A very interesting college football weekend is ahead! Lots of questions will be answered by the end of the weekend and we will see some serious changes in the top 10.
As is the usual, I'll start with the SEC games (in order of kickoff time) and then get to the other conference matchups that you guys picked.
Special Thanks to Norka for the title suggestion!
SOUTH CAROLINA at KENTUCKY. If you had asked me about this game a week or so ago, I would have easily said that SC gets the win. I am not so sure now. Spurrier had Smelley playing much more to his liking last week, but he has yet to show a 2-game hot streak. Kentucky on the other hand actually has a good defense going this year. Their numbers were impressive in the early part of the season and they seem to be for-real. Kentucky looked very good in playing Bama tough. I think that UK's defense is the difference and they pick up an SEC win at home.
VANDERBILT at MISS STATE. The Bulldogs played a tough game against LSU last week, showing real improvements at QB and finding some rushing success against the LSU defense. Vanderbilt only managed to post a major win on national TV and this team has got to be sky-high. I don't care how the season end for the 'Dores, right now I nominate Bobby Johnson for SEC coach of the year. He now has two QB's that can give teams lots of headaches. And the defense has been tough.The best thing to happen for Vandy might be to get behind early, as that seems to bring out the best in them. I think Vandy finds a way to win this one and continues the winning streak. Will this Geek Squad invade Atlanta in December?
TENNESSEE at GEORGIA. Tennessee is bad. Really bad. Last week, they even managed to look terrible in a win. Georgia is pissed-off and no doubt still smarting from Bama invading their space knocking out the black-out. Tennessee coming to town is just what the Dawgs need to get some confidence back. I look for a beat-down of UGA-ly proportions.
ARKANSAS at AUBURN. This might be the hardest game to pick. Had the firing of Franklin not happened this week, I would have easily picked Auburn to win this one at home. However, this is a team and coaching staff that is in disarray. To top that off, it is a generally restless and unhappy group of fans. Does any one want to bet that if the offense starts out slowly, the boos will start early? I am genuinely curious as to how the heck are they going to continue to run the spread (as Tuberville said they would) having just fired the only spread offense coach on the staff. If Arkansas can come out and put points on the board early, this battered Auburn team might be in trouble. Keep in mind, the Auburn defense has been their saving grace this season, but now that defense is starting to feel the effects of being on the field so much and the injuries are mounting. I'm sorry to say it my Auburn friends, but I think this team has had a very bad 7 days and I believe that Arkansas is going to catch them ripe for the upset. I am going to have to go with my gut and pick the Hogs. The good news is that Petrino will be close enough that the Auburn alums won't have to fire up the jet. (Sorry AU fans, I just couldn't resist that one)
LSU at FLORIDA. A HUGE game in the SEC. If Florida takes another loss, their chances of winning the SEC East are very slim. A loss by LSU is not going to be as damaging, but it is going to put them in a tough spot in the SEC and in the national picture.
Looking at the matchups. First, on the defensive side, both teams have shown some weaknesses. While LSU has looked pretty strong in the front 7, I think their secondary is a little suspect. Of course the same can be said of Florida's DBs as well. In addition, the Gators front 7 has has shown that they can be hammered with a strong running game. LSU has a strong running game with Scott. So I think the defensive edge has to go to LSU.
On the offensive side of the ball, I don't care how good Lee has looked lately, he is not Tim Tebow. Like him or not, he is one of the best QBs in the college game. That is the good. The bad is that he and Harvin are the ONLY offense Florida has. Outside of Harvin, they have not had a receiver step to make the big plays. In addition, the Gators are still in the quest for a good running back. I don't care who you have at QB, or how good he is, if you don't have a strong, consistent running game you are not going to win the tough games in the SEC.
I think that the Tigers are going to have to come out and hit the Gators in the snout. Run the ball right between the guards. And I would assign at least one LB to hit on Tebow every play. I think LSU will come to the Swamp and leave with a win.
Now for the other games. These are the ones that were the most nominated by the readers, so I will attempt to rise to the challenge.
A note about the picks though: One of the rules was no doubling-up in any one conference. Most have chosen Texas/Oklahoma and OK State/Mizzou. Also receiving votes were PSU/Wisconsin and Notre Dame/North Carolina. In keeping with the original intent of the choose 'em, I will narrow it down to:
TEXAS vs OKLAHOMA. The Red River Shootout. This will be the first big test for both teams. And both teams have looked like offensive steamrollers against some less-than-notable opponents. THE deciding question in this game will be the defenses. Texas has what might be the best front 7 they have had in a long time. But, even against some lightweight opponents, their pass defense has been a dismal 96th in the nation. This does not bode well against a pass-happy Sooner team. Offensively, Colt McCoy has been sensational with his arm and his legs. However, going into a game this big, you do not want your QB to be your leading rusher. Bradford has also looked sensational throwing the ball and he has a running back in Murray that can churn out the tough yards. In this game, the challenge is squarely on the defenses being able to stop either one of these offenses. I think that the Sooner will outgun the Longhorns in the Shootout.
PENN STATE at WISCONSIN. The Spread HD invades Camp Randle. I fear that it is not going to be a group of happy campers after the game. While PSU has looked great on offense so far this season, having finally found a reliable QB, to me the real difference this year is that the Nittany Lions have a defense that is playing like PSU defenses of old. No big standouts, mostly unheralded players that are playing hard-hitting defense that used to be the Penn State trademark. This combination of effective offense and vicious defense is going to be too much for the reeling Badgers. BTW, did anyone notice how the Badgers coach Bilema seemed to lose it last week? I think Wisconsin is in trouble.
Trivia note: for all that have wondered what the hell is a "Nittany Lion"? I give you the following:
The mascot was the creation of Penn State senior H. D. "Joe" Mason in 1907. While on a 1904 trip to Princeton University, Mason had been embarrassed that Penn State did not have a mascot. Mason did not let that deter him: he fabricated the Nittany Lion on the spot and proclaimed that it would easily defeat the Princeton Bengal tiger. Upon returning to campus, though, he set about making his invention a reality. Mountain lions had roamed on nearby Mount Nittany until the 1880s. The origin of the name "Mount Nittany" is obscure, the most commonly accepted explanation being that it is derived of Native American words (loosely pronounced as "neet-a-nee") meaning either "single mountain" or a protective barrier against the elements. Now you know!
NOTRE DAME at NORTH CAROLINA. The golden domers leave comfortable confines to travel to North Carolina. It is unfortunate that they can't bring Touchdown Jesus with them, because they are surely going to need divine intervention to win this one. If you have not had a chance to watch NC play, be sure to catch this one. Last week they handily whipped the previously unbeaten Huskies (as I predicted!). In the past two games their backup QB Sexton has been outstanding. (its a pity Yates is injured. He must have been a helluva player to have been the starter ahead of Sexton). In addition, their defense is also playing very strong. OK, yes, the Irish are 4-1 so far, but it has hardly been against challenging opponents. Their toughest foe to date was Michigan State and the Spartans slapped them around pretty good. I look for the Tar Heels to do much of the same.
And there you have it. A little something for everyone: SEC, Big 12, ACC, Big 10 and an Independent. Can't scatter it around much more than that.
Ok guys, now it is your turn to take your shots. But remember the rule of no cheap smack with out something to back it up. Bring some facts. Bring some substance to your position. SEC fans are supposed to be the most knowledgeable fans in country so lets show it.
To all fans, of all teams: Enjoy the weekend. I wish your teams good luck. And let's all show some class and sportsmanship.
Jessica Hart
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Comments (59) Add A Comment
All these picks and trivia too? It`s like going to Wal-Mart,only better.I must say,I agree with all of your picks.Do you remember the radio show called "Leonard`s Losers"? Just wondering.
bpcarman
Mobile, AL
Total Comments (4756)
LOL, funny you should mention that. I loved that radio show. He still has a website, but it says that he is taking time off.
But he does cross my mind sometime when I am writing this stuff.
BruceS1G
Pelham , AL
Total Comments (5499)
Solid stuff, Bruce.
I'd probably give Tennessee's defense some props. Their offense is a disaster, but that defense is playing quality football (Auburn-esque in many ways). If Tennessee could manage to find some offense, they will make a stink in the SEC.
My only disagreement is the LSU/Florida game. I think Florida pulls that one out. I'm not sold on LSU's QB situation. Florida's D is also pretty opportunistic. A few mistakes and The Swamp will be rockin'. It's a very hostile environment to be playing. And, Florida is immensely better than Auburn this year. It's a close call in the end, but Florida does not want to lose another game there this year.
silars
Total Comments (1652)
>>a beat-down of UGA-ly proportions.
lol...kinda like the boomer sooner will "udderly" destroy bevo*..
although, bevo is undoubtedly a steer, not a cow with udders.
*along the lines of your nittany lion explanation, but with much less effort...bevo is texas' mascot.
you have good picks and rationales. however, quite a tall order for tigers to go into swamp and rassle a gator down. i wonder how many pop warner plays les miles will call and actually execute.
glad you embraced diversity and included other conferences. although double dipping in the BIG 12 this week would be acceptable (if not time consuming) since OU-UT game is of the utmost importance..
peace
DoIt4Johnny
Total Comments (250)
Looked up Leonard's Losers on Wikipedia just last week. I was trying to explain it to my kids.
Leonard retired in 1999 and died in 2001. When he retired a group of Athens, Georgia businessmen bought the show and introduced his "cousin" as taking over. This lasted until around 2005 when they put the message on the website. It is a real loss. Would love to hear what he had to say about college football over the last few years.
Grew up listening to him. But, also every week (or perhaps it was bi-weekly) we would pick up free a newsprint edition of Leonard's Losers. Loved that because he could get a lot more colorful and detailed. Was that everywhere or just select locations?
E in Austin, Texas
Total Comments (1709)
excellent stuff silar. that is what this blog is all about - intelligent discussion and disagreement. LOL I never claimed to be the all-knowing, all-seeing - only 85% of the time ;)
BruceS1G
Pelham , AL
Total Comments (5499)
you jogged my memory. yes, you could get the printed version here as well. However, I didn't know that he had died. He always cracked me up.
hey e, check your email! you too silar.
BruceS1G
Pelham , AL
Total Comments (5499)
I grew up in south Alabama and his radio show was on every friday at 2;00 during football season. Leonard Post Toastie. I never missed it.He always called Bama the red elephants.
bpcarman
Mobile, AL
Total Comments (4756)
I think you are dead on this week Bruce. I agree with you all the way. Hate to say I agree with you on the Auburn game though. You did hit the nail on the head though. I agree with the LSU/Florida prediction especially. I don't think LSU has to worry about their secondary though because Tebow won't have the time to run to expose them. For Florida to win I think they will need to use different screens and maybe work in that shovel pass like they did last week. They need a tough between the tackles runner to really make that offense dynamic. Thought they had it with Moody till he went down in the Ole Miss game.
I think Auburn will use more power running like 1st quarter last week, and then mix elements of the spread if they want to be successful. I also really think that Franklin had blinders on when it came to Todd which is part of the reason he got canned. He couldn't see that Todd's shoulder is ailing. Burns is the way to go and the only way he is going to get better is by playing. With this upcoming stretch of opponents its the best time to get him as much PT as possible.
wildbill21475
East, TN
Total Comments (4885)
Solid as always. I truely enjoy reading your picks (in fact, its 1 of the few regular pick blogs I bother to read).
Prove It
Frellin Cold In, AK
Total Comments (6743)
Unfortunately, Moody has a habit of being injured. I didn't see his injury in the Ole Miss game, but at USC it was often caused by his desire to expose himself trying to get those last few inches.
Unless he puts on some more pounds, he would be wise to "learn when the journey is over".
Other than that, he's a very good back.
silars
Total Comments (1652)
I got something about a week ago from you. Was there something more recent?
silars
Total Comments (1652)
Nice work Bru, thanks for the Nittany Lion explanation. Looking forward to your wrap up show.
norka
Bubba Spot, GA
Total Comments (4100)
I think that it comes down to the fact that Franklin just waited to long to really start trying to get involved in making the offense work. There are a couple of reports that he had all of the sudden changed this week and was running around trying to coach up everyone on the field. Let's be honest though. The only person really affected in the spread is the QB. The offensive line still pass blocks somwhat the same, the running back still have to pass block or run the ball, and the wide outs still have to run correct patterns. I think that the "spread coach/coaches", is somewhat overrated. I think that Bru is right, we are going to have our hands full on the Plains this weekend. All of the other picks are good, too. However i would love to see the Nittanies get there butts run out of Wisconson. I can't stand PSU. Also, PSU has only played one team this year that you could consider quality.....Illinois, and they didn't exactly kill them either.
AUTigerfaninTX
Garland, TX
Total Comments (54)
Good work Bruce!
84
Total Comments (7228)
Nice picks, Bruce.
More Legend requests.... What is a Zip? What is a Hokie? What is a Ute?
Wait.. never mind on the last one. I remember.
Judge Chamberlain Haller: Uh... did you say 'yutes'?
Vinny Gambini: Yeah, two yutes.
Judge Chamberlain Haller: What is a yute?
Vinny Gambini: Oh, excuse me, your honor... Two YOUTHS.
PSUinHolidaySpirit
Total Comments (10952)
Ute is a tribe of Indians. Nothing too exciting.
How about the Idaho Vandals? That has to have some interesting backstory...
silars
Total Comments (1652)
Will UF's great offense be able to score on LSU's great D more than LSU's good offense can score on UF's good defense? My gut is telling me to pick Florida b/c they're gonna have more emotion than LSU coming into this game. I bet Florida's defense will step it up a notch just for LSU. Considering LSU has shown to be an overall stronger team, it is hard to pick against the tigers, so now I don't know what my gut is telling me. I bet you're right, but UF over LSU is the only upset I have picked for this weekend.
How 'bout 'em
Marietta, GA
Total Comments (2070)
I hate to break it you, but I think this week will be the beginning of the end for the SEC this year. Fans of the SEC should be praying that LSU takes down Florida, otherwise the polls could start the drop the SEC further and further. I see Florida beating LSU Saturday, and I also expect Vandy to come back to earth and have an embarassing loss to Mississippi St. That will leave Bama as the only undefetaed team left, and I'll be shocked if they don't have 2 losses by the end of the year. Most SEC fans will point to this as proof of the extreme "depth" of their conference, while I would argue that it simply shows the top teams are overrated. The top teams in the Big 12 are far better than the SEC right now, plain and simple. And while I still would say the SEC is the 2nd best conference in the country, I think the gap between the SEC and the Big 10 is much less than most people think. The top 4 in the Big 10 (Penn State, Ohio State, Illinois and Michigan State) would match up nicely against the top 4 of the SEC (Alabama, Georgia, LSU & Florida...still don'tthink Vandy is top 4 in this league).
I think Penn State is the best of them all, and Illinois could easily take down LSU or Florida.
All this talk of depth? Who cares who has the better teams at the bottom of the conference. I don't want to debate an Indiana vs Tennessee matchup (though I think Indiana would get the better of it).
Obviously, all SEC fans will point to the Ohio State debacles in the BCS the last two years and I think that's fair. But how can you explain Florida losing to Meeeeechigan last year in the Citrus Bowl? Remember, last year was another "down year" in the Big 10. We'll see what happens the rest of the year but I think the SEC is in for some big disappointments!
BigTenFan1354
Brighton , MI
Total Comments (27)
Good Blog, first time poster from United Kingdom. Wow Big Ten Fan 1354 remember Bruces rules. "no cheap smack with out something to back it up. Bring some facts. Bring some substance to your position.emember Bruces rule." Sure didn't see any substance it your post.
I'm not sure LSU is going to beat Florida, they haven't been as impressive as I would have expected against what has been less than steller opponents. Most impressive win was Auburn and they have serious problems (they should have beat LSU).
This week and the next will tell just how good the Big 12 teams really are like the SEC they will start beating up on each other.
Tide in UK
Feltwell, UK
Total Comments (12)
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