Last Week in Review
Overall, I finished 24-12 on the week. Not bad, but these early weeks are pretty easy for the most part. In this space, I singled out 12 games and went 7-5 in those. Eh. Baylor came through for me and had a coming out party for themselves doing it. LSU really surprised me and is a much stronger team than I game them credit for. At the same time I think Oregon really disappointed and, while still a very good team, may not be as good as I thought they were going to be. Boise will once again be the story come November and December as they should be undefeated.
Must See
These are the marquee games of the weekend or games that are going to be really good (not always the same thing).
Missouri at Arizona State. This is going to be a dandy late on Friday night. Missouri is actually the ranked team here, but find themselves as more than a touchdown 'dogs. Arizona State is a solid but under the radar team that could make some noise this year. Should be fun out in the desert and definitely worth watching if you're up late Friday night. I'll take Mizzou and the points, but I think the Sun Devils win the game.
BYU at Texas. The 'Horns struggled a bit early last week with Rice before exerting their will and winning by 25. I reiterate the great hires the two new coordinators are, but maybe it'll take a little longer to get things cranking with the overhaul. BYU is always a well coached team that is going to give great effort and plays well on the road. This could come out to be a push, but I'll take UT and give the touchdown.
Notre Dame at Michigan. There are a lot of people that are quick to point out that this game isn't what it used to be. In terms of national importance, they are right. But if you watched either game the last two years, these have been GREAT games that have come down to 4th quarter and both times required a comeback for the win. The atmosphere will be electric under the lights for the first time and I can't wait. Prediction to come in the game preview tomorrow.
Interesting
Mississippi State at Auburn. The Bulldogs played Auburn closer than anyone last year expected and, IIRC, held them to their lowest point total all season long. Obviously this is a different Auburn team than last year, as we witnessed last week. To be fair, Utah State has a pretty good football team, but still. How will War Eagle respond? I like the Bulldogs here and I'll give the points. (BTW, 12:21? Seriously? Give me a break)
Alabama at Penn State. This is an interesting game to me because it's two old school powerhouse programs that are steeped in tradition and excellence. I fully expect Alabama to win this game fairly easily, but the Happy Valley home field advantage is a real one and The Nits have a good enough defense to give Alabama some trouble. Could get interesting but I'll still stick with the Tide.
South Carolina at Georgia. South Carolina is about the most dysfunctional group I've seen this short season and that should come as no surprise given the Ol' Ball Coach is running the show. I suppose Garcia has earned the start this week, but who knows with Spurrier calling the shots. Georgia did about what I expected last week and this is a dangerous game for them and the future of Mark Richt. Lose this game and fall to 0-2 and things are going to get awfully uncomfortable in Athens. I like the Gamecocks in this one.
Utah at USC. The Trojans almost lost to Minnesota on their home field last week. If it hadn't been for a bad decision by the Gophers backup QB late in the 4th quarter, they might have won the game. That's right, USC almost got beat by Minnesota. I would have laughed and laughed and laughed had that actually happened and as it was I enjoyed the hell out of watching Lane Kiffen sweat out the last few minutes of that one. Utah is very much like BYU (not not just because they're from the same state) in that they are well coached and play well on the road. Kyle Whittingham coached teams are not easy to beat. I will take the points and the Utes here.
If I Were a Gamblin' Man
A.K.A. I really like these lines:
- Wisconsin giving 20 to an Oregon State team that just lost to no one in particular
- Cincinnati getting four and a half at Tennessee
- Houston giving 21.5 to North Texas
As always, please feel free to leave me a comment and tell me all about my glorious brilliance or tell me why I'm a freakin' idiot. Enjoy the games!
BYU at Texas - I'll give you the new coordinators, but BYU will certainly be out coached. No question. I'm not even a fan (aggie all the way!).
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