Without an Auburn game and just a few top 25 picks with a lot of top 25 teams playing one another, I gave myself a few extra games between non-ranked teams than I normally would being how much I enjoy picking games and all. If anyone has a problem with that, too bad! My blog, my rules!
Virginia Tech at Pittsburgh
We're setting up for a defensive struggle in this one. I could see the first one to 20 winning. I am going to lean towards Virginia Tech even though Hokie QB Michael Brewer will do his all to give this game to the Panthers.
My Call: Virginia Tech 20, Pittsburgh 17
Temple at Houston
Quietest 4-1 team in the nation may be Bill Cosby's Temple Owls. Do I think they make it to 5-1? Probably not. Houston played UCF close a couple weeks back and just beat Memphis on the road, a team I'd been singing the praises of the last two weeks. The Cougars are the pick.
My Call: Houston 31, Temple 24
Fresno State at Boise State
Even though the Broncos may not be as strong as they've been in the past under now Washington head coach Chris Peterson, they're still a solid club and tough to beat on their smurf turf. Without Derek Carr and Co. around, Fresno State won't beat them.
My Call: Boise State 37, Fresno State 17
Tulane at Central Florida
Another national television appearance for UCF this weekend after last week's overtime win over BYU. And it'll be another win to satisfy the Knights and their fans.
My Call: Central Florida 24, Tulane 14
Syracuse at Wake Forest
A couple of offensively challenged teams go at it in this pillow fight. Since I really don't know who I think will win, I will go to the throw of the dart. Those don't work out too often for me, so the predicted loser should be happy. In this case, the predicted loser is the Demon Deacons.
My Call: Syracuse 20, Wake Forest 13
Iowa at Maryland
To win games, Iowa relies on controlling the clock and a strong defense. As opposed to Maryland, who relies on scoring points to make up for a less than stellar defense. The winner of this game will come down to who can control the tempo and whether it's more finesse or physical. My guess is we are gonna get a physical game; and that favors the Hawkeyes.
My Call: Iowa 24, Maryland 21
Purdue at Minnesota
Okay, Golden Gophers. I'll congratulate you guys on proving me wrong last week and beating Northwestern. I did call the 24-17 score right, so I should give myself an imaginary half win even though it counts as a loss on the official real life record book. Speaking of the real life record book, we're gonna go with Minnesota this week. The Purdue offense just won't be able to muster much against a strong looking Gophers defense. And the Minnesota offense should be able to put up a healthy number of points on a bad Boilermaker defense.
My Call: Minnesota 34, Purdue 14
Virginia at Duke
Like games where it seems like very few points will be scored? This could be your game. I'm gonna go with the Blue Devils since it's in Durham.
My Call: Duke 17, Virginia 16
UCLA at California
Can't afford to lose your third straight game if you're UCLA. Even though Cal is improved, they're still not very good. The Bruins will get it done by plenty.
My Call: UCLA 38, California 24
NC State at Louisville
Unfortunately I think Louisville will win. I say unfortunately since I can't stand their scumbag of a head coach in Bobby Petrino. They'll rely on strong defense to make up for a stagnant offense, which is not usually the M.O. for Petrino coached teams.
My Call: Louisville 27, NC State 16
Cincinnati at SMU
This may not be a wonderful Cincinnati team, but Gunner Kiel will have a grand old time of it lighting up a God awful Mustangs squad.
My Call: Cincinnati 41, SMU 13
Kansas at Texas Tech
Effort for the Jayhawks seems considerably better since Charlie Weis was given the heave hoe, but the problem is they're still lacking considerably behind the rest of the Big 12 in terms of talent disparity. That even includes the bad to mediocre Big 12 teams; of which I'd consider Texas Tech. Red Raiders bounce back from a tough loss to West Virginia and light up the Jayhawks.
My Call: Texas Tech 41, Kansas 24
Missouri at Florida
Florida is a mess, but Mizzou might be a bigger mess with Matty Mauk playing terribly. There won't be many points scored in this one. What we have to see is how smart Will Muschamp is. Well, winning this game won't suddenly make him a genius, but with freshman QB Treon Harris eligible for this one after sitting out last week against LSU due to accusations of sexual assaults (accusations have been dropped ATM), he'd be smart to give Harris more of the time under center than the crappy Jeff Driskel. Harris led the Gators to that come-from-behind win in Knoxville against Tennessee. To me, it's a no brainer. I think Muschamp will be smart and play Harris more (he's saying both guys will play), and that will be enough to earn the Gators a win.
My Call: Florida 20, Missouri 13
Utah State at Colorado State
No Chuckie Keeton and this one is in Colorado Springs. Double check for Colorado State.
My Call: Colorado State 34, Utah State 20
Georgia Tech at North Carolina
So much for the undefeated season for Georgia Tech, falling to Duke by a mere six points. I think they'll bounce back against a UNC team that can't defend anybody and won't score quite enough to make up for their defensive issues. They'll make it close because I don't think the Yellow Jackets have a great defense either, but I trust just about anyone's defense over UNC's.
My Call: Georgia Tech 38, North Carolina 34
Kentucky at LSU
Much improving Kentucky team gets to hit the road to take on LSU. In past years, this wouldn't have been much of a contest. However, these Tigers are much more vulnerable than they've been in quite some time. As a matter of fact, if this game were in Lexington, my guess is the Wildcats would get the win. In Baton Rouge though where the hostile crowd will be behind this young team rather than against them, they'll rally behind that just enough to come out on top.
My Call: LSU 27, Kentucky 20
Iowa State at Texas
Texas is a team that's lacking talent by their standards, but also a team that's persistent and doesn't give up. That should serve them well as long as the fans are patient with the rebuilding new coach Charlie Strong will need to do. They hung tough with UCLA, didn't give up after falling behind big against Oklahoma in the fourth quarter a week ago and their defense played very well against a high powered Baylor offense. This team may not have the talent level of Texas standards, but they're still plenty more talented than Iowa State. It won't always be a work of art offensively, but the defense will control things and the run game will break off a few big plays to make it work for a win.
My Call: Texas 27, Iowa State 10
Nevada at BYU
Now that's the Cougars have had a couple weeks to get over the loss of star QB Taysom Hill for the season, I think this is the game where they get back to business and also get back in the win column. They did a nice job of getting back to business but couldn't quite accomplish finishing off the win in Orlando against UCF in a game they led late. I'll trust them back in their home stadium to get the job done, though not by a whole lot.
My Call: BYU 28, Nevada 24
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Top 25 Predictions
No need to include that it's sans Auburn for this coming college football weekend since Auburn does not play this week after that humbling loss in Starkville to the new number 1, Mississippi State (who also doesn't play this week). BTW congrats to Mississippi State. They were clearly the superior team. They took advantage of every single Auburn turnover, Auburn did not do the same with MSU's turnovers. Anyway, including that game, I went 21-9 with my picks this past week. That puts me at 163-56 in regards to picking college football games this year. Onto this coming week's picks.
#5 Notre Dame at #2 Florida State
Big question for this one is whether or not Jameis Winston will play. I'll still believe he's playing until proven otherwise, but supposedly there will be a disciplinary hearing in regards to those sexual assault allegations from a year ago and now you've got potential rumors that he may have profited off of his own autograph sales, which just got Georgia star running back Todd Gurley into hot water. If Jameis plays, I'll take the Noles to figure a way past the Irish. If he doesn't, then that will tilt the scales the other direction. As of now...
My Call: Florida State 23, Notre Dame 20
Tennessee at #3 Ole Miss
Impressive showing for the Rebels, following up the Alabama win with a 35-20 win on the road at Texas A&M in a game that didn't seem so close. Now they're back in Oxford to take on the Vols. Again, this is one of those games that I could see the Vols winning in a couple years once Butch Jones can build up the depth with his recruiting classes and his team can gain the proper experience. As of now though, gotta roll with Ole Miss. Leigh Anne Tuohy (Michael Oher's adoptive mother) will be giddy given how much she can't stand Tennessee (if you believe The Blind Side portrayal).
My Call: Ole Miss 27, Tennessee 10
#4 Baylor at West Virginia
Talk about going from down in the dumps to emotional high. Baylor was trailing 58-37 at home against TCU with about 11 minutes to go, but then everything turned around and a field goal as time expired lifted the Bears to a 61-58 shootout victory. Because of that, I just think this game screams 'trap.' Morgantown is a tough, hostile environment to go to. However, I do think Baylor has the better club and will find a way in the 4th quarter.
My Call: Baylor 41, West Virginia 34
#21 Texas A&M at #7 Alabama
Beating South Carolina in Columbia 52-28 not only doesn't look nearly as impressive as it did in late August, it also seems like a very long time ago after Texas A&M has played the Mississippi schools the last two weeks and been blown out by them both. Can they bounce back on the road against an Alabama team that's had their own issues the last two games in a loss to Ole Miss and a 14-13 win over Arkansas? The Tide secondary is vulnerable, but I think that gets cancelled out by the fact that the Aggies defense isn't very good and that the game is in Tuscaloosa. It'll be a bit of a struggle, but Bama will pull through against a Texas A&M team that doesn't look half as good as it did last month.
My Call: Alabama 34, Texas A&M 24
#8 Michigan State at Indiana
Sparty's tour through the state of Indiana continues. After a 45-31 win in West Lafayette over Purdue, next up is a stop in Bloomington to take on the Hoosiers. It should be another Michigan State victory. Indiana just doesn't have the talent necessary on either side of the ball to compete for the full 60 minutes. BIG game for Connor Cook.
My Call: Michigan State 41, Indiana 27
Washington at #9 Oregon
Although the Huskies defense appears improved from earlier in the season, they haven't seen a QB like Marcus Mariotta nor have they seen an offense like the Ducks. Plus I don't see it being likely that Oregon loses two games in a row at Autzen Stadium. Washington could hang for a bit, but the Ducks will pull away in the second half after a few nervous first half moments.
My Call: Oregon 48, Washington 31
#10 Georgia at Arkansas
Arkansas had Alabama on the ropes last week, but just couldn't get a last stop nor another score when they absolutely needed it. They are so close yet so far away from picking up their first SEC win under head coach Bret Bielema. It's not at all unthinkable that this could be the week, but I just won't be convinced until I see it. At least when we're talking about a quality opponent. And Georgia, even minus Todd Gurley, is a quality opponent.
My Call: Georgia 24, Arkansas 20
#14 Kansas State at #11 Oklahoma
Auburn will sit around and be big Kansas State fans this Saturday if they aren't out practicing and prepping for their game with South Carolina. They beat K-State in Manhattan 20-14, and although it was ugly, the more the Wildcats win, the better Auburn's win over them looks. Bill Snyder's teams are well coached and always give their best effort; and while Oklahoma QB Trevor Knight isn't playing that well, I'm not sure I'm a big believer in Jake Waters. The Cats keep this one tight for three quarters, but the Sooners will ultimately take control at home with their superior talent.
My Call: Oklahoma 31, Kansas State 20
#15 Oklahoma State at #12 TCU
Crazy last week for both of these teams. Oklahoma State struggled on the road with Big 12 cellar dwelling Kansas, but they got a 100 yard kickoff return for a TD to propel them to a hard fought 27-20 victory in Lawrence. Meanwhile, as mentioned above, TCU blew that 21 point lead in Waco against Baylor. Will that lead to the Cowboys walking into a hornet's nest in Fort Worth or could it make the Horned Frogs vulnerable? I'm thinking the latter for about a quarter, but then TCU will figure it out and take control of this one. Big game by the TCU offense will this time be backed up by a strong defensive performance. These Cowboys aren't Mike Gundy's best, and I think they're soon in for a rude awakening. This will be one of those.
My Call: TCU 35, Oklahoma State 20
Rutgers at #13 Ohio State
Scarlet Knights of Rutgers vs. the scarlet and gray of Ohio State. The Knights can become bowl eligible if they pull out a win in Columbus while the Bucks can stay in control of their own destiny in the Big 10 race with a win. So what happens? Buckeyes will come out on top. They had a poor loss at home to Virginia Tech, but they seem to have figured things out. Meanwhile, Rutgers is struggling with the likes of Penn State and Michigan; splitting those games. No bowl eligibility this week.
My Call: Ohio State 44, Rutgers 17
#23 Stanford at #17 Arizona State
ASU QB Taylor Kelly sounds like he'll be cleared to go for this one; although coach Todd Graham sounds open to the idea of playing both him and his backup, Mike Bercovici. Kelly has missed the games against UCLA and USC; the Sun Devils managed a split in his absence. After getting crushed by UCLA, a miracle last second hailmary got ASU a win over USC in LA. Meanwhile, with Stanford, they have struggled to score against the bigger name teams on their schedule in Washington, Notre Dame and USC. However, the Arizona State defense isn't particularly good, so I think they'll be able to score some points in this one. If Kevin Hogan can avoid the mistakes, and he usually does, I like the Cardinal in this one by four when you combine that with their strong defense.
My Call: Stanford 27, Arizona State 23
#19 Nebraska at Northwestern
Interesting setup for this game as I believe Northwestern could essentially guarantee themselves a spot in a bowl game with the likes of Michigan, Purdue and Illinois still left on the schedule. Thhey have a chance to move up in the bowl pecking order if they can beat Nebraska here and beat Iowa next week in Iowa City; or else a win in those three games (UM, Purdue, Ui) will essentially become necessary with a likely loss to Notre Dame on tap. Nebraska isn't in any danger of missing a bowl game with Rutgers and Purdue to follow this one, but Bo Pelini will undoubtedly want this one with a pretty tough three game stretch to close out the season (home vs. Minnesota, at Wisconsin and Iowa). Gonna go with the Huskers because of Ameer Abdullah, but I'm not that confident about it.
My Call: Nebraska 27, Northwestern 24
#20 Utah at Oregon State
Sean Mannion leads the Beavers to a mini-upset over the Utes.
My Call: Oregon State 28, Utah 27
Colorado at #22 USC
There won't be that many easy games left on the schedule for Steve Sarkisian and his Trojans, but I see this being one of them as Colorado just isn't very good. Granted it may not always be pretty for USC, but they won't ultimately have too many issues here.
My Call: USC 38, Colorado 17
#24 Clemson at Boston College
Upset Special number two. I'm rolling with the Eagles at home.
My Call: Boston College 27, Clemson 24
#25 Marshall at Florida International
Sorry, no such upset is gonna happen here. FIU just doesn't have the guns to keep up with Rakeem Cato and Co., who will break Russell Wilson's FBS record for consecutive games putting up a TD. He and the Herd will win big.
My Call: Marshall 45, Florida International 17
#5 Notre Dame at #2 Florida State
Big question for this one is whether or not Jameis Winston will play. I'll still believe he's playing until proven otherwise, but supposedly there will be a disciplinary hearing in regards to those sexual assault allegations from a year ago and now you've got potential rumors that he may have profited off of his own autograph sales, which just got Georgia star running back Todd Gurley into hot water. If Jameis plays, I'll take the Noles to figure a way past the Irish. If he doesn't, then that will tilt the scales the other direction. As of now...
My Call: Florida State 23, Notre Dame 20
Tennessee at #3 Ole Miss
Impressive showing for the Rebels, following up the Alabama win with a 35-20 win on the road at Texas A&M in a game that didn't seem so close. Now they're back in Oxford to take on the Vols. Again, this is one of those games that I could see the Vols winning in a couple years once Butch Jones can build up the depth with his recruiting classes and his team can gain the proper experience. As of now though, gotta roll with Ole Miss. Leigh Anne Tuohy (Michael Oher's adoptive mother) will be giddy given how much she can't stand Tennessee (if you believe The Blind Side portrayal).
My Call: Ole Miss 27, Tennessee 10
#4 Baylor at West Virginia
Talk about going from down in the dumps to emotional high. Baylor was trailing 58-37 at home against TCU with about 11 minutes to go, but then everything turned around and a field goal as time expired lifted the Bears to a 61-58 shootout victory. Because of that, I just think this game screams 'trap.' Morgantown is a tough, hostile environment to go to. However, I do think Baylor has the better club and will find a way in the 4th quarter.
My Call: Baylor 41, West Virginia 34
#21 Texas A&M at #7 Alabama
Beating South Carolina in Columbia 52-28 not only doesn't look nearly as impressive as it did in late August, it also seems like a very long time ago after Texas A&M has played the Mississippi schools the last two weeks and been blown out by them both. Can they bounce back on the road against an Alabama team that's had their own issues the last two games in a loss to Ole Miss and a 14-13 win over Arkansas? The Tide secondary is vulnerable, but I think that gets cancelled out by the fact that the Aggies defense isn't very good and that the game is in Tuscaloosa. It'll be a bit of a struggle, but Bama will pull through against a Texas A&M team that doesn't look half as good as it did last month.
My Call: Alabama 34, Texas A&M 24
#8 Michigan State at Indiana
Sparty's tour through the state of Indiana continues. After a 45-31 win in West Lafayette over Purdue, next up is a stop in Bloomington to take on the Hoosiers. It should be another Michigan State victory. Indiana just doesn't have the talent necessary on either side of the ball to compete for the full 60 minutes. BIG game for Connor Cook.
My Call: Michigan State 41, Indiana 27
Washington at #9 Oregon
Although the Huskies defense appears improved from earlier in the season, they haven't seen a QB like Marcus Mariotta nor have they seen an offense like the Ducks. Plus I don't see it being likely that Oregon loses two games in a row at Autzen Stadium. Washington could hang for a bit, but the Ducks will pull away in the second half after a few nervous first half moments.
My Call: Oregon 48, Washington 31
#10 Georgia at Arkansas
Arkansas had Alabama on the ropes last week, but just couldn't get a last stop nor another score when they absolutely needed it. They are so close yet so far away from picking up their first SEC win under head coach Bret Bielema. It's not at all unthinkable that this could be the week, but I just won't be convinced until I see it. At least when we're talking about a quality opponent. And Georgia, even minus Todd Gurley, is a quality opponent.
My Call: Georgia 24, Arkansas 20
#14 Kansas State at #11 Oklahoma
Auburn will sit around and be big Kansas State fans this Saturday if they aren't out practicing and prepping for their game with South Carolina. They beat K-State in Manhattan 20-14, and although it was ugly, the more the Wildcats win, the better Auburn's win over them looks. Bill Snyder's teams are well coached and always give their best effort; and while Oklahoma QB Trevor Knight isn't playing that well, I'm not sure I'm a big believer in Jake Waters. The Cats keep this one tight for three quarters, but the Sooners will ultimately take control at home with their superior talent.
My Call: Oklahoma 31, Kansas State 20
#15 Oklahoma State at #12 TCU
Crazy last week for both of these teams. Oklahoma State struggled on the road with Big 12 cellar dwelling Kansas, but they got a 100 yard kickoff return for a TD to propel them to a hard fought 27-20 victory in Lawrence. Meanwhile, as mentioned above, TCU blew that 21 point lead in Waco against Baylor. Will that lead to the Cowboys walking into a hornet's nest in Fort Worth or could it make the Horned Frogs vulnerable? I'm thinking the latter for about a quarter, but then TCU will figure it out and take control of this one. Big game by the TCU offense will this time be backed up by a strong defensive performance. These Cowboys aren't Mike Gundy's best, and I think they're soon in for a rude awakening. This will be one of those.
My Call: TCU 35, Oklahoma State 20
Rutgers at #13 Ohio State
Scarlet Knights of Rutgers vs. the scarlet and gray of Ohio State. The Knights can become bowl eligible if they pull out a win in Columbus while the Bucks can stay in control of their own destiny in the Big 10 race with a win. So what happens? Buckeyes will come out on top. They had a poor loss at home to Virginia Tech, but they seem to have figured things out. Meanwhile, Rutgers is struggling with the likes of Penn State and Michigan; splitting those games. No bowl eligibility this week.
My Call: Ohio State 44, Rutgers 17
#23 Stanford at #17 Arizona State
ASU QB Taylor Kelly sounds like he'll be cleared to go for this one; although coach Todd Graham sounds open to the idea of playing both him and his backup, Mike Bercovici. Kelly has missed the games against UCLA and USC; the Sun Devils managed a split in his absence. After getting crushed by UCLA, a miracle last second hailmary got ASU a win over USC in LA. Meanwhile, with Stanford, they have struggled to score against the bigger name teams on their schedule in Washington, Notre Dame and USC. However, the Arizona State defense isn't particularly good, so I think they'll be able to score some points in this one. If Kevin Hogan can avoid the mistakes, and he usually does, I like the Cardinal in this one by four when you combine that with their strong defense.
My Call: Stanford 27, Arizona State 23
#19 Nebraska at Northwestern
Interesting setup for this game as I believe Northwestern could essentially guarantee themselves a spot in a bowl game with the likes of Michigan, Purdue and Illinois still left on the schedule. Thhey have a chance to move up in the bowl pecking order if they can beat Nebraska here and beat Iowa next week in Iowa City; or else a win in those three games (UM, Purdue, Ui) will essentially become necessary with a likely loss to Notre Dame on tap. Nebraska isn't in any danger of missing a bowl game with Rutgers and Purdue to follow this one, but Bo Pelini will undoubtedly want this one with a pretty tough three game stretch to close out the season (home vs. Minnesota, at Wisconsin and Iowa). Gonna go with the Huskers because of Ameer Abdullah, but I'm not that confident about it.
My Call: Nebraska 27, Northwestern 24
#20 Utah at Oregon State
Sean Mannion leads the Beavers to a mini-upset over the Utes.
My Call: Oregon State 28, Utah 27
Colorado at #22 USC
There won't be that many easy games left on the schedule for Steve Sarkisian and his Trojans, but I see this being one of them as Colorado just isn't very good. Granted it may not always be pretty for USC, but they won't ultimately have too many issues here.
My Call: USC 38, Colorado 17
#24 Clemson at Boston College
Upset Special number two. I'm rolling with the Eagles at home.
My Call: Boston College 27, Clemson 24
#25 Marshall at Florida International
Sorry, no such upset is gonna happen here. FIU just doesn't have the guns to keep up with Rakeem Cato and Co., who will break Russell Wilson's FBS record for consecutive games putting up a TD. He and the Herd will win big.
My Call: Marshall 45, Florida International 17
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