week 4 reviews

Before I unleash another outstanding list on how not to pick games, let's take another look at the week that just went by. What did we learn about the landscape of college football? I don't know about the rest of you; but, I learned plenty. First, the overall play of the B1G conference continues to sink into obscurity. With Ohio State on probation, Northwestern and Minnesota lead the conference as the only other undefeated teams. My, how the mighty have fallen. One could make an argument that the B1G is close to replacing the Big Least (East) for the worst conference among the BCS. As for the head of the class; and, in no particular order, the Big 12, the Pac 12, and the SEC are running neck and neck.

Second, a few outcomes were quite puzzling to me from this past Saturday. Beginning with Notre Dame's invasion into East Lansing, to take on the Spartans. One analyst from ESPN (Mark May, who by the way, receives my peckerhead of the week award), was constantly shouting that Michigan State's offense would run around, through, and if need be, jump over Notre Dame's defense. I watched the game, and I don't remember Sparty being able to do much of anything, on offense or defense. Three points. Are you kidding me? I can't stand Lou Holtz; but, I think he just found a way to shut Mark May's pie hole up; at least for one week.

Whoo Pig Sooie. How bout them Razorbacks. Talk about the "lost bunch." As for their coach, I told everyone last week that this moron wasn't up to the task. He's proving that fact with a couple more stupid interviews since that 52-0 beat down in Fayetteville, by Alabama. The shutout marked the first time that Arkansas had experienced that feat in Fayetteville, since 1966. It also marked the first time that Alabama had recorded back-to-back shutouts, going back to the 1980 season.

 

 

I'm not sure if the following situation occurred on Wednesday or Thursday of last week; nevertheless, the Knoxville Police Department released a statement to the media, that if any of the Vol fans stormed the field after a victory over Florida, that they would prosecute any violators to the fullest extent of the law. Memo to the Knoxville Police Department from Jljmbaker: In order to prosecute anybody, you first need to have fans in the stadium. By the end of the third quarter, Neyland Stadium was half empty; and near the end of the game, the Gators had sent Rocky Top back into the hills, or caves, of East Tennessee.

 

 

I'll bet Frank Beamer has been scratching his head after his Gobblers (that's what they used to be called, what the heck is a Hokie), were destroyed by winless Pittsburgh, 35-17. Come to think of it, doesn't Virginia Tech always manage to lose to someone in which they are the heavily favored team, each year. Didn't they lose to Dolly Madison?

Lane Kiffen. I saved the best for last. I see where "Boy Genius" threw his quarterback Matt Barkley, under the bus saying he made "poor decisions" against Stanford, last week. I disagree. The only "poor decision" that Matt Barkley made came during the off season, when he announced that he was coming back to USC and opting out of the NFL draft. Note to all USC fans (especially Larry31160), that's not the LAST loss that the Men of Troy will endure for this season. Nough said; let's move on to week four. For the record, I went 5-5, with 31 points for week three.

Vanderbilt @ Georgia (10) - Since 1960, Georgia holds a death grip on Vanderbilt in this series, with a 44-5-1, record. That equates to one win per decade for the Commodores. I know that Georgia has a few injuries and suspensions that they are still dealing with; however, the Dawgs have something that Vandy doesn't have, depth. Dawgs over the Dores, 33-10.

Clemson @ Florida State (9) - Every season, both of these teams seem to lose a game or two in which they are the prohibited favorite. Florida State is a two touchdown favorite to beat Clemson. Think back to last year about this time. Florida State was playing Oklahoma, and just about everyone at ESPN were picking the Seminoles to beat the Sooners. But, alas, the Sooners were able to finish with 10 unanswered fourth quarter points to beat the Noles, 23-13. After that loss, FSU lost back-to-back games to Clemson and Wake Forest by the same score, 35-30. Last week, the Noles got even with Wake Forest, beating them 52-0. Time to get even with Clemson. Florida State over the Tigers, 31-14.

 

 

Missouri @ South Carolina (8) - Columbia travels to Columbia. Time for Missouri to find out what life is like on the road in the SEC. Look for Spurrier's boys to pound the ball against the Tigers. Plus, Missouri is pretty banged up after these past two weeks against Arizona State and Georgia. I can hear the Rooster crowing, to the tune of 31-20, over the claw less Tigers.

Miami FL @ Georgia Tech (7) - Miami hits the road for the third time this month. Talk about road warriors. Well, maybe "warriors" isn't the proper word to use concerning this version of the South Beach football team. Tech has won two straight since that Labor Day loss to Virginia Tech. The only thing that worries me about Tech is that they are to one-dimensional. If they had a passing game, this would be a no-brainier of a pick; nevertheless, they have enough horses in the backfield to turn these Hurricanes into a tropical depression, 37-24.

 

 

Oregon State @ UCLA (6) - Here is where things start to become a little iffy. The Beavers have only played once, beating Wisky, 10-7. Turns out, that win over Wisconsin doesn't mean all that much, considering the Badgers have had to hang on for dear life against Northern Iowa and Utah State. As for UCLA, I'm not ready to jump on the Bruin Bandwagon. Turns out, Nebraska doesn't have a defense and wins over Houston and Rice, as well, doesn't mean all that much, either. I'll give the Bruins six points just because they are in the Rose Bowl; nevertheless, don't be surprised if the Beavers ruin my day. Taking UCLA, 30-24.

Rutgers @ Arkansas (5) - Here go the talking heads, again. Rutgirls has a chance to beat the Hogs. That's all that I've been hearing. Rutgers hasn't played anybody. Meanwhile, Arkansas doesn't have a coach, they have a stupid baffoon calling the shots. They might as well have a monkey calling plays up there for the price of bananas. Just think about how many bananas they could buy for the 850,000 dollars that they are paying John L. Smith to look like an actual monkey, or donkey for that matter. What was supposed to be a championship season for Arkansas has turned out to be one of survival. If they are going to survive this season, then they will need to win against the Scarlet Knights. A loss here and they are dead in the water. I'm taking Arkansas only because the "know-it-alls" are on Rutgers, 34-23.

Michigan @ Notre Dame (4) - For all of you that are picking Michigan, I know that you are pleased to see me picking the stinking Irish, because I NEVER WIN when I pick Notre Duck, or when I pick against them (remember last week, I had Sparty). If Brady Hoke can find a defense in Ann Arbor, then Michigan has a shot to upset the Irish, which will not bother me in the least. I'm putting four points on Notre Dame in hopes that the trend continues (me losing), that way, I will not have to listen to Lou Holtz (another Baffoon), touting his Irish for the national championship for another week, or so. Notre Dame over Michigan, 24-20.

 

 

Army @ Wake Forest (3) - I refuse to spend any of my time on these next three games. We all know why these asinine games are on the slate; to promote ESPN's family of networks and that stupid Game Plan of theirs. I realize that Notre Dame's game is on NBC; however, ESPN will do ANYTHING to keep the stinking Irish happy in hopes that they might be able to land the NEXT contract that Notre Dame signs. Wake Forest over Army, 23-21.

Connecticut @ Western Michigan (2) - Somebody, anybody, tell me that you know something about this game. A better question, who cares? Broncos over the Huskies, 27-24.

 

 

Syracuse @ Minnesota (1) - And, for the grand finale, I'll take the co-leader of the Legends division of the B1G, Minnyhaha over the Orange, 24-23.

 

 

Now, games that should have been on the list to replace those last three: Kansas State/Oklahoma (can't put that on there, that's a fox game), Arizona/Oregon, and California/USC. In case you didn't notice, I picked all home teams for this week, so beware. History dictates that I have five losses in that list. Your task is to find the "chosen five." Remember, tread at your own risk and best of luck. Enjoy the games and Roll Tide.

Jljmbaker