As there are no NFL games this weekend other than the final preseason game which doesn't mean anything other than to see who gets cut, it's nothing but college for week one. There are two top tier matchups with LSU and Oregon and then Boise State playing at Georgia, with a bunch of other middle of the road games. This year with every single game I pick, I will give the time and network these games are on, as there are so many networks which broadcast games, it's ridiculous. O, and I will be using the AP rankings every week up until the first BCS rankings, which I'll then be using from then on out. All games on Saturday unless otherwise noted.
# 3 Oregon vs. # 4 LSU, at Arilington, TX, 8 p.m. ABC
This game comes after an offseason where both teams went through turmoil. LSU has several players suspended, including starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who will be replaced by a very capable backup in Jarrett Lee, who started five games last season. Then, there is Oregon, which is coming off a national title game, but lose their two biggest wide receivers. However, that isn't too much of a problem, since they have a Heisman candidate in LaMichael James in the backfield who can do wonders. This will be a game of offense (Oregon) versus defense (LSU), which I think offense will win out.
Pick: Oregon 38, LSU 21
# 5 Boise State vs. # 19 Georgia, at Atlanta, 8 p.m. ESPN
Boise State is coming off a one-loss campaign, where their only loss came to eventual WAC champion Nevada, at Nevada. But, now Boise is looking to crash the BCS party for the third time in the past five seasons. Boise is even coming in off of some NCAA investigation, but no loss of scholarships, which is a good thing. Boise has a Heisman candidate in its own right with Kellen Moore, who is entering his senior season and would love to play for a national title. Georgia, on the other hand, wants to get back to being one of the big dogs, pun intended, of the SEC. The Bulldogs would love to forget about a 6-7 season and focus on getting back into the SEC title game. They can do that with returning quarterback Aaron Murray, who was outstanding in his first season at Georgia.
Pick: Boise State 24, Georgia 23
Southern Methodist at #8 Texas A&M, Sunday, 7:30, Comcast SportsNet
Texas A&M is beginning its final season in the Big XII, which really is the Big X, with only ten teams, but anyway, the Aggies have decided to exit the conference and try to escape the University of Texas. A&M has high expectations this season after beating the Longhorns and advancing to the Cotton Bowl where they lost to LSU. SMU is trying to continue its resurgence under June Jones and advance to the C-USA title game for the second consecutive year. Granted, the Mustangs will be competitive, but not in this game.
Pick: TAMU 42, SMU 20
#14 TCU at Baylor, Friday, 8 p.m. ESPN
Don't laugh at this game, TCU could get upset here, as Baylor is on its way up as far as a football team, as they advanced to their first bowl game since 1994. To give you an idea of how hard it is to miss a bowl game now, all a team has to do is finish .500 and voila, the team is in a bowl. Anyway, the team is going to be around an 8-4 team in the regular season this year, with one of those losses coming here. TCU crushed Baylor 41-14 last season, and I expect nothing different here with TCU's relentless attacking defense and their amazing running game.
Pick: TCU 39, Baylor 13
South Florida at #16 Notre Dame, 3:30 p.m., NBC
This should be a great litmus test for both teams, as both teams have second year head coaches in Brian Kelly with ND and Skip Holtz with USF. Both teams have high expectations this season, with South Florida hoping to get into the BCS for the first time by winning the Big East and Notre Dame getting into the BCS for the first time since 2006 Fiesta Bowl. Notre Dame finished last season on a five game winning streak where they won in the Sun Bowl against Miami. South Florida should fare well in a weak Big East as well, so they could easily make that race interesting. However, I'm a fan, and will pick ND here.
Pick: Notre Dame 30, USF 21
Tulsa at #1 Oklahoma, 8 p.m., FX
Now, I'm really trying to see if any games look at least remotely ok, and this one does. Oklahoma is ranked number one because of them bringing so many people back. This should be a cakewalk against a Tulsa team which lost their head coach to Pittsburgh.
Pick: OU 59, Tulsa 14
Akron at #18 Ohio State, noon, ESPN
Ohio State is entering this year without its star quarterback, Terrelle Pryor and without Jim Tressel, its head coach for the first time since 2000. Now, it's a new era with Luke Fickell in as the new head coach and Ohio State trying to overcome a lot of NCAA scrutiny. They should fare very well in this game, as it's against a cupcake opponent, but watch out for later in the season, where they will probably fall to the middle of the pack in the Big Ten.
Pick: Ohio State 28, Akron 3
#12 South Carolina vs. East Carolina, at Charlotte, 7 p.m., ESPN3.com
South Carolina will look to continue to improve and get into its second ever SEC title game with Stephen Garcia and Marcus Lattimore leading the way. East Carolina will try and ruin the party, but it's not likely.
Pick: SCAR 40, ECU 10
Rice at Texas, 8 p.m., Longhorn Network
Texas will look to rebound from its first losing season since 1997 when it starts out against Rice, which wants to improve from its own 4-8 record. However, it won't do it against this Texas team which totally revamped its coaching staff from last season and is hungry to get back to the BCS.
Pick: Texas 56, Rice 3
Indiana State at Penn State, noon, Big Ten Network
Now, please comment if you think Indiana State has any chance of realistically winning this game. Or, comment anyway for your thoughts on how I can make this blog better, thanks. Penn State will beat down this opponent easily with either Matt McGloin or Rob Bolden at quarterback, as they must decide before they face SEC west favorite Alabama in Happy Valley next week.
Pick: Penn State 38, Indiana State 7
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
NFL: NFC North Preview
The NFC North holds perhaps the best collection of teams in all of the NFL. I know, the Detroit Lions reside in this division, but, seriously, top to bottom, this division could be the best in all of the NFL. Take a look at it, the Vikings were supposed to make back to back NFC title game appearances last season, but Brett Favre decided to finally stink in a season. The Lions played very well down the stretch, winning their final four, and then the Bears and Packers played in the NFC title game, with the Packers hoisting the Lombardi trophy at the end. So, as you can tell, this is one hard division to pick. But, I gotta make my best guess at it, so here we go.
Chicago Bears
I know, this is going from first to worst, but, as mentioned above, this division is essentially a crapshoot. Jay Cutler will have to be a better quarterback, as Devin Hester will not be able to get out to the 35 every time due to the NFL deciding to make the kickoff game "safer" by moving the kickoff from the 30 to the 35, and now there will be at least a 50 percent increase in touchbacks. But, the Bears still have a pretty good running back in Matt Forte, who is in the mold of a LeSean McCoy, for Eagles fans. Forte can run inside and out, and can catch passes easily from the backfield. Plus, the Bears still have a pretty good defense led by veterans Brian Urlacher and Julius Peppers who still cause offensive coordinators to have trouble sleeping at night to figure out how the heck to block the guy. But, I don't see this team making back to back division title runs.
Prediction: 7-9
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings, as mentioned above, were supposed to be one of the contenders for the NFC title last season, but their season, and eventually their stadium roof collapsed. So, like the Cowboys, the Vikings fired their coach, Brad Childress, and enjoyed moderate success afterwards, where they went 3-3. but their wins came against bad teams, the Redskins and Bills, so it's a toss up to see if they'll do better this season. However, the Vikings got rid of Brett Favre, who retired and acquired the services of Donovan McNabb, who will presumably mentor their first round draft choice Christian Ponder. The Vikes still have the best running back in the NFL, Adrian Peterson, which helps...a lot. Then their defense should still be very good with Kevin Williams and Jared Allen on the defensive line who can get penetration while linebackers like E.J. Henderson go in for sacks and Chad Greenway. So, with a rejuvenated McNabb and everyone staying healthy, this team should be better from their 6-10 record from last year, but nowhere near their NFC title expectations from last season.
Prediction: 8-8
Detroit Lions
Yes, this is where I have the have the Lions. The reasons I have the Lions here is because of the following: their defensive line, once Nick Fairley is back could be the best in the game at both stopping the run and getting a big pass rush. Matthew Stafford and his backups have proven capable of handling the load easily, especially when "megatron" a.k.a. Calvin Johnson is one of the best young receivers in the game. Then, Brandon Pettigrew is growing into one of the best catching/blocking tight ends in the league. Plus, with the Lions on a four game winning streak at the end of last season, and the fact that they lost 6 of their games by 8 points or less, they are very competitive.
Prediction: 10-6, wild card.
Green Bay Packers
Super Bowl champions, anything more I really need to write? O, plus they're getting two of their biggest offensive weapons back in Jermichael Finley at tight end, who is a top 10 tight end. Plus, they're getting a really good running back returning in Ryan Grant. plus, the defense is one of those which will attack relentlessly. So, I don't really need to type a whole lot about this team other than they're really good.
Prediction: 12-4, number two seed.
I will be taking a break from predictions for the next few days, as I have work at night, and then am exhausted, so predictions will return on Saturday night with the preview of the AFC North. Which of these two teams will win the division: the Ravens or Steelers? How much will the Browns win with an entire season from Colt McCoy and Peyton Hillis at running back? Will the Bengals really go 0-16 as predicted by Rick Reilly of ESPN.com? Find out on Saturday night!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
NFL: AFC East Preview
Again, like yesterday's post with the NFC East, I'm going to preview this division from the bottom to the top. But, my prediction is probably like most other "experts" out there. Plus, this is a two team race for the division title. You can guess who those teams are, but now, on to the picks!
Buffalo Bills
Much like the Redskins, I see nothing in this team I can truly attach myself to. Yes, Steve Johnson is becoming a pretty good wide receiver in the league, Leodis McKelvin is a pretty good defensive back, and the Bills pray there's something left in the tank with Shawne Merriman. But, I just don't see this team going anywhere in the next few seasons, other than staying in neutral and being satisfied with continually bad seasons and a mediocre quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Prediction: 5-11
Miami Dolphins
This team has some nice pieces to it, with Brandon Marshall and an up and coming Davone Bess at the wide receiver slots. Marshall was a perennial pro bowler in Denver, but was unhappy, so he got traded, unfortunately for him, to a bad quarterback in Chad Henne. Bess was part of the run and shoot offense in Hawaii, but has run routes effectively in the NFL, and could be a 1,000 yard receiving guy at some point. Then, the Dolphins signed Reggie Bush, who will be the lead back and have Daniel Thomas as the bruising 3rd down back. Thomas is primed to become the lead back at some point once Bush leaves. Then, the defense has some redeeming qualities with Karlos Dansby and Cameron Wake, who are good leaders and good cover guys when it comes to linebackers, and Vontae Davis is a pretty good cornerback, but overall, this team is incredibly mediocre to me.
Prediction: 7-9
New York Jets
The past two seasons the Jets have won one of the two wild card spots in the AFC. In 2009, they had to fight and claw their way for the playoffs, which they got in the last week. Last season, once they were killed by the eventual division champion Patriots, they could cruise into the final wild card spot with an 11-5 record. Then, in the postseason, the Jets get to the AFC title game and fail. Now, with two years of experience under his belt, the "Sanchize", Mark Sanchez can perhaps lead his team over the hump into the promised land of the Super Bowl. The Jets have all the pieces to do it, with Sanchez, a great offensive line, a very solid running game, a year in year out top flight defense now with Rex Ryan as the head coach. Now, all that needs to happen is execute in the playoffs, as I think they'll get the wild card once again.
Prediction: 10-6, number 6 seed wild card.
New England Patriots
How can I pick against the class of this division for the past decade? The Patriots just seem to keep reloading talent through shrewd trades, and amazing draft classes. Take for instance last year's draft class, which produced starters Rob Gronkowski, Devin McCourty, Brandon Spikes and Zoltan Mesko. The Patriots just reload every year. I do not see a weakness on this team, as every single player is of pro bowl quality, except for the running backs, but even then, they've got a rotation of four which they can plug in and out to keep fresh. This team is just too good for me not to pick them to win the division for the ninth time since 2001, when they had their breakout year. Now, will I pick this team to win the AFC? You'll have to find that out when I do my playoff preview on opening night!
Prediction: 13-3, number 1 seed.
Tomorrow will bring not one, but two posts. The first will be the start of my 10 best football games, and then the other will be the preview of the NFC North. Will the Packers win the division this year? Will the Bears go back to the playoffs? Will the Lions actually make some noise in the division? Will the Donovan McNabb led Vikings improve from last season's debacle? All these questions will be answered tomorrow!
Buffalo Bills
Much like the Redskins, I see nothing in this team I can truly attach myself to. Yes, Steve Johnson is becoming a pretty good wide receiver in the league, Leodis McKelvin is a pretty good defensive back, and the Bills pray there's something left in the tank with Shawne Merriman. But, I just don't see this team going anywhere in the next few seasons, other than staying in neutral and being satisfied with continually bad seasons and a mediocre quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Prediction: 5-11
Miami Dolphins
This team has some nice pieces to it, with Brandon Marshall and an up and coming Davone Bess at the wide receiver slots. Marshall was a perennial pro bowler in Denver, but was unhappy, so he got traded, unfortunately for him, to a bad quarterback in Chad Henne. Bess was part of the run and shoot offense in Hawaii, but has run routes effectively in the NFL, and could be a 1,000 yard receiving guy at some point. Then, the Dolphins signed Reggie Bush, who will be the lead back and have Daniel Thomas as the bruising 3rd down back. Thomas is primed to become the lead back at some point once Bush leaves. Then, the defense has some redeeming qualities with Karlos Dansby and Cameron Wake, who are good leaders and good cover guys when it comes to linebackers, and Vontae Davis is a pretty good cornerback, but overall, this team is incredibly mediocre to me.
Prediction: 7-9
New York Jets
The past two seasons the Jets have won one of the two wild card spots in the AFC. In 2009, they had to fight and claw their way for the playoffs, which they got in the last week. Last season, once they were killed by the eventual division champion Patriots, they could cruise into the final wild card spot with an 11-5 record. Then, in the postseason, the Jets get to the AFC title game and fail. Now, with two years of experience under his belt, the "Sanchize", Mark Sanchez can perhaps lead his team over the hump into the promised land of the Super Bowl. The Jets have all the pieces to do it, with Sanchez, a great offensive line, a very solid running game, a year in year out top flight defense now with Rex Ryan as the head coach. Now, all that needs to happen is execute in the playoffs, as I think they'll get the wild card once again.
Prediction: 10-6, number 6 seed wild card.
New England Patriots
How can I pick against the class of this division for the past decade? The Patriots just seem to keep reloading talent through shrewd trades, and amazing draft classes. Take for instance last year's draft class, which produced starters Rob Gronkowski, Devin McCourty, Brandon Spikes and Zoltan Mesko. The Patriots just reload every year. I do not see a weakness on this team, as every single player is of pro bowl quality, except for the running backs, but even then, they've got a rotation of four which they can plug in and out to keep fresh. This team is just too good for me not to pick them to win the division for the ninth time since 2001, when they had their breakout year. Now, will I pick this team to win the AFC? You'll have to find that out when I do my playoff preview on opening night!
Prediction: 13-3, number 1 seed.
Tomorrow will bring not one, but two posts. The first will be the start of my 10 best football games, and then the other will be the preview of the NFC North. Will the Packers win the division this year? Will the Bears go back to the playoffs? Will the Lions actually make some noise in the division? Will the Donovan McNabb led Vikings improve from last season's debacle? All these questions will be answered tomorrow!
Monday, August 29, 2011
NFL: NFC East preview
Wow, it has been a long time since I blogged. So, for those of you truly wondering where the heck I've been over the past nearly four months, I've been a lazy bum and haven't had any motivation whatsoever to blog. But, now that America's favorite sport is coming back, I've decided to preview each and every division. And, of course, like last year, I will do from bottom to top in order of how I think each division will finish and give each teams record at the end of each team preview.
NFC East
Washington Redskins
Ok, let's get one thing straight here, this team is in shambles. All the owner wants to do is overspend on free agents, the head coach decided he hated one of the 20 best quarterbacks of all time, and now it's between Rex Grossman and John Beck as the starting quarterback. This team is not looking to be a good team at all. I do not see a big redeeming quality in this team either. So, to any Redskins fans who may read this, I'm sorry.
Prediction: 4-12
New York Giants
In Tom Coughlin's ninth season, this team does look really good, along with the Cowboys and Eagles. This team has so many good components, that it will be hard for them not to succeed. Eli Manning is very good at managing the game, the defensive ends on this team are probably some of the most feared in all of the NFL, with Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck. Both of whom can get 10 sacks in a season easily., Then, the running game will pound you to death with the combination of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, both of whom can go over 1,000 yards in a season easily. But, for some reason, I see the Cowboys as slightly better than this team.
Prediction: 9-7
Dallas Cowboys
After a completely horrendous start to last season, where they went 1-7 and got Wade Phillips fired, they turned it around with a backup quarterback and went 5-3 down the stretch with former offensive coordinator Jason Garrett at the helm. Now, I don't think that this team is going to falter like the Chicago Cubs or Baltimore Orioles did in this baseball season, as this team definitely has the capability to succeed. Those two baseball teams did not. Plus, with a fully healed Tony Romo, this team should definitely succeed, and meet expectations this year. Now, does that mean Super Bowl? Probably not, but you never know. There is a question mark regarding this team at running back, and that is if Felix Jones can really handle the load for the entire season. But, Tashard Choice is also a very capable backup, and Jones could be primed for a breakout season of over 1,000 yards if he can stay healthy. Then, the receivers on this team are some of the most dynamic on any team in the NFL, with Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, and Jason Witten, these three guys are just amazing, all three could have a 1,000 yard season, that's how good they are. The defense isn't too shabby now either, with a really good linebacking corp, and a pretty good young secondary, led by Mike Jenkins, a shutdown corner from South Florida. So, this team is good, and will probably make the playoffs for the first time since 2009, where they killed the Eagles.
Prediction: 10-6, just missing out on wild card
Philadelphia Eagles
I'm a homer, and with all of the moves the Eagles made, they are considered by many in the media to be a "dream team" thanks to Vince Young's joking comment. The Eagles have two huge question marks in their team though. The linebacking corps and the offensive line. The Eagles linebacking corps is incredibly inexperienced, with Moise Fokou, the weak side linebacker as the most experienced at three years. So, it's going to be tough, with Fokou, Jamar Chaney, and Casey Matthews as the starting linebacking trio. That trio is going to need to be able to step it up in the regular season, as thus far in the preseason, this trip has not performed up to par. Then, the other true problem area is with the offensive line. As they are going to be the ones protecting Mike Vick and being sure he doesn't get injured that easily. This offensive line didn't look too good against the Browns, so this line needs to step it up a bit. Granted, Winston Justice is injured, but he only accounts for a small portion of the line. So, that's a true concern. But, the rest of the team looks absolutely loaded. Michael Vick had a breakout season last year, although he did struggle down the stretch. And, if Vick gets injured, there is a quarterback right behind him in that same mold, a mobile quarterback who knows how to win games in Vince Young. The running back trio of LeSean McCoy, Ronnie Brown and Dion Lewis should be dynamic. Then everyone knows that Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek are some of the best receivers in the league. Then, on the defensive side of the ball, the Eagles signed one of Green Bay's good defensive lineman in Cullen Jenkins to get even more penetration, along with Jason Babin who had a breakout season last year. Then, the Eagles signed the most coveted free agent out there in Nnamdi Asomugha, who is going to be great alongside Pro Bowler Asante Samuel. Plus, in nickel situations, the Eagles have traded for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. So, therefore, the team looks amazing and on paper, should run away with the division.
Prediction: 12-4, number one seed in the NFC.
Tomorrow will bring the AFC East preview. Will the Jets and Patriots duke it out for the division title again? Will the Bills continue to stink? And, what about the Dolphins? Where will they finish in the division? Come back tomorrow to find out!
NFC East
Washington Redskins
Ok, let's get one thing straight here, this team is in shambles. All the owner wants to do is overspend on free agents, the head coach decided he hated one of the 20 best quarterbacks of all time, and now it's between Rex Grossman and John Beck as the starting quarterback. This team is not looking to be a good team at all. I do not see a big redeeming quality in this team either. So, to any Redskins fans who may read this, I'm sorry.
Prediction: 4-12
New York Giants
In Tom Coughlin's ninth season, this team does look really good, along with the Cowboys and Eagles. This team has so many good components, that it will be hard for them not to succeed. Eli Manning is very good at managing the game, the defensive ends on this team are probably some of the most feared in all of the NFL, with Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck. Both of whom can get 10 sacks in a season easily., Then, the running game will pound you to death with the combination of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, both of whom can go over 1,000 yards in a season easily. But, for some reason, I see the Cowboys as slightly better than this team.
Prediction: 9-7
Dallas Cowboys
After a completely horrendous start to last season, where they went 1-7 and got Wade Phillips fired, they turned it around with a backup quarterback and went 5-3 down the stretch with former offensive coordinator Jason Garrett at the helm. Now, I don't think that this team is going to falter like the Chicago Cubs or Baltimore Orioles did in this baseball season, as this team definitely has the capability to succeed. Those two baseball teams did not. Plus, with a fully healed Tony Romo, this team should definitely succeed, and meet expectations this year. Now, does that mean Super Bowl? Probably not, but you never know. There is a question mark regarding this team at running back, and that is if Felix Jones can really handle the load for the entire season. But, Tashard Choice is also a very capable backup, and Jones could be primed for a breakout season of over 1,000 yards if he can stay healthy. Then, the receivers on this team are some of the most dynamic on any team in the NFL, with Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, and Jason Witten, these three guys are just amazing, all three could have a 1,000 yard season, that's how good they are. The defense isn't too shabby now either, with a really good linebacking corp, and a pretty good young secondary, led by Mike Jenkins, a shutdown corner from South Florida. So, this team is good, and will probably make the playoffs for the first time since 2009, where they killed the Eagles.
Prediction: 10-6, just missing out on wild card
Philadelphia Eagles
I'm a homer, and with all of the moves the Eagles made, they are considered by many in the media to be a "dream team" thanks to Vince Young's joking comment. The Eagles have two huge question marks in their team though. The linebacking corps and the offensive line. The Eagles linebacking corps is incredibly inexperienced, with Moise Fokou, the weak side linebacker as the most experienced at three years. So, it's going to be tough, with Fokou, Jamar Chaney, and Casey Matthews as the starting linebacking trio. That trio is going to need to be able to step it up in the regular season, as thus far in the preseason, this trip has not performed up to par. Then, the other true problem area is with the offensive line. As they are going to be the ones protecting Mike Vick and being sure he doesn't get injured that easily. This offensive line didn't look too good against the Browns, so this line needs to step it up a bit. Granted, Winston Justice is injured, but he only accounts for a small portion of the line. So, that's a true concern. But, the rest of the team looks absolutely loaded. Michael Vick had a breakout season last year, although he did struggle down the stretch. And, if Vick gets injured, there is a quarterback right behind him in that same mold, a mobile quarterback who knows how to win games in Vince Young. The running back trio of LeSean McCoy, Ronnie Brown and Dion Lewis should be dynamic. Then everyone knows that Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek are some of the best receivers in the league. Then, on the defensive side of the ball, the Eagles signed one of Green Bay's good defensive lineman in Cullen Jenkins to get even more penetration, along with Jason Babin who had a breakout season last year. Then, the Eagles signed the most coveted free agent out there in Nnamdi Asomugha, who is going to be great alongside Pro Bowler Asante Samuel. Plus, in nickel situations, the Eagles have traded for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. So, therefore, the team looks amazing and on paper, should run away with the division.
Prediction: 12-4, number one seed in the NFC.
Tomorrow will bring the AFC East preview. Will the Jets and Patriots duke it out for the division title again? Will the Bills continue to stink? And, what about the Dolphins? Where will they finish in the division? Come back tomorrow to find out!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)