Week 12...Getting it done!

Michigan vs. Ohio State: THE RIVALRY!!! What a crock of horse shit. Nobody outside of Michigan and Ohio gives a fuck about this game. Except ESPN, of course, who has its head so far up the Big 11's ass that it is comical. For the rest of us football fans, this is a decent weekend of games. The aforementioned game as well as a couple of others will decide conference championship contenders and some others could have BCS implications. Here are the picks.

Ohio State 27 - Michigan 21

This game is simple. If Henne and Hart do not play, then Michigan does not win. If they do, then this should be a knock down drag out battle like it is every year. I would look for Ohio State's defense to slow down the Michigan offense and in turn give the pedestrian Ohio State offense enough chances to score. Could this loss be the end of the Lloyd Carr era?

West Virginia 31 - Cincinnati 28

This should be a fun game to watch. Both teams are potent on offense, so scoring shouldn't be too low. Cincy has the better of the two defenses but I still think they are going to have a hard time containing Slaton and White. West Virginia is looking to get back into the BCS and Pat White and Steve Slaton should help them do just that. Can you imagine two guys in your backfield on almost every play that can take it to the house? Must be nice. What the hell is Rodriguez going to do when they are gone? Let's face it, something tells me that Noel Devine is going to have problems staying on the field.

Boston College 17 - Clemson 24

I don't know why in the hell I am picking Clemson. The fact that Tommy Bowden is their coach should be enough to steer me towards Boston College but alas, with the Tigers I will go. Simply put, Clemson has better athletes and better players. While Matt Ryan gets all of the glory, most people don't realize that Clemson QB Cullen Harper has more TD's, a better QB rating as well as a better completion percentage. Tack on the fact that the game will be played in Death Valley and...Oh yeah, Clemson can get medieval on that ass with Thunder and Lightning, as well and Clemson should win this game.

Kentucky 17 - Georgia 35

I might be going out on a limb here but Georgia should pound Kentucky this weekend. Here is my reasoning. Kentucky cannot stop the run and Georgia's run hasn't been stopped by anybody, since the Tennessee game. The success of the running game has, in turn, opened up the passing game, which has led to numerous big down field plays. Even with that being said, the key to this game will be Georgia's front four against the o-line of Kentucky. If the Dawgs can bring constant pressure, then the secondary should be able to contain the potent receivers. The Cats being without the service of starting tailback Little doesn't help either. And let's not forget the fact that Georgia lost to Kentucky last year and is probably looking for a little payback. Dawgs roll in A-Town.

Oklahoma 35 - Texas Tech 28

Oklahoma is probably the most balanced team in the country. Without the shitting of the bed game against Colorado, they would be the clear number 1 team. This game, however, should be interesting. Texas Tech can score and score big. It is a requirement to tune into this game at some point to see the freak of nature that is Tech Fr. Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree. Man, this kid is sick. He has over 1700 yards on 113 receptions and 20 touchdowns. That doesn't happen. Anyways, if Tech is going to pull the upset, you can bet that Crabtree will be expected to carry the load. Ultimately, Oklahoma has too much still to play for the come out flat in this one. If everything plays out like it seems it will, the Oklahoma vs Kansas game will not only be a BCS deciding game but it will guarantee a trip to the Championship game. So, expect Oklahoma to bring the pain for the rest of the year.

Louisville 21 - S. Florida 24

Both of these teams haven't had the seasons that they were hoping for. At one point, the Bulls were the number 2 ranked team in the country and the Cardinals were in the top 10. Well, that has since changed. Louisville imploded and the Bulls have lost 3 of their last 4. Although none of these two teams have a shot at the BCS or the conference championship, the Bulls still have a shot at a 3 loss season, which should get them into a decent bowl game. Look for that motivation to help South Florida overcome the Cardinals and get them another win.

Missouri 42 - Kansas State 21

Missouri cannot afford to slip up or their shot at playing for the Big 12 championship is lost. If they shit the bed against K State, then the only thing they could do, is spoil Kansas' National title hopes. With that being said, look for stud QB Chase Daniel to lead the powerful Tiger offense to a victory and set up the Big 12 North showdown with undefeated and, in my opinion, highly overrated Kansas. This has been an incredible year for Daniel and the entire Tiger team. Look for it to continue this weekend.

Mississippi State 10 - Arkansas 35

No offense to Miss State and Coach Croom, but Arkansas should run away with this game. Darren McFadden will be looking to take out some frustration at losing another Heisman trophy on somebody and unfortunately, that somebody is Mississippi State. I can't begin to tell you how impressed I am with Coach Croom and the Bulldogs. I don't think I picked this team to win a damn game at the beginning of the year, but the Bulldogs will most likely finish 7-5. 7-5, are you serious? Anyways, Arkansas will be handing them their 5th check in the loss column. Razorback fans better take in everything they can in these next two games. Reason: They will never see anything like it ever again. With the departure of McFadden and, most likely, Jones goes any hope of winning for the next few years. Hopefully, Coach Nutt has...who am I kidding, Coach is certifiable. Arkansas, you are up shits creek without a paddle.

Heisman Top 5

We have a shake up at the top of the list and while some may not like the notion of dropping after a bye week you simply cannot ignore what #1 has done throughout the course of the season. With just a couple of weeks to go the time is now for the Heisman contenders to earn those last few undecided votes. This week we have added a twist with the inclusion of a percentage of taking the little bronze man.

#1. Tim Tebow (QB, Florida)

Chance of winning: 40%

Tebow is a freak of nature. Let's start with the fact that he is built like a LB and has great speed for someone as thick as he is. Last week he lit up a reeling South Carolina team to the tune of 7 touchdowns (5 rushing, 2 passing) and had more yards than the entire Gamecocks team. The fact that Tebow has stayed as healthy as he has is remarkable in its own right but when you add that the fact that he has over 40 touchdowns on the season in the best conference in football. There were many who thought that Urban Meyer's system would not work in the SEC (myself included). Little did I know. Florida may have some deficiencies on defense but with Tebow and Harvin coming back next season the young Gators are going to be a force in the SEC.

#2. Dennis Dixon (QB, Oregon)

Chance of winning: 30%

Dixon was off last week with Oregon having a bye and is dropped in this week's poll due to the freakish play of Tebow. Dixon is the key component of the explosive Duck offense and has torched the Pac 10 this season. His numbers are on par with Tebow's except for the total touchdowns but his team is in much better shape (although I think Florida would beat Oregon on a neutral field). All in all Dixon is having a great season and, sadly, if there had been more talk of Dixon after his destruction of Michigan he may well have the almighty media behind him.

#3. Darren McFadden (RB, Arkansas)

Chances of winning: 15%

Run DMC is the best player in the nation. I know we have said this all year but it holds true every week. Sadly, the Razorbacks have a passing offense some High School coaches would laugh at. McFadden had a decent game against Tennessee (22 carries, 117 yards) but it went unseen as his team was drubbed by the Vols. Don't feel too bad for McFadden seeing as how he shouldn't last past the 5th pick in next years draft.

#4. Chase Daniel (QB, Missouri)

Chances of winning: 10%

Daniel has lit up almost every team he has played this season. Too bad for Daniel the only truly good team Missouri has played was Oklahoma and he shit the bed. Fear not Daniel fans as Chase and Co. may get a shot at 2 top 5 teams in the next 3 weeks. Should Missouri beat Kansas (as this writer believes they will), Missouri will get another shot at Oklahoma. Of course this is all moot as almost all of the ballot will have already been sent in. Either way Daniel should be a lock to make it to New York as he as put up some damn fine numbers.

#5. Pat White (QB, West Virginia)

Chances of winning: 5%

White is just as important to WVU as Tim Tebow is to Florida. While many view Steve Slaton as the star of thew Mountaineers without White WVU is average at best offensively. Slaton gets those massive holes due to the defense freaking out at the notion of White running all over them (just ask Louisville). The 50 yard run that White had against the Cardinal (on national TV no less) could have been his Heisman moment had WVU not lost to an average South Florida team (one in which White played only a half). While White has zero chance at being an NFL QB he is one hell of a college signal caller and fits Rich Rodriguez's system perfectly.

Updated Standings

If only every week went as this past week. The three of us here at Gods went a combined 20-4 on the week leading us to believe that we are not, in fact, retarded.

Thor's Hammer: 47-33

Great Odin's Raven: 47-33

Apollo's Creed: 37-28

Don't Trust These at All

I have struggled this entire season picking games. However, I am not alone as nearly everyone in the country has had problems in this season of upsets. Maybe this will be the week that things turn around for Ole' Apollo's Creed.

Georgia 27 Auburn 24

This game could go either way as both teams have been playing very solid ball over the past month. The road team usually finds success in this matchup of SEC heavyweights, but that trend doesn't always hold true. We are overdue for a home team to hold serve in this game. The Auburn defense has been extremely impressive this year, and I don't expect the Georgia offense to be able to run the ball as effectively as they did against Florida. Auburn simply has a much stronger defense. However, even if the Bulldog running game does not have the massive success that they have become accustomed to over the past three weeks, Matt Stafford will be able to do enough in the passing game to make up for the missing yards in the running game. I simply do not trust Auburn QB Brandon Cox to be able to get through this game mistake free. Even though Cox is at least 42 years old, he will make freshman mistakes that will ultimately end up costing his team the game.

Kansas 43 Oklahoma State 40

Both of these teams feature high-powered offenses and below average defenses. Kansas put up 76 points last week, but also continued their season-long trend of not playing any pass defense. Oklahoma State is coming off a tough loss to Texas in which they jumped out to a big early lead and let the Longhorns come all the way back to win the game. This game has all the markings of a contest where the last team to have the ball will win. I think that team will be Kansas as they continue their dream season.

Virginia Tech 20 FSU 16

Florida State finally showed some signs of life last week in their victory over Boston College on the road. However, Florida State still doesn't possess much of an offense. Virginia Tech is a team very similar to Florida State in that they possess a very good defense, and a pedestrian offense. Home field advantage will play a big role in this defensive struggle as the crowd at Lane Stadium will carry the Hokies to the victory.

Fla 41 S.C 35

In a match-up featuring the Ol' Ball Coach against his alma mater and former team, Florida has the decided advantage in offensive firepower. Both of these teams have struggled on defense recently with South Carolina giving up an incredible 500 yards of rushing to Arkansas just last week. As much as I would like to say otherwise, the simple fact is that Tim Tebow is an incredible offensive talent. Tebow will be the difference as the Gators will avoid the upset.

Clemson 27 Wake Forest 17

In a matchup that I could care less about, two of the better teams in the ACC will meet in Clemson, South Carolina. The Clemson running attack will be the difference as I see no way that the undersized Wake Forest defense will be able to slow them down. Clemson wins the game in rather dominent fashion with a late Demon Deacon score closing the gap to the final tally.

Cincinnati 21 Uconn 13

The Bearcats get the Huskies at home in this matchup in the Big East. Connecticut controls their own destiny in the quest for the Big East Championship. Cincinnati is playing the role of spoiler, and should come out on top due to the home field advantage. I have to admit that I have been surprised with the Huskies this year. They've done enough to reach this point in the season in position to win the conference, but they aren't good enough to not slip up at some point. Cincinnati pulls the mild upset to put UCONN back to where they belong.

USC 28 Cal 20

Southern Cal has been very inconsistent this year, specifically at the quarterback position. Cal has also been up and down this year and hasn't had the year they hoped for coming into the season. USC will look more like the Southern Cal of old as they win this game on the road.

Michigan 24 Wisconsin 20

Michigan has been on a roll since they started off the season so poorly, and I don't expect that to end in this game. Even though the game is being played at Camp Randall Stadium, Michigan seems to be on a collision course with Ohio State for the Big Ten title. I just don't see Michigan losing prior to that game, especially to a team as overrated as Wisconsin.

Week 11 Victories...Count on it

Well, I had a slightly better week than Thor's Hammer, so I have the lead going into week 11. The games, overall, are not as exciting and as marquee as last weekend but there are still some solid games to go around. The South's Oldest Rivalry, Auburn and Georgia, will be on display as well as possible Heisman winner Tim Tebow. Let see if the trend continues this week...Here they are.


Georgia 21 - Auburn 17


Auburn has a sick defense. The only problem is that they don't have a very stellar offense. It seems like this series always goes to the away team and in Georgia's case that does not bode well. Not only are they the home team but Tuberville doesn't lose on the road. The key to this game is UGA's running game against AU's defense. If Moreno can run the ball effectively, then Georgia should win the game. However, Auburn's defense doesn't allow many rushing yards. (see: Arkansas game. RunDMC held to under 50 yards.) The good thing for Georgia is that they have the one thing that Arkansas doesn't have: A passing game. Georgia's defense should be able to hold its own against the Auburn offense as long as they get pressure on QB Brandon Cox. Look, I have watched this game enough to know that this will be a smash mouth contest and you might as well flip a coin to determine the winner.


Kansas 35 - Oklahoma State 30


This game is going to be a shoot out. In all actuality, my estimate is probably too low. Kansas put 76 points on the board against the Huskers last week but they also surrendered 39 to Nebraska. Who, by the way, was without it's starting QB. Honestly, none of these teams plays very good defense and until Kansas plays somebody of note (ie Missouri or OU) I am not drinking the Jayhawk kool-aid. The one thing that Kansas has going for it is a legitimate offense. These guys looked like a well oiled machine last weekend. Mangino has definitely proven that he has the system to work. God, imagine if he had Oklahoma or Texas talent in the Big 12. KU wins and gets ready for the clash with Missouri for the Big 12 North title.


Florida State 17 - Virginia Tech 20


This will be a defensive struggle to the end. Reason: Both offenses are not very good. Virginia Tech definitely has the advantage, however. With the exception of last weeks upset of Boston College, the FSU offense couldn't score on tackling dummies. Look for a potent Tech defense to cause enough turn overs to get the Hoakie offense into the end zone. Va Tech pulls out a victory and gets ready for the Miami Tropical Depressions.


Florida 28 - S. Carolina 21


Something tells me that the old ball coach will have a couple of things up his sleeve for the Gators. Just like LSU vs Bama, there will be a little bit of extracurricular crap involved (read: Spurrier used to coach the Gators) but, ultimately, Florida is a much better team. Look for Tim Tebow to put the offense on his shoulders and add some more stats to his Heisman curriculum vitae. Especially, after having a week to review how Arkansas or should I say RunDMC absolutely shat on the Carolina d.


Wake Forest 20 - Clemson 24


Ah, the perennially underachieving Tigers. Man, why in the hell does Tommy Bowden still have a job? Anyways, playing in Death Valley is a tough task. Even if it is a noon game. Look for Clemson to dish out a heavy dose of C.J. Spiller and James Davis...Sorry, I mean Thunder and Lightning. What most people probably don't realize is that Clemson QB Cullen Harper is the highest rated QB in the ACC (try a 152.21 rating). Yes, even higher than Matt Ryan. Look for Clemson's offense to give the defense enough points to secure a win.

Uconn 24 - Cincinnati 17


This game will be a battle of two solid defenses. Well, as solid as you can be in the Big East. Uconn is currently atop the Big East with wins against Louisville, Rutgers, Pittsburgh and South Florida. With a win over Cincy they will set up a late season match up with West Virginia for the Big East crown. Man, talk about parity. We are picking a football game between Cincinnati and Connecticut. What the hell is happening? Anyways, look for the Huskies to continue to roll, sort of, against another Big East team.

USC 28 - Cal 17


The one stat that you need to look at is this: 25-0. That is Pete Carroll's record in the month of November. Something tells me that will be 26-0 after Saturday. California has imploded and tumbled out of the National Championship race. USC has the defense to slow down the high powered offense and on the flip side, they have the offense to put points on Cal suspect defense. Even though this is a road game, look for Carroll and the Trojans to put another check in the win column.

Michigan 24 - Wisconsin 10


The key to this game is the health of Michigan's Mike Hart. If he is ready to go, the Wolverines shouldn't have much of a problem. If he isn't good to go, things could get a little dicey. Ultimately, Michigan is the better team. The have much better talent at pretty much every position and that should be evident on the field. Michigan wants a shot to knock Ohio State off of their podium but they need to get through Wisconsin first. If P.J. Hill cannot go for the Badgers it could be a long day in Cheeseland. Look for Michigan to seal the deal.

Locks of Week 11 by Thor's Hammer

After another dismal (4-4) performance last week I am attempting to regain my game picking mojo. This week lacks the punch of last weeks games but there are some good ones in SEC (as usual) as well as a hodgepodge of other action.

The standings are as follows:

Great Odin's Raven: 41-31

Thor's Hammer: 40-32

Apollo's Creed: 30-26

And now, without further ado, here are the week 11 play-doh...I mean lead pipe locks.

Georgia 23 - Auburn 21

The best player on the field will be UGA Freshman RB Knowshawn Moreno. Having already surpassed the 1,000 yard mark this season, Moreno is looking to put his name next to the great Hershel Walker should he get the Dawgs into a BCS game. Auburn comes into this game as the best defense in the SEC and 8th overall and DC Will Muschamp has the Tigers playing better than they did all of last year. The key match-up will be Tiger LB Tray "Little Ball of Hate" Blackmon against Moreno. If Moreno can run the ball effectively on this stout Auburn D (held RunDMC to under 50 yards) the Dawgs should be able to hit a couple of play action passes deep. Even though the home team never wins this game (AUB is 18-9 in Athens), I like the Dawgs to pull it out on a late Brandon Coutu FG.

Virginia Tech 20 - Florida State 17

FSU is coming off of an impressive road victory over then #2 Boston College. They now must face a hot Virginia Tech team that is finally playing good football. In a game where defense should rule the day look for Va Tech to make too many plays on defense (especially given the tendency of FSU QB's turning the ball over) and pull this one out at home. Beamer has his team poised to take the ACC title if they can continue their stellar defensive play.

Michigan 24 - Wisconsin 20

The Wolverines are playing some pretty good ball after their first few games and now are poised to make a run at the Rose Bowl. Wisconsin has been exposed for the frauds that they have been the last couple of years and the trend should continue. I know Michigan does now fair well when playing at Camp Randall but this is not the best Wisconsin team and they are playing without their top WR. Look for a steady diet of Mike Hart and Michigan QB Chad Henne should be able to hit WR Mario Manningham on a few deep plays.

Cincinnati 24 - Uconn 18

These two teams are mirror images of one another which should make this game very interesting. They both rely on defense and special teams but I like the Bearcat offense a lot more than I do the Husky offense. Cinci QB Ben Mauk should play well and this could be the day that Uconn's luck runs out. Look for both teams to cause a number of TO's but I like Cinci's offense to capitalize more than the Huskies.

Florida 28 - South Carolina 24

South Carolina is coming off of a game in which their stellar defense gave up over 500 rushing yards (yes, I said 500). Florida is coming off of a beatdown of a solid Vandy team and their offense has been nothing short of spectacular. Tim Tebow is in the thick of the Heisman race and do-it-all Percy Harvin is a machine. This game will be close as it is being played in Columbia but there is simply too much offensive talent on Florida's team to lose this game. USC's offense has been average at best as of late and I would expect the trend to continue.

Kansas 31 - Oklahoma State 27

The Pokes are coming off of yet another brutal loss to Texas where they held a 21-point 4th quarter lead. Kansas is coming off a gang raping of Nebraska and their confidence could not be any higher. OSU has a legitimate offense but their defense is not going to cut it against the best offense you have never seen, led by stud QB Todd Reesing. Look for Kansas to get to 10-0 (having played no one) and they should set themselves up for a showdown with Missouri at the end of the year.

USC 27 - CAL 20

USC's has a freakish defense and an average offense. California has a freakish offense and a terrible defense. I always like the defense in that match-up and this instance is no different. Should Cal lose this game it would give them 4 losses in the Pac 10 and would mean another average year for Jeff Tedford. USC has proven all year long that without the stud WRs and RB's that they have had in the past that they are simply not that good on offense. Cal's defense is bad enough that it should not matter.

Clemson 27 - Wake Forest 23

This is the type of game that Tommy Bowden usually loses. Clemson is better, playing at home and favored to win. Wake coach Jim Grobe is one hell of a coach and should have his team prepared but I just cannot believe that Spiller and Davis won't run all over the undersized d-line of the Demon Deacons. This should be a good game to watch as neither team is drastically better than the other one but Clemson still has the edge in talent...if only Bowden would win the games he was supposed to win. This win should make the Boston College - Clemson game for all of the marbles in the ACC.

Sanford Stadium Blacked Out?

As many of you have probably heard, the senior players have called for the fans filling Sanford Stadium, on Saturday, to wear black shirts. I would like to think that this would be something that all UGA fans in attendance, that know about the black out, would participate in...but for anybody that has been around football in the south you know one thing: The south is all about tradition. Fans wear the same thing every Saturday and if you change any part of your usual Saturday attire/routine it is considered sacrilege. Look, I am all for tradition but if the players ask you, as a fan, to wear black shirts because they think it will show a sign of unity, then wear a black shirt. Last time I checked the players don't ever come out and ask the fan base to do anything. The least you can do is honor the players that give you that tradition you hold so dear. I guess I just don't see what the problem with this is? I know...Georgia is copying Penn State's "White Out." I have news for you people: Penn State isn't the first to think about the fans wearing a shirt of the same color and they will not be the last. They might have been the first to get an entire stadium to do it but they aren't revolutionaries in the field of fan attire. Look, the bottom line is get to Sanford Stadium, wear a damn black shirt and cheer on the Dawgs.