Looking back at my last post, it's been over five years since I last wrote a blog post. It's been on my mind these last five years on restarting this blog. My interest has been growing lately in resuming writing. I put out a feeler on Facebook in the form of a poll, the reaction was lukewarm at best. But, I've basically said to myself, if you're going to write, just write and not give a crap whatever anyone else thinks.
So, now that I'm going to be back writing, what am I going to write about? A lot of rants about certain subjects. So, if you weren't turned off by the first paragraph, feel free to keep reading and perhaps you will get ticked off at my opinions.
Now, after telling you why I'm back writing, I'm going to tell you what I'm writing about. That is Division 1-A college football and the College Football Playoff (CFP). The reason why I'm writing 1-A instead of Football Bowl Subdivision is because I find that term to be stupid and too long. The CFP is a great thing, don't get me wrong. But, in my opinion, four teams is not enough. A true playoff would consist on 16 teams.
Why 16 teams? Easy, take the conference winner from every conference in 1-A plus six at-large teams. The reason for this many teams is simple, you actually give every team a chance. Currently, for those who don't know, the CFP is only four teams, and essentially excludes the "group of five" conferences. Those conferences being: the American, Conference USA, Mid-American, Mountain West and Sun Belt. Plus, it guarantees that at least one of the "power five" conferences, gets excluded. Those conferences being: the Atlantic Coast, B1G or Big Ten, Big XII, Pacific 12, and Southeastern. The B1G, and Big XII are deceiving in their names considering the B1G and XII actually have 14 and ten schools in their respective conferences, but I digress.
Here is my perfect playoff and bowl structure: first round: all eight games at the higher seed. Second and third rounds: the next six games at rotating bowl games, the New Year's six of the Cotton, Peach, Fiesta, Sugar, Rose, and Orange Bowls. Four will host the quarterfinals, and the other two will host the semifinals. The championship would then be held anywhere in the lower 48. Sorry Alaska and Hawaii, just not enough people and Aloha Stadium, from what I've heard, isn't very good. I mean ANYWHERE! Including cold weather cities like Chicago, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Plus, of course warm weather cities like Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, and San Antonio.
Now, bowl structure after those 16 teams are selected: the second team from each group of five conference faces a power five team in another bowl, and then third team faces another power five team. That comes out to another ten bowl games. Why am I limiting it to only ten? Because there are far too many bowl games right now. Currently, there are 40 bowl games, and with only 130 teams in 1-A college football, it means there could be 5-7 records going to a bowl. Teams with losing records should not be allowed to compete in what is essentially a reward. Plus, why am I having it only be a power five school versus group of 5? Because then we get to see how a "inferior" school does against the big colleges of the day. Plus, it's more fun this way instead of seeing complete mediocrity rule the day in the bowl games.
Now, how would it look this season? Assuming we just take everything as it is right now and select the playoff field based on a combination of the CFP rankings and the standings in each conference.
No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 16 Troy
No. 2 Clemson vs. No. 15 University of Alabama-Birmingham
No. 3 Notre Dame vs. No. 14 University of Buffalo
No. 4 Michigan vs. No. 13 Fresno State
No. 5 Oklahoma vs. No. 12 Georgia
No. 6 University of Central Florida vs. No. 11 LSU
No. 7 West Virginia vs. No. 10 Ohio State
No. 8 Kentucky vs. No. 9 Syracuse
Why would I do it this way? Because I'd have undefeated and one loss teams seeded higher, with the group of five traveling for the most part. This is the maximum number of teams I'd every put into a playoff as well, considering the fact that football is a much more dangerous sport than basketball. Plus, you'd have some interesting games in this format. Would a Sun Belt team ever beat the best team from the SEC? Probably not, but as Ric Flair once famously said: "in order to be the man, you've gotta beat the man! Whooooo!"
Plus, this system still favors the power five conferences, with those schools having more opportunity to play more games, and unless you're a team like Central Florida who has won 22 straight going back to last season, the group of five wouldn't get a home game. So it's a win-win for everybody involved. Finally, it's a way to get the lower teams involved.
Now, another rant, which is going to be much shorter. Whenever you hear why a team like Central Florida is out of the playoff conversation it's because "their schedule is too weak." "Their strength of schedule is awful." Guess what? They can't control it right now because college football schedules are made five years in advance, at minimum! Nobody can predict if a team is going to be good or not in five years! Heck, Central Florida in 2015 was 0-12. Now, they're the talk of the American conference. Please don't bring that up as to why a case can't be made for Central Florida, or Utah State, or Fresno State, or Washington State. They can only beat teams on their schedule! If you want to make it somewhat fairer, give up scheduling so far down the road and only schedule maybe a year or possibly two in advance, that way it's a better gauge of how a school is faring recently. Don't believe me on schedules? Go to fbschedules.com and look at future schedules of Oklahoma, Alabama, and Stanford to name a few.
Thank you for reading, and I hope to bring out a few more blogs soon. Please comment as to what other topics you'd like me to cover. Either here or on facebook.
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Friday, October 25, 2013
10 Best Football Games-Week 9!
Last week featured the "cannibalization" of the SEC as Tim Brando of CBS likes to put it, as well as several other upsets. Expect more upsets this week, and every week expect more upsets as we get closer to the final BCS standings ever. Another reason why you just gotta love college Saturdays. Then, on Sunday, there were a few more upsets, as the Jets won against their rival, the Patriots, and the Colts proved they're for real by beating the seemingly unbeatable Broncos in Indianapolis. Another reason to love the NFL. Now, on to the picks for week nine!
College (All rankings reflect BCS rankings)
No. 10 Texas Tech at No. 15 Oklahoma, 3:30, Fox
Texas Tech is certainly one of the biggest good surprises of the season. The biggest part is the change at coach, where former quarterback Kliff Kingsbury, a player under former coach Mike Leach, has really changed the culture back to Leach's days. Kingsbury replaced Tommy Tubberville, who performed well, but just didn't really fit into the scheme of things in Lubbock. Texas Tech has really embraced the pass first philosophy, and it has led them to an undefeated record thus far. Granted, it's been against mostly sub par opponents, but just beat who's on your schedule, and reap the benefits. This is undoubtedly their toughest test so far, and the team they lost to in 2008 when the Red Raiders started 10-0. Oklahoma's defense is incredibly good, only giving up less than 150 yards per game through the air, and I expect that trend to continue. Oklahoma has played very well so far this season, with the exception of their dreadful loss to Texas in the Red River Rivalry. Oklahoma will continue to rely on Blake Bell through the air and his natural running ability.
Pick: Oklahoma 34, Tech 20
No. 12 UCLA at No. 3 Oregon, 7, ESPN
College GameDay is here, and that hasn't been so kind to the host team so far this season. But, Oregon's atmosphere is unlike any other, and Oregon's offense is one that seemingly cannot be stopped. Marcus Mariota is truly a big time Heisman candidate, and the Ducks defense has been playing surprisingly well too. UCLA will need to find it's offense again to really try and make this game competitive. But, I don't think they can do it.
Pick: Oregon 42, UCLA 28
No. 21 South Carolina at No. 5 Mizzou, 7, ESPN2
This is another team with a surprisingly good record coming into week nine, with Mizzou shocking pretty much everyone outside their own market with a undefeated record. They are one win away of essentially locking down the SEC East (which doesn't make any geographical sense, but not much does in the world of sports). Mizzou has done so with solid quarterback play, and with a really good defense, leading the East with 23 sacks on the season. Mizzou has also gotten good play from backups Maty Mauk and Aarion Penton. Mauk replaced former quarterback James Franklin, and led a total of eight scoring drives against a very good Florida defense. Penton also got an interception while replacing starting cornerback E.J. Gaines. South Carolina will really need Jadeveon Clowney to wreak havoc on Mauk and the Mizzou running game if they want to stay in the game and also try and have Connor Shaw healthy enough to play. I personally think this Mizzou team is on a mission, and they can win at home.
Pick: Mizzou 44, South Carolina 31
Penn State at No. 4 Ohio State, 8, ABC
Penn State is coming off an emotional quadruple overtime victory two weeks ago at home against a fraudulent Michigan team. So, even though Penn State has had two weeks to prepare, I can't imagine they have enough fight in them to beat two ranked opponents in a row. Plus, this game is at night in the horseshoe, no chance they are beating Braxton Miller and the Buckeyes.
Pick: Ohio State 49, Penn State 23
No. 6 Stanford at No. 25 Oregon State, 10:30, ESPN
After Stanford demolished UCLA at home, they look to go on the road and continue to try and get back to the PAC-12 title game. Stanford punished UCLA in all aspects of the game last week, en route to a two touchdown victory. Oregon State has surged ever since losing in week one to Division 1-AA foe Eastern Washington, but they haven't played anyone of true significance to get them to this ranking. They will come out inspired to show everyone they are for real and back for contention within the PAC-12, but it won't come against Stanford.
Pick: Stanford 24, Oregon State 20
NFL
New York Giants at Philadelphia, 1, Fox
Philly needs this game to continue to keep pace with the Cowboys in the NFC Least, while the Giants are coming off their first victory of the season against a pretty bad Vikings team. New York also didn't fare too well in this rivalry, losing by 11, thanks to a few timely interceptions. Philly's defense also has been playing well since their week four demolishing by Denver. Plus, Philly has Mike Vick coming back at quarterback, who really has played pretty well so far before getting injured while scrambling against these same Giants. Finally, the Eagles have to win at home sometime, right?
Pick: Philly 34, Giants 21
Dallas at Detroit, 1, Fox
Detroit has played fairly well so far, putting up nice point totals in each game, as well as having Reggie Bush, Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford all playing supremely well. It's just been the defense which has let them down. Dallas is coming into this game on a high after beating Philadelphia in Philadelphia, and they're now the sole leader atop the division. But, that won't last long after this game.
Pick: Detroit 28, Dallas 23
Miami at New England, 1, CBS
New England can't possibly lose two in a row, can they?
Pick: New England 39, Miami 26
Buffalo at New Orleans, 1, CBS
New Orleans has been playing spectacular so far this season. They've got their mojo back after the whole bountygate scandal of 2012, and it's paid off via a 5-1 record. Plus, they've had a week to prepare for a gritty Buffalo team, who just won't give up on any game. No chance they lose here.
Pick: New Orleans 35, Buffalo 21
New York Jets at Cincinnati, 4, CBS
New York has been playing surprisingly well so far this season. The defense has been playing really well, Geno Smith has been managing the game well, and Bilal Powell has been a steady force at running back. Cincy meanwhile, has also been playing really well, with their only losses to a good Bears team, and to an inspired Cleveland team. Cincy very well could be a legit player in the AFC, as they have the weapons on offense to do it, and a solid defense.
Pick: Cincy 28, New York 23
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
World Series Preview
This World Series is a rematch of the 2004 World Series, but there is only one player leftover from that Series, David Ortiz. So, really just take all of that Series out the window, and focus on the 2013 incarnations of the Cardinals and Red Sox. Plus, there is no way this Series ends the way that one did, in a sweep by Boston. These are two classic baseball teams and cities, plus, the ratings have been up all postseason. So, that should make Fox a very happy broadcast partner with relatively high ratings, say in the 10-12 range. Now, on to the actual preview.
Boston was predicted in the beginning of the season to finish around the middle of the pack in the AL East, with everyone but them predicted to finish ahead of them. They made very savvy free agent signings, and have brought up their uber prospect to play in some games in the postseason. All of their savvy signings paid off too, with very good results from each. Mike Napoli, who has made the transition from catcher to first baseman quite seamlessly, has been pretty good defensively at first, has hit his usual .250, and slammed some big homers. Plus, Napoli has been the leader behind the beard craze in Boston, with everyone grabbing on to his beard after he hits a home run, and become somewhat of a cult figure up there. Then, there is Shane Victorino, who has made Fenway Park's right field his home and played very good defense out there, as well as stealing bases at the right time, and hit a huge grand slam to lead the Red Sox into the World Series. Then, Stephen Drew has played fantastic defense at shortstop, which is what he was signed to do. Finally, the Red Sox uber prospect, Xander Boegaerts, has filled in for Drew at shortstop, and has provided some spark in the bottom of the order, as well as providing decent defense. The other elements for Boston has also done well, that being their pitching, which has been phenomenal, holding good teams like
Tampa and Detroit to fewer than three runs in most of their games. Plus, the bullpen has pitched incredibly well, with Koji Uehara having a less than 1 ERA in the postseason.
St. Louis though, has been playing equally well, with their pitching leading the way. St. Louis also has a big bat in Allen Craig coming back from a leg injury. Craig has not played in 7 weeks, but he will come back for the most important series of the year, where he goes, the Cardinals will probably go as well. Craig led the Cards with average around .330 with RISP, and the Cardinals really need that to get going in this series. The pitching, as mentioned, has been equally good, led by Adam Wainwright, and Michael Wacha, who as a rookie has been amazing in his first three postseason starts. I believe the Cardinals are the better overall team, and this will be a series which easily can go six or seven.
Boston was predicted in the beginning of the season to finish around the middle of the pack in the AL East, with everyone but them predicted to finish ahead of them. They made very savvy free agent signings, and have brought up their uber prospect to play in some games in the postseason. All of their savvy signings paid off too, with very good results from each. Mike Napoli, who has made the transition from catcher to first baseman quite seamlessly, has been pretty good defensively at first, has hit his usual .250, and slammed some big homers. Plus, Napoli has been the leader behind the beard craze in Boston, with everyone grabbing on to his beard after he hits a home run, and become somewhat of a cult figure up there. Then, there is Shane Victorino, who has made Fenway Park's right field his home and played very good defense out there, as well as stealing bases at the right time, and hit a huge grand slam to lead the Red Sox into the World Series. Then, Stephen Drew has played fantastic defense at shortstop, which is what he was signed to do. Finally, the Red Sox uber prospect, Xander Boegaerts, has filled in for Drew at shortstop, and has provided some spark in the bottom of the order, as well as providing decent defense. The other elements for Boston has also done well, that being their pitching, which has been phenomenal, holding good teams like
Tampa and Detroit to fewer than three runs in most of their games. Plus, the bullpen has pitched incredibly well, with Koji Uehara having a less than 1 ERA in the postseason.
St. Louis though, has been playing equally well, with their pitching leading the way. St. Louis also has a big bat in Allen Craig coming back from a leg injury. Craig has not played in 7 weeks, but he will come back for the most important series of the year, where he goes, the Cardinals will probably go as well. Craig led the Cards with average around .330 with RISP, and the Cardinals really need that to get going in this series. The pitching, as mentioned, has been equally good, led by Adam Wainwright, and Michael Wacha, who as a rookie has been amazing in his first three postseason starts. I believe the Cardinals are the better overall team, and this will be a series which easily can go six or seven.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
10 Best Football Games-Week 8-Part 2
Crazy day of college football just happened today, with upsets galore happening in the SEC, and Florida State saying "hello, we're a national title contender." Florida State just demolished Clemson in Death Valley by 37, and Jameis Winston is proving to everyone in the nation that he's a really good quarterback and Heisman front runner. But, now, on to the NFL side of picks.
Dallas at Philadelphia, 1, Fox
This game is for first place in the NFC Least, and both teams seem to be on equal footing. Plus, it's a rivalry game in the first place, so you throw out record anyway. This game will really be a measuring stick for Nick Foles as well, as he came in after Mike Vick got injured in the Giants game and led the Eagles to a win there over a bad Giants team. Then, he played the entire game in Tampa, but they are also really bad. Now, he has to go up against a pretty good pass rush and a decent secondary. I think he can handle it, and can really place himself in the pole position so to speak for the starting job in Philly. Plus, the Eagles are due to win at home, they haven't won there in over a year!
Pick: Eagles 38, Dallas 27
Cincinnati at Detroit, 1, CBS
Cincinatti is coming off two really good wins, one over the Patriots, who everyone knows is amazing, and then over a Buffalo team which is competitive every week and better than people think. Cincy's defense is also pretty strong, ranking in the top ten in the NFL, only allowing a little more than 300 yards per game. Plus, the Bengals are starting to find their rhythm on offense, having Andy Dalton and A.J. Green really click last week, plus Giovanni Bernard and the law firm, BenJarvus Green-Ellis combine to make a pretty good running back tandem. Detroit, meanwhile, is winning with their usual weapons of Matthew Stafford throwing to Calvin Johnson, as well as new running back Reggie Bush, who has helped light up the offense. But, the real reason is due to their ability to create turnovers, which is the key in their victory. Plus, the fact that they're at home, go with the Lions.
Pick: Detroit 31, Cincy 24
New England at New York Jets, 1, CBS
Yes, this is a rivalry game, but let's be honest, anyone really think the Patriots are going to lose, especially with Gronk likely to play?
Pick: New England 34, New York Jets 20
Cleveland at Green Bay, 4:25, CBS
Cleveland fell back to earth last week, losing after winning three straight games. Green Bay should come back to win this game, and really try to climb back into the NFC North division race.
Pick: Green Bay 35, Cleveland 17
Denver at Indianapolis, 8:30, NBC
Peyton Manning is returning to the stadium he truly helped build, Lucas Oil Stadium for the first time as an opponent of the Colts. He will be cheered perhaps more heavily than Andrew Luck, the guy who is doing a very good job replacing him. There will be a video tribute to Manning in the pregame, and it's just going to be a special night for everybody in the building. That said, Manning also wants to stick it to his former owner who didn't think he had anything left after his spinal fusion surgery and didn't want to pay him the money to keep him around. Both fair reasonings, and Jim Irsay, the Colts owner, really put up bulletin board material in Denver, quoting that Manning didn't win more Super Bowls because of not having a good enough defense or special teams.
But, let's not forget Luck and the Colts, who are coming off a short week, and their worst game of the season, are looking to rebound. Indianapolis really has to force turnovers to have a chance in this game, where both teams will be playing their hearts out. This is a really tough game to pick, but I'll go with Denver, solely because until they lose, they are still the best team in the league by far.
Pick: Denver 41, Indy 36
Coming Monday: World Series preview and pick.
Dallas at Philadelphia, 1, Fox
This game is for first place in the NFC Least, and both teams seem to be on equal footing. Plus, it's a rivalry game in the first place, so you throw out record anyway. This game will really be a measuring stick for Nick Foles as well, as he came in after Mike Vick got injured in the Giants game and led the Eagles to a win there over a bad Giants team. Then, he played the entire game in Tampa, but they are also really bad. Now, he has to go up against a pretty good pass rush and a decent secondary. I think he can handle it, and can really place himself in the pole position so to speak for the starting job in Philly. Plus, the Eagles are due to win at home, they haven't won there in over a year!
Pick: Eagles 38, Dallas 27
Cincinnati at Detroit, 1, CBS
Cincinatti is coming off two really good wins, one over the Patriots, who everyone knows is amazing, and then over a Buffalo team which is competitive every week and better than people think. Cincy's defense is also pretty strong, ranking in the top ten in the NFL, only allowing a little more than 300 yards per game. Plus, the Bengals are starting to find their rhythm on offense, having Andy Dalton and A.J. Green really click last week, plus Giovanni Bernard and the law firm, BenJarvus Green-Ellis combine to make a pretty good running back tandem. Detroit, meanwhile, is winning with their usual weapons of Matthew Stafford throwing to Calvin Johnson, as well as new running back Reggie Bush, who has helped light up the offense. But, the real reason is due to their ability to create turnovers, which is the key in their victory. Plus, the fact that they're at home, go with the Lions.
Pick: Detroit 31, Cincy 24
New England at New York Jets, 1, CBS
Yes, this is a rivalry game, but let's be honest, anyone really think the Patriots are going to lose, especially with Gronk likely to play?
Pick: New England 34, New York Jets 20
Cleveland at Green Bay, 4:25, CBS
Cleveland fell back to earth last week, losing after winning three straight games. Green Bay should come back to win this game, and really try to climb back into the NFC North division race.
Pick: Green Bay 35, Cleveland 17
Denver at Indianapolis, 8:30, NBC
Peyton Manning is returning to the stadium he truly helped build, Lucas Oil Stadium for the first time as an opponent of the Colts. He will be cheered perhaps more heavily than Andrew Luck, the guy who is doing a very good job replacing him. There will be a video tribute to Manning in the pregame, and it's just going to be a special night for everybody in the building. That said, Manning also wants to stick it to his former owner who didn't think he had anything left after his spinal fusion surgery and didn't want to pay him the money to keep him around. Both fair reasonings, and Jim Irsay, the Colts owner, really put up bulletin board material in Denver, quoting that Manning didn't win more Super Bowls because of not having a good enough defense or special teams.
But, let's not forget Luck and the Colts, who are coming off a short week, and their worst game of the season, are looking to rebound. Indianapolis really has to force turnovers to have a chance in this game, where both teams will be playing their hearts out. This is a really tough game to pick, but I'll go with Denver, solely because until they lose, they are still the best team in the league by far.
Pick: Denver 41, Indy 36
Coming Monday: World Series preview and pick.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
10 Best Football Games-Week 8-Part 1
Yes, I know I missed last week, oh well. This week brings a good slate of both college and pro games. Now, on to the picks.
College
UCF at No. 8 Louisville, Friday, 8, ESPN
This is the only other real obstacle in Louisville's way of an undefeated season and capturing the American title in their only season in the American. Louisville didn't look too impressive last week in their victory over the only somewhat good team so far in their schedule in Rutgers last week, which certainly does not impress voters in their quest for a national title. Teddy Bridgewater really didn't look too good, their offense wasn't in sync, and the defense allowed the second most points so far this season. So, look for Louisville to really bounce back against a very solid UCF team which beat Penn State in Happy Valley and only lost by three to a highly regarded South Carolina team.
Pick: Louisville 35, UCF 10
No. 22 Florida at No. 14 Mizzou, 12:21, ESPN3
First, how in the world did CBS not pick this game instead of Georgia-Vanderbilt for the early game of their SEC doubleheader? Secondly, look for Mizzou to get annihilated in their first game without star quarterback James Franklin, who was lost for the season in Mizzou's thrilling victory at Georgia last weekend. Florida's stud defense will just create turnovers and penetrate the backfield incessantly for their offense to have shoort fields to work with.
Pick: Florida 34, Mizzou 12
No. 24 Auburn at No. 7 Texas A&M, 3:30, CBS
Auburn is back to being relevant again for the first time since their title run back in 2010, ever since sCam Newton left. Auburn is also looking to bounce back against Texas A&M who completely pounded them last year in Auburn. This year, Auburn is coming back with defense, as they have only allowed four passing touchdowns and grabbing seven interceptions. Granted, most of this has been against Subpar competition like Western Carolina and Arkansas State. But, they do have some good wins too, against Washington State and Ole Miss. Auburn's only loss came at LSU, where they lost by 8. I expect them to lose again here, but put up slightly bigger offensive numbers, as A&M's defense is nowhere near the capability of LSU's.
Pick: TAMU 42, Auburn 31
No. 9 UCLA at No. 13 Stanford, 3:30, ABC
This is another great matchup, as it pits UCLA and a Stanford team which just got upset last week in Sal Lake City to Utah. This game also would help UCLA truly gain a stranglehold on the Pac-12 South and help Stanford get back into the thick of the Pac-12 North race. UCLA will also need to break a five game losing streak to the Cardinal, including two in a row to end last year. Once in the regular season finale and another in the Pac-12 championship game. UCLA will also need to end Stanford's 12 game regular season home winning streak. I think UCLA can break these streaks too, as Stanford has fallen to 11th in the Pac-12 in total offense. UCLA can also use revenge as a motivating factor to try and beat the Cardinal.
Pick: UCLA 31, Stanford 24
No. 5 Florida State at No. 3 Clemson, 8, ABC
This is the premier game in college football this week, as it's going to set the winner up for prime position right behind Oregon and Alabama for a spot in the national championship game. Just in case either one loses, this team will automatically be thrusted into the title game. Jameis Winston and the Seminoles have been great thus far this season, including a complete and utter destroying of a ranked Maryland team, 63-0. Florida State also comes into death valley rested, having a bye last week. But, Clemson has been in this position before, hosting then fifth ranked Georgia in the season opener, and beating them by 3. Plus, Clemson has been the benefactor in the past decade in death valley, where they have won every meeting there since 2001. Both teams have really good defenses and really good quarterbacks. But, go with Tajh Boys and the Tigers here in a squeaker.
Pick: Clemson 28, Florida State 26
Part two will come prior to Sunday obviously, and then I will also give a World Series preview after missing the LCS.
College
UCF at No. 8 Louisville, Friday, 8, ESPN
This is the only other real obstacle in Louisville's way of an undefeated season and capturing the American title in their only season in the American. Louisville didn't look too impressive last week in their victory over the only somewhat good team so far in their schedule in Rutgers last week, which certainly does not impress voters in their quest for a national title. Teddy Bridgewater really didn't look too good, their offense wasn't in sync, and the defense allowed the second most points so far this season. So, look for Louisville to really bounce back against a very solid UCF team which beat Penn State in Happy Valley and only lost by three to a highly regarded South Carolina team.
Pick: Louisville 35, UCF 10
No. 22 Florida at No. 14 Mizzou, 12:21, ESPN3
First, how in the world did CBS not pick this game instead of Georgia-Vanderbilt for the early game of their SEC doubleheader? Secondly, look for Mizzou to get annihilated in their first game without star quarterback James Franklin, who was lost for the season in Mizzou's thrilling victory at Georgia last weekend. Florida's stud defense will just create turnovers and penetrate the backfield incessantly for their offense to have shoort fields to work with.
Pick: Florida 34, Mizzou 12
No. 24 Auburn at No. 7 Texas A&M, 3:30, CBS
Auburn is back to being relevant again for the first time since their title run back in 2010, ever since sCam Newton left. Auburn is also looking to bounce back against Texas A&M who completely pounded them last year in Auburn. This year, Auburn is coming back with defense, as they have only allowed four passing touchdowns and grabbing seven interceptions. Granted, most of this has been against Subpar competition like Western Carolina and Arkansas State. But, they do have some good wins too, against Washington State and Ole Miss. Auburn's only loss came at LSU, where they lost by 8. I expect them to lose again here, but put up slightly bigger offensive numbers, as A&M's defense is nowhere near the capability of LSU's.
Pick: TAMU 42, Auburn 31
No. 9 UCLA at No. 13 Stanford, 3:30, ABC
This is another great matchup, as it pits UCLA and a Stanford team which just got upset last week in Sal Lake City to Utah. This game also would help UCLA truly gain a stranglehold on the Pac-12 South and help Stanford get back into the thick of the Pac-12 North race. UCLA will also need to break a five game losing streak to the Cardinal, including two in a row to end last year. Once in the regular season finale and another in the Pac-12 championship game. UCLA will also need to end Stanford's 12 game regular season home winning streak. I think UCLA can break these streaks too, as Stanford has fallen to 11th in the Pac-12 in total offense. UCLA can also use revenge as a motivating factor to try and beat the Cardinal.
Pick: UCLA 31, Stanford 24
No. 5 Florida State at No. 3 Clemson, 8, ABC
This is the premier game in college football this week, as it's going to set the winner up for prime position right behind Oregon and Alabama for a spot in the national championship game. Just in case either one loses, this team will automatically be thrusted into the title game. Jameis Winston and the Seminoles have been great thus far this season, including a complete and utter destroying of a ranked Maryland team, 63-0. Florida State also comes into death valley rested, having a bye last week. But, Clemson has been in this position before, hosting then fifth ranked Georgia in the season opener, and beating them by 3. Plus, Clemson has been the benefactor in the past decade in death valley, where they have won every meeting there since 2001. Both teams have really good defenses and really good quarterbacks. But, go with Tajh Boys and the Tigers here in a squeaker.
Pick: Clemson 28, Florida State 26
Part two will come prior to Sunday obviously, and then I will also give a World Series preview after missing the LCS.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Quick Flyers/NHL primer
Yes, I know this is late, but the Flyers have only played one game so far, and they've got 81 to go because the players and owners have decided to stop being idiots after last season. Now, for your quickie Flyers primer.
Who's in? Ray Emery-G, Vincent Lecavalier-F, and Mark Streit-D.
Who's out? Danny Briere-F, and Ilya Bryzgalov-G.
Do I think these moves help or hurt the team? I think they help the team, Streit was desperately needed for depth with the defensemen and Lecavalier, although he is on the wrong side of 30, he still helps the Flyers tremendously with goal scoring and he is essentially taking Briere's spot. Briere I think was a good player, but he lacked size, and was not worth the money the Flyers were paying him. Then, with Bryz, he was just a distraction for the team and to ship him out was the right move. Emery being brought in for a second stint is a nice addition, especially after his stellar season with the Blackhawks last season.
What else is different? Well, there was realignment which took place over the offseason which decreased the number of divisions to 2, and added a team to the Eastern conference and subtracted a team from the Western conference. The basic gist of it is this. Detroit and Columbus moved to the Eastern conference and Winnipeg moved to the Western conference. The divisions are now called the Metropolitan and Atlantic in the Eastern conference. The Western conference divisions are the Central and the Pacific. Philly is in the Metropolitan conference along with all three New York teams, Pittsburgh, Washington, Columbus and Carolina.
Now, what else to expect in the 2013-14 season? The Olympics are in play this season, so the season is extended by three weeks. The season ends April 13, and the Stanley Cup Final will end in mid June. Also don't expect players to take off their helmets at all during fights. This is a preventitive measure so players get less concussions supposedly. There is also "hybrid" icing, which essentially means that when there is icing, the player who reaches the puck drop circle first is awarded the icing instead of whomever touches the puck. Finally, expect more goals as goalie pads have been forced to be smaller.
What's your prediction for the Flyers? Fourth in Metropolitan division, behind New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Washington Capitals in that order. Flyers sneak into playoffs as 7th seed.
Who's in? Ray Emery-G, Vincent Lecavalier-F, and Mark Streit-D.
Who's out? Danny Briere-F, and Ilya Bryzgalov-G.
Do I think these moves help or hurt the team? I think they help the team, Streit was desperately needed for depth with the defensemen and Lecavalier, although he is on the wrong side of 30, he still helps the Flyers tremendously with goal scoring and he is essentially taking Briere's spot. Briere I think was a good player, but he lacked size, and was not worth the money the Flyers were paying him. Then, with Bryz, he was just a distraction for the team and to ship him out was the right move. Emery being brought in for a second stint is a nice addition, especially after his stellar season with the Blackhawks last season.
What else is different? Well, there was realignment which took place over the offseason which decreased the number of divisions to 2, and added a team to the Eastern conference and subtracted a team from the Western conference. The basic gist of it is this. Detroit and Columbus moved to the Eastern conference and Winnipeg moved to the Western conference. The divisions are now called the Metropolitan and Atlantic in the Eastern conference. The Western conference divisions are the Central and the Pacific. Philly is in the Metropolitan conference along with all three New York teams, Pittsburgh, Washington, Columbus and Carolina.
Now, what else to expect in the 2013-14 season? The Olympics are in play this season, so the season is extended by three weeks. The season ends April 13, and the Stanley Cup Final will end in mid June. Also don't expect players to take off their helmets at all during fights. This is a preventitive measure so players get less concussions supposedly. There is also "hybrid" icing, which essentially means that when there is icing, the player who reaches the puck drop circle first is awarded the icing instead of whomever touches the puck. Finally, expect more goals as goalie pads have been forced to be smaller.
What's your prediction for the Flyers? Fourth in Metropolitan division, behind New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Washington Capitals in that order. Flyers sneak into playoffs as 7th seed.
10 Best Football Games-Week 6
This week provides plenty of games which are intriguing in the NFL, and a few pretty good college games. Only one featuring the SEC. The others college games feature some pretty good Big Ten and Pac-12 teams.
College (All Games Saturday)
No. 25 Maryland at No. 8 Florida State, Noon, ESPN
Maryland is ranked for the first time under Randy Edsall, proving he can rebuild programs. He built the program at UConn, then left for Maryland his "dream job" after Maryland fired the most successful coach in their history, Ralph Friedgen. Too bad for Maryland their stay in the top 25 will only last one week, as Maryland is 0-fer lifetime in Tallahassee, and that trend will continue in this game. Maryland has played a weak schedule so far, and the fact that Florida State has manhandled each opponent its had thus far.
Pick: Florida State 42, Maryland 23
Arkansas at No. 18 Florida, 7, ESPN2
Florida is looking to send Arkansas home with its 10th consecutive loss in the series. Florida leads the nation in time of possession and they have a good running back in Matt Jones, who ran all over Kentucky last week. Arkansas also has a good running game, which helps them be 13th in the country in TOP. Arkansas will try not to let coach Bret Bielema lose more than two in a row for only the second time in his career. Arkansas will also try and get out to an early lead and hold it. They blew a 17 point lead two weeks ago in Rutgers, and then last week could not overcome a deficit from Texas A&M.
Pick: Florida 31, Arkansas 21
No. 22 Arizona State vs. Notre Dame, in Arlington, TX, 7:30, NBC
This is part of the Notre Dame strategy to recruit throughout the nation, playing "home" games, calling it the Shamrock Series. Notre Dame has won each of their first four games in the series, granted, it's been to less than stellar opponents as well. Notre Dame hasn't played that well this season, as Tommy Rees has struggled passing, and that hasn't opened up the running game. So, the defense has played fairly well, but not well enough to truly be elite. Arizona State meanwhile, has played very well. They have an up tempo offense, led by quarterback Taylor Kelly, who has already thrown for over 1300 yards. But, they need their defense to step up, after allowing 41 points to a horrible USC team last week. They need the defense to step up and be formidable to challenge UCLA for the Pac-12 South title. I believe Arizona State has more than enough to beat Notre Dame, and badly.
Pick: Arizona State 41, Notre Dame 24
No. 4 Ohio State at No. 16 Northwestern, 8, ABC
Both teams come in unbeaten, both teams have played rather soft schedules, and both teams feature pretty good defenses. There are a few differences though, Ohio State and Northwestern are worlds apart when it comes to athletics and academics. Ohio State is known for having excellent football and basketball teams, take for instance the football team, who currently has a 17 game winning streak. The basketball team has been to the final four. Northwestern football is trying to get to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1995, when their head coach was the starting middle linebacker. Northwestern basketball has never been to the NCAA tournament in its 75 years of existence. Northwestern has basically Ivy league standards for admission, while Ohio State will get you in on a 1200 SAT probably. But, for me, since College Gameday is in Evanston for the first time since 1995, go with the upset.
Pick: Northwestern 32, Ohio State 30
No. 15 Washington at No. 5 Stanford, 10:30, ESPN
Washington is looking for its second win in the series, after winning in a very low scoring affair, 17-13 last season. They are also looking to take the lead in the Pac-12 north. This is the first in a stretch of tough games for Washington, and if they come out of it 2-1, they've got a chance in the north division. But, Kevin Hogan is now the quarterback for the Cardinal, and he has been very good so far for Stanford. It should be a tough , hard fought game, but go with Stanford, who have looked dominating so far.
Pick: Stanford 28, Washington 21
NFL (All Games Sunday)
Philly at New York Giants, 1, Fox
Both teams are horrible. Both defenses are awful. Both teams still have a shot at winning the division because the division is dreadful. Get where I'm going here? It's going to be a shootout, and very well could come down to the last team who has the ball. I'm going with the lesser of the bad teams and the one who I think could produce more offense in the Eagles.
Pick: Philly 49, Giants 41
Seattle at Indianapolis, 1, Fox
Both teams have very good young quarterbacks who control the game well. Then, both teams have running backs who can turn into "beast mode" at any point. Both teams also have good defenses. This should be a good game which should be rather low scoring, and one of the undefeated teams will be no more.
Pick: Indianapolis 23, Seattle 21
New Orleans at Chicago, 1, Fox
New Orleans is another unbeaten team, and with its firepower on offense means that it can easily beat anyone, just so long as it's defense holds opponents to less than 24 points. Drew Brees has a set of receivers who can match any team, except for perhaps Denver. Plus, he has two good running backs in Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles who provide the power and speed respectively. Chicago last week seemingly couldn't stop the Detroit offense and Reggie Bush last week. Chicago didn't look all that impressive, and I don't think they'll be able to stop the Saints.
Pick: New Orleans 35, Chicago 26
Denver at Dallas, 4:25, CBS
Denver is the best team in the league. Dallas is the leader of the worst division in football. Plus, did anyone see Denver's second half last week, when they put up 38 points?
Pick: Denver 54, Dallas 27
Houston at San Francisco, 8:30, NBC
Houston let victory slip out of their hands last week against Seattle, and that was at home. Matt Schaub looked like a shell of his former self. San Francisco seemed to look like it put its game back together after its two consecutive defeats against St. Louis. Go with the 49ers.
Pick: San Francisco 31, Houston 24
College (All Games Saturday)
No. 25 Maryland at No. 8 Florida State, Noon, ESPN
Maryland is ranked for the first time under Randy Edsall, proving he can rebuild programs. He built the program at UConn, then left for Maryland his "dream job" after Maryland fired the most successful coach in their history, Ralph Friedgen. Too bad for Maryland their stay in the top 25 will only last one week, as Maryland is 0-fer lifetime in Tallahassee, and that trend will continue in this game. Maryland has played a weak schedule so far, and the fact that Florida State has manhandled each opponent its had thus far.
Pick: Florida State 42, Maryland 23
Arkansas at No. 18 Florida, 7, ESPN2
Florida is looking to send Arkansas home with its 10th consecutive loss in the series. Florida leads the nation in time of possession and they have a good running back in Matt Jones, who ran all over Kentucky last week. Arkansas also has a good running game, which helps them be 13th in the country in TOP. Arkansas will try not to let coach Bret Bielema lose more than two in a row for only the second time in his career. Arkansas will also try and get out to an early lead and hold it. They blew a 17 point lead two weeks ago in Rutgers, and then last week could not overcome a deficit from Texas A&M.
Pick: Florida 31, Arkansas 21
No. 22 Arizona State vs. Notre Dame, in Arlington, TX, 7:30, NBC
This is part of the Notre Dame strategy to recruit throughout the nation, playing "home" games, calling it the Shamrock Series. Notre Dame has won each of their first four games in the series, granted, it's been to less than stellar opponents as well. Notre Dame hasn't played that well this season, as Tommy Rees has struggled passing, and that hasn't opened up the running game. So, the defense has played fairly well, but not well enough to truly be elite. Arizona State meanwhile, has played very well. They have an up tempo offense, led by quarterback Taylor Kelly, who has already thrown for over 1300 yards. But, they need their defense to step up, after allowing 41 points to a horrible USC team last week. They need the defense to step up and be formidable to challenge UCLA for the Pac-12 South title. I believe Arizona State has more than enough to beat Notre Dame, and badly.
Pick: Arizona State 41, Notre Dame 24
No. 4 Ohio State at No. 16 Northwestern, 8, ABC
Both teams come in unbeaten, both teams have played rather soft schedules, and both teams feature pretty good defenses. There are a few differences though, Ohio State and Northwestern are worlds apart when it comes to athletics and academics. Ohio State is known for having excellent football and basketball teams, take for instance the football team, who currently has a 17 game winning streak. The basketball team has been to the final four. Northwestern football is trying to get to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1995, when their head coach was the starting middle linebacker. Northwestern basketball has never been to the NCAA tournament in its 75 years of existence. Northwestern has basically Ivy league standards for admission, while Ohio State will get you in on a 1200 SAT probably. But, for me, since College Gameday is in Evanston for the first time since 1995, go with the upset.
Pick: Northwestern 32, Ohio State 30
No. 15 Washington at No. 5 Stanford, 10:30, ESPN
Washington is looking for its second win in the series, after winning in a very low scoring affair, 17-13 last season. They are also looking to take the lead in the Pac-12 north. This is the first in a stretch of tough games for Washington, and if they come out of it 2-1, they've got a chance in the north division. But, Kevin Hogan is now the quarterback for the Cardinal, and he has been very good so far for Stanford. It should be a tough , hard fought game, but go with Stanford, who have looked dominating so far.
Pick: Stanford 28, Washington 21
NFL (All Games Sunday)
Philly at New York Giants, 1, Fox
Both teams are horrible. Both defenses are awful. Both teams still have a shot at winning the division because the division is dreadful. Get where I'm going here? It's going to be a shootout, and very well could come down to the last team who has the ball. I'm going with the lesser of the bad teams and the one who I think could produce more offense in the Eagles.
Pick: Philly 49, Giants 41
Seattle at Indianapolis, 1, Fox
Both teams have very good young quarterbacks who control the game well. Then, both teams have running backs who can turn into "beast mode" at any point. Both teams also have good defenses. This should be a good game which should be rather low scoring, and one of the undefeated teams will be no more.
Pick: Indianapolis 23, Seattle 21
New Orleans at Chicago, 1, Fox
New Orleans is another unbeaten team, and with its firepower on offense means that it can easily beat anyone, just so long as it's defense holds opponents to less than 24 points. Drew Brees has a set of receivers who can match any team, except for perhaps Denver. Plus, he has two good running backs in Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles who provide the power and speed respectively. Chicago last week seemingly couldn't stop the Detroit offense and Reggie Bush last week. Chicago didn't look all that impressive, and I don't think they'll be able to stop the Saints.
Pick: New Orleans 35, Chicago 26
Denver at Dallas, 4:25, CBS
Denver is the best team in the league. Dallas is the leader of the worst division in football. Plus, did anyone see Denver's second half last week, when they put up 38 points?
Pick: Denver 54, Dallas 27
Houston at San Francisco, 8:30, NBC
Houston let victory slip out of their hands last week against Seattle, and that was at home. Matt Schaub looked like a shell of his former self. San Francisco seemed to look like it put its game back together after its two consecutive defeats against St. Louis. Go with the 49ers.
Pick: San Francisco 31, Houston 24
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)