All right. Everything comes down to this week to determine the BCS bowl games. Should be an interesting weekend...
Thursday
(BASICALLY) Pac 10 Championship- OREGON o Oregon State (WIN)
ACC CHAMPIONSHIP- GEORGIA TECH o Clemson
The Yellow Jackets were one of the hottest teams to end the regular season last year but missed out on the opportunity to show it in the conference title game. This year, they have commanded the ACC. This might be the closest championship game of the day. Clemson does still hold resentment against Tech for beating them early in the season. But, I think Tech is simply better than Clemson and makes and will head to Miami for the Orange Bowl
BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP- TEXAS o Nebraska
The Big12 North is not and hasn’t been for years near the competitive levels of the Big12 South. The game features to historical powers but Texas is so much better that the Cornhuskers, the game shouldn’t be close.
(BASICALLY) BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP- CINCINNATI o Pitt
The Bearcats have really been disrespected this year. No hype for an undefeated BCS team. Now, I am not saying they are better than an unbeaten TCU, but if this was West Virginia or Pitt, a lot of people would be talking about this team. Tony Pike has looked fully recovered from the shoulder injury for the past two weeks and should lead the Cats to a second straight BCS bowl berth.
SEC CHAMPIONSHIP- FLORIDA o Alabama
This is a tough game to call. Each week I am not sure who will win this one. They have been 1 and 2 for most of the season. When one team struggles, the other looks unstoppable and vice versa. No matter what, this game will be close. Tim Tebow has too much heart and is too much of a leader to let this one get away at the end. And so for the second straight year the Gators will beat the Tide and head to Pasadena for the National Title. (I did project this at the beginning of the season…no big deal or anything…)
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
WEEK 13 SEC Bowl Projections
NATIONAL TITLE- FLORIDA GATORS v Texas
Ok, I think I am done debating. Florida has been there before and will be there again. The Gators have so much talent they should be able to handle the Tide this week in Alabama and head to their third National Title in four years. It should be a great way to usher out the Tim Tebow era in Gator Nation.
SUGAR BOWL- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE v Boise State
With their running back less than 100 percent in the SEC title, the Tide should fall to the Gators and land here. Low and behold, its another non-BCS team to take on. Hopefully, this year they don’t disappoint.
CAPITAL ONE BOWL- LSU TIGERS v Penn State
The Tigers almost even fell out of this bowl against Arkansas the last game of the season but should land here. Three losses is not really acceptable for the Tigers in Baton Rouge, but to make the third best SEC Bowl game shows this team is on the rise and should challenge the Tide for West supremacy next year.
COTTON BOWL- OLE MISS REBELS v Oklahoma State
The Rebels land in the Cotton Bowl and finish the season with 8 wins for the second straight year. Ole Miss did not really live up to expectations this season, which might be a good thing. Jevan Snead should comeback for his senior season and again be a contender in the West sleight.
OUTBACK BOWL- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS v Northwestern
How quickly one win could change your Bowl destination. The Outback Bowl was in attendance at the Kentucky/Tennessee game and was looking at the Cats. But with a dramatic win, a second place finish in the west, and proof that these guys travel, the Volunteers should be very appetizing to bring to Tampa.
CHIC FIL A BOWL- GEORGIA BULLDOGS v Virginia Tech
With the Bulldogs finishing in a tie with the Volunteers for second in the East, they should choose the bowl that is closest to home. What would be interesting is if the Yellow Jackets lose in the ACC title game, would they pair up Georgia Tech and Georgia?
MUSIC CITY BOWL- KENTUCKY WILDCATS v Clemson
In another rematch, the Wildcats will likely get a choice in the lower tier bowl games. This game would be the best choice for the Cats to rush Nashville and have time to get back for the basketball showdown against Louisville. Yes, here in Kentucky everything revolves around the round ball…even bowl selections!
LIBERTY BOWL- ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS v Houston
The Razorbacks quarterback Ryan Mallet has had such a good season and should only improve next year. Bobby Petrino’s squad should land in the Liberty Bowl due to closeness in proximity.
INDEPENDENCE BOWL- SOUTH CAROLINA v Iowa State
Another late season melt down for the Cocks and another lower tier bowl bid. The Gamecocks might have worked their way up with the Clemson win, but for now this is where they are projected.
PAPAJOHNS.COM BOWL- AUBURN TIGERS v Uconn
The Tigers first season with Gene Chizik ends with a bowl game. Not sure if this is where it shakes out but it does make sense. The Tigers are within a stones throw from Birmingham and with this economy proximity is key for these bowl games.
Ok, I think I am done debating. Florida has been there before and will be there again. The Gators have so much talent they should be able to handle the Tide this week in Alabama and head to their third National Title in four years. It should be a great way to usher out the Tim Tebow era in Gator Nation.
SUGAR BOWL- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE v Boise State
With their running back less than 100 percent in the SEC title, the Tide should fall to the Gators and land here. Low and behold, its another non-BCS team to take on. Hopefully, this year they don’t disappoint.
CAPITAL ONE BOWL- LSU TIGERS v Penn State
The Tigers almost even fell out of this bowl against Arkansas the last game of the season but should land here. Three losses is not really acceptable for the Tigers in Baton Rouge, but to make the third best SEC Bowl game shows this team is on the rise and should challenge the Tide for West supremacy next year.
COTTON BOWL- OLE MISS REBELS v Oklahoma State
The Rebels land in the Cotton Bowl and finish the season with 8 wins for the second straight year. Ole Miss did not really live up to expectations this season, which might be a good thing. Jevan Snead should comeback for his senior season and again be a contender in the West sleight.
OUTBACK BOWL- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS v Northwestern
How quickly one win could change your Bowl destination. The Outback Bowl was in attendance at the Kentucky/Tennessee game and was looking at the Cats. But with a dramatic win, a second place finish in the west, and proof that these guys travel, the Volunteers should be very appetizing to bring to Tampa.
CHIC FIL A BOWL- GEORGIA BULLDOGS v Virginia Tech
With the Bulldogs finishing in a tie with the Volunteers for second in the East, they should choose the bowl that is closest to home. What would be interesting is if the Yellow Jackets lose in the ACC title game, would they pair up Georgia Tech and Georgia?
MUSIC CITY BOWL- KENTUCKY WILDCATS v Clemson
In another rematch, the Wildcats will likely get a choice in the lower tier bowl games. This game would be the best choice for the Cats to rush Nashville and have time to get back for the basketball showdown against Louisville. Yes, here in Kentucky everything revolves around the round ball…even bowl selections!
LIBERTY BOWL- ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS v Houston
The Razorbacks quarterback Ryan Mallet has had such a good season and should only improve next year. Bobby Petrino’s squad should land in the Liberty Bowl due to closeness in proximity.
INDEPENDENCE BOWL- SOUTH CAROLINA v Iowa State
Another late season melt down for the Cocks and another lower tier bowl bid. The Gamecocks might have worked their way up with the Clemson win, but for now this is where they are projected.
PAPAJOHNS.COM BOWL- AUBURN TIGERS v Uconn
The Tigers first season with Gene Chizik ends with a bowl game. Not sure if this is where it shakes out but it does make sense. The Tigers are within a stones throw from Birmingham and with this economy proximity is key for these bowl games.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
WEEK 13 College Projections
All right. It is the final week of the regular season. I am excited to look at where I projected everyone to fall and see how close I was.
Right now in the SEC, other than Alabama and Florida to the BCS, there is still a lot to determine for where each team falls in the bowl season. The biggest game of the week has to be Kentucky against Tennessee. Love or hate Phillip Fulmer in Knoxville, the one thing that they could hang thier hat on is not losing thier finale to the Kentucky Wildcats. Lane Kiffin has had a up and down year and earlier this week down played the 24 straight wins over the Cats. On the other side, you know that Rich Brooks keeps draining this into his players heads. While working with Tom Leach on the "Rich Tradition" book about Coach Brooks he explained time and time again how important beating Tennessee is to him in reviving the program. Last week was a monumental win for the Cats in Athens and now it will be interesting to see if that momentum flows into Commonwealth on Saturday.
Here are the SEC Predictions and important College picks from around the country. Lets hope its a strong week! Happy Thanksgiving!
SEC WEEKLY PROJECTIONS
OVERALL RECORD- 67-23
Alabama @ Auburn
Last years Bama beat down of the Tigers sealed Tommy Tubberville’s fate as head coach of the Auburn Tigers. This game should be close, but should still go to the Tide. Nick Saban will have a team for a while in Tuscaloosa, so hopefully Auburn lessens their standards. Gene Chizik has had a good first year at Auburn.
WINNER- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Clemson @ South Carolina
This is just another year for Steve Spurrier in Columbia where the Cocks struggle down the stretch and don’t play to their potential. They had a bye week but I am not sure that will help against the Tigers. Clemson sewed up their division in the ACC last week and are gearing up for the ACC Championship next week. Victory goes to the Tigers, again.
WINNER- CLEMSON TIGERS
Mississippi @ Mississippi State
Dan Mullens has had his Bulldog team play well this season in his first year at the helm. Mississippi has its sights set on a BCS bowl berth this season but lost a few they shouldn’t and haven’t really come on strong until these past few weeks. Mississippi wins and they still advance in to a better bowl than last year.
WINNER- MISSISSIPPI REBELS
Florida @ Florida State
This could be the only SEC over ACC team on the sleight this week. The Gators are a stronger and better team than Florida State and should be able to win handily.
WINNER- FLORIDA GATORS
Arkansas @ LSU
The Tigers have been very, very unlucky the past two years losing the last game of the season to Arkansas and falling in bowl postioning. Last week was an embarrassing loss with the chaotic finish to the Rebels in Oxford. The only positive going for the Tigers is the home field advantage in Baton Rouge…and I think that will be enough.
WINNER- LSU TIGERS
Tennessee @ Kentucky
Each year Kentucky is getting closer and closer to the talent level in Knoxville. With a win Rich Brooks might ride off to the sunset in Lexington turning around yet another program. Kentucky has lost 23 straight times to the Vols and ending this streak has been on Rich Brooks mind since he took the job…
WINNER- KENTUCKY WILDCATS
Georgia @ Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets have played well enough to be “the” team in Georgia. I hope after this year they don’t even think about getting rid of Mark Richt in Athens. He is still one of the best coaches in the nation.
WINNER- GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS
College Projections
38-22
ACC-NORTH CAROLINA o NC State
BIG 12- TEXAS o Texas A+M
BIG EAST- CONNETICUIT o Syracuse
BIG 10- CINCINNATI o Illinois
PAC TEN- USC o Ucla
Right now in the SEC, other than Alabama and Florida to the BCS, there is still a lot to determine for where each team falls in the bowl season. The biggest game of the week has to be Kentucky against Tennessee. Love or hate Phillip Fulmer in Knoxville, the one thing that they could hang thier hat on is not losing thier finale to the Kentucky Wildcats. Lane Kiffin has had a up and down year and earlier this week down played the 24 straight wins over the Cats. On the other side, you know that Rich Brooks keeps draining this into his players heads. While working with Tom Leach on the "Rich Tradition" book about Coach Brooks he explained time and time again how important beating Tennessee is to him in reviving the program. Last week was a monumental win for the Cats in Athens and now it will be interesting to see if that momentum flows into Commonwealth on Saturday.
Here are the SEC Predictions and important College picks from around the country. Lets hope its a strong week! Happy Thanksgiving!
SEC WEEKLY PROJECTIONS
OVERALL RECORD- 67-23
Alabama @ Auburn
Last years Bama beat down of the Tigers sealed Tommy Tubberville’s fate as head coach of the Auburn Tigers. This game should be close, but should still go to the Tide. Nick Saban will have a team for a while in Tuscaloosa, so hopefully Auburn lessens their standards. Gene Chizik has had a good first year at Auburn.
WINNER- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Clemson @ South Carolina
This is just another year for Steve Spurrier in Columbia where the Cocks struggle down the stretch and don’t play to their potential. They had a bye week but I am not sure that will help against the Tigers. Clemson sewed up their division in the ACC last week and are gearing up for the ACC Championship next week. Victory goes to the Tigers, again.
WINNER- CLEMSON TIGERS
Mississippi @ Mississippi State
Dan Mullens has had his Bulldog team play well this season in his first year at the helm. Mississippi has its sights set on a BCS bowl berth this season but lost a few they shouldn’t and haven’t really come on strong until these past few weeks. Mississippi wins and they still advance in to a better bowl than last year.
WINNER- MISSISSIPPI REBELS
Florida @ Florida State
This could be the only SEC over ACC team on the sleight this week. The Gators are a stronger and better team than Florida State and should be able to win handily.
WINNER- FLORIDA GATORS
Arkansas @ LSU
The Tigers have been very, very unlucky the past two years losing the last game of the season to Arkansas and falling in bowl postioning. Last week was an embarrassing loss with the chaotic finish to the Rebels in Oxford. The only positive going for the Tigers is the home field advantage in Baton Rouge…and I think that will be enough.
WINNER- LSU TIGERS
Tennessee @ Kentucky
Each year Kentucky is getting closer and closer to the talent level in Knoxville. With a win Rich Brooks might ride off to the sunset in Lexington turning around yet another program. Kentucky has lost 23 straight times to the Vols and ending this streak has been on Rich Brooks mind since he took the job…
WINNER- KENTUCKY WILDCATS
Georgia @ Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets have played well enough to be “the” team in Georgia. I hope after this year they don’t even think about getting rid of Mark Richt in Athens. He is still one of the best coaches in the nation.
WINNER- GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS
College Projections
38-22
ACC-NORTH CAROLINA o NC State
BIG 12- TEXAS o Texas A+M
BIG EAST- CONNETICUIT o Syracuse
BIG 10- CINCINNATI o Illinois
PAC TEN- USC o Ucla
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
SEC Bowl Projections Week 12
Well, there is still not a lot of clarity in where some teams in the SEC will fall but with Mississippi's win, they made thier lives easier to land in the Capital One Bowl. Kentucky's first win in Athens for the first time in more than 30 years puts them in prime position to finish second in the SEC East division.
Still, Alabama and Florida continue to switch places. It is very hard, almost impossible to project until these two face off in Atlanta next week.
Anyways here is where each team is slotted for the after the week that was...
BCS NATIONAL TITLE- ALABAMA v Texas
The Crimson Tide have the Iron Bowl and the SEC title game, which has the winner going to the national title. Both teams have shown weaknesses but as the whole body of work, Alabama has been more consistant that the Gators and should win out and head to the national title game.
SUGAR BOWL- FLORIDA v Cincinnati
The Gators should beat Florida State and lose to the Tide in the Title game. This offense has really struggled this season and has relied too much on Tim Tebow. Bama’s defense will stop him this year unlike last year and head to New Orleans and the Sugar Bowl.
CAPITAL ONE BOWL- OLE MISS v Iowa
The Rebels took a huge step towards the second in the SEC West by beating LSU last week. The Rebels running game has been essential to the late surge…too bad they didn’t find this out until after Alabama and South Carolina…
COTTON BOWL- LSU v Nebraska
The Tigers have, once again, had no offensive production this year. LSU will finish third again in the West and land in Texas for the Cotton Bowl.
OUTBACK BOWL- KENTUCKY v Penn State
Hinging on a win over Tennessee at Commonwealth on Saturday, the Cats have the chance to play in a New Year’s Day Bowl for the first time in a long time. The Outback Bowl representatives were present in the Post Game victory over the Georgia Bulldogs and with a win, Kentucky will land here.
CHIC FIL A BOWL- GEORGIA v Virginia Tech
With a cluster of 7-5 teams, the Bulldogs should fall in Atlanta simply because of proximity. This has been a tumultuous year for the Dawgs…
MUSIC CITY BOWL- AUBURN v Clemson
The Tigers have reached bowl eligibility after missing it completely last year and should be chosen to play in Nashville for the Music City Bowl.
LIBERTY BOWL- ARKANSAS v East Carolina
Again, simply because of proximity, the Razorbacks should be the pick for the Liberty Bowl in Memphis.
PAPAJOHNS.COM BOWL- TENNESSEE v Rutgers
The Volunteers reached bowl eligibility in Lane Kiffin’s first year as head coach. This is not going to be acceptable next year in Knoxville, but for year one the Vol Nation will take it.
INDEPENDENCE BOWL- SOUTH CAROLINA v Kansas
Entering this season, I didn’t see the Gamecocks as a bowl team, but they started hot and then fizzled out down the stretch; that is what happens every year. With the same SEC record as the Volunteers but a head to head loss, the Gamecocks will land in the lowest SEC bowl available.
Still, Alabama and Florida continue to switch places. It is very hard, almost impossible to project until these two face off in Atlanta next week.
Anyways here is where each team is slotted for the after the week that was...
BCS NATIONAL TITLE- ALABAMA v Texas
The Crimson Tide have the Iron Bowl and the SEC title game, which has the winner going to the national title. Both teams have shown weaknesses but as the whole body of work, Alabama has been more consistant that the Gators and should win out and head to the national title game.
SUGAR BOWL- FLORIDA v Cincinnati
The Gators should beat Florida State and lose to the Tide in the Title game. This offense has really struggled this season and has relied too much on Tim Tebow. Bama’s defense will stop him this year unlike last year and head to New Orleans and the Sugar Bowl.
CAPITAL ONE BOWL- OLE MISS v Iowa
The Rebels took a huge step towards the second in the SEC West by beating LSU last week. The Rebels running game has been essential to the late surge…too bad they didn’t find this out until after Alabama and South Carolina…
COTTON BOWL- LSU v Nebraska
The Tigers have, once again, had no offensive production this year. LSU will finish third again in the West and land in Texas for the Cotton Bowl.
OUTBACK BOWL- KENTUCKY v Penn State
Hinging on a win over Tennessee at Commonwealth on Saturday, the Cats have the chance to play in a New Year’s Day Bowl for the first time in a long time. The Outback Bowl representatives were present in the Post Game victory over the Georgia Bulldogs and with a win, Kentucky will land here.
CHIC FIL A BOWL- GEORGIA v Virginia Tech
With a cluster of 7-5 teams, the Bulldogs should fall in Atlanta simply because of proximity. This has been a tumultuous year for the Dawgs…
MUSIC CITY BOWL- AUBURN v Clemson
The Tigers have reached bowl eligibility after missing it completely last year and should be chosen to play in Nashville for the Music City Bowl.
LIBERTY BOWL- ARKANSAS v East Carolina
Again, simply because of proximity, the Razorbacks should be the pick for the Liberty Bowl in Memphis.
PAPAJOHNS.COM BOWL- TENNESSEE v Rutgers
The Volunteers reached bowl eligibility in Lane Kiffin’s first year as head coach. This is not going to be acceptable next year in Knoxville, but for year one the Vol Nation will take it.
INDEPENDENCE BOWL- SOUTH CAROLINA v Kansas
Entering this season, I didn’t see the Gamecocks as a bowl team, but they started hot and then fizzled out down the stretch; that is what happens every year. With the same SEC record as the Volunteers but a head to head loss, the Gamecocks will land in the lowest SEC bowl available.
Friday, November 20, 2009
College Picks Week 12
Last two weeks of the college football season. This is crazy! The year has gone by way too fast! Anyways, headed to Athens this week to cover the Georgia/Kentucky game. Its a pretty big game for both teams, but more importantly, a pretty cool place to see for me. To add to the specialness of this game, UGA passed away yesterday. I met UGA VII last year and Georgia has already come out and said there will be NO mascot at the game, only a wreath around the Dawgs house.
Anyways here is a picture of me and UGA VII. He will be missed!
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Here are the College Projections for the week. Bowl Updates to come on Monday!
Chattanooga @ Alabama-
Next week is the Iron Bowl and then the SEC Championship game. Auburn thinks they get an advantage with a bye week this week to prep for Bama but in essence, so do the Tide.
WINNER- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Mississippi State @ Arkansas
The Bulldogs have played well in the first season under Coach Dan Mullens. They have rode Anthony Dixon to wins and are teetering with a bowl/non bowl season. A loss makes them ineligible and so heading to Fayetteville the Bulldogs will be full of emotion. The Razorbacks cinched up their own bowl future with a blow out win over Troy. With their bowl eligibility already in had, Arkansas will take a step back and lose to a desparate Mississippi State.
WINNER- MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS
Florida International @ Florida
The Gators are done with SEC play until the title game. Florida will be playing it safe and hope to get ahead early to rest players.
WINNER- FLORIDA GATORS
LSU @ Mississippi
Mississippi’s “dream” schedule is about to conclude and so far they haven’t really lived up to expectations. They hosted Alabama and lost and now they host a bipolar LSU team. The Tigers and Mississippi have their eyes on the Capital One Bowl. This game is basically a playoff for that. The Rebels introduced a new aspect to their offense against Tennessee last week with a running game. In Oxford, the Rebels should be able to get the win. LSU is too inconstant and plays too close to continue to squeak by…
WINNER- OLE MISSISSIPPI REBELS
Vanderbilt @ Tennessee
After last seasons bowl winning season, the Commodores have come back down to earth losing every single SEC game and now close out the season with big brother, in state Tennessee Volunteers. The Vols will be angry about the embarrassing loss to Mississippi and still have a chance for a decent bowl game.
WINNER- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Kentucky @ Georgia
The Kentucky Wildcats and the Georgia Bulldogs got to bowl eligibility last week and now they look for seeding. Last year’s match up the Cats nearly won, but fell behind too early to mount a comeback. This year, Kentucky comes to Athens banged up. Starting a freshman at quarterback will be tough for the Cats to overcome…
WINNER- GEORGIA BULLDOGS
ACC- NORTH CAROLINA o Boston College
BIG 12- NEBRAKSA o Kansas State
BIG EAST- RUTGERS o Syracuse
BIG 10- OHIO STATE o Michigan
PAC 10- STANFORD o Cal
UPSET SPECIAL
ARIZONA o Oregon
Next week is the Iron Bowl and then the SEC Championship game. Auburn thinks they get an advantage with a bye week this week to prep for Bama but in essence, so do the Tide.
WINNER- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Mississippi State @ Arkansas
The Bulldogs have played well in the first season under Coach Dan Mullens. They have rode Anthony Dixon to wins and are teetering with a bowl/non bowl season. A loss makes them ineligible and so heading to Fayetteville the Bulldogs will be full of emotion. The Razorbacks cinched up their own bowl future with a blow out win over Troy. With their bowl eligibility already in had, Arkansas will take a step back and lose to a desparate Mississippi State.
WINNER- MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS
Florida International @ Florida
The Gators are done with SEC play until the title game. Florida will be playing it safe and hope to get ahead early to rest players.
WINNER- FLORIDA GATORS
LSU @ Mississippi
Mississippi’s “dream” schedule is about to conclude and so far they haven’t really lived up to expectations. They hosted Alabama and lost and now they host a bipolar LSU team. The Tigers and Mississippi have their eyes on the Capital One Bowl. This game is basically a playoff for that. The Rebels introduced a new aspect to their offense against Tennessee last week with a running game. In Oxford, the Rebels should be able to get the win. LSU is too inconstant and plays too close to continue to squeak by…
WINNER- OLE MISSISSIPPI REBELS
Vanderbilt @ Tennessee
After last seasons bowl winning season, the Commodores have come back down to earth losing every single SEC game and now close out the season with big brother, in state Tennessee Volunteers. The Vols will be angry about the embarrassing loss to Mississippi and still have a chance for a decent bowl game.
WINNER- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Kentucky @ Georgia
The Kentucky Wildcats and the Georgia Bulldogs got to bowl eligibility last week and now they look for seeding. Last year’s match up the Cats nearly won, but fell behind too early to mount a comeback. This year, Kentucky comes to Athens banged up. Starting a freshman at quarterback will be tough for the Cats to overcome…
WINNER- GEORGIA BULLDOGS
ACC- NORTH CAROLINA o Boston College
BIG 12- NEBRAKSA o Kansas State
BIG EAST- RUTGERS o Syracuse
BIG 10- OHIO STATE o Michigan
PAC 10- STANFORD o Cal
UPSET SPECIAL
ARIZONA o Oregon
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Lay Back and Let It Ride Kentucky Basketball
Sure, it was Miami of Ohio and the talent levels between them and the Kentucky Wildcats is vast but before Big Blue nation starts looking for a horse to tie their ankle to and drag themselves to their demise just remember: these players are young and Kentucky did get the win.
With the whirl win that was the John Calipari coaching signing followed by him signing the top recruiting class in the nation Kentucky was chosen by media to be a team destined for a late run in March. In Kentucky, fans deemed the team the greatest of all time and argued that the number five preseason ranking was too low. But how quickly fans forget, Kentucky was not even in the NCAA tournament last year and they lost their top scorer, Jodie Meeks, to the NBA.
With a brand new team, Kentucky will have a lot of these games early. In fact it was after the 75 to 59 victory that John Calipari said that Miami of Ohio had a chance to beat Kentucky if they didn’t play well.
It certainly got close, but Kentucky did prevail. And that is something fans can hang their hats on for now. The Kentucky Wildcats of last year would have not been able to come back from an 18 point deficit. In fact, early in the year last year it was a game against VMI, that the Cats could not stop the military institute from missing a basket and they eventually lost.
After the game John Calipari said, “I was happy that our team got down by 18.” And continued by saying, “At each time out my players kept saying we are going to win this. We are not going to give this one away.”
And they didn’t give it away. With six tenths of a second left freshman John Wall pulled up at around the free throw line, hit a shot, and won the game.
No, they did not win by 37. No the game did not look pretty. But this could be the game at the end of the season that players and coaches point to as a maturation point for the remainder of the season.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
SEC Bowl Projections Week 11
BCS National Title- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE v Texas
I have been going back and forth and back and forth on this game. Its going to be an SEC v Texas game but which SEC team. After this weeks performances I give the edge to Alabama to meet Florida in Atlanta and beat the Gators. The Gators have not looked the same as last years unit and Alabama keeps playing stronger and stronger.
SUGAR BOWL- FLORIDA GATORS v Cincinnati
The Gators have played too close for comfort this year and should land in the SEC’s given bowl game- the Sugar Bowl. They should play an unbeaten school that has not been respected by the BCS, sounds like the same team Alabama played last year…
CAPITAL ONE BOWL- LSU TIGERS v Penn State
The Tigers have lost two and should win out. If the BCS allows 3 teams from one conference in the BCS games, LSU could get into the Orange Bowl. But that won’t be allowed, too much love for the SEC. So, the Tigers will land in the Capital One Bowl against a slow Penn State game. This will definitely be a game to sleep through on New Years Day.
COTTON BOWL- OLE MISSISSIPPI v Oklahoma State
The Rebels will have a second straight trip to the Cotton Bowl. This past week getting the running game going was money for the Rebels. They could even move up with a win next week against LSU.
OUTBACK BOWL- GEORGIA BULLDOGS v Wisconsin
The Bulldogs might have salvaged their season last night with a huge win against Auburn. They should be able to beat Kentucky and finish their SEC record at #2 in the East.
CHIC FIL A BOWL- AUBURN TIGERS v Clemson
The Tigers have a bye week and another Iron Bowl on their sleight. This has been a great year for the Tigers first year head coach Gene Chizik. They struggled in the middle half of the season to miss a New Years Day Bowl, but the Chic Fil A Bowl is becoming an SEC bowl for the next upcoming power…Should be a good one.
MUSIC CITY BOWL- SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS v Virginia Tech
Another year and another late season collapse for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Every year they start hot but can not complete the season. When the Gamecocks hired Steve Spurrier, they imagined competing for SEC and National titles. Middle tier bowl games has got to be a major let down for the fan base.
LIBERTY BOWL- ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS v East Carolina
The Razorbacks are another SEC team that missed a bowl last year but have had a good enough year to reach bowl eligibility. I have been raving about Ryan Mallet for weeks and think that the Razorbacks should compete even stronger next year in the West.
INDEPENDENCE BOWL- KENTUCKY WILDCATS v Texas Tech
Kentucky has reached their fourth straight bowl and should head to another game the school has not played in, the Independence Bowl in Shrevport Louisiana.
PAPA JOHNS.COM BOWL- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS v Rutgers
After yesterdays embarrassing loss to Ole Miss, it’s easy to see the Volunteers still have a ways to go to compete nationally. The Volunteers should beat Vanderbilt and now, I don’t see them beating a Kentucky team for the first time in more than 20 years.
I have been going back and forth and back and forth on this game. Its going to be an SEC v Texas game but which SEC team. After this weeks performances I give the edge to Alabama to meet Florida in Atlanta and beat the Gators. The Gators have not looked the same as last years unit and Alabama keeps playing stronger and stronger.
SUGAR BOWL- FLORIDA GATORS v Cincinnati
The Gators have played too close for comfort this year and should land in the SEC’s given bowl game- the Sugar Bowl. They should play an unbeaten school that has not been respected by the BCS, sounds like the same team Alabama played last year…
CAPITAL ONE BOWL- LSU TIGERS v Penn State
The Tigers have lost two and should win out. If the BCS allows 3 teams from one conference in the BCS games, LSU could get into the Orange Bowl. But that won’t be allowed, too much love for the SEC. So, the Tigers will land in the Capital One Bowl against a slow Penn State game. This will definitely be a game to sleep through on New Years Day.
COTTON BOWL- OLE MISSISSIPPI v Oklahoma State
The Rebels will have a second straight trip to the Cotton Bowl. This past week getting the running game going was money for the Rebels. They could even move up with a win next week against LSU.
OUTBACK BOWL- GEORGIA BULLDOGS v Wisconsin
The Bulldogs might have salvaged their season last night with a huge win against Auburn. They should be able to beat Kentucky and finish their SEC record at #2 in the East.
CHIC FIL A BOWL- AUBURN TIGERS v Clemson
The Tigers have a bye week and another Iron Bowl on their sleight. This has been a great year for the Tigers first year head coach Gene Chizik. They struggled in the middle half of the season to miss a New Years Day Bowl, but the Chic Fil A Bowl is becoming an SEC bowl for the next upcoming power…Should be a good one.
MUSIC CITY BOWL- SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS v Virginia Tech
Another year and another late season collapse for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Every year they start hot but can not complete the season. When the Gamecocks hired Steve Spurrier, they imagined competing for SEC and National titles. Middle tier bowl games has got to be a major let down for the fan base.
LIBERTY BOWL- ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS v East Carolina
The Razorbacks are another SEC team that missed a bowl last year but have had a good enough year to reach bowl eligibility. I have been raving about Ryan Mallet for weeks and think that the Razorbacks should compete even stronger next year in the West.
INDEPENDENCE BOWL- KENTUCKY WILDCATS v Texas Tech
Kentucky has reached their fourth straight bowl and should head to another game the school has not played in, the Independence Bowl in Shrevport Louisiana.
PAPA JOHNS.COM BOWL- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS v Rutgers
After yesterdays embarrassing loss to Ole Miss, it’s easy to see the Volunteers still have a ways to go to compete nationally. The Volunteers should beat Vanderbilt and now, I don’t see them beating a Kentucky team for the first time in more than 20 years.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
College Picks Week 11
SEC RECORD- 57-19
Tennessee @ Mississippi-
Since mid October the Tennessee Volunteers have been the fourth best team in the SEC, behind Florida, LSU, and Alabama. This week they play Mississippi, which was everyone’s darling headed into the season but have stumbled a lot this year proving inferiority. With the Vols playing as well as they are, it should be an Orange day in Oxford.
WINNER- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Kentucky @ Vanderbilt
Kentucky needs just one win to become bowl eligible for the fourth consecutive season. Mike Hartline might even be back behind center which is an upgrade from the freshman and Will Fidler. However, Vanderbilt traditionally plays well against the Cats and have had many close calls this season. Vanderbilt has been out of bowl contention for the last 2 weeks but would like nothing more than to spoil the Cats chances and finish out their last two weeks strong. I project some rust on Hartline coming back and the Cats to fall in Nashville to a emotional Vanderbilt squad.
WINNER- VANDERBILT COMMODORES
Florida @ South Carolina
Last year this game was given top billing, kind of like last year and I think there is no reason for this. Steve Spurrier’s squads continue to struggle down the last stretch of the season and this season has been no different. The Cocks have lost 3 of their last 4 and now have to host the Gators, who themselves are finally playing football like the number one team in the nation should. Florida should dominate this game and leave SEC play unbeaten and prepared for Bama in December.
WINNER- FLORIDA GATORS
Alabama @ Mississippi State
Mississippi State has played well this season, especially at home. They nearly beat LSU and played a tough game against Florida. This week, again the Bulldogs should play tough, but they still won’t have enough to play with the upper escilon teams in the country. Bama needs to get all their gears running for the SEC title game which is only 3 weeks away.
WINNER- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Lousiana Tech @ LSU
The Bayou Bengals have played well this season after a lack luster offensive showing throughout the first half of the season. They are still ranked in the top-10 and should be primed for a decent bowl birth this year. The Tigers host a team that doesn’t matter so this is a game where I can pad the stats…
WINNER- LSU TIGERS
Auburn @ Georgia
This is a tossup and really depends on which team is going to show up for which school. Auburn hass played really well at times and in fact reached #17 in the polls going 5-0, but fell on a three game losing skid which killed their chances of making real noise in the West. Georgia has played hot and a lot of cold this season and really needs the W to save face in the East. With Georgia at home, I give it to the Dawgs reluctantly.
WINNER- GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Troy @ Arkansas
The Razorbacks should get back into bowl eligibility after missing it completely last year. Bobby Petrino has some talent on this team and should really be a force next season.
WINNER- ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS
COLLEGE PICKSRECORD- 29-18
ACC-CLEMSON O North Carolina State
BIG EAST- PITTSBURGH o Notre Dame
BIG 12- NEBRASKA 0 Kansas
BIG TEN- NORTHWESTERN o Illinois
PAC 10- ARIZONA o Cal
Mountain West- TCU o Utah
UPSET SPECIAL
OHIO STATE o Iowa
Tennessee @ Mississippi-
Since mid October the Tennessee Volunteers have been the fourth best team in the SEC, behind Florida, LSU, and Alabama. This week they play Mississippi, which was everyone’s darling headed into the season but have stumbled a lot this year proving inferiority. With the Vols playing as well as they are, it should be an Orange day in Oxford.
WINNER- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Kentucky @ Vanderbilt
Kentucky needs just one win to become bowl eligible for the fourth consecutive season. Mike Hartline might even be back behind center which is an upgrade from the freshman and Will Fidler. However, Vanderbilt traditionally plays well against the Cats and have had many close calls this season. Vanderbilt has been out of bowl contention for the last 2 weeks but would like nothing more than to spoil the Cats chances and finish out their last two weeks strong. I project some rust on Hartline coming back and the Cats to fall in Nashville to a emotional Vanderbilt squad.
WINNER- VANDERBILT COMMODORES
Florida @ South Carolina
Last year this game was given top billing, kind of like last year and I think there is no reason for this. Steve Spurrier’s squads continue to struggle down the last stretch of the season and this season has been no different. The Cocks have lost 3 of their last 4 and now have to host the Gators, who themselves are finally playing football like the number one team in the nation should. Florida should dominate this game and leave SEC play unbeaten and prepared for Bama in December.
WINNER- FLORIDA GATORS
Alabama @ Mississippi State
Mississippi State has played well this season, especially at home. They nearly beat LSU and played a tough game against Florida. This week, again the Bulldogs should play tough, but they still won’t have enough to play with the upper escilon teams in the country. Bama needs to get all their gears running for the SEC title game which is only 3 weeks away.
WINNER- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Lousiana Tech @ LSU
The Bayou Bengals have played well this season after a lack luster offensive showing throughout the first half of the season. They are still ranked in the top-10 and should be primed for a decent bowl birth this year. The Tigers host a team that doesn’t matter so this is a game where I can pad the stats…
WINNER- LSU TIGERS
Auburn @ Georgia
This is a tossup and really depends on which team is going to show up for which school. Auburn hass played really well at times and in fact reached #17 in the polls going 5-0, but fell on a three game losing skid which killed their chances of making real noise in the West. Georgia has played hot and a lot of cold this season and really needs the W to save face in the East. With Georgia at home, I give it to the Dawgs reluctantly.
WINNER- GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Troy @ Arkansas
The Razorbacks should get back into bowl eligibility after missing it completely last year. Bobby Petrino has some talent on this team and should really be a force next season.
WINNER- ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS
COLLEGE PICKSRECORD- 29-18
ACC-CLEMSON O North Carolina State
BIG EAST- PITTSBURGH o Notre Dame
BIG 12- NEBRASKA 0 Kansas
BIG TEN- NORTHWESTERN o Illinois
PAC 10- ARIZONA o Cal
Mountain West- TCU o Utah
UPSET SPECIAL
OHIO STATE o Iowa
Saturday, November 7, 2009
NOVEMBER 7th SEC BOWL PROJECTIONS
BOWL PROJECTIONS
BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP- FLORIDA GATORS
After the sloppy game against Mississippi State, the Gators put together their most complete game against Georgia to clinch another SEC Eastern Division title. Now, the Gators must stay focused through Vanderbilt, South Carolina, and Florida State and be prepared to meet the Western champion and finish the season unbeaten.
BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP- FLORIDA GATORS
After the sloppy game against Mississippi State, the Gators put together their most complete game against Georgia to clinch another SEC Eastern Division title. Now, the Gators must stay focused through Vanderbilt, South Carolina, and Florida State and be prepared to meet the Western champion and finish the season unbeaten.
SUGAR BOWL- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Following the bye week, the Crimson Tide host the LSU Tigers in a game that will decide who wins the West. I project they beat LSU and move through the rest of their schedule unscathed but again in the SEC Championship, I don’t project that Alabama has enough to overtake the Gators for SEC supremacy, so they will again land in a BCS Bowl game, just not the one they want.
CAPITAL ONE BOWL- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Traditionally, the Capital One Bowl chooses the second best team in the Eastern division and if the Vols win out, they should fall here. Tennessee does have to go into Oxford next week but other than that they are smooth sailing. Tennessee has played tough against both the Gators and the Crimson Tide and are well deserving of this bowl game…Congrats Lane Kiffin, but next year the heat will be turned up for your team to actually be competing for a SEC crown.
COTTON BOWL- LSU TIGERS
The Cotton Bowl gets the choice of the next best SEC West school and with just two losses they get SEC power LSU.
OUTBACK BOWL- GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Probably a stretch, but the Bulldogs should be able to regroup against Tennessee Tech this week, take care of a home matchup against Auburn and Kentucky to land at the 3 spot in the SEC East and another bowl game in Florida.
Chic-Fil-A Bowl- SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
The Gamecocks should finish with the same record as the Bulldogs, but they did lose to Georgia at the beginning of the season and lose the tie breaker. Also, it would be highly unlikely that the Gamecocks go to the same bowl game two years in a row and therefore the bowl game in Atlanta should choose South Carolina.
MUSIC CITY BOWL- AUBURN TIGERS
After a dismal year last season, the Tigers should find themselves in a bowl game in Nashville
LIBERTY BOWL- OLE MISS REBELS
Although the Rebels finished with the same record as Auburn, they land here for geographic reasons. This is a far cry from the bowl they wanted at the beginning of the year, but two straight bowl appearances are still kind of nice.
INDEPENDENCE BOWL- ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS
Arkansas showed their youth and playing inconsistent all season, but they should end up with six wins and a bowl berth.
College Picks Week 10
There are not many good games on the SEC slieght this week so, hopefully I can improve on my record. Last week was my worst week in picking games as I was only 500.
This week should be better---
SEC- 50-18
South Carolina @ Arkansas-
This is a crucial game for both schools to get November off on a good note as they fight for bowl positioning. The Gamecocks loss to Tennessee and struggles against Vanderbilt makes this season look like the same story as the past 2 years- Gamecocks fall apart at the end of the season. The Arkansas Razorbacks have played well and look like they have positioned themselves to be dangerous in another year. Both teams need the win, but I give the ‘W’ to the Gamecocks because they need to get back on track more than the Razorbacks
WINNER- SOUTH CAROLINA
Tennessee Tech @ Georgia-
The Bulldogs get a confidence game after the embarrassing outing for the second year in a row to the Florida Gators. Georgia should win this one handily.
WINNER- GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Eastern Kentucky @ Kentucky-
A win here and the Cats have 3 tries to get to bowl eligibility for the 4th straight year.
WINNER- KENTUCKY WILDCATS
Furman @ Auburn-
Great win last week for Auburn…I did not see that coming, but with the turnaround they get a cake game before a show down with eastern foe the Georgia Bulldogs.
LSU @ Alabama-
At the beginning of the year I thought that LSU would win the Western division. However, now I think the opposite. Bama has looked like the best team in the conference and LSU has gotten by but not looked dominant. It is always close when these two teams meet, but in Saban Bowl 3, he should come out victorius.
WINNER-ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Vanderbilt @ Florida-
Gators clinched the East last week in their most dominant performance of the season. Now it’s a month before their next true test, the west champion. Vanderbilt has played tough this season, but the brutal schedule has caused them some trouble….
WINNER- FLORIDA GATORS
Memphis @ Tennessee-
Huge fan of the Black uni’s last Saturday and a huge fan of the BIG ‘W’ over South Carolina. Now they are in contention to finish the season 2nd in the East and reach a pretty prestigious bowl game. They need to handle their business this week against a porous Memphis Tiger team.
WINNER- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Northern Arizona @ Mississippi
You get knocked down and you get up again. That is what the Ole Miss Rebels need to do this week against N Arizona. The Rebels have superior talent and need to tune up for a showdown with a confident Volunteer team next week
WINNER- MISSISSIPPI REBELS
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PROJECTIONS 26-14
ACC- FLORIDA STATE o Clemson
BIG EAST- WEST VIRGINIA o Louisville
BIG 12- KANSAS o Kansas State
BIG TEN- MICHIGAN o Purdue
PAC 10- WASHINGTON o Ucla
UPSET-
NEBRASKA 0 Oklahoma
OHIO STATE o Penn State
This week should be better---
SEC- 50-18
South Carolina @ Arkansas-
This is a crucial game for both schools to get November off on a good note as they fight for bowl positioning. The Gamecocks loss to Tennessee and struggles against Vanderbilt makes this season look like the same story as the past 2 years- Gamecocks fall apart at the end of the season. The Arkansas Razorbacks have played well and look like they have positioned themselves to be dangerous in another year. Both teams need the win, but I give the ‘W’ to the Gamecocks because they need to get back on track more than the Razorbacks
WINNER- SOUTH CAROLINA
Tennessee Tech @ Georgia-
The Bulldogs get a confidence game after the embarrassing outing for the second year in a row to the Florida Gators. Georgia should win this one handily.
WINNER- GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Eastern Kentucky @ Kentucky-
A win here and the Cats have 3 tries to get to bowl eligibility for the 4th straight year.
WINNER- KENTUCKY WILDCATS
Furman @ Auburn-
Great win last week for Auburn…I did not see that coming, but with the turnaround they get a cake game before a show down with eastern foe the Georgia Bulldogs.
LSU @ Alabama-
At the beginning of the year I thought that LSU would win the Western division. However, now I think the opposite. Bama has looked like the best team in the conference and LSU has gotten by but not looked dominant. It is always close when these two teams meet, but in Saban Bowl 3, he should come out victorius.
WINNER-ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Vanderbilt @ Florida-
Gators clinched the East last week in their most dominant performance of the season. Now it’s a month before their next true test, the west champion. Vanderbilt has played tough this season, but the brutal schedule has caused them some trouble….
WINNER- FLORIDA GATORS
Memphis @ Tennessee-
Huge fan of the Black uni’s last Saturday and a huge fan of the BIG ‘W’ over South Carolina. Now they are in contention to finish the season 2nd in the East and reach a pretty prestigious bowl game. They need to handle their business this week against a porous Memphis Tiger team.
WINNER- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Northern Arizona @ Mississippi
You get knocked down and you get up again. That is what the Ole Miss Rebels need to do this week against N Arizona. The Rebels have superior talent and need to tune up for a showdown with a confident Volunteer team next week
WINNER- MISSISSIPPI REBELS
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PROJECTIONS 26-14
ACC- FLORIDA STATE o Clemson
BIG EAST- WEST VIRGINIA o Louisville
BIG 12- KANSAS o Kansas State
BIG TEN- MICHIGAN o Purdue
PAC 10- WASHINGTON o Ucla
UPSET-
NEBRASKA 0 Oklahoma
OHIO STATE o Penn State
Saturday, October 31, 2009
COLLEGE WEEK 9
O there are some SCARY games this Halloween....and I have some SCARY upsets. If it happens I am a genius and Halloween Genie, but if not...well it is not that big of a deal. Here are my week 9 projections and have a safe, and awesome Halloween!
Justin Keehne
Georgia v Florida-
Last year the Gators domintated the Bulldogs. Now, its Georgia’s turn. Mark Richt has had two weeks to get his team prepared. The Bulldogs have not been impressive all season but after the bye I think some of the chinks are out of the armor. The Gators have played too close for comfort the past two weeks and makes me question their abilities on both sides of the ball. The game used to be the World’s Largest Cocktail Party and Jacksonville will be Black and Red all Halloween Night…
WINNER- GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Justin Keehne
Ole Miss @ Auburn-
What a fall from grace for the Auburn Tigers. After starting the season 5-0, the wheels have fallen off. They should win one more game through the remainder of the season and become bowl eligible…but after a 5-0 start this season will be deemed a huge disappointment. Mississippi’s passing game has really taken shape the past two weeks and so, the Rebels are hot…Too hot for the Tigers to handle this week.
WINNER- OLE MISS REBELS
What a fall from grace for the Auburn Tigers. After starting the season 5-0, the wheels have fallen off. They should win one more game through the remainder of the season and become bowl eligible…but after a 5-0 start this season will be deemed a huge disappointment. Mississippi’s passing game has really taken shape the past two weeks and so, the Rebels are hot…Too hot for the Tigers to handle this week.
WINNER- OLE MISS REBELS
SEC UPSET SPECIAL-
Georgia v Florida-
Last year the Gators domintated the Bulldogs. Now, its Georgia’s turn. Mark Richt has had two weeks to get his team prepared. The Bulldogs have not been impressive all season but after the bye I think some of the chinks are out of the armor. The Gators have played too close for comfort the past two weeks and makes me question their abilities on both sides of the ball. The game used to be the World’s Largest Cocktail Party and Jacksonville will be Black and Red all Halloween Night…
WINNER- GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Eastern Michigan @ Arkansas-
The Razorbacks will win this game…do I even need a reason? It is Eastern Michigan…
The Razorbacks will win this game…do I even need a reason? It is Eastern Michigan…
Tulane @ LSU-
Again padding my record….LSU will win in Baton Rouge.
Again padding my record….LSU will win in Baton Rouge.
Georgia Tech @ Vanderbilt-
The Yellow Jackets are not only ranked but the hottest team in the ACC. Vanderbilt has played tough but the schedule has made their record miserable and it will continue to get that way…
WINNER- GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS
The Yellow Jackets are not only ranked but the hottest team in the ACC. Vanderbilt has played tough but the schedule has made their record miserable and it will continue to get that way…
WINNER- GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS
South Carolina @ Tennessee-
To become bowl eligible the Vols need this win. I expect Rocky Top to be full of enthusiasm after such a close game against Alabama. All Tennessee needs is a quarterback and they would be competing THIS year in the SEC East. The Gamecocks have played well this season but struggled in Vandy. Were they looking ahead? Or is it about the time for the Cocks to falter down the stretch? Tennessee at home should get the win.
WINNER- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
To become bowl eligible the Vols need this win. I expect Rocky Top to be full of enthusiasm after such a close game against Alabama. All Tennessee needs is a quarterback and they would be competing THIS year in the SEC East. The Gamecocks have played well this season but struggled in Vandy. Were they looking ahead? Or is it about the time for the Cocks to falter down the stretch? Tennessee at home should get the win.
WINNER- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Mississippi State @ Kentucky-
Been going back and forth on this one. Its tough to really choose a winner. Mississippi State has been playing very well against teams that on paper, they should not be competing with. Kentucky has won two straight. Traditionally this is a close game. Kentucky at home on Homecoming, Halloween, and Rich Brooks calling this game “critical” is the rationale for a Cats victory Saturday night.
WINNER-KENTUCKY WILDCATS
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PROJECTIONS
ACC-MIAMI o Wake Forest
BIG EAST- CINCINNATI o Syracuse
BIG 12- OKLAHOMA o Kansas State
BIG TEN- MICHIGAN STATE o Minnesota
PAC TEN- USC o Oregon
Been going back and forth on this one. Its tough to really choose a winner. Mississippi State has been playing very well against teams that on paper, they should not be competing with. Kentucky has won two straight. Traditionally this is a close game. Kentucky at home on Homecoming, Halloween, and Rich Brooks calling this game “critical” is the rationale for a Cats victory Saturday night.
WINNER-KENTUCKY WILDCATS
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PROJECTIONS
ACC-MIAMI o Wake Forest
BIG EAST- CINCINNATI o Syracuse
BIG 12- OKLAHOMA o Kansas State
BIG TEN- MICHIGAN STATE o Minnesota
PAC TEN- USC o Oregon
-----UPSET SPECIAL----
OKLAHOMA STATE o Texas
OKLAHOMA STATE o Texas
Sunday, October 25, 2009
SEC OCTOBER 25 BOWL PROJECTIONS
OCTOBER 25 SEC BOWL PROJECTIONS
BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP- Alabama Crimson Tide
Again, the Alabama Crimson Tide played well enough to win. Some might think the near defeat against Tennessee is a cause for concern, however Tennessee DID have 2 weeks to prepare and at the end of the day, the Tide won and that’s all that matters. Running back Mark Ingram is making a serious case for Heisman and his team in the best in the land.
SUGAR BOWL- Florida Gators
Back to back weeks the Gators have toyed around with teams they should have destroyed. People might point to some injuries on the defensive side of the ball for the close one last night, but this is the second week in a row where Florida has struggled offensively. The Gators must be careful because this coming week the Georgia Bulldogs are coming off a bye and want some respect after last years crushing. Either way, the Gators ARE the second best team in the SEC and so, they will land in the Sugar Bowl.
Capital One Bowl- LSU Tigers
With two weeks to get over the Florida loss and prepare for the Auburn Tigers, Les Miles found his offense. This happened last year during the bowl game. If only the Tigers could have bye weeks between each game…they’d be unstoppable. With only one loss, they have one true tough test left against Alabama. Even falling there and stumbling again they should be the next best team in the SEC and land in Orlando and the Capital One Bowl.
Cotton Bowl- South Carolina
The game last week was too close for comfort against a down Vanderbilt team, but a win is a win. The Gamecocks have played well enough this season to land in Dallas for the Cotton Bowl.
Outback Bowl- Ole Miss Rebels
A downgrade from where the Oxford hopefuls hoped they would be, the Rebels should land in Florida for the Outback bowl. Yesterday Jevan Snead looked like he was supposed to look all season…
Chic Fil A Bowl- Georgia Bulldogs
It has been a rough season for the Bulldogs and so, with a rebuilding year comes a rebuilding bowl game. The Dawgs should finish third in the SEC East and play very close to home in the Georgia Dome.
Music City Bowl- Kentucky Wildcats
After last weeks initial projections that had the Cats miss bowl season entirely, they land for the third time in four years at the Music City Bowl in Nashville. Looking at the remaining schedule, the Cats stock can rise a great deal because the remaining games are all winnable for the Wildcats.
Liberty Bowl- Tennessee Volunteers
The Vols have played strong against the top teams in the nation- Alabama and Florida but have failed to come out with a victory in either. There is NO MORAL victories in college football. The poor quarterback play will continue to haunt the Vols, (although it has gotten better)… The Vols will play three hours from home down in Memphis.
Independence Bowl- Arkansas Razorbacks
Ryan Mallet can flat out play. The transfer from Michigan has proved a lot this season and should prove even more by seasons end.
Papajohns.com Bowl- Auburn Tigers
What a fall from grace…the Tigers began the season 5-0 and since then have been blown out by Arkansas, lost at HOME to Kentucky, and got blown out to LSU. This is a rebuilding year with a new coach and new system but to go from 5-0 to 5-3 is disappointing….The Tigers should win one more game, at least and land in the lowest SEC Bowl.
BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP- Alabama Crimson Tide
Again, the Alabama Crimson Tide played well enough to win. Some might think the near defeat against Tennessee is a cause for concern, however Tennessee DID have 2 weeks to prepare and at the end of the day, the Tide won and that’s all that matters. Running back Mark Ingram is making a serious case for Heisman and his team in the best in the land.
SUGAR BOWL- Florida Gators
Back to back weeks the Gators have toyed around with teams they should have destroyed. People might point to some injuries on the defensive side of the ball for the close one last night, but this is the second week in a row where Florida has struggled offensively. The Gators must be careful because this coming week the Georgia Bulldogs are coming off a bye and want some respect after last years crushing. Either way, the Gators ARE the second best team in the SEC and so, they will land in the Sugar Bowl.
Capital One Bowl- LSU Tigers
With two weeks to get over the Florida loss and prepare for the Auburn Tigers, Les Miles found his offense. This happened last year during the bowl game. If only the Tigers could have bye weeks between each game…they’d be unstoppable. With only one loss, they have one true tough test left against Alabama. Even falling there and stumbling again they should be the next best team in the SEC and land in Orlando and the Capital One Bowl.
Cotton Bowl- South Carolina
The game last week was too close for comfort against a down Vanderbilt team, but a win is a win. The Gamecocks have played well enough this season to land in Dallas for the Cotton Bowl.
Outback Bowl- Ole Miss Rebels
A downgrade from where the Oxford hopefuls hoped they would be, the Rebels should land in Florida for the Outback bowl. Yesterday Jevan Snead looked like he was supposed to look all season…
Chic Fil A Bowl- Georgia Bulldogs
It has been a rough season for the Bulldogs and so, with a rebuilding year comes a rebuilding bowl game. The Dawgs should finish third in the SEC East and play very close to home in the Georgia Dome.
Music City Bowl- Kentucky Wildcats
After last weeks initial projections that had the Cats miss bowl season entirely, they land for the third time in four years at the Music City Bowl in Nashville. Looking at the remaining schedule, the Cats stock can rise a great deal because the remaining games are all winnable for the Wildcats.
Liberty Bowl- Tennessee Volunteers
The Vols have played strong against the top teams in the nation- Alabama and Florida but have failed to come out with a victory in either. There is NO MORAL victories in college football. The poor quarterback play will continue to haunt the Vols, (although it has gotten better)… The Vols will play three hours from home down in Memphis.
Independence Bowl- Arkansas Razorbacks
Ryan Mallet can flat out play. The transfer from Michigan has proved a lot this season and should prove even more by seasons end.
Papajohns.com Bowl- Auburn Tigers
What a fall from grace…the Tigers began the season 5-0 and since then have been blown out by Arkansas, lost at HOME to Kentucky, and got blown out to LSU. This is a rebuilding year with a new coach and new system but to go from 5-0 to 5-3 is disappointing….The Tigers should win one more game, at least and land in the lowest SEC Bowl.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Halftime Thoughts....
KENTUCKY 28 LOUISIANA MONROE 7
First Half Thoughts-
OFFENSE---
The goal for Kentucky is to have true freshman quarterback Morgan Newton do AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE. The Cats were able to do that by going up 14-0 with a long run play and a punt return before half way through the first quarter.
Newton has done his job, but has thrown an interception. After the interception they inserted Will Fidler in a quarterback.
The rotating quarterbacks is NOT a way to win. With Kentucky at home, they SHOULD be starting the freshman, allowing him to make mistakes and ease his way into the game. The indecisiveness at who should start will be a detriment when they play SEC teams.
After the initial burst, there was complacency on offense.
DEFENSE---
Other than a few lapses the defense has played well. The Warhawks drove the ball down the field in 3 of their possessions but were only able to put the ball in the endzone once. The defense is allowing too many yards and has held the ball 6 more minutes that Kentucky. The defense to this point has given up only 26 yards on the ground which is impressive because coming into the game, the Warhawks have been ranked nationally in the rushing category.
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS-
Kentucky has played well and is doing what the need to against a inferior opponent. With the way the schedule is layed out, a fourth bowl is in insight and Kentucky looks to be taking care of their business to this point in the game.
First Half Thoughts-
OFFENSE---
The goal for Kentucky is to have true freshman quarterback Morgan Newton do AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE. The Cats were able to do that by going up 14-0 with a long run play and a punt return before half way through the first quarter.
Newton has done his job, but has thrown an interception. After the interception they inserted Will Fidler in a quarterback.
The rotating quarterbacks is NOT a way to win. With Kentucky at home, they SHOULD be starting the freshman, allowing him to make mistakes and ease his way into the game. The indecisiveness at who should start will be a detriment when they play SEC teams.
After the initial burst, there was complacency on offense.
DEFENSE---
Other than a few lapses the defense has played well. The Warhawks drove the ball down the field in 3 of their possessions but were only able to put the ball in the endzone once. The defense is allowing too many yards and has held the ball 6 more minutes that Kentucky. The defense to this point has given up only 26 yards on the ground which is impressive because coming into the game, the Warhawks have been ranked nationally in the rushing category.
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS-
Kentucky has played well and is doing what the need to against a inferior opponent. With the way the schedule is layed out, a fourth bowl is in insight and Kentucky looks to be taking care of their business to this point in the game.
HUGE HOMESTAND BEGINS FOR KENTUCKY
After last week's huge win at Auburn, Kentucky has three, on paper, winable games that could make end with the Cats becoming bowl eligible for the fourth time in four years. Here are the keys to victory against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks---
1) KEEP RUN GAME GOING- The running game has been huge for the Cats and must continue this week.
2) MORE WILDCAT-The more versitle the offense can be...the better for the Cats. Last week for 3 quarters the offense was anemic but putting Randal Cobb behind center led the Cats to victory for the first time in over 35 years against the Auburn Tigers...expect more of the WILDCAT for the rest of the season.
3) DONT OVERLOOK THIS GAME- What Kentucky does NOT need is a let down here. They need to score first and dictate pace of this game.
OVERALL PREDICTION-
Louisiana Monroe will be tougher than people expect. This should be a game in the fourth quarter...but Kentucky should win with superior talent.
KENTUCKY 20
Louisiana Monroe 13
1) KEEP RUN GAME GOING- The running game has been huge for the Cats and must continue this week.
2) MORE WILDCAT-The more versitle the offense can be...the better for the Cats. Last week for 3 quarters the offense was anemic but putting Randal Cobb behind center led the Cats to victory for the first time in over 35 years against the Auburn Tigers...expect more of the WILDCAT for the rest of the season.
3) DONT OVERLOOK THIS GAME- What Kentucky does NOT need is a let down here. They need to score first and dictate pace of this game.
OVERALL PREDICTION-
Louisiana Monroe will be tougher than people expect. This should be a game in the fourth quarter...but Kentucky should win with superior talent.
KENTUCKY 20
Louisiana Monroe 13
College Football Picks WEEK 8
Well, it us hard to beleive we are 8 weeks into the college football season. A lot has changed and the true National title competitors have emerged while pretenders have fallen back.
Entering the season, I was not sold on Oklahoma and with now 3 losses, I think it is fair to to that they weren't nearly as strong as everyone projected.
In the BIG 10 Ohio State was disappointing last week losing to PURDUE? That is just embarrassing. Iowa has a tough game and with a win they can basically sinch up the Big 10 title. This year Penn State again hasnt looked special but has been winning enough to sit with one loss.
PAC 10 also looks like a one team race with everyone else pretty even to one another. Oregon is technically in first but when the face USC, I project a change there.
ACC is a bunch of equally talented teams, that showed Thursday night when North Carolina lost a 24-6 fourth quarter lead to lose to the Seminoles.
Anyways on the way tomorrow will be an updated SEC Bowl Projections....Here is how WEEK 8 should shape out!
SEC GAMES PROJECTIONS
LAST WEEK- 4-2
OVERALL- 42-13
Arkansas @ Mississippi- This has been a letdown year for the Rebels, however this IS what I projected. They played well last year with no expectations, this year it was too tough to live up to the hype as they lost a lot of their offensive line and defense. Arkansas has been impressive. Ryan Mallet can bomb that ball out and makes the Razorbacks already next year’s darlings. In this game, look for Arkansas to battle closely against Ole Miss and pull out a win.
WINNER- ARKANSAS
Tennessee @ Alabama- This is a scary game for the Tide. Tennessee has had two weeks to prepare for this game and come off a dominating win against East rival the Georgia Bulldogs. However, Alabama has looked like the best team in the nation to this point in the season and should confuse Crompton enough to win. This game should be close though…
WINNER- ALABAMA
Vanderbilt @ South Carolina- Vanderbilt has been straight up disappointing this year and should lose another SEC game this week. South Carolina is on the other side of the spectrum. They have played very well, exceeding expectations of most and sit in the #2 slot in the SEC East. Stephen Garcia has played well and should cause the Gators problems at the end of the season.
WINNER- SOUTH CAROLINA
Auburn @ LSU- The Auburn Tigers started impressively at 5-0 and reaching the top-25, but the wheels have come off for the Tigers as they got crushed by Arkansas and upset by Kentucky. LSU is number 9 in the nation, but kind of like last year have looked unimpressive and have bent but somehow not completely broken….this week, I project another loss and the chinks in the armor to show.
WINNER- AUBURN
Florida @ Mississippi State- No chance for an upset here, the Gators are better than Mississippi State and should flat out win the game before half time.
WINNER- FLORIDA
Louisiana-Monroe @ Kentucky- Not sold on Kentucky, even after the comeback win in Auburn. Kentucky will get to start true freshman Morgan Newton at home for the next three weeks, which is ideally what they wanted if an injury did occur. If Newton can progress in these three weeks, Kentucky has 3 straight winnable games….which means at the end of this home stand, Kentucky can be bowl eligible for the 4th straight year. Louisiana-Monroe cannot be overlooked and should give Kentucky a game. The Warhawks average 30 points a game….game should be close and a turnover or slow start will cause the Cats to lose, but can’t project a letdown…
WINNER- KENTUCKY
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS
OVERALL- 23-11
ACC- MIAMI o Clemson
BIG 12- NEBRASKA o Iowa State
BIG EAST- WEST VIRGINIA o Uconn
BIG 10- NORTHWESTERN o Indiana
PAC 10- ARIZONA o Ucla
UPSET SPECIALS!!!---
· OKLAHOMA o Kansas
· MICHIGAN o Penn State
Entering the season, I was not sold on Oklahoma and with now 3 losses, I think it is fair to to that they weren't nearly as strong as everyone projected.
In the BIG 10 Ohio State was disappointing last week losing to PURDUE? That is just embarrassing. Iowa has a tough game and with a win they can basically sinch up the Big 10 title. This year Penn State again hasnt looked special but has been winning enough to sit with one loss.
PAC 10 also looks like a one team race with everyone else pretty even to one another. Oregon is technically in first but when the face USC, I project a change there.
ACC is a bunch of equally talented teams, that showed Thursday night when North Carolina lost a 24-6 fourth quarter lead to lose to the Seminoles.
Anyways on the way tomorrow will be an updated SEC Bowl Projections....Here is how WEEK 8 should shape out!
SEC GAMES PROJECTIONS
LAST WEEK- 4-2
OVERALL- 42-13
Arkansas @ Mississippi- This has been a letdown year for the Rebels, however this IS what I projected. They played well last year with no expectations, this year it was too tough to live up to the hype as they lost a lot of their offensive line and defense. Arkansas has been impressive. Ryan Mallet can bomb that ball out and makes the Razorbacks already next year’s darlings. In this game, look for Arkansas to battle closely against Ole Miss and pull out a win.
WINNER- ARKANSAS
Tennessee @ Alabama- This is a scary game for the Tide. Tennessee has had two weeks to prepare for this game and come off a dominating win against East rival the Georgia Bulldogs. However, Alabama has looked like the best team in the nation to this point in the season and should confuse Crompton enough to win. This game should be close though…
WINNER- ALABAMA
Vanderbilt @ South Carolina- Vanderbilt has been straight up disappointing this year and should lose another SEC game this week. South Carolina is on the other side of the spectrum. They have played very well, exceeding expectations of most and sit in the #2 slot in the SEC East. Stephen Garcia has played well and should cause the Gators problems at the end of the season.
WINNER- SOUTH CAROLINA
Auburn @ LSU- The Auburn Tigers started impressively at 5-0 and reaching the top-25, but the wheels have come off for the Tigers as they got crushed by Arkansas and upset by Kentucky. LSU is number 9 in the nation, but kind of like last year have looked unimpressive and have bent but somehow not completely broken….this week, I project another loss and the chinks in the armor to show.
WINNER- AUBURN
Florida @ Mississippi State- No chance for an upset here, the Gators are better than Mississippi State and should flat out win the game before half time.
WINNER- FLORIDA
Louisiana-Monroe @ Kentucky- Not sold on Kentucky, even after the comeback win in Auburn. Kentucky will get to start true freshman Morgan Newton at home for the next three weeks, which is ideally what they wanted if an injury did occur. If Newton can progress in these three weeks, Kentucky has 3 straight winnable games….which means at the end of this home stand, Kentucky can be bowl eligible for the 4th straight year. Louisiana-Monroe cannot be overlooked and should give Kentucky a game. The Warhawks average 30 points a game….game should be close and a turnover or slow start will cause the Cats to lose, but can’t project a letdown…
WINNER- KENTUCKY
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS
OVERALL- 23-11
ACC- MIAMI o Clemson
BIG 12- NEBRASKA o Iowa State
BIG EAST- WEST VIRGINIA o Uconn
BIG 10- NORTHWESTERN o Indiana
PAC 10- ARIZONA o Ucla
UPSET SPECIALS!!!---
· OKLAHOMA o Kansas
· MICHIGAN o Penn State
Sunday, October 18, 2009
SEC Midseason Bowl Projections
Well, we are 1/2 way through the college football season, so here is my SEC Bowl Pics as of right now...
MIDDLE OF OCTOBER SEC BOWL PROJECTIONS
BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP- Alabama Crimson Tide
The Tide are playing the most complete football in the nation. Quarterback Greg McElroy has been very impressive in his first year as the starter throwing for 9 touchdowns and just one interception. The defense has dominated opponents only allowing 12.5 points a game. Alabama should run the table through the rest of their schedule and have a rematch in Atlanta against Florida for the SEC Championship….by the way Bama has played, they should have what it takes to beat Florida and head to the national title game.
SUGAR BOWL- Florida Gators
Florida has played well again this season, but it seems like they are not as dominant as last year’s squad. Like Alabama, they should go unbeaten through the remainder of the season but they don’t appear to match up well against Bama and so they land where Bama did last year- the Sugar Bowl.
Capital One Bowl- South Carolina Gamecocks
The Capital One Bowl usually takes the second best team in the SEC East. At the beginning of the season, I projected the Gamecocks would have a bad season, miss a bowl, and force Steve Spurrier out of Columbia. But, somehow, the offense is clicking and the defense has played well. The past few years the Gamecocks have stumbled down the stretch but, it looks like they should be strong enough to finish strong enough to finish with a #2 slot in the SEC East and head to
Orlando for the Capital One Bowl.
Cotton Bowl- LSU Tigers
Like last year it’s the offense that is problematic for the Bayou Bengals. The Tigers still must play Auburn, Alabama and Ole Miss. With Bama going to the National Title game, the Tigers should fall to the next best West bowl game and play against a Big 12 school.
Outback Bowl- Ole Mississippi
Usually the Outback Bowl takes another East team, but with the Rebels likely to finish with a better record, Ole Miss should fall here.
Chic Fil A Bowl- Georgia Bulldogs
This has been a rebuilding year for the Bulldogs but as long as they DO NOT get upset by lesser teams they should land here on New Years Eve.
Music City Bowl- Auburn Tigers
Auburn has been a pleasant surprise in the SEC. Starting the season 5-0, it would be unlikely that the Tigers miss a bowl game. They will likely struggle against Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss, but should land in Nashville for the Music City Bowl.
Liberty Bowl- Arkansas Razorbacks
Due to proximity, the Razorbacks should land in Memphis for the Liberty Bowl. Quarterback Ryan Mallet has been a pleasant surprise and with him coming back next year, the Razorbacks will be even more of a SEC threat next season.
Independence Bowl- Tennessee Volunteers
Not exactly what Volunteer faithful can be happy about, but Tennessee should get to 6 wins and become bowl eligible. With the worst record for SEC bowl teams, the Vols will land in the Shrevport Independence Bowl.
Papa Johns.com Bowl- NO ELIGIBLE TEAMS
MIDDLE OF OCTOBER SEC BOWL PROJECTIONS
BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP- Alabama Crimson Tide
The Tide are playing the most complete football in the nation. Quarterback Greg McElroy has been very impressive in his first year as the starter throwing for 9 touchdowns and just one interception. The defense has dominated opponents only allowing 12.5 points a game. Alabama should run the table through the rest of their schedule and have a rematch in Atlanta against Florida for the SEC Championship….by the way Bama has played, they should have what it takes to beat Florida and head to the national title game.
SUGAR BOWL- Florida Gators
Florida has played well again this season, but it seems like they are not as dominant as last year’s squad. Like Alabama, they should go unbeaten through the remainder of the season but they don’t appear to match up well against Bama and so they land where Bama did last year- the Sugar Bowl.
Capital One Bowl- South Carolina Gamecocks
The Capital One Bowl usually takes the second best team in the SEC East. At the beginning of the season, I projected the Gamecocks would have a bad season, miss a bowl, and force Steve Spurrier out of Columbia. But, somehow, the offense is clicking and the defense has played well. The past few years the Gamecocks have stumbled down the stretch but, it looks like they should be strong enough to finish strong enough to finish with a #2 slot in the SEC East and head to
Orlando for the Capital One Bowl.
Cotton Bowl- LSU Tigers
Like last year it’s the offense that is problematic for the Bayou Bengals. The Tigers still must play Auburn, Alabama and Ole Miss. With Bama going to the National Title game, the Tigers should fall to the next best West bowl game and play against a Big 12 school.
Outback Bowl- Ole Mississippi
Usually the Outback Bowl takes another East team, but with the Rebels likely to finish with a better record, Ole Miss should fall here.
Chic Fil A Bowl- Georgia Bulldogs
This has been a rebuilding year for the Bulldogs but as long as they DO NOT get upset by lesser teams they should land here on New Years Eve.
Music City Bowl- Auburn Tigers
Auburn has been a pleasant surprise in the SEC. Starting the season 5-0, it would be unlikely that the Tigers miss a bowl game. They will likely struggle against Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss, but should land in Nashville for the Music City Bowl.
Liberty Bowl- Arkansas Razorbacks
Due to proximity, the Razorbacks should land in Memphis for the Liberty Bowl. Quarterback Ryan Mallet has been a pleasant surprise and with him coming back next year, the Razorbacks will be even more of a SEC threat next season.
Independence Bowl- Tennessee Volunteers
Not exactly what Volunteer faithful can be happy about, but Tennessee should get to 6 wins and become bowl eligible. With the worst record for SEC bowl teams, the Vols will land in the Shrevport Independence Bowl.
Papa Johns.com Bowl- NO ELIGIBLE TEAMS
Saturday, October 17, 2009
College Picks Week 7
SEC WEEK 7
SEC RECORD- 38-11
Georgia @ Vanderbilt- When these two teams met last year BOTH of them were ranked. Both teams this year have fallen on some hard times. After last season’s bowl season, Vandy has regressed back to being….Vandy. The Bulldogs sorely miss not having Mathew Stafford and Knowshun Moreno. The Bulldogs should be able to bounce back from a tough one in Knoxville.
WINNER--- GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Mississippi State @ Middle Tennessee State- Fool me once Bulldogs, shame on me. Fool me twice? Not going to happen. Last week Mississippi State lost to Houston. It is going to be such a shame when they lose to another lesser conference team.
WINNER- MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Arkansas @ Florida- The Razorback offense has to face a tough Florida defense that has given up only 10 points combined in their last 2 games. The Gators look good enough to run the table in the East and make it unbeaten to the SEC Championship game.
WINNER- FLORIDA GATORS
UAB @ Mississippi- Mississippi has not lived up to the billing this season….Jevan Snead should come back for his senior season which means the Rebels will relevant again next season….Anyways, they should win this game by double digits….
WINNER- OLE MISSISSIPPI
Kentucky @ Auburn- Kentucky has been so injury riddled it is going to be tough to go to Jordan Hare stadium and pull out a victory. Auburn was embarrassed last week and should rebound nicely.
WINNER- AUBURN TIGERS
South Carolina @ Alabama- this would be a huge statement game for Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks, BUT it is not going to happen. Alabama is playing better than anyone else in the nation and it is noticeable to the national media as well; they moved to the 2 spot in the polls.
WINNER- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
COLLEGE WEEKLY PICKS
OVERALL RECORD- 19-9
ACC--Virginia Tech o Georgia Tech
BIG 12- Texas o Oklahoma
BIG EAST- West Virginia o Marshall
BIG 10- Iowa o Wisconsin
PAC 10- Stanford o Arizona
EXTRA CHOICE-
USC o Notre Dame
SEC RECORD- 38-11
Georgia @ Vanderbilt- When these two teams met last year BOTH of them were ranked. Both teams this year have fallen on some hard times. After last season’s bowl season, Vandy has regressed back to being….Vandy. The Bulldogs sorely miss not having Mathew Stafford and Knowshun Moreno. The Bulldogs should be able to bounce back from a tough one in Knoxville.
WINNER--- GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Mississippi State @ Middle Tennessee State- Fool me once Bulldogs, shame on me. Fool me twice? Not going to happen. Last week Mississippi State lost to Houston. It is going to be such a shame when they lose to another lesser conference team.
WINNER- MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Arkansas @ Florida- The Razorback offense has to face a tough Florida defense that has given up only 10 points combined in their last 2 games. The Gators look good enough to run the table in the East and make it unbeaten to the SEC Championship game.
WINNER- FLORIDA GATORS
UAB @ Mississippi- Mississippi has not lived up to the billing this season….Jevan Snead should come back for his senior season which means the Rebels will relevant again next season….Anyways, they should win this game by double digits….
WINNER- OLE MISSISSIPPI
Kentucky @ Auburn- Kentucky has been so injury riddled it is going to be tough to go to Jordan Hare stadium and pull out a victory. Auburn was embarrassed last week and should rebound nicely.
WINNER- AUBURN TIGERS
South Carolina @ Alabama- this would be a huge statement game for Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks, BUT it is not going to happen. Alabama is playing better than anyone else in the nation and it is noticeable to the national media as well; they moved to the 2 spot in the polls.
WINNER- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
COLLEGE WEEKLY PICKS
OVERALL RECORD- 19-9
ACC--Virginia Tech o Georgia Tech
BIG 12- Texas o Oklahoma
BIG EAST- West Virginia o Marshall
BIG 10- Iowa o Wisconsin
PAC 10- Stanford o Arizona
EXTRA CHOICE-
USC o Notre Dame
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Kentucky Heads to Columbia
After five weeks, the Cats have not really had a true road game, until now in Columbia. Kentucky faces a confident and newly ranked South Carolina Gamecocks this afternoon and desparatley need a win to right the ship after two embarrassing losses. Here are the KEYS to VICTORY for the Kentucky Wildcats-
KEYS TO VICTORY
1) HARTLINE MUST PLAY WELL- After the game against Alabama and through the week this week Rich Brooks reiterated that Mike Hartline is the Kentucky Wildcats best option RIGHT NOW. So, if the confidence from his coach, Hartline needs to play better, find receivers, and not make mistakes. Last year against South Carolina it was Hartline that cost the Wildcats a win. He needs to play better for the Cats to turn things back around
2) CORNER PLAY- Well, both Trevard Lindley and Paul Warford are out for today’s game, so untested corners will take the field for the Cats. Rich Brooks has said that going into their fifth game, no player on the squad is untested and they should be able to fill in nicely. I am not so sure.
3) START FAST- The downfall for the last two years has been that the Kentucky Wildcats need to start fast. Their inability to match score for score and not get their offense in sync until the second quarter makes things hard to battle back.
OVERALL PROJECTION
Big game for the Kentucky. Two straight BAD losses makes this game be the breakthrough. I don’t see Kentucky being able to match the confidence and intensity of the Gamecocks in Columbia. Steve Spurrier has not lost against Kentucky in his career and it shouldn’t change today.
Big game for the Kentucky. Two straight BAD losses makes this game be the breakthrough. I don’t see Kentucky being able to match the confidence and intensity of the Gamecocks in Columbia. Steve Spurrier has not lost against Kentucky in his career and it shouldn’t change today.
KENTUCKY 10
SOUTH CAROLINA 31
SOUTH CAROLINA 31
College Picks Week 6
Ah, what a past 5 weeks of college football. This will be the first week in the past 5 where I get to stay home and watch all the games and not have to cover anything. This week should be good for viewing as their are key games for a lot of conferences! Here is the week 6 projected winners
LAST WEEK- 5-2
OVERALL- 34-8
Auburn @ Arkansas- Auburn has played better than anyone has expected the first five weeks in the season. This will be a true test for the Tigers headed to Fayetteville. I think Auburn’s ability to move the ball and tact points on the board should be enough to keep Arkansas on the defensive and lose in a close one.
WINNER- AUBURN TIGERS
Kentucky @ South Carolina- All that needs to be said , Steve Spurrier is16-0 against the Kentucky Wildcats. What a rough schedule for the Cats, #1 Florida, #3 Alabama, now a ranked South Carolina, and next week a ranked Auburn. South Carolina should cruise…
WINNER- SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
Georgia @ Tennessee- The Volunteers are 0-2 in the SEC, Lane Kiffin needs this one badly. The Georgia Bulldogs lost a heartbreaker to LSU in the last seconds and that might have just broken their spirits. Tennessee needs a big SEC win, this would be it.
WINNER- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Alabama @ Ole Miss- The Crimson Tide rank #2 in total defense. Ole Miss has a okay offense but has not lived up to expectations. The Tide should dominate this game and continue to reign
the best team in the SEC West.
WINNER- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Vanderbilt @ Army- The Commodores should be able to win a nonconference game at Westpoint.
WINNER- VANDERBILT COMMODORES
Houston @ Mississippi State- Houston lost last week to remove their name of the possible BCS busters, as they head to Starkville they should struggle. Houston has been unable to stop anyone and when you play a game against an SEC team, with superior athletes, defense is a must
WINNER- MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS
Florida @ LSU- The question is- Is Tim Tebow playing or not? I don’t think it really matters. LSU is coming off a physical last second win in Athens and Florida comes off a bye. Sophomore John Brantley should do fine if Tebow can not go. LSU has snuck by teams and surprisingly is unbeaten. Similar to last year, LSU should falter down the stretch.
WINNER- FLORIDA GATORS
College Football
LAST WEEK
OVERALL- 19-9
ACC- VIRGINIA TECH o Boston College
BIG 12- OKLAHOMA o Baylor
BIG EAST- RUTGERS 0 Texas Southern
BIG 10- OHIO STATE o Wisconsin
PAC 10- OREGON o UCLA
UPSET-
MICHIGAN o Iowa
LAST WEEK- 5-2
OVERALL- 34-8
Auburn @ Arkansas- Auburn has played better than anyone has expected the first five weeks in the season. This will be a true test for the Tigers headed to Fayetteville. I think Auburn’s ability to move the ball and tact points on the board should be enough to keep Arkansas on the defensive and lose in a close one.
WINNER- AUBURN TIGERS
Kentucky @ South Carolina- All that needs to be said , Steve Spurrier is16-0 against the Kentucky Wildcats. What a rough schedule for the Cats, #1 Florida, #3 Alabama, now a ranked South Carolina, and next week a ranked Auburn. South Carolina should cruise…
WINNER- SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS
Georgia @ Tennessee- The Volunteers are 0-2 in the SEC, Lane Kiffin needs this one badly. The Georgia Bulldogs lost a heartbreaker to LSU in the last seconds and that might have just broken their spirits. Tennessee needs a big SEC win, this would be it.
WINNER- TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Alabama @ Ole Miss- The Crimson Tide rank #2 in total defense. Ole Miss has a okay offense but has not lived up to expectations. The Tide should dominate this game and continue to reign
the best team in the SEC West.
WINNER- ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
Vanderbilt @ Army- The Commodores should be able to win a nonconference game at Westpoint.
WINNER- VANDERBILT COMMODORES
Houston @ Mississippi State- Houston lost last week to remove their name of the possible BCS busters, as they head to Starkville they should struggle. Houston has been unable to stop anyone and when you play a game against an SEC team, with superior athletes, defense is a must
WINNER- MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS
Florida @ LSU- The question is- Is Tim Tebow playing or not? I don’t think it really matters. LSU is coming off a physical last second win in Athens and Florida comes off a bye. Sophomore John Brantley should do fine if Tebow can not go. LSU has snuck by teams and surprisingly is unbeaten. Similar to last year, LSU should falter down the stretch.
WINNER- FLORIDA GATORS
College Football
LAST WEEK
OVERALL- 19-9
ACC- VIRGINIA TECH o Boston College
BIG 12- OKLAHOMA o Baylor
BIG EAST- RUTGERS 0 Texas Southern
BIG 10- OHIO STATE o Wisconsin
PAC 10- OREGON o UCLA
UPSET-
MICHIGAN o Iowa
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Kentucky Takes On Florida at Commonwealth
Football Time in the Bluegrass!
NEWS/NOTES
Kentucky prepares to take on the defending national champions and the current number one team in the land the Florida Gators today. The last time Kentucky faced a number one team was two years ago when the LSU Tigers came to Commonwealth and lost in an overtime thriller. But this is a different day and different time. Kentucky faces a Florida team that they have not beaten in 22 tries, but here is what is in the Cats favor…
--- Sickness is running rampid through the Gator team. Reported late last night was among the 30 players with flu-like symptoms was Florida’s leader Tim Tebow. A less than healthy Tebow only aides in the Wildcats chances for victory.
--Along with sickness, both teams will have to deal with terrible weather. It has rained ALL week in Lexington and according to one player; Commonwealth Stadium has not been tarped in hopes to slow down the Gators when they take the field. A slick field might hurt both teams, but a slick field and wet ball makes this game a crap shoot.
--Earlier this week I was asked, Is Mike Hartline the 2nd best quarterback in the SEC. Right away I thought NO! But as we rattled off the quarterbacks, statistically Hartline is up there. Tebow far and away more superior to everyone in the SEC, but Ole Miss’ Jevan Snead has struggled, Stephen Garcia of South Carolina has looked strong at times but makes mistakes….I see the point, Hartline might be the second best quarterback in the SEC. He will need to progress even more this week and not turn the ball over like he did last week in Kentucky wants to hang in this game.
KEYS TO KENTUCKY VICTORY-
1) Score Touchdowns - Last week Tennessee laid down an outline on how to cause issues for the Gators; hit them hard and play unafraid. But the Vols did not match touchdowns with Florida. Kentucky must match the Gators score for score and NOT settle for field goals. Field goals will not win this game…
2) No TURNOVERS- Last week against Louisville there were an awful lot of mental errors. The special teams unit gave up a touchdown and large gains on kick returns, Mike Hartline fumbled and threw a interception AND Derrick Locke fumbled a kick return. To keep the game close the Cats must play error free.
3) HIT THE GATORS- Tennessee did this well last week and that’s why heading into half, the Vols trailed by just seven at the half. The defense needs to play fearlessly and hit the Gators at every chance…
OVERALL GAME PROJECTION-
Just breaking down this game gets me excited. Commonwealth will be rocking. Earlier this week coach Rich Brooks told the media that his team doesn’t remember the drubbing by the Gators last year. They remember the three straight bowl wins and the LSU overtime win a few years ago. The Cats should go in confident and with a sick Gator squad that is bumped and bruised physically and mentally Florida team headed to the Commonwealth, the game should be closer than Vegas projects but in the end I think Florida has superior talent all over the field and should leave Kentucky unblemished.
FLORIDA- 23 Kentucky 17
NEWS/NOTES
Kentucky prepares to take on the defending national champions and the current number one team in the land the Florida Gators today. The last time Kentucky faced a number one team was two years ago when the LSU Tigers came to Commonwealth and lost in an overtime thriller. But this is a different day and different time. Kentucky faces a Florida team that they have not beaten in 22 tries, but here is what is in the Cats favor…
--- Sickness is running rampid through the Gator team. Reported late last night was among the 30 players with flu-like symptoms was Florida’s leader Tim Tebow. A less than healthy Tebow only aides in the Wildcats chances for victory.
--Along with sickness, both teams will have to deal with terrible weather. It has rained ALL week in Lexington and according to one player; Commonwealth Stadium has not been tarped in hopes to slow down the Gators when they take the field. A slick field might hurt both teams, but a slick field and wet ball makes this game a crap shoot.
--Earlier this week I was asked, Is Mike Hartline the 2nd best quarterback in the SEC. Right away I thought NO! But as we rattled off the quarterbacks, statistically Hartline is up there. Tebow far and away more superior to everyone in the SEC, but Ole Miss’ Jevan Snead has struggled, Stephen Garcia of South Carolina has looked strong at times but makes mistakes….I see the point, Hartline might be the second best quarterback in the SEC. He will need to progress even more this week and not turn the ball over like he did last week in Kentucky wants to hang in this game.
KEYS TO KENTUCKY VICTORY-
1) Score Touchdowns - Last week Tennessee laid down an outline on how to cause issues for the Gators; hit them hard and play unafraid. But the Vols did not match touchdowns with Florida. Kentucky must match the Gators score for score and NOT settle for field goals. Field goals will not win this game…
2) No TURNOVERS- Last week against Louisville there were an awful lot of mental errors. The special teams unit gave up a touchdown and large gains on kick returns, Mike Hartline fumbled and threw a interception AND Derrick Locke fumbled a kick return. To keep the game close the Cats must play error free.
3) HIT THE GATORS- Tennessee did this well last week and that’s why heading into half, the Vols trailed by just seven at the half. The defense needs to play fearlessly and hit the Gators at every chance…
OVERALL GAME PROJECTION-
Just breaking down this game gets me excited. Commonwealth will be rocking. Earlier this week coach Rich Brooks told the media that his team doesn’t remember the drubbing by the Gators last year. They remember the three straight bowl wins and the LSU overtime win a few years ago. The Cats should go in confident and with a sick Gator squad that is bumped and bruised physically and mentally Florida team headed to the Commonwealth, the game should be closer than Vegas projects but in the end I think Florida has superior talent all over the field and should leave Kentucky unblemished.
FLORIDA- 23 Kentucky 17
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