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.