NCAAFBallBlog Power Rankings:
1. Alabama
2. Texas Tech
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Oklahoma
6. USC
7. Penn State
8. Utah
9. Ohio State
10. Boise State
11. Georgia
12. Missouri
13. Oklahoma State
14. Michigan State
15. TCU
16. North Carolina
17. Cincinnati
18. BYU
19. Pittsburgh
20. Ball State
21. Florida State
22. LSU
23. Oregon State
24. South Carolina
25. Tulsa
Game of the Week: #10 Utah defeats #11 TCU, 13-10. TCU leads entire game until a last minute drive by Utah puts them on top, keeping their BCS hopes alive. Quarterback Brian Johnson completed 7-9 for 80 yards on the final drive before finding Freddie Brown in the end zone for a game-winning touchdown.
Player of the Week: Georgia QB/RB Matthew Stafford (17-27, 376 yds, 3 TD) & Knowshon Moreno (22 car, 123 yds, 3 TD) in 42-38 win over Kentucky
Heisman Ranking:
1. Graham Harrell (40-50, 456 yds, 6 TD in win over Oklahoma State)
2. Sam Bradford (22-33, 320 yds, 4 TD, 1 rush TD in win over Texas A&M)
3. Michael Crabtree (8 catches, 89 yds, 3 TD in win over Oklahoma State)
4. Javon Ringer (32 car, 121 yds, 2 TD in win over Purdue)
5. Colt McCoy (26-37, 300 yds, 5 TD, 2 INT in win over Baylor)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday Morning Quarterback: Week 11
The 11th week of the season didn’t have the big money matchups of the previous weeks, but it still provided some exciting moments, settled some conference debates, and raised some more questions. I came out with an 8-3 mark in predictions.
#11 TCU @ #10 Utah – My game of the week was the Thursday night affair between two potential BCS-busters. Utah’s BCS hopes were riding on this game and they played the final minute of the game like so. Brian Johnson led the Utes down the field and scored the winning touchdown on a 9-yard pass with little time remaining. Johnson threw for 230 yards and one touchdown, while receiver Freddie Brown caught nine passes for 105 yards and brought in the game-winner. It was not a high-scoring battle like I predicted, but it proved to be one of the best games of the week. Utah is now on their way to a BCS bowl. My Prediction: TCU wins 35-28…Score: Utah wins 13-10
#22 Georgia Tech @ #19 North Carolina – I could not have been any more wrong in this game. North Carolina manhandled Tech on both sides of the ball and kept them scoreless until late in the fourth quarter. It was a defensive battle for three quarters, but the Tar Heels broke it open in the fourth and cruised in the final minutes. While the Jackets outplayed the Heels in almost every statistical category, the Heels played fundamental football and didn’t turn the ball over. Tech had three turnovers that were costly. This will put North Carolina into the race in the ACC and more than likely knock Tech out of contention. My Prediction: Georgia Tech wins 17-14…Score: North Carolina wins 28-7.
#3 Penn State @ Iowa – I had a strong feeling that this could be an upset waiting to happen but did not have the courage to fully predict it. Road trips to Iowa are always tough, not to mention that Penn State has not been able to beat the Hawkeyes in a while. Daryll Clark struggled for the Nittany Lions, going 9-23 for 86 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. However, Penn State had a 23-14 lead at one point before Iowa came within two on a late touchdown run. Daniel Murray kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired to upset the third ranked team in the nation. Iowa back Shonn Greene rushed for 117 yards on 28 carries and added two key touchdowns. This loss knocks Penn State out of the national title picture, but they still have very realistic Rose Bowl hopes. My Prediction: Penn State wins 34-24...Score: Iowa wins 24-23
#1 Alabama @ #15 LSU - It took an overtime period, but the Tide remained undefeated and the top team in the nation with a close win in Baton Rouge. LSU shocked Alabama by jumping on them early for 14 points in the first quarter. Alabama slowly answered with a touchdown in the second and another in the third to take the lead. But a goal line run that found the end zone for LSU tied the game in the fourth at 21. Jarrett Lee was intercepted on LSU's overtime drive and John Parker Wilson found the end zone with a run to come out with the win. Running was the name of the game, with both quarterbacks combining for five interceptions. Alabama's Glen Coffee rushed for 126 yards and one touchdown. Wilson added two touchdowns on the ground. Charles Scott racked up 92 yards and two touchdowns for LSU. The Tide continue on track to the SEC Championship. My Prediction: Alabama wins 21-10...Score: Alabama wins 27-21, OT
#8 Oklahoma State @ #2 Texas Tech - Oklahoma State tried their best to keep up with Texas Tech's offense but were unable to do so. Graham Harrell went 40-50 for 456 yards and six touchdowns, further solidifying his status as a Heisman candidate. Tech scored two touchdowns in each quarter over all four quarters. The Cowboys scored a touchdown in each quarter for three quarters. The offensive race went to the Red Raiders. It is also worth noting that 56 points is probably the highest I have ever successfully predicted for a team. Penn State's loss gives the Raiders a little more breathing room at the second spot. My Prediction: Texas Tech wins 56-35...Score: Texas Tech wins 56-20
#21 California @ #7 USC - USC's only true competition in the Pac 10, with the exception of Oregon State, is California, and they didn't prove to be much of a test. Cal's offense was dead for the game, with Nate Longshore throwing for 79 yards and Kevin Riley throwing for 59. Mark Sanchez racked up 238 yards and two touchdowns through the air for the Trojans. Oregon State must beat California, Arizona, and Oregon to win the Pac 10 and reach the Rose Bowl. Not likely. USC will cruise the rest of the way. My Prediction: USC wins 31-28...Score: USC wins 17-3
5 Notables:
#23 Maryland @ Virginia Tech - My Prediction: Hokies win 17-10...Score: Hokies win 23-13
Louisville @ #25 Pittsburgh - My Prediction: Pitt wins 24-17...Score: Pitt wins 41-7
#14 Georgia @ Kentucky - My Prediction: Dawgs win 35-7...Score: Dawgs win 42-38
Clemson @ #24 Florida State - My Prediction: Noles win 21-7...Score: Noles win 41-27
Cincinnati @ #20 West Virginia - My Prediction: Cincy wins 38-35...Score: Cincy wins 26-23
#11 TCU @ #10 Utah – My game of the week was the Thursday night affair between two potential BCS-busters. Utah’s BCS hopes were riding on this game and they played the final minute of the game like so. Brian Johnson led the Utes down the field and scored the winning touchdown on a 9-yard pass with little time remaining. Johnson threw for 230 yards and one touchdown, while receiver Freddie Brown caught nine passes for 105 yards and brought in the game-winner. It was not a high-scoring battle like I predicted, but it proved to be one of the best games of the week. Utah is now on their way to a BCS bowl. My Prediction: TCU wins 35-28…Score: Utah wins 13-10
#22 Georgia Tech @ #19 North Carolina – I could not have been any more wrong in this game. North Carolina manhandled Tech on both sides of the ball and kept them scoreless until late in the fourth quarter. It was a defensive battle for three quarters, but the Tar Heels broke it open in the fourth and cruised in the final minutes. While the Jackets outplayed the Heels in almost every statistical category, the Heels played fundamental football and didn’t turn the ball over. Tech had three turnovers that were costly. This will put North Carolina into the race in the ACC and more than likely knock Tech out of contention. My Prediction: Georgia Tech wins 17-14…Score: North Carolina wins 28-7.
#3 Penn State @ Iowa – I had a strong feeling that this could be an upset waiting to happen but did not have the courage to fully predict it. Road trips to Iowa are always tough, not to mention that Penn State has not been able to beat the Hawkeyes in a while. Daryll Clark struggled for the Nittany Lions, going 9-23 for 86 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. However, Penn State had a 23-14 lead at one point before Iowa came within two on a late touchdown run. Daniel Murray kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired to upset the third ranked team in the nation. Iowa back Shonn Greene rushed for 117 yards on 28 carries and added two key touchdowns. This loss knocks Penn State out of the national title picture, but they still have very realistic Rose Bowl hopes. My Prediction: Penn State wins 34-24...Score: Iowa wins 24-23
#1 Alabama @ #15 LSU - It took an overtime period, but the Tide remained undefeated and the top team in the nation with a close win in Baton Rouge. LSU shocked Alabama by jumping on them early for 14 points in the first quarter. Alabama slowly answered with a touchdown in the second and another in the third to take the lead. But a goal line run that found the end zone for LSU tied the game in the fourth at 21. Jarrett Lee was intercepted on LSU's overtime drive and John Parker Wilson found the end zone with a run to come out with the win. Running was the name of the game, with both quarterbacks combining for five interceptions. Alabama's Glen Coffee rushed for 126 yards and one touchdown. Wilson added two touchdowns on the ground. Charles Scott racked up 92 yards and two touchdowns for LSU. The Tide continue on track to the SEC Championship. My Prediction: Alabama wins 21-10...Score: Alabama wins 27-21, OT
#8 Oklahoma State @ #2 Texas Tech - Oklahoma State tried their best to keep up with Texas Tech's offense but were unable to do so. Graham Harrell went 40-50 for 456 yards and six touchdowns, further solidifying his status as a Heisman candidate. Tech scored two touchdowns in each quarter over all four quarters. The Cowboys scored a touchdown in each quarter for three quarters. The offensive race went to the Red Raiders. It is also worth noting that 56 points is probably the highest I have ever successfully predicted for a team. Penn State's loss gives the Raiders a little more breathing room at the second spot. My Prediction: Texas Tech wins 56-35...Score: Texas Tech wins 56-20
#21 California @ #7 USC - USC's only true competition in the Pac 10, with the exception of Oregon State, is California, and they didn't prove to be much of a test. Cal's offense was dead for the game, with Nate Longshore throwing for 79 yards and Kevin Riley throwing for 59. Mark Sanchez racked up 238 yards and two touchdowns through the air for the Trojans. Oregon State must beat California, Arizona, and Oregon to win the Pac 10 and reach the Rose Bowl. Not likely. USC will cruise the rest of the way. My Prediction: USC wins 31-28...Score: USC wins 17-3
5 Notables:
#23 Maryland @ Virginia Tech - My Prediction: Hokies win 17-10...Score: Hokies win 23-13
Louisville @ #25 Pittsburgh - My Prediction: Pitt wins 24-17...Score: Pitt wins 41-7
#14 Georgia @ Kentucky - My Prediction: Dawgs win 35-7...Score: Dawgs win 42-38
Clemson @ #24 Florida State - My Prediction: Noles win 21-7...Score: Noles win 41-27
Cincinnati @ #20 West Virginia - My Prediction: Cincy wins 38-35...Score: Cincy wins 26-23
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Rivals.com Bowl Projections (Nov. 5th)
Rivals.com has posted their latest bowl projections. This ended up being pretty boring after agreeing on three of five. At first glance, I thought I would have a good argument against all of them. They proved me wrong.
BCS Championship: Penn State vs. Florida – I can understand both of these teams reaching the final game. The Gators have been on a romp since losing to Ole Miss, including blow out wins over LSU and Georgia. It would require an SEC Championship over Alabama and a Texas Tech loss, both of which could very likely happen. I truly believe Penn State will reach the National Championship. My Prediction: Same
Rose Bowl: USC vs. Oklahoma – Nobody will know what USC is truly capable of until the Rose Bowl, which they will most likely appear in. They do have several tests to close out the season but should not have a problem. Their prediction of Oklahoma means an at large bid, which is understandable coming out of the Big 12. Their seclusion of Texas Tech from the BCS picture means a loss to either Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, or in the Big 12 Championship. This is a tall order for any team and they could very well slip in one of the three. I have just as good of a chance to win the lottery as I do picking where the Big 12 teams end up in the bowls. My Prediction: Same
Orange Bowl: Florida State vs. West Virginia – This one left me scratching my head some, but then I sat back and thought about it. Maryland is bound to lose one of their four games left, while Florida State could easily win out their ACC schedule. It could come down to the matchup between the two later this month for the Atlantic division. If they do reach the championship, they will face any of the teams from the Coastal division except Duke. It is still a complete toss-up there. While the Seminoles did lose to Georgia Tech, a rematch could go the other way, and they beat Miami and Virginia Tech. The Big East will be decided in the next few weeks, with West Virginia facing Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. I am not sold on the Mountaineers and believe one of the two will be the upsetter. My Prediction: Florida State vs. Cincinnati
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Utah – If it does end up this way, we’re in for another Sugar Bowl romping. If you’re going to put a non-BCS team in the BCS, at least don’t make them face an SEC team. Alabama will lose to Florida in the SEC Championship but remain in the Sugar Bowl. I already have Utah losing to TCU this Thursday so I can’t go any other way. If Utah can’t remain undefeated, the at large bid should go to Texas Tech. Actually, it should go to them regardless, but we all just love the little Cinderella teams. If Utah remains undefeated, they will play in the Sugar Bowl. My Prediction: Alabama vs. Texas Tech
Fiesta Bowl: Texas vs. Ohio State – Michigan State will lose one of their three remaining games, so Ohio State will be second in the Big Ten and receive the at large. I’m picking Texas to step up and win the Big 12 so I understand the pick there as well. As long as Texas Tech loses somewhere, this is a sure bet. My Prediction: Same
BCS Championship: Penn State vs. Florida – I can understand both of these teams reaching the final game. The Gators have been on a romp since losing to Ole Miss, including blow out wins over LSU and Georgia. It would require an SEC Championship over Alabama and a Texas Tech loss, both of which could very likely happen. I truly believe Penn State will reach the National Championship. My Prediction: Same
Rose Bowl: USC vs. Oklahoma – Nobody will know what USC is truly capable of until the Rose Bowl, which they will most likely appear in. They do have several tests to close out the season but should not have a problem. Their prediction of Oklahoma means an at large bid, which is understandable coming out of the Big 12. Their seclusion of Texas Tech from the BCS picture means a loss to either Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, or in the Big 12 Championship. This is a tall order for any team and they could very well slip in one of the three. I have just as good of a chance to win the lottery as I do picking where the Big 12 teams end up in the bowls. My Prediction: Same
Orange Bowl: Florida State vs. West Virginia – This one left me scratching my head some, but then I sat back and thought about it. Maryland is bound to lose one of their four games left, while Florida State could easily win out their ACC schedule. It could come down to the matchup between the two later this month for the Atlantic division. If they do reach the championship, they will face any of the teams from the Coastal division except Duke. It is still a complete toss-up there. While the Seminoles did lose to Georgia Tech, a rematch could go the other way, and they beat Miami and Virginia Tech. The Big East will be decided in the next few weeks, with West Virginia facing Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. I am not sold on the Mountaineers and believe one of the two will be the upsetter. My Prediction: Florida State vs. Cincinnati
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Utah – If it does end up this way, we’re in for another Sugar Bowl romping. If you’re going to put a non-BCS team in the BCS, at least don’t make them face an SEC team. Alabama will lose to Florida in the SEC Championship but remain in the Sugar Bowl. I already have Utah losing to TCU this Thursday so I can’t go any other way. If Utah can’t remain undefeated, the at large bid should go to Texas Tech. Actually, it should go to them regardless, but we all just love the little Cinderella teams. If Utah remains undefeated, they will play in the Sugar Bowl. My Prediction: Alabama vs. Texas Tech
Fiesta Bowl: Texas vs. Ohio State – Michigan State will lose one of their three remaining games, so Ohio State will be second in the Big Ten and receive the at large. I’m picking Texas to step up and win the Big 12 so I understand the pick there as well. As long as Texas Tech loses somewhere, this is a sure bet. My Prediction: Same
Week 11 Preview
My first week back is not the most exciting as far as games go, but there are still several must watch games.
#11 TCU @ #10 Utah - The Thursday night affair between TCU and Utah could be the game of the week. The winner will have the inside track to the Mountain West championship and a possible BCS bid. TCU’s lone loss was to then-#2 Oklahoma. The rest of their games have been dominating performances, including a 32-7 thrashing of BYU. They are led by a balanced rushing attack, with four backs at over 300 yards and another only six yards short. Utah has cruised through their schedule, with the only tough conference battle at New Mexico in their previous game. Quarterback Brian Johnson struggles with turnovers but racks up yards, as does their rushing tandem. It should be an offensive battle. My Prediction: TCU wins 35-28.
#22 Georgia Tech @ #19 North Carolina – As is the case with most ACC games lately, this one is key to the championship race. Tech leads the Coastal division by one game over Miami and Virginia, with Virginia Tech and North Carolina on their heels. The Jackets must win this one and against Miami to hold off the pack. They have been a more stable team under Paul Johnson, including a close win over Florida State that never would have happened in previous years. However, losses against Virginia Tech and Virginia show that they are still unable to take it to the next level…yet. North Carolina received losses from the same two Virginia schools as well. This game could come down to the wire. My Prediction: Georgia Tech wins 17-14.
#3 Penn State @ Iowa – Not that I’m saying this is an upset alert, but this could be a game to watch. Penn State dropped a spot to Texas Tech after a bye week, which might or might not have an effect on the team. Iowa is always a tough road game, and they will be looking to gain something from a disappointing season. Of course, Penn State could just roll in and win by fifty like they have been doing. My Prediction: Penn State wins 34-24.
#1 Alabama @ #15 LSU – The new #1 takes their show to LSU for an SEC showdown. Following a scare against Ole Miss, the Tide rebounded with big wins over Tennessee and Arkansas State. The Tigers had a slight rebound of their own following the loss to Georgia with a win over Tulane. A win would solidify their place as a contender in the SEC this season. A big matchup to watch is Glen Coffee’s bruising running against the Tiger defense. My Prediction: Alabama wins 21-10
#8 Oklahoma State @ #2 Texas Tech – The big pick for game of the week is this Big 12 matchup. Doesn’t there seem to be a trend of this each Saturday? Oklahoma State’s lone loss was a four-point deficit against Texas a couple weeks back. They have surprised me this season, running on their offensive machine known as Zac Robinson and Kendall Hunter. As is the case every Saturday for the Cowboys, it comes down to whether they can score fifty. But wait, isn’t that the same for Texas Tech? Their offensive machine known as Graham Harrell and…Graham Harrell has blown through the mighty Big 12 in a big way. I have doubted them the entire season and they have proven me wrong the entire season. I can’t go wrong with them now in a huge offensive explosion. My Prediction: Texas Tech wins 56-35
#21 California @ # 7 USC – The Trojans continue to chug along in the terrible Pac 10. I have never seen a USC team get so little publicity, taking a backseat to the Big 12’s headlines and the yearly SEC battles. However, I will give them some love this week as they take on the only other team worth talking about in the conference, the Cal Bears. Cal has suffered losses to Maryland and Arizona but remains a contender at only a game back of USC in the conference. An upset here would spring them forward like no other and knock the Trojans out of the National Title picture. My Prediction: USC wins 31-28
Five Notables:
#23 Maryland @ Virginia Tech – Hokies win 17-10
Louisville @ #25 Pittsburgh – Pitt wins 24-17
#14 Georgia @ Kentucky – Dawgs win 35-7
Clemson @ #24 Florida State – Noles win 21-7
Cincinnati @ #20 West Virginia – Cincy wins 38-35
#11 TCU @ #10 Utah - The Thursday night affair between TCU and Utah could be the game of the week. The winner will have the inside track to the Mountain West championship and a possible BCS bid. TCU’s lone loss was to then-#2 Oklahoma. The rest of their games have been dominating performances, including a 32-7 thrashing of BYU. They are led by a balanced rushing attack, with four backs at over 300 yards and another only six yards short. Utah has cruised through their schedule, with the only tough conference battle at New Mexico in their previous game. Quarterback Brian Johnson struggles with turnovers but racks up yards, as does their rushing tandem. It should be an offensive battle. My Prediction: TCU wins 35-28.
#22 Georgia Tech @ #19 North Carolina – As is the case with most ACC games lately, this one is key to the championship race. Tech leads the Coastal division by one game over Miami and Virginia, with Virginia Tech and North Carolina on their heels. The Jackets must win this one and against Miami to hold off the pack. They have been a more stable team under Paul Johnson, including a close win over Florida State that never would have happened in previous years. However, losses against Virginia Tech and Virginia show that they are still unable to take it to the next level…yet. North Carolina received losses from the same two Virginia schools as well. This game could come down to the wire. My Prediction: Georgia Tech wins 17-14.
#3 Penn State @ Iowa – Not that I’m saying this is an upset alert, but this could be a game to watch. Penn State dropped a spot to Texas Tech after a bye week, which might or might not have an effect on the team. Iowa is always a tough road game, and they will be looking to gain something from a disappointing season. Of course, Penn State could just roll in and win by fifty like they have been doing. My Prediction: Penn State wins 34-24.
#1 Alabama @ #15 LSU – The new #1 takes their show to LSU for an SEC showdown. Following a scare against Ole Miss, the Tide rebounded with big wins over Tennessee and Arkansas State. The Tigers had a slight rebound of their own following the loss to Georgia with a win over Tulane. A win would solidify their place as a contender in the SEC this season. A big matchup to watch is Glen Coffee’s bruising running against the Tiger defense. My Prediction: Alabama wins 21-10
#8 Oklahoma State @ #2 Texas Tech – The big pick for game of the week is this Big 12 matchup. Doesn’t there seem to be a trend of this each Saturday? Oklahoma State’s lone loss was a four-point deficit against Texas a couple weeks back. They have surprised me this season, running on their offensive machine known as Zac Robinson and Kendall Hunter. As is the case every Saturday for the Cowboys, it comes down to whether they can score fifty. But wait, isn’t that the same for Texas Tech? Their offensive machine known as Graham Harrell and…Graham Harrell has blown through the mighty Big 12 in a big way. I have doubted them the entire season and they have proven me wrong the entire season. I can’t go wrong with them now in a huge offensive explosion. My Prediction: Texas Tech wins 56-35
#21 California @ # 7 USC – The Trojans continue to chug along in the terrible Pac 10. I have never seen a USC team get so little publicity, taking a backseat to the Big 12’s headlines and the yearly SEC battles. However, I will give them some love this week as they take on the only other team worth talking about in the conference, the Cal Bears. Cal has suffered losses to Maryland and Arizona but remains a contender at only a game back of USC in the conference. An upset here would spring them forward like no other and knock the Trojans out of the National Title picture. My Prediction: USC wins 31-28
Five Notables:
#23 Maryland @ Virginia Tech – Hokies win 17-10
Louisville @ #25 Pittsburgh – Pitt wins 24-17
#14 Georgia @ Kentucky – Dawgs win 35-7
Clemson @ #24 Florida State – Noles win 21-7
Cincinnati @ #20 West Virginia – Cincy wins 38-35
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Warning: I'm Back
My love for writing and my love for college football were both too strong to overcome, so I have returned to my college football blog. I am a broke college student with nothing else to do so expect me to hang around for good.
My official return will begin with the week 11 preview.
My official return will begin with the week 11 preview.
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