Week 5 Picks: The Aftermath

Wow...not a good day for favorites. Look for the weekend rundown later this week. For now, look at our pitiful records from last week.

Great Odin's Raven: 3-5 (18-14)

Apollo's Creed: 3-5 (10-6) still catching up

Thor's Hammer: 4-4 (19-13)

Nice Story about a former Boilermaker

Drew Brees loves his alma mater...and Carlton

Talk about earning the man of the year award.

The Mike Gundy Beer Commercial

This did not take very long. Here it is, your Mike Gundy beer commercial.

Week 5 Picks

By the end of the weekend we will have a better outlook as to the pecking order of the Pac-10 as well as a couple of 5-0 teams leading the Big 10. A couple "revenge" games on the slate in WVU - S. Florida and Texas - K. State should make for interesting theater. However, nothing could be better than the possibility of Notre Dame going 0-5. This is when College Football really gets good. And now, once more unto the breech, dear friends.

West Virginia 27 - USF 21

Revenge game #1. Last year USF ended all hopes of West Virginia playing for a National Championship and although coaches, apparently, never use revenge as a motivational tool, (bullshit) you can bet last years loss will add some kick to WVU. Even though this will be the most balanced team WVU will face in the Big East, WVU will still put up points. This one will be a close one.

FSU 10 - Bama 21

Man, there isn't much I like on the sidelines of these two teams. Possibly two of the more disliked coaches in college football. Is it a coincidence that they are so disliked because they are/have been so good (not counting recent Bobby Bowden)? Anyways, FSU's offense is absolutely horrible and Bama's defense is sound enough to keep them from doing anything of significance. The real test is the Bama offense against the perennially stout FSU defense. I think turnovers by the FSU offense will negate solid defensive play by the Seminoles D. The celestial rise of St. Saban gets back on track this weekend.

Florida 31 - Auburn 10

Florida's offense is much better than most people imagined it would be this off season. Couple that with the fact that Auburn and Gorgeous Borges can't seem to move the ball 3 feet, and what do you have? Another Florida ass kicking. Maybe Auburn can take a page from Ole Miss' playbook. They managed to lose by only 6 to the Gators. Tim Tebow will strengthen his Heisman legitimacy this weekend with another solid performance. Can you say game of the year when Florida visits LSU?

Texas 21 - Kansas State 17

Revenge game #2. KSU shocked the Longhorns in Manhattan last year and basically put an end to Texas' National Championship hopes. This year, I wouldn't plan on the same outcome. Although, Texas has looked mediocre at best this year, they are still much more talented and have too many superior athletes. Playing at home in Austin will help and the way Texas has played so far, they may need it . Texas wins at home in a close one.

Purdue 31 - Notre Dame 17

The train wreck continues Golden Domers. Notre Dame sucks. That is all that needs to be said for this game. Apollo's Creed, I am picking your Boilermakers. Coach Weis, I have included a recipe that I think will come in handy this weekend. Let me know what you think.

Wisconsin 21 - Michigan State 10

I have to be honest, Wisconsin has yet to impress me. I will give Bielema credit though, it may not be pretty but he wins. This should be an interesting test with Michigan State. It took Wisconsin all four quarters to beat Iowa last weekend and Michigan State is on par, if not better than Iowa. Having the game at home with tons of screaming cheese heads should help. Hey Bielema, crack open a Schlitz for me buddy.

USC 35 - Washington 17

USC is the real deal this year. Well, I guess they are the real deal every year but maybe a little more so this year. This will be a good test for Pete Carroll and his Trojans. Washington is slowly but surely improving under Ty Willingham and within the next couple of years should be back in contention in the Pac-10. This year, however, USC is just a flat out better team. There isn't anything that they aren't good at doing. If Ty Willingham wants to see how to beat USC's defense then he just needs to watch the Nebraska tape. Yes, I know they beat Nebraska but the Huskers racked up 420 yards of offense and 31 points. The Trojans move one game to closer to New Orleans with this win.

Oregon 35 - California 28

I will be honest. This game is a complete toss up for me. It, ultimately, came down to home field advantage. That and I think Cal's defense just isn't strong enough. The winner of this game will be in the drivers seat for a Rose Bowl berth. That is, of course, because I am assuming USC goes unbeaten and plays for a National Championship. Both teams have great offenses and I believe you will see a lot of point scoring and not so much defense. Oregon's is the better of the two, which will help insure a big win for Oregon and coach Bellotti.

Picks of the Week from "the DEGENERATE GAMBLER"

Since we are still picking outright winners instead of against the spread, it should be easy pickings (no pun intended) once again for Apollo's Creed this week. I started off my first week picking games on the blog strong with a solid 7-1 showing. My record would have been 8-0 if I would have had the guts to follow my heart and pick the Wildcats to beat Arkansas in Fayetteville. My strategy this week is to pick the games based on my initial thoughts, and not to over think things. With that said, let's get on to the picks.



South Florida 31 West Virginia 28

I feel like this game will put the South Florida program on the map in what is still a top-heavy Big East. Yes, I know what people are thinking out there. South Florida has already arrived, thanks to a solid road win over an admittedly down Auburn team this year and last year's win over the Mountaineers in Morgantown. However, I feel that South Florida still has to prove that they have staying power. With a solid team on both sides of the ball, and the home-field advantage, South Florida should be able to overcome West Virginia's explosive offense.

Alabama 23 Florida State 13

As much as I want to pick the Seminoles in this game, I don't trust either Drew Weatherford or Xavier Lee at QB for Florida State. Both defenses are solid, and John Parker Wilson is the difference as the Crimson Tide wins rather easily.

Florida 30 Auburn 10

The Auburn offense has been horrible in against every team they've played this year except for a pathetic New Mexico State squad. There is absolutely no way they will be able to slow down the Florida offense enough to stay in this game. Florida QB Tim Tebow has turned into a legitimate Heisman candidate in just his sophomore year, and the Florida defense is solid. I hate both of these teams, so it's easy for me to keep the emotions out of the pick. Florida dominates and the seat gets hotter for Tuberville at Auburn.

Texas 31 Kansas State 14

Texas isn't as good as they've been over the past few years, but it really shouldn't matter in a pathetic Big 12. Oklahoma should handle them, but that game isn't for a few weeks. Kansas State doesn't have the athletes to stay with Mack Brown's bunch, and unless Brown makes some bonehead coaching decisions (not out of the realm of possibility), Texas will handle the Wildcats.

Purdue 52 Notre Dame 21

As a Boilermaker fan, and an Irish hater, I have been greatly looking forward to this game all week. This one really shouldn't be close, as Purdue's offense has been close to unstoppable this year, albeit against less than solid competition. However, if you study the game tape of the Purdue offense, what you see is a team that has the athletes and scheme to score against anyone in the country. Notre Dame is definitely not one of the best teams in the country, and have played so bad that it's almost beyond comprehension. Now, the Purdue defense is still the weak point of the team, and the Irish should be able to score some garbage points after the game is out of hand. The only thing that could possibly make this game competitive is if Purdue continues their early season trend of fumbling the ball away pretty much every possession they don't score on. It's almost as if that's Joe Tiller's new strategy this year. "Let's just fumble instead of worrying about punting." All kidding aside, the Boilers win in a blowout.

Michigan State 20 Wisconsin 17

I'll be completely honest. I don't think either one of these teams is very good. However, Wisconsin has been playing with fire every game this year and is due to lose one. Michigan State's new coach has the Spartans believing in themselves again after the dark days of the John L. Smith era, and they will pull the upset in a tight one.

USC 48 Washington 10

USC is a great team as usual. Washington is still a slightly below average team, with a good young quarterback to build around. The greatness of USC wins big.

Oregon 35 Cal 31

Oregon has a stud at quarterback in Dennis Dixon, as well as explosive athletes all over the field. Cal has a very good quarterback, as well as explosive athletes all over the field. The stud wins every time especially in the friendly confines of Autzen Stadium.

Thor's Hammer Gives You the Week 5 Locks

Last week yours truly took one on the chin, defining mediocre going 4-4 on the week. Again, now that Apollo's Creed is on board (degenerate gambler) I am feeling the pressure. With a great slate of games this could be a make-or-break week for Thor's Hammer. So, without further ado, here are the week 5 picks.



West Virginia 31 - South Florida 27


South Florida is a 7 point home dog. South Florida beat West Virginia in Morgantown last season. South Florida actually has a defense. With all of this having been said, I see West Virginia coming from behind late in the 4th quarter on a Noel Devine highlight reel TD. South Florida is an emerging power in college football but they are still 1-2 solid recruiting classes short of dominating the Big (L)East.



Florida State 20 - Alabama 17


Florida State has had 2 weeks to prepare for this game while Bama has had back-to-back thrilling games at home. The Fightin' Sabans now hit the road to play a stout defense led by (2nd stringer?) LB Geno Hayes and stud S Myron Rolle. Bama has a decent offense but their D is lacking which should help the pitiful Free Shoe offense. While this game could go either way, give me the team that is rested and not coached by the devil.



Florida 27 - Auburn 13


The Gators survived a scare in Oxford last week while the Tigers hammered lowly New Mexico State. Auburn has played 2 quality teams (KSU, USF) and should have lost to both of them while losing to freaking Miss St. in the process. The Gators bring the best offense in the SEC every time they step onto the field and Auburn...well, they don't bring a very good offense to any field. Tiger QB Brandon Cox looks like a tackling dummy far too often and their running game for Auburn has been less than effective against every team not named New Mexico St. Tebow (for Heisman?) and the Gators should roll in Gainesville.



Texas 30 - Kansas State 14


Texas was in line for a shot at the title last season until they went into Manhattan and lost to the Wildcats in the Big 12 upset of the year. This time the game is in Austin and the Longhorns will have revenge on their minds. This looks like an ass whooping but KSU does have a stout D (unlike 9 other Big 12 teams) and this could be close for a half. With that having been said, UT should still roll as they have so much more talent than the Wildcats.



Purdue 31 - Notre Dame 17


The Irish have scored 27 points in 4 games. My God, Charlie Weis is a genius!! Purdue has a nasty offense, as usual, and an average defense, as usual, which is why the Irish should score at least 1 touchdown. However, the Boilermakers do have a great QB in Curtis Painter and they should feast on the worst Notre Dame team ever. I bet Notre Dame AD Kevin White is second guessing that 10 year extension he gave to Chunky Charlie after getting blasted by USC and LSU. This is what happens when you hire a douchebag.

Wisconsin 20 - Michigan State 14

Good God the Big 11 is horrible. The teams in the Big 11 are setting back offensive football 50 years. The Penn State-Mich and Iowa-Wisc. games were brutal to watch. This weeks Big 11 game of the week shouldn't be any better. Neither team has an offense worth a damn and fans can expect to see much of the same in Madison. This is a classic "who cares" game but seeing as this is the best game of the week in the Big 11 we here at Gods of the Gridiron felt in necessary to discuss it...and to rip the Big 11.

USC 41 - Washington 17

As stated earlier on the blog, USC is so good it is stupid. While Washington was a nice story earlier in the year getting waxed by Ohio State at home and following that up with another loss to UCLA (who lost to Utah by over 30 pts) quickly put them in their place. USC is going to roll like they always do giving Booty another chance to further his Heisman hype. Maybe freshman sensation Jake Locker can scare USC a little, but I highly doubt it. This one should be over mid way through the 3rd quarter.

Oregon 34 - Cal 31

In what is easily the game of the week the second tier Pac 10 teams battle it out to determine which team will step up and challenge the mighty Trojans. Oregon lost their leading receiver for the season which will undoubtedly hurt their chances but have you seen Cal play defense? Cal is still getting praise after beating an average Tennessee team at home while giving up over 30 points. This is the best Oregon squad since Joey Harrington was there and this game being at home should give them an advantage. While I think Cal will light up the scoreboard in Autzen stadium I like Dennis Dixon and John Stewart to make one more play than the Bears.

Week 5 Look Ahead

Just a little FYI, this week has some delicious games including West Virginia-South Florida, Free Shoe-Bama, California-Oregon, Auburn-Florida, Kansas State-Texas, Notre Dame-Purdue, Michigan State-Wisconsin and USC-Washington. Since Louisville has gone to shit faster than Mexican food the WVU-USF game could be the game of the year in the Big L(East). Surely Jesus wouldn't let Saint Saban lose two games in a row would he? Could Notre Dame really start 0-5?? All these questions and more will be answered in the coming days when the Gods make their picks. Now that we have a degenerate gambler on board myself and Odin's Raven need to step it up.

Updated standings...GreatOdin'sRaven draws even!!!

Well, I got one back in the win column and drew even with Thor's Hammer this weekend. Unfortunately, we both lost in picks to Apollo's Creed. What can you do? Apollo's creed is a habitual gambler, so he should beat us in picks every week. Oh, if only that was how it really worked. Here are the records for the weekend and the overall.

GreatOdin'sRaven- 5-3

Thor's Hammer- 4-4

Apollo's Creed- 7-1.

Total:

GreatOdin'sRaven- 15-9

Thor's Hammer- 15-9

Apollo's Creed- 7-1( Missed the first two weeks, so there is a little catching up to do)

Week 4 Recap

In what was a somewhat boring week in terms of top match ups the game of the week (homer alert) had to be Georgia's OT win over Bama on the road. Although not the prettiest game of the day it got the job done putting the Dawgs back into contention for an SEC title. One very bizarre moment in this game came when play-by-play man Mike Patrick went a little off course and wanted to talk some gossip (http://awfulannouncing.blogspot.com/2007/09/mike-patrick-has-important-things-on.html). Is he seriously the best ESPN could get? Hell, pay me half of what he is making and I guarantee I cannot be any worse (seriously, I am not joking and can be reached at pdub1005@gmail.com). In the other SEC games of note Kentucky beat Arkansas despite McFadden going off giving batshit crazy Hog fans even more reason to hate Houston Nutt. LSU smacked South Carolina around causing the Head Ball Coach to switch QB's for the umpteenth time and Ole Miss put a scare into FLA losing 30-24 which caused OU to jump the Gators in the AP poll. USC rolled as usual and the Irish of Notre Dame are now 0-4 for the first time in their 119 year history. We here at the Gods of the Gridiron feel Notre Dame's start is due to Karma after all of those pederast Catholic priests got away with touching boys. Serves you right, bitches. Apparently defense has become optional for some college football teams. Louisville lost to freaking Syracuse (yes, the same team that had been outscored 118-32 entering the game) after giving up almost 500 yards and 38 points in Papa John's stadium. Are you kidding me? If someone would have told me that the Cardinals would lose to Syracuse at home I would have told them to put the blunt down. Meanwhile, Nebraska's D hasn't shown up this year (I am not counting beating a shitty Nevada team). The Huskers had to watch a 55 yard FG miss left by Ball freaking State Saturday to escape with a 41-40 HOME win. Ball State piled up over 600 yards of offense including over 400 yards passing. In the last 2 weeks the black...I mean pink shirts have given up over 1,000 yards of offense and 89 points at home. Even in the miserable Big 12 that won't get it done.

Stafford to Henderson

UGA 26 BAMA 23

WOW!!! Talk about a game that brought back memories. Five years ago, the Dawgs won a game at Auburn in the final seconds on a play very similar to the one they scored on to win the game last night in overtime. Only the protagonists have changed. This time it was Matthew Stafford and Mikey Henderson instead of David Greene and Michael Johnson. Could this be the play that restores Georgia football to their normal standards. The Dawgs still don't control their own destiny thanks to the loss at home two weeks ago to the Ol' Ball Coach, but any educated observer would believe that South Carolina will probably lose another conference game before the SEC season comes to a close. There are still plenty of scary games for the Dawgs on the schedule, specifically the Florida game in Jacksonville, but last night's win puts the Dawgs in position to make a run at their fourth appearance in the SEC Championship in Coach Mark Richt's seven years at the helm.

One final thought: Mark Richt is now 23-3 in opponents home stadiums in SEC Games.
How ridiculous is that?

Does anybody give a SHIT about what Lou Holtz says???

So, I am sitting in my living room, watching ESPN and I damn near threw something at the T.V. screen. I don't understand what purpose Lou Holtz serves for ESPN. There is no need to have him analyze anything. All you need to know is that Notre Dame and South Carolina will be going undefeated every year, according to Holtz. To quote the great Lou: "When you combine S. Carolina's defense with Steve Spurriers ingenuity, they win." Has that slurring bafoon been watching S. Carolina play football for the last 3 years? I understand pulling for your teams but Lou is just ridiculous. Holtz would say with 100% certainty, that S. Carolina or Notre Dame would beat the New England Patriots. I am sorry, but I just can't listen to him anymore. The sickening part, is that ESPN will continue to employ him. There are too many people out there that would bring an insightful, thought provoking opinion to the ESPN desk but we will continue to watch Lou and his equally clueless co host, Mark May insult our intelligence. UUUUUUGGGGGHHHHH!!!!

Week 4 Picks

The time has finally arrived for Apollo's Creed to make his long awaited first post. After listening to the constant whining streaming from the mouth of Thor's Hammer, I have decided to contribute my expertise to the discussion. If I have one complaint about the picks though, it is that I think we should pick the games with a spread involved. It would make it easier for one picker to dominate the others. When merely picking winners, we are going to end up with a lot of the same picks. Now that I have gotten that off my chest, it is on to the picks.

Texas A&M 20 Miami 24

This game could go either way. Many people will look at the score in the Miami-Oklahoma game and completely write off the Hurricanes for the season. However, Oklahoma is on an entirely different level than Texas A&M and the Canes had to travel to Norman to play the game. If this game was being played at a neutral site, this game would probably be a pick-em. Therefore, I will give Miami the slight advantage considering the game is being played in Miami. As bad as Miami's offense has looked early on this season, the Texas A&M defense hasn't proven they can stop anybody. The Aggie defense gave up over 400 yards to Montana State in their season opener, 399 yards to Fresno State, and 348 yards to Louisiana Monroe. I think the Miami defense will play well enough at home to slow down the A&M offense, maybe throwing in a defensive touchdown to help out what has been an anemic Miami offense.

Penn State 24 Michigan 31

Michigan obviously could not have started the season much more poorly than they did. After getting stunned at home by Appalacian State, they followed that with another bad loss at home to Oregon. After getting their first win under their belt versus ridiculously bad Notre Dame, they must take on a solid Penn State team in Ann Arbor. Penn State is undefeated, but those three wins have come against Florida International, Notre Dame, and Buffalo. I don't think anyone should get too excited just yet about Penn State. I realize that Michigan has already lost twice at home this year (both horrendous losses), but I can't bring myself to trust Penn St. QB Anthony Morelli. Therefore, I am taking Michigan at home with Morelli having a poor game.

Georgia 28 Alabama 21

I don't like having to pick this game, as I am an unabashed UGA homer. Although I think that Alabama would win this game more than half the time, I can't bring myself to pick against the Dawgs. That will be the extent of my analysis.

LSU 45 South Carolina 17

I can sum up this game in four words. "THE TIGERS ARE NASTY." USC coach Steve Spurrier seems to think that his team has turned the corner in terms of being very competitive in the S.E.C., but I have yet to be convinced even after watching them come into Athens, GA and defeat my beloved Dawgs. The Dawgs played very, very, poorly in that game, and I don't think it had that much to do with South Carolina. That was an example of a young team failing to take advantage of the opportunities that were presented to them. As long as LSU coach Les Miles doesn't screw it up, the Tigers should wipe the floor with the bloodied carcasses of the Cocks.

Wisconsin 20 Iowa 13

Although neither of these teams have been very impressive thus far this year, the Badgers will have the home field advantage and the knowledge that they haven't lost to an absurdly bad Iowa State team. I think this one will be closer than people think, but the Badgers will pull it out in the end.

Texas Tech 42 Oklahoma State 45

This one should be an offensive shootout, as neither defense should be able to stop the opposing offense. Oklahoma State will be returning home after being embarrased by Troy in Alabama, and should be able to keep pace with the high-powered Texas Tech offense. Texas Tech always has trouble with teams that can move the ball up and down the field, and who have dangerous skill players. I don't think Oklahoma State will be able to necessarily stop the Tech offense, but I feel like they'll score just enough to give Tech their first loss of the 2007 campaign.

California 35 Arizona 20

Two things jump out to me about this game. One is that California is a very good team. Two is that I don't like the Stoops family. Nate Longshore has been very good at the QB position for California since last year's debacle in Knoxville against Tennessee, and Cal RB Justin Forcett can be spectacular. The California offense will simply be too much for the Arizona defense to handle.

Arkansas 34 Kentucky 31

I have become a pseudo Kentucky fan living in the Bluegrass over the past year, but I can't bring myself to think that the Wildcat defense will be able to do anything to slow down the Arkansas running attack in Fayetteville. Kentucky will be able to put up points led by Senior QB Andre Woodson and RB Rafael Little, but it won't be enough to overcome the Wildcat's porous defense.

The Greatness of USC

As I watched the destruction that was the USC-NEB game last Saturday it donned on me just how far Nebraska (a solid team entrenched in the top 25) and teams of their ilk have to go until they can compete with the USC's, LSU's and FLA's. What needs to be stated is just how dominant USC has been over the past 4 years in a time when parity ruled the day. USC has lost 4 games in the last 4 years. Those losses have come by a TOTAL of 12 points. Please re-read the last sentence. USC was 12 points away from being the most dominant dynasty in modern sports. Now, there are a plethora of reasons as to why USC has become the current juggernaut that they are (location, soft conference). But the most important reason is Pete Carroll. Pete was the definition of mediocre as an NFL coach (33-31) yet he has thrived as a college coach. Why? Because he may be the coolest person in the world; that and he can coach and recruit like crazy. Look, I am not a USC fan (I am a die hard Husker and UGA fan) but have you listened to this man speak? He makes me, all 5-9, want to strap on the pads and go hit someone. Why is this important? Because the lifeblood of college football is recruiting and Pete Carroll does it better than anyone...ever. According to Rivals, the best recruiting website in my opinion, USC has finished 13th, 3rd, 1st, 1st, 1st and 2nd in the final recruiting rankings the last 6 years. Not coincidentally, USC has finished in the top 5 beginning with their first year as the recruiting champion. Look at his starting line up in terms of star rankings given out by Rivals.com (5 star being the highest): QB (would have been a 5 star but he went to USC after his Jr year and was unranked, RB-5 star, FB-4 star, WR-5 star, WR-4 star, TE-5 star, OL-5 star, 5 star, 4 star, 4 star, 4 star. Now for the defense: DE-4 star, NT-4 star, DT-4 star, DE-3 star, LB's-4 star, 5 star, 5 star, CB's-4 star, 3 star, S's-5 star, 3 star. Now, I am not trying to diminish what Carroll and his staff do once they get the players to Southern Cal. In fact, it is what they do with the players that makes USC so good. But if you give me USC's players and Tommy Bowden as their coach and you get Carroll with Clemson's players I will like my chances. USC has become the first pro team to play in college. The only program that even came close to what USC is doing now was Florida State in the 1990's. Other than that this is something that the college football world has not seen before. In a time when Appalachian State can go into Michigan and beat the Wolverines, South Florida can go into Auburn and take down the Tigers and Rutgers is relevant, USC has become the end all be all in college football. Does it help that the Pac 10 hasn't been great over the last few years? Of course. But the Big East isn't any good and not one team there has become dominant (that may have something to do with the Big East not being located in Southern Cal). So unless the NCAA actually cares that Reggie Bush and his family were being paid while at USC, and it appears they don't care and couldn't do anything about it if they did, or Pete Carroll tries his hand at the pros once more, the Trojans are here to stay, and dominate, for a very long time.

Week 4...Game on!!!

Okay, so thanks to Houston Nutt's unrivaled brilliance on the sidelines, I am down a game in the loss column. However, the day of redemption is at hand (to quote Ace Ventura). The good thing about this weekend is that most teams have gotten the crap teams out of the way and it will be conference games from here on out. The bad thing...It will be conference games from here on out. This is where a decent record of picks can go down the drain in a hurry. But, let us not be pessimistic. And like that, the rout is on.

Texas A&M 24 - Miami 10

Look, Miami's offense is horrible. I know that their defense is solid, as usual, but they need some serious help on the offensive side of the ball. Even though the game is being played at the Orange Bowl, I just don't think Miami will be able to put enough points on the board. Aggies and coach Fran with the Plan (that plan is called extortion) get the quality road win.

Penn St 24 - Michigan 28

Here is my upset pick of the week. Last week, Michigan looked more like the offense that everyone was expecting. I realize that they were playing the worst team in college football (man, I love saying that) but they showed signs of improvement. Tack on the fact that the game is at the Big House and Penn State hasn't beaten Michigan since 96 and I smell a wolverine upset.

UGA 27 - Bama 24

This game scares me, to be honest with you. On paper UGA is the better team, however, these games aren't played on paper. Bryant-Denny stadium is going to be rocking and the Tide have a shot to go to 4-0 in the first year of the Saban era. The game comes down to the UGA offense. If they can play consistent football, then they will win. If not, they will lose. I think the offense gets it done in a tough environment.

LSU 24 - South Carolina 10

Notch another victory in LSU's belt. South Carolina might not score a point in this game. However, S. Carolina has a fairly stout defense as well. The Bayou Bengals just have too much superior talent and they get the game at home. That stadium is going to be packed full of screaming cajun's and LSU's offense is slowly but surely getting better.

Wisconsin 31 - Iowa 17

All you need for this game is a block of cheddar cheese and a can of Milwuakee's best. Talk about a boring game. The only thing that you need to know about this one is that Iowa lost last week to Iowa State. No disrespect to Gene Chizik, but Iowa State is horrible. Iowa's d line will not be able to withstand the four quarters of pounding they get from P.J. Hill. Wisconsin shouldn't have much trouble here.



Texas Tech 41 - Oklahoma State 31



This one should be a straight shoot out, considering neither team boasts a defense worth a damn. The wild card in this one is which OSU offense shows up? As of yet, we haven't seen the scoring juggernaut that everyone was expecting at the beginning of the year. The good thing for OSU is that nobody wants to go to the shithole that is Stillwater, Oklahoma so there shouldn't be too many Tech fans to put up with. Tech gets an important conference win on the road.



Cal 27 - Arizona 17

Ultimately, in this game, Arizona will have to stop Cal's high powered offense. Coach Stoops preaches defense but, unfortunately, they still lack the overall talent to compete with Cal. This one will be close until Cal puts some late scoring drives together and wins by double digits.

Arkansas 31 - Kentucky 28

This one will be another high scoring affair. Both teams have suspect defenses, at best. Between these two teams, Arkansas has the better defense and they will be looking for a rebound game after last weeks heartbreaking loss to Bama. Look for Darren McFadden to run all over Kentucky's defense. This one will come down to the end. This week, though, Arkansas will come out victorious.

Week 4 Picks

After totally dominating Odin's Raven last week (ok, I won last week on a last second win for Bama...but I'll take it) I am looking to take charge this week. While Nebraska, UCLA and Arkansas have been exposed as title frauds, this week we should get a better understanding of teams such as Bama (hosting UGA), Texas A&M (@Miami) and Penn State (@Michigan) in terms of where they belong in the conference title discussion. So, without further ado, here are your week 4 picks. On a side note, does USC have the best of everything, or is it just me?

Texas A&M 20 - Miami 17 (Thursday, Sept. 20th)

Texas A&M is the most overrated team in the country. But they should still be able to beat a very pedestrian Miami team. Miami has a stout defense when they aren't playing Oklahoma but their offense is absolutely pathetic. How a team located where Miami is located can be so dreadful at the skill positions is beyond me. Larry Coker, while a very nice man, must have been a horrible coach/recruiter because this is the least athletic Miami team I have seen since the late 90's when they were on probation. Lane, Goodson and McGee should be able to put enough points on the board to get a road win.

Penn State 24 - Michigan 20

I really want to pick the Wolverines this game but with Henne still banged up I have to go with Nittany Lions. It will not shock me if PSU gets handled due to the fact that they have played one of the worst non-conference schedules in recent memory (FAU, ND and Buffalo). I think this is a totally untested team and Paterno is only 3-9 against Michigan in the last 12 games. However, this is still the MICH team that lost to Ap. State.

Georgia 28 - Alabama 27

Call me a homer (UGA class of '06), but I am just not sold on 'Bama. If not for the total stupidity of Houston "busta" Nutt the Fightin' Saban's would have a loss and ESPN's College Gameday would be in Baton Rouge instead of Tuscaloosa this weekend. The Tide have a soft defense and while they do have a nice QB in Wilson and a dynamic WR in DJ Hall I think Coach Richt gets it done on the road (as he most often does) and gets the "W."

LSU 34 - South Carolina 13

This has thrashing written all over it. The Bayou Bengals feature the best defense in the nation (yes, better than Southern Cal) and South Carolina's offense has been, well, offensive thus far. Whether Flynn or Perriloux is in at QB doesn't really matter as this is the best team in the SEC (yes, better than FLA) and they should roll over the Cocks.

Wisconsin 27 - Iowa 10

While Wisconsin is the 2nd most overrated team in the country Iowa is coming off a loss to freaking Iowa State in what may have been the worst played game in the last 25 years. How the Hawkeyes managed to lose to a team that lost to Northern Iowa is beyond me but there is no way they go into Camp Randall and beat the Badgers.

Texas Tech 38 - Oklahoma State 28

The team that no one is talking about is the Red Raiders. Featuring another productive QB in Graham Harrel and a stud WR in Michael Crabtree this could be Mike Leach's best team since he has been in Lubbock. The Pokes are coming off a humiliating loss to Troy (freaking TROY!!) and have a QB controversy now that Bobby Reid has been benched. If the Red Raiders cannot win this game, at home, it would be catastrophic for Mike Leach and Co.

California 31 - Arizona 20

Cal's defense is average at best but Arizona continues to be a mediocre team thus Cal should stomp them at home. Desean Jackson is a freak of nature and Longshore and Forsett make this offense one of the best in the nation. Willie Tuitama has yet to improve upon his sensational freshman season putting Mike Stoops as a coach on one of the hottest seats in college football.

Arkansas 31 - Kentucky 30

Kentucky has the worst defense in the SEC and a week after beating their biggest rivals they have to go to Arkansas and face the best player in the nation. RunDMC should have a field day against that cookie dough defense Kentucky fields and the Hogs should get one more stop on D than the Wildcats. Look for McFadden to approach the 200 yard mark for the second week in a row.

Just a little Tuesday morning humor...Insert caption here.

Week 3 picks...Damn you Arkansas!!!

Well, it looks like I am going to be one heavier in the loss column after this weekend. All I can say about that is, why in the fuck do you throw the football on 3rd down, when you are leading the game and the other team has ZERO time outs. Jesus Christ. Houston Nutt, you are retarded. ANYWAYS...Here is how this week finished and the overall standings.

GreatOdin'sRaven: 5-3

Thor's Hammer: 6-2

Overall:

GreatOdin'sRaven: 10-6

Thor's Hammer: 11-5

This weekend's picks coming soon.

Week 3 picks...Version II

The only good thing about FSU: The Facebook hottie and her crew of mammary enhanced cuties. The collection of silicon in that picture is worth more than my car. This, FSU, fans is the only thing you have to cheer about. Anyways, on to the picks. There should be some damn good games on the tube this weekend. I for one will be glued to the USC-NEB game and the FLA-TEN game. The sad thing about this weekend, is that more people will tune into the match-up of the inepts then the two games above, which might actually have some BCS implications. It just goes to show you, we love a good train wreck. Picks Ahoy!!!

USC-NEB: Last year the Huskers were punished by Dwayne Jarrett and the rest of the USC receivers. This year, however, the Huskers secondary should hold up fairly well against USC. I think this game will be a good barometer for the Husker program. It is not back yet, but the competitive team that takes the field on Saturday will show you that they are not far away. USC wins this one. 24-17.

TENN-FLA: This game, like most other rivalry games, will be one that defies logic. Florida should hammer Tennessee but the Vols will keep this one closer than it should be. Ultimately, the human pumpkin and his Vols will not be able to handle Florida's speed and the outrageous crowd in The Swamp. It looks like The Pumpkin might be coming to a Thanksgiving table near you. Gators win. 31-24.

ND-MICH: Who gives a shit about this game? Anybody? I didn't think so. It is hard to believe that a game between Notre Dame and Michigan has no bearing, whatsoever, on the outcome of this years season. Look, so far Michigan's loaded offense couldn't score on a flag football squad. At some point that load of first day draft talent has to score some points. Notre Dame's Emu lead offense will be hard to watch and in the end The Big Blue offense will look like it should. Michigan sends the Genius and his golden domers back home with an 0-3 record. This just in: The missing person known as Touchdown Jesus has reportedly been found sitting in the first row of the RCA dome. 35-14

ARK-BAMA: This game will decide the runner up in the SEC West. St. Saban, talk about an oxymoron, will have his first test against an equal or greater team. Sorry Vandy and Little Sisters of the Poor Community College, you don't count. Bama has a stout d but I don't care how stout your d is you are not going to stop RunDMC and Felix Jones. All the Dickster has to do is complete enough passes to soften up the d-line and this one will be over. The Tide Roll into a buzz saw of running backs in this one. Saban tastes defeat for the first time. Hogs run wild. 28-17.

LOU-UK: This game should go down as the greatest display of defenses in college football history. In all seriousness, these two defenses suck balls. How you can be considered an elite team and boast a terrible defense is beyond me (See: Louisville). This game will probably be the best game to watch this weekend. The over/under on this one should be no less than 80. Whichever, poor sap is on the defensive side of the ball last loses. Woodson and the Cats, as well as the home crowd, will give Louisville all they can handle but Louisville has the better offense and wins in a shoot-out. 49-42

BC-GT: This is Tech's year if it plans on winning the ACC. Too bad they don't get to beat up on a couple of patsy teams to start off their ACC schedule. This game could very well be a preview of the ACC Championship game. BC will bring the best QB in the ACC to the flats in an attempt to score on a defense that has been dominant under Tenuda. If Chan Gailey screws this season up, he can't blame it on Reggie Ball. The Rambling Wreck gets it done and is actually relevant again, if only for a year. 27-24

FSU-CU: Talk about two schools that used to be juggernauts but as of late have been reduced to football laughing stocks. It still shocks me that FSU can be as bad as they are with the talent and coaching staff(excluding Bowden, who doesn't really do anything anymore) that they have. Colorodo, is in the rebuilding process under Hawkins but still has a ways to go. All in all, this should actually be a pretty hard fought battle. I am going to give the edge to FSU in a close one. 21-17

OSU-WASH: Jim Tressel brings his team out to the west for a rare regular season game. U-DUB is coming back under Ty Willingham and I think a lot of people are going to see that this guy is a hell of a coach. Yes, that would be you I am talking about, Notre Dame. OSU doesn't have the offensive firepower that it had last year but it still packs a solid punch on the defensive side of the ball. I don't think the fighting Ty's will be able to pull this one out, even at home. OSU takes the win. 31-17

Week 3 Picks

Not a bad slate of games this week with a nice mixture of conference and non-conference bouts. There are 2 marquee games, USC@NEB and TENN@FLA. Outside of those two there are some games that flying under the radar like GT hosting BC and the Ohio State university traveling out west to take on Washington. Will #1 go down in Lincoln? Will Florida hammer Tennessee? And what are the odds of a 0-0 tie in the boob bowl in Ann Arbor? Read on my friends and you shall see.

USC 31 - NEB 17

Down 24-17 in the 4th will Sam Keller lead the Huskers to the upset or will USC step up on D? My vote goes to Pete and Co. on D leading to an insurance TD late in the fourth making what will be a competitive game look less competitive. In the biggest game in the Callahan era the Huskers will prove that they are on their way back to the top of the Big 12.

FLA 31 - TENN 17

In what will be the opposite of the NEB-USC game, this will look closer than it will actually be. Tennessee plays the Gators close for a quarter, get blown out in the 2nd and 3rd and score late to make it look respectable. I think we are witnessing the beginning of the end for Phil Fulmer. His teams have slipped the last few years and his team is always in trouble with the law. You can only ride the Tee Martin train for so long.

MICH 27 - ND 13

The good news for ND is that Michigan's D can't stop anyone. The bad news is that ND cannot score on anyone. Unless Jimmy Clausen learns how to run the spread option, this looks to be another exercise in futility for ND and Charlie Weis. Michigan gets at least one defensive TD to go along with boatloads of Mike Hart and even get a Ryan Mallett TD to take the boob bowl. Somewhere Ty Willingham laughs his ass off.

BAMA 21 - ARK 20

McFadden runs wild but Casey Dick (insert joke here) can't throw the ball to save his namesake leading to the entire Bama nation subscribing to the church of Saban. After beating Arkansas at home (not the most impressive victory) the Alabama media will literally blow Saban during his Tuesday press conference.

LOU 45 - UK 42

In the defensive struggle of the season, the Cardinals make one more stop than the Wildcats as Brian Brohm and Andre Woodson have a field day with over 1,000 yards passing between the two of them. While I think LOU is the better team and will win this game it would not shock me to see a Wildcat victory at home.

GT 28 - BC 24

Georgia Tech is loaded on D, the offensive line and at RB. Boston College has the best QB in the ACC. Give me the D and the O-line over Matt Ryan any day of the week. Add to that the home field advantage and you should see GT step up and put themselves in the driver seat in the Coastal division.

FSU 20 - CU 13

The Buffs don't have the athletes to beat Free Shoe but this is not your Daddy's FSU team either. The home field should keep it close but the defense makes a big play to seal the deal. On a side note, can you imagine this game 15 years ago? The Criminoles and the CU Convicts going at it would resemble a game in the yard of Sing Sing.

OSU 27 - WASH 21

Jim Tressel does not lose close games and Washington is not quite ready for the big time. Jake Locker will be a stud QB but this OSU defense will keep him in check enough and Beanie Wells should run well enough to get out of Washington with a "W."

Week 2 Picks.....Review...redux

God dammit! If only I had the balls to go with my guy. I thought AUB was dreadful on offense and USF could take them down but my brain outvoted my balls This is a lesson for the kids...always trust your balls, the brain will only let you down. This week's picks will feature USC-NEB, TENN-FLA, ND-MICH, ARK-BAMA, LOU-UK, BC-GT, FSU-CU and OSU-WASH. Assuming we don't have the exact same thoughts (see last week) I am confident Odin will feel the power of Thor's Hammer. Until then, enjoy this little cutie.

Week 2 picks...Review

Well, it looks like both of your friendly Gods of The Gridiron posters went 5-3 with the picks this week. Of course, we did pick the the same winners and losers but, nevertheless, we still went 5-3. Over .500 = better than Michigan and Notre Dame.

Official tally after week one:

Thor's Hammer: 5-3

GreatOdin'sRaven: 5-3

This weeks games coming soon.

Roundup Week 2: The Twilght Zone

"What the fuck is going on up in this bitch?"
- Me


So there I was, sitting in the sky boxes of Samford stadium in Athens, shitfaced. When I come back into consciousness I see the Oregon-Michigan score. I finally focus enough to actually confirm that Big Blue has been reduced to punch line (insert above quote here. Oh how the mighty have fallen. When I also get word that Notre Dame had their ass handed to them 31-10 by Penn State, I thought of 2 things. First, Jimmy Clausen isn't going to get 4 straight National titles. Second, I would be worried if I were a Buckeye fan. Lloyd Carr was the best thing that could have happened to Ohio State. I will literally shit my pants if Carr is Michigan's coach next season in what could mark the end of Michigan being Ohio State's little bitch. If Michigan hires a coach who is not retarded and can actually field a team like Michigan should, this actually become the best rivalry in college football. The last 5 years were a farce. Having AARP coaches is so last decade which is why MICH will go after a coach who doesn't need viagra. Aside from the obvious candidate Les Miles (why would anyone leave LSU for Michigan?) here are five candidates Michigan should consider plus 2 dark horses.

1. Greg Schiano (Rutgers)
2. Jeff Tedford (California)
3. Jim Leavitt (South Florida)
4. Steve Sarkisian (USC's offensive coordinator)

Dark Horses
1. Jack Del Rio (should he be fired from JAX)
2. Chris Petersen (Boise State).

In other action

LSU 48 - VT 7

Another surprising game in that I figured LSU would beat VT, but not by 40 freaking points. Sean Glennon is just bad. Tyrod Taylor is the future and the future is now for VT. LSU should be the #1 team in the nation. This is why preseason polls are ridiculous. If polls did not come out until 5-6 games had been played people would actually vote the best team based on performance. USC is probably the best team in the nation but based on their 1 game and LSU's 2 games it is clear who has performed better. Now, USC could, and most likely will, hammer Nebraska which could put them back into the top spot. This should be something that a voter can change on a week to week basis based on play. Rant over.

OU 51 - MIA 13

Larry Coker must have royally fucked up Miami. How bad was the offensive coaching during his tenure? 5 star recruit Kyle Wright rides the bench while 4 star recruit Kirby Freeman sucks. How a team like Miami, located in a hot bed for recruiting in South Florida, should not have an offense like this. On to the only team that showed up: Oklahoma. Sam Bradford is this year's Colt McCoy and OU has one nasty D. This looks like an undefeated team right now which will make things interesting. If LSU and USC run the table (very possible) OU will be left out due to a softer schedule. The Red River shoot out...I mean Rivalry, should be a good one.

Texas 34 - TCU 13

UT shuts up the Horned Frogs with a fantastic second half. Down 10-0 at the break, McCoy and Co. put up 34 points and hammer TCU ending their short lived BCS hopes. Texas proved that last week meant nothing and they are for real. TCU has a nasty D and Texas carved the up in the second quarter. I never thought I would ever say this, but Mack Brown out coached somebody. Texas should be undefeated heading into their showdown with Oklahoma.

South Carolina 16 - UGA 12

The last time Georgia failed to score a touchdown at home was againt a Lou Holtz-led South Carolina team. This time the Head Ball Coach gave it to his nemesis the Bulldogs. I cannot break down the first half as I was too busy coming in and out of consciousness after slamming a bottle a Crown amongst friends. What I did notice were the amount of open receivers that Stafford missed but he is still young so mistakes will happen. I think this season is South Carolina's to make their move in the East. Tennessee does not look very good and they just beat a solid UGA team on the road. Florida is the cream of this division but Carolina has put themselves in a position to take second place. However, I am still not sold on Blake Mitchell at QB so this could be an interesting season for the Cocks.

Nebraska 20 - Wake Forest 17

Not a big game but I am a Husker fan. Nebraska, like I predicted (selfish plug), struggled with Wake Forest on the road. Whether this was due to the Huskers looking ahead to USC or not, this is a concern. I know Wake was the ACC champ last year but that means very little when you look at how bad the ACC has become. Wake Forest had their back up QB in the game and still dropped a couple of bombs on the Huskers. Sam Keller looked great at times and flat out awful at others clearly showing signs of rust in the first two games. If not for a horrible throw in the end zone by the back up QB, the Huskers would have lost this game (or in my case, totally awesome) The Huskers will have to play a lot better than this in order to hang with USC.

South Florida 26 - Auburn 23 (OT)

I was a pussy and wouldn't go with my gut in my picks last week. I was dead wrong about AUB heading into this season. AUB's offense looks like a JV team right now. Brandon Cox has become a tackling dummy and Brad Lester can't pass African Studies (or whatever he was "studying"). South Florida really landed on the map Saturday and may shake up the Big East this season (props to the Minny Mouse network for getting a sleeper right). Matt Grothe played about as well as a Soph. QB could against a stout Auburn D and South Florida, while playing a horrible offense, also plays great on defense. This team should contend with the Big 3 from the Big East.

Mr Clausen meet Mr. Emu

In honor of God's gift to football making his first start Saturday against JoePa and Penn State I thought our loyal readers would like this. The resemblance is uncanny.

Talk about motivation...

Apparently, Sly is trying out some new motivational tactics in Starkville.

Just FYI

Yes, we know that we picked the exact same winners this week but that will not be the case every weekend.

Week 2 picks...Let the pick-off begin!!!

VT-LSU: This game will be a battle of the defenses. In this case, LSU has the better one. Look for field position to play an important role. LSU will be a little too much for VT to handle. LSU wins a close one. 21-17.
SCAR-UGA: This game is historically a low scoring game. Ultimately, UGA is the better team with the better athletes. Doesn't hurt that the game is between the hedges. UGA wins comfortably. 24-14.
NEB-WAKE: With Wake's starting QB out with an injury, I just don't think they can hang with the Huskers. The Huskers come away from a rare east coast road trip with a victory. 35-17.
USF-AUB: Man this game is killing me. I really want to go with the Bulls, however, Jordan-Hare is a brutal place to play and I think Auburn is a better team. The Tigers/War Eagles take the W. 27-17
MIA-OU: 5 years ago people would've relished a match up between these two teams. Miami has fallen off as of late and OU hasn't quite had the same success as it did earlier this decade. You will see a much improved team in Miami with Randy Shannon at the helm but the Sooners will be too much to handle. OU takes the win. 24-21
ORE-MICH: The biggest upset in college football history. That is the only thing Michigan has heard all week. Michigan will be ready to play against a pretty good Oregon team. 0-2 at home to start the season. Not likely. The Big Blue gets back on track. 35-24
ND-PSU: Charlie Weis, I mean the genius, and his golden domers got absolutely embarrassed last weekend by a superior team. Look for the same thing to happen this weekend. Penn State should win this one handily. 35-10
BSU-WASH: I know that Boise State is college football's darling team but for some reason I like the Huskies in this one. Ty Willingham has a solid QB and is, in my opinion, a pretty solid coach. The Huskies are slowly but surely getting back to relevance. This win will help. 27-24

Week 2 Picks

VT-LSU: VT should play better then last week but LSU is just too good, they win 27-13.
SCAR-UGA: Too much defense for the 'Cocks to overcome and I don't trust QB Blake Mitchell. Dawgs win 27-17.
USF-AUB: I really want to pick South Florida in this game...but I can't. AUB wins a close one on the Plains. 17-14.
MIA-OU: OU wont get to face another North Texas this week. Closer than the experts think, OU wins 20-10.
NED-WAKE: NEB wants respect but they can't get it this week. This should be a NEB win and it should not be as close as it will be. NEB wins 27-20.
ORE-MICH: Arguably the most interesting game of the week. I like MICH to rebound and look much better winning 35-23.
ND-PSU: This looks ugly. Weis is going to go through the pains this season with a young team and PSU has Big 10 title written all over them, Lions win 28-10.
BSU-WASH: I think this could be a game to watch. WASH has a young QB who looked good last week and I smell the upset, Huskies win 30-27.

SEC West preview

Ole Miss: The good thing for Ole Miss fans is that coach Ed Orgeron says the team goal is to go to the Sugar Bowl and win it. The bad news: That is not an event that will take place in what I like to call "Real Life." The Rebels will need to vastly improve on both sides of the ball to even have a winning season. The offense returns 7 starters from last year. However, last year starting QB Brent Schaeffer has yet to show that he is capable of playing QB and has been relegated to split timing with Sr. juco transfer Seth Adams. The good news on the offensive side of the ball is the return of the 3rd best rusher in the league last year (statistically speaking) in Sr. RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (apparently, his parents couldn't decide on one name). Couple that with the return of 4 starters on the o-line and Green-Ellis could be poised for a spectacular season. That is all of the good news I have. The defensive side of the ball will be the biggest question mark for the Rebels. (Funny, that mascot looks shockingly familiar to any member of the Confederacy. Man, some people just can't let it go.) ANYWAYS, the defense returns only two starters from last year and they lose the best defensive player in college football, in LB Patrick Willis (Freak of Nature-in a good way). You want to talk about some large shoes to fill? Hopefully, All-American Tony Fein will not be too much of a drop-off. Unfortunately, for Ole Miss, their schedule includes games against Florida, @Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, @Auburn and LSU. Sweet Jesus...If they get one win out of that, I will be impressed. Prediction: Another 4-8 season.

Mississippi State: This, ladies and Gentleman is the worst team in the SEC. Yes, Vanderbilt, you are better than Mississippi State. In all honesty I can't tell you how bad I feel for Sylvester Croom. He gets a head coaching job in the SEC, however, it happens to be a program mired in so much shit that it is damn near impossible to win. The first comment that you immediately get, following an "I feel bad for Sylvester Croom" comment is: "Well, they were winning with Jackie Sherrill." Yeah, and the program, under Sherrill, was about as clean as the pockets of Lindsay Lohan's jeans. Enough of the past, let's talk about this years team. The offense returns 7 starters from last year including 4 of 5 offensive lineman. If Jr. QB Michael Henig avoids injury, the offense shouldn't be that bad. So. TB Anthony Dixon has a good combination of speed and size and the receiving corp isn't too shabby either. Of course that is on paper. The defense has to replace the loss of 6 starters last year. Thankfully, though, they keep stud Jr. SS Derek Pegues. Sr. DE Titus Brown had a good season last year and with another year under his belt, should be better. I will be honest, I pull for Sylvestor Croom every year. Great guy and a great coach. However, this will be another year of not so good outcomes. Prediction: 5-7



Arkansas: The only reason why the Razorbacks are overlooked as having one of the most inept front offices as well as coaches, is the blessing from the football gods that is their backfield. Jr. RB's Darren McFadden and Felix Jones could start for any football team in this country. Even for the "flagship program of college football," as I am told by ESPN? Yes, even USC. The problem is that you can't win an National Championship or an SEC Championship, for that matter, without a passing game. This just in: Arkansas' passing game sucks, in fact it is non-existent. Of all the off season issues this team had and trust me, there were many, the loss of highly touted recruits QB Mitch Mustain and WR Damian Williams, was the biggest. For those of you not paying attention; there went the passing game. Add to that, having to replace 3 of the 5 o-line starters and things could get a little dicey in Fayetteville. The good news for the passing game is the return of Sr. WR Marcus Monk. This guy is somewhere around 8 ft tall. Okay, so not that tall but his pretty damn tall and he can move. Not a bad target for Casey Dick to chuck the rock to. To get back on the subject of losing players, the defense lost its fair share as well. Gone are top 10 pick DE Jamaal Anderson, 2nd round pick CB Chris Houston and 7th round pick DT Keith Jackson. In other words, a lot to replace. Even with the departure of that kind of talent, the Hogs still return 6 starters from last seasons defense. With the loss of shut down corner Chris Houston, D-coordinator Reggie Herring will be forced to play more zone in the secondary, which could lead to a lot of passing yards. All in all, the team is talented and should have a shot at another trip to Atlanta. The biggest key is the passing game. Develop one, and this team could be pretty damn dangerous. Prediction: 8-4


Alabama: Oh, the Crimson Tide. If I didn't know any better I would swear that Bear Bryant is back on the sidelines. The buzz or should I say roar coming out of Tuscaloosa can be heard throughout the south. The mighty Saban has arrived. If you can't tell that Alabama fans are foaming at the mouth over the upcoming season, then I will point you towards the 92,000 fans that showed up for the spring game. Unbelievable. Saban, to be honest, inherited a team that has a decent amount of talent. Most of the talent is on the offensive side of the ball, returning 8 starters, including Jr. QB John Parker Wilson (something tells me he definitely rocks the Bama Bangs.) and SR. WR DJ Hall. The Tide keeps 4 out of 5 lineman, which should allow them to run the ball fairly well. Running the ball, by the way, is a requirement in the SEC. The biggest hurdle for the offense will be overcoming last years uncanny inability to handle the red-zone. Talk about phoning it in last year. On the other side of the ball, the Tide return only 4 starters from last year. However, two of those starters are stud linebacker Prince Hall and gifted DB Simeon Castille. The good thing for the Tide is that Saban is a defensive coach and because of that you should see a solid D in Tuscaloosa. Saban alone will give this team a couple more wins that it wouldn't get under Shula and frankly, the schedule sets up nicely for the Tide this year. Ultimately, though, the Tide are still about a year away from being a legitimate SEC West contender. With that said, I still wouldn't be surprised if they made a little noise this year. Prediction: 8-4

Auburn: The team with about 4 different mascots. Pick one, dammit. I will say this, though. It is pretty damn cool to see the eagle fly into the stadium before home games. Auburn had a pretty quiet off season. Nothing major happening, no NCAA violations, that we know of...yet. I am having a hard time gauging this years Tigers. They return only four starters from last years offense. However, one of those starters is 5th year Sr. QB Brandon Cox. Experience at the most important position on the field should help the Tigers counter the lack of experience they have on the o-line, where they must replace 4 of 5 starters. Under Tuberville's reign, the Tigers have always had great running backs, so I would expect that to continue. Word on the plains is that Mario Fannin is the next best thing in running backs. On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers return 7 starters. Sr. DE Quintin Groves balked at going to the NFL, which will pay huge dividends for the Tigers' defense. If they can keep So. LB Trey Blackmon out of trouble he will wreak havoc on the football field. What a lot of people do not realize is that Tuberville has the most wins of any SEC coach this decade. (that is wins within the conference.) So, you have to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume this year will be another solid year. The bad news for Auburn fans is that their schedule is not going to make it easy for them. Away games Florida, Arkansas, LSU and Georgia will be the deciding factor in their chase for an SEC Championship. Oh, and don't forget the Iron Bowl against Saban and The Tide. I just don't see Auburn having the year they did last year with the schedule that they have. Prediction: 9-3

Louisiana State: This SEC fans, is the top of the heap. There isn't another program in the SEC that is as loaded with talent as LSU. Too bad their coach can't seem to keep his mouth shut. Let's see, how shall I get this season started? Yes, let me insinuate that USC doesn't have to play anybody to get to the National Championship game. Not a smooth move. I understand trying to fire up the fan base and the boosters but surely there is a better way to get that done. Miles goes out and gives USC a chip to put on their shoulder. As if they need it. Well, hopefully whatever he was trying to do worked. LSU returns only 4 starters on offense, however, 3 of those 4 starters are on the offensive line. That is good news. The bad news is that they no longer have JaMarcus Russell. However, 5th year Sr. QB Matt Flynn should be more than effective. Tack on players like Sr. WR Early Doucet and Sr. FB jacob Hester and this offense should be plenty potent. The crowning jewel, however, for the Tigers is their defense. This one is going to be nasty. They will vie with USC for the best defense in college football. Sr. DT Glenn Dorsey shunned the NFL to return for his senior season and when you pair him up, on the right side, with Jr. DE Tyson Jackson, you have a damn near unstoppable right side. Even though they lost stud safety Leron Landry, they have plenty of talent to fill in the holes. You can expect LSU's defense to give up few points but that doesn't mean they cannot be scored on. The O-coordinators in the SEC are going to have to earn that paycheck this year. As if things weren't already good enough, the Tigers get almost all of their tough games at home this year. BUT, I would circle that November 3rd meeting in Tuscaloosa. That one could be the only blemish on the record. Prediction: 10-2

ACC - Atlantic Division

The Atlantic division of the ACC is up for grabs. Florida State, Boston College, and Clemson seem to be early favorites. That was also the case last year and Wake Forest won the damn whole thing. FSU and Clemson are talented but capable of imploding like last year. Maryland and Wake are hoping to duplicate last year's surprising success. Did I forget anything? No. Okay let's go...

Florida State: Much like hated rivals Miami, FSU needs to improve offensively if they want to return to the top of the college football world. The Seminole D ranked 18th in total defense last year despite several major injuries to key players. FSU’s 3 best players all play on the defensive side of the ball. Count on S Myron Rolle, DT Andre Fluellen, and LB Geno Hayes to lead another dominating defense. The secondary killed FSU last year with too many breakdowns but should be improved by 6 returning players with starting experience including a shutdown corner in Tony Carter. Now back to that offense. Bobby Bowden finally cut ties with offensive coordinator/son Jeff Bowden and hired LSU OC Jimbo Fisher to revitalize an offense that ranked 70th in ’06. Skill players the likes of RB Antoine “the Fastest Man in the South” Smith and WR Gregg Carr should help improve offensive production in ‘07. The O-Line struggled last year and Fisher hopes to reverse that with a change from passive aggressive space eaters to slim downed attacking blockers will help. Collectively the O-Line lost 200lbs in the off season. Offensive success will ultimately come down to the play of the quarterback. If Fisher can get Drew Weatherford or Xavier Lee to play anywhere near the levels of his former QBs (Josh Booty, Rohan Davey, Matt Mauck, JaMarcus Russell) college football better watch out. I am selling that drastic of a change in the FSU offense. They look good early but lose 3 of their last 4 @BC, @VT, and @ Florida. However FSU wins the Atlantic division because they lose one less conference game than BC.

Boston College: After a very quite 10-3 season and 7th straight bowl win Tom O’ Brien takes more money to coach in division rival NC State. New coach Jeff Jagodzinski inherits a team that returns 17 starters, has no real areas of concern, and is good enough to get to the ACC title game. The Eagles will be led by the ACC’s best QB senior Matt Ryan. Ryan has got a NFL arm and could put up numbers in a new offense that features 4 and 5 receiver sets. Don’t be fooled by 4 and 5 receiver sets because BC will pound the ground this year. Running backs LV Whitworth and Andre Callender are both 2000 yard rushers (one is 28 away but I’ll spot him) and should provide balance to the BC offense. The BC defense returns the entire talented front seven but LB Brian Toal’s availability is still unknown (looking like a medical redshirt). The secondary is strong (CB Tribble, S Silva) except for no one knows is how will the #2 corner Taji Morris will play? Morris looked good last year before getting injured and had better be ready because often because no one is throwing at Tribble. FSU and Clemson are more talented but have big question marks at quarterback and O-Line plus others. BC looks to have a complete team will no pressing questions. The last game of the season against Miami is the key. Will Miami’s offense be ready by now? If so BC gets the L (9-3), if not BC gets the W (10-2), and plays for the ACC title as Atlantic champs. Miami's O will be ready and BC finishes 9-3.

Clemson: Once again Tommy Bowden is on the hot seat after last year’s collapse. They say Clemson should compete for the Atlantic division with FSU. I’m not buying it. Every year they Clemson is talented and is going to be really good and every year Clemson comes out and hovers around .500 ball. Clemson arguably has best running back tandem in the nation with James Davis and CJ Spiller. But that’s all that is proven on offense. Sure Barry Richardson is one of the best offensive tackles in college football but he’s the only returning starter for the O-Line. The teams leading receiver is in the NFL and no one has stepped up to become a real #1. Finally we come to the quarterback situation, Cullen Harper is definitely capable of running the offense but Bowden will be pressure to start freshman sensation Willy Korn. If it were me I wouldn’t throw my future quarterback to the lions that are FSU, GT, VT. The defense returns 8 starters from a unit that ranked 13th in total defense. A big part of that defense now lines up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and both starting corners are gone. As always Clemson is talented enough not to see a huge drop off but you never know how that talent will translate on the field. I like Clemson at 7-5/8-4 with games at Maryland and against the Ol’ Ball Coach to be toss ups.

Maryland: They were one of college football’s biggest surprises last season. The Terrapins overachieved with a 9-4 record and a bowl win over Purdon’t. Maryland is looking for the same results this year. They return all but 5 starters. One of those lost starters is QB Sam Hollenbach. Jordan Steffey will be the starter but Florida transfer Josh Portis is breathing down his neck. Solid RBs Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore each averaged over 4.5yds/carry last year. With a solid O-Line the running game should see similar results. Darius Heyward-Bey emerged as a game breaking receiver last year and gives Friedgen a big play threat. The defense was bad last year. They couldn’t stop the run, the secondary was average, and the couldn’t generate any takeaways. This year the same defense lines up for Maryland so things will probably be the same. Only one LB has experience and the secondary is a big concern. Erin Henderson is a STUD. He led the Terps in tackles, forced fumbles, and interceptions last here. Erin will certainly follow big bro E.J. into the 1st round. Many feel that returning 17 starters from a 9-4 means the Terps will have similar success in 07. Not so fast my friend. 6 of those 9 wins came by 6 points or less, 4 of those 6 by 3 points or less. Maryland wasn’t that good last year and its more like Ralph Friedgen had a gigantic horseshoe shoved up his ass. Maryland’s luck runs out this year with a 6-6 record.

Wake Forest: coming soon

NC State: coming soon

ACC - Coastal Division

The Coastal Division is certainly the cream of the crop in the ACC. Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, and Miami are three of the ACC’s best four teams (FSU in the Atlantic the other). The key will be which team’s quarterback will play well enough to overcome the tough defenses, VT ranked 1st, Miami 7th, Virginia 17th, and GT 24th. Miami and UVA hope terrible offenses don’t keep them around .500 ball. For UNC and Duke basketball season can’t get here fast enough. Who ever wins the Coastal will have a difficult time doing it. You ready…

Georgia Tech: 9-5 last year including lossing their last 3 games. They lost college football’s best player and a four year starter at QB. All signs point to a bad 2007 for the Yellow Jackets but that‘s not the case. Tech last 3 games were against UGA, Wake, & WVU and each game was decided by 3 points. Yes, Calvin Johnson opting for the pros is a huge loss for the Jackets but at the same time Reggie Ball’s departure is a huge gain. Tech hopes Taylor Bennett’s Gator Bowl success correlates into the regular season. One thing’s for sure, Bennett will not play like a chicken with its head cut off a la Reggie Ball. Tech’s ground game will shoulder most of the offensive load. Tech returns 4 starting O-Linemen, stud FB Mike Cox, and the ACC’s leading rusher in Tashard Choice. LT Andrew Gardner and Mike Cox should open plenty of holes for Choice to run through. Tech’s defense will be stout this season. Tech loses one DL, LB, and DB from last year’s 24th ranked total defense. The Yellow Jackets have a talented front seven which includes LB Phillip Wheeler. Wheeler will be considered for many post season accolades. Safeties Djay Jones and Jamal Lewis anchor a secondary that will be as good as last year’s group that only gave up 11 touchdowns, 9th best in the nation. Defensive coordinator John Tenuta will be sending blitzes like there’s no tomorrow and opposing offenses will be scramblin’ from the Ramblin’ Wreck. I’ve drank several glasses of the Georgia Tech Kool-Aid and see them going 10-2 dropping games to Miami and UGA but they win the Coastal division back to back and play FSU for the ACC title. GT plays in the FedEx Orange Bowl as ACC Champs.

Virginia Tech: Sorry USC but Virginia Tech will be America’s Team this season. I don’t see any “Angels in the Outfield” happening in Blacksburg. VT will win games because they are a top notch program not because 32 people were killed in a campus shooting so let’s stop that talk right now. VT is certainly the front runner in the ACC. The Hokie defense ranked 1st in total defense the past three seasons and it could happen again. Eight starters return including two monster linebackers. If Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi aren’t college football’s best 1-2 linebacker core they are a close 2nd to USC’s Rey Maualuga and Keith Rivers. Junior corner Brandon Flowers has the potential to be the best corner to ever put on a VT jersey. Yes better than DeAngelo Hall and Jimmy Williams. VT’s total offense ranked 99th last year and should do better in 07. Expect a heavy dose of Heisman dark horse Branden Ore this season. The Hookies have three NFL quality receivers. If Sean Glennon doesn’t get the ball to those receivers he could lose his QB job to recovering alcohol (I kid you not) Ike Whitaker. Whitaker is a 6’4” 204lb version of the Vick brothers. Last year’s O-Line was bad and haven’t improved much so look for more of the same in 07. VT has LSU early and BC, @GT, FSU, The U in four straight weeks. 10-2 they lose at LSU and at least once in that insane four week stretch probably to GT in a game that decides the Coastal division. If VT makes it through those 4 games look for them to play for a national title because a week 2 loss is better than a week 12 loss.

The U: Its been said that new head coach Randy Shannon needs to restore “Da U” attitude at Miami. I say F that. Miami’s th’U’g tradition hasn’t gone anywhere since Jerome Brown(R.I.P.) started it. What Shannon needs to do is restore “Da O” to the days of 34-0 1st half thrashings of Black Shirt defenses. Miami‘s ‘06 defense was NASTY but was completely overshadowed by the shittiness that was a Kyle Wright run offense. The defense was 14th in points allowed/game, 12th in total sacks, 5th in yards/game, and 7th in total defense and expect the same this year. The defense is lead by what might be the two best defensive players in the country. Future 1st rounder DE Calais Campbell is a freak of nature at 6’8” 282lb. Future top 10 draft pick S Kenny Phillips combines size, strength, speed, smarts, range, and rage into one making him a true Category 5 Hurricane. Phillips is just one part of a secondary that is among college football’s best. Look for DL Eric Moncur and CB Randy Phillips to break out this year. The ‘Canes have many question marks on offense with QB being the biggest. Kyle “More Wrong Than” Wright, the #1 ranked, 5 star, can’t miss QB from Cali, will start the season with clipboard in hand while he watches Kirby Freeman start at quarterback. This is Lance Leggett’s last year to live up to the hype (he was supposed be Calvin Johnson). Leggett is tall and fast but pulls a David Copperfield-esque disappearing act while on the field. Miami has put its last 4 tight ends into the NFL and they hope DajLeon Farr will be the 5th. Javarris James will continue to run people over and super prep star Graig Cooper hopes to be Miami’s version of Reggie Bush. Miami wants to leave the O.B. on a high note but going video game on the schedule will not help. Miami add Oklahoma and Texas A&M to an ACC schedule that includes GT, @FSU, @VT and @BC. Miami could realistically go 6-6. Assuming the offense ranks higher than 89th, The U goes .500 in toss-ups amassing a record of 9-3. Losses are @OU, @FSU, and @VT.

Virginia: The ACC is steadily improving and Al Groh probably won’t be allowed to have many 5-7 seasons. There is light at the end of the tunnel for the Virginia Cavaliers. Virginia started the season off horribly only winning 2of 7 but turned it around at the end winning 3 of 5. The Cavs returns 18, yes 18 starters. Virginia’s defense kept them alive last year and will do the same this year. Virginia returns every starter except for corner Marcus Hamilton from last year’s defense which ranked 17th in total defense. I know, I can’t believe it either. All-American candidate Chris Long DE will be the man for UVA this season. Howie’s boy has an explosive first step, a non-stop motor, and was unblockable at the end of 2006. Long will demand doubles so expect opposite DE Jeffrey Fitzgerald to put up good numbers. As good as Virginia is on defense they’re that bad on offense. Returning QB Jameel Sewell showed flashes last year but a wrist injury makes him a big question mark. The Cavs have no proven rusher and no quality #1 at receiver. The Cavs will depend heavily on the ACC’s best tight end core (Tom Santi, Jonathan Stupar, and John Phillips). Due in large part to the defense I like Virginia at 7-5/8-4 toss-ups against Pitt, @Mary, and Wake.

North Carolina: Football at UNC is centered around two words, BUTCH DAVIS. The Tar Heels are hoping that The Magician of Miami has still got it. Davis will build UNC as he did in Miami with SPEED. Not having much to work with Davis went recruiting and came back with the 14th best recruiting class. The class featured 12 players ranked in the top 25 at their position. The crown jewel of the class is DT Marvin Austin. The Tar Heels need help on offense. Last year’s starting QB switched positions, RB suspended indefinitely, and LG dismissed. 4 star recruit Mike Paulus is pushing TJ Yates for the starting QB position. UNC is loaded at WR. Akeem Nix was third in the ACC in yds/game as a freshman last year and Brandon Tate has speed to spare. The Tar Heels also add three high school All-Americans at WR in Greg Little, Rashad Mason, and Dwight Jones. UNC has two solid D-Linemen, one solid LB and an inexperienced but talented secondary. Stud freshmen Marvin Austin DT, Tydreke Powell DT, Da’Norris Searcy LB, and Quan Sturidivant LB can fill the holes on defense. Mentioning all the freshmen names means that it can't be good for UNC now but in 2/3 seasons watch out. At season’s end look for UNC to be 4-8 with wins against James Madison, East Carolina, Duke, and stealing one from NC St or Wake. Bold Prediction: Butch Davis uses his young talent with solid veterans to make UNC bowl eligible at 6-6.

Duke: Things that don’t go together: oil & water, student & athlete, Duke & football. You can bet the Duke football team will have no reasons to hire strippers. Good news is that Duke returns all 11 starters on offense. Bad news is that the offense scored a whopping 14.5 points/game last year. Thaddeus Lewis looked good at the end of last season and will continue to blossom into good, quality QB. Duke has a trio of receivers that can actually catch passes. The O-Line returns all 5 starters and Thaddeus Lewis will still be running for his life. Basically any offense will have to come from the legs and arm of Lewis, so pray for him. There are some things that shouldn’t be talked about and Duke’s defense is one of them. Last year Duke was 114th in scoring defense and 105th in total defense. DT Vince Oghobaase is the only BlueDevil defender I could see lining up for a real Div. A football team. Oghobaase is 6’6” 310lbs with the quickness and footwork of a defensive end. How he ended up at Duke? I don’t know. Duke is riding a 20 game losing streak and it looks like it will grow to 32 when the BlueDevils go 0-12 this year. Anything is possible so Duke could catch UCONN off guard in the season opener and I could shit gold. 0-12.