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.

Weekend in Review

You Pick: Left or Right???

News around College football.    Big news for the week:

#12 Texas wins in Stillwater against the Oklahoma State Cowboys.   Head Coach Mack Brown has never lost in Stillwater.   #12 Texas 41 Oklahoma State 36. 

Upset Alert: #8 Stanford after picking off N   #1 USC loses to Washington 17-13. Run a spreadsheet.

#14 Ohio State squeaks one out against the Michigan State Trojan Condums.   #14 Ohio State 17 #20 Michigan State 16.

No.   Your Nose is Bigger!

 This one tastes a little like a verp. #22 Nebraxka storms back from a 17 point deficit to defeat the Wisconsin Badgers - #22 Nebraxka 30 v. The Wisconsin Cheese puffs 27.

 #18 Oregon State wins again against Arizona.   #18 OSU 38 Arizona 35.   The Beavers just keep layin' the wood.

The biggest surprise of the week Penn State is 3-2 after Cub Scouting Illinois.   Penn State 35 and Illinois 7. 


The Biggest Game of the week was # 25 Baylor @ #9 West Virginia.   The over/under on this game for total points was 80 points.   This was the biggest sling fest against touch football defenses I can remember in the last 20 years.   #25 Baylor 63 v. # 9 West Virginia 70 for a total points of 133 total points an over of the over of 53 points which is often the total over/under for most games.  Nick Florence Baylor QB broke Last year's Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III's record with 581 passing yards and 5 touchdown - BUT lost.   This year's leading Heisman Trophy candidate Gino Smith tossed 8 TD's and 656 passing yards.  See ya Texas aTm and Missery, who needs ya - both of whom won last week.   We'll keep an eye on them.   Speaking of old friends and lovers Colorado will likely go 1-11 this year.  Welcome to The Fudge Packed 12.

The Iowa State game against Texas Tech was a major disappointment. Sort of like looking forward to a smokin hot date all week and then you realize she just doesn't have the depth or playbook you thought. Reminded me of the year we had Senaca Wallace and Texas came to town and reminded us just how far off we were from a Top Ten ranking, although in this years case a top 25 ranking was at stake.
 
It is tough to win when your spread offense only puts up 73 yards passing with 4 turnovers. Without A.J. Klein's 87 yard interception return this game would have looked really ugly like one of my oh so many prom dates.



Drop and Give Me 20 !!!

Unfortunately my call for Barnett early in the year will gain momentum over the next few weeks. My prediction is Steele Jantz will graduate without a Big XII victory. Steele is currently 6-O against non-conference teams and winless against the Big XII. A bright spot was the defense, but now we begin the tough part of the schedule 4 out of the next 6 teams are ranked and I predict at least one more will be ranked by the time we face them. Not what you would call a Big Ten schedule.