Week 10 Key Games and Picks

Week 10 Key Games and Picks

 

 

 

     Happy Halloween! And sadly the final month of the College Football regular season is upon us..... At the same time, though.... That means the matchups become a little more meaningful. Rivalry games and conference matchups round out this weekend. Here are the Key Games and Picks for the weekend.....

 

    Michigan at Michigan State.

It's been a strange season for the Wolverines. It started as a promising season with a key win over Notre Dame in the first month, but it has gone down hill since. The Spartans? Oh it has been a rough season there too. Not that it's really a key game....but it's a rivalry game, anyway.... and anything can happen.

My Pick: Michigan.

 

     Tennessee at Missouri.

Reality set in for the Vols last week against the Crimson Tide. And this week, it doesn't get much easier..... It get's easier....but not much... Missouri has a lot on the line. A win would bring them one game closer to winning the SEC East Division. I really think that the Tigers will control much of this game. Their loss last week to South Carolina served as a 'wake-up call'. This Missouri team has refocused and they will show it this week.

My Pick: Missouri Tigers.

 

     USC at Oregon State.

Well, the Trojans are still without a head coach, but they have been playing tough their last few weeks without Lane Kiffin around. The story around this game may not be centered on USC, though. It has to be about Oregon State and their resurgence this season. The Beavers have been playing really well..... They took Stanford to the 4th quarter and still had a shot at pulling off the upset. This game against the Trojans will be tough, but I wouldn't count out the Beavers here. USC is still an up and down team, and going on the road won't be a small obstacle to overcome. I was feeling the USC pick here, but I really like the direction this Oregon State team is going. So there it is..... My Pick: Oregon State

 

Search for the next head coach at USC..... Yeah I got a little piece of info today.... The rumors have been flying, and of course there are plenty of fans out there that throw out some names.... Here is a name that I think USC will (if not already) go after.... Gruden. Yes, I think John Gruden is/will be their first target. I think enough of the signs are there that USC is interested and Gruden is interested....

 

 

     Mississippi State at South Carolina.

The Gamecocks should dominate this game, but the fact is that this season South Carolina has been pretty inconsistent. It does help that they are at home, though. Mississippi State won't lie down in this game. If it is a single score game late, I have a hard time giving it to South Carolina..... They have come from behind late, but they have also blown a lead late in the game too. I am sure Spurrier would like to get control of this game early and keep it that way. Don't forget that South Carolina is still in the hunt for the SEC East Title. And I feel like that will be the edge for South Carolina..... They still have something to play for each week.

My Pick: South Carolina

 

    Georgia vs Florida (Game in Jacksonville)

A rivalry game that means pretty much nothing when it comes to the BIG PICTURE..... But after all, it is bragging rights.... And these teams hate each other. So, in a way, it's about who will have the 'not so bad season'. Both teams have been hit hard with the injury bug. Georgia had the higher expectations, but those are all gone now. Which team wants it more? Which team has the bench players that could make an impact in this game? Which team is better coached for games like this? Yep, those are all big questions for this game.... And I feel like Georgia is well coached but their team is just so banged up right now, and their confidence is shaky at best too. However, if there is an advantage for one of these teams, it's the QB position.... and I give that to Georgia's Aaron Murray.  My Pick: Georgia gets it back on track.

 

     Northwestern at Nebraska.

Bo Pelini is really taking some shots this season. Some are calling for his job now instead of waiting until the end of the season. I promise you this, if the season continues to go down hill, Nebraska HAS to let him go. This is a team that OWNED college football in the 1990's. Playing for a handful of National Titles and winning almost every one of them. How long do you let a program settle for 8 or 9 wins a season? Sure, that's great for some programs, but at Nebraska? Has Nebraska just become complacent, and they are okay with being a mediocre team in a bad conference? I want to hear from some Nebraska fans out there.... I know you're out there... What do you think about the state of your program?

Anyways, my pick for this game..... Northwestern is going to head into Lincoln Nebraska and embarrass the Children of the Corn.....

My Pick: Northwestern.

 

     Miami at Florida State.

Now here is a game that means something..... And wow, it has been awhile since this game has meant anything other than bragging rights. BCS Title hopes are on the line, undefeated  records are on the line.... Oh and the same old bragging rights are there too.... Florida State has dominated the series recently, but Miami hasn't been this good either. Anything can happen in a rivalry game, and that is what Miami fans are hoping for in this game. Florida State? Yeah, they are focused, and it almost feels like they are getting more and more focused with each victory. It's almost as if there is 'blood in the water' and FSU can taste it. They are playing with a since of urgency that we haven't seen in over a decade... And they will need to keep playing that way the rest of the way. Will this be game that is over by halftime? (like many of FSU's games this season.) Or will it come down to a field goal late? There is no way to predict the way this game will go.... ANYTHING can happen in rivalry games... Throw records, stats, and momentum out the window. It's a rivalry game. But I think the wild card in this game is Winston. He doesn't care how big the stage is..... in fact he plays better in the big games. Nobody has found the formula to frustrate Winston yet..... My Pick: FLORIDA STATE! (Like I am going to pick against my Noles? You should know better by now!)

 

    That's it for my Key Games and Picks. Be sure to submit your questions, comments, or predictions for CollegeFootball2Day's Reader Question Segment. Send to Jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com or post to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/collegefootball2day.

 

Don't forget to join the discussion at www.fans25.com. Any Sport, it doesn't matter..... We talk anything and everything over there.



The 'U' vs The SEMINOLES

Week 10; The 'U' and the NOLES

 

    Week 10 is upon us. There are rivalry games and big conference matchups across the country this weekend. Some of these games could make or break a season for a couple teams...... One game in particular will make the BCS Title race a little more clear.

 

 

    Two unbeaten teams in the top 10 will faceoff in Tallahassee on Saturday night. The Miami Hurricanes take on the Florida State Seminoles. This time, this game really means something. Sure, it still holds the bragging rights..... but now it has BCS Title implications. It's what the ACC dreamed of when they extended an invite to Miami to join the conference a decade ago. Since the Hurricanes have joined the ACC, they have been everything but good until now. Bad seasons and NCAA investigations have defined what Miami has been since joining the ACC..... Now they appear to be back on track. Al Golden has Miami relevant again.

 

   Let's be real for a moment, though. Miami might not be what their ranking says. They have yet to be tested. What about their game against Florida? It's obvious, the Gators played a bad game..... And besides that, the Gators' offense was never anything special (and still isn't anything special). Miami has not faced an offense like what Florida State has to offer. However, on the other side, Miami looks like they could have success against Florida State's defense. Miami's offense likes the power run formations a little more than most of who Florida State has played thus far. FSU fans should think back to the Boston College game. The Eagles had huge success running the ball against the Noles. So Miami has to be thinking about the run game being a key part of getting the upset in Tallahassee.

 

 

    Florida State has the momentum coming in to make this another dominating performance. They destroyed NC State last week when most people had that game tagged as a trap game. Anybody ever see a trap game that was 35-0 at the end of the first quarter? Of course not, and that is what's different about Florida State this season. Previous seasons Florida State's offense would be up and down like a roller-coaster. There were games they looked unstoppable and then there were games like last year's road game against NC State where the offense just looked lost. Not this season.... Florida State has put up 41 or more points in every game this season, including 51 points on the road AT CLEMSON. This offense is the best we've seen since....... since the 90's.....but I would even go on a limb and say that this offense looks better than what fans saw during the 90's. Even the offense we saw from the Noles during that decade had games where they slowed down a bit and didn't look as consistent as what we are seeing this year.

 

   Okay, so I am saying this offense is pretty good, obviously. What about FSU not having a 1,000 yard rusher in the last 16 years? Well, it looks like that drought may come to an end this season. Devonta Freeman is on pace to break 1,000 yards, and I don't think this week is going to slow him down. He plays particularly well against Miami. He is from the Miami area, and playing against his hometown team gives him a little something extra.... Freeman feels like he has something to prove when he steps on the field against the Hurricanes.

 

     This will be an instant classic, no matter what the score is at the end. It's a conference game. It's a top 10 matchup.... It's a rivalry game.... ESPN's College Game Day will be there. The atmosphere will be everything you would expect from a big time matchup. Doak Campbell will be louder than it has been in a long time. Not a Hurricane fan? Not a Seminole fan? Who cares!?!?! Watch the game because there aren't many rivalries like the FSU vs Miami rivalry...... The SEC can sit in the back seat this weekend.... Their big matchup this weekend? How about a 3:30pm game featuring two SEC "Juggernauts"..... UNRANKED Georgia takes on UNRANKED Florida.... One game matters this weekend, and it's not in the SEC. Too soon?

 



Week 9 Recap & Week 2 BCS

Week 9 Recap & BCS Rankings

 

   Not a bad week for my picks.... 5-2 for the weekend. Missouri let me down in overtime against South Carolina. The SEC East is pretty inconsistent this season. And it's almost like nobody wants to win the SEC East..... Missouri had a shot at locking it up but they fouled up a 17 point lead in the fourth quarter. Enough with the Missouri game... What else happened this past weekend?

 

    Alabama did what we all thought they would do to Tennessee. It was ugly from start to finish. Saban had his team focused and they came out and took care of business.

 

    UCLA couldn't play 4 qtrs. with Oregon. The Ducks blew it wide open in the 4th. So much so, that it almost made you forget that it was 14-14 for most of the game. With this win, the Ducks moved to #2 in the BCS over Florida State. Not sure that it made a whole lot of sense, though. FSU still has the bigger win of the two, but it looks like it's going to shuffle nearly every week for the remainder of the season.

 

    Florida State throttles NC State..... Yeah, it was 35-0 in the first quarter. Winston threw for over 200 yards and 3 TDs in the first quarter. Sure, the final score was only 49-17, but FSU's second and third string players all saw playing time in the second half. NC State? Well, they left their starters in for the entire game. So if there is such a thing called a 'moral victory', NC State's starters beat FSU's second and third stringers 17 to 7. And with this questionable performance by FSU, they fall to #3 in the BCS.... Yep, they just didn't earn enough style points this week. However, FSU has a great chance to earn big time style points in their next game. The Noles host #7 Miami, and if FSU can destroy Miami, then I promise that next week we will have another swap at #2 and #3 in the BCS. Oh, and Oregon is on a BYE Week.

 

     Stanford survives Oregon State. The Beavers played a tough game, but they couldn't find the end-zone. Stanford moves to #5 with that win (and Missouri's loss) and it is looking like Oregon and Stanford are on a collision course.

 

 

 

     Week 2 BCS Rankings

 

1. Alabama

2. Oregon

3. Florida State

4. Ohio State

5. Stanford

6. Baylor

7. Miami

8. Clemson

9. Missouri

10. Oklahoma

 

  It will be interesting to watch all the moves and shifts in the rankings over the next few weeks. The ACC still leads the way with 3 teams in the top 10.

 

   

   Join the Discussion at www.fans25.com. Also don't forget to jump in to CollegeFootball2Day's Reader Question segment each week. Send questions, comments, predictions, etc..... Anything College Football, Send to Jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com or post to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/collegefootball2day 

Week 9 Key Games and Picks

Week 9 Key Games and Picks

 

   It's week 9 and there are a few intriguing games out there to keep an eye on. Also in this segment I will tackle your questions and comments. So let's get things kicked off here.....

 

   Tennessee at Alabama.

Well, UT has built up some momentum heading into this game. One week removed from upsetting South Carolina, the Vols have their eyes set on ruining Bama's season..... Yeah, I just don't see this happening this week. Maybe I could put the TIDE on upset alert if it was in Knoxville..... Oh but I can't forget a couple seasons ago when Bama needed to block a field goal to beat UT, and that was in Tuscaloosa...... If I have learned anything from Alabama in the past, though, it's hard to pick against Nick Saban.

My Pick: Alabama, ROLL TIDE!

 

   UCLA at Oregon.

So this game might be the biggest matchup of the week, but that doesn't mean it will live up to that..... I have never really bought into UCLA as being a top 10 team, and I think this game may show that. If the Bruins want to prove me wrong, they need to score lots of points and at least make this a game. They don't need to win to prove to me that they belong.... A close loss will go a long ways. Oregon will take care of business as usual.

My Pick: Oregon.

 

 

   NC State at Florida State.

It's the matchup that ruined FSU's season a year ago.... When the Noles went on the road and played a terrible game..... This year? Well, it's in Tallahassee. Bobby Bowden will be making his first return to Doak Campbell Stadium since his forced retirement. Not only will he be there, but he will be planting the spear at midfield. Some 350+ former players are supposed to be there as well. This weekend is all about honoring the great Bobby Bowden..... And if you think for one second that FSU is going to lay an egg in this game......oh boy, are you crazy..... The crowd will be as loud as they have ever been in Tallahassee. It is sure to be a great environment for some football this weekend. After all, It is Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium.

My Pick: Florida State.... BY A LOT!

 

    Stanford at Oregon State.

UPSET ALERT! If Stanford doesn't pay attention in this game, they could find themselves with their backs against the wall. Oregon State has been playing pretty well and have climbed their way into the top 25. The Beavers are not to be taken lightly. In end though, I think the Cardinal comes out on top. They have refocused and have gotten back to playing the way they have been expecting to play. No doubt, however, if Stanford makes the mistake of overlooking the Beavers, it could turn into an ugly game.

My Pick: Stanford

 

    South Carolina at Missouri.

Wow, Missouri is still undefeated.... even without their starting QB James Franklin. What a season for this team from the Big12. In fact I think it is worth noting that both teams have come from what is perceived to be a weaker conference than the SEC, and they have dominated in their first two seasons. How do you explain that? Okay, I will leave that alone.... South Carolina is in all kinds of trouble. Injury to Connor Shaw, and wondering if Clowney will give it his best just leaves me thinking that Spurrier has lost this team. And on the other side? Well, Missouri couldn't be more of a team than they are right now. They trust each other. They have confidence in their back-up QB. This team is playing together more than any other team in the SEC right now... and that is dangerous.

My Pick: Missouri

 

   Texas at TCU

Have the Longhorns turned it around? Will Mack Brown be around for another season? I think those are fair questions to ask every week from here on.....  TCU will give Texas all they can handle. The HornFrogs live for games like this. So much so, that I feel pretty good about TCU winning at home on Saturday.

My Pick: TCU

 

    Vanderbilt at Texas A&M

Vandy should be able to score some points in this game, and with Johnny Manziel being less than 100% (possibly not even playing).... Vandy really has a shot in this game. It could turn into a shootout with these two defenses... only time will tell. I really would like to see Vandy pull off the upset, but I feel like A&M has the consistency on offense, even without Manziel.

My Pick: Texas A&M

 

 Reader Questions

 

 

   Each week I tackle your questions, comments, predictions, etc.... If you have a question or comment that you want to see here, send it in... Either jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com or post to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/collegefootball2day.

 

  GatorBait in Tennessee writes: I have read all your posts this week, and I must say you make a pretty good argument.... I know a lot of SEC Homers wouldn't agree with you or even give you the time of day to try to make this argument. This year I think you could make a stronger case that the SEC is fallen a bit... What do you think? I'm a proud Gator, but I can recognize when teams are really bad.

 

 Thanks GatorBait. Yes I think the SEC is having a down year as a whole, but of course Bama is still in prime position to continue to carry the SEC Banner. I think it's pretty obvious when there are only two teams from the SEC in the top 10, and one of them is Missouri, of all teams. My question to you and the rest of the SEC fans, which team has been the biggest surprise this season? And I don't mean who is having a great season that we didn't expect, but I know Georgia fans are in state of shock, South Carolina has to be in a weird state of mind, and Florida? You are a Gator fan, did you see Florida having this type of season (minus the injuries) after the way they played last season... If you ask me, it still looks like they are hungover from their Sugar Bowl performance.

 

    Steven in Georgia writes: Huge Nole Fan here, and I know you are too. What do you think about Bobby Bowden being back this week? Will it actually be a distraction for this team or will it help them focus? GO NOLES!

 

   Go Noles! Steven. I thought the same thing when I saw it on the schedule at the start of the season.... But you know as well as I do that Jameis Winston loves the big stage. He loves having the chance to play at his best in front of a huge crowd.... What is better than playing in front of 83,000+  that includes 350+ former players and the great Bobby Bowden? Yeah, I think the stage is as big as playing at Clemson at night. Winston will play well and Noles' defense will be lights out. There is something about playing in front of former players and showing that they are bringing the 'swag' back to FSU. It will be a very fun game to watch, no doubt.

 

    No name was tagged with this next email, but thanks for the question and comments, anyway.

 

Anonymous writes: Florida State jumps Oregon in the BCS, that is a joke. FSwho plays in the ACC, and Oregon plays in a tougher PAC12.... You only side with the ranking because you are a FSwho fan. How can you ignore Oregon's schedule? I'm not even a Oregon fan and I am upset. Glad the BCS is history after this season....

 

    Hmmmm,  I wonder if you hate FSU... It sure comes across that way.... And really I think you sound like a Gator fan... I have only seen Gator fans use the 'FSwho' tag (maybe a fan of the SugarCanes in Miami?) Oh well, I think it's pretty simple here. The BCS ranks what you have done up to this point. And the fact remains that FSU has played 2 ranked teams, and 1 of them was ranked 3rd. Oregon has played ONE ranked team that was ranked 16th and now is unranked. So up to this point of the season, I have to agree that FSU deserves to be where they are in the BCS. If Oregon wins out, yes, they will pass FSU. Thanks for the comments anyway.

 

Thanks for the questions this week. Keep them coming and I will tackle more next week. Enjoy the weekend!



 



College Football Chatter Week 9

College Football Chatter Week 9

 

    So the "SEC! SEC! SEC!" post might have rubbed some fans the wrong way..... Can you guess which ones? As predicted, some took it as an attack on the SEC. It's okay, I get it.... But I must also point out that I have received feedback from other SEC fans who agreed with the post and said they have felt the SEC has been top heavy. Top Heavy? Yes, that is all that was discussed and debated yesterday...... Nothing about the SEC being overrated or anything like that. Either way, I appreciate all the feedback and all of your opinions. I especially appreciate those who can OWN their comments and views. 

 

    Moving on.....

 

Reader Question segment will be Friday, and I have already received a few from some fans this week.... Thank you.... I am always willing to take on more, so send them to Jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com or post to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/collegefootball2day. Anything College Football, Any Team.

 

 

Heisman Watch 

  This past week helped make the Heisman Race a little more clear. Jameis Winston made it clear that he belongs in the race. Tajh Boyd took himself out of the hunt with a dismal performance at home against the Noles. Marcus Mariota has to be the frontrunner at this point. He will have some key games ahead that will help decide if he can make the cut. It's been fun to watch these players thus far.... Here is my Top 3 Heisman List

 

1. Mariota

2. Winston

3. Manziel

 

Who do you think will win the Heisman? Who is your top 3? Let me know.

 

   Tomorrow I will post this week's Key Games and Picks. Send in your predictions for Reader Question Segment on Friday. Also, don't forget to check our friends out at www.fans25.com. Join the discussion, any sports, you name it.

 

 

   

A Closer Look at the SEC

SEC! SEC! SEC!

 

    Every season you read or hear the debates about the SEC. Even if you are an SEC fan, you know it goes on. Through most of the discussions about the SEC being the best conference in the country, at least the ones I have read or been a part of, SEC fans mainly fire back with one stat. "We have won the last 7 BCS Titles." Well, I admit it, that is impressive. But that's not the whole story. Sure, that makes a pretty strong case..... But if SEC fans are going to throw stats at somebody every time this topic comes up, let's make sure ALL the stats are included. A good friend of mine, Tim Shay, did a little research and put together some interesting statistics. I have done some of my own, and we will see what we have come up with. Keep in mind, this is not meant to 'De-Throne the SEC'. It is simply meant to look at the SEC from another angle that doesn't get enough attention. I also said yesterday, that I would leave my opinion at the door.... This will simply be stats and facts, no conference bias. Here we go....

 

    The stats I was looking for were from 2007-2012 seasons, however, Tim upped it a bit and put together stats from 2004-2012. So, Tim's stats will be the primary source used here.

 

 

 

  2004 - 2012

 

LSU

SEC Record: 56-21

Vs Power 6: 15-3

Vs Top 25: 12-3

 

Alabama

SEC Record: 54-22

Vs Power 6: 12-3

Vs Top 25: 9-1

 

Florida

SEC Record: 52-25

Vs Power 6: 14-5

Vs Top 25: 8-3

 

Georgia

SEC Record: 52-25

Vs Power 6: 18-4

Vs Top 25: 10-6

 

Auburn

SEC Record: 46-30

Vs Power 6: 11-5

Vs Top 25: 4-2

 

South Carolina

SEC Record: 42-35

Vs Power 6: 12-8

Vs Top 25: 6-2

 

Arkansas

SEC Record: 35-41

Vs Power 6: 4-7

Vs Top 25: 2-6

 

Tennessee

SEC Record: 34-41

Vs Power 6: 5-9

Vs Top 25: 3-4

 

Mississippi State

SEC Record: 23-51

Vs Power 6: 2-5

Vs Top 25: 0-5

 

Ole Miss

SEC Record: 21-56

Vs Power 6: 3-5

Vs Top 25: 2-2

 

Vanderbilt

SEC Record: 20-56

Vs Power 6: 7-11

Vs Top 25: 0-1

 

Kentucky

SEC Record: 19-57

Vs Power 6: 7-8

Vs Top 25: 0-3

 

Top Tier vs Top 25: 39-13

Middle Tier vs Top 25: 15-14

Bottom Tier vs Top 25: 2-11

 

Top Tier vs Power 6: 59-15

Middle Tier vs Power 6: 32-29 (Pretty even there)

Lower Tier vs Power 6: 19-29

 

  The top few teams look pretty impressive, don't they? So much so that is supports the top heavy theory, yes?

 

   What about the bottom half? The lower 6 teams clearly aren't anything to get excited about. I point this out because fans are quick to say that their team struggles in the SEC because the conference has so much depth. Okay, depth? Then the argument shifts to "oh if my team played in another conference, they would run the table every season." Hmmmm, maybe in the Big East when Louisville wasn't good.... but any other? The truth is in the stats. The bottom half of the conference has a losing record to non-conference foes. In fact, 2 of those teams are considered middle of the road teams in the SEC and they have losing records against non-conference foes. Let me clarify that I am not saying the SEC is the only conference that looks like this.... Other conferences share some of the same stats. The argument to be made here, is that the SEC is top-heavy. They have some incredible teams at the top..... But the top teams don't make or break a conference. Yes, they help get the conference in a better spotlight, and in turn, that helps cover up the disasters at the bottom.

 

   Kentucky isn't going to any other conference and having success. Vanderbilt over that same stretch will have the same struggles. Ole Miss and Miss. St.? Yeah, same thing. Arkansas and Tennessee? Okay, they would struggle too.

 

   Think of it like basketball.... You have a starting 5, and then roughly 7 to 10 players on the bench. Your starting 5 may be the best in the league, but your bench is lacking. Another team may have a starting 5 not as good as your 5, but then their bench players may be better than yours... That is depth....

 

   And look, I realize what I am setting myself up for.... I realize that many SEC fans will read this and immediately attack what I have said here.... Or say that I am just jealous of the SEC and I am looking for ways to trash talk the SEC. That is not my goal here at all. And please take notice to the fact that I am saying the SEC's Top Tier teams have performed very well, and better than most of the country..... My only point I am trying make out here, is that the SEC's depth that they talk about just isn't there..... You can't argue with stats. Depth isn't having 3 or 4 teams in the hunt at the start of the season..... 

 

   I know that I am going to get tons of feedback for this segment, and most of it will have an SEC fan telling me where I can stick my opinions.... Which won't make any sense at all, since I have left out my opinion..... But it will happen. And I know most SEC fans might say that I am just hating on the SEC.... The topics for most of my articles come from what YOU ask about or show interest in talking or reading about.

 

   So before I get slammed with all the SEC 'Hate Mail', Let me make some of the SEC fans feel better with my personal opinion of the conference..... I know, right? "How could this guy's opinion make an SEC fan feel better?"

 

1. I believe the SEC has some of the best teams in the country, YEAR IN AND YEAR OUT. No doubt.

2. I think a 1 loss BAMA, or LSU might be better than a few select teams that are undefeated.

3. Yeah, It's impressive, the SEC has had 3 teams win the last 5 national titles....

4 All three of those being understood, I think the conference outside of Florida, Alabama, and LSU is no different than 3 or 4 of the other conferences. Again, that's an opinion based on the stats that I have seen. (This one might be the most controversial view of the SEC, but I am sticking to it).

 

   If any SEC fans have made it through this segment, I respect you greatly. I want to hear from SEC fans, I want every stat you've got supporting your view of the conference. Anything and everything you want to tell me.... I don't care... Send it in. I am not closed off to changing my views if the right facts come along. Send to Jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com or post to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/collegefootball2day Try to keep in clean and respectful, but if you can't, I totally understand.  Join the discussion at www.fans25.com.

 

   A big thanks to Tim Shay for providing the stats used in this segment.  

 

 

 



Who Should Be #1?

BCS, Who Should Be #1?

 

   I love when the first BCS rankings come out and I get to hear about all the angry fans who feel their team should be #1 or where they think another team should rank. Hopefully I can shine some light on why the BCS works the way it does, and maybe why voters should follow in the same foot-steps.

 

   First, let me clear up the common misunderstanding that the BCS is here to give us a prediction of where a team will finish at the end of the season..... The BCS is a ranking system that works just like any other ranking in other sports. Think about the FedEx Cup in golf. The rankings change all year long based on who wins what and where another player finishes. Well, the BCS works the same way. It takes in what a team has done thus far, then ranks based on that alone (not what a team did in the previous season). Since when should what a team did last season matter in this year's BCS rankings? If we can agree on what I have stated in this paragraph, then we are ready to move on to the next point..... If not, well, you might not want to continue reading.

 

   I am sure most of you have seen the stories from ESPN writers in the past 24 to 36 hours that have been debating who should be #1 in the BCS. Included in nearly every one of those stories are the stats supporting their argument. Here are those stats (according to ESPN).

 

 

Alabama.

Record: 7-0

Opponents Record: 22-27

Best Win: Texas A&M (Ranked #6 at the time, now ranked 16)

Total Offense Rank: 35

Total Defense Rank: 5

Scoring Offense Rank: 16

Scoring Defense Rank: 1

Average Margin of Victory: 31

 

 

Florida State.

Record: 6-0

Opponents Record: 27-13

Best Win: Clemson (Ranked #3 at the time, and now ranked 9)

Total Offense Rank: 5

Total Defense Rank: Tied for 6th

Scoring Offense Rank: 3

Scoring Defense Rank: 3

Average Margin Victory: 40.9

 

Oregon.

Record: 7-0

Opponents Record: 22-27

Best Win: Washington (Ranked 16 at the time, now unranked)

Total Offense Rank: 2

Total Defense Rank: 42

Scoring Offense Rank: 2

Scoring Defense Rank: 12

Average Margin of Victory: 40.3

 

   So there they are, in simple black and white. Oregon fans are upset that FSU jumped over their Ducks, but according to these stats AT THIS POINT OF THE SEASON, I have to agree that it makes sense. Oregon hasn't played a top 10 team.... not even a top 15 team for that matter. Florida State has played two ranked teams thus far and one of them was a top 3 team. Florida State is also top 10 in each of the main categories listed (3 of them being top 5). At this point of the season, I feel it is justified for Florida State to be where they are in the BCS.

 

   So what about Alabama? Do they deserve to be #1 based on their body of work thus far? The Preseason Polls are really for the media and the fans to get excited about.... Can we agree on that? The BCS is what matters. The BCS doesn't account for what a team has done in the previous seasons (and that's the way it should be). So, in the BCS Computers, Alabama ranks #2. Florida State ranks ahead of them at #1, and Oregon actually lands at #4 in the computers. College Football is one of the very few sports that let's human bias control the majority of the rankings. Nascar has the 'Chase for the Cup' series that uses a point system. The PGA uses a FedEx Cup Point system as well. There are no human voters in either of those sports (or at least that have the control that College Football let's voters have). Both sports do a great job at getting to a champion with little to no complaints. It's because a system is in place and they follow it. Granted, the BCS is not a perfect system and that is why we are moving to a 4 team playoff, but that still won't fix it. My point, though, is that at some point we have to move away from ranking teams based on what they did in previous seasons. Alabama is only #1 because the voters had them there to start the season. Could they end up winning the BCS Title again? Sure, and that's fine, but the rankings should reflect what you have done each week..... And so far, as much as fans don't want to hear it, Florida State has looked more impressive this season.

 

   Now that I have made a few fans upset, I will continue the debate tomorrow with a very in depth look at the SEC. I have done a bit of research over the last couple days, and a good friend of mine has looked up some very interesting stats that I would like to share as well. Tomorrow, the plot thickens. Is the SEC as strong as the media as made it out to be? No opinions tomorrow.... ALL STATS AND FACTS. I will leave my opinion at the door..... I promise. The stats speak for themselves (and it goes deeper than just BCS Titles). Don't miss it, SEC Segment should be posted tomorrow afternoon.

 

    What do you think the BCS should look like at this point of the season? What's your take on the topic? I want to hear from you, send in your questions, comments, reactions, etc. anything college football for CollegeFootball2Day's Reader Question Segment. Send to Jeremy.cf2day@yahoo.com or find us on Facebook and post to our page at www.facebook.com/collegefootball2day. And don't forget to give us a 'LIKE' and a 'SHARE'.



Week 8 Recap and BCS Standings

Week 8 Recap and BCS Standings

 

 

   It was another crazy weekend in college football. Upsets, blowouts, shootouts, you name it..... My picks weren't terrible, but that last two weeks have combined for a rough record. So let's dive into some of the surprise games in week 8.

 

   Vanderbilt over Georgia.

It's starting to become pretty painful to watch Georgia limp through the rest of their schedule. It might beg the question, "would Georgia have been better off losing to Tennessee in OT and not losing key players to season ending injury?" Georgia just isn't the same team they were the first 3 weeks of the season. Vandy will take whatever win they can get, but it should stand out to the rest of the college football world that Georgia's injuries have nearly crippled them.

    Tennessee upsets South Carolina.
This game was just ugly. South Carolina's inconsistency has to be driving their fans crazy. This doesn't change my opinion about what kind of team UT really is..... Sure, they are headed in the right direction, but I will reserve judgment until later in the season. It should be noted that the Vols need one more win to tie last season's record. At this point of the season, they are just one win better than they were a season ago.

    Missouri owned Florida.
Is Missouri for real? How bad is Florida? I'll be honest and own up to it.... I picked Florida because I really thought Missouri just hadn't played anybody. I also never saw a team putting up those kind of points on Florida.... Missouri might be the biggest shock out of the SEC right now.

   When was the last time the big 3 from the SEC east all lost on the same day? And outside of Florida falling to Missouri, the other two lost to inferior opponents. And the bigger headline? FIVE SEC RANKED TEAMS LOST ON SATURDAY. I am going to revisit this SEC topic this week because I really think the SEC has fallen a good bit this season. I will leave my opinion at the door and go by stats and stats alone.

   Now for a look at the biggest game of the weekend.

   Florida State dismantles Clemson in Death Valley.

Did anybody see this coming? I thought FSU had the ability to win, but to dominate in this fashion? Nope, I didn't see it, although I really enjoyed watching it happen. Jameis Winston looked incredible in the so called 'hostile' environment. He threw for a career high 444 yards. He lead Florida State to the most points scored in Death Valley by an opposing team. And if that wasn't enough, Florida State's defense showed up in a huge way and held Clemson to just 7 points for 59 minutes (a late score by their back up QB gave them 14).

   This was the first top 5 matchup of the season, and it was amazing to watch Florida State show that they are a legit National Title contender. When was the last time FSU was 6-0? Think back to 1999, the last time FSU won the BCS Title. Florida State has now outscored ranked opponents 114-14. Yeah, that's crazy. Clearly Florida State is a different team than we thought they were to start the season. The offense is the best we have seen since the late 1990's, and so far the defense is starting to look the part as well. Jimbo Fisher appears to have brought the Noles back to where we are used to seeing them..... They rank #2 in the first BCS Standings. And if it wasn't enough that they played a top 5 matchup this past week, the Noles could very well find themselves playing in another top 5 (for sure top 10) matchup. Miami is less than 2 weeks away now, and they have moved up to #7. The Canes could find themselves in the top 5 if a couple teams ahead of them fall. Either way, another top 10 matchup will help Florida State solidify their position among the BCS Title Contenders.



   Speaking of the BCS..... Here is the top 10 from the first week of the BCS Rankings.

1. Alabama
2. Florida State
3. Oregon
4. Ohio State
5. Missouri
6. Stanford
7. Miami
8. Baylor
9. Clemson
10. Texas Tech

Let the debate begin. Florida State will need all the help they can get down the stretch, as many analysts have pointed out that it is likely that Oregon will jump to #2 if they win out. Anything else stand out to you this week? Maybe the fact that the SEC has only two teams in the top 10 right now? Yeah, that stands out. What about the ACC having 3 teams in the first week of the BCS Rankings? Yeah, that has got to be a first for the ACC. This week looks like it could have some interesting discussions. I want to hear from the fans.... Send me your questions/comments/reactions to anything college football. Reader Question segment should be exploding with your question and comments. Send to Jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com or post to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/collegefootball2day. And I really want to hear from some Clemson fans. I want to know at what point did Clemson fans begin to realize the game was over.

  
  



Week 8 Key Games and Picks

Week 8 Key Games and Picks

 

 

    I have a lot going on over the next 24 to 36 hours, so this week's Key Games and Picks I will be using the 'two minute offense'.

 

    UCLA at Stanford.

Stanford was caught off guard last week, and I think they will be refocused for UCLA. The Bruins, however, are looking to stay undefeated. My Pick: Stanford drops two in a row; I am taking UCLA.

 

    LSU at Ole Miss.

Everyone seems to want to see how teams handle Ole Miss after Alabama shut them out. Well, I expect it to be a tough early going for LSU, but in the end LSU will win convincingly. My Pick: Tigers win big.

 

   Georgia at Vanderbilt.

The Bulldogs are pretty banged up right now. Simply put, they are vulnerable. Vanderbilt has their own struggles that have been holding them back this season. And I feel like Georgia will control this game despite the injuries. My Pick: Georgia.

 

   South Carolina at Tennessee.

Will the Vols give the Gamecocks as much trouble as they gave Georgia? Maybe, but I think Spurrier has his team playing better than Georgia right now. I might still have South Carolina on upset alert here, though. My Pick: South Carolina

 

  Florida at Missouri.

Can Missouri stay unbeaten? Will Florida's offense wake up? This game will be ugly right down to the very end. Missouri is dealing with a couple key injuries, the main one being QB James Franklin. Coach Pinkel confirmed earlier this week that Franklin will be out at least 3 weeks. That is a huge blow to Missouri. And with that, I give Florida the edge.

My Pick: Florida.

 

    Washington at Arizona State.

Washington has had a rough couple weeks recently, but I think they will get back to business this week. My Pick: Washington.

 

   Okay, I know what you are waiting for..... And yes, I am getting to it. You and I both know there is only one game that matters this week. It happens to be a top 5 matchup out of the ACC. Yes, that's right, there are two teams from the ACC ranked in the top 5 for at least another 40 hours or so.

 

    Florida State at Clemson

 

    The undefeated Seminoles travel to Death Valley on Saturday to take on the undefeated Tigers. The last 4 years this game has decided who plays for the ACC Title (from the Atlantic Division). Home field advantage has been key for the last decade. A lot is riding on this game...... BCS Title hopes, Heisman hopefuls, and of course bragging rights.

   

     If the Noles are going to win this game, their defense has to show up. Their defense has struggled earlier this season, but seemed to settle in just before their BYE week. I think this will be one of the many storylines surrounding this game. For six or seven weeks now, all the Noles have heard has been criticism about who they have played. "The Noles haven't been tested." Well, I am here to say they HAVE been tested every week. They have a redshirt freshman QB that has come in and started every game and looked like a 3 year starter. It doesn't matter who he has played thus far..... Nobody could expect Winston to come out and play they way he has through the first half of the season. And what about the rest of the team? The defense has had to adapt to a new defensive coordinator and new scheme. The whole team has had to adapt to SIX new coaches on staff. But most fans around the country forget about all that stuff. Fans talk about this team as if they are in the same position they were last season..... Simply put, the Seminoles are a totally different team from last season. The most obvious change is that I see more trust between the head coach and his QB than I have seen even when Christian Ponder was there. Between that and a different look on defense, this team has transitioned very well (better than anyone might have expected). We will find out just how far they have come in the process this Saturday night.

 

   So you want 'My Pick'? If only you all could see the anxiety I go through just thinking about games like this. My family and close friends know it all too well. And if you really think I am going to pick against MY NOLES, you are crazy. MY PICK: Florida State gets it done. The run game will be key, and the defense will show up.

 

   Whew! I am ready for the game.... Oh wait, the game isn't until Saturday night..... Oh well, I have some things to do until then. Earlier this week I teased and said I may have a surprise for you today..... The last 3 to 4 months I have been working to have my MAN CAVE finished. It's not fully up and running yet, but by tomorrow night, it will be game ready. I will post some pictures on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/collegefootball2day after I get it 'Game Ready'.

 



 

 

 

     

Florida State vs Clemson Preview

Top 5 Showdown in the ACC

 

 

   It will only last one week in the AP Poll, but there is something to be said for the ACC having the most teams of any conference in the top 5. Honorable mention to Miami, who climbed into the top 10 this past week as well. That puts 3 teams from the ACC in the top 10 and all three are still undefeated. After this week, however, one team will fall, and the other will be in the driver seat in the ACC Title race.

 

    Florida State heads into Death Valley this weekend to take on Clemson in what is sure to be an instant classic. So much is riding on this game for both teams. The winner of this matchup over the last four seasons has gone on to play in the ACC Title game. But there is more than just a conference championship on the minds of both these teams..... A shot at the BCS Title Game could be on the line as well.

 

    Clemson has been very solid thus far. A big win over Georgia to start the season has given this team a lot confidence. Then they came face to face with a struggle with Boston College this past weekend. As each quarter went by you could hear the fans already, "Well, I guess Clemson is going to pull a 'Clemson'." But Clemson dug themselves out of that hole and got the win to avoid the same fate as so many ranked teams did last Saturday. The Tigers have come a long ways in the last five or six seasons. Coaching changes, new defensive coordinator, and new offensive coordinator..... All these changes and they have built a very solid foundation for success. Chad Morris has the offense performing at a level similar to that of Oregon. Clemson truly has gone through a rapid transformation. Now they feel they are ready to make that Championship run. There is one key obstacle that stands in their way on October 19th. That obstacle is Florida State.

 

    Florida State heads into this game after having an extra week to rest and prepare. "That's a good thing and a bad thing"  Coach Fisher says. He is glad to give them the rest but worried that they will lose some of the momentum they have built up through the first half of the season. Fisher is in his 4th year has FSU's head coach. His great work on the recruiting trail has finally started to show on the field. It's a little early to say that he has them back to what fans were used to seeing in the 1990's, but he certainly has them on the right track. In the 90's, the Seminoles never had to rebuild, they would simply reload. During the off-season many speculated that this season might be a rebuilding year for the Noles because of all the players lost to the draft. So far this season, it appears as though they haven't rebuilt but they have reloaded.

    Replacing a veteran QB named EJ Manuel? No problem, the Noles can start this redshirt freshman named Jameis Winston. It couldn't have been a more perfect situation for Winston to take over. A loaded offense with every weapon a QB could ever want... But what fans across the country want to know at this point is 'what will Winston do when tested in Death Valley'? He has been amazing so far..... He has exceeded the expectations, even though those expectations might have been a little too high. The truth is, whatever hype that surrounds Winston, it is only what Winston created for himself. It wasn't intentional, but his play on the field has elevated the hype and expectations every week. Winston loves the 'big stage'. He enjoys the challenge in a different way than most. FSU fans are hoping he is ready for the next challenge, which lies in Death Valley.

   This game will come down to a few simple areas of the game. Running the ball, the defense, and special teams. Florida State has the advantage at running-back, as far as experience goes. The defense might be the biggest question mark on both sides..... maybe more with FSU than Clemson. Both sides have given up yards they shouldn't. The Tigers may have the advantage here, though. They have been in their new scheme now for over a year, whereas Florida State is still learning a new system that was put into play this season. Special teams will be key. Controlling field position if and when each team has to punt.

    Both teams have explosive offenses. It will be interesting to see the chess match that takes place between the signal callers. Will Fisher want to control the clock and keep the Tigers' offense off the field for as long as possible, or will he dial up the big plays and try to score fast? What about Clemson's offense? They run a little of everything. Read Options, Reverse Options, Trick plays, Deep throws, etc.... They run every play you can think to run out of the spread offense. At any moment they could hit the opposing defense with a 'cheap shot'. Florida State's defense will have to play disciplined football for all 60 minutes.

    Don't miss the big game, 8pm Eastern Time on Saturday night. Check back later this week for CollegeFootball2Day's key games and picks.....and maybe a little surprise on Friday afternoon.... Join the discussion at www.fans25.com All Sports, All the Time. 

Week 7 Recap

Week 7 Recap

     Week 7 will go down as "Upset Weekend" for many teams. And I have to say that my picks were awful. So, like some of you fans out there, I don't want to dwell on week 7 for long, so let me get the recap out of the way. I promise, I will try to keep it short.

 

 

 

     A game I felt like I should have put on upset alert? Georgia hosting Missouri. Truthfully, I felt like the home field advantage would be the difference. Obviously, Georgia's injuries are proving to be a big part of their problems. A loss like this for Georgia pretty much leaves the SEC East wide open. In fact, I think it wouldn't be out of the question for the SEC East Champion to have 2+ losses. Florida doesn't look the part, South Carolina has shown flashes, and Georgia just has too many injuries. Missouri? Well, they could, but they have some injuries of their own. QB James Franklin won't be starting anytime soon. Thanks Georgia, for creating some drama in the SEC East.

 

 

 

     Looks like Mack Brown will be around for a little while longer. Texas rolled over Oklahoma as if it was the Sooners with all the problems. It was a solid rivalry game and it had all the makings for this game to go down as a classic in the "Red River Rivalry". Thanks Oklahoma, thanks a lot. Just another season where Coach Bob Stoops finds a way to lose a game he shouldn't. Aren't Sooner fans tired of that yet?

 

 

 

     Okay, what about a team that had their backs against the wall, but came out on top? Clemson managed to survive Boston College. I thought Clemson would dominate in this game, but it is clear that Boston College has come a very long ways since last season. With Clemson's win, that keeps the Tigers at #3 in the AP Poll and sets up for a BIG SHOWDOWN this weekend in Death Valley with Florida State.

 

 

 

     Stanford fell to Utah. What do you say about this game? Yes, it's pretty obvious that Stanford was caught looking ahead instead of focusing on one game at a time. One by one, the undefeated teams are dropping. And Florida State fans can send their 'thank you' cards to Stanford. With their loss, FSU moved up to #5, which sets up for a top 5 matchup in Death Valley this weekend.

 

 

 

      Michigan proved they weren't as tough as their record may have shown. I warned that Penn State would be fighting really hard for that one signature win..... and sure enough, they got it. Great win for Penn State and their fans.

 

     It was a crazy weekend of College Football. Week 8 could be just as big. Check back for more updates and a look at some of the key games this week. Join the discussion at www.fans25.com Also, don't forget to send in a question or comment for CollegeFootball2Day's Reader Question Segment. Send to Jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com or post to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/collegefootball2day