this season. Lost last week, but playing 'Bama next week will show if they're for real, Penn St.: I can't hate on a 4-1 record with the only loss being to 'Bama, but I can hate on how they got there. A last-minute TD to beat Temple and a 16-10 win against Indiana?
- Missouri: 2-2 but their 2 losses came against Oklahoma and Arizona St. by a combined 17 points. also ran
- SMU: What keeps them as an also-ran is how A&M has played the last 2 weeks.
1. (1) LSU: Smacked around Oregon and West Virginia, stifled Mississippi St.
2. (3) Alabama: Convincing win against Penn St. Smacked around Arkansas and Florida.
3. (2) Oklahoma: Tulsa comfortably, then Florida St. and Mizzou.
4. (7) Clemson: I'd hate to have to play in Death Valley, SC. Consecutive upsets against Auburn and Florida St. But then on the road and smacking around Virginia Tech?! Might Tahj Boyd be in the chatter of Heisman hopefuls?
5. (4) Boise St.: Beat UGA by 14, routs in everything else. Despite not having lots of big results against big names, I still believe they can run with anybody.
6. (5) Oklahoma St.: Rolled Arizona and Tulsa, outlasted Texas A&M.
7. (11t). Wisconsin: Russell Wilson favorite for Heisman? The only thing that could keep the Badgers out of the Rose Bowl Game might be a BCS title game invite.
8. (7) Stanford: Rolling in every game, but no big names save for Arizona on the résumé so far.
9. (10) Oregon: Gotta love the Ducks, but they still can't handle a strong D.
10. (14) Georgia Tech: Beat UNC by 7. You wanna know how dangerous the triple option can be. Ask Turner Gill at Kansas after giving up 604 rushing yards.
11. (9) Florida: Tennessee by 10. Three cupcake games combined score of 128-13. Smacked around by 'Bama, but the Tide is a beast, you can't hate on that loss too much.
12. Texas (18): The near-loss to BYU is still looming in my head. ... But you've gotta love the way they handled upstart Iowa State.
13. (13) Virginia Tech: Powerful team, but hasn't played anyone yet. They've won but failed to cover against all three FBS teams they've played this year ... make that four. I guess Clemson is for real. Definitely a good team,but not even close to elite level. With the losses this week, they move up one in spite of the loss to Clemson. #Rare
14. (16) Illinois: Possibly the surprise of the year. That was one heck of a comeback against Northwestern this weekend: down 28-10 in the third quarter and pulling out a win. Memo to RG3: you might not be the only Heisman darkhorse. Keep your eyes on Illinois' QB Sheelhaase (somehow pronounced "Scheelhouz").
15. (15) Arizona St.: Beat Mizzou, hammered USC. I guess Dennis Erickson really wants to keep his job. The hot seat is cooling off.
16. (17) Michigan: After last season, how can Shoelace still be running over people? I'd rank them higher if their D can prove themselves against stiffer competition.
17. (22) Auburn: Survived a week 1 scare against Utah St. Defeated Mississippi St. but suffered a convincing loss to Clemson. Defeated South Carolina in a close game of which I predicted "the ineptitude is too close to call." They're in my 25, but I have reservations about that.
18. (11t) Nebraska: Chugging along, but hasn't played anyone yet. Welcome to the Big Ten. I guess Wisconsin wanted to establish themselves as the big brother in the conference.
19. (6) South Carolina: Beat UGA and Navy, sizeable win over upstart Vanderbilt. However, they looked atrocious in the loss to Auburn. Garcia was supposed to be the savior. Why else would you bring someone back from five suspensions?
20. (20) Baylor: Three words: R-G-3 [sic]. No hangover after the shootout win aginst TCU. I can't hate on the Bears after their loss to K-State. It was only by 1, they're playing lights out, and K-State is 4-0 and has a win over Miami this year, which included a "put up or shut up" last-second goalline stand.
21. (24) Florida St.: The definition of why I hate preseason polls. You have to like the talent and recruiting classes, but they played a cupcake, and FCS team, and failed to deliver in against Oklahoma and Clemson.
22. (NR) West Virginia: Don't sleep on QB Geno Smith and Dana Holgorsen's high-powered offense. Eeked out a win against Maryland and saw that LSU was the real deal.
23. (NR) Arkansas: Still in awe that A&M blew that big of a halftime lead two weeks in a row. Very impressive comeback by the Razorbacks. Only one loss on the year, but was destroyed by Bama in that game.
24. (NR): Kansas St.: "Put up or shut up" goalline stand against Miami? First pick of the year against RG3? I feel like that's enough said.
25. (NR) Houston: 5-0. Absolutely soft schedule so far, but 5-0 is 5-0.
Also-rans:
- Notre Dame: I truly believe Notre Dame to be a top 15 to 20 team, but they haven't preformed well this year, with penalties and turnovers galore, thus they're not in my 25.
- Michigan St. Big loss to ND hurts. Could Sparty actually be rooting for ND until they play some big games?
- Vanderbilt: has played well this season. Lost last week, but playing 'Bama next week will show if they're for real, Penn St.: I can't hate on a 4-1 record with the only loss being to 'Bama, but I can hate on how they got there. A last-minute TD to beat Temple and a 16-10 win against Indiana?
- Missouri: 2-2 but their 2 losses came against Oklahoma and Arizona St. by a combined 17 points. also ran
- SMU: What keeps them as an also-ran is how A&M has played the last 2 weeks.
Week 5 results
First things first, I wanna give a shout-out to KRiv69, the first official follower of College Football Semi-Daily!! Thanks for your support, dude! Also of note, I guess anyone can view this blog, but if you want to officially "follow" (which you can probably subscribe to and get updates on new posts ... I'm not certain, I'd have to check that out) or comment on this blog, you apparently need to sign up for a an account through Google. Thank you to the aforementioned KRiv69 for pointing this out to me. (Also, as opposed to the generic use of a first name -- with no followers to attach said name to -- I will not, from here on out, refer to anyone by anything but their username.)
Northwestern (+8) @ #24 Illinois: Illinois, 38-35. I was worried about this pick for a bit. Northwestern led 28-10 mid-way through the third quarter. Illinois made a tremendous comeback, scoring the game-winner in the closing seconds. Straight: Illinois Spread: Fighting Illini
#14 Texas A&M @ #18 Arkansas (+3): Araknsas, 42-38. What is going on down at A&M? The past two weeks yielded a combined 55-20 score (20-3 vs. Oklahoma St. and 35-17 vs. Arkansas), yet A&M has managed to lose both games. Both of these defenses were pathetic. Arkansas on the run side and A&M on the pass side: almost 1200 yards in total offense. Straight: Texas A&M Spread: Aggies
Minnesota (+20) @ #19 Michigan: Michigan, 58-0. Straight: Michigan Spread: Wolverines
Tulane (+7½) @ Army: Army, 45-6. Straight: Army Spread: Black Knights
Kentucky (+30) @ #1 LSU: LSU, 35-7. What have I said about these huge spreads? I hate them because I end up losing games sometimes in garbage time. Straight: LSU Spread: Tigers
Nevada (+27½) @ #4 Boise St.: Boise St., 30-10. Boise hasn't been as dominant as they've needed to be in order to make a statement for the title game. Straight: Boise St. Spread: Broncos
#21 Georgia Tech @ North Carolina St. (+10): Georgia Tech, 45-35. I guess I now have an idea why the spread was ten points: forth tie of the year. LOL Straight: Georgia Tech Spread: Yellow Jackets
Auburn (+10) @ #10 South Carolina: Auburn, 16-13. "The ineptitude of this game is too close to call." Four quarterbacks combind to go 21-for-48, with six interceptions. Straight: South Carolina Spread: Auburn
SMU (+12½) @ #20 TCU: SMU, 40-33. Wow. Where did this one come from? Additionally, this loss, compounded by Boise State's lack of utter domination over their schedule has sealed Boise's fate. (TCU-Boise St. was supposed to be the big test this year.) There will be no title shot this season. Straight: TCU Spread: Horned Frogs
Bowling Green (+20) @ #22 West Virginia: West Virginia, 55-10. West Virginia dominted the game. I guess this is no surprise, but I thought that Bowling Green would put up more of a fight. Straight: West Virginia Spread: Bowling Green
#15 Baylor @ Kansas St. (+3½): Bad timing for RG3's first interception of the year. It led to K State's game-winning field goal. Baylor won't drop much, KSU might be unranked, but they'e now 5-0 and have a win against Miami. RG3 is still on the Heisman list after yet another 5 TD performance. Straight: Baylor Spread: Bears
#13 Clemson (+7) @ #11 Virginia Tech: Clemson, 23-3. How impressive has Clemson been? FYI, in my post-week 4 Top 25, I had Clemson #7 and Virginia Tech #13. I don't know what Dabo Sweeney is putting in the water down in Death Valley, but it's working. Straight: Clemson Spread: Tigers
Ball St. (+37½) @ #2 Oklahoma: Oklahoma, 62-6. Straight: Oklahoma Spread: Sooners
#17 Texas @ Iowa St. (+9½): Texas, 37-14. Texas could be back. They're no Oklahoma, but this is a quality win. Straight: Texas Spread: Longhorns
#3 Alabama @ #12 Florida (+3½): Alabama, 38-10. Dominating Arkansas and Florida in conseuctive weeks? Wow. Straight: Alabama Spread: Crimson Tide
#8 Nebraska (+9½) @ #7 Wisconsin: Wisconsin, 48-17. I think Wisconsin said "Welcome to the Big Ten, but this is MY conference." Very impressive win over a defensive-minded Nebraska. Could Russell Wilson the new Heisman frontrunner? Straight: Wisconsin Spread: Nebraska
Notre Dame @ Purdue (+12½): Notre Dame, 38-3. I feel that Notre Dame finally played up to their potential. Theu went for over 500 yards yet again this season. They didn't allow a sack, they didn't have any penalities, and, most importantly, no turnover. It seems that this entire season that I'vebeem over-hyping the Irish, presumably because I'm a fan. However, tonight showed their true potential. Straight: Notre Dame Spread: Fightin' Irish
Oregon St. (+18½) @ #25 Arizona St.: Arizona St., 35-20. Didn't quite cover. Straight: Arizona State Spread: Sun Devils
UCLA (+20½) @ #6 Stanford: Stanford, 45-19. Straight: Stanford Spread: Cardinal
I'd say Wisconsin had the most impressive statement game this week, but Clemson and 'Bama were also made quite an impression.
Upset special:
- 1: LSU def. Oregon: W (LSU, 40-27)
- 2: BYU def. Texas: L (Texas 17-16)
- 3: Arizona St. def. Illinois: L (Illinois, 17-14)
- 4: Clemson def. Florida St.: W (Clemson, 35-30)
- 5: #13 Clemson def. #11 Virginia Tech: W (Clemson,
Season record: 3-2
Take the points special:
- 1: Miami-OH (+16)-Missouri: W (Missouri, 17-6)
- 2: Toledo (+18)-Ohio St.: W (Ohio St., 27-22)
- 3: Arkansas St. (+24)-Virginia Tech: W (Virginia Tech, 26-7)
- 4: Vanderbilt (+16)-South Carolina: L (South Carolina, 21-3)
- 5: Bowling Green - #22 West Virginia: L (West Virginia, 55-10)
Season record: 3-2
Overall
Straight-up: 15-4 (91-14, .867)
vs. the spread: 9-9-1 (50-41-4, .547)
Northwestern (+8) @ #24 Illinois: Illinois, 38-35. I was worried about this pick for a bit. Northwestern led 28-10 mid-way through the third quarter. Illinois made a tremendous comeback, scoring the game-winner in the closing seconds. Straight: Illinois Spread: Fighting Illini
#14 Texas A&M @ #18 Arkansas (+3): Araknsas, 42-38. What is going on down at A&M? The past two weeks yielded a combined 55-20 score (20-3 vs. Oklahoma St. and 35-17 vs. Arkansas), yet A&M has managed to lose both games. Both of these defenses were pathetic. Arkansas on the run side and A&M on the pass side: almost 1200 yards in total offense. Straight: Texas A&M Spread: Aggies
Minnesota (+20) @ #19 Michigan: Michigan, 58-0. Straight: Michigan Spread: Wolverines
Tulane (+7½) @ Army: Army, 45-6. Straight: Army Spread: Black Knights
Kentucky (+30) @ #1 LSU: LSU, 35-7. What have I said about these huge spreads? I hate them because I end up losing games sometimes in garbage time. Straight: LSU Spread: Tigers
Nevada (+27½) @ #4 Boise St.: Boise St., 30-10. Boise hasn't been as dominant as they've needed to be in order to make a statement for the title game. Straight: Boise St. Spread: Broncos
#21 Georgia Tech @ North Carolina St. (+10): Georgia Tech, 45-35. I guess I now have an idea why the spread was ten points: forth tie of the year. LOL Straight: Georgia Tech Spread: Yellow Jackets
Auburn (+10) @ #10 South Carolina: Auburn, 16-13. "The ineptitude of this game is too close to call." Four quarterbacks combind to go 21-for-48, with six interceptions. Straight: South Carolina Spread: Auburn
SMU (+12½) @ #20 TCU: SMU, 40-33. Wow. Where did this one come from? Additionally, this loss, compounded by Boise State's lack of utter domination over their schedule has sealed Boise's fate. (TCU-Boise St. was supposed to be the big test this year.) There will be no title shot this season. Straight: TCU Spread: Horned Frogs
Bowling Green (+20) @ #22 West Virginia: West Virginia, 55-10. West Virginia dominted the game. I guess this is no surprise, but I thought that Bowling Green would put up more of a fight. Straight: West Virginia Spread: Bowling Green
#15 Baylor @ Kansas St. (+3½): Bad timing for RG3's first interception of the year. It led to K State's game-winning field goal. Baylor won't drop much, KSU might be unranked, but they'e now 5-0 and have a win against Miami. RG3 is still on the Heisman list after yet another 5 TD performance. Straight: Baylor Spread: Bears
#13 Clemson (+7) @ #11 Virginia Tech: Clemson, 23-3. How impressive has Clemson been? FYI, in my post-week 4 Top 25, I had Clemson #7 and Virginia Tech #13. I don't know what Dabo Sweeney is putting in the water down in Death Valley, but it's working. Straight: Clemson Spread: Tigers
Ball St. (+37½) @ #2 Oklahoma: Oklahoma, 62-6. Straight: Oklahoma Spread: Sooners
#17 Texas @ Iowa St. (+9½): Texas, 37-14. Texas could be back. They're no Oklahoma, but this is a quality win. Straight: Texas Spread: Longhorns
#3 Alabama @ #12 Florida (+3½): Alabama, 38-10. Dominating Arkansas and Florida in conseuctive weeks? Wow. Straight: Alabama Spread: Crimson Tide
#8 Nebraska (+9½) @ #7 Wisconsin: Wisconsin, 48-17. I think Wisconsin said "Welcome to the Big Ten, but this is MY conference." Very impressive win over a defensive-minded Nebraska. Could Russell Wilson the new Heisman frontrunner? Straight: Wisconsin Spread: Nebraska
Notre Dame @ Purdue (+12½): Notre Dame, 38-3. I feel that Notre Dame finally played up to their potential. Theu went for over 500 yards yet again this season. They didn't allow a sack, they didn't have any penalities, and, most importantly, no turnover. It seems that this entire season that I'vebeem over-hyping the Irish, presumably because I'm a fan. However, tonight showed their true potential. Straight: Notre Dame Spread: Fightin' Irish
Oregon St. (+18½) @ #25 Arizona St.: Arizona St., 35-20. Didn't quite cover. Straight: Arizona State Spread: Sun Devils
UCLA (+20½) @ #6 Stanford: Stanford, 45-19. Straight: Stanford Spread: Cardinal
I'd say Wisconsin had the most impressive statement game this week, but Clemson and 'Bama were also made quite an impression.
Upset special:
- 1: LSU def. Oregon: W (LSU, 40-27)
- 2: BYU def. Texas: L (Texas 17-16)
- 3: Arizona St. def. Illinois: L (Illinois, 17-14)
- 4: Clemson def. Florida St.: W (Clemson, 35-30)
- 5: #13 Clemson def. #11 Virginia Tech: W (Clemson,
Season record: 3-2
Take the points special:
- 1: Miami-OH (+16)-Missouri: W (Missouri, 17-6)
- 2: Toledo (+18)-Ohio St.: W (Ohio St., 27-22)
- 3: Arkansas St. (+24)-Virginia Tech: W (Virginia Tech, 26-7)
- 4: Vanderbilt (+16)-South Carolina: L (South Carolina, 21-3)
- 5: Bowling Green - #22 West Virginia: L (West Virginia, 55-10)
Season record: 3-2
Overall
Straight-up: 15-4 (91-14, .867)
vs. the spread: 9-9-1 (50-41-4, .547)
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