Week 4 Recap and Week 5 Preview

Realignment’s kinda cooled off a little with the Big-12 (back to the Big 8?) holding steady, the SEC and PAC-12 saying that they’re done expanding, and the basketball schools in the ACC and Big East starting to influence some football decisions.

On the field, I was 3-1 in big games (13-3 overall) this past weekend, and this weekend the calendar turns to October – or as us gamblers call it: Locktober! And, it’s always a good weekend when Notre Dame, Arizona State, and Nebraska all win…

Undefeated teams will continue to fall as conference play gears up, though there are a couple non-major teams (Boise State and Houston) that have a decent shot at running the table. This would get more interesting if the BCS does decide to drop the stupid rule that a conference can’t have more than two teams in BCS games.

Now here’s the Autumn Wind’s week 4 Top-10 recap:

1. LSU is 3-0 away from home against ranked teams through four weeks. Even with a couple of their star players still suspended. Just how Les likes it: chaotic. They should be 8-0, and they have a bye week before the huge match-up in Tuscaloosa on November 5^th. What’s a ticket gonna run for that one Geno?

2. If able continues to have their offense show up like it did against Arkansas, they will be nearly impossible to beat. The hogs never had a chance on Saturday.

3. I mentioned in last week’s column that I saw something special in this Oklahoma State team. That was re-affirmed as they came from 17 down to beat A&M on the road. No one does that against the Wrecking Crew! Well, the Cowboys just did.

4. Florida State looked tired and worn out early against Clemson. The beating they took the week before against Oklahoma probably had something to do with it; as did the curse of playing in Death Valley.

5. Arizona State finally beat USC. That hasn’t happened since 1999. As much as I love seeing SC lose, I laugh even more watching what a joke of coach Lame Kiffin is. The my laughter turns to sadness as I realize how many millions of dollars he’s made sucking at his job. And then my sadness turns to tears as I visualize the pictures of his wife in a bikini that were floating around the interwebz a few years ago.

6. I love watching last second plays. This weekend, Kansas State stuffed Miami on the goal-line on 4^th down with less than a minute to go. Originally ruled a likely game winning TD in Miami, the right call was made when the replay booth reversed the call…

7. …unlike what happened in the Syracuse/Toledo game, where an extra point Syracuse kicked late in the game was incorrectly called good, and that even the replay officials missed it. Of course, Syracuse ended up prevailing in overtime…

8. Alright gamblers – what the over/under on number of turnovers when Notre Dame plays USC in November? Notre Dame is currently last in the league (well, first, I guess), and SC isn’t that far behind. How ‘bout 8.5, +/-110.

9. Houston’s got a shot to stay undefeated, and if so, Case Keenum should get some Heisman attention. The Cougars are putting up ~450 yards/game in the air, and they don’t play a difficult game until mid-November.

10. Florida’s 4-0 and rocketing up the polls, but let’s take a look at their victories: FAU, UAB, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Now, look at their next six: v. Alabama, @ LSU, @ Auburn, v. Georgia, v. Vandy, @ South Carolina. I fail to see more than one (two tops) wins in this stretch. Such is life in the SEC…

Now on to the Top-10 in the standings:

Top-10:

#1 Alabama (4-0) – As much as I try to hate Saban, I can’t.

#2 LSU (4-0) – 1a/1b with Alabama. Clearing the schedule for November 5^th…

#3 Oklahoma (3-0) – I thought about dropping you lower, but I understand a struggle against an average team a week after a big emotional road victory. Now, go score about 65 against Ball State…

#4 Stanford (3-0) – Still my pick to win the PAC-12, and possibly sneak into the top-2.

#5 Boise State (3-0) – Fiesta Bowl, again?

#6 Virginia Tech (4-0) – Time for some Beamer ball – FGs, field position, and defense.

#7 Oklahoma State (4-0) – Special I tell you, this team is special!

#8 Wisconsin (4-0) – You haven’t played anyone yet. That changes this weekend when the Huskers come to town.

#9 Nebraska (4-0) – You haven’t really played anyone yet, but unlike Wisconsin, you’ve struggled at times. Good luck in Camp Randall!

#10 Oregon (3-1) – You belong back in my top-10. You did score 27 against LSU, something that LSU’s other three opponents combined barely totaled, and the schedule is manageable, sans the trip to Stanford in early November.

Rising Fast:

Clemson – Just when I declared the ACC was a two-pony with Va. Tech and Florida State, Clemson (and Georgia Tech for that matter) are saying “don’t forget about us!”

Falling Faster:

Florida State – Dagummit!

Heisman Watch:

Andrew Luck, Stanford – Though, check out these numbers from a rising candidate: 85% completion percentage, 962 yards, 13 TDs, 0 INTs. Kellen Moore? Nope – Robert Griffin III from Baylor. Heck, he has more TD passes than incomplete passes on the year!

BCS Title Game Prediction:

Alabama v. Oklahoma – Though, a rematch of Alabama/LSU may be more intriguing...

Week 5 Big Games:

Texas A&M @ Arkansas – A neutral site game, and one that matches up teams that got beat in big games last weekend. You’d think Arkansas would be excited to get a reprieve from the SEC schedule; but not with a pissed off Aggie team playing basically in their back yard. Texas A&M 38-35

Clemson @ Virginia Tech – My “rising fast” teams have a tendency to lose immediately; and no different here. To think a young Clemson team is going to go into Blacksburg and do anything against Va. Tech’s defense is laughable. Va Tech 27-10.

Alabama @ Florida – Don’t buy into the smoke and mirrors that Florida is the #5 best defense against the run. Their previous opponents are ranked 90^th or worse in rushing. Alabama rolls over the Gators 38-20.

Week 5 Game of the Week:

Nebraska @ Wisconsin – The Blackshirts are given up a surprising 22/game, and Wisconsin hasn’t played anybody yet; so it’s really hard to gage this game. What we all know is that Camp Randall will be rocking for the first Big-10 match-up with the Huskers, and that right there gives Wisconsin a big advantage. I like Wisconsin to win 31-20.

Until next time…

Week 3 Recap and Week 4 Preview

So it’s looking like Missouri and Texas A&M to the SEC; Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, etc. to Big East; much of the Big East to the ACC; and the Big 12 is stuck with Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas Tech, and Baylor because no one wants Oklahoma without Texas, and no one wants Texas period because of their arrogance that destroyed the Big 12 in the first place. Classic.

On to actual football. Well, I was 4-0 in big games last week, which now brings my record to 10-2 overall. Of course the first three weeks are relatively easy. Now that we’re getting into conference play, things will get a little more interesting.

I found the number of ranked teams that were underdogs against unranked teams this weekend a little alarming. Yet, Michigan State, Arizona State, Ohio State, and Auburn all ended up losing (West Virginia was the only one to get a victory). I’m almost wishing that football would hold off on any rankings until week four or five; as Vegas clearly has a better handle on who’s “good” than the reporters or coaching assistant voters that rank the AP and Coach’s polls.

Now here’s the Autumn Wind’s week 3 Top-10 recap:

1. There’s a very good shot that LSU/Alabama game on November 5ht could wind up 6-3 in 4 O.T. with the way those two defenses play. LSU has now held two of the top-10 rushing teams to less than 100 yards on the ground; both times away from home. And Alabama is only giving up 6 points a game. The major polls have them #2 and #3 in the country; I pretty much have them #1a and #1c, with Oklahoma sitting at #1b.

2. It won’t be long and Kellen Moore will cruise by Colt McCoy in the total number of collegiate victories category. And he’s doing it in style. Nearly 80% completion percentage, 350+ yards/game, and 4 T.Ds/game. I’ll admit it, Boise State is fun to watch. And look for Moore to put up huge numbers in a couple weeks in a revenge game at home against Nevada.

3. Speaking of McCoy; it looks like there’s a new McCoy in town for the Longhorns. Case (Colt’s younger brother) seems to have provided a spark for Texas who find themselves 3-0 and back in the Top-25.

4. Nebraska’s going to have trouble in the Big 10 if the Blackshirts continue to play like they have been. Giving up 21 points in the fourth quarter at home is bad enough; but given up 38 total to a Washington team that barely beat Eastern Washington and Hawaii in Seattle.

5. Did South Carolina really need a 4^th quarter TD to beat Navy? Sorry guys, you can’t be in my Top-10 if Navy almost takes you down in week 3.

6. I was very impressed with how Stanford played on the road in Tucson. Of my Top-5 teams, Stanford is the only one that have no “yeah, they’re a good team..but..” statements about. Very disciplined, great offense, solid defense, strong special teams, tough, gritty; oh, and Andrew Luck at the helm. He manages a game incredibly well.

7. Notre Dame’s defense played extremely well against Michigan State – only giving up 39 rushing yards and basically turning them into a one-dimensional throwing offense for the last three quarters. But, despite the win, the Irish can’t continue to turn the ball over 3-5 times a game. That is just plain ridiculous.

8. Case in point to the point above? Look no further than Arizona State. They’re an incredibly athletic team; but turnovers, penalties and mental mistakes are going to haunt the Sun Devils all year.

9. Oklahoma won a big road game in a way I didn’t think they were capable of: ugly, smash-mouth, physical, low-scoring football. That should give the Sooners the confidence they need as they head into the Big-12 schedule.

10. Has the Oklahoma State/Tulsa game kicked off yet? I hate when I’ve got money on a time and weather delays force a post-midnight kick-off!

Now on to the Top-10 in the standings:

Top-10:

#1 Alabama (3-0) – If I wasn’t philosophically opposed to lowering a #1 without losing, you wouldn’t be here right now; based on what I’ve seen so far from Oklahoma and LSU. Then again, does Arkansas make my decision easy this weekend?

#2 Oklahoma (2-0) – An ugly win is better than a pretty loss.

#3 LSU (2-0) – How long until LSU is under NCAA sanctions? Les may be the new Petey.

#4 Stanford (3-0) – I thought they’d lose some of their grit with Harbaugh leaving. I was totally wrong. Stanford is definitely the front-runner in the PAC-12 North.

#5 Boise State (2-0) – If LSU and/or Alabama wind up with one loss and don’t go to the BCS Title Game, and I want to see what Kellen can do against a real SEC defense.

#6 Virginia Tech (3-0) – I really though you’d run the table; well at least to the ACC Championship Game. But, I’m calling it now; upset on November 10^th, when you go to Georgia Tech.

#7 Oklahoma State (3-0) – Are you capable of winning a game they way Oklahoma did? Because you’ve got a couple opponents coming up that are going to play that way, including this week @ A&M.

#8 Wisconsin (3-0) – Solid team. Favorites now in the Big 10 “whatever your sub division is called.”

#9 Texas A&M (2-0) – A chance this weekend to really make a believer out of me.

#10 Nebraska (3-0) – The defense really needs to start playing football. For a whole game.

Rising Fast:

Georgia Tech – First in scoring offense (~60/game), first in rushing (~430/game). A 10-win season isn’t out of the question.

Falling Faster:

Boston College – the only winless team in the paltry ACC, and their schedule gets worse with trips to Clemson, Va. Tech, Notre Dame, Miami, and a visit from Florida State. If they don’t win this week against Massachusetts, they may not win a game all year.

Heisman Watch:

Andrew Luck, Stanford – Although, I’m starting to lean to Kellen Moore, based on what his final four year numbers are going to be…

BCS Title Game Prediction:

Alabama v. Oklahoma – Oklahoma has proven itself thus far; we’ll know more about Alabama after this week.

Week 4 Big Games:

Oklahoma State @ Texas A&M – A&M is at home, and favored, against a Top-10 team. I see something special in this Oklahoma State squad. Yeah, their offense is great and their defense is sub-par, but they have “it” this year. Wrong team favored: Oklahoma State 37 Texas A&M 20

Florida State @ Clemson – Florida State hasn’t won in Death Valley since 2001. Even though the Seminoles lost last weekend, I did see enough to realize they are a top-tier team. FSU 31 Clemson 21

LSU @ West Virginia – LSU plays their third game of the year against a ranked team away from home. Wow. I take back everything I’ve ever said about SEC cupcake non-con schedules. Then again, this is West Virginia. Someone in the Big East has to get ranked in the Top-25 in order to justify sending their conference champ to a BCS game. LSU wins and wins big: 41 to 10

Week 3 Game of the Week:

Arkansas @ Alabama – The Tide is an 11.5 point favorite in this one. I’m not so sure Alabama will score enough to cover that number. Once again, the defense will save the day: Alabama 27 Arkansas 24

Until next time…

Week 2 Recap and Week 3 Preview

All’s quiet on the conference realignment front; except for some of the rumors and back room meetings. I fear Texas is driving what will happen, and is just awaiting the best offer from either the PAC-12 or the Big-10. Enough about that, until more information comes out.

Well, I was 5-0 on my big game picks last weekend, which was amazing considering how the ASU/Missouri, South Carolina/Georgia, and Notre Dame/Michigan games ended. Of course, Oklahoma State and Alabama were no-brainers, and they both happened to cover as well…

Now here’s the Autumn Wind’s week 2 Top-10 recap:

1. Oklahoma State is good. Arizona is not. Though I did chuckle when the Wildcat radio announcers blamed UofSuck’s schedule for the reason their going to lose four of their first five. Sure, the games are against Oklahoma State, Stanford, Oregon, and USC; but is that the best you’ve got (blaming your schedule)? Come on, now. And Stoops took this weeks “acting like a buffoon on the sidelines” award.

2. As Missouri was lining up for a game winning 48-yard FG in the desert on Friday (at about 1:30am EST), a timeout was called. Good move by ASU, I thought. Ice the kicker a little bit. But wait; it was Missouri that called the timeout. Strange. Okay, maybe the Tigers saw something they didn’t like, and wanted to shift up personnel. Nope. And then another timeout by Missouri. What the heck is happening? I have never seen a team ice their own kicker before. And twice! Of course, he missed the kick and the Devils prevailed in overtime. Missouri’s coach tried to claim he was trying to draw ASU offside to get a first down; but there were no hard counts or anything. Chalk up another odd way for Missouri to lose a game (5^th down against Colorado and the Nebraska “foot” catch). Great game by Osweiler, by the way (353 yards, 5 total TDs, and 0 INTs). And he’s 6’8” by the way, in case you didn’t hear the announcers the 487 times they mentioned it.

3. Va. Tech is 2-0 for the first time since 2006? Huh, that was surprising, especially since they’ve won 10 or more in seven consecutive years. Still, not much to see in the ACC until Va. Tech and Florida State meet in the ACC Championship (likely sponsored by Dr. Pepper since there isn’t a Big-12 Championship game this year). In the meantime, we can continue our search to find out what a Hookie is.

4. In the first of four, high scoring wild finished (I’ll save ND/Michigan for last), Iowa State beat their in-state rival Iowa for the first time in four years in a back-and-forth wild 3OT game. The game went to O.T. after Iowa State fought back to score the tying TD with just over a minute left after giving up the second half lead. For Iowa State, a big win for a program who may get left out of the super-conference discussions. Though, I always found this rivalry weird; yeah, I know they’re not in the same conference now, but usually state rivalry games are at the end of November, not the middle of September.

5. Meanwhile, Auburn found themselves in the opposite position as they were in week one. This time, they were up 14 in the 4^th, but Mississippi came charging back; and appeared to have a great chance to score on the last play on a quarterback option. But, Auburn’s back-up safety tackled him literally at the one-inch line. Literally. Somehow, Auburn is 2-0.

6. And down in Athens, Georgia found themselves in desperate need of a win against South Carolina. After giving up the lead with two late 3^rd quarter TDs, Georgia scored early in the 4^th to tie the game, but in high scoring 4^th by both teams (5 TDs and a FG), the dust had settled and South Carolina sent Mark Richt packing with a 45-42 victory. What is going on with these SEC offenses? Isn’t this the defensive conference? Right now, the SEC has seven teams averaging over 40 (Arkansas, South Carolina, Mississippi State, LSU, Florida, Tennessee, and Auburn). Is there any defense out there?

7. Oh, that’s right: Alabama! While I was wrong in saying that Penn State wouldn’t get past the 50 in the first half (they actually did on their first drive which resulted in a FG). But, even though Penn State moved the ball fairly well the rest of the game, once Alabama scored the game was over. I still have Alabama #1, but this game did show a few things that the rest of the powerful offenses in the SEC could exploit in the future.

8. If Nebraska continues to struggle on both offense and defense against teams like Fresno State (especially in Lincoln), I’m scared to see what is going to happen on trips to Camp Randall, Penn State, and the Big House. One of the funniest faces I’ve ever seen is when Pelini challenged a call, thinking they stopped Fresno short of the one – which would have given Fresno a first-and-goal – only to have the ref say “after further review the ruling on the field  is reversed” (Pelini smiles) “it is not first-and-goal, it is a touchdown!” (Pelini looking like someone just stole his Christmas presents). Regardless, a win for the Huskers, and you know they’re licking their chops for Washington to come to Lincoln this weekend to avenge for that awful performance in the bowl game last year.

9. In the first PAC-12 matchup, USC beat Utah 17-14, or 23-14. The refs originally disallowed the TD at the end, possibly under the new “celebration before a score” penalty. But, later, they said it was unsportsmanlike conduct, which can only be a dead ball foul. So, they allowed the last second score on the blocked kick. Well, who cares, right? Well, as Al Michaels would say “this decision is a big deal for a certain number of you out there.” That’s right; USC was favored by 8 at a lot of sports books. So, if the TD was denied (as was ruled on the field), USC doesn’t cover, and if you bet on SC, you lost. Since the decision was changed two hours after game time, USC did cover, and you win your bet. I don’t think we’ve heard the last about this…

10. The only thing I’ll say about the Michigan-Notre Dame game is this: what a wild 4^th quarter. Okay, one more thing: I doubt any Michigan or Notre Dame fan actually enjoyed watching that game (I know both Anton and I did not), as our expectations of each team is so low, even when they are ahead, you know they’re going to blow it. Okay, one more thing: Is Notre Dame really on pace for 60 turnover this season? Fine, one last thing: what the hell were both defenses doing on those last possessions? That’s some of the worst coaching and/or execution I’ve ever seen in football. And yet, somehow, Notre Dame at 0-2 is favored against Michigan State this weekend. Take State, plus the points.

Now on to the Top-10 in the standings:

Top-10:

#1 Alabama (2-0) – Tide keep rolling…

#2 Oklahoma (1-0) – Big test on this road this weekend…

#3 LSU (2-0) – Ditto…

#4 Boise State (1-0) – So you’re on probation for three years for a bunch of infractions spanning multiple sports, and you get a ban on post-season play for…women’s tennis?

#5 Florida State (2-0) – Big test at home this weekend…

#6 Virginia Tech (2-0) – No more tests until the ACC title…

#7 Oklahoma State (2-0) – T. Boone’s not gonna live forever, ya know?

#8 Nebraska (2-0) – Please don’t lose to Washington again.

#9 Texas A&M (1-0) – We all know you’re peeking around the corner to Oklahoma State and Arkansas. But don’t forget about Idaho this weekend.

#10 Wisconsin (2-0) – Don’t overlook this weekend against Northern Illinois at Soldier Field.

Rising Fast:

Auburn – The defending champs could easily be 0-2, but find themselves at 2-0; soon to be 4-0. But, look out after that. The first four in October are @ South Carolina, @ Arkansas, v. Florida, and @ LSU; all currently in the AP Top-16.

Falling Faster:

Notre Dame – Is it too late to get UConn on the schedule? At least when ND turns it over 5 times against UConn, their offense is so bad they won’t move the ball at all. And yet, Notre Dame is favored this weekend against Michigan State?

Heisman Watch:

Andrew Luck, Stanford – I wonder what kind of numbers he’ll put at home against UofSuck’s defense this weekend?

BCS Title Game Prediction:

Alabama v. Oklahoma – I’m liking this game more and more; I’d love to see OU’s offense versus Alabama’s defense (especially the LBs and secondary)

Week 3 Big Games:

LSU @ Mississippi State – Short week for both teams; but LSU has the huge advantage here. LSU had no problem at all with Northwestern State, while Mississippi State had that huge emotional loss @ Auburn. LSU 45 MSU 31

Wisconsin v. Northern Illinois – Don’t laugh; a neutral site game (@ Soldier Field) against an opponent Wisconsin will take lightly. Don’t be surprised if this one is closer than the experts think. Wisconsin 38 NIU 31

Arizona State @ Illinois – ASU finally beat a ranked team, and now has a chance to start PAC-10 play undefeated if they can go into Champagne and pull off a road victory. ASU is faster and strong than the Illini, but less disciplined. That will hurt them on the road – Illinois 27 ASU 24

Week 3 Game of the Week:

Oklahoma @ Florida State – Oklahoma destroyed Florida State in Norman last year; in fact, the game was over at halftime. Both teams are better this year than last, and Tallahassee hosts a big game for the first time in a long time. Oklahoma is the better team, but Florida State will have the advantage due to the wild crowd. Still Oklahoma’s offense is way too strong, and the Sooners win in a wild one: 41-34.

Until next time…

Week 1 Recap and Week 2 Preview

Well, week 1 is in the books, and as usual there were some interesting results. More on that later. First, it seems that Oklahoma is intent on driving the final nail in the coffin of the Big-12. I better lay out my re-alignment plan quickly before anything happens. Here’s what could play out. Pitt, Notre Dame, Missouri, Iowa State go to the Big 16; Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, and Texas Tech go to the PAC-16; Texas A&M, Florida State, Miami, and South Florida go to the SEC; and the Big East takes whatever is left out of the ACC to get to 16. Of course, several existing Big Six Conference teams get left behind (Kansas, Kansas State, etc.) and they join Conference USA. Now, this really isn’t likely to happen as 1) there are some other details to work out with other sports, specifically basketball, and 2) the Commissioners of the conferences are greedy, and while it may make sense geographically, do you really think the Big “10” would want Missouri and Iowa State? And as of press time, Iowa State and Baylor are blocking Texas A&M’s move to the SEC, Notre Dame and Arkansas are being courted by the Big 12, and Oklahoma is saying the Red River shootout is in jeopardy if OU and Texas land in separate conferences…

Now here’s the Autumn Wind’s week 1 Top-10 recap:

1. Let me get this out of the way right away. Notre Dame played so bad in the 1st half that God struck the stadium with lightning in an attempt to get them to focus. It didn’t work. Pathetic effort by the Irish on offense and special teams. Even more pathetic was the way Brian Kelly carried himself. Say what you want about Tyrone Willingham and Charlie Weis; but at least they were classy guys on the sidelines. Kelly’s attitude better change or he’ll get run out of South Bend faster than both Ty and Charles. And Crist is benched for this weeks game @ Michigan in favor of Tommy Rees. Is it just me or does the name Tommy Rees sound like a villain from a Karate Kid sequel (the REAL Karate Kid, not that remake crap)?

2. Baylor’s offense was sure fun to watch; especially as they scored as many points and rung up as many yards as a typical TCU defense gives up in about four or five games. But, in fairness to TCU, they did only return 6 total starters, and they aren’t the Horned Frogs that we saw the last four years.

3. As long as Houston (particularly Keenum) stays healthy, they may have an outside chance of pulling a Boise State and running the table. They’re schedule is wickedly easy from here on out, and starting 10-0 shouldn’t be a problem. Their last two against SMU and Tulsa may be a little of a challenge. So how high would a potentially undefeated Houston team rank (especially with a high profile 12th year QB)? I’m thinking they should get the Big East BCS spot…

4. Oregon obviously played really sloppy, but what I took away from this game was how LSU is not only incredibly fast, but incredibly strong. I lost track of how many times in the 2nd half that they would run a simple power I-formation off tackle play and they had such control of the line and linebackers that the fullback was often getting all the way to the corner backs or safeties before finding anyone to block. Oregon was definitely overmatched in this one.

5. We knew coming in that Oklahoma State and Wisconsin would have powerful offenses. Wisconsin’s ability to actually throw the ball for a change, coupled with the always strong ground game is going to be downright scary. But what is also scary is how poor their defenses are. The Cowboys gave up 320 yards and 34 points to Louisiana-Lafayette, and Badgers gave up 300 yards and lost the time of possession battle against lowly UNLV. That will catch up to both of these teams eventually.

6. Thank you, Maryland, for actually making Oregon’s uniforms look “normal.” Seriously, what the hell is that, Maryland?

7. Here’s how good Alabama’s defense is. Against Kent State they gave up 90 total yards and Kent State’s lone scoring drive was 3 yards due to an Alabama turn-over.

8. Boise State will continue to get criticized by the big conferences because of how weak their conference is. Well, why is it that when Boise plays one of the big boys (usually on a neutral field) they win all of the time? Regardless, the criticism is legit that they only play two games a year (the first game and the bowl game). So, even if they do go undefeated this year, I can’t have them in my top-2.

9. While there were a few upsets this weekend, the games left me scratching my head were USC barely beating Minnesota at the Coliseum, Oregon State losing to Sacramento St. at home, Miami(OH) nearly beating Missouri, Richmond beating Duke on the road, and Washington struggling with Eastern Washington at home. It’s going to be a long year for some of these teams.

10. The biggest problem I have with the preseason rankings is that TCU and Auburn were both only ranked because of what they did last year (or the last four years in TCU’s case). Auburn lost 30 scholarship players, and TCU only returned a total of 6 starters. Neither will finish in the Top-25 this year; especially when they both lose this week (TCU @ Air Force and Mississippi @ Auburn).

Now on to the Top-10 in the standings:

Top-10:

#1 Alabama (1-0) – They could probably win most of their games by solely playing field position due to their defense. I see no reason to even attempt a forward pass against Penn State.

#2 Oklahoma (1-0) – As expected, these guys are good.

#3 LSU (1-0) – I truly think Les functions best and gets the most out of his players when there’s chaos and controversy surrounding LSU.

#4 Boise State (1-0) – Even if/when #1-3 lose, I still can’t have you any higher than #4. It’s true; you do win all of your big games; the problem is you only play two big games a year (the first, and the bowl).

#5 Florida State (1-0) – About as smooth of a transition from Bowden Ball to Jimbo Ball as possible. I hope those folks up in Happy Valley have something similar planned.

#6 Virginia Tech (1-0) – No real threats on the schedule except for the ACC Championship game.

#7 Oklahoma State (1-0) – You may have to score 60+ a game in order to win with how bad your defense is.

#8 Nebraska (1-0) – You may have to give up less than 20 a game in order to win with how bad your offense is. Or will be, once you get out of the Sun Belt Conference games.

#9 Texas A&M (1-0) – I think the Aggies struggle with geography. First, you were in the Southwest Athletic Conference, and now you want to be in the Southeast Conference? Make up your mind!

#10 Wisconsin (1-0) – A Badger team with a QB that can throw? This could get fun to watch.

Rising Fast:
Baylor – If you haven’t watched Robert Griffin III play yet, you need to…

Falling Faster:
Notre Dame – Hey Kelly, the sign says “Win like a Champion” but it also means to lose like a champion. Show some class…

Heisman Watch: Andrew Luck, Stanford – Although, Keenum is going to make his Case if he stays healthy, and Houston goes on a run.

BCS Title Game Prediction:
Alabama v. Oklahoma – I want Keith Jackson to come out of retirement and call this one, though instead of Saban and Stoops he’d probably keep saying Bryant and Switzer.

Week 2 Big Games:

Arizona @ Oklahoma State – The Arizona schools try to prove their legit this week against Big12 foes. Once again, Oklahoma State will have no problem scoring, but will have a problem playing defense. Oklahoma State 52 UofSuck 38

Missouri @ Arizona State – Dennis Erickson said three years ago that this would be his best team. ASU has lost 11 in a row to ranked teams. But, Missouri really shouldn’t be ranked. And they won’t be after this one – while ASU will be. Go Sparky! ASU 31 Mizzou 17

Alabama @ Penn State – Penn State really struggled @ Alabama last year. Expect more of the same. I wouldn’t be surprised if Penn State doesn’t cross the 50 in the first half. Alabama 31 Penn State 10

South Carolina @ Georgia – A must win for Georgia. But it will be a win for South Carolina. 27-17 in favor of South Carolina.

Week 2 Game of the Week:

Michigan @ Notre Dame – 17 years ago, I was enjoying some Ted’s hot dogs at Anton’s house when Michigan hit a FG at the end to win 26-24. Tim played “Hail to the Victors” at least 27 times in a row, and I began to appreciate what the Michigan – Notre Dame rivalry was about. Notre Dame is favored; though I don’t know why. And this is the first night game in the storied history of the Big House. If I had to pick (and I do, I’m blogging after all); I think Michigan wins 24-21.


Until next time…