NCAA Football 2009-10 Season Talkback

[Freedom Fighter]

Well, ladies and gentlemen, it's college football season again! Tonight, there are 11 games featuring FBS teams starting off their season. And there's plenty of more games going on throughout the entire Labor Day weekend!

The list of Week One's major nationally televised games, all times EST:
Thursday, September 3 (Tonight)
- South Carolina at NC State, 7 pm, ESPN
- #14 Oregon at #16 Boise State, 10:15 pm, ESPN

Saturday, September 5
- Navy at #6 Ohio State, 12 noon, ESPN
- #13 Georgia at #11 Oklahoma State, 3:30 pm, ABC (regional coverage, may be seen on ESPN2 in some areas)
- Nevada at #23 Notre Dame, 3:30 pm, NBC
- #24 BYU vs. #3 Oklahoma in Arlington, TX, 7 pm, ESPN
- #5 Alabama vs. #7 Virginia Tech in Atlanta, GA, 8 pm, ABC
- Maryland at #12 Cal, 10 pm, ESPN2
- #9 LSU at Washington, 10:30 pm, ESPN

Sunday, September 6
- #10 Ole Miss at Memphis, 3:30 pm, ESPN

Monday, September 7
- Miami (Florida) at #19 Florida State, 8 pm, ESPN

The rest of the USA Today Top 25 in action (some of these games are being televised nationally/locally, check your local listings):
- Charleston Southern at #1 Florida, Saturday, 7 pm
- Louisiana-Monroe at #2 Texas, Saturday, 7 pm
- San Jose State at #4 USC, Saturday, 3:30 pm
- Akron at #8 Penn State, Saturday, 12 noon
- Jacksonville State at #15 Georgia Tech, Saturday, 1 pm
- Utah State at #18 Utah, Tonight, 9 pm
- The Citadel at #20 North Carolina, Saturday, 6 pm
- Northern Iowa at #21 Iowa, Saturday, 12:05 pm
- Florida Atlantic at #22 Nebraska, Saturday, 7 pm
- Portland State at #25 Oregon State, Saturday, 2:30 pm

------------------------------------------------------------------------

And, now time for my Top 3 picks:
2008-2009 Final Prediction Record: 31-19

Overall, maybe opening week of 2009 doesn't look all that much better than opening week 2008... unless you look at the top, where there are some very, very intriguing Top 25 clashes. And would you believe that for one team, their BCS aspirations could die tonight? Ouch!

Notes for my picks for 'Top 3 Games You Can't Miss':
- To qualify to be picked, one team cannot be favored by more than 10 points to win over the other.
- At least one team in the game must be ranked in the USA Today Top 25.

With that, onto my Top 3 picks:
Three - #5 Alabama vs. #7 Virginia Tech (game being played in Atlanta)
So, you're probably wondering... why is the only game matching two Top 10 teams my third pick? Well, if you're a guy (or gal) who loves offense like me, then you'll probably want nothing to do with the Chick-Fil-A College Kickoff game from the Georgia Dome. But surely, it'll still be better than Alabama's throttling of Clemson in last year's inaugural edition, right?

The Crimson Tide was one of the surprise teams last year, as Coach Nick Saban, in his second year, led Alabama to an undefeated regular season. But then came the loss to eventual national champion Florida in the SEC Championship game. And then there was the loss to Utah in the Sugar Bowl. Okay, Tide fans... enough of 'Utah didn't belong,' 'Utah only won because Alabama didn't care about the game,' etc. That was last season! This season, the Tide offense may be led by star receiver Julio Jones, but don't be surprised if claims that Alabama's defense is better than last year's end up stealing the spotlight.

As for the Hokies, despite the muddled mess that was the ACC in 2008 (seriously, what the heck, ACC?), Virginia Tech actually did the conference proud and won a BCS game! Oh, and won their third straight conference title. Just like Alabama, you have to think defense when you think VT. But many Tech fans may be thinking about Tyrod Taylor, who finally has the QB role all to himself after sharing it the past two seasons. If Taylor develops well, the Hokies could be thinking 'national championship' for the first time since... well, you know.

Alabama is favored by 6 in a game that could be a defensive struggle. I have an inkling that Taylor can become a star, but it won't be in this game. Alabama's defense may be much better than VT's defense. So my pick is... Alabama over Virginia Tech by 10.

Two - #13 Georgia at #11 Oklahoma State
Last season, the SEC and the Big 12 were considered to be several steps ahead of the rest of the college football world. That could very well be the case this season, though some of the major players could be different.

Last year, the Georgia Bulldogs were voted as preseason #1. They failed to meet expectations, even with Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno. Both of them are gone, and Joe Cox (one career start, way back in '06) looks to fill Stafford's spot. Everyone's pretty much handed the SEC East to defending champions Florida before even the first kickoff, so the Bulldogs have a chance here to show the Gators actually do have competition in the division.

On the other, the Oklahoma State Cowboys find themselves in a stacked Big 12 South once again, hoping to replace Texas Tech in the role of potential spoiler for big boys Oklahoma and Texas. The Cowboys bring back their three big offensive stars in quarterback Zac Robinson, running back Kendall Hunter, and wide receiver Dez Bryant. OSU will need them if they're to survive America's every-week-is-a-shootout division.

Here's the big question... has Oklahoma State defense improved enough from last year? And that doesn't mean to elite Big 12 standards. That means to national standards. What may help their case... Georgia's offensive stars are majorly unproven. Could it be... Big 12 proves SEC wrong, that explosive offense can beat stout defense? I say... yes. The Cowboys ride off into the sunset on opening week with a touchdown win.

Game of the Week - #14 Oregon at #16 Boise State
Tough choice between the Top 3, but you can't say no to a game in which the loser is all but assured of not getting a BCS bowl bid this season. Be prepared to be bedazzled(?) by the blue turf in Boise as the Ducks look for revenge after last season's wild affair in Eugene.

The Broncos would love to follow in Utah's footsteps and become the second non-BCS school to make a second appearance in the BCS. And given what looks like to be an instant ticket to a BCS berth with a victory here (yes, go look at BSU's schedule and don't tell me Broncos fans should start booking hotel rooms in Pasadena/Tempe/Miami/New Orleans), you know the Broncos have had this game circled since last season ended. Kellen Moore hopes to lead Boise to an astounding 50th-straight regular season home victory.

Meanwhile, coming off a second straight season in which a multitude of quarterback injuries cost Oregon any hope of wrestling the Pac-10 crown out of USC's hands, the Ducks look to see this year is different. Especially Jeremiah Masoli, who was knocked out of this game last year thanks to a supposed late hit by a Bronco defender. Before Oregon can even think about USC and the rest of the Pac-10, former-offensive-coordinator-turned-head-coach Chip Kelly will have to make sure the team is firing on all cylinders on both sides of the ball.

This looks like it has all the ingredients needed for a shootout, and maybe some rivalry-style bad blood to go with it. Boise's favored by 3-4 points, which makes this a toss-up game. I honestly don't know who to root for... so I've decided to go against the tradition of picking the big name and hope I'm right. Therefore, Boise State by a field goal at the most.

Penn State's Game - vs. Akron
Well, at least it's not Coastal Carolina...

Yeah, go ahead and say it... Penn State probably is up there among the most embarrassing non-conference schedules in 2009. There's no excuse for it. But let me try to make one up anyway. The receiving trio of Deon Butler, Derrick Williams, and Jordan Norwood have all graduated. The replacements... combined for 27 catches in 2008. Thankfully, the Big Ten's best quarterback last year, Darryl Clark, is back for his senior season. Evan Royster returns at tailback as well. On the defensive side, Linebacker U sees all-Big Ten Navarro Bowman back, along with Sean Lee, who missed last season with a torn ACL. The trouble could come in the secondary, which is almost all completely new as well. Yet, given most of the Big Ten title contenders also needing to replace a lot, PSU was picked to finish 2nd in the Big Ten in 2009, behind Ohio State.

As for Akron, well, a three-game losing streak to end 2008 cost the Zips a shot to get bowl eligible. The Zips hope for better things this year, especially sitting in the East division of the Mid-American Conference, which at last check has no clear favorite.

Anyone hoping the Zips upset the Nittany Lions is delusional, but for Akron, still being within striking distance at halftime would be nice. That being said, the line is PSU by about 4 TDs... I'll take it, more or less. Penn State by 28.
​

 

[Megumi]

It's that time of the year again. Where Florida gets talked about a lot on sports station all around since they deserve it. Well, I'm going to go "big" and say that Florida will not win the big game this year. Nope. I'm going to say Oklahoma will win it. Hopefully Penn State will have the chance to be in the BCS Championship this year. I still question why Notre Dame is ranked #23 in the Top 25 but I'll just observe during the season.

But that's all in the future. I can't wait for the Boise State game later tonight.

 

[Vyse]

It's that time of the year again. Where Florida gets talked about a lot on sports station all around since they deserve it. Well, I'm going to go "big" and say that Florida will not win the big game this year. Nope. I'm going to say Oklahoma will win it. Hopefully Penn State will have the chance to be in the BCS Championship this year. I still question why Notre Dame is ranked #23 in the Top 25 but I'll just observe during the season.

But that's all in the future. I can't wait for the Boise State game later tonight.

Oklahoma? Winning it all? They haven't won a BCS game in years, since the Rose Bowl in 2003. And, in the last 3 years, they have lost to a WAC team in one of the best games in college football history (Boisie State in the Fiesta), a Big East team (West Virginia; Fiesta), and a SEC team for all the marbles (Florida; BCS Title Game). Even though I'm from SEC country and root for Kentucky in the literal home of UGA the dog, I'm going with Florida to win it all.

Here's some more games for those of you who get them:
Tonight:
Central Washington @ Minnesota-Duluth; 8pm ET; CBS College Sports
North Texas @ Ball State; 7:30pm ET; ESPN U (especially since I can view it on DirecTV and I don't have the sports tier)

Saturday:
Kentucky @ Miami, Ohio; noon ET; ESPN U
Jackson State @ Mississippi State; 3:30pm ET; ESPN U
Louisiana Tech @ Auburn; 7pm ET; ESPN U
Buffalo @ Texas-El Paso; 9pm ET; CBS College

Another interesting game:
Western Kentucky @ Tennessee; 12pm ET
It's interesting on many levels. On one hand, you have Lane Kiffin, Tennessee's head coach. IMO, he is the new "Mouth Of The South," as whenever the new head coach of the Volunteers speaks, controversy and attention follows. Now, let's see him try not to choke it on a team who could probably give Kiffin's former employer, the Oakland Raiders, a run for their money.
The other interesting aspect is who's covering the game. This game will be the first televised game from the SEC Network, the fancy name given to the syndicated game package being handled by new rights holder ESPN. ESPN will give it the big production values given to their games and hired on-air talent with limited SEC experience. However, their is one carryover from the days of Jefferson Pilot/Lincoln Financial/Raycom Sports: Dave Neal, one-third of the infamous broadcasting tandem "The Three Daves." For those of you who need a little background, here you go.

 

[soundmonkey44]

meh, don't really watch that much football, but I do enjoy the occasional Texas tech, OU/OSU or KU games. Mabye New Mexico.

Yea im a fan of SouthWestern teams.

but I don't have that long of an attention span so I ususally only watch about 1 or 2 games a month.

Usually just check the paper to see how my teams are doin.

 

[Katsumara]

Boise State dude just got nailed by a player from Oregon. Totally classless.

 

[krazymed]

The Boise State player was taunting him in return for Blount (the Oregon player) talking trash all week about how the Ducks were going to avenge last year's loss. That said, the Oregon player has to walk away from that. Basic sports rule of thumb, they always catch the second guy. My guess is that he's suspended, but he should be begging to Oregon not to kick him off the team and out of the school. Every time Oregon is mentioned in the national spotlight, they are showing that clip.

 

[bigddan11]

I never understand why people use the USA Today top 25 over the more proven AP Top 25. At least post both rankings if you're going to use it, because all week long on TV and the radio they have made it clear that ESPN College Gameday would be at #20 BYU vs. #3 Oklahoma. Utah was listed as #19 last night on the Mtn. and ESPN broadcasts.

Candice Suzuna, how can Oklahoma win it all when they won't even win the Big 12? Lets look at the fact that both receivers are new to the starting roles, 80% of the offensive line is new to starting in college, and now there most reliable receiver is hurt. Oklahoma will be lucky to walk away with 2 losses this year, which is what I think it will be (to Texas and in a BCS game), but I will not be surprised to see them lose to BYU this Saturday. Would I be shocked, being a Cougars fan? No, I wouldn't because Oklahoma has always downplayed the nonconference schedule, Oklahoma has a losing record in the Metroplex, and BYU returns 85% of their starters from last year compared to 7% of Oklahoma's, but I would be surprised. It would only go to prove though Oklahoma will be given a run for their money this year not only from Texas but also their state rivals, and it would show Bradford indeed should have gone out after his junior year, since he won't be winning the Heisman this year.

I see the national championship being one of two games: Florida vs. Texas or Florida vs. BYU. Now wait a minute. I'm sure many of you are rolling your eyes at me saying my non-BCS team could play in the national championship. I would normally agree, but this year BYU is playing Oklahoma, Florida State, Tulane, TCU, and Utah, all of which are ranked in the top 30 of the NCAA polls. If you win half your games against ranked foes and go undefeated there's really no way to say they couldn't play in the national championship, unless two other BCS schools went undefeated. The key is they would have to go undefeated, which I don't think they will be. I do believe it will be Florida vs. Texas as Texas is the only Big 12 South team built that could go undefeated against the conference this year.

 

[Freedom Fighter]

It's that time of the year again. Where Florida gets talked about a lot on sports station all around since they deserve it. Well, I'm going to go "big" and say that Florida will not win the big game this year. Nope. I'm going to say Oklahoma will win it. Hopefully Penn State will have the chance to be in the BCS Championship this year. I still question why Notre Dame is ranked #23 in the Top 25 but I'll just observe during the season.

Personally, for once, I'm following the preseason chalk. If Florida doesn't make it back to the BCS Championship game, they'll only have themselves to blame. I tentatively have the Texas/Oklahoma survivor as the other entrant... kind of where we were at the end of the regular season (pre-Big 12 championship) last year. Penn State could probably get there, but would need to give Ohio State it's only loss (insinuating OSU beats USC next week) and a couple of other teams (the Top 3 at least) to stub their toes somewhere to get to the title game. Even as a PSU fan, I still consider the Big Ten a toss-up between us and OSU this year, and won't even contemplate national title aspirations until after that game in Happy Valley in late October.

As for Notre Dame... I think they're riding over the coattails of their throttling of Hawaii on the Rainbow Warriors' home field in the bowl game coupled with a schedule in which the Irish should be favored to win all but one game (USC). But, we'll see...

Another interesting game:
Western Kentucky @ Tennessee; 12pm ET
It's interesting on many levels. On one hand, you have Lane Kiffin, Tennessee's head coach. IMO, he is the new "Mouth Of The South," as whenever the new head coach of the Volunteers speaks, controversy and attention follows. Now, let's see him try not to choke it on a team who could probably give Kiffin's former employer, the Oakland Raiders, a run for their money.

I'm interested to see if Kiffin can put his money where his mouth is as well. Guess he picked up all these bad habits from the Oakland Raiders ownership/management. If he doesn't back it up, well, watch the 100k+ Volunteer faithful scream to bring Fulmer back.

Boise State dude just got nailed by a player from Oregon. Totally classless.

The Boise State player was taunting him in return for Blount (the Oregon player) talking trash all week about how the Ducks were going to avenge last year's loss. That said, the Oregon player has to walk away from that. Basic sports rule of thumb, they always catch the second guy. My guess is that he's suspended, but he should be begging to Oregon not to kick him off the team and out of the school. Every time Oregon is mentioned in the national spotlight, they are showing that clip.

Well, I guess if we gotta talk about the game, we gotta talk about the punch. The Boise player should obviously not got off scot-free (reports are saying he's not being suspended, but there will apparently be some sort of smaller punishment). But Blount... uncalled for. I don't care what the situation, you just can't punch someone. It's a shame... you know there was some bad blood between the two teams after last year's game in Eugene, but until that post-game moment, that mostly seemed like all that animosity had been buried. Shame too. I understand the frustration, though... Boise's defense completely blanked Oregon's offense in the first half (16 offensive plays, 14 yds, 6 possessions - of which 5 were 3-and-outs and the other they gave up a safety in one play), then both teams were so sloppy in the second half that Boise couldn't put the game away.

But this... not a way to start off a college football season. It may be awhile before Blount gets to play again... he deserves a multi-game suspension, at the least.

I never understand why people use the USA Today top 25 over the more proven AP Top 25. At least post both rankings if you're going to use it, because all week long on TV and the radio they have made it clear that ESPN College Gameday would be at #20 BYU vs. #3 Oklahoma. Utah was listed as #19 last night on the Mtn. and ESPN broadcasts.

I only used the USA Today out of convenience yesterday... was already on their website for something else and just decided to use those rankings.

But I thought most of us here didn't care about preseason rankings anyway. Or, at the very least, heavily questioned their usefulness.

 

[Megumi]

Vyse's post

bigddan11's post

I'm well aware that Oklahoma isn't a popular pick to win it all, or maybe even to reach the game, but I'm just hoping for Oklahoma. Teams like Florida, Texas, USC (If they don't lose to that surprise team that people don't expect them to lose to and if they can elevate above starting a true Freshman), etc. all have a better chance. It's just that I have the belief that Oklahoma can win the BCS Championship if things go their way throughout the season even though some of their Offensive Line, I think, went to the NFL in the draft.

Regarding Blount though, I'm a little surprised that he was suspended for the rest of the season. While I was really excited seeing Boise State host Oregon, it was pretty one-sided affair in the first half. Boise State seems to have gotten out of the station a litle rusty but their defense was able to stop Oregon's offense early. Now, if they can avoid injuries and run the table, they'll have another good year.

 

[sag_2002]

That little episode at the end of the Boise State-Oregon game has cost LeGarnette Blount his season.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4446898

 

[Burgundy Ranger]

I would normally agree, but this year BYU is playing Oklahoma, Florida State, Tulane, TCU, and Utah, all of which are ranked in the top 30 of the NCAA polls. If you win half your games against ranked foes and go undefeated there's really no way to say they couldn't play in the national championship

If BYU loses even one of those games, there's no chance in this or any other reality they get even a sniff of the BCS title game.

You have to know the hand the WAC, MWC, etc. are dealt (it's an unfair hand, that's not the point here) -- run the table.

 

[bigddan11]

If BYU loses even one of those games, there's no chance in this or any other reality they get even a sniff of the BCS title game.

You have to know the hand the WAC, MWC, etc. are dealt (it's an unfair hand, that's not the point here) -- run the table.

I do believe I implied as much as well when I said they would have to go undefeated but if they did with their schedule (which is the fourth hardest in the nation) they would be in the national championship. I also said I didn't think they would, but if they did then they would be.

 

[Burgundy Ranger]

My bad. I read 'half your games against ranked foes' as being able to spilt the games against the ranked opponents and winning all the others.

You were saying 'if they go 11-0, with five of those wins against ranked opponents ....'

My comprehension ain't too keen today.

 

[bigddan11]

[20/24] (1-0) Brigham Young Cougars 14

[3/3] (0-1) Oklahoma Sooners 13
I knew this game would be a close game, the game of the week, and would go down to the wire. I do feel badly that Sam Bradford got hurt, but the BYU defense is much better than I thought they'd be, Dennis Pitta proved why he might be the best TE in college football that's not known, and the Cougars get their first win over a Top 10 team since knocking off #1 Miami back in 92, 17 years ago. Up next for BYU- another ESPN Network game when BYU visits Tulane and the Green Wave next Saturday at 3:30 PM on ESPN2.

 

[bigddan11]

Here is the AP Top 25 scoreboard through Saturday's action.

(0-1) Charleston Southern Buccaneers 03

[1/1] (1-0) Florida Gators 62

(0-1) Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks 20

[2/2] (1-0) Texas Longhorns 59

[20/24] (1-0) Brigham Young Cougars 14

[3/3] (0-1) Oklahoma Sooners 13

(0-1) San Jose State Spartans 03

[4/4] (1-0) Southern California Trojans 56

[5/5] (1-0) Alabama Crimson Tide 34

[7/7] (0-1) Virginia Tech Hokies 24

(0-1) Navy Midshipmen 27

[6/6] (1-0) Ohio State Buckeyes 31

SUNDAY FINAL:

[8/10] (1-0) Mississippi Rebels 45

(0-1) Memphis Tigers 14

(0-1) Akron Zips 07

[9/8] (1-0) Penn State Nitanny Lions 31

[13/13] (0-1) Georgia Bulldogs 10

[9/11] (1-0) Oklahoma State Cowboys 24

[11/9] (1-0) Louisiana State Tigers 31

(0-1) Washington Huskies 23

(0-1) Maryland Terrapins 13

[12/12] (1-0) California Golden Bears 52

THURSDAY FINAL:

[16/14] (0-1) Oregon Ducks 08

[14/16] (1-0) Boise State Broncos 19

(0-1) Jacksonville State Gamec0cks 17

[15/15] (1-0) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 37

[17/17] Texas Christian Horned Frogs- BYE

MONDAY FINAL:

(1-0) Miami (Fla) Hurricanes 38

[18/19] (0-1) Florida State Seminoles 34

FRIDAY FINAL:

(0-1) Utah State Aggies 17

[19/18] (1-0) Utah Utes 37

(0-1) The Citadel Bulldogs 06

[21/20] (1-0) North Carolina Tarheels 40

(0-1) Northern Iowa Panthers 16

[22/21] (1-0) Iowa Hawkeyes 17

(0-1) Nevada Wolf Pack 00

[23/23] (1-0) Notre Dame Fighting Irish 35

(0-1) Florida Atlantic Owls 03

[24/22] (1-0) Nebraska Cornhuskers 49

(0-1) Northern Colorado Bears 03

[25/26] (1-0) Kansas Jayhawks 49

USA Coaches Poll Top 25 remaining scores:

(0-1) Portland State Vikings 07

[26/25] (1-0) Oregon State Beavers 34

 

[bigddan11]

Week Two is officially underway. The Top 25 kicked off the action last night in a game many people would consider a surprise game, but only because of how Georgia Tech fell behind in the last quarter and then rallied to win. Of course they gave up a 24-point lead in the process. Meanwhile BYU leaps up to #9 in the AP and #12 in the Coaches, ahead of Oklahoma in both polls, and the MWC has Colorado State and Air Force join the top vote getters in the polls. The MWC also only features one game on the Mtn. this week as the ESPN Networks will broadcast most of the games. Here's this weeks TV broadcast schedule for MWC fans.

3:30 PM- 9/12 BYU at Tulane- ESPN2
3:30 PM- 2/2 Texas at Wyoming- Versus
3:30 PM- 16/16 TCU at Virginia- ESPNU
5 PM- 42T/ 47T Colorado State at Weber State
7 PM- 42T/X Air Force at Minnesota- Big Ten Network
8 PM- 47T/47T Tulsa at New Mexico- Mtn.
10:30 PM- 17/17 Utah at San Jose State- ESPNU
11 PM- 26/24 Oregon State at UNLV- CBS College Sports
Bye: San Diego State

As far as your Top 25 goes, here's the rankings and this weeks schedule:
1/1 Florida vs. Troy- 12:20 PM- ESPN360
2/2 Texas vs. Wyoming- 3:30 PM- Versus
3/3 USC vs. 8/7 Ohio State- 8 PM- ABC
4/4 Alabama vs. Florida International- 7 PM- ESPN360
5/6 Oklahoma State vs. Houston- 3:30 PM- FCS Central
6/8 Mississippi- BYE
7/5 Penn State vs. Syracuse- 12 PM- Big 10 Network
8/7 Ohio State vs. 3/3 USC- 8 PM- ABC
9/12 BYU vs. Tulane- 3:30 PM- ESPN2
10/10 California vs. Eastern Washington- 5:30 PM
11/9 LSU vs. Vanderbilt- 7 PM- ESPNU
12/11 Boise State vs. Miami (OH)- 8 PM- ESPN360
13/14 Oklahoma vs. Idaho State- 7 PM- FSN PPV
14/15 Virginia Tech vs. Marshall- 1:30 PM- ESPN360
15/13 Georgia Tech vs. Clemson- Thursday- 8 PM- ESPN (Final Below)
16/16 TCU vs. Virginia- 3:30 PM- ESPNU
17/17 Utah vs. San Jose State- 10:30 PM- ESPNU
18/20 Notre Dame vs. Michigan- 3:30 PM- ABC
19/19 North Carolina vs. Connecticut- 12 PM- ESPNU
20/22 Miami (Fla)- BYE
21/21 Georgia vs. South Carolina- 7 PM- ESPN2
22/18 Nebraska vs. Arkansas State- 2 PM- FSN PPV
23/23 Cincinnati vs. SE Missouri State- 7:30 PM- ESPN360
24/25 Kansas vs. UTEP- 7:30 PM- CBS College Sports
25/27 Missouri vs. Bowling Green- 7 PM- FSN PPV
26/24 Oregon State vs. UNLV- 11 PM- CBS College Sports

THURSDAY'S FINAL:

(1-1) Clemson Tigers 27

(2-0) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 30

 

[Ijin]

Why WVU vs ECU isn't on TV, I'll never know.

 

[bigddan11]

Why WVU vs ECU isn't on TV, I'll never know.

The game will be available exclusively online at ESPN360, assuming your provider carries ESPN360.

 

[Freedom Fighter]

Sorry about the lateness, as I haven't been feeling well the last couple of days. Normally, I'll try to post the major TV scheduled games list on Wednesday and do my picks on Thursday.

A couple of highlights (and lowlights) from Week 1 of the '09 season:
- Team who scored the most points: Air Force, 72 on Nicholls State (most against an FBS opponent - Tennessee, 63 on Western Kentucky).
- # of ranked teams that lost: Four. Oklahoma (by 1 to BYU), Virginia Tech (by 10 to Alabama), Oregon (by 11 to Boise State), Florida State (by 4 to Miami).
- FCS teams that beat FBS teams: Three. Villanova (by 3 over Temple), William & Mary (by 12 over Virginia), Richmond DEFENDING FCS CHAMPION (by 8 over Duke).
- The biggest upset was: BYU over Oklahoma <Only because, barring what actually happened in the game, did Vegas really think the Sooners were three TDs better than the Cougars?>.
- The biggest upset that almost was: Navy-Ohio State <A bad coaching decision, a defense still trying to figure out Navy in the midst of the Middies 4th Quarter comeback, etc.>.
- The biggest upset that should have been: Northern Iowa-Iowa <A 'it's in the rulebook but no one's ever had to use it until now' rule gives UNI two game-winning FG attempts in the final seven seconds, and they both get blocked?>
- Three teams I'm most impressed with: Miami <Too early to start chanting the Hurricanes are back?>, Oklahoma State, Notre Dame.
- Three teams I'm most disappointed in: Iowa, Illinois, Ohio State <People aren't gonna start wanting the Mountain West to take the Big Ten's spot in the BCS, right?>

One last thing before the picks... my BOLD PREDICTION! Every week of the regular season, I'll try to predict a future event that will occur by the end of the championship game in January.

So here's my first BOLD PREDICTION: Start your searches now, because at least three BCS schools will fire their head coaches BEFORE season's end.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

And now, onto the Top 3 picks:
2009-2010 Season-to-Date Record: 3-0

Actually called the ten points for Alabama... that's two weeks in a row (counting back to picking Florida by ten over Oklahoma in the BCS title game last season). Would I be crazy enough to call a ten point win again this week? Oklahoma State impressed me more defensively than offensively; same with Boise State.

This week... only one match-up featuring two Top 25 teams. That makes the top pick extremely easy. Number two is a surprise no one expected as little as a week ago. Number three... well, somebody has to be there.

The Top 3 picks:
Three - South Carolina at #21 Georgia
Okay, Bulldogs, you're in the hot seat again. It's the home and conference opener for Georgia, favored by a TD over South Carolina. This is the game you wanna watch if you're a fan of SEC-style defense. The only problem is, given both of these teams' performances in Week 1, as well as recent history in this series, they'll probably be helped out by inept offenses.

South Carolina came out the better of the two teams last week, if only because they won, kicking off the season eight nights ago with a 7-3 victory over North Carolina State. It's hard to tell if SC has found their QB in Stephen Garcia. Or if they've found a RB capable of leading the team out of last season's performance as the worst rushing team in the conference. At least the defense looked good all things considered, holding NCST to 133 yards and keeping them out of the end zone.

Georgia, meanwhile, kept Oklahoma State mostly under wraps defensively. But a couple mistakes by QB Joe Cox, who hasn't started since '06, pretty much sealed the loss. The rest of the offense, as a whole, is still trying to find itself, given what it had lost from last season. But given that GA only lost by two touchdowns and gave up only 24 points... compared to last season, that's a great defensive effort for anyone playing a Big 12 offense.

Expect another close, low-scoring game this year. I'm inclined to believe the ol' ball coach may have some semblance of answers on offense while Georgia is still trying to find something... anything, in theirs. South Carolina opens SEC play with a four-point victory.

Two - #20 Notre Dame at Michigan
Two head coaches upon the hottest of hot seats to start the season proved impressive in wins over Nevada and Western Michigan, respectively. But one of the most storied non-conference rivalries in college football is back in the limelight, with the winner most likely returning their storied school back to national power status.

No quarterback had a better Week One performance than ND's Jimmy Clausen, who's finally performing to the high level expected from him coming out of high school. Add on his performance in last season's Hawaii Bowl, and Clausen's numbers are out of this world. But let's not forget... ND's last two opponents were Hawaii and Nevada. Average defenses at best. Michigan's should be a bigger test (keyword: should - see below) to see how far he's come along. History is also not on the Irish's side... in two of the previous three trips to Ann Arbor, the Irish were shutout.

As for Michigan, well, Year 2 always seems to be when Rich Rodriguez's spread offense starts to click. He might have found two freshmen QBs worthy of success in his scheme -- most of the attention is on Tate Forcier, but Denard Robinson showed some scary foot speed on a TD run. The offense was a work-in-progress all of last season, but the defense in 2008 should have, at worst, gotten Michigan 7-5. Instead, they were 3-9. Good news is that they stopped Western Michigan last week, one of the two vaunted offenses led by talented QBs in the MAC. Or... at least only let them get to the endzone once.

So here's the issue... the offenses proved themselves worthy in Week 1. Will the defenses prove themselves in Week 2? I say no, as there should be a good amount of scoring. But don't be surprised if a defensive turnover ends up deciding this game. As much as I don't like the Wolverines (and all of the off-season personnel problems not helping my opinion), I've gotta be a Big Ten homer this week... and say Michigan beats Notre Dame by a touchdown.

Game of the Week - #3 USC at #8 Ohio State
I know I already made my first bold prediction earlier, but here's a bonus one right now, off the record... the loser of this game is out of the running for the BCS championship.

After an injury to projected #1 starter Matt Corp thrust true freshman Matt Barkley into the spotlight, some early game jitters and mistakes put USC fans a little on edge until the Trojans pulled away towards the end of the first half over San Jose State. Barkley will have to make sure those mistakes aren't repeated in the Horseshoe, or the crowd will really be on him. The running game helped things, scoring six of the team's eight TDs last week - including a pair each from Stafon Johnson and Joe McKnight. As for the defense... no noteworthy plays, but holding SJSU to 121 total yards at least comes as expected.

Ohio State got a much tougher opening-week opponent in Navy, and the Midshipmen gave the Buckeyes all they could handle with their vaunted triple option attack. The offense, led by Terrelle Pryor, preseason 1st-team Big Ten QB, did admirably well... though a questionable call to go for it on 4th Down and an overthrown ball for an INT got the Midshipmen within a hair's width of forcing overtime in Columbus. The defense looked average - maybe half-confused by deciding who to go after in a triple-option set, half-looking forward to USC - against the run; maybe even worse on a few key plays when Navy actually passed the ball. The lone exception: an attempted two-point conversion pass that was picked off by Brian Rolle and returned for an OSU two-pointer. (To be somewhat fair, when's the last time a Navy QB passed for over 100 yards <Ricky Dobbs threw for 156>?)

So, USC needs to work out its passing offensive game. OSU needs to work out its passing defensive game. The key to this game may actually lie in the rushing game. It'll probably turn into a three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust game long-time OSU fans may remember from the past. But before you think Buckeyes victory, remember where the talent is at running back. Maybe someone on OSU steps up to be the next Beanie Wells in this game, but instinct tells me USC's overall talent equates to a two-touchdown victory in Columbus.

Penn State's Game - vs. Syracuse
PSUfan: You remember the game in the Dome last year, right? 55-13 ring a bell?
SUfan: Yeah? Well... we've got Greg Paulus!

Okay, for a guy who was a two-sport star in high school, gave up football to play basketball with Duke, then decides to give football another shot after not being picked up in the NBA draft, and ends up the starting QB for lowly Syracuse, who had a new head coach and was playing against a team supposedly rising up in the Big Ten...

Paulus actually played fairly good, all things considered. No one was really expecting him to immediately rise to the cream of the quarterback crop, like he was when he came out of high school, especially with the lack of talent the Orange have. But save for that bad decision in overtime, the ill-advised throw that was picked off and ended up costing Syracuse the game against Minnesota... you probably couldn't have asked for more from him.

As for the Nittany Lions... Darryl Clark was excellent against Akron, throwing for a career-high 353 yards. This year's receiver trio, Graham Zug, Chaz Powell, and Derek Moye, combined for 18 receptions (two more than the trio combined all of last year) for 265 yards and a TD apiece. Defensively, the team held Akron to 186 yards, almost all exclusively picked up in the second half. If there's a minus to the Week One performance... the Zips lone TD of the game was in fact the only score after halftime.

Maybe there's a chance Paulus might have a brief flash or two back to his high school heydays. But there's no way the Orange are talented enough to hang with the Lions for four quarters. This might be the most intriguing non-conference game for PSU by far... but like last week, we're 4 TD favorites. I'll throw the former Duke star a bone... or would, if JoePa was content to let the offense go dead after halftime again. Sorry, man... Penn State wins by five TDs.​

 

[bigddan11]

(0-2) Troy Trojans 06

[1/1] (2-0) Florida Gators 56

[2/2] (2-0) Texas Longhorns 41

(1-1) Wyoming Cowboys 10

[3/3] (2-0) Southern California Trojans 18

[8/7] (1-1) Ohio State Buckeyes 15

(0-1) Florida International Panthers 14

[4/4] (2-0) Alabama Crimson Tide 40

(2-0) Houston Cougars 45

[5/6] (1-1) Oklahoma State Cowboys 35

(0-2) Syracuse Orange 07

[7/5] (2-0) Penn State Nitanny Lions 28

[9/12] (2-0) Brigham Young Cougars 54

(0-2) Tulane Green Wave 03

(1-1) Eastern Washington Eagles 07

[10/10] (2-0) California Golden Bears 59

(1-1) Vanderbilt Commodores 09

[11/9] (2-0) Louisiana State Tigers 23

(0-2) Miami (OH) Redhawks 00

[12/11] (2-0) Boise State Broncos 48

(0-2) Idaho State Tigers 00

[13/14] (1-1) Oklahoma Sooners 64

(1-1) Marshall Thundering Herd 10

[14/15] (1-1) Virginia Tech Hokies 52

[16/16] (1-0) Texas Christian Horned Frogs 30

(0-2) Virginia Cavaliers 14

[17/17] (2-0) Utah Utes 24

(0-2) San Jose State Spartans 14

[18/20] (1-1) Notre Dame Fighting Irish 34

(2-0) Michigan Wolverines 38

[19/19] (2-0) North Carolina Tar Heels 12

(1-1) Connecticut Huskies 10

(1-1) South Carolin Gamec0cks 37

[21/21] (1-1) Georgia Bulldogs 41

(1-1) Arkansas State Indians 09

[22/18] (2-0) Nebraska Cornhuskers 38

(1-1) Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 03

[23/23] (2-0) Cincinnati Bearcats 70

[24/25] (2-0) Kansas Jayhawks 34

(0-2) Texas-El Paso Miners 07

(1-1) Bowling Green Falcons 20

[25/27] (2-0) Missouri Tigers 27

[26/24] (2-0) Oregon State Beavers 23

(1-1) Nevada- Las Vegas Rebels 21

Other MWC Scores:

(0-2) Weber State Wildcats 23

(2-0) Colorado State Rams 24

(1-1) Air Force Falcons 13

(2-0) Minnesota Golden Gophers 20

(2-0) Tulsa Golden Hurricane 44

(0-2) New Mexico Lobos 10

(1-1) Southern Utah Thunderbirds 19

(1-1) San Diego State Aztecs 35

Other Big 12 Scores:

(2-0) Iowa Hawkeyes 35

(1-1) Iowa State Cyclones 03

(0-2) Rice Owls 10

(2-0) Texas Tech Red Raiders 55

(1-1) Kansas State Wildcats 15

(2-0) Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns 17