Liberty Bowl Celebration.

What can I say about the game this afternoon?   First, Iowa State is in bowl again.   At the beginning of the year looking at the schedule I predicted our team would be 5-7.   They lost one a thought we would win and got a couple of wins that I didn’t expect.   The Big XII is a tough conference and getting tougher.   That being said, I’ll put on my bowling shoes this afternoon, have a cocktail, and celebrate the New Year.   

On paper this one doesn’t look good for the Cyclones.  Tulsa is currently ranked at #20 in power rankings and Iowa State is ranked #58 of all the bowl teams playing.   Tulsa is a different team than the club Iowa State handled on September 1^st with a 38-23 win.   Tulsa has three backs with over 750 yards.  I expect them to run the ball frequently much like West Virginia.   Tulsa’s current record is 10-3 and they won their conference title.   Tulsa is trending up.  

Compare and contrast that with Iowa State who is 6-6 and slid into bowl eligibility.   Iowa State has yet again a quarterback controversy.   It looks as though Richardson will get the nod and the bulk of the snaps.   But, if things don’t go well Rhoads will certainly put in Senior Steele Jantz.   Since the first game with Tulsa Iowa State has lost linebacker Jake Knott who recorded 11 tackles in the first match up, also the Cyclones leading rusher Shontrelle Johnson. 

I hope Iowa State wins today.   However, win or lose Iowa State is in a bowl and I’m confident they will make a strong showing.   I’ll leave you with a trivia question.   How many division one teams have a team nickname that doesn’t end in an S?

Tulane Green Wave
North Texas Mean Green
Navy Midshipmen
Marshall Thundering Herd
Stanford Cardinal
Alababm Crimson Tide
NC State Wolfpack
Nevada Wolfpack
Illinois Fighting Illini Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Syracuse Orangemen
And the Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Let me know if you think of more.

 

Thankful for College Football.

This weekend is known as rivalry weekend.   Also known as a college football lovers Thanksgiving smorgasbord of good games.  We are winding down toward the end of the season when The Heisman Trophy contest starts to solidify, and rankings move like the thermometer at this time of year.

Brian Kelly: Notre Dame coach - AKA Captain Kirk

#1 Notre Dame v. USC: This one shouldn’t be a contest.   The Catholics should take this one easily.   However, it is on the road and USC always seems to have some shady trick up their sleeve.   For example, during the USC v Oregon warm up the USC manager “accidentally” provided warm up football that were partially filled with air.   And Notre Dame was featured on Sports Illustrated this week which is always a curse.   I still like the Lame Damers.

#4 Florida v. #10 Florida State:  This is a state rivalry that is getting some renewed steam, plus throw in the SEC v. the ACC part of this game – it all adds up to some fun.   On paper Florida should handle this one easily.   But, I always like to buck convention.   I like the fact this one is held in Tallahassee home of the Florida State Seminoles.   I’ll take FSU

#5 Oregon v. #15 Oregon State:  This is another instate contest dubbed “The Civil War”.  Oregon goes on the road to Eugene to try and skin the OSU Beavers.    I have liked both these teams all year.   Both clubs have had solid seasons.   But, I really like Oregon after coming off a close loss to Stanford last weekend.   Oregon will have much to prove.  Oregon without much concern in this one. 

#8 Stanford v. #17 UCLA:  This more in-state madness – The Brains versus the Brahn.  Even though both are ranked and the game is being held in Los Angeles.   This really shouldn’t be much of a contest, which is always risky for prognosticators.    I like Stanford even though I hated them last weekend for upsetting Oregon and Alabama sneak back into the National Championship race.

#12 South Carolina v. #11 Clemson:   It is like an in-state weekend of Hatfield and McCoy’s.   I don’t know much about Clemson.   I haven’t followed them this year.   But, I’ll go with the ranks and I like that it will be a home game for Clemson.   Clemson for the win.

#21 Oklahoma State v. #13 Oklahoma:  OK-State on the road versus Oklahoma.  Oklahoma State had their dream season last year.   Their time has come and gone for major national attention.   I expect Oklahoma to win this one easily.   But, I thought the same thing last week when OU played WVU.  OU squeaked out a point win 50-49 to maintain a #13 ranking.  I will stick with Oklahoma. 

#19 Michigan v. Ohio State:  Not as much attention on this game this year.   I’m covering because it is one of the nation’s strongest rivalries.   No contest Ohio State wins this one going away.   This will create some controversy because Ohio State will be undefeated and only one of two teams in college football .  But, they are ineligible due to NCAA violations.  

Paul Rhoads Look A Like

Featured Game of the Week:

West Virginia v. Iowa State

Commish: What do you have to say about the game this weekend?

Rhoads:  After the Kansas win we began watching film and almost puked.   Tavon Austin was used for the first time at Running back he amassed 344 rushing yards and a Big 12 record 572 all-purpose yards.   Austin is currently averaging 231 all-purpose yards on the season. 

Commish:  What about the Mountaineers Defense?

Rhoads:  The Mountaineers field the nation’s lowest-rated pass defense, which yields an average of 364.6 aerial yards per game.  WVU defense is currently listed as 123 in scoring defense nationally.   Our offense had struggled coming into last week’s game, but we were able to make some plays.  We should be able to move the ball

Commish: Who will start the game at Quarterback?

Rhoads: Whoever warms up the strongest. 

Commish:  What did you like the best about Sam Richardson’s performance.  

Rhoads:  Sam made some very good reads.  But, I really like the way we move the ball around.   We actually got the ball to our tight ends and moved it around nicely. 

Commish: Thanks coach.   The Mountaineers currently have 5 wins.   If West Virginia misses a bowl game.  The last time WVU did not make a bowl game was in 2001.   Another odd stat: the last five players to win the Big XII Offensive Player of the Week Award played against WVU the week they won.

Hoping and Praying for a Bowl Movement.

Hoping and Praying for a Bowl Movement.

Iowa State is currently 5-5 with 2 chances to become bowl eligible for the 2012 season.   I for one am here to say, "I’m hoping and praying for a Bowl Movement".  

Kansas is currently trying to end a 19 game skid versus Big XII opponents.   It is quite possible there could only be a few parents and relatives in the stands during this upcoming powder puff match up.   Because, we are into basketball season, and Jayhawk fans focus has begun to shift.  But, Kansas fans won’t lose too much sleep.  Kansas is currently ranked #7 in basketball.   Iowa State is currently unranked in either basketball or football. 

Iowa State is currently favored by 5 for the 6 pm kickoff.   The over under is 48.  This one could turn into a yard work game.  If Iowa State loses or gets behind I'm likely to drop trowel and fix some cracks in the driveway before winter hits.

This game comes down to Steele Jantz and his protection of the football and Kansas running attack.   With Jake Knott is out for the season, expect Kansas running back Tony Pierson to rack up some yards on the strong side.   A.J. Klein moved to the weak side after Knott left for the season.   If Jantz throws the ball to the blue jerseys – it could be an early night working on a vowel movement while playing words with friends.  

The Oprah Edition

Oprah: How are you feeling today? 

Commissioner: I’m feeling thankful, nervous, happy, pissed off, and feeling a little comedic giddy.

Oprah: What are you Thankful for?

Commissioner: I understand that my inspiration is probably one step below the inspiration of your high school principal.  Yet, here is something I never thought I would say, “Thank you Texas aTm.”  Texas A&M a 14 point dog goes on the road to upset Number #1 Alabama in Tuscalousa.    That effectively knocks The SEC out of the National Championship rolls.  Now watch the polls and commentators as they figure out a way to help Alabama, Georgia, or Florida who all have one loss weasel their way into the National Championship Game.   It is unlikely we will have a SEC team in the Championship game.   The SEC needs two of the three undefeated teams to lose to sneak back into the National Championship Game.  To Alabama and The SEC, “I bare my buttocks at you.”

Oprah: What makes you nervous?  

Commissioner: Kansas State, Oregon, and Notre Dame are all undefeated.   Although Kansas State leads the BCS ranking at #1 currently, if Oregon and Notre Dame remain unbeaten they have a larger fan base and a larger television draw.  Which means Kansas State could get jobbed just like Oregon did last year.   I’m pulling for Kansas State because I’m pulling for a Big XII team.   This will be interesting to watch.   But, get ready with the Pooh Potpourri or lavender spice because it could get stinky.

Oprah: Commissioner What makes you happy?

Commissioner: Well first off Auburn is currently 2-7 and 0-7 in the SEC Conference.   Head Coach Gene Chizik is two years removed from a National Championship.  As far as I’m concerned Chizik can suck a big bag of wrinkly old pruned up bundy balls.   

Oprah: What gets you upset? 

Commissioner: Iowa State can’t score more than 7 points against a defense that is stout as a wet napkin.   And Mack Brown may have a chance to keep his job by beating an okay Iowa State team 33-7.  Iowa State seems to get close but just can’t get over the hump.  Iowa State is currently 5-5 with two game to play to make them bowl eligible.  It is time for Iowa State to get back on the exfoliation treatments and clean up the season.

Oprah: What surprises you?

Commissioner: TCU currently 6-4 and 3-4 in the Big XII conference.   TCU has been a perennial Top 20 ranked team over the past decade but, what a difference when you have to face a solid team every single week and they are no weekends when you can coast.   Same for West Virginia 5-4, 2-4 in the Big XII.   WVU was rolling early and Geno Smith looked like a shoe in for the Heisman Trophy.   But, my how things have changed. WVU won their first five game and have lost the last four.   TCU is bowl eligible and WVU has 3 games left to find one more win – I project they become bowl eligible too.  Welcome to the Big XII and the Big Time.

Oprah: What makes you laugh? 

Commissioner: Missouri is 5-5 and 2-5 in their conference with the same record as Iowa State.    Missouri has two games left on the schedule: Syracuse who knocked off undefeated #9 Louisville last weekend and then MU faces #8 Texas A&M the last game of the season.   But, let’s also take a little pot shot at Colorado which makes me laugh even harder they are 1-9, and 1-6 in the PAC 12 conference.   Who cares if you team is a joke when you can toke.   There is only one kind of bowl that matters in Colorado and it is legal year round.   (This just in, I heard Chet Jameson just booked a trip to Colorado)

Feelings: The Oprah Addition

OU Again...

Iowa State is currently 5-76-2 versus Oklahoma lifetime.   Now that Nebraska has defected.  I would say OU SUCKS.  Iowa State's last win against Oklahoma was in 1990.   That is not what I would consider a competitive rivalry. 

The Sooners (5-2, 3-1) are averaging 40.1 points and 473.9 yards. Their losses have come against undefeated #3 Kansas State and #4 Notre Dame.  I would expect a tough game on Saturday. 

Iowa State's defense continues to be stellar.  The Baylor Bears entered with the third-best offense in the nation and had converted on 10-of-11 fourth-down situations. But, Knott against the Cyclones they were 0-3 on fourth downs. 

This in from the Bobby Stoops (Oklahoma Head Coach) weekly press conference.  

 On Ames being a tough place to play:
"Iowa State has done really well. They are well coached and they're an excellent team in how they execute plays. They have played well this year on the road and at home; they've been very tough."

On playing Iowa State:
"It is a huge test. They typically always play really well at home. They have a good defense. It will be a big challenge to see how we respond to this loss and what kind of team we are going to put out there on Saturday."

On avoiding an upset at Iowa State:
"It all comes down to our preparation. We need to watch a lot of film, get on some of their tendencies defensively. When it comes down to it, we need to play fundamental and physical football on Saturday. Their defense takes a lot of pride in the way they play and how physical they are at the line of scrimmage. So we need to play well."

I'm not quite sure what he is saying.   I think he is saying: Iowa State is a huge test, ISU has a great defense, and ISU plays well at home.

 

Predictions: This was supposed to be the biggest week in college football.   The monsters match up in the SEC and the PAC 12.   Alabama and LSU in the SEC and Oregon and USC in the PAC 12.  This was supposed to be the battle of unbeatens.  But, both LSU and USC have losses and that has affected the overall impact of both of these games.  But there is still a lot riding on both of these games.

# 1 Alabama @ #5 LSU:   I have thought LSU has been over-rated most of the year, but they have gained some momentum and have been getting better on offense.   But, Nick Sabin rarely losses in big games.   Alabama all the way in this one.  

#4 Oregon @ #17 USC: I still like Matt Barkley, QB from USC.   But, as musch as I like Barkley I dislike Lane Kiffin Head Coach of USC.  And, I really like Oregon.   The Ducks are fast, fast, fast and they run this one out with ease. 

#24 Oklahoma State @ #2 Kansas State:  Oklahome State is deep on the depth chart at Quarterback, and a little over-rated in my opinion.   Kansas State walks away with this one.  

#16 Texas aTm @ #15 Miss State:  Texas A&M has been a frustrating team for me this year.   I have gone against them and was wrong then I went with them and was wrong.   I don't know much about Miss State so I going to go with Texas aTm.   This is really a toss up game and the one I'm mostly likely to miss this week.

 #23 Texas @ #17 Texas Tech:  How can Texas be so bad?   They are one of probably 5 programs in college football in which they don't recruit - they select their players.   Texas Head coach Mack Brown is a good coach, but things have gotten away from him in Austin.   Texas Tech is playing well and looking like a really good team.   Texas Tech wins this one and signs the marching papers for Mack Brown to find a new job next year.

 

 

Sucks to BU

Baylor ranks #1 in passing yards, and ranks # 3 in points scored of all NCAA Bowl Eligible teams.  Translation they have a high scoring offense even though they have lost their last three games in a row.   The Baylor Bears were golden through the non-conference contests and have had trouble in The Big XII Conference.   That isn’t saying the Bears are bad, because the Big XII conference ranks a very close 2^nd as toughest football conference just behind the beloved SEC.   Baylor knows how to score points but there defense knows how to let others score points too.   The Bears Defense ranks last nationally out of 120 NCAA Bowl Division Teams.  The Bears are currently -9 in turnovers.   That means the Cyclones should have a chance to score this weekend.

Iowa State ranks 88^th in scoring and 101st in yards per game.   Iowa State is not a powerhouse offensive team, which could be why the Cyclones continue to have a quarterback controversy well into mid-season.   The QB controversy includes Steele Jantz, Jared Barnett, and now add freshman Sam Richardson.   If they play Richardson it could cost him his redshirt opportunity and an extra year of off the field development.  But that is what desperate teams are often forced to do. 

This game is quite frankly a must win for both teams.   However, I believe Iowa State is the bigger must win.   It is at home, and if the Cyclones hope to become bowl eligible this is one that have to win.  The Cyclones are currently 4-3 and I don’t see a whole lot of Dubyas after this (possibly Kansas).   If the Bears leave victorious the Cyclones may have a shortened season without bowl eligibility.   Wouldn’t it be a shame for our much talked about senior linebacker duo of Klein and Knott to go out without a bowl game.  Overall I would say I'm very excited for the 6:00 PM kickoff.

The Old Man and The Commish

Last Week my father (The Old Man) was in town and we both laid down our predictions.   Turns out the Old Man knows a thing or two about college football.   The Old Man went 5-5 with predictions while The Commish went 3-5 and lost on the two upset predictions.   I believe my father said and I quote, “Why…You ain’t got gotta lick of sense in your head, boy.   You got more picks wrong than Carters got liver pills.  I guess the book learnin’ stuck to you like a fresh coat of paint in the pouring rain, college boy. “  Uh gee, thanks for the pep talk dad. 

Week 8 Predictions:

#7 South Carolina @  #2 Florida  Dad Florida, Commish: Florida

#4 Kansas State @ #13 West Virginia  Dad Kansas State, Commish: West Virginia

#6 LSU @ #18 Texas A&M – Dad LSU,  Commish: Texas aTm

#17 Texas Tech @ #23 TCU – Dad Texas Tech, Commish: Texas Tech
 
#24 Iowa State @ Oklahoma State Dad Oklahoma State, Commish: Ok-State
 
This weeks predictions are giving me even more grief.   Their are plenty of top ranked teams taking on opponents.
 
Week 9 Predictions:
 
#11 Mississippi State @ #1 Alabama - Alabama with both hands tied behind their back

#2 Florida @ #10 Georgia - I like the Gators over an overanked Georgia team
 
#14 Texas Tech @ #3 Kansas State - Kansas State keeps looking better and better.   Plus their quarterback Collin Klein has moved up in the Heisman race and beginning to step forward.   Kansas State won't make it pretty but they will win. 
 
 
#5 Notre Dame @ #8  Oklahoma - Big XII versus the independent catholic boys.   I'll go with the Big XII.   Notre Dame struggled at home to get a win against Stanford.  This will be a close game, but Boomer Sooner takes the win and ruins Notre Dame's undefeated season
 
Just for fun  #22 Michigan @ Unranked Nebraska - I don't like Nebraska, however I do see Nebraska pulling an upset.   If Nebraska can contain Denard Robinson the Michigan Quarterback Nebraska wins at home.

I'll Preview the Iowa State Baylor Game tomorrow.

Big Ten Football Fans

Dear Big Ten Football Fan,

I would like to apologize on behalf of our institutions, our fans, and our revenue sharing model.   Much like trickle-down economics, our current model does not work.   For the first time in many years we do not have a single team ranked in the Top 25 BCS rankings.  It is worth noting that Ohio State is currently ineligible due to the NCAA violations.   Who knew you couldn’t hang out with tattoo parlor guys and sell memorabilia.  

Since, we do not currently have a single team in the rankings we have decided to expand our conference to 16 teams.   We have courted Notre Dame for years, but they have decided to get engaged to a basketball conference, silly elves.   We will be looking to add Rutgers, Louisville, or any other team that is currently ranked.   We have even considered Iowa State currently ranked #24, we like what they are doing with their program.

Sincerely,

Jim Delany

Big Ten Commissioner


Predictions this week, but first how did I do last week.   I was 3-2 with my predictions.   I was right about LSU, Notre Dame, and Oklahom.   But wrong with Louisiana Tech and Iowa State.   Still not too shaby.  

This week my father was in town the Commish Senior.  So we both decided to make our selections for the upcoming ranked head to head contests.

#7 South Carolina @  #2 Florida  Dad Florida, Commish: Florida (How did Oregon get jobbed again.   They were #2 in all the other polls and as soon as the BCS rankings come out they go with Florida in the #2 spot and Oregon drops to #3 - I say SEC bias and unfair ranking).   I for one want to see Oregon play Alabama: Speed versus Beef.

#4 Kansas State @ #13 West Virginia  Dad Kansas State, Commish: West Virginia (This one will be about who has the ball last and time of possesion.   WVU scores fast but that could be a disadvantage)

#6 LSU @ #18 Texas A&M – Dad LSU, Commish: Texas aTm (only Gino Smith has been responsible for more points than Johnny Manziel a freshman and currently leads the SEC with 676 rushing yards from aTm)

#17 Texas Tech @ #23 TCU – Dad Texas Tech, Commish: Texas Tech (Texas Tech is the only team that ranks top 10 in both Offense and Defense)

#24 Iowa State @ Oklahoma State Dad Oklahoma State, Commish: Ok-State 

I will comment on the Iowa State game as I always do.   I fully expect Iowa State to get piss pounded in this game.   I expect something like 35-7.   Iowa State upset Oklahoma State at home last year, and it cost Ok-State a shot at the National Championship.   I don't think anyone in Stillwater has forgotten about that game, and they will be coming for blood.   However, just to cover my bases like a Presidential Debate, Iowa State does have a solid defense.   That means we could keep it close and make a game of it.   But I suggest Iowa STate will be 4-3 on Sunday.

 

 

 

Grumpy Old Troll

Once upon a time there lived a grumpy old troll.   And the grumpy old troll was me.   He lived on his couch on most saturday afternoons in the fall.  Trying to predict the outcome of many college football games.  We definitely have some good ones this weekend.

#3 South Carolina @ #9 LSU  This one is the toughest for me to call, because I really like South Carolina and my heart wants the gamecocks to win.   However, I believe coming off a loss and playing in the swamp of Baton Rouge the #9 LSU wounded Tigers pull the win in this one.   It will either be a blowout by South Carolina or the Tigers win a close one.   I believe the Tigers win a close one.  

#17 Stanford @ #7 Notre Dame This game has many of the Notre Damers more than a little worried.   Because they are back in the Top 10 somewhere they haven't been for quite some time.   If the Domer's lose they would surely lose that top 10 rank, so much is at stake.   I have also heard talk of a potential National Championship match up from some Notre Damers.   But, they are always ones to get ahead of themselves.   Stanford likes to play smash mouth run down your throat football.   They can grind you and wear you down.   However, I'm going to stick with the #7 Irish and call a 10 point win in South Bend, IN. 

Hook 'em or Book 'em Horns

#15 Texas @ #13 Oklahoma "The Red River Rivalry" this is one of the nations biggest rivalry's.   Because neither team carried the national prestige they have in the past the publicity has tappered.   However, both teams are ranked and ranked closely.   Although both teams are well coached, and both teams have top talent, and I personally don't care for either team.   I'm going with the less hated of the two.   Oklahoma and coach Bobby Stoops will pull this one out in Norman, OK.   Why Well I just hate Texas.   I think they are overrated, and the game is on Oklahoma's home turf.   I will say Oklahoma by an easy 7.  

#22 Texas A&M @ #23 Louisiana Tech Why do I care.   Well our old friends at the aTm always catch my eye.  Plus I didn't think this Louisiana Tech team was for really.   However the research shows they play a no huddle up tempo offense and play very fast like Oregon.   I'm going to take Louisiana State over the Texas aTm.    Yes I hate the SEC, yes I hate they ditched the Big XII, and yes I love to see an underdog up and comer making noise.  Louisiana State by 3.

I don't like to call or predict the outcome of the my alma mater Iowa State most because I'm a superstitious troll.   However, I'm going to Kansas State on Upset alert.   Although Kansas State and coach Bill Snyder have owned Iowa State for the past 4 years none of those games have been played in Ames.   The weather report is set to be rainy and bad.   Although Iowa State turns over the ball and the weather report indicates some turnovers in the forecast.   Iowa State can keep the game close and that plays to Iowa States favor.   Like the South Carolina LSU game either K-State runs away with it or Iowa State wins a close one at home.   I like the Clones at home.

Commish:   Thanks for coming on the show today Kevin.

I Know it is spelled differently
Play Along People!

Kevin Klien:  So, good to be here with you Commish. 

Commish:  So, you have two cousins in the upcoming Farmageddon game of corn feed meat versus wheat.   Who do you favor in this weekend’s Iowa State versus Kansas State football game?  

Kevin Klein:   Well as you do know I have two dogs in this hunt.   We Klein’s aspire toward excellence in whatever we do whether it be offense, defense, or acting we do it well.  My first cousin twice removed Collin Klein of Loveland, Co  is the starting Kansas State Quarterback and a current Heisman Trophy candidate.   Collin currently has 7 passing touchdowns and 7 rushing touchdowns.   Balance is the key to his game and to the Kansas State offensive attack.  

Commish: It sounds like you favor Kansas State.   Although Kansas State has owned victories the last 4 years the average point differential has been 5.75 with the largest K-State victory being 8 points.   None of those victories were held in Ames.   Two were in Kansas State and two were considered Iowa State home games played in Kansas City.   So that could be a stupid prediction. 

 

Kevin Klein: Don’t call me stupid.   I wasn’t finished yet.   A.J. Klein my second cousin on my father’s side of the Kimberly, WI Klein’s is no slouch for Iowa State as one of their starting Linebackers.   A.J. was Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year last year.   During the Texas Tech game A.J. returned an 87 yard interception for a touchdown to tie the NCAA for interceptions returned for touchdowns at 4.  However, there was a minor inheritance scandal between the Kimberly Klein’s and the Loveland Klein’s.   It was many many years ago.  Many of the details have been lost in folklore.  To put it nicely both sides felt they were wronged and the Kimberly and Loveland Klein’s no longer consider each other kin.  When in a football battle I favor the defense.  

Commish:   Okay I utterly and totally retrack my previous statement perhaps you are a wise man Kevin Klein.

Today’s lesson Boys and Girls is: The Importance of Choosing the Right Head Coach.  Iowa State Hires Paul Rhoads defensive coordinator at Auburn to become Head Coach for the Cyclones in 2009.   Paul Rhoads a native of Ankeny, Iowa returns home to take the job of his dream.   During his tenure as the Cyclone Head Coach Rhoads has provided upset victories over ranked opponents in each of those four years.  Last year’s win over #2 Oklahoma State that cost OSU a chance at the National Championship was so far the biggest.   This week’s win in Fort Worth against #15 TCU ranks as the fourth upset in four years against ranked opponents and ends the longest win streak in the college football.   Welcome to the Big XII TCU.  

Compare that to Gene Chizik who was the Iowa State head coach before Rhoads and went 5-19 during his Iowa State Tenure.  Chizik passed Rhoads on the Interstate as Chizik got hired as head coach to replace Tommy Tuberville at the Auburn Tigers.   Chizik went 8-5 first year then bought Heisman Trohpy winner Cam Newton and went 14-0 to win a national championship.   Then last year back to the original 8-5.   This year Auburn falls to 1-4 for the first time since 1998 and 0-3 in the SEC for the first time since 1980.  The big question is how much time or rope does a national championship provide.   Additionally, what are the odds that Holy Rollin’ Gene Chizik BUYS another nationally recognized recruit to save his job in Auburn during the off season.

Iowa State is unlikely to compete for a National Championship anytime soon.   Chizik landed in the right place at the right time, and purchased the right Heisman Trophy winner.   Chizik is currently in the lead, but I think Rhoads has accomplished more and done something Chizik couldn’t do – Win at Iowa State.   I think Iowa State comes out ahead in this one.   I fully expect that Auburn either dumps Chizik or they dump him and they end up with NCAA recruiting violations and set back Auburn so far they have to sit out of bowl games for a couple years.

Big upsets this weekend. (In no particular order)

Yea That Was Good

#3 Florida State 16 loses to N. Carolina 17.  

#4 LSU 6 loses to #10 Florida 14. 

#5 Georgia 7 loses to South Carolina 35. 

#15 TCU 23 loses to Iowa State 37.  

#24 Northwestern 28 loses to Penn State (Boy Scout Leaders) 39. 

#25 UCLA 17 loses to California 43.

My Predictions before the weekend (refer to previous post):

1.    WVU will get the last score and finish ahead of Texas by 3-7 points.  #8 WVU 48 beats #11 Texas 45.  Gino Smith secures his lead in the Heisman Trophy contest. Correct.

2.    This one shouldn't require more than a couple rosaries. Notre Dame by 17.  #9 Notre Dame 41 beats Miami 3.   Correct.

3.    Ohio State by 10. #12 Ohio State 63 beats #21 Nebraska 38.  This one was particular painful for Nebraska because it knocked them out the Top 25 Rankings. Correct.

4.    I like the #10 Gators at home.   #10 Florida 14 beats #4 LSU 6.   Correct.

5.    I like the South Carolina Gamecocks.  #6 South Carolina 35 Beats #5 Georgia 7.  I was right and wrong about this one.   I expected Georgia to show up and make a game of it.   But the Gamecocks did prevail easily.  South Carolina moves to #3 and make them a legitimate consideration for National Championship game.    Correct.

6.    Iowa State Upset alert.  Unranked Iowa State 37 beats #15 TCU 23 in Fort Worth, TX.  Correct.  I predicted Steele Jantz would start the game and Barnett would come in and prevail.  I was wrong about that.   Barnett was 12-of-21 passing for 183 yards and ran nine times for 30 yards in his first start this season for the Cyclones (4-1, 1-1).  Five of Jared Barnett's six starts have come against top-20 teams. He's 4-2.  MVP of the game was Josh Lenz.  Helmet sticker goes to WR Josh Lenz - Iowa State 147 Rec yds, 3 TD, Pass TD in 37-23 win at TCU by Lou Holtz.

There are plenty of fun games this weekend.   First in the Big XII we have #8 WVU versus #11 Texas.   After last weeks defenseless game against Baylor the Mountaineers take on a another talented Texas team but also missing a defense.   The over/under last week was 80.   This week it is likely to be 100, which mean both team need to score over 50, I expect that to happen.   This is a real test for Heisman Trophy Candidate and Quarterback for WVU taking on Texas on the road.   When he delivers in this game he move securely to the top of the Heisman list.  WVU will get the last score and finish ahead of Texas by 3-7 points.

Another game of note:   The Catholics versus the Convicts.   They actually had to suspend this match up for a number of years because of the animosity.  Unranked Miami comes to South Bend Indiana to take on #9 Notre Dame Domers.   Notre Dame has a chance to prove they really deserve their #9 rank.   They should win this one at home.   This one shouldn't require more than a couple rosaries.  Notre Dame by 17.

#22 Nebraska travels to Columbus Ohio to take on the #12 Ohio State Buckeyes.  Nebraska stormed back from a 17 point deficit against a Swiss Cheese Wisconsin team.   If Nebraska falls back early Hang On Sloopy because Urban Meyer will not let them back in the game.   Ohio State by 10.

#4 LSU travel to #10 Florida.  I'm going with the Swamp home team on this one.   Yes LSU has a great defense.   But, the won 12-10 against Auburn on the Road and Auburn is not good this year.  I believe LSU is overated and riding a great legacy from last year and the lose this one on the road by 7.   I like the #10 Gators as home. 


The most intriguing game of the week and highest profile is #5 Georgia who travels to #6 South Carolina.   This one is just too close to call.   Expect a tight game with Georgia has a good offense and South Carolina has a good defense but not vice versa.   This probably comes down to home field advantage and turnovers.   I like the South Carolina Gamecocks

I was getting nervous about the upcoming Iowa State Until I read this weekend's opponent #15 TCU's starting quarterback is suspended on Saturday for being arrested on DWI charges early Thursday morning.   I guess quarterback Casey Pascall was out late on Wednesday night and wasn't worried about attending his Geology "Rocks for Jocks" class.   Because he was held on $1,000 bail.

TCU has traditionally been a very solid defensively built program.   Therefore with a new quarterback and ISU hardly able to move the ball against Texas Tech.   This match up sets up to be a low scoring defensive contest.   Close games play to the Iowa State advantage, unless Steele Jantz is the quarterback.   If Jantz gives up a couple of early turnovers - don't be surprised to see Jared Barnett step in to get the majority of playing time.  Jared Barnett is a native of Garland, TX a suburb of the Dallas/Fort Worth area.   Barnett could set up to be a highlight story.   TCU has not lit up the scoreboard and won 20-6 against Kansas and the Jayhawks are stinky bad as Colorado, which is buffalo chip smelly.  Game time is 2:30 on Saturday, this is an opportunity to renew my enthusiasm for the Cyclone's 2012 season.