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…

Week 8 Recap and Week 9 Preview

Finally, after weeks of the Top-10 cruising and non-stop realignment crap, we have shakeup in the Top 10! We had fights, streakers, fake referees, and blowout wins. And that was just Thursday night! What an entertaining weekend!

And for those keeping track at home, I was 3-1 in big games: 24-8 overall.   

Now here’s the Autumn Wind’s week 8 Top-10 recap:

1. You knew it was going to be a strange weekend as they Thursday night game was happening. UofSuck beat the snot out of UCLA (and while a UofA win is strange in itself), but this game featured a bench clearing brawl happening after a student and fake referee-turned-streaker grabbed the ball from the field judge after a play. Had this happened anywhere other than Tucson I would’ve thought it was a little weird…but after all, it was in Tucson. If you didn’t see it, look it up on YouTube.

2. So we all know Texas Tech went into Norman and beat the Sooners. Only two other teams have done that in the Stoops era. What you don’t know is that Oklahoma is at a crossroads this weekend. They could easily fight themselves back in the National Championship picture, or fade away into (as Charles Barkley says) Bolivia. How? Look at their schedule: @ undefeated Kansas State, v. ranked Texas A&M, @ tricky Baylor, and of course the finally at everyone’s (except me) #3 Oklahoma State.

3. Once again, the leader of the SEC blows out an opponent, plays incredibly stingy defense, and produces way more than enough points to win. LSU or Alabama? Yes.

4. Houston continues to roll through C-USA and now lead the nation in passing yards/game and points/game. An undefeated season is looking more and more likely.

5. Arkansas was down 17 on the road, but rallied for a win. Sure, it was against SEC-winless team Ole Miss, but still, winning on the road in the SEC is a lot different than barely winning at home in a MWC game (did you see what I did there, Boise State?)

6. Look who’s nearly back in the Top-10? Va. Tech. I tell you what – don’t count out Va. Tech and Texas A&M from making some late season moves…we’ve seen crazier things happen, and I know there’s gonna be at least 4 or 5 current Top-10 teams that are going to lose.

7. If you haven’t seen Stanford play yet, please do what you need to do to catch a game. Everyone assumes that it’s Luck putting up these incredible numbers, as they’ve blown everyone out. But, they are a true pro-style offense. Case in point? In the blowout over Washington this weekend, they rushed for over 400 yards, while Luck was an incredibly efficient 16-21 with 169 yards and 2 TDs. I wouldn’t be surprised to see three tight ends out of Stanford playing on Sunday next year.

8. Isn’t it sad what has become the USC/Notre Dame rivalry? Yes, they played this weekend. That is all.

9. Even though I have admittedly been drifting my support away from Boise State, hats off to Kellen Moore who tied Colt McCoy for the most wins as a starting quarterback, at 45. Of course, the next Boise Game will give Kellen the record; I’m too lazy to look up when, who, and where; but I think it’s UNLV in a couple weeks.

10. It’s official. Dantonio sold his soul to the devil. First the delay of game “winning” fake field game against Notre Dame last year, and the “what the hell happened” hail mary this year against Wisconsin. Michigan State appears to be king of the “better be lucky than good” crowd.

Now on to the Top-10 in the standings:

Top-10:

#1 Alabama (8-0) – Why do I have you above LSU? You’re at home on November 5^th, and you have Saban.

#2 LSU (8-0) – Why do I have you below Alabama? You’re on the road on November 5^th, and you don’t have Saban.

#3 Stanford (7-0) – The schedule favors Stanford to creep into the top 2.

#4 Oklahoma State (7-0) – I’ve said it all year, you’re special this year. But, after seeing OU go down at home to Texas Tech, I’m starting to get scared, as Okie State usually ends up losing a game in similar fashion. Uh oh, Baylor comes to town this weekend?

#5 Boise State (7-0) – Meh. I’m over it.

#6 Clemson (8-0) – Still not buying it; but keep on winning and you’ll have a convert. Only if you beat Va. Tech in the ACC Championship, though.

#7 Oregon (6-1) – The Ducks are cruising…

#8 Arkansas (6-1) – Possibly the best one loss team; too bad you’re in the SEC and are gonna wind up with a few more. We won’t know how good you really are until you hammer some non-SEC team in a bowl game.

#9 Oklahoma (6-1) – I’m afraid for Kansas State this weekend.

#10 Michigan State (6-1) – You control your own destiny in the Big 10.

Rising Fast:

Clemson – Raise your hand if you saw this coming. Anyone? Bueller?

Falling Faster:

Georgia Tech – It all started out so great, but back-to-back loses in the ACC put you, like the vast majority of the ACC, back where you belong; unranked.

Heisman Watch:

Andrew Luck, Stanford – 15 straight, and counting, for the Cardinal. As long as they keep winning, Luck’s chances for the Heisman keep going up.

BCS Title Game Prediction:

Alabama v. Stanford – Don’t laugh. Stanford is a very solid, all around team; and their schedule plays out very nicely. With just enough tough games (@ USC, v. Oregon, & PAC-12 Championship), to gain some standings in the computers, but not dangerous enough like the SEC and Big-12 challengers have to face. I would be happy with this match-up.

Week 9 Big Games:

Michigan State @ Nebraska – Once again, Sparty finds itself in control in the Big-10. Wouldn’t it be sweet to have both Nebraska and Notre Dame knock off Michigan State in the same year? Sadly, it won’t happen. Michigan State 31 Nebraska 17

Baylor @ Oklahoma State – sniff, sniff – what’s that I smell? That’s right – TRAP GAME! Baylor has a week off to get healthy, and Okie State is looking ahead to their next to against Kansas State and Texas A&M. I’m not willing to call the upset – but this one will be a lot closer than the experts think. Oklahoma State 57 Baylor 51

Oklahoma @ Kansas State – Kansas State is overrated and Oklahoma is pissed. How’s that for a game preview Herbstreit? Oklahoma 41 K. State 31

Stanford @ USC – Remember, USC may not be post-season eligible, but they are 6-1. And remember how the Stanford turn around got started? That’s right, Harbaugh guiding his team to an upset victory in the Coliseum as 42 point underdogs. Bad blood between these teams. But Stanford gets it done again. Though, I don’t think they’ll cover this time. Stanford 38 USC 34

Week 9 Games of the Week:

Alabama and LSU with a bye – Seriously, considering the soon-to-be epicness of the November 5^th matchup between Alabama and LSU, this is most significant “game” in week 9; these two teams with a week a off. A chance to get healthy, a chance to game plan, a chance to get sick of hitting their own team mates during practice, a chance to listen and read why one team can’t beat the other and vice versa, an extra week to build up to the most anticipated college football game since Notre Dame v. Florida State in 1993! Hell, this week off for both teams almost makes this upcoming matchup feel like a fall Super Bowl!!!!

Until next time…

Week 7 Recap and Week 8 Preview

So Conference USA thinks if they merge with the Mountain West they will get an automatic BCS bid? That’s how asinine this realignment stuff is getting…that, and the Big East’s commitment to have 12 football schools or possible no football at all. That sounds like stability that their Commish is seaking. I still can’t see how Boise, Navy, and Air Force would want to join up in that conference. And now, Notre Dame to the ACC rumors are flying around, as is West Virginia and some others to the Big 12, or whatever they’ll be called. Blah, enough about that.

While I was only 2-2 in big games (21-7 overall), the Top-10 are really distancing themselves from the rest of the pack. The BCS initial rankings came out this weekend, and while we largely agree, I don’t think Stanford is getting enough love, and I think Boise is getting a little too much. But that’ll eventually sort itself out, as we know for sure that either LSU or Alabama, and Oklahoma or Oklahoma State are going to wind up with at least one loss. For the record, I’d take any of those one loss teams over Boise for a BCS bid…   

Now here’s the Autumn Wind’s week 7 Top-10 recap:

1. Did Ohio State really beat an undefeated Illinois team on the road while only completing one pass? What is this, 1906 when coaches were still figuring out how to implement the new-fangled forward pass?

2. In this week’s rendition of “how good are the top-10?” the nine teams that played scored no fewer than 38, only Clemson was at risk of an upset, needing to comeback from being down 18 points twice on the road at Maryland.

3. Once again, turnovers and mental mistakes cost Arizona State a chance at winning a big game. But, let’s keep in mind that while the Devils were in the game with Oregon, the Ducks were without their best player for the whole game, and their second best player for half of the game. I fear that a PAC-12 Championship Game re-match will be even uglier for the Devils than this one was.

4. The last two years, Wisconsin has hung 83 and now 59 on Indiana. In football, not basketball.

5. Texas A&M finally remembered how to play defense in the 4^th quarter, and shut down Heisman hopeful Griffin III. And, you’re pretty much always going to win when you put up 415 in the air and almost 300 on the ground.

6. Did I mention not to get too excited that Florida started out 4-0? Last I checked, they’re now 4-3.

7. Alabama and LSU continue to score a ton and give up very little. I can’t wait for November 5^th! What’s the over/under gonna be in that game? 6.5?

8. Speaking of overs…back to back kickoff returns in the Oklahoma State and Texas game to start the second half. That’s the dream of overs…

9. I still can’t decide if I’m buying what Kansas State is selling. Sure, they have wins @ Miami and @ Texas Tech; as well as over a quality Baylor team. But, there was that 10-7 home opening win against Eastern Kentucky that still has me skeptical. Oh, that and the fact they still have Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, and Texas on their schedule.

10. There once was a time when Michigan would usually beat both Michigan State and Ohio State. A whole cohort of Michigan players would not have a clue what I’m referring to, and that makes me smile.

Now on to the Top-10 in the standings:

Top-10:

#1 Alabama (7-0) – With how much they’re destroying opponents this year, I’m amazed that they haven’t lost focus. Saban is worth every penny.

#2 LSU (7-0) – More off the field problems; but plenty of on the field success. Les Miles is also worth every penny, and I’m betting he’s glad he decided to pass on the Michigan job.

#3 Oklahoma (6-0) – The Big-12 got really lucky this year without a conference championship game: December 4^th, Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State is the championship game. Can we get Dr. Pepper to sponsor this one?

#4 Stanford (6-0) – Luck should be buying t-bones every night for his offensive line. He’s barely been touched this year.

#5 Boise State (6-0) – First Mountain West game. Same result as WAC games: blowout win. Records are going to start falling soon as Moore continues to put up huge numbers…

#6 Oklahoma State (6-0) – I’ll say it again: The Big-12 got really lucky this year without a conference championship game: December 4^th, Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State is the championship game. Can we get Dr. Pepper to sponsor this one?

#7 Wisconsin (6-0) – Leaving Wisconsin for the first time this weekend.

#8 Clemson (7-0) – Next time, try not to fall behind by 18 points. Twice. It’s easier to win when you don’t do that.

#9 Oregon (5-1) – Injuries could cause huge problems for the Ducks. Good thing it’s Colorado and Washington State the next couple of weeks.

#10 Arkansas (5-1) – As Corso would say – the Hogs are still sneaking around the hen house.

Rising Fast:

Kansas State – Didn’t see this one coming. 6-0, but your four games against D1 teams have been won by a total of 19 points. And, you still have a stretch of four against Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, and Texas. You’ll be lucky to finish 8-4.

Falling Faster:

The State of Florida – Zero teams in the BCS Top-25, and zero teams receiving any votes in the AP Top-25. Ouch.

Heisman Watch:

Andrew Luck, Stanford – 14 straight, and counting, for the Cardinal. As long as they keep winning, Luck’s chances for the Heisman keep going up.

BCS Title Game Prediction:

Alabama v. Oklahoma – I really want to see this game, mostly to see Stoops get completely out prepared and out coached by Saban.

Week 8 Big Games:

Auburn @ LSU – Will continued off the field problems eventually be LSU’s demise? Nah. LSU 31 Auburn 20

Washington @ Stanford – Stanford has struggled the last couple of weekends; in the first half. Here they finally get a matchup with a ranked team. But, it’s in Stanford, where they don’t lose, and Washington can’t beat a ranked team on the road. Stanford 37 Washington 20

Tennessee @ Alabama – I’m only putting this here so I don’t get hate mail from you “third weekend in October” freaks. Alabama 41 Tennessee 10

Week 8 Game of the Week:

Wisconsin @ Michigan State – A very intriguing match-up in Spartan Stadium. Russell Wilson of Wisconsin actually leads the nation in passer rating and Wisconsin is #1 in scoring, while Michigan State leads the nation in passing defense, and is second overall in total defense. Wisconsin’s been impressive in their first 6, but, they haven’t played outside of Camp Randall, and they haven’t played anyone (sorry Nebraska). However, Wisconsin is a ton better than Notre Dame (the only team to beat State so far), so I gotta go with the Badgers: 27-17.

Until next time…

Week 6 Recap and Week 7 Preview

Short update this week, as I didn’t get to watch much football. Why? Well, I met up with the family in South Bend and took in the Notre Dame game live and in person. Rudy’s dad was right – that stadium is the most beautiful thing these eyes have ever seen. Well, second only to seeing the usher point to the field and say “you’re down on the field – probably easiest to walk on the field to get to your seats!”

I was 4-0 in big games (19-5 overall) this weekend, and it’s now starting to get to that time of year when more and more upsets happen. In fact, I’ve two predicted for this weekend…

Now here’s the Autumn Wind’s week 6 Top-5 recap:

1. Nine of the 10 top played this weekend and all scored at least 34, and the closest margin of victory was 22. Alabama was the low scorer, but they didn’t give up a single point to Vandy. These teams are all good, and let’s not forget the 48 that Wisconsin (on a bye this week) hung on Nebraska last weekend!

2. What’s your excuse now UofSuck? All year it was “we have a brutal schedule.” Okay, that’s fine when you’re playing Stanford, Oklahoma State, and Oregon. But you do know Oregon State had not won a game all year, and had even lost to Sacramento State? Bye, bye Stoops.

3. Arizona State got a rare road win; this time at Utah. Utah was pretty much in control, but a series of turnovers and 25 points in a matter of seven minutes sealed the deal for the Devils. ASU looks like a lock for the PAC-12 South. And yes, we know. Osweiler is 6’8”. You don’t need to say it 30 times every game.

4. The first Big-10 game ever in Memorial Stadium happened the same night as the largest Nebraska comeback ever, capping the comeback with four straight second half touchdowns. However, the struggling BlackShirts got some really bad news today: due to a torn muscle, outstanding d-lineman Jared Crick’s career is over.

5. Watching Notre Dame pound Air Force from literally less than 10 feet from the South End Zone was amazing. As was seeing the B2 Stealth Bomber do the pre-game flyover. Special thanks to the kid who sold me those two tickets for $85!

Now on to the Top-10 in the standings:

Top-10:

#1 Alabama (6-0) – 3-0 versus ranked teams, and only giving up 7/game on the year.

#2 LSU (6-0) – 4-0 against ranked teams, and only giving up 12.5/game on the year.

#3 Oklahoma (5-0) – Somehow I don’t think the wins against Florida State and Texas will look that great at the end of the year.

#4 Stanford (5-0) – Stanford’s rolling along, but they haven’t really played anyone. Their toughest game so far was probably @ Duke.

#5 Boise State (5-0) – Six weeks in and you still haven’t played a conference game?

#6 Oklahoma State (5-0) – Gonna need to keep scoring 52/game because your defense is bad. Heck, you gave up 14 to UofSuck!

#7 Wisconsin (5-0) – You’ll be tough to beat if you keep up the 3^rd scoring offense and 3^rd scoring defense rankings.

#8 Clemson (6-0) – 3-0 versus ranked teams; didn’t see this one coming in the pre-season.

#9 Oregon (4-1) – Other than LSU, you really haven’t played anyone. That changes this weekend.

#10 Arkansas (5-1) – Back-to-back wins against ranked teams after getting blown out by ‘Bama.

Rising Fast:

Illinois – The Illini are 6-0 for the first time in 60 year (let’s just ignore that they needed FGs to beat ASU, Western Michigan, and Northwestern).

Falling Faster:

Arizona – 1-5 overall, and 0-5 against D1. The sole win for the Wildsucks is against lowly Northern Arizona.

Heisman Watch:

Andrew Luck, Stanford – Another 80% completion, 300+ yards, and 3 TD day. This one is about Lucked, I mean locked, up.

BCS Title Game Prediction:

Alabama v. Oklahoma – I’m really against repeat match-ups in the Title Game, otherwise I’d have Alabama/LSU here, as they’re clearly to top-2 teams in the country. At least right now.

Week 7 Big Games:

Michigan @ Michigan State – Sparty’s at home and favored by a FG; but Michigan is faster and deeper. And, Michigan State has an eye on next weekend when Wisconsin rolls in. Michigan keeps climbing up the polls with a big road win here: 34 to 17

Baylor @ Texas A&M – On paper, A&M should have no trouble in this game. But, A&M has been the victim of several epic second half collapses this year. This bodes well for Griffin III and the boys from Baylor. Another upset here: Baylor 45 A&M 28

Oklahoma State @ Texas – How will Texas respond after getting blown out in the Red River Shootout? I’m guessing by losing to Oklahoma State 65 to 17.

Week 7 Game of the Week:

Arizona State @ Oregon – LaMichael James is probably out, Arizona State tends to play to their opponents level, so this is a great chance for the Sun Devils to pull off the upset, right? Wrong – unless ASU can completely control the pace, Oregon’s style is such that it will cause chaos and a lack of composure (two of ASU’s big weaknesses) which will lead to lots of turnovers. Oregon 51 ASU 31

Until next time…

Week 5 Recap and Week 6 Preview

Well, we’re five weeks in and still not much separation at the top. Undefeated Wisconsin, Clemson, and Alabama all had big wins against ranked teams, and continue to top the polls as well as their conferences. LSU continues to take care of business, and holds on to the top spot in the AP. I took a step back in the picks this weekend as I was only 2-2 in big games (15-5 overall), but I’m confident in this week’s picks. All of them!

Now here’s the Autumn Wind’s week 5 Top-10 recap:

1. As long as Trent Richardson keeps rushing for more yards than Alabama gets through the air, the Tide will continue to roll.

2. If you only saw the UCLA/Stanford score, you thought that Stanford won big; but since you didn’t watch the game (and most didn’t because of the late West Coast start time), note that it was 24-13 deep into the third, and Stanford pretty much ran in up by scoring two TDs in the 4^th, including one through the air with less than 2 minutes to go when they could have just run out the clock. Regardless, Luck is in total command of the offense, and Stanford has the nation’s longest winning streak.

3. Dear Nebraska, welcome to the Big 10. Wow, that recent Sports Illustrated article was right on: Wisconsin is the new Nebraska (well, minus all of the National Championships and Tom Osborne, of course).

4. Ye Ole Ball Coach got dominated by an Auburn team that lost 30 scholarship players from a year ago. Okay, maybe it wasn’t a total domination, but it was a South Carolina loss. Auburn has surprised me so far this year.

5. I haven’t seen Va. Tech play that poorly in Blacksburg in a long time. I’m not quite sure what to make out of the ACC at this point as, quite frankly, I don’t follow them much. Is Clemson that good, or is Va. Tech that bad?

6. In a battle of tough-loss-the-week-before game, Texas A&M once again jumped out to a huge halftime lead; losing it in the 2^nd half, this time to Arkansas. Arkansas and Oregon both have chances to get back into things if they can keep winning, as their only loses are to the #1 and #2 teams in the country.

7. TCU’s 22 game home winning streak is done. Overall, the Frogs haven’t looked good this year, but they did go down fighting by scoring 23 in the 4^th to make it a game. My question is what happened to the usual fast-starting TCU team? Oh yeah, Dalton, and much of the defense, is gone.

8. Griffin III threw for 346 and 5 TDs but the 4^th quarter interception @ Kansas State cost Baylor the game and Griffin’s shot at the Heisman. Still, Baylor is fun to watch, and somehow K. State is undefeated?

9. Maybe Notre Dame finally gets it. See what happens when you don’t turn the ball over? 550+ yards of offense, another solid defensive effort, and a blow out win. I’ll see you this weekend in South Bend!

10. Arizona State destroyed Oregon State after starting off extremely bad, but once again too many mistakes. Falling behind 13-0 at home to a winless team whilst committing three turnovers on your first three possessions is not going to get it done. Especially with back to back road games @ Utah and @ Oregon. I’ll take a split here.

Now on to the Top-10 in the standings:

Top-10:

#1 Alabama (5-0) – I don’t see a loss on your schedule (well, except for November 12^th at Mississippi State.

#2 LSU (5-0) – Time to beat up on the Gators.

#3 Oklahoma (4-0) – I asked you to score 65 against Ball State; 62 was close enough…

#4 Stanford (4-0) – Solid team all around; no weaknesses, except for injuries.

#5 Boise State (4-0) – Meh, if you’re gonna keep winning, at least cover, mmmkay?

#6 Oklahoma State (4-0) – Can you smell that Big 12 title?

#7 Wisconsin (5-0) – That entire offensive line should be drafted by the Vikings next year.

#8 Clemson (5-0) – Where did this come from?

#9 Oregon (3-1) – Time to get fat on PAC-12 opponents.

#10 Arkansas (4-1) – Should you run the table, where do you fit? Maybe #4?

Rising Fast:

Clemson – Sorry, I though the ACC was a two horse race. Well, I guess it is; just with Clemson and Georgia Tech (not Va. Tech and Florida State)

Falling Faster:

Texas A&M – Two weeks in row now you’ve choked away huge half-time leads against great teams. What could’a been…

Heisman Watch:

Andrew Luck, Stanford – How easy does Stanford’s Offensive Coordinator have it? Luck calls most of the plays, and manages the game extremely well.

BCS Title Game Prediction:

Alabama v. Oklahoma – I need to see Oklahoma play some more, but they’re about to get bounced from my title prediction in favor of Stanford.

Week 6 Big Games:

Florida @ LSU – If Florida got whipped that bad at home against Alabama, how bad will this one be @ LSU? Especially with an injured quarterback. LSU 38 Florida 10

Auburn @ Arkansas – Auburn has been a surprise after how much talent they lost. Arkansas is one of those perpetual “we’re one year away from winning the SEC” teams. Arkansas is better, and at home. Arkansas 38 Auburn 35

Ohio State @ Nebraska – A must win for the Huskers if they hope to contend in the Big 10 in their first year. Can the Blackshirts finally show up for a game? Can Martinez actually make some plays? Yes, and yes. Nebraska 45 Ohio State 20

Week 6 Game of the Week:

Oklahoma v. Texas – I’ll be honest, while I was expecting Texas to be undefeated for this game, I didn’t think they would be this impressive. Oklahoma’s favored, but Texas keeps it close. Oklahoma 37 Texas 34

Until next time…