This is the final week of the NFL regular season and bowls are starting to churn out better and better games as we grow closer to New Year's Day and the blowup of games that day. There are a few games to keep an eye on in the NFL to see who will win divisions, including the NFC Worst, I mean West division. Then, the granddaddy of them all, the Rose Bowl Game features a very enticing game featuring #5 Wisconsin against #3 TCU. Also, Bowl games this week will just be from tomorrow until New Year's as I wouldn't have 10 games next week to fill this space if I didn't tweak it that way. Also, gotta give credit to ESPN.com for some of the info used in this column. Especially with the bowl games. Go to espn.com/ncf and also check the bowl previews.
College
Hyundai Sun Bowl
Miami (FL) vs. Notre Dame
These two once historic programs have fallen on hard times lately. Both had higher aspirations than to be in the Sun Bowl, especially Miami. Miami's head coach got fired for failing to meet those lofty expectations. But, both should be motivated to play in this game. Miami would like to prove themselves to be who everyone thought they'd be, and Notre Dame would like to have a springboard into next season. Notre Dame's defense hopes to continue what it's been doing on their current three game winning streak, holding opponents to just over 230 yards a game. Plus, freshman Tommy Rees would like to continue to mature and hold off incumbent Dayne Crist next season. Then, Miami needs to start producing on offense, especially Jacory Harris who has struggled throughout the season. It should be a great game and hopefully a renewal of an old convicts vs. catholics rivalry.
Pick: Notre Dame 31, Miami 23
Chick-Fil-A Bowl
No. 20 South Carolina vs. No. 23 Florida State
Both these teams are coming off crushing defeats in their respective conference title games, and this sets up a rather nice bowl game. Both teams would love to rebound and get off to a fresh start next season. This should be a lower scoring game, as both teams feature some good defenses. South Carolina led the SEC in rushing defense and in sacks, while Florida State is second in the nation in sacks. Florida State will have to get into the backfield a lot to stop South Carolina's three pronged attack of Stephen Garcia throwing to Alshon Jeffery and handing off to talented freshman Marcus Lattimore. Jeffery and Lattimore both had over 1,000 yards respectively, receiving for Heffery and Lattimore rushing. Florida State has a big question mark at quarterback, as they don't know if talented Christian Ponder will start or EJ Manuel. With that up in the air, go with the Cocks.
Pick: South Carolina 24, Florida State 20
Outback Bowl
Penn State vs. Florida
Both teams had middling 7-5 seasons, but the main storyline going into this bowl will be the coaches. Urban Meyer, 46 retiring at the end of the game presumably for good against the ageless wonder Joe Paterno, 84 who has no plans to retire any time soon. Paterno will coach Penn State next season for as long as Meyer has been alive. Another interesting stat regarding this game is that 9 of the combined 10 losses for the two teams came against ranked opponents at the time they faced them. The only one that didn't: Penn State's loss to Illinois. Florida will be very amp'd up for this game, as they should be since Meyer is retiring. Plus, Penn State doesn't nearly have the level of talent that Florida does, hence why I think Penn State will lose.
Pick: Florida 41, Penn State 24
Capital One Bowl
No. 9 Michigan State vs. No. 16 Alabama
This is one heckuva matchup, as it pits the defending National Champions against the Spartans, who are having a magical season. Both coaches will have no hard feelings for one another after the game, as Mark Dantonio was an assistant under former Michigan State coach Nick Saban and both have remained friends throughout the 11 years since Saban's departure for the warmth of the SEC. The matchups do not favor the Spartans on paper, but the game isn't played on paper, hence why I'm going with my gut and picking Michigan State to upset Alabama.
Pick: Michigan State 24, Alabama 22
Rose Bowl Game presented by Vizio
No. 3 TCU vs. No. 5 Wisconsin
This is a classic strength vs. strength game. TCU has the number one rush defense in the nation, while Wisconsin has the number one rushing offense in the nation. When it comes to these types of strength vs. strength games, always go with the defense. Although Wisconsin does have three nearly 1,000 yard rushers in Montee Ball, John Clay and James White. TCU boasts its own talented offense, led by senior quarterback Andy Dalton, who is as poised as they come. Dalton has been a four year starter at TCU and hopes to go out with a bang, which I think he will.
Pick: TCU 42, Wisconsin 39
NFL
St. Louis at Seattle
This game will decide who comes out of the woeful West. It will either be a .500 team if St. Louis wins, or a team with a losing record, if Seattle wins. Since Matt Hasselbeck is most likely out for the Seahawks, that gives a slight edge to St. Louis and their number one pick Sam Bradford. The one advantage Seattle has is that the game is in Seattle, the loudest stadium in the NFL, by far. Seattle needs to rely on their 12th man and a stingy defense to rattle Bradford into mistakes. Seattle also needs Marshawn Lynch to be a good back this game for them to win the West, which I think they barely do.
Pick: Seattle 27, St. Louis 26
Jacksonville at Houston
Jacksonville needs to win and pray Indianapolis loses to win the AFC South. That being said, Jacksonville should roll against Houston, which seems to have given up since going 4-2 to start the season. Since then, they have gone a woeful 1-8 after their bye week. I don't think there is any chance that Gary Kubiak is staying after the game, and Houston is going home again after another disappointing season.
Pick: Jacksonville 37, Houston 21
Tennessee at Indianapolis
Indianpolis' mission: win and they are in. After their game against Oakland last week proved they can actually run the ball, and take some of the pressure off Peyton Manning, I think they will win again to go into the AFC playoffs as the number four seed. Indianapolis will win because they are getting healthier and the emergence of a running game. Plus, Tennessee has Kerry Collins starting at quarterback. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis will reek havoc on him all day.
Pick: Indy 38, Tennessee 10
Chicago at Green Bay
This is another win and in game, this time for Green Bay. The difference this time is that Chicago still has faint hopes of getting home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Chicago will probably make a decision on their starters depending the result of the Atlanta-Carolina game. If Carolina somehow wins, Chicago will probably play their starters and try and get the number one seed. If Atlanta wins, which I'm thinking will happen, Chicago will probably rest their starters and wait for the divisional opponent. Whichever the case, I think Green Bay will win because they are motivated and for anyone who didn't see their game against the Giants, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay offense destroyed them. Hence, Packers win and they will be in to face the Eagles in the Wild Card round.
Pick: Green Bay 27, Chicago 13
Tampa Bay at New Orleans
Tampa will need to win and have a lot of help if they are to get the final wild card spot in the NFC. New Orleans is still wishing and hoping for that number one seed if Atlanta loses. Both teams have been playing better down the stretch. Tampa has been running the ball effectively with LeGarrette Blount and Josh Freeman not turning the ball over. New Orleans didn't play well at all in Baltimore, but then rebounded last week to beat Atlanta for the first time since 2007 in Atlanta. I think Tampa will fall just short of their dreams this season, but watch for them next season.
Pick: New Orleans 41, Tampa Bay 17
Happy New Year! Celebrate joyously and responsibly this coming New Year's Eve! If you do drink, please get a designated driver or take a cab home, it's much safer! Also, be sure to check out my December game of the month post coming up on Saturday, along with the game of the year also coming Saturday! Then, on Sunday, be sure to check out my Wild Card round and final Bowl picks!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
10 Best football games week 16!
It is hard to believe there are only two weeks left in the regular season in the NFL. What is even more amazing is 13 teams are in contention for the playoffs, and only four playoff spots are already locked up. Then, there is the very much lackluster bowl season thus far, with only one of the four games so far exciting. But, here's hoping for some more exciting bowl games within the next week. Also, thankfully there are more enticing match ups in bowl games this coming week, and there are nine bowls within the next week, so I'm picking the best five bowls in my opinion. Also, as with last week, I give credit to Will Harris, and this week to Pat Forde of espn.com for providing some of the info for me.
College
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Navy at San Diego State
This is one of three games being played at the home team's stadium. the other two being the Hawaii Bowl and the Armed Forces Bowl. But, it will be interesting to see which school has more fans at the game, San Diego State or Navy. Navy has a base in San Diego, and then obviously it is at San Diego State's stadium. But, onto the game. Brady Hoke has done a remarkable job at San Diego State, turning this program from moribound to bowl bound in just two seasons. The Aztecs also have a prolific passing attack which ranks 11th in the nation led by Ryan Lindley, who has passed for over 3,500 yards and may be a dark horse Heisman candidate next season. Navy, on the other hand loves to run the ball, and senior quarterback Ricky Dobbs may have a NFL job lined up for him after his service commitment runs out. Dobbs will want to go out on top, but I gotta go with the hometown Aztecs.
Pick: SDSU 31, Navy 14
Champs Sports Bowl
West Virginia vs. North Carolina State
Tom O'Brien and bowl winning go hand in hand, as O'Brien owns a 8-2 mark in bowl games. The Wolfpack has a great quarterback in Russell Wilson, who has averaged over 300 yards a game by himself. But, the West Virginia defense is in the top five in the nation for both yards allowed and points allowed. West Virginia 's offense hasn't been as explosive as the Mountainners had hoped it'd be, as star running back Noel Devine has been battered by injury, but should be healthy for this game. west Virginia will ride their defense to a win in this game.
Pick: West Virginia 24, N.C. State 13
Insight Bowl
Mizzou vs. Iowa
Iowa has been a disappointment this season, especially in their last three games when they went into a free fall, losing their final three including against a lowly Minnesota team. Mizzou and their spectacular quarterback Blaine Gabbert went 10-2 over the season and their only two losses were to Big 12 north winner Nebraska and to Texas Tech, which was a let down game. Mizzou also beat then number one Oklahoma at home, so I'll give the edge to Mizzou in this one.
Pick: Mizzou 42, Iowa 20
Texas Bowl
Illinois vs. Baylor
This isn't a particularly exciting bowl game, but it's worth watching just for the national exposure of Baylor, who hasn't gone bowling since 1994. Neither team was good by any stretch of the imagination, as both teams were awful down the stretch. Both teams feature good running games though, as Illinois has Mikel Leshoure who rushed for over 1,500 yards and Baylor has Robert Griffith II, and expect a shootout.
Pick: Baylor 45, Illinois 38
Valero Alamo Bowl
Oklahoma State vs. Arizona
Arizona has been in free fall, as they haven't won a game since October. That fact alone makes me want to pick against Arizona. Also, the Wildcats defense has been non existent their past four games, giving up at least 24 points in each of their final four games. Oklahoma State has been a juggernaut offensive team the entire season with the terriffic trio of Brandon Weeden, Justin Blackmon, and Kendall Hunter. If Oklahoma State ever got a defense to match its impressive offense, they could be a national title contender.
Pick: Oklahoma State 50, Arizona 28
NFL
San Francisco at St. Louis
This is one of those games in the ever worsening NFC West. This is an anomaly for this season, as no division is rarely this bad, and this division winner will probably go out in the first round, but there must be a winner. San Francisco has won five straight versus the Rams, and I think that trend will continue this week, even in St. Louis. The 49ers defense will be their saving grace and pick off Sam Bradford and sack him a lot to help the anemic offense.
Pick: San Francisco 24, St. Louis 23
New York Jets at Chicago
Chicago came out of frigid Minnesota with the NFC North title and now they are on their quest for the NFC's number two seed. The Jets need to win out to secure a playoff spot, and they looked good against Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, as they rattled Ben Roethlisberger all day and came back from a fourth quarter deficit to win. I think Chicago will lose out, as that would be helpful to the Eagles. I also think the Jets will finish out the season as they did last year, with victories in their final two games to sneak into the playoffs.
Pick: New York Jets 31, Chicago 21
New York Giants at Green Bay
This game is an elimination game for Green Bay, as if they lose, they're eliminated from the playoff picture. New York could lose this game and still get into the playoffs, if Green Bay lost in week 17 and New York won against Washington. But, this will be a good game, as Aaron Rodgers is back after suffering a concussion against Detroit. New York will need to bounce back from their debacle against the Eagles when they gave up 28 points in 7:30 seconds. With Rodgers back, I think the Pack will bounce back and get a win.
Pick: Green Bay 24, New York 20
Minnesota at Philadelphia
Philly is flying high after their miracle at the Meadowlands and just need to win both of their games and have Chicago lose once for the Eagles to clinch the number two seed in the NFC. They also just need the Giants to lose once or the Eagles need to win once to clinch the NFC East. If the Giants don't lose in Green Bay, the Eagles most definitely will win against Minnesota in the snow on Sunday night. The Vikings will have either a bruised and battered Brett Favre starting or inexperienced rookie Joe Webb starting at quarterback. Sean McDermott will have the blitzes lined up and ready to go to rattle either quarterback and the Eagles will create turnovers.
Pick: Philly 34, Minnesota 13
New Orleans at Atlanta
New Orleans has pretty much clinched a playoff spot, all they need to do is either win or have Tampa lose and they have clinched. New Orleans needs to win this game and pray Atlanta loses to Carolina in week 17 for the Saints to clinch back to back NFC South division titles. Atlanta has been proving me wrong week after week, winning continuously on the road as well as at home. Atlanta has not lost at home since 2007, but they have escaped losses at home throughout the season. I think New Orleans will rectify their loss in week three and finally win in Atlanta.
Pick: New Orleans 26, Atlanta 24
Finally, remember the true reason for the season, Jesus Christ and his birth. Let us remember God becoming man this weekend along with the feast full of family and friends. Let us remember Jesus' birth this weekend and every day. Have a wonderful weekend, fill yourself with food and enjoy this weekend!
College
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Navy at San Diego State
This is one of three games being played at the home team's stadium. the other two being the Hawaii Bowl and the Armed Forces Bowl. But, it will be interesting to see which school has more fans at the game, San Diego State or Navy. Navy has a base in San Diego, and then obviously it is at San Diego State's stadium. But, onto the game. Brady Hoke has done a remarkable job at San Diego State, turning this program from moribound to bowl bound in just two seasons. The Aztecs also have a prolific passing attack which ranks 11th in the nation led by Ryan Lindley, who has passed for over 3,500 yards and may be a dark horse Heisman candidate next season. Navy, on the other hand loves to run the ball, and senior quarterback Ricky Dobbs may have a NFL job lined up for him after his service commitment runs out. Dobbs will want to go out on top, but I gotta go with the hometown Aztecs.
Pick: SDSU 31, Navy 14
Champs Sports Bowl
West Virginia vs. North Carolina State
Tom O'Brien and bowl winning go hand in hand, as O'Brien owns a 8-2 mark in bowl games. The Wolfpack has a great quarterback in Russell Wilson, who has averaged over 300 yards a game by himself. But, the West Virginia defense is in the top five in the nation for both yards allowed and points allowed. West Virginia 's offense hasn't been as explosive as the Mountainners had hoped it'd be, as star running back Noel Devine has been battered by injury, but should be healthy for this game. west Virginia will ride their defense to a win in this game.
Pick: West Virginia 24, N.C. State 13
Insight Bowl
Mizzou vs. Iowa
Iowa has been a disappointment this season, especially in their last three games when they went into a free fall, losing their final three including against a lowly Minnesota team. Mizzou and their spectacular quarterback Blaine Gabbert went 10-2 over the season and their only two losses were to Big 12 north winner Nebraska and to Texas Tech, which was a let down game. Mizzou also beat then number one Oklahoma at home, so I'll give the edge to Mizzou in this one.
Pick: Mizzou 42, Iowa 20
Texas Bowl
Illinois vs. Baylor
This isn't a particularly exciting bowl game, but it's worth watching just for the national exposure of Baylor, who hasn't gone bowling since 1994. Neither team was good by any stretch of the imagination, as both teams were awful down the stretch. Both teams feature good running games though, as Illinois has Mikel Leshoure who rushed for over 1,500 yards and Baylor has Robert Griffith II, and expect a shootout.
Pick: Baylor 45, Illinois 38
Valero Alamo Bowl
Oklahoma State vs. Arizona
Arizona has been in free fall, as they haven't won a game since October. That fact alone makes me want to pick against Arizona. Also, the Wildcats defense has been non existent their past four games, giving up at least 24 points in each of their final four games. Oklahoma State has been a juggernaut offensive team the entire season with the terriffic trio of Brandon Weeden, Justin Blackmon, and Kendall Hunter. If Oklahoma State ever got a defense to match its impressive offense, they could be a national title contender.
Pick: Oklahoma State 50, Arizona 28
NFL
San Francisco at St. Louis
This is one of those games in the ever worsening NFC West. This is an anomaly for this season, as no division is rarely this bad, and this division winner will probably go out in the first round, but there must be a winner. San Francisco has won five straight versus the Rams, and I think that trend will continue this week, even in St. Louis. The 49ers defense will be their saving grace and pick off Sam Bradford and sack him a lot to help the anemic offense.
Pick: San Francisco 24, St. Louis 23
New York Jets at Chicago
Chicago came out of frigid Minnesota with the NFC North title and now they are on their quest for the NFC's number two seed. The Jets need to win out to secure a playoff spot, and they looked good against Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, as they rattled Ben Roethlisberger all day and came back from a fourth quarter deficit to win. I think Chicago will lose out, as that would be helpful to the Eagles. I also think the Jets will finish out the season as they did last year, with victories in their final two games to sneak into the playoffs.
Pick: New York Jets 31, Chicago 21
New York Giants at Green Bay
This game is an elimination game for Green Bay, as if they lose, they're eliminated from the playoff picture. New York could lose this game and still get into the playoffs, if Green Bay lost in week 17 and New York won against Washington. But, this will be a good game, as Aaron Rodgers is back after suffering a concussion against Detroit. New York will need to bounce back from their debacle against the Eagles when they gave up 28 points in 7:30 seconds. With Rodgers back, I think the Pack will bounce back and get a win.
Pick: Green Bay 24, New York 20
Minnesota at Philadelphia
Philly is flying high after their miracle at the Meadowlands and just need to win both of their games and have Chicago lose once for the Eagles to clinch the number two seed in the NFC. They also just need the Giants to lose once or the Eagles need to win once to clinch the NFC East. If the Giants don't lose in Green Bay, the Eagles most definitely will win against Minnesota in the snow on Sunday night. The Vikings will have either a bruised and battered Brett Favre starting or inexperienced rookie Joe Webb starting at quarterback. Sean McDermott will have the blitzes lined up and ready to go to rattle either quarterback and the Eagles will create turnovers.
Pick: Philly 34, Minnesota 13
New Orleans at Atlanta
New Orleans has pretty much clinched a playoff spot, all they need to do is either win or have Tampa lose and they have clinched. New Orleans needs to win this game and pray Atlanta loses to Carolina in week 17 for the Saints to clinch back to back NFC South division titles. Atlanta has been proving me wrong week after week, winning continuously on the road as well as at home. Atlanta has not lost at home since 2007, but they have escaped losses at home throughout the season. I think New Orleans will rectify their loss in week three and finally win in Atlanta.
Pick: New Orleans 26, Atlanta 24
Finally, remember the true reason for the season, Jesus Christ and his birth. Let us remember God becoming man this weekend along with the feast full of family and friends. Let us remember Jesus' birth this weekend and every day. Have a wonderful weekend, fill yourself with food and enjoy this weekend!
Friday, December 17, 2010
10 Best Football Games Week 15!
Well, bowl games are arriving this week, and pretty much all of the are horrible looking except for the Maaco Las Vegas bowl, which pits Boise State versus Utah. But, the rest are all between mid-major teams like Troy and Ohio. But, in the NFL, there are six or seven really good games coming up on Sunday and one of them will essentially determine a division champion, that being Colts-Jaguars. So, allow me to start off your football weekend with the 10 best football games this weekend! O, and credit goes to Will Harris of espn.com for most college info, as I have no idea about these games.
College
BYU vs. UTEP
New Mexico Bowl
BYU was hoping to be in contention for the Mountain West title, but pretty much flopped right out of the gate at 1-4, and were out of the running, but they have roared back to finish at 6-6, as head coach Bronco Mendenhall took over as defensive coordinator to help the cougars rebound. The Miners however have gone in the opposite direction, starting out 5-1, and finishing 1-5, as their starting quarterback went down. My rule of thumb is if someone is one the down swing to finish off the year, they are not going to play well in the bowl game.
Pick: BYU 37, UTEP 13
Fresno State vs. Northern Illinois
uDrove Humanitarian Bowl
O, as a side note, bowl games have the oddest sponsors trying to get their names out there, and for me, I got no idea what uDrove is or anything, but look for these throughout bowl season. Now, onto the game. Northern Illinois got to the MAC championship game, and lost to Miami (OH), so that's how they ended up here in Boise on the blue turf. Northern Illinois not only lost to Miami, but they also lost their head coach and they ran into a defense intent on stopping them in the MAC championship game holding them to only 21 when they averaged over 60 the past three games. Fresno on the other hand has been amazing against BCS qualifying teams in bowl games, but they are 0-5 against fellow mid-majors. But, I think they'll break out against the Huskies.
Pick: Fresno State 24, NIU10
Troy vs. Ohio
R&L Carriers New Orleans
Troy is coming to this game again from winning the Sun Belt conference. But, they are not having their customary strong defense, which could hurt them, but not likely, as Ohio failed to secure the MAC East division championship against a weak Kent State team. So, Ohio will be coming in motivated to prove everyone wrong in this game.
Pick: Ohio 31, Troy 20
Southern Miss vs. Louisville
Beef O' Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl
This is the only game from now until next Wednesday which features a BCS conference team, that being Louisville. Louisville came back from a horrible few years under Steve Kragthorpe to be bowl eligible again under new coach Charlie Strong. Southern Miss has always been pretty good in the non-AQ conferences. Both defenses are not all that good, so it should be a shootout.
Pick: Souther Miss 42, Louisville 40
Utah vs. Boise State
Maaco Bowl Las Vegas
This is the premier bowl game until next Thursday at least, as both teams are ranked, and both teams had one or two losses. Boise's lone loss was against Nevada in Nevada, who is no slouch of a team, ranked in the top 20. Plus, I still believe Kyle Brotzman's field goal as time expired was good, look at the back angle, and you'd say it's good too. Utah's two losses were back to back as they got trounced at home by TCU and then also got trounced on the road at then struggling Notre Dame. But, now this is just a toss up game. But, I think Boise is definitely the better team.
Pick: Boise 45, Utah 20
NFL
Jacksonville at Indianapolis
This is the most important game of the weekend, as far as playoff positioning is concerned and if Peyton Manning can get to the playoffs for the ninth consecutive year. But, they have been injury ravaged the entire season, and Jacksonville has been on a roll since they fell to 3-4 when they lost at the Kansas City Chiefs. This game will essentially decide the division winner, as if Jacksonville wins, they'll be the AFC South champions, as they beat the Colts in Jacksonville earlier and own the tiebreaker over them. To me, even Peyton Manning cannot overcome all of the injuries the Colts have endured this season and Jacksonville has been under appreciated the entire season and will win.
Pick: Jacksonville 23, Indianapolis 20
Philadelphia at New York Giants
This game also has major implications as far as a division race is concerned, as both teams are vying for the NFC East lead and possibly the number 2 seed in the NFC. Both teams have just improved since their last meeting earlier in November. Both teams are banged up, as the Giants top two wide receivers are out for the season, while two pieces of the Eagles defense are gone for the season. So, it should be an excellent game, between two rivals, and I have confidence in the Eagles to win and win the division then.
Pick: Philly 27, New York Giants 23
New Orleans at Baltimore
This is the best intra-conference game of the weekend, and it is important to both teams, as New Orleans needs this game to keep pace with Atlanta in the NFC South race, and Baltimore would love to have Pittsburgh slip up against the Jets. Baltimore has been odd this season, as they have gotten big leads, but then nearly blown them. A perfect example came last Monday, when they were up big on the Texans, and then they had to win in overtime. While New Orleans has been sneaking under the radar and nobody has paid any attention to them since they fell to 4-3 against the Browns and everyone thought that their season was over. Since then, they've won six straight and are clicking on all cylinders right now.
Pick: New Orleans 34, Baltimore 24
New York Jets at Pittsburgh
Baltimore would love for the Jets to win, and the Jets need to win to keep from slipping even further and having a three game losing streak. The Jets have the perfect opportunity to do that versus a banged up Steelers secondary, as Troy Polamalu is most likely out of the game. But, the Jets will need to step up with their pass protection and Mark Sanchez will need to turn around his performance if the Jets are to win, especially because the Jets cannot run the ball against the top ranked run defense in the AFC.
Pick: New York Jets 17, Pittsburgh 13
Kansas City at St. Louis
While Green Bay and New England may be the featured game on NBC's Sunday night football, this game has more intrigue. The reason it has more intrigue is that it's a game between division leaders, and it could be classified as a "rivalry" game, even though these two teams only play each other every four years. This game is similar to the Steelers and Eagles in Pennsylvania, it's for state supremacy. This game all comes down to Kansas City's quarterback scenario. If Matt Cassel starts, Chiefs will win by double digits, if Brodie Croyle starts, St. Louis wins by double digits. My bet is that Croyle starts and will continue his streak of going winless.
Pick: St. Louis 28, Kansas City 12
Also, if anyone is interested and you still have time, please create a college bowl mania entry on espn.com, pick straight picks, and then search sports blog and PJ's sports blog will come up, compete against me for bragging rights this bowl season!
College
BYU vs. UTEP
New Mexico Bowl
BYU was hoping to be in contention for the Mountain West title, but pretty much flopped right out of the gate at 1-4, and were out of the running, but they have roared back to finish at 6-6, as head coach Bronco Mendenhall took over as defensive coordinator to help the cougars rebound. The Miners however have gone in the opposite direction, starting out 5-1, and finishing 1-5, as their starting quarterback went down. My rule of thumb is if someone is one the down swing to finish off the year, they are not going to play well in the bowl game.
Pick: BYU 37, UTEP 13
Fresno State vs. Northern Illinois
uDrove Humanitarian Bowl
O, as a side note, bowl games have the oddest sponsors trying to get their names out there, and for me, I got no idea what uDrove is or anything, but look for these throughout bowl season. Now, onto the game. Northern Illinois got to the MAC championship game, and lost to Miami (OH), so that's how they ended up here in Boise on the blue turf. Northern Illinois not only lost to Miami, but they also lost their head coach and they ran into a defense intent on stopping them in the MAC championship game holding them to only 21 when they averaged over 60 the past three games. Fresno on the other hand has been amazing against BCS qualifying teams in bowl games, but they are 0-5 against fellow mid-majors. But, I think they'll break out against the Huskies.
Pick: Fresno State 24, NIU10
Troy vs. Ohio
R&L Carriers New Orleans
Troy is coming to this game again from winning the Sun Belt conference. But, they are not having their customary strong defense, which could hurt them, but not likely, as Ohio failed to secure the MAC East division championship against a weak Kent State team. So, Ohio will be coming in motivated to prove everyone wrong in this game.
Pick: Ohio 31, Troy 20
Southern Miss vs. Louisville
Beef O' Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl
This is the only game from now until next Wednesday which features a BCS conference team, that being Louisville. Louisville came back from a horrible few years under Steve Kragthorpe to be bowl eligible again under new coach Charlie Strong. Southern Miss has always been pretty good in the non-AQ conferences. Both defenses are not all that good, so it should be a shootout.
Pick: Souther Miss 42, Louisville 40
Utah vs. Boise State
Maaco Bowl Las Vegas
This is the premier bowl game until next Thursday at least, as both teams are ranked, and both teams had one or two losses. Boise's lone loss was against Nevada in Nevada, who is no slouch of a team, ranked in the top 20. Plus, I still believe Kyle Brotzman's field goal as time expired was good, look at the back angle, and you'd say it's good too. Utah's two losses were back to back as they got trounced at home by TCU and then also got trounced on the road at then struggling Notre Dame. But, now this is just a toss up game. But, I think Boise is definitely the better team.
Pick: Boise 45, Utah 20
NFL
Jacksonville at Indianapolis
This is the most important game of the weekend, as far as playoff positioning is concerned and if Peyton Manning can get to the playoffs for the ninth consecutive year. But, they have been injury ravaged the entire season, and Jacksonville has been on a roll since they fell to 3-4 when they lost at the Kansas City Chiefs. This game will essentially decide the division winner, as if Jacksonville wins, they'll be the AFC South champions, as they beat the Colts in Jacksonville earlier and own the tiebreaker over them. To me, even Peyton Manning cannot overcome all of the injuries the Colts have endured this season and Jacksonville has been under appreciated the entire season and will win.
Pick: Jacksonville 23, Indianapolis 20
Philadelphia at New York Giants
This game also has major implications as far as a division race is concerned, as both teams are vying for the NFC East lead and possibly the number 2 seed in the NFC. Both teams have just improved since their last meeting earlier in November. Both teams are banged up, as the Giants top two wide receivers are out for the season, while two pieces of the Eagles defense are gone for the season. So, it should be an excellent game, between two rivals, and I have confidence in the Eagles to win and win the division then.
Pick: Philly 27, New York Giants 23
New Orleans at Baltimore
This is the best intra-conference game of the weekend, and it is important to both teams, as New Orleans needs this game to keep pace with Atlanta in the NFC South race, and Baltimore would love to have Pittsburgh slip up against the Jets. Baltimore has been odd this season, as they have gotten big leads, but then nearly blown them. A perfect example came last Monday, when they were up big on the Texans, and then they had to win in overtime. While New Orleans has been sneaking under the radar and nobody has paid any attention to them since they fell to 4-3 against the Browns and everyone thought that their season was over. Since then, they've won six straight and are clicking on all cylinders right now.
Pick: New Orleans 34, Baltimore 24
New York Jets at Pittsburgh
Baltimore would love for the Jets to win, and the Jets need to win to keep from slipping even further and having a three game losing streak. The Jets have the perfect opportunity to do that versus a banged up Steelers secondary, as Troy Polamalu is most likely out of the game. But, the Jets will need to step up with their pass protection and Mark Sanchez will need to turn around his performance if the Jets are to win, especially because the Jets cannot run the ball against the top ranked run defense in the AFC.
Pick: New York Jets 17, Pittsburgh 13
Kansas City at St. Louis
While Green Bay and New England may be the featured game on NBC's Sunday night football, this game has more intrigue. The reason it has more intrigue is that it's a game between division leaders, and it could be classified as a "rivalry" game, even though these two teams only play each other every four years. This game is similar to the Steelers and Eagles in Pennsylvania, it's for state supremacy. This game all comes down to Kansas City's quarterback scenario. If Matt Cassel starts, Chiefs will win by double digits, if Brodie Croyle starts, St. Louis wins by double digits. My bet is that Croyle starts and will continue his streak of going winless.
Pick: St. Louis 28, Kansas City 12
Also, if anyone is interested and you still have time, please create a college bowl mania entry on espn.com, pick straight picks, and then search sports blog and PJ's sports blog will come up, compete against me for bragging rights this bowl season!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
10 Best Football Games Week 14!
Sorry for the lateness of this post, been incredibly busy all throughout the week, as new job and such kinda derails your original plans. But, as I am starting this past the time the Army-Navy game was well in hand. I would have picked Navy to beat Army handily, as Navy has been too strong and are really playing their best football right now. Also, as Bowl season is about to begin next Saturday, I will be doing five bowl games per week, with each week ending on a Wednesday. So, for instance next week, there will be five games I pick, and those will end on the 22nd, then 29th, and so on into the new year. Now, on to the 10 best NFL games this week. It is a fairly slim picking as far as intriguing and playoff implicating games, but I will pick the 10 which have at least some impact.
Atlanta at Carolina
This is one of the many games which fit this week's mold. There is one team which is headed to the playoffs almost certainly, and the other is hoping for a good draft pick. The only reason why this game is even getting picked is because Atlanta has the chance to clinch a playoff spot if they get a few teams to lose, and they win. It is a certainty that they will win, it's just a matter of how much and if they will clinch a playoff spot this week.
Pick: Atlanta 41, Carolina 13
New York Giants at Minnesota
Minnesota has rebounded from an awful 3-7 start to win back-to-back games under new head coach Leslie Frazier, and are out of the playoff race unless something miraculous happens. But, the Vikings would like to finish the season on a winning stride. But, Brett Favre is a game-time decision with a shoulder injury, and Tarvaris Jackson isn't the best passer, but could get the job done. New York however, is still fighting for NFC East supremacy and they need to keep up with the Eagles. So, it will be a close game, but New York pulls it out.
Pick: New York 31, Minnesota 27
Tampa Bay at Washington
If this game were being played under colder conditions, I'd go with the Redskins even though they have lost 4 of their past 5. The reason why I say that, is because Tampa has a long history of losing when the kickoff temperature is under 40. But, this game is going to feature a ton of LeGarrette Blount as it will be pouring in D.C. and Blount will need to carry the load and hold onto the ball for a while. Tampa will run the ball with effectiveness and be dominant, especially since Albert Haynesworth has been suspended for the last four games.
Pick: Tampa Bay 27, Washington 6
Oakland at Jacksonville
Oakland is trying to win out to maintain it's slim playoff hopes. Jacksonville, on the other hand, needs to win to maintain its one game lead over Indianapolis. Jacksonville has been on a roll as of late as well, winning 5 of their last 6. Their only loss came to the Giants in New York. Jacksonville has been winning and will continue to win, as I see them winning the AFC South and taking over control from Indianapolis.
Pick: Jacksonville 29, Oakland 12
St. Louis at New Orleans
This is intriguing, as it has the defending Super Bowl champs, who are in a position to go to the playoffs against the division leading Rams. The Rams may win the weak NFC West, but Sam Bradford will have fits all day with Gregg Williams and the Saints defense sacking him all day. Plus, Drew Brees and the Saints offense have been rolling lately, and at home, they are doing very well.
Pick: New Orleans 31, St. Louis 16
Seattle at San Francisco
San Francisco has changed quarterbacks again, back to Alex Smith, as Troy Smith struggled last week against Green Bay when he only went 10/25 for only 178 yards. San Francisco wants to help keep its slim playoff hopes alive if they win out and hope that both St. Louis and Seattle also finish 8-8 or worse. I don't think that will happen however. Seattle has been doing fairly well under Pete Carroll and could be in line for a division title.
Pick: Seattle 30, San Francisco 21
New England at Chicago
This game is the cream of the crop this week, as it features two great teams. New England features an amazing offense, as they just decimated the Jets last week with it. Then, Chicago features an amazing defense, which only allows 16 points per game. New England and their offense just decimated the amazing Jets defense by putting up 45 points. I don't think they'll put up that many against the Bears, but I think that they'll win the game by a fairly healthy amount.
Pick: New England 38, Chicago 27
Miami at New York Jets
Miami again needs this game to maintain its slim hopes for the playoffs, sitting 9th in the AFC right now with a record of 6-6. New York needs this game to keep pace in the AFC playoff race. I think with their blowout loss against New England, they'll bounce back with a big game against their divisional rival.
Pick: New York 34, Miami 20
Kansas City at San Diego
San Diego may be down by two games in the AFC West, but do not count them out of the AFC West race. Especially when you consider that Matt Cassel is going to be out for Kansas City and Brodie Croyle could be in for two games for the Chiefs. Plus, Croyle is winless as a starter, and San Diego is coming off its first loss in December in a few years.
Pick: San Diego 34, Kansas City 10
Philadelphia at Dallas
Dallas has been on a roll since Jason Garrett took over as head coach, winning 3 of his first four games, losing a close one to New Orleans on Thanksgiving day. Dallas has lost one key cog on offense though, Dez Bryant with a broken ankle for the rest of the season. But, Philadelphia has lost its best cornerback for the past few games with a leg injury, and their starting tackle Winston Justice is out for this game as well. Philadelphia still remembers how they were embarrassed out of the playoffs last season by Dallas, and would love nothing more than to get a win over Dallas in Dallas this week.
Pick: Philly 30, Dallas 28
Atlanta at Carolina
This is one of the many games which fit this week's mold. There is one team which is headed to the playoffs almost certainly, and the other is hoping for a good draft pick. The only reason why this game is even getting picked is because Atlanta has the chance to clinch a playoff spot if they get a few teams to lose, and they win. It is a certainty that they will win, it's just a matter of how much and if they will clinch a playoff spot this week.
Pick: Atlanta 41, Carolina 13
New York Giants at Minnesota
Minnesota has rebounded from an awful 3-7 start to win back-to-back games under new head coach Leslie Frazier, and are out of the playoff race unless something miraculous happens. But, the Vikings would like to finish the season on a winning stride. But, Brett Favre is a game-time decision with a shoulder injury, and Tarvaris Jackson isn't the best passer, but could get the job done. New York however, is still fighting for NFC East supremacy and they need to keep up with the Eagles. So, it will be a close game, but New York pulls it out.
Pick: New York 31, Minnesota 27
Tampa Bay at Washington
If this game were being played under colder conditions, I'd go with the Redskins even though they have lost 4 of their past 5. The reason why I say that, is because Tampa has a long history of losing when the kickoff temperature is under 40. But, this game is going to feature a ton of LeGarrette Blount as it will be pouring in D.C. and Blount will need to carry the load and hold onto the ball for a while. Tampa will run the ball with effectiveness and be dominant, especially since Albert Haynesworth has been suspended for the last four games.
Pick: Tampa Bay 27, Washington 6
Oakland at Jacksonville
Oakland is trying to win out to maintain it's slim playoff hopes. Jacksonville, on the other hand, needs to win to maintain its one game lead over Indianapolis. Jacksonville has been on a roll as of late as well, winning 5 of their last 6. Their only loss came to the Giants in New York. Jacksonville has been winning and will continue to win, as I see them winning the AFC South and taking over control from Indianapolis.
Pick: Jacksonville 29, Oakland 12
St. Louis at New Orleans
This is intriguing, as it has the defending Super Bowl champs, who are in a position to go to the playoffs against the division leading Rams. The Rams may win the weak NFC West, but Sam Bradford will have fits all day with Gregg Williams and the Saints defense sacking him all day. Plus, Drew Brees and the Saints offense have been rolling lately, and at home, they are doing very well.
Pick: New Orleans 31, St. Louis 16
Seattle at San Francisco
San Francisco has changed quarterbacks again, back to Alex Smith, as Troy Smith struggled last week against Green Bay when he only went 10/25 for only 178 yards. San Francisco wants to help keep its slim playoff hopes alive if they win out and hope that both St. Louis and Seattle also finish 8-8 or worse. I don't think that will happen however. Seattle has been doing fairly well under Pete Carroll and could be in line for a division title.
Pick: Seattle 30, San Francisco 21
New England at Chicago
This game is the cream of the crop this week, as it features two great teams. New England features an amazing offense, as they just decimated the Jets last week with it. Then, Chicago features an amazing defense, which only allows 16 points per game. New England and their offense just decimated the amazing Jets defense by putting up 45 points. I don't think they'll put up that many against the Bears, but I think that they'll win the game by a fairly healthy amount.
Pick: New England 38, Chicago 27
Miami at New York Jets
Miami again needs this game to maintain its slim hopes for the playoffs, sitting 9th in the AFC right now with a record of 6-6. New York needs this game to keep pace in the AFC playoff race. I think with their blowout loss against New England, they'll bounce back with a big game against their divisional rival.
Pick: New York 34, Miami 20
Kansas City at San Diego
San Diego may be down by two games in the AFC West, but do not count them out of the AFC West race. Especially when you consider that Matt Cassel is going to be out for Kansas City and Brodie Croyle could be in for two games for the Chiefs. Plus, Croyle is winless as a starter, and San Diego is coming off its first loss in December in a few years.
Pick: San Diego 34, Kansas City 10
Philadelphia at Dallas
Dallas has been on a roll since Jason Garrett took over as head coach, winning 3 of his first four games, losing a close one to New Orleans on Thanksgiving day. Dallas has lost one key cog on offense though, Dez Bryant with a broken ankle for the rest of the season. But, Philadelphia has lost its best cornerback for the past few games with a leg injury, and their starting tackle Winston Justice is out for this game as well. Philadelphia still remembers how they were embarrassed out of the playoffs last season by Dallas, and would love nothing more than to get a win over Dallas in Dallas this week.
Pick: Philly 30, Dallas 28
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
November Game of the Month!
November had plenty of good games to choose from, unlike its predecessor, which in my estimation did not have too much to jump off the table with. But, November offered up more than its fair share of college football games alone to fill the requisite three games to be considered for game of the month, and two of them occurred just this past weekend!
The three games were: Illinois at Michigan, Auburn at Alabama, and Boise State at Nevada. These three were chosen based on the importance of the latter two, and just the absolute craziness of the first.
Illinois and Michigan played just one thriller of a game, as it was a 67-65 triple overtime thriller. These two teams racked up a ton of points first off, so it was very exciting to watch on television, as most Michigan games were this past season when they had an explosive offense and a debilitating defense. Plus, when overtime gets involved, it makes any game go up there on a game of the month or year list.
Then, there was the "Iron Bowl" between Auburn and Alabama. This game had three things going for it. One, it is a rivalry game each and every year, no matter how bad either team is, they will always play their best against their most hated rival. The second thing was that it had national title game implications, as if Auburn would have lost, they would have been knocked out of the national title game and absolute chaos would have ensued with the BCS. Finally, it had a great comeback led by a Heisman trophy candidate. How could that game not be part of it?
Finally, there was the Boise State at Nevada game. This game also was great, as it featured the premier quarterback of a program's history (Colin Kapernick) engineering a big comeback to derail Boise State's title hopes. Then, there was a heartbreaking ending with Boise State's kicker, Kyle Brotzman who missed two basically chip-shot field goals within 30 yards. Plus, this game decided who won the conference between two of the best teams in all of college football.
So, which of these three gets the title of November Game of the Month? It has to be Auburn at Alabama. As mentioned above, it would have cause pure chaos had Alabama won. Alabama seemed poised to win after the first quarter, where the Tide put a complete whipping on Auburn, going up 24-0 and it seemed as if it was going to be a blowout. However, Cam Newton essentially sealed his Heisman trophy with the comeback victory. Plus, the Auburn defense tightened up against some of the biggest playmakers in college football.
Be sure to check out the 10 best football games post following this one as well!
The three games were: Illinois at Michigan, Auburn at Alabama, and Boise State at Nevada. These three were chosen based on the importance of the latter two, and just the absolute craziness of the first.
Illinois and Michigan played just one thriller of a game, as it was a 67-65 triple overtime thriller. These two teams racked up a ton of points first off, so it was very exciting to watch on television, as most Michigan games were this past season when they had an explosive offense and a debilitating defense. Plus, when overtime gets involved, it makes any game go up there on a game of the month or year list.
Then, there was the "Iron Bowl" between Auburn and Alabama. This game had three things going for it. One, it is a rivalry game each and every year, no matter how bad either team is, they will always play their best against their most hated rival. The second thing was that it had national title game implications, as if Auburn would have lost, they would have been knocked out of the national title game and absolute chaos would have ensued with the BCS. Finally, it had a great comeback led by a Heisman trophy candidate. How could that game not be part of it?
Finally, there was the Boise State at Nevada game. This game also was great, as it featured the premier quarterback of a program's history (Colin Kapernick) engineering a big comeback to derail Boise State's title hopes. Then, there was a heartbreaking ending with Boise State's kicker, Kyle Brotzman who missed two basically chip-shot field goals within 30 yards. Plus, this game decided who won the conference between two of the best teams in all of college football.
So, which of these three gets the title of November Game of the Month? It has to be Auburn at Alabama. As mentioned above, it would have cause pure chaos had Alabama won. Alabama seemed poised to win after the first quarter, where the Tide put a complete whipping on Auburn, going up 24-0 and it seemed as if it was going to be a blowout. However, Cam Newton essentially sealed his Heisman trophy with the comeback victory. Plus, the Auburn defense tightened up against some of the biggest playmakers in college football.
Be sure to check out the 10 best football games post following this one as well!
10 Best Football Games Week 13!
The second best week in football comes this week for college football fans, as it is Championship Week, with more than half of the conferences will decide champions this week. But, I'm sorry for all of the MAC and C-USA lovers out there, I will not be previewing those two championship games this week. My friend Jason is however, please go to thefroshfifteen.blogspot.com to check out his predictions regarding those games. I will be concentrating on games which will factor into which teams get into the BCS and the National title game.
Then, in the NFL, there are only five weeks left to determine who will get into the playoffs and we are getting close to the final turn to separate the 20 team field of contenders into the 12 who will eventually make the playoffs. Now, to get on to the games!
College
No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 19 South Carolina
Cam Newton is eligible to play in this game. Therefore, Auburn will probably win, and they should win, considering they won last time at home against South Carolina. But, my personal feeling is that Cam Newton should not be eligible, because he had to know his dad's scheme to get any school to pay for his son's services to play for that particular school. The NCAA says that Cam didn't know of his dad's scheme, and that would make him ineligible. But, my feeling is that the NCAA wants Newton to play, and therefore have Auburn win and then TCU will not be in the national title game. South Carolina would roll if Newton was not playing, but the NCAA does not want an excluded team from playing for the national title, and they want ESPN, in their first year of getting the BCS to get the biggest ratings possible.
Pick: Auburn 37, South Carolina 31
No. 2 Oregon at Oregon State
The "civil war" game is a rivalry game, and could be very close had Oregon State's season not been derailed when James Rodgers went down with a season ending injury. Oregon State has lost three of its past four, and needs this win to become bowl eligible. But, Oregon will roll, as even a rivalry game at Oregon State cannot stop this locomotive going down the tracks and running over every opponent in its way.
Pick: Oregon 55, Oregon State 20
No. 21 Florida State vs. No. 15 Virginia Tech
This game is setting up to be great, as Virginia Tech has reeled off 10 consecutive victories since their first two losses to Boise State and James Madison. Tech has Tyrod Taylor and the Hokies always spectacular special teams to thank for that. Then, Jimbo Fisher, in his first year coaching Florida State taking over for the legendary Bobby Bowden, has done a remarkable job all things considered. The Seminoles have been hovering around the bottom of the top 25 all season, and they will get steamrolled by the dominant Hokies.
Pick: Virginia Tech 38, Florida State 21
No. 9 Oklahoma vs. No. 13 Nebraska
This is a fitting championship game for the final Big 12 championship game ever before they become the Big 10, but still keep the Big 12 moniker, confusing, but enough of my little rant. Oklahoma vaulted into this game after beating their rival Oklahoma State in Stillwater last week. Oklahoma very well could be a national title contender next year as well. Then, Nebraska, which has also been a dominant team in the Big 12, will get a shot at the BCS before moving into the Big 10. But, the status of Taylor Martinez is up in the air, and I don't think they can beat Oklahoma without him.
Pick: Oklahoma 24, Nebraska 10
Connecticut at South Florida
UConn, believe it or not could be the Big East's representative in the BCS. Randy Edsall has done a terriffic job at UConn, and made it a respectable football school as well as a fantastic basketball school. Jordan Todman has put together a quietly great season, rushing for nearly 1500 yards and 14 touchdowns. But, South Florida is out to play the spoiler and Skip Holtz is running the show much the same as Jim Leavitt did before he was fired last season for some off-field incidents.
Pick: Connecticut 23, South Florida 20
NFL
Houston at Philadelphia
This game starts a fairly pedestrian slate of games for the weekend, except for the last two I'm picking. But, as far as this game is concerned, the Eagles need to bounce back after an awful loss at Chicago last weekend. The score was not as close as the game really was. But, the Eagles could still have won that game had they known how to score in the red zone, going 1-5 in red zone chances. Houston also really needs this win to try and keep pace in the frantic AFC south, where all four teams are within one game of each other. The Texans also caught a break, as Andre Johnson was not suspended for his fight with Cortland Finnegan last week. I believe the Eagles will torch the Texans atrocious pass defense, giving up just short of 300 yards per game, and allow Brent Celek, DeSean Jackson, and Jeremy Maclin to have big games.
Pick: Philadelphia 45, Houston 24
Jacksonville at Tennessee
As noted above, Tennessee is only one game back of Jacksonville in the standings, but in reality, they should be looking forward to next season. Vince Young is out with a season ending thumb injury and they did not look good at all against the aforementioned Texans last week with Rusty Staub at quarterback, and will look better, but not much with the seemingly ageless Kerry Collins behind center this week. The Jaguars defensive line will get plenty of pressure on the immobile Collins and create turnover opportunities for the secondary. Then, Maurice Jones-Drew will continue his pro bowl caliber season with a fantastic day.
Pick: Jacksonville 31, Tennessee 17
Atlanta at Tampa Bay
Tampa is now two games out after Atlanta stayed unbeaten at home pulling another rabbit out of its hat for last week's victory. Then, Tampa lost to Baltimore by only a touchdown. Atlanta is a much different team on the road, than at home, as both of their losses have come on the road, and Tampa played the Falcons very tough in Atlanta the first time these two teams played. Tampa is now at home, and they will win this game via a signature of Josh Freeman, a fourth quarter comeback.
Pick: Tampa 24, Atlanta 20
Pittsburgh at Baltimore
Both teams did not look all that impressive last week, as Pittsburgh needed Steve Johnson to have a case of the drops to defeat Buffalo in overtime, and Baltimore just did not look all that good all around in their win over Tampa. Both these teams have another thing in common though, they simply cannot stand each other. This is a game for you if you love defense and hard hitting, which there will be plenty of with this game. Both teams are also fighting for the division lead, and probably a first round bye in the playoffs. Baltimore I think will win this game though, as Ben Roethlisberger cannot seem to stop pump faking worth his life and that will cost the Steelers with turnovers and field position. Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense will love having the ball closer to the fifty then.
Pick: Baltimore 20, Pittsburgh 14
New York Jets at New England
This is probably the premier game of the weekend, and ESPN is loving that they can hype the heck out of it. This game will not only determine who is the AFC East leader at the end of the night, but put the winner in the driver's seat for the number one seed in the AFC. New York beat the Patriots in New York in week two, and would love to do it in Foxboro this time. But, Bill Belichick and the genius that he is will come up with a game plan to beat the Jets at home.
Pick: Patriots 26, New York Jets 24
Check back next week for the greatest rivalry in all of college, the Army-Navy game and nine NFL games. Have a great weekend!
Then, in the NFL, there are only five weeks left to determine who will get into the playoffs and we are getting close to the final turn to separate the 20 team field of contenders into the 12 who will eventually make the playoffs. Now, to get on to the games!
College
No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 19 South Carolina
Cam Newton is eligible to play in this game. Therefore, Auburn will probably win, and they should win, considering they won last time at home against South Carolina. But, my personal feeling is that Cam Newton should not be eligible, because he had to know his dad's scheme to get any school to pay for his son's services to play for that particular school. The NCAA says that Cam didn't know of his dad's scheme, and that would make him ineligible. But, my feeling is that the NCAA wants Newton to play, and therefore have Auburn win and then TCU will not be in the national title game. South Carolina would roll if Newton was not playing, but the NCAA does not want an excluded team from playing for the national title, and they want ESPN, in their first year of getting the BCS to get the biggest ratings possible.
Pick: Auburn 37, South Carolina 31
No. 2 Oregon at Oregon State
The "civil war" game is a rivalry game, and could be very close had Oregon State's season not been derailed when James Rodgers went down with a season ending injury. Oregon State has lost three of its past four, and needs this win to become bowl eligible. But, Oregon will roll, as even a rivalry game at Oregon State cannot stop this locomotive going down the tracks and running over every opponent in its way.
Pick: Oregon 55, Oregon State 20
No. 21 Florida State vs. No. 15 Virginia Tech
This game is setting up to be great, as Virginia Tech has reeled off 10 consecutive victories since their first two losses to Boise State and James Madison. Tech has Tyrod Taylor and the Hokies always spectacular special teams to thank for that. Then, Jimbo Fisher, in his first year coaching Florida State taking over for the legendary Bobby Bowden, has done a remarkable job all things considered. The Seminoles have been hovering around the bottom of the top 25 all season, and they will get steamrolled by the dominant Hokies.
Pick: Virginia Tech 38, Florida State 21
No. 9 Oklahoma vs. No. 13 Nebraska
This is a fitting championship game for the final Big 12 championship game ever before they become the Big 10, but still keep the Big 12 moniker, confusing, but enough of my little rant. Oklahoma vaulted into this game after beating their rival Oklahoma State in Stillwater last week. Oklahoma very well could be a national title contender next year as well. Then, Nebraska, which has also been a dominant team in the Big 12, will get a shot at the BCS before moving into the Big 10. But, the status of Taylor Martinez is up in the air, and I don't think they can beat Oklahoma without him.
Pick: Oklahoma 24, Nebraska 10
Connecticut at South Florida
UConn, believe it or not could be the Big East's representative in the BCS. Randy Edsall has done a terriffic job at UConn, and made it a respectable football school as well as a fantastic basketball school. Jordan Todman has put together a quietly great season, rushing for nearly 1500 yards and 14 touchdowns. But, South Florida is out to play the spoiler and Skip Holtz is running the show much the same as Jim Leavitt did before he was fired last season for some off-field incidents.
Pick: Connecticut 23, South Florida 20
NFL
Houston at Philadelphia
This game starts a fairly pedestrian slate of games for the weekend, except for the last two I'm picking. But, as far as this game is concerned, the Eagles need to bounce back after an awful loss at Chicago last weekend. The score was not as close as the game really was. But, the Eagles could still have won that game had they known how to score in the red zone, going 1-5 in red zone chances. Houston also really needs this win to try and keep pace in the frantic AFC south, where all four teams are within one game of each other. The Texans also caught a break, as Andre Johnson was not suspended for his fight with Cortland Finnegan last week. I believe the Eagles will torch the Texans atrocious pass defense, giving up just short of 300 yards per game, and allow Brent Celek, DeSean Jackson, and Jeremy Maclin to have big games.
Pick: Philadelphia 45, Houston 24
Jacksonville at Tennessee
As noted above, Tennessee is only one game back of Jacksonville in the standings, but in reality, they should be looking forward to next season. Vince Young is out with a season ending thumb injury and they did not look good at all against the aforementioned Texans last week with Rusty Staub at quarterback, and will look better, but not much with the seemingly ageless Kerry Collins behind center this week. The Jaguars defensive line will get plenty of pressure on the immobile Collins and create turnover opportunities for the secondary. Then, Maurice Jones-Drew will continue his pro bowl caliber season with a fantastic day.
Pick: Jacksonville 31, Tennessee 17
Atlanta at Tampa Bay
Tampa is now two games out after Atlanta stayed unbeaten at home pulling another rabbit out of its hat for last week's victory. Then, Tampa lost to Baltimore by only a touchdown. Atlanta is a much different team on the road, than at home, as both of their losses have come on the road, and Tampa played the Falcons very tough in Atlanta the first time these two teams played. Tampa is now at home, and they will win this game via a signature of Josh Freeman, a fourth quarter comeback.
Pick: Tampa 24, Atlanta 20
Pittsburgh at Baltimore
Both teams did not look all that impressive last week, as Pittsburgh needed Steve Johnson to have a case of the drops to defeat Buffalo in overtime, and Baltimore just did not look all that good all around in their win over Tampa. Both these teams have another thing in common though, they simply cannot stand each other. This is a game for you if you love defense and hard hitting, which there will be plenty of with this game. Both teams are also fighting for the division lead, and probably a first round bye in the playoffs. Baltimore I think will win this game though, as Ben Roethlisberger cannot seem to stop pump faking worth his life and that will cost the Steelers with turnovers and field position. Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense will love having the ball closer to the fifty then.
Pick: Baltimore 20, Pittsburgh 14
New York Jets at New England
This is probably the premier game of the weekend, and ESPN is loving that they can hype the heck out of it. This game will not only determine who is the AFC East leader at the end of the night, but put the winner in the driver's seat for the number one seed in the AFC. New York beat the Patriots in New York in week two, and would love to do it in Foxboro this time. But, Bill Belichick and the genius that he is will come up with a game plan to beat the Jets at home.
Pick: Patriots 26, New York Jets 24
Check back next week for the greatest rivalry in all of college, the Army-Navy game and nine NFL games. Have a great weekend!
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