Hopefully, this will be the last week where the cupcake games out-weigh the meaningful games. I swear, we might as well label September as cupcake month. The only situation that will ever have a significant impact on these games is for D-1 college football to implement a true playoff system. If the Presidents and AD's of these Universities were smart, they would adopt at least a 12 team playoff system, or up to a 16 playoff system; but, we all know that these morons that are running these institutions, didn't go for "smarts."
Now, looking back on the week that has past, some things are still the same. The B1G continues to look like anything but a BCS conference. So far the B1G has managed to lose three games to the MAAC, go 0-3 against Notre Dame, and lose to Louisiana Tech. Like last week, Northwestern, Minnesota, and Ohio State, remain unbeaten. Ouch. And, to make matters worse, the talking heads at ESPN, say things will get better for the B1G, once conference play begins. Really? Who among us is all fired up to see Minnesota play Iowa, or Northwestern play Indiana, or Penn State play Illinois? You get the picture, this conference is a train wreck.
How about Oregon pitching a shutout against Arizona. Who knew that the Ducks could play on that side of the line of scrimmage. Before we put Oregon in the BCS championship game, I need to see how they do away from Autzen Stadium; and no, Pullman Washington, will not answer all of my questions, especially after that dive Washington State performed against Colorado. Hey, and props to the state of Oregon; both teams are undefeated. How nice would that be come the Civil War game, and both of these teams are still undefeated.
As for things in the South, I think LSU might have under-estimated Auburn. As for LSU's slip in the polls, I'm okay with it, especially since Auburn's only win came against a Sunbelt team, and in overtime to boot. As for Arkansas, I'll address that sinking ship a little further down the page. Meanwhile, once Florida State put it in overdrive, Clemson was left in a cloud of dust. With Virginia Tech losing to Pitt a couple weeks ago, Florida State is the front runner for the ACC; however, the Noles still have to go to Blacksburgh, in November.
And finally, how about Bill Snyder and the boys from the "little apple." Now, I know why I wasn't sold on Oklahoma. Before last Saturday, Bob Stoops had never lost at home to a top 10 team. Guess if you are going to lose to someone, might as well be your mentor. As for me, I finally picked more right than I had wrong for last week, going 7-3, with 37 points. Time to make the best, better.
Florida State (10) @ South Florida - Surely the Noles will not be in dream land after thumping Clemson, last week. I'm hoping that they don't hit the snooze button because South Florida is reeling from two straight losses. Seminoles over the calves, 48-17.
Clemson (9) @ Boston College - I heard that Sammy Watkins isn't playing for Clemson on Saturday. I think I heard that he has some kind of stomach virus. It must be a serious case of the "runs," because they announced it on Wednesday night, that he would not be available for the game. Oh well, it will take more than just Sammy's absence for me to pick BC for a win. Look for the Tigers to claw their way to a victory over the hapless Eagles, 34-20.
Baylor @ West Virginia (8) - All right, Mountain Men; time to strap it on. Remember, your not playing in the Big Least, anymore. As for this match up, Baylor can score points, they just can't play any defense, and West Virginia can. Plus, West Virginia is at home, and would like to make a statement that they belong in the Big-12. Look for the Mountaineers to do a little Bear hunting on Saturday, 38-27.
Arkansas @ Texas A&M (7) - For the latest John L. Williams goof, just click on the link. I swear, all we need is two or three more from this cartoon clown and we will have a greatest hits collection, all from this season. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4MRgPETMIk For those of you that looked at this week's comedy relief, courtesy of John L. Smith, can understand why I'm picking the Aggies and risking seven points on them. As long as Howdy Doody is leading the Razorbacks, how can anyone pick them? A&M over the piglets, 37-25.
Texas (6) @ Oklahoma State - Both teams are coming off bye weeks, so that's a wash. Both scored in the 60's in their last contest. Neither team plays much on defense; however, I'll give the nod to the Longhorns being a tad better than the Pokes. Plus, Texas is looking for a little revenge having lost two straight to Okie Lite. Horns over the Cowboys in a shoot out, 41-38.
Wisconsin @ Nebraska (5) - What ever happened to the vaunted Nebraska "Black Shirt" defense? Not counting last week's game, the Corn Huskers are allowing the opposition to score 21 points per contest. That's not the Nebraska that I grew up watching; nevertheless, I don't think that these guys from Madison can score 21 points. Here's to hoping that the Corn Huskers gain a little respect from Bucky the badger and avenge that loss from last year; taking Nebraska over Wisky, 29-17.
Virginia Tech (4) Vs Cincinnati @ Landover, Maryland- So why is the "Nati" the home team here? Better question: Who cares? All I know is that Frank Beamer must have lit a fire under his defensive coordinator's rear end, seeing that they shut out Bowling Green; the same Bowling Green team that gave Florida all that it wanted in the swamp on opening weekend. If the Gobblers continue to play that kind of defense, they will have very little to worry about these Bearcats. Tech over the "Nati," 27-17.
Arizona State @ California (3) - As long as the Sun Devils play in the state of Arizona, they are a great team. Put them on the road, and they look less than average. Good thing for California the game is in Berkeley. However, at some point in time, the Sun Devils are going to win a road contest, so buyer, beware. I'll guarantee you this much, if Jeff Tedford losses this game, he can sure as thunder start packing his bags and looking for another gig, because this one will be up at season's end, if not sooner. I'm giving Jeff one last time to prove me right; Golden Bears over the Sun Devils, 31-28.
Ohio State (2) @ Michigan State - Last time I picked Sparty, he almost laid an egg. I don't consider Notre Dame to be much better than Ohio State. Forget last week's performance of the Buckeyes against Wannabe Alabama-Birmingham. So far, the Spartans haven't found a passing attack to cause anyone to lose any sleep; and, in order to beat the Buck-Nuts, they are going to have to send it down the field. Did I mention that going into the fourth quarter, Michigan State was up by only two points against Eastern Michigan; an Eastern Michigan team that hasn't been close to winning a game this season. Look for Urban Meyer to turn the page in his playbook and pump up the volume over the Spartans, to the tune of 24-20.
Penn State (1) @ Illinois - Had Illinois not crapped all over itself in their game against Louisiana Tech, I would have picked them for this game; but, how can anyone take a team that lost at home, 52-24, against La Tech. Before the year is over, La Tech may prove to be a good team; however, I think Illinois is really that bad. So bad that I'm picking Penn State to win a close one in Champaign, 20-17.
Before I go, can anyone tell me why Kirk Freentz hasn't been shown the door in Iowa City, as of this posting? That is one coach that manages to do less with much better talent. Don't look for him to survive the season; probably right along with Jeff Tedford and Derek Dooley; and least we forget, John L. Smith. Let the season shake out, I'm sure that there will be more; I'm just getting a jump start on potential head coaching vacancies. Remember, tread at your own risk with these picks. Have a great weekend. Oh, I almost forgot; how about a shout out for Leehawk's Huskies. In case you missed it, Washington beat Stanford, 17-13, last night. Until next week, enjoy the games and Roll Tide.
Jljmbaker
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