How about that. I finally have a perfect week along with 24,000 other Einsteins. Since I've reached the summit, there's no need to play this EASY game anymore. Chuckle, chuckle. After looking at this week's pick'em slate, I'm betting that perfect scores are going to be in short supply. And, with what I've picked; there's no need for me to worry about having any 55's anytime soon. I'll deal with that later.
Let's revisit week one for just a few moments. I'll bust it up in three categories; the good, the bad, and the ugly. In regards to the good, the best showing from last week goes to the Georgia Bulldogs. With the score tied up at the half with Clemson, Georgia ran away from the Tigers in the second half, 24-0. Gurley proved that he wasn't a girly man, rushing for 198 yards and returning a kickoff for a 100 yard TD. Also, how about Texas A&M plucking the feathers out of the SC roosters. I didn't see that coming, and neither did the majority of EXPERTS from our beloved ESPN. How about Southern California running 102 offensive plays against Fresno State, in a runaway, 52-13. And finally, for the fifth year in a row, North Dakota State (an FCS school) beat a FBS school; with it's latest victim being Iowa State. Keep in mind, North Dakota State trailed 14-0, before they cranked up their offense and reeled off 34 unanswered points against the Cyclones. Also, The Espy for the most amazing catch of the year goes to Jordan Westerkamp of Nebraska. Yes, I know it's early in the season; however, that behind-the-back catch will be a hard one to surpass.
For the bad; Florida State's win over Oklahoma State; Alabama's win over West Virginia; UCLA's win over Virginia. Take your pick as to which team was the worst of those three. I'm taking UCLA, primarily because they didn't have any offense. Thank goodness their defense scored three touchdowns; otherwise it would have been a long flight back to the left coast. As for Alabama, the left corner back was burnt toast on four different plays, two of which were touchdowns for West Virginia. Also, special teams for the Tide allowed another score; that's three straight games in which that situation has occurred. Plus, Alabama did not have an interception or a fumble recovery. I can't remember the last time that has happened on a Nick Saban coached team. With Florida State, they were up 17-0, and had to hold on for dear life against the Pokes; nevertheless, they won 37-31. And wouldn't you know it, Jameis Winston's crab legs provided a crucial score for the Seminoles in the third quarter.
For the ugly; South Carolina's loss to Texas A&M; Vandy's loss to Temple; Miami's loss to Louisville; and Washington's win over Hawaii. I've already made mention of South Carolina's demise. With Vanderbilt, they looked like the Vanderbilt of old (before James Franklin arrived). Now, they look like they are on their way back to being the door mat of the SEC. As for Miami, I thought they would at least be competitive, for the whole game and not just the first half. Now, the Canes will struggle to break even, for the rest of the season. Now, for the Washington/Hawaii game. Hawaii beat the Huskies in every category except for the one that counts; the score, 17-16. This week, the Huskies take a step down and play FCS Eastern Washington. They better be thankful that the game is in Seattle and not on that red turf that the Eagles call home. As for the ugliest individual award, that trophy was and will be won EVERY week by none other than Lou Holtz. Every time he opens his mouth, and just when you think he couldn't possibly top what he just said; he takes another step up Mount Stupid. I keep waiting and hoping that Mark May will back-hand that numb-skull, and hopefully knock some sense into that stupid head of his.
With that said, last week is just that, last week. Quite a few went 10-0's, with 55 points. We will see how many are left undefeated, after the second week comes to a close. So, without further adieu, I welcome you back for more comic relief. On to the selections.
Ole Miss @ Vanderbilt (10) - What the heck was that last week in Nashville. We have high school teams around here that look better than what Vandy put on display against Temple. As for the Rebels, they looked rather "plain Jane" against Boise State, for three quarters. Sunshine (Bo Wallace; he reminds me of the character that played the QB in Remember The Titans with that hair of his), had better step up his game. That gunslinger mentality of his, cost his team three interceptions in their win over Boise State. If Hugh Freeze wants his team to be taken seriously, they had better blow the Doores off Vanderbilt's ship. I'm betting that they will. The Rebel Yell over the Commodores, 39-13.
Virginia Tech @ Ohio State (9) - During my struggle to handicap these games for this week, I read somewhere that Ohio State has won 66 straight games against un-ranked opponents. What I don't remember is whether that was 66 straight at home or home/away. Either way, Urban Oscar Meyer is 15-0 at the Horseshoe, since he became the Buckeye coach, and Virginia Tech is not ranked, as of yet. And, after Saturday night occurs, two trends will carry on, Tech will still be un-ranked and Meyer will still be perfect at Columbus. The Buckeyes will pluck the beards off of those gobblers, 33-16.
Kansas State (8) @ Iowa State - How many times has a Bill Snyder coached team lost when they were the heavy favorite to win. Look no further than last year when they opened the season against North Dakota State and lost 24-21. That same North Dakota State team that blasted Iowa State, last week. I don't know what the expectations were in Ames Iowa, for this season; but, I'm guessing that they were hoping to be better than what took place, last week. If the Wildcats keep the turnovers to two or less, look for K-State, to gash more holes in that Cyclone defense; say 38-21.
Michigan State @ Oregon (7) - Turn your TV to any sports station; this is the lead story for this week in college football, and rightfully so. I find it interesting that Michigan State hasn't played in a top 10 match up since 19 freaking 66. Are you kidding me? Hasn't Oregon played in about five or six top 10 match ups within the last four or five seasons? It must be correct because ESPN says so; and, they are never wrong; chuckle, chuckle. No need for me to add my two cents on this game. All I want to here is that fog horn sound off between 12-15 times and watch that Duck mascot wear himself out doing push-ups, after every Oregon score. In the end, look for the Ducks to fly away from the Spartans, 33-26.
Maryland (6) @ South Florida - I probably have the Turtles a little too high, this early in the season. Any who, after South Florida had to hold on for dear life against Western Carolina, there's no way that I can pick the Bulls. That passing game of South Florida's is horrific, to the tune of 35% against an FCS school, no less. If Maryland can stop the run game, the Terrapins should clamp on to the rear end of the Bulls and chew out a victory, 30-23.
Missouri (5) @ Toledo - More than half of the so-called EXPERTS are calling for the upset of Toledo over Missouri. And ninety percent of the time, those so-called EXPERTS are wrong. Case closed. Plus, Gary Pinkel is the winningest coach at both Missouri and Toledo. The Tigers didn't show anything last week; they didn't need to. Look for the Tigers to launch a few rockets of their own against Toledo, 34-24.
USC @ Stanford (4) - I don't throw too many guarantees out when I'm talking about college football; but, I will guarantee you this much, Southern California will NOT run 100 plus plays on offense against Stanford. That you can take to the bank. In regards to this game, Stanford owns the blue print on how to slow down a team; just keep the ball for 12 to 15 play drives. Also, it's payback time for Stanford, in that USC upset them, last season. I'll take the Tree (stupid mascot) over the men of Troy, 31-24.
BYU (3) @ Texas - Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Texas screwed me last year in this contest. Yes, I know the game is in Austin; however, not much has changed on the Cougar side of the equation. As for the Longhorn side, it looks like all heck has broken loose. More players (starters) have been suspended for this game, in addition to losing David Ash to a head injury (concussion). So give me the kitties over the Austin Cattle Company, 34-25.
Michigan (2) @ Notre Dame - Let me get this straight, in the past three seasons, the Irish have decided to quit playing Michigan State and Michigan. Oh, brother Bluto, the schedule is too tough, we must lighten the load for more ACC foes. Yadda, yadda, yadda. Besides, Notre Dame belongs in the Big 10, not the ACC. Just because it is Notre freaking Dame, they think that they are entitled to pick and choose whatever they would like to. More reason to hate the stinking Irish. Like I needed another reason besides Lou Holtz. As for this game, look for Devin Gardner to pick apart the Irish secondary and close the chapter of this storied series with a win, 35-21.
Central Michigan (1) @ Purdue - Three things are a certainty in this life; death, taxes, and ESPN providing us with another stellar (cough, cough) match up. They truly out-did themselves with this "Who Cares" masterpiece. So, keeping up with the spirit of things, I'll take Central Michigan to help the state of Michigan win the daily-double over the state of Indiana, when they edge out Purdue, 28-27.
Well, that puts the wraps on week number two. This was a much more challenging week of games to mess with. Again, let me remind any newcomers to tread at your own risk, because I do this for fun. May each and every one of you have a great and safe weekend. I hope your favorite team wins as long as it doesn't affect my team. Until next week, may the force be with you, and Roll Tide. Later
Jljmbaker
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