Week 13 Recap and Week 14 Preview

Well it’s Championship Week in college football, but we already know who’s playing for the BCS Championship. Enough has been ranted and debated about the Alabama/LSU rematch, but I really don’t see any scenario where that doesn’t happen. And, I’m fine with that. Sort of. To steal a line from a caller into a Chicago sports talk radio show – it’s kinda like Thanksgiving dinner. The dinner is incredible, and while there’s high hopes for the leftovers, the second time around isn’t ever as good as the first. Or, similar to movie sequels (well, except for Back to the Future II and III of course, and a close second with Karate Kid II and III).

The BCS continues to expose itself as a joke, using computer formulas that are not know to anyone inside college football, and using “coach’s” polls as a big chunk of its rankings. If karma truly exists, we’ll have 7-5 Louisville win the Big East spot, Georgia win the SEC spot, Oklahoma win the Big-12 spot, UCLA win the PAC-12 game, Clemson win the ACC, and Michigan State win the Big Ten spot. With LSU/Alabama already decided as the title game, that would mean Boise and Stanford get screwed out of BCS games.

I was a huge 6-0 in big games this past weekend, and moved up to 39-17 overall on the year, which ain’t too shabby. No Top-10 recap this week, as quite honestly, I’m hung over from the fact that we have two weeks of games before bowls start, and we already know who the #1 and #2 teams will be.

Now on to the Top-10 in the standings:

#1 LSU (12-0) – 12-0 for the first time in school history.

#2 Alabama (11-1) – Lay off the Tide. They did nothing to deserve this criticism, except miss 4 FGs against LSU. It’s not their fault that since their loss, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Stanford, Boise State, and Arkansas all lost…

#3 Oklahoma State (10-1) – Don’t like the system? Well, don’t lose to Iowa State.

#4 Oregon (10-2) – Favored by 32.5 in the inaugural PAC-12 Championship against a team that fired their coach (and UCLA had to petition for bowl eligibility when they lose and wind up 6-7: how can you make a conference championship and not even be bowl eligible?!!?!).

#5 Stanford (11-1) – As much as I think you should be given more serious consideration to be ~#2, you did lose at home to a 2-loss team, and needed triple O.T. at home to beat a USC team that’s on probation.

#6 Arkansas (10-2) – In any other conference this year, you’re 12-0.

#7 Boise State (11-1) – Two missed kicks = two missed chances to get to #2 in the last two years.

#8 Virginia Tech (11-1) – Let’s see, favored by 7 on a neutral field against an opponent you lost to by 20 at home a few weeks ago? This is the ACC…

#9 Oklahoma (10-2) – The thing I’ll miss most without a true Big 12 Championship game is the 5 million references to Dr. Pepper.

#10 Houston (12-0) – Just don’t blow it against Southern Miss, and your undefeated dream is a reality (and I called this in week 1)!

Rising Fast:

Coaching Resumes – 12 coaching vacancies in D1, not even counting the recently filled jobs at Ohio State, Washington State, and UofSuck.

Falling Faster:

Illinois – Losing six straight is one thing; but losing to Minnesota? That’s just embarrassing!

Heisman Watch:

Case Keenum, Houston – 300+ yards passing in every game this season (despite sitting for large chunks of the fourth quarter in 9 of 12 games), 43 TDs, and only 3 INTs. And, Houston is one win away from a BCS berth.

BCS Title Game Prediction:

LSU v. Alabama – Meh. I don’t see any way this match up doesn’t happen, and quite honestly I probably won’t watch. I’ve seen it already. And of course the BCS cop-out will be “the system works great! It always gives us the #1 and #2 matchup.” Yawn.

Week 14 Big Games:

Southern Miss v. Houston – Can the C-USA winner get the Big East’s automatic bid? Houston’s dream season continues – 44 to 20

Virginia Tech v. Clemson – Va. Tech is 2-0 in the ACC Championship when facing an opponent they lost to on the regular season. Clemson’s struggling, losing 3 of their last 4, and Va. Tech has reeled of seven straight since losing to Clemson in Blacksburg. Va. Tech is 7^th in the nation in scoring defense, while coming off that statement win 38-0 on the road @ Virginia last week. Va. Tech is the better team, and will win this one handily 27 to 17

Wisconsin v. Michigan State – Wisconsin’s two hail mary’s away from undefeated. They boast the 4^th best scoring offense and 4^th best scoring defense in the country. Michigan State’s two losses (Notre Dame and Nebraska) were away from home. Indianapolis won’t be friendly to the Spartans. Wisconsin to the Rose Bowl: 38 to 24

Georgia v. LSU – LSU is in the national championship with a win or a loss here, and Georgia needs a win to go to a BCS game. Georgia’s rattled off ten straight, following those first two loses to Boise State and South Carolina, but let’s not kid ourselves here; LSU is not taking this game lightly. Les knows he has a chance to cement this team in as one of the best ever in college football. Yes, I said that. Look at their resume so far: 7-0 v. ranked teams, 3-0 v. teams ranked #2 or #3. A win against Georgia and another win against Alabama would make them an amazing 14-0 with wins against nine ranked teams, including conference champs (well, likely conference champs) from two other BCS conferences. Amazing. No let down here: LSU 41 Georgia 27.

Week 14 Games of the Week:

Oklahoma v. Oklahoma State – Bedlam, winner wins the Big 12. Tons of passing offense (both in the top 5) and scoring (both in the top 10) and very little defense. Oklahoma has owned the Cowboys, winning eight straight in this series. And keep an eye on the skies – cold weather and lots of rain could increase the turn over total for one team, or both. It pains me to say this; cold, nasty weather will create an ugly game; and that favors the Sooners. Oklahoma 37 Oklahoma State 31

Until next time…

Week 12 Recap and Week 13 Preview

Wow. What a weekend. Uncle Gene outlined a scenario last week where Va. Tech plays for the BCS Title, and I laughed it off. Shame on me. The interesting thing is that he didn’t include Oregon losing to USC, Oklahoma State losing to Iowa State, and Oklahoma losing to Baylor in his scenario; so anything is possible. There are no doubts about #1-3 in the BCS, but below, I’ll show why the current rankings of the #5-10 teams are a joke. It’s too bad we don’t have a playoff, because it would all work itself out on the field, instead of inside a hard drive.

I was again 2-3 in big games this past weekend, but still a respectable 33-17 overall. Only a couple weeks to go until the big bowl preview edition!

In this rendition of the Autumn Wind’s week 12 Top-10 recap, I’ll break down each of the BCS Top-10 teams, their resumes, and why I agree or completely disagree with the rankings:

1. LSU – Obviously agree with this ranking. They’ve beat everyone they’ve played. Interestingly, LSU is likely assured a Top 2 spot if they lose to Arkansas this weekend and don’t make the SEC Title Game. Where a loss to Arkansas and a loss to Georgia would knock them out. That says everything about the BCS. LSU is better off throwing the last regular season game of the year. Nice system.

2. Alabama – You have to have Alabama above Arkansas and below LSU (based on direct head-to-head), so #2 is appropriate. Alabama’s best chance for a BCS Title Appearance is status quo (meaning they’re rooting for LSU to beat Arkansas, even though Alabama has the head-to-head lead over Arkansas, but not LSU). Again, great system, huh? But, you’ve gotta win the Iron Bowl first…

3. Arkansas – #3 is appropriate here, as you’re only blemish was @ Alabama. Keep in mind though, Arkansas had really close game against Troy, Texas A&M, @ Ole Miss, and @ Vandy, so they are vulnerable. How vulnerable? We’ll know by Friday night…

4. Oklahoma State – Many people don’t like Oklahoma State being in this position. I think it’s appropriate. They’re only loss was in O.T. on the road a day after to of their university basketball coaches died in a plane crash. And, keep in mind that they completely destroyed the Texas Tech team in Lubbock – the same team that went into Norman and beat Oklahoma. #4 is where they belong, and if they win against Oklahoma in a couple weeks, they should be given serious consideration for #2.

5. Virginia Tech – This is the biggest joke of a BCS ranking I’ve ever seen. They’re loss was at home to the fraud known as Clemson, and they only beat Duke 14-10. Their quality win is, what? Georgia Tech? And that gets them #5 in the BCS and a possible shot at the title should a few chips fall in the right place? Oh my, that would be the worst BCS Championship game team since all of those Ohio State teams. Va. Tech reminds me of that ASU team a couple years ago that jumped 4 or 5 spots in the BCS during their bye week. Just because someone above them loses, doesn’t automatically mean you should jump that many spots…

6. Stanford – I’ve loved Stanford all year, but you can’t have them ranked this high over a team they lost to at home (Oregon). Especially since the game wasn’t that close. Stanford’s resume isn’t much better than Va. Tech, except for beating a highly underrated USC team (you have no idea how painful that is for me to say!). And, for the record, Stanford went into Duke and blew them out 44-14. Stanford has to be rated higher than Va. Tech, but lower than Oregon.

7. Boise State – Ouch, that missed kick against TCU really hurts now, as Boise probably would sneak into the Top-2 with what’s gone on the last couple of weeks. And remember, Boise handled Georgia early in the year – and Georgia does have a shot at the SEC Title. #7 and a BCS game is appropriate.

8. Houston – I struggle with where to put Houston. What’s their quality win? UCLA? Gimme a break. They’ve had an impressive season, but shouldn’t be higher than #10.

9. Oklahoma – I struggle to see how Oklahoma rates out higher than Oregon. They lost at home to an average team, and their best WR is out for the season, so they really don’t have much of a chance in Bedlam. #9 may be appropriate, but they shouldn’t be above Oregon.

10. Oregon – Herbstreit nailed it on the BCS show on Sunday. It used to be said that you couldn’t get to the title by playing cupcake teams. But now, you have a team like Oregon that’s being punished for a week one non-conference loss to the unanimous #1 team in the country, and a late loss to a USC team that could/should very well have victories against both Oregon and Stanford. They were down 38-14 in the second half against a solid USC team, following a hugely emotional win the week before @ Stanford, and in essence tied the game up (do you think there will be an emphasis on kicking recruiting this off season by all of the major programs?). Is that something Va. Tech, Stanford, Boise, Houston, and Oklahoma are capable of? No. Oregon should not be all the way down to #10. Their resume is similar to the two-loss LSU team from a few years ago that deservingly made it to the Title. Now, am I saying that Oregon deserves to get there? No, but #10 is an insult.

Now on to the Top-10 in the standings:

#1 LSU (11-0) – Clearly #1.

#2 Alabama (10-1) – Only loss was to #1.

#3 Arkansas (10-1) – Only loss was to #2.

#4 Oklahoma State (10-1) – Following the loss of a couple University coaches, I’ll let this one loss slide. But, you really need to beat Oklahoma.

#5 Oregon (9-2) – I think on a neutral field, you’d be favored over any of the teams below you, hence my reason for putting a 2 loss Ducks team @ #5.

#6 Stanford (10-1) – If it wasn’t for that pesky loss to Oregon, you’d be playing for a national championship.

#7 Boise State (10-1) – I wonder how many kickers Boise is going to recruit for next year?

#8 Virginia Tech (10-1) – Wouldn’t it be funny if this winds up being Beamer’s year?

#9 Oklahoma (9-2) – I really should have Georgia at #9.

#10 Houston (11-0) – Remember, all three of Tulsa’s losses were to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Boise State. Good luck!

Rising Fast:

Arkansas – 7 straight since the ‘Bama loss, and a serious contender to really screw things up in the SEC-West and the BCS.

Falling Faster:

Field Goal kickers: How many games have been lost due to bad kickers this year? Alabama, Boise State, and Oregon know what I’m talking about.

Heisman Watch:

Case Keenum, Houston – Luck, Weeden, and James are all finished; so that leaves us with Keenum, Richardson, or RGIII. Keenum’s numbers are amazing: 4200+ yards, 38 T.D.s, only 3 INTs, and plenty of ridiculous career records. Oh, and Houston is 11-0.

BCS Title Game Prediction:

LSU v. Oklahoma State – This is the game I want to see, but I fear it’ll end up being an SEC-West rematch with either Alabama or Arkansas.

Week 13 Big Games:

Georgia @ Georgia Tech – Rushing defense versus rushing offense in this matchup. Georgia is second in the nation in rushing defense, and G. Tech is second in rushing. Georgia has won 9 straight for the first time since 1982, and is 9-1 against Tech in the last 10 (only losing that wild 45-42 game in 2008). While they’re already in the SEC Championship Game, Georgia needs this win to break into the Top-10 in the BCS. Georgia 31 Georgia Tech 27

Ohio State @ Michigan – It’s hard to believe that Michigan has not beat Ohio State since 2003! Michigan hopes to keep its BCS bowl chances alive. Ohio State is down this year, and Michigan is faster, stronger, and hungrier. Michigan 45 Ohio State 27

Penn State @ Wisconsin – The Big Ten whatever it’s called subdivision is up for grabs in this one. Wisconsin will run early, run often, and run up the score: 52 to 13.

Alabama @ Auburn – The Iron Bowl. The last two National Champions collide. Once again, BCS implications. 2010 1^st half: Alabama 24 Auburn 0. Final: Alabama 27 Auburn 28. That’s all that needs to be said. Oh, and no Cam Newton. Roll, Tide, Roll!. Alabama 34 Auburn 24

Notre Dame @ Stanford – Notre Dame’s back in the rankings after four straight wins and Stanford has eyes at the Fiesta Bowl. Stanford is only a 7 point favorite, but there is no way Notre Dame keeps it that close. Stanford 41 Notre Dame 24

Week 13 Games of the Week:

Arkansas @ LSU – It’s the 2011 Game of the Century v2.0. Remember that LSU gave up over 500 total yards to West Virginia, and Arkansas’ offense is a lot more potent. The key to this game will be if (well, when, actually) LSU’s secondary can force turnovers. If they do, they win, if not it will be a struggle for the Tigers. LSU is home, and is just too darn good; LSU will win, but not by the 14 that Vegas picked. LSU 31 Arkansas 28

Until next time…

Week 11 Recap and Week 12 Preview

Well, things got a little clearer, yet a little muddier this weekend. Clearer: if LSU and Oklahoma State win out, that’s your championship match-up. Muddier: What the heck do you do with one loss Alabama, Oregon, Oklahoma, Va. Tech, and God forbid, Arkansas if they beat LSU in a couple weeks? And let’s not forget about what may be the hottest team in the country: Georgia. Can you imagine what happens if we end up with a couple upsets in the PAC-12 and SEC Championship games? Those scenarios make my head want to explode.

I was only 2-3 in big games this past weekend, but still a respectable 31-14 overall.

Now here’s the Autumn Wind’s week 11 Top-10 recap (a little early this week – I’ll be out in the sticks Monday-Thursday with no interwebz access):

1. I haven’t looked, but this has to be a record breaking season for points scored. It seems every weekend there’s a handful of games with teams scoring 65+. Many of them multiple times.

2. Both Alabama and LSU had hangover games and started slow, but luckily it was against crappy teams, so they still wound up with victories.

3. Have I said before that Oklahoma State is special? Let’s get this out there: Texas Tech went into Norman and beat Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State went into Lubbock and beat Tech 66-6. Bedlam is gonna be bedlam when the Sooners come to Stillwater in the de-facto Big-12 Championship Game.

4. Ya think Boise State will be recruiting some better kickers? Two years in a row, their perfect season is ended because of a missed kick (though, in fairness, that pass interference call on 4^th down on that final drive was the worst home town refereeing I’ve seen since Hickory went up against Cedar Knob in “Hoosiers”). And hats off to Gary Patterson for going for two late in regulation.

5. Florida 5-0 v. unranked teams. 0-5 v. ranked teams. Didn’t I say that weeks ago? Yes, I did.

6. Nebraska won a tough road game over a top-15 team for the first time in many, many years, in the new era at Penn State. In the words of Forrest Gump, that’s all I’m gonna say about that.

7. More from the Big Ten – I can’t really keep track with who is in the lead for playing in the Big Ten title. It doesn’t matter; the winner gets smoked in the Rose Bowl by Oregon (if the Ducks don’t make the BCS Championship).

8. In the matchup of ugliest helmets, Notre Dame wins against Maryland. Well, they won the game at least.

9. In the last Big-12 match-up between Texas and Missouri, did Texas seriously only score five points? Wow. Mac Brown’s only loss to Mizzou comes in their last regular meeting, Good luck in the SEC, Missouri. *snicker*

10. Oregon @ Stanford recap: Much was made about how Oregon would play on long grass. Ironically, the home team, Stanford was the one slipping and sliding on the wet stuff. I can now see why they call it the Farm. The field was in poor shape. Oregon is relentless; in incredible physical shape, strong and fast; a deceptively good defense that had Luck on his heels the whole game; well coached; and executes the game plan extremely well. I admittedly have been giving favor to Stanford all year, but if they played Oregon 10 times; they lose eight of them. Nice job by Oregon.

Now on to the Top-10 in the standings:

Top-10:

#1 LSU (10-0) – Clearly #1.

#2 Oklahoma State (10-0) – Clearly #2.

#3 Oregon (9-1) – #3-#5 all have a legit claim to #3. Oregon’s is their current streak, and how many yards/points they got against LSU in week 1.

#4 Alabama (9-1) – Alabama’s case is that they lost to #1 by basically missing many field goals.

#5 Arkansas (9-1) – Arkansas’s case is that they’re as hot as Oregon, and would beat Alabama in a re-match right no.

#6 Stanford (9-1) – Though they got slaughtered by Oregon, the fact that Luck didn’t lose his composure (especially after that late pick six) confirmed that he has a legit shot at the next level.

#7 Oklahoma (8-1) – One word. Bedlam. That’s all that matters for the Sooners right now.

#8 Virginia Tech (9-1) – Meh, I had you #7 in my pre-season poll. Classic Va. Tech. Start out at #7, drop down, then slowly work your way back up.

#9 Houston (10-0) – Can you believe I have a Houston game in my big games for this week?

#10 Clemson (9-1) – Starting to be a believer (okay, not really, but I couldn’t put Georgia in the Top-10. Yet).

Rising Fast:

Oregon – If I had to match up the two hottest teams right now, it would be Oregon and Arkansas.

Falling Faster:

Arizona – Gosh this makes me smile. Seeing UofSuck lose again, this time against a crappy Colorado team. And losing as a 10 point favorite. But, the Territorial Cup is next, and sadly, the bad team usually wins.

Heisman Watch:

Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State – Huge numbers, huge scoring totals, undefeated team; and have I mentioned that Oklahoma State is special this year?

BCS Title Game Prediction:

LSU v. Oklahoma State – I’m sold. I’ve seen what Oregon could do against LSU on a neutral field. I think Oklahoma State can do better.

Week 12 Big Games:

Nebraska @ Michigan – Nebraska at the Big House! Awesome! Where the hell is Keith Jackson? Both teams need this game. Nebraska is so wounded on defense, especially the d-line; and Michigan is so fast on offense. Michigan 31 Nebraska 16

SMU @ Houston – SMU and Houston in a game with BCS relevance? Why yes!!! Houston 54 SMU 30

Oklahoma @ Baylor – Baylor keeps hanging around, and Griffin III keeps coming up with 4^th quarter comebacks. Oklahoma is off a bye, and hungry. Oklahoma 36 Baylor 30

Arizona @ Arizona State – The Territorial Cup is the oldest longstanding rivalry in the game (or whatever the specific language is – too lazy to look it up). So many times the crappy team wins and spoils the other team’s Rose Bowl dreams, but that’s not on the line here: Arizona State 186 UofSuck -12

Week 12 Games of the Week:

USC @ Oregon – USC has been surprising this year, despite the sanctions from the Petey days. Hell, I think Lame Kiffin has more wins this year than his previous three coaching jobs combined. They took Stanford to multiple O.Ts, and they have been solid when they can avoid turnovers. Will Oregon have a hangover game after the huge win @ Stanford? No. USC is like Stanford-light; and Oregon is back home. Oregon rolls: 58 to 38

Until next time…

Week 10 Recap and Week 11 Preview

Just when you thought realignment was providing enough off-the-field drama, queue Penn State. Ugh. It’s being discussed in so many other outlets, I just want to keep The Wind about football.

I said that Alabama/LSU couldn’t win by kicking field goals. I guess what I should have said was Alabama couldn’t win by missing field goals! I’ll let Uncle Geno break this down further in the recap, but I will say this: I seriously thought in O.T. that LSU should’ve taken four knees and gone to a 2^nd O.T. The way that game was headed, the defenses has a better chance at scoring points than the offenses!

And with that contest over, and Alabama’s surprisingly #3 ranking in the BCS, the Title picture is becoming a little clearer. Assuming LSU wins out (v. Western Kentucky, @ Ole Miss, v. Arkansas, v. SEC-East) they are obviously in. There are really only three other teams left in the picture (sorry Boise State): Alabama, the winner of Oregon/Stanford, and the winner of Oklahoma/Oklahoma State. I say if Stanford wins out, they’re in. Most other’s say if Oklahoma State wins out, they’re in. I’m actually okay with either. Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Does Alabama deserve to get to #2, and a re-match, with a loss at home to #1? On the same token, does Oregon deserve a re-match with LSU? Of course, plenty of strange things can, and following recent history, WILL, happen in the next few weeks.

I was only 2-2 in big games this past weekend, but still a respectable 29-11 overall.

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

1. I said it a few weeks ago – Stanford’s injuries may be its only weakness. Yet, despite all of the injuries they’re still blowing away teams (8-0-1 against the spread). And they get Oregon at home this time.

2. Oklahoma State is special. I keep saying it. They just keep finding ways to get it done. Though I think Stanford is the better team, I wouldn’t mind seeing what the Cowboy offense could do against the LSU defense.

3. Arkansas can really screw things up if they upset LSU the day after Thanksgiving. That would leave the SEC-West with LSU over Alabama, Alabama over Arkansas and Arkansas over LSU. And the tie-breakers in the SEC get complicated. It’s related to BCS ranking, but only if the #2 team is more than five spots below the #1 team. If not, it goes to head-to-head based on the #1 and #2 teams. So, let’s pretend Arkansas beats LSU. Alabama, LSU, and Arkansas would most likely be within five spots of each other. Alabama would need to either be in the #1 or #2 conference spot with LSU #3. Arkansas would need Alabama in the #3 spot, and LSU would need to be #1 or #2 with Alabama #1 or #2 and Arkansas #3. I need a beer, and an LSU win on November 25^th! 

4. Georgia controls it’s destiny in the SEC East and UCLA the same in the PAC-12 South. Weird. Richt may save his job is he makes it to the SEC-Championship.

5. Speaking of controlling destiny: who loses at home to a crappy team with a back-up quarterback with a shot at getting to their first Big-10 conference title? Nice job Nebraska…

6. I’ve been really rough on the Big East this year, as usual. But quite honestly, the Big-10 isn’t much better…Penn State leads the conference overall, and what’s their signature win? 14-10 over Temple?

7. Keenum and Moore continue to shatter records. Case now has the most passing yards in NCAA history to go along with the most passing TDs record that he broke last week; and Kellen now has 46 wins, highest ever for a quarterback. When it’s all said and done, both Houston and Boise State should be undefeated, and both Kellen and Case should be invited to the Heisman ceremony; if for nothing else but career achievement.

8. Arizona lost to Utah??? Sheesh, it’s really getting bad down at the ol’ Pueblo. But, that’s never a good thing, as the upcoming Territorial Cup match-up with Arizona State is usually won by the crappy team.

9. Speaking of the PAC-12, take a look at the number of teams per conference in the current BCS standings: SEC (6), Big-12 (5), Big-10 (5), ACC (3), C-USA (2), PAC-12 (2), Big East (1), MWC (1). That’s right, Conference USA has as many teams in the BCS Top-25 as the PAC-12. Not to discredit Oregon or Stanford at all, but PAC-12 is pretty awful overall this year (in fairness, USC would be ranked in the BCS, but can’t because of the probation).

10. And finally, here’s the analysis of the LSU @ Alabama game, courtesy of Uncle Gene:

Excellent defensive schemes on both sides. Linebackers looked like DTs, CBs look like LBs with speed.

Chess match with defenses revising calls based on film study tendencies. Defensives: EVEN

Take what the defense gives you? Neither gave much. Offensives looked vanilla almost NFL-like. Play calling was Okay. Offensives:  EVEN

Special teams: LSU by a mile

Swagger: LSU – though some would call three face mask penalties and Mathiews’ cold cocking of Dre Kirkpatrick, “dirty” or “undisciplined” others would think of the Raiders in the 70s. They intimidated Bama’s offensive line at times.

Plays of the game:

- Blocked field goal and interceptions set up LSU scores, Alabama’s defense looked worried after that.

- Tip by LSU DB in end zone in 3^rd quarter, touchdown in any other game.

- Interception / take away with 11;25 left.

- 72 yard punt

 - Sack by LSU in OT 

Finally, Alabama didn’t miss Julio Jones or Mark Ingram, they missed Leigh Tiffin, the kicker from previous years.

Now on to the Top-10 in the standings:

Top-10:

#1 LSU (9-0) – Whoever’s idea it was to schedule Western Kentucky following @ Alabama, nice work.

#2 Stanford (9-0) – Probably could beat the Raiders.

#3 Oklahoma State (9-0) – I just can’t imagine you being able to put 45+ up on LSU, Stanford, or Alabama.

#4 Alabama (8-1) – I won’t put you higher than fourth, unless something really crazy happens in the next four weeks.

#5 Boise State (8-0) – I won’t put you higher than fifth. Enjoy the trip to the Fiesta Bowl. Again.

#6 Oregon (8-1) – Remember when Oregon scored over four times as many points against LSU as Alabama did?

#7 Arkansas (8-1) – The hogs are saying “Don’t forget about us…”

#8 Oklahoma (8-1) – …as are the Sooners.

#9 Virginia Tech (8-1) – Back in the Top-10, for a week…

#10 Houston (9-0) – Howdy Houston, welcome to the spotlight. First in the country in passing, first in scoring, but that @ Tulsa game at the end of the season is looking scary. Remember, Tulsa’s only losses are to Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Boise State (all Top-10 teams). Tulsa’s scheduling department should be fired – a C-USA team getting stuck playing four Top-10 teams?

Rising Fast:

Georgia – Seven straight, and the potential to get closer to the Top-10 while wrapping up the SEC-East.

Falling Faster:

Nebraska – Getting blown out @ Camp Randall is one thing; losing in Lincoln to a crappy team with a backup QB is another. And it’s not done yet for Nebraska. There are possibly two more losses out there, maybe three.

Heisman Watch:

Andrew Luck, Stanford – 17 straight, and counting, for the Cardinal. If they win against Oregon this weekend, Luck has the Heisman wrapped up.

BCS Title Game Prediction:

LSU v. Stanford – I’d love to see Andrew Luck pick apart the LSU secondary. Well, attempt to.

Week 11 Big Games:

Virginia Tech @ Georgia Tech – A Thursday night match-up of rushing offense, versus rushing defense. The winner will likely represent the ACC-Coastal in the ACC Championship (as the winner here has the last five years). If the game was in Blacksburg, I’d say Va. Tech wins in a blow-out (I think they’re like 75-0 on Thursday night games at home), but on the road is a different story. G. Tech grinds out a victory: 20-17

Nebraska @ Penn State – JoePA’s last home game, Senior Day for Penn State, and both teams with a shot at the inaugural Big-10 Championship Game. This one is simple. If Penn State (like every other team that faces Nebraska) is able to stop the run and force Martinez to throw, they have a chance. The problem is, Penn State is 100^th in the nation in scoring. Even if they do slow down Nebraska, they won’t be able to score enough to win. Nebraska 24 Penn State 13

Auburn @ Georgia – September seems so long ago for the Bulldogs. After back-to-back losses to Boise and South Carolina to open the season, Georgia has rattled off seven straight wins and is looking to clinch the SEC-East for the first time since 2005. The defending champs, Auburn, is coming off of a bye, and is healthy. A win here, and Richt saves his job. Georgia 38 Auburn 27

TCU @ Boise State – The premiere match-up the Mountain West had hoped for will only happen once thanks for TCU joining the Big East and then the Big 12, and Boise likely going to the Big East. Boise has struggled lately, barely beating Air Force, and playing basically a tie game first half against UNLV. TCU is flying below the radar, with their only two loss by a total of nine points. Boise doesn’t lose on the blue turf, but TCU doesn’t lose MWC games (21 straight). Boise wins, in a typical Boise/TCU low scoring smash-fest: 24 to 14

Week 11 Games of the Week:

Oregon @ Stanford – What’s at stake in this game? The PAC-12 North, and a legit shot at getting to #2 in the BCS. Keep in mind Oregon’s only PAC-10 loss in the last three years was @ Stanford in 2009, and Stanford’s only loss in the last two years was @ Eugene last year – a game in which Stanford was up 21-3 in the first quarter. Stanford is old school: huge offensive line and tight ends, four scholarship fullbacks, a pro-style quarterback and a grind it out offense. Oregon is new school: no huddle spread formation, incredible speed, and a quick scoring offense that likes to put up TDs in less the two minutes. The results are eerily the same: both teams are Top-10 in the nation in pretty much every offensive category, and each put up ~510 yards/game and ~48 points/game. Stanford’s defense has given up less points, but don’t confuse Oregon’s 21 point/game defense with a bad one. That’s just a byproduct of their offensive style. With their style, I didn’t think Oregon could be beat, just because they’d eventually out score you. Auburn last year and LSU this year proved me wrong, and I really think Stanford will too. Keep in mind Oregon struggled at home against both Arizona State and Washington State, and didn’t score in the 4^th quarter against Washington; while Stanford (outside of injuries) has not struggled at all, with the exception of the USC game – though that outcome was exactly what I thought it would be. This will be a wild, bizarre shoot-out, similar to the last two years, and Stanford comes out on top 48 to 41.

Until next time…

Week 9 Recap and Week 10 Preview

A couple more top-10 teams went down this weekend, though anyone that had Kansas State in the top-10 was a fool (similar to those having Florida in the top-15 after a 4-0 start). I was 3-1 in big games: extending the record to 27-9 overall. Not bad.

Now here’s the Autumn Wind’s week 9 Top-10 recap:

1. I really want to sneak Va. Tech back into my top-10, but whenever I try, they do something like only beat Duke 14-10.

2. The Blackshirts finally came to play as Nebraska dominated Michigan State from start to finish. About damn time. Nebraska @ Michigan on November 19^th will decide the Big-10 whatever it’s called sub-division.

3. And just like that, Florida is 4-4. Didn’t I call that 4 weeks ago when Florida was 4-0? Why yes, I did.

4. Can anyone slow down Oklahoma State’s offense? Even with Baylor scoring three garbage TDs in the 4^th, the Cowboys rout another opponent. They’ve scored 59 or more four times, and only UofSuck held them to less than 38. This team is special.

5. When Kansas State loses their next 3 (and fourth in a row) and folks start asking “what happened?” Answer with this: they finally started playing someone. Remember, this is team that barely won against Eastern Kentucky in week one. And, Oklahoma is back!

6. I told you I couldn’t buy what Clemson was selling…though, they’re still gonna run away with the ACC-Atlantic as the rest of that division sucks. And hurray; we’ll get a Clemson re-match with either Va. Tech or Georgia Tech in the ACC-Championship game for the right to get blasted by a real team in a BCS Bowl Game.

7. Speaking of crappy conferences, only two teams in the Big East are above .500. And this conference still gets an automatic BCS bid? Boy, that’s gotta piss off some SEC, Big-12, and PAC-12 teams…

8. Houston continues their quest for an undefeated season, and Case Keenum shattered the career D1 TD record by through for nine in the blowout over Rice. In the rain. Who throws for 500+ yards and 9 TDs in the rain?

9. Do you think the PAC-12 is regretting inviting Colorado? The Buffalos are bad. Their only win this year is against lowly Colorado State. At least they still have games against UofSuck and Utah to get out of the toilet bowl in the PAC-12 South.

10. The Stanford-USC rivalry has been getting better and better since Stanford upset USC several years ago as 42 point underdogs. This was a true heavy weight match-up with each team responding to blow after blow. Luck is solid, and there was hardly any doubt that he wouldn’t lead Stanford to victory in this one.

Now on to the Top-10 in the standings:

Top-10:

#1 Alabama (8-0) – November 5^th is here!

#2 LSU (8-0) – November 5^th is here!

#3 Stanford (8-0) – With USC out of the way and Oregon at home, Stanford should end up 13-0.

#4 Oklahoma State (8-0) – I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – this team is special.

#5 Boise State (7-0) – Nothing says Big East, like Idaho.

#6 Oregon (7-1) – Can you survive the next three: @ Washington, @ Stanford, v. USC?

#7 Arkansas (7-1) – Really? Needing Vandy to miss a FG in order to win? And here comes South Carolina!

#8 Oklahoma (7-1) – Boomer Sooner looking to get back into the top-5…

#9 South Carolina (7-1) – Huge game this weekend against Arkansas.

#10 Nebraska (7-1) – All of the sudden, Nebraska is in the driver’s seat in the Big-10 whatever it’s called sub-division.

Rising Fast:

Penn State – 8-1 (and their only loss is to #1 Alabama), despite being 101^st in the country in scoring offense…but, your last three are against Nebraska, Ohio State, and Wisconsin. Good luck.

Falling Faster:

Wisconsin – oops. First you lose to Sparty on a hail mary; then you lose to Ohio State?

Heisman Watch:

Andrew Luck, Stanford – 16 straight, and counting, for the Cardinal. Four masterful drives in the 4^th quarter and three OT’s @ USC.

BCS Title Game Prediction:

Alabama v. Stanford – I’d love to see Andrew Luck pick apart the ‘Bama secondary.

Week 10 Big Games:

Texas A&M @ Oklahoma – Oklahoma is back on track and licking their chops for this matchup. OU is second in the country in passing offense, and A&M is the worst pass defense in the country. OU wins and wins big: 58 to 24.

South Carolina @ Arkansas – Both teams have struggled in recent weeks, but both have a chance to get back into the picture in the SEC. Arkansas is six point favorite at home, but South Carolina will prevail: 27 to 17.

Kansas State @ Oklahoma State – Kansas State gave up over 500 yards to OU; and it may be even worse this weekend in Stillwater. This OSU team is special (I’m gonna keep saying that!): Oklahoma State 51 Kansas State 30

Week 9 Games of the Week:

LSU @ Alabama – Looking at the numbers (offense, defense, results against common opponents, etc.), these teams are eerily similar. Surprisingly, this is the first regular season #1 v. #2 match-up in SEC history. While #2’s have done really well v. #1’s in recent years (5-2). Alabama hasn’t given up any second half points in over a month, and LSU hasn’t given up more than one TD to any SEC opponent. Which defense will break first? The key to this game will be redzone offense. You can’t win this type of game kicking field goals. Alabama’s at home; Saban is a master in big game prep (especially with an extra week to prepare), and let’s face it: Alabama is just better. Alabama grinds out a huge win to stay atop the polls: 27 to 16.

Until next time…