Weekly Picks

Last Week- 36-18

Last week's results reminded me of the night I lost my virginity. I started out like a rock star. I was the king of the world. Everything I was doing was working and I could do no wrong. Of course, at the end of the night, I was curled up into the fetal position crying like a little baby.

The disappointing home stretch last week won't deter me from making my picks this week. Let's see if I can stay strong like bull throughout.


Ball St. @ Miami(OH)
Temple @ Kent St.
Central Michigan @ Northern Illinois
Buffalo @ Akron
Virginia Tech @ Miami(FL)
Wyoming @ UNLV
Cincinnati @ Louisville
Indiana @ Penn St.
Ohio St. @ Illinois
Rutgers @ South Florida
Northwestern @ Michigan
Duke @ Clemson
Notre Dame @ Navy
Purdue @ Iowa
Texas @ Kansas
Georgia @ Auburn
Middle Tennessee @ Western Kentucky
New Mexico @ Colorado St.
UL-Monroe @ Ole Miss
Toledo @ Western Michigan
Utah St. @ Louisiana Tech
East Carolina @ Southern Miss
UAB @ Tulane
South Carolina @ Florida
North Carolina @ Maryland
BYU @ Air Force
Wake Forest @ NC State
California @ Oregon St.
Minnesota @ Wisconsin
Arizona @ Oregon
Nebraska @ Kansas St.
UL-Lafayette @ Florida Atlantic
Texas A&M @ Baylor
San Jose St. @ Nevada
UCF @ Marshall
Boise St. @ Idaho
New Mexico St. @ Fresno St.
Washington St. @ Arizona St.
Missouri @ Iowa St.
USC @ Stanford
Connecticut @ Syracuse
Mississippi St. @ Alabama
Utah @ San Diego St.
Oklahoma St. @ Colorado
Boston College @ Florida St.
Troy @ LSU
Tulsa @ Houston
Vanderbilt @ Kentucky
SMU @ UTEP
UCLA @ Washington


Upset Alerts

Oregon St. over California - I mainly picked this one because I want the Beavers to win out and take the PAC-10 title. I'd like to see USC bitch about not making the national championship without winning their pitiful conference.

Baylor over Texas A&M - The Aggies are a horrible football team, and Robert Griffin and Baylor are on the come up. I look for Art Briles to coach the Bears to their biggest victory in a long while.

Rutgers over South Florida - Rutgers finally looks to be clicking. This is bad news for a struggling South Florida team.

Michigan over Northwestern - The Wolverines are coming off a pretty big win in Minneapolis. Also, I don't care how bad Michigan is, there's no way Northwestern should be able to walk into the Big House and win.

Week 3 is in the books

Week 3 finally provided some of the upsets that we've been waiting for. New Mexico beat Arizona, Maryland took down California, UNLV knocked off Arizona St. and Charlie Weis didn't break both legs.

Here are a few of the stories that stood out to me from week 3.


Defense wins championships


There were a few undefeated teams that got it done on the defensive side of the ball this week. As we all know, offense is fun to watch, but it's the defense that wins championships. If these teams can keep up that level of play on the defensive side of the ball, they could be looking at the NC in January.

• Georgia- The Bulldogs won a traditional SEC game by knocking off the Gamecocks on the road 14-7. Georgia's defense held South Carolina's rushing attack to just 58 yards on 16 attempts. That's an average of 1.1 yards per rush! The Dawgs also forced two late turnovers to seal the victory, a Mike Davis fumble at the goal line, and a last second interception by Reshad Jones.
• BYU- The Cougars absolutely dismantled UCLA 59-0 at home. While BYU's offense is being lauded across the nation today, I would like to recognize their defensive efforts. The Cougars shut down Norm Chow's offense. The Bruins only converted on 20 percent of their third down attempts. UCLA only manged 9 rushing yards in the contest and turned the ball over 4 times. This was a drastic improvement for BYU's D compared to last week's escape vs. Washington.
• Auburn- The Tigers defeated Mississippi St. in a baseball-type score of 3-2. Auburn only gave up 162 total yards to the Bulldogs (78 passing and 38 rushing). Auburn's Walter McFadden came through with a huge pick in the final minutes to seal the game for the Tigers. With the way Auburn's offense has been struggling, the D will have to continue to carry this team.
• Oklahoma- The Sooners made Ty Willingham's seat a little warmer by defeating his Huskies 55-14. The Sooners are on an absolute roll both offensively and defensively. OU allowed only 87 rushing yards to Washington on Saturday. The Huskies were only able to average 2.6 yards per rush. Oklahoma also forced 3 fumbles in the contest.
• LSU- When the Tigers actually play this season, it's their defense that looks exceptional. LSU knocked off North Texas 41-3 this week. The Bayou Bengals held the Mean Green to 155 passing yards and 44 rushing yards. LSU also picked off North Texas once.
• USC- Everyone and their mom saw USC dismantle Ohio St. 35-3. USC's offense wasn't overly impressive to me. Their D, on the other hand, was amazing. The Buckeyes only mustered 136 passing yards and 71 rushing yards vs. the Trojans. USC also forced 1 fumble and they got a pick 6 against Todd Boeckman before the half. Rey Maualuga was EVERYWHERE last night.
• Wisconsin- The Badgers capped off Saturday night by putting up a solid defensive effort in their 13-10 win over Fresno St. The Badgers only allowed 15 first downs to Tom Brandstater and the Bulldog offense. Brett Bielema's bunch also forced 1 fumble and 1 interception.

Hurricane Ike


Hurricane Ike was barreling down on Texas this weekend. Several games were moved or cancelled to accommodate this bitch. Here were a few games that were effected by Isaac.

• Baylor vs. Washington St. - This game was moved to Friday. I'm sure that news didn't even register to fans of the two schools. If anyone at all watched this game, they would know that the move didn't effect Baylor at all. The much improved Bears ran all over the horrible Cougar D en route to an impressive victory.
• Arkanas @ Texas - This game was postponed all together. If I were Bobby Petrino, I would be a total douchebag. Also, I would just forfeit the game and keep my bye week. Their schedule is going to be brutal.
• Air Force @ Houston- Dallas was the site of this monumental throwdown. Air Force defeated the Cougars rather handedly. I must say, I am more and more impressed each week with this Falcons football team.
• Louisiana-Monroe vs. Alabama A&M - This was another game that was moved to Friday night. It was also another game that was viewed by a total of 12 people. The Warhawks registered their first win of the season.
• TCU vs. Stanford - This game was moved to 10 am local time to accommodate the storm. The early start time definitely didn't help the Cardinal. They were throttled by an impressive TCU team. No one is talking about TCU in the Mountain West. BYU and Utah better watch out.

The seat gets hotter



After week 3, here are a few coaches that should be updating their profile on careerbuilder.com as we speak.

• Jeff Genyk- Eastern Michigan. The Eagles lost to a bad Toledo team on Saturday. Genyk's squad looked very bad in the process. If EMU cared dick about their program (which they don't) Genyk would already be long gone.
• Greg Robinson- Syracuse. There are a few mysteries in life that can never be explained. The Bermuda Triangle, the Sphinx nose, why Mark May hasn't been bitch slapped by Lou Holtz yet, and how in the hell is Greg Robinson still employed by Syracuse.
• Tommy West- Memphis. The Tigers were expected to be much improved this season. Instead they are total garbage. Their loss to Marshall on Saturday was disastrous for West and Memphis.
• Tyrone Willingham- Washington. Unfortunately, Coach Ty has not been able to get his ass of the hot seat. I know I've said t before, but I feel really bad for this guy.
• Chuck Long- San Diego St. No matter what the Aztecs do the rest of this season, Long will probably be out of a job in December.
• Mike Stoops- Arizona. Just when it seemed like Stoops was coming off the hot seat, his team goes out and loses to previous winless New Mexico. Arizona is the Clemson of the West.
  

The top 25 players: Big XII

This looks like it could be a VERY big year for the Big XII. Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech all have realistic shots of winning the South. While Kansas, Colorado and Missouri are all looking to win the North.


The Big XII has closed the gap on the SEC for the best conference argument. They are just a Nebraska and Kansas St. surprise season away from being mentioned in the same breath.


Here are my top 25 players from the Big XII conference:


1. Michael Crabtree - Texas Tech WR- Crabtree won the Biletnikoff award last season as a Freshman. Expectations are high for the super soph and his Red Raiders. We'll see if he can repeat last season's successes.

2. Chase Daniel - Missouri QB - Daniel was a Heisman trophy finalist last season. He should be competing with Tebow and others to once again make the trip to New York at the end of the season.

3. Sam Bradford - Oklahoma QB - I have said all along that I felt like Bradford had the best argument against Tebow last season for the Heisman. If he plays like he did last year, Bradford should be a finalist for the award this season.

4. Graham Harrell - Texas Tech QB - Harrell will once again put up some pretty impressive numbers in Lubbock. Once again, however, no one will give him any respect.

5. Auston English - Oklahoma DL - There is always a great Sooner defensive linemen. It's English's turn to take that role.

6. George Hypolite - Colorado DL - I think Hypolite might be my favorite defensive player in the Big XII. The guy has a non-stop motor and he plays with all heart. Like Rod Tidwell said, "Heart? I'm all heart mother f***er!"

7. Duke Robinson - Oklahoma OL - Robinson might be the biggest player in the Big XII. Imagine the battles he must have with Auston English during Sooner practices.

8. DeMarco Murray - Oklahoma RB - Another Sooner makes my top 10. No wonder why I have them in the BCS title game this year......

9. Sean Weatherspoon - Missouri LB - It's not all about the offense at Missouri. The Tigers boast a pretty good defense too, led by Weatherspoon.

10. Joaquin Iglesias - Oklahoma WR - Another Sooner............

11. Jeremy Maclin - Missouri WR - Maclin might be the fastest player in the Big XII. He will be the main target for QB Chase Daniel this season.

12. Cedrick Dockery - Texas OL - It's hard to believe the Longhorns first entry onto this list is at 12 and it's a linemen.

13. Mike Goodson - Texas A&M RB - If Maclin is the fastest player in the conference, Goodson is not very far behind him. He is the lightning to Javorskie Lane's thunder.

14. Nic Harris - Oklahoma DB - It's a shame Bob Stoops can't win a bowl game anymore. He has a ton of talent to work with in Norman.

15. Colt McCoy - Texas QB - I would rank McCoy a little higher on this list but he is just so damn inconsistent.

16. Marlon Lucky - Nebraska RB - Lucky will be the main focal point for the Cornhuskers offense this season. That should mean more carries and more yards for this very talented back.

17. Joe Pawelek - Baylor LB - How about Baylor making a surprise appearance on the list? Art Briles should have the Bears competing in the Big XII. Just not this year.

18. William Moore - Missouri DB - Once again, I'm telling you that the Missouri defense will be very good this season.

19. Todd Reesing - Kansas QB - Reesing was the feel good story last season in CFB. I'm not completely sold on Reesing, but he had too good of a season to not include him.

20. Quan Cosby - Texas WR - Texas may not have as much talent on the offensive side of the ball as they're used to, but Cosby is a gem at wide out.

21. Joe Mortensen - Kansas LB - Mortensen is the heart and soul of a very underrated, but tough Jayhawk defense.

22. Zac Robinson - Oklahoma St. QB - Robinson broke all kinds of Cowboy records last season. He just needs to learn how to win on a consistent basis.

23. Brian Orakpo - Texas DL - A lot of people in Austin are clamoring over Orakpo's performance. He clearly has not lived up to his expectations at Texas, but talent alone gets him on this list.

24. Phil Loadholt - Oklahoma OL - I had to squeeze one more Sooner onto the list before it was all said and done. Loadholt doesn't get the pub he deserves, mainly because he shares the line with Duke Robinson.

25. Dez Bryant - Oklahoma St. WR - Bryant was one of the reasons why QB Zac Robinson was able to have such a tremendous season last year. Oklahoma St. will once again feature a very prolific offense, and Bryant will be a big part of it.

S.O.S. = SEC is Officially the Shit.

I came across a recent ranking of the ten most difficult schedules this coming season. The rankings were determined by the opponent's winning percentage.

Here were the results:

1.Georgia
2.Florida
3.Arkansas
4.UCLA
5.Alabama
6.Auburn
7.Ohio St.
8.Kentucky
9.Colorado
10.Baylor

Is is any surprise that 6 of the top 10 teams with the toughest schedule reside in the SEC. I hate when people say the SEC gets off by playing weak out of conference teams at home. My response: So what? We deserve the break from the rigorous in-conference schedule.

If SEC teams were in the Big Eleven, where we would have the luxury of playing Northwestern, Minnesota, Michigan St. or Iowa on any given week, then we would go out and find tougher out of conference teams to schedule. Instead we're stuck with the likes of LSU, Georgia, Florida, Auburn, Tennessee or Alabama on any given week.

The SEC is the toughest conference by far. I couldn't care less if they just played their 8 conference games and said to hell with the rest of the schedule.

Spring Conference Breakdowns - Big XII South

For the first time in recent memory, the Big XII South took a back seat last year to it's counterparts in the Big XII North. Missouri and Kansas were the stories for much of the season, while the failures of Oklahoma and Texas garnered attention. This year lookf to return to form as the South is once again ready to assert it's dominance over the North.

I have listed the teams below in the order in which I think they will finish.

1. Oklahoma Sooners

2007 Recap - 11-3(6-2) Lost to West Virginia 48-28 in the Fiesta Bowl.

2008 Preview- Back-to-back Fiesta Bowl losses have left the fan base in Norman extremely anxious this year. Lucky for them these Sooners are one of the early favorites to make a run at the national title. Heisman hopeful Sam Bradford is back, and he is looking to build upon last year's successes when he exploded onto the national scene. Bradfor will have steady receivers to throw to that include Juaquin Iglesias and Manuel Johnson. The Sooners alos look to add speedster Ryan Broyles to the receiving mix this season. Oklahoma may have the deepest running back rotation in the nation. DeMarco Murray is back to handle starting duties for the Sooners. Superb quality back-up Chris Brown and incoming Freshman Jermie Calhoun will provide Murray with breathers.Defensively, the Sooners will be outstanding once again. Linebackers Jeremy Beal and Ryan Reynolds are back to lead a defense that also includes DB Lendy Holmes and DT DeMarcus Granger.

The Sooners play two decent non-conference games vs. Cincinnati and at Washington. In Big XII play, the Sooners toughest game on the road may be a trip to Texas A&M. Kansas and Texas Tech both make the trip to Norman this season, and of course, there's the annual match-up with Texas in Dallas as well.

Difference Maker - Sam Bradford QB. With the depth at the running back position, the Sooners can still compete if DeMarco Murray or Chris Brown were to go down. This is not the case with Bradford. Oklahoma would be in for a long season if Bradford is injured or somehow fails to produce.

Biggest Game - Oct. 11 vs. Texas in Dallas. Once again this game will more than likely determine the Big XII South winner. This game may also have national title game implications.

Intangible - The depth at the running back position is truly amazing. Bob Stoops is able to plug in a running back whenever necessary and their seems to never be any drop-off.





2. Texas Longhorns


2007 Recap - 10-3(5-3) Defeated Arizona St. 52-34 in the Holiday Bowl.

2008 Preview - This season the Longhorns will have to perform to the best of their abilities if they want to keep pace with Oklahoma. Texas does return Colt McCoy at QB. McCoy is an early Heisman candidate once again. He will have returning receivers Quan Cosby and Jordan Shipley to throw the ball to, as well as incoming freshman Dan Buckner. Vondrell McGee will be replacing Jamaal Charles at the running back position after Charles declared for the NFL Draft. Defensively, the Longhorns are lead up front by DE's Brian Orakpo and Sam Acho. They will be backed up by LB Rashad Babino. CB Curtis Brown will have to step up and be the leader of the young secondary.

Texas renews it's long time rivalry with Arkansas this season by hosting the Razorbacks. In Big XII play, Texas will travel to Texas Tech and Kansas. They will also host Missouri and Texas A&M, as well as the annual game with Oklahoma in Dallas.

Difference Maker - Colt McCoy. McCoy will have to have a Heisman type season that has been expected of him in order for the Longhorns to dream of a national title.

Biggest Game - Oct. 11 vs. Oklahoma in Dallas. Texas will have to take this series back in order to turn the tide in the Big XII.

Intangible - New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp will bring an extreme intensity to this defensive unit. The impact that Muschamp will have on players like Babino and Orakpo could turn Texas into one of the elite defenses in the nation.




3. Texas Tech Red Raiders


2007 Recap - 9-4(4-4) Defeated Virginia 31-28 in the Gator Bowl.

2008 Preview- There is a ton of optimism in Lubbock for this Texas Tech football season, and rightfully so. Most of the main components from last year's squad are back to help improve upon last year's record. It's not so far-fetched to consider Texas Tech as a contender for the Big XII South title. QB Graham Harrell is back to lead the explosive Red Raider offense. Last year's breakout star, Michael Crabtree is back to lead the receiving corps, along with Eric Morris and Detron Lewis. Perhaps the most over-looked player on this team is running back Shannon Woods. Woods is a terrific receiver out of the backfield, and he can come through when the Red Raiders need a few yards on the ground. Everyone knows about Texas Tech's offense. However, it's their defense that will be the key to their success this season. On several occasions last season, Texas Tech was just unable to stop opponents. Texas Tech's secondary looks to be improved with DB's Darcel McBath and Jamar Wall returning. Also, converted receiver L.A. Reed will try his skill at the safety position this season.

This year's Big XII slate will be a difficult one for Texas Tech. With away games against Texas A&M, Kansas and Oklahoma, as well as a home date with the Texas Longhorns.

Difference Maker - Michael Crabtree. Last year's Biletnikoff winner is easily the favorite to win once again.

Biggest Game - Nov. 1 vs. Texas. The Red Raiders will need to capitalize on home-field advantage when Texas comes to town. If they are able to, they put themselves right in the thick of the divisional race.

Intangible - As I have said, this Texas Tech team will only go as far as their defense will take them. The defense did show signs of improvement late in the year under interim coordinator Ruffin McNeill. McNeill's interim tag has been removed, and it will be interesting to see what this defense can do with a full year under his tutelage.

4. Texas A&M Aggies

2007 Recap - 7-6(4-4) Lost to Penn St. 24-17 in the Alamo Bowl.

2008 Preview - It seems like a black cloud has been lifted over College Station with the departure of Dennis Franchione. New coach Mike Sherman may not have been the hot prospect coach that some Aggie fans wanted. However, Sherman will bring a steadying calm that was often missing during the Franchione regime. Tough - nosed QB Stephen McGee is back to run the offense. With departure of TE Martellus Bennett and the absense of a true deep-threat receiver, except for Pierre Brown, look for the Aggies to once again run the ball down their opponent's throats. Two big reasons the Aggies will be able to do this are the one-two combo of running backs they possess. Bruiser Jorvorskie Lane will get the bulk of the carries, while speedster Mike Goodson will provide a much needed change of pace. The Aggies may have one of the deepest secondaries in the Big XII. Jordan Pugh, Alton Dixon, Devin Gregg and Arkeith Brown all return to the defensive backfield.

The Aggies will host a much-improved Miami Hurricanes team in the non-conference portion of their schedule. Within the Big XII, Texas A&M plays at Texas while hosting Texas Tech and Oklahoma.

Difference Maker - Mike Goodson. The Aggies are a bruising, pound it out type football team. Goodson brings a necessary change of pace to their offensive system. He has the ability to take it the distance every time he touches the ball.

Biggest Game - Oct. 18 vs. Texas Tech. The Aggies always seem to have trouble with Tech. This will be a huge revenge game for A&M, and could go a long way in deciding how their season will turn out.

Intangible - In a year in which Texas A&M needs all the help they can get in order to prevent a slide, they receive some help from their own schedule. A&M avoids all the top teams of the Big XII North this season. Also, with the exception of the Texas game, all of their "tough" games will be played in College Station.

5. Oklahoma St. Cowboys


2007 Recap - 7-6(4-4) Defeated Indiana 49-33 in the Insight.Com Bowl

2008 Preview - Oklahoma St.'s 2007 season may best be known for Mike Gundy's rant rather than his team's play. On the field, the Cowboys were one of the most prolific offensive teams in the conference. Dual threat QB Zac Robinson is back to run Gundy's offense. Last year's leading rusher, Dantrell Savage, must be replaced. That task goes to Kendall Hunter. Robinson will have a plethora of receivers to throw to. Dez Bryant , Jeremy Broadway and Artrell Woods all provide great speed and skill at the receiver position. The best receiver on the team, however, may be TE Brandon Pettigrew. The Cowboys need to improve defensively this season if they wish to better their record from last season. In the secondary, DB's Perrish Cox and Jacob Lacey return. They are joined by fellow retuning starters Derek Burton at DE and Patrick Lavine at LB.

Oklahoma St. plays a rather difficult non-conference schedule with a game in Seattle vs. Washington St., as well as home games vs. top non-BCS schools Houston and Troy. In Big XII play, the Cowboys play at Missouri and Texas Tech. Home dates vs. Texas A&M and Oklahoma also are on the schedule.

Difference Maker - Zac Robinson. Robinson makes this offense go. If he can improve upon last year's impressive season, Oklahoma St. can go pretty far.

Biggest Game - Oct. 4 vs. Texas A&M. Oklahoma St. opens Big XII play against the Aggies in Stillwater. Oklahoma St. would love to open the season in a big way.

Intangible - Mike Gundy's fire and passion for this program is readily evident. This year should be the year that the Cowboys make a move up the Big XII ranks. With Gundy at the helm it's not impossible to think that Oklahoma St. could do just that.





6. Baylor Bears


2007 Recap - 3-9((0-8)

2008 Preview - Baylor does not return too many weapons from last year's squad. Art Briles will have to make due with what was left him in his first year in Waco. The Bears return QB Blake Szymanski from last year's squad. The starting running back for the 2008 season will be Jay Finley. The returning receivers for Baylor will be Thomas White, Justin Akers and David Gettis. If Baylor wishes to improve upon last year's disappointing season, they will have to do so with their defense. Up front, the Bears are lead by DE Jason Lamb and DT Vincent Rhodes. LB Joe Pawelek is back to lead the entire defense along with S Jeremy Williams.

Baylor's non-conference slate features 3 pretty tough games in home dates with Wake Forest and Washington St. and an away contest against Connecticut. The Big XII schedule doesn't get any easier for the Bears as they play at Texas and Texas Tech as well as host Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas A&M.

Difference Maker - Joe Pawelek LB. Pawelek is the key to the defense and the entire team. If the offense can follow his lead on the other side of the ball, the Bears may be able to surprise a few people.

Biggest Game - Oct 1.. vs. Iowa St. This game may provide Baylor with their best chance to win a Big XII game.

Intangible - Art Briles brings an energy to this program that has been lacking for far too many years in Waco. It may not be this year, but the Bears may be able to turn the corner under Briles very soon.