As some readers know, I am the editor of the Elk Grove Citizen and my main responsibilities are on the news side of things. That means the election, and trust me, it keeps our news reporting staff very busy. Hence, I've not been able to update this as much as I'd liked; between work and personal life it's been busy.
Now that I'm back up and running a bit, things sure have changed on the college landscape. It's safe to say all the Buckeye Haters out there breathed a hugh sigh of relief when Penn State eeked out a 13-6 win in Columbus. No, Ohio State will not likely be in the title game again unless something major and drastic happens - like the entire top 10 losing twice each between now and December. Not really likely.
Texas is on a major roll, and a win at Texas Tech this week solidifies their No. 1 status. The SEC is beating itself up, with either Florida or Georgia being knocked out of the National Title hunt this weekend; and either LSU or Alabama taking a hit the following week. Don't forget the title game, too! BYU lost and lost a shot at a major bowl. TCU could squeak into the BCS. USC has lost some momentum, but has an easy schedule. So, in other words, there is still a lot of football to play.
TOP 10:
1. Texas - clear No. 1.
2. Penn State - I give them a slight nod over the Tide.
3. Alabama - Played lethargic in past few games.
4. Florida - Best 1-loss team by far.
5. Oklahoma State - Barely lost at No. 1, Very good team.
6. Texas Tech - We'll find out this weekend if they're for real.
7. Georgia - Impressive at LSU, not vs. Bama.
8. Oklahoma - Defense is weakness.
9. USC - Losing focus in weak conference.
10. Ohio State - Best two-loss team in nation.
Remember with the BCS bowls, the ACC champ and Big East champ get bids; and if Notre Dame can squeak into the Top 12 BCS rankings by season's end, they're in a BCS bowl. I see West Virginia coming out of the Big East and Florida State in the ACC. My guess is Penn State and OSU will win out; Texas will win out and destroy their opponent in the Big 12 title game; Florida will win the SEC with two losses, knocking it out of the title hunt; USC wins the Pac-10, but loses to Notre Dame. The Broncos of Boise State will go undefeated and play in a BCS bowl. If not the Broncos, then either TCU or Utah. I see the Irish winning out, but that's a huge leap. If ND doesn't get a BCS nod, look for a second SEC team in the mix. Okla. State will not lose the rest of the way, but miss out on the Big 12 title game.
Wild Cards: If Oregon State wins out, it is Pac-10 champ. The reality is, the Big East and ACC are a toss up. It could be Maryland and UConn, who knows? If both Boise State and Utah win out, they'd be undefeated and in the top 12 - guaranteeing BCS bowls. Would they play each other? Or, split off against teams with losses?
Bowl Predictions:
BCS Title Game
Texas v. Penn State
Rose Bowl;
Ohio State v. USC
Orange:
Florida State v. Notre Dame
Fiesta:
Oklahoma State v. Boise State
Sugar:
Florida v. West Virginia
JF
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Afternoon Picks....
For some of the other afternoon games; here goes nothing...
No. 17 Oklahoma State at No. 3 Missouri
If the Tigers are to be beaten right now, a team is going to have to win a shootout and outscore them. I see that possibly happening today, as Oklahoma State is explosive on offense and we've seen Missouri give up some points on defense. Chase Daniel is a Heisman front-runner and his play will dictate if the Tigers win or lose. My Pick: Missouri 45, Cowboys 35.
UPSET SPECIAL:
No. 6 Penn State at Wisconsin
The Badgers are hurt and trapped in a corner after two emotional losses in a row. Unfortunately for Penn State, they're the team coming into a hostile environment. Plus, that wild and zany and crazy Badger Marching Band will be back in action and ramped up after being suspended last weekend for the OSU game. My Pick: Badgers 21, Nittany Lions 20.
No. 23 Michigan State visits undefeated Northwestern in a big game in the Big Ten. Javon Ringer was held in check last week against Iowa but the Spartans got the win. Northwestern had a bye week to prepare for their biggest game of the season in front of their home fans. I think this will be a close match, with some points scored by both squads. My Pick: Spartans 27, Wildcats 24.
Notre Dame is visiting No. 22 North Carolina in a match-up between two surprising teams. The Irish haven't had a test like this on the road yet, and will be faving a difficult, well-coached, athletic Southern team. I think this may get ugly. My Pick: Tar Heels 42, Irish 16.
Purdue at No. 12 Ohio State.
The Beanie Wells-Terrelle Pryor show is still in its evoloutionary stages, but will be good enough to win this easily as the Buckeye defense dominates. Ohio State 44, Purdue 9.
Arizona State at No. 8 USC.....who ever plays quarterback for USC will lead the Trojans to a win. USC 34, Sun Devils 14.
Fresno State gets a break from a difficult schedule and wins big over Idaho. Bulldogs 43, Vandals 10.
Southern Miss bursts Boise State's bubble, with a big win at home. Golden Eagles 34, Broncos 23
Southern Utah comes to town on a roll; which is trouble for a 2-4 UC Davis team. Can you say, 'Home Loss?' Thunderbirds 31, Aggies 28.
JF
No. 17 Oklahoma State at No. 3 Missouri
If the Tigers are to be beaten right now, a team is going to have to win a shootout and outscore them. I see that possibly happening today, as Oklahoma State is explosive on offense and we've seen Missouri give up some points on defense. Chase Daniel is a Heisman front-runner and his play will dictate if the Tigers win or lose. My Pick: Missouri 45, Cowboys 35.
UPSET SPECIAL:
No. 6 Penn State at Wisconsin
The Badgers are hurt and trapped in a corner after two emotional losses in a row. Unfortunately for Penn State, they're the team coming into a hostile environment. Plus, that wild and zany and crazy Badger Marching Band will be back in action and ramped up after being suspended last weekend for the OSU game. My Pick: Badgers 21, Nittany Lions 20.
No. 23 Michigan State visits undefeated Northwestern in a big game in the Big Ten. Javon Ringer was held in check last week against Iowa but the Spartans got the win. Northwestern had a bye week to prepare for their biggest game of the season in front of their home fans. I think this will be a close match, with some points scored by both squads. My Pick: Spartans 27, Wildcats 24.
Notre Dame is visiting No. 22 North Carolina in a match-up between two surprising teams. The Irish haven't had a test like this on the road yet, and will be faving a difficult, well-coached, athletic Southern team. I think this may get ugly. My Pick: Tar Heels 42, Irish 16.
Purdue at No. 12 Ohio State.
The Beanie Wells-Terrelle Pryor show is still in its evoloutionary stages, but will be good enough to win this easily as the Buckeye defense dominates. Ohio State 44, Purdue 9.
Arizona State at No. 8 USC.....who ever plays quarterback for USC will lead the Trojans to a win. USC 34, Sun Devils 14.
Fresno State gets a break from a difficult schedule and wins big over Idaho. Bulldogs 43, Vandals 10.
Southern Miss bursts Boise State's bubble, with a big win at home. Golden Eagles 34, Broncos 23
Southern Utah comes to town on a roll; which is trouble for a 2-4 UC Davis team. Can you say, 'Home Loss?' Thunderbirds 31, Aggies 28.
JF
Texas closes within 1 point at halftime...
Texas just kicked a field goal to trail Oklahoma 21-20 at halftime. This is a great game so far....
Saturday blogging....
Big Game going on right now between No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 5 Texas. It's back and forth now after the Sooners ran out to a 21-10 lead over the Longhorns.
It's 21-17 in the second quarter and Texas is driving down....
Other Games:
Michigan is barely beating Toledo at home. The Wolverines are nursing a 10-7 lead. I think they could lose this one....
South Carolina is a good football team....They're up 14-7 against Kentucky at the moment. Mark my words, by the end of the Season, the Gamecocks will upset somebody and alter the BCS picture.
Minnesota is surprisingly holding high-scoring Illinois to only 3 points in the first half. If the Golden Gophers win this, they're bowl eligible in my book.
LATE GAME PICKS:
NO. 4 LSU at No. No. 11 Florida
Tim Tebow took the Ole Miss loss personally; and the Gators had a solid win at Arkansas to lead into this huge SEC game. Les Miles is having a great run at LSU and if he can win this road game, the Tigers have the inside line to the BCS Title game. I see the Gators coming up with a big home win behind Tebow's best game of the season. My Pick: Gators 37, LSU 31.
JF
It's 21-17 in the second quarter and Texas is driving down....
Other Games:
Michigan is barely beating Toledo at home. The Wolverines are nursing a 10-7 lead. I think they could lose this one....
South Carolina is a good football team....They're up 14-7 against Kentucky at the moment. Mark my words, by the end of the Season, the Gamecocks will upset somebody and alter the BCS picture.
Minnesota is surprisingly holding high-scoring Illinois to only 3 points in the first half. If the Golden Gophers win this, they're bowl eligible in my book.
LATE GAME PICKS:
NO. 4 LSU at No. No. 11 Florida
Tim Tebow took the Ole Miss loss personally; and the Gators had a solid win at Arkansas to lead into this huge SEC game. Les Miles is having a great run at LSU and if he can win this road game, the Tigers have the inside line to the BCS Title game. I see the Gators coming up with a big home win behind Tebow's best game of the season. My Pick: Gators 37, LSU 31.
JF
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Wednesday Mid-Week notes....
I just saw the story about Auburn firing its new offensive coordinator, Tony Franklin. It was about time, as the Tiger's offense was very bad.
The firing of Franklin is good news for Tiger fans and bad news for two teams in the SEC - Georgia and NO. 2 Alabama.
Auburn heads into the last six games of the season with four very easy, win-bale games. These are also games where Tommy Tuberville can work on his own offense (now that he's taking over Franklin's duties.)
Then Auburn hosts No. 10 Georgia and then visits No. 2 Alabama.
Trust me, Auburn is a very good SEC football team with the athletes and coaching to compete with anyone. They are still ranked 20th even with two losses. Don't be surprised if the Tigers begin to click on offense over the next few weeks (home vs. Arkansas; at West Virginia and Ole Miss, then home to Tennessee Martin.
After those four games - most likely four wins - the Tigers may be able to pull an upset or two to close the season. Boy would that mess up the BCS picture!
It's official, the Terrelle Pryor love-fest has begun. After Ohio State's huge road win over a determined, trapped-in-a-corner Badger team, the love began to shower all over Pryor.
Numerous columnists and experts have annointed Pryor the next great player in college football. All I can say is, I definitely agree, but don't get too wild with the praise.
Remember years ago when a certain Beano Cook predicted two or three Heisman Trophies for a certain Notre Dame signal caller? Well, Ron Paulus didn't win anything and the Irish flopped during his years under center. So much for the hype.
I think Pryor will be great - maybe this season - but predicting him as maybe the greatest player ever in college history is a bit much considering he's started three games.
UC Davis and Sacramento State meet on Nov. 8 in Davis, near the end of the season, in the Causeway Classic.
The way both teams are going right now, that game may be the deciding factor in whether one team has a winning record or a losing campaign this season.
Both have some tough games remaining on the schedule, and will need to win the games they're expected to in order to finish about .500.
Davis is 2-4 entering this week's game against Southern Oregon. The Aggies finish the year with two very difficult road games - at Cal Poly and at UC San Diego.
Although it's a ways off, I see a Hornet victory in my crystal ball. The Aggies have a tradition of excellence, but the move up to Div. 1 AA (I still call it this) has not been good for Davis.
At 3-3, Sac. State is having a great year if you compare it to past seasons; so look for a change in attitude over at CSUS and a big win over the Aggies.
Jeff Forward
The firing of Franklin is good news for Tiger fans and bad news for two teams in the SEC - Georgia and NO. 2 Alabama.
Auburn heads into the last six games of the season with four very easy, win-bale games. These are also games where Tommy Tuberville can work on his own offense (now that he's taking over Franklin's duties.)
Then Auburn hosts No. 10 Georgia and then visits No. 2 Alabama.
Trust me, Auburn is a very good SEC football team with the athletes and coaching to compete with anyone. They are still ranked 20th even with two losses. Don't be surprised if the Tigers begin to click on offense over the next few weeks (home vs. Arkansas; at West Virginia and Ole Miss, then home to Tennessee Martin.
After those four games - most likely four wins - the Tigers may be able to pull an upset or two to close the season. Boy would that mess up the BCS picture!
It's official, the Terrelle Pryor love-fest has begun. After Ohio State's huge road win over a determined, trapped-in-a-corner Badger team, the love began to shower all over Pryor.
Numerous columnists and experts have annointed Pryor the next great player in college football. All I can say is, I definitely agree, but don't get too wild with the praise.
Remember years ago when a certain Beano Cook predicted two or three Heisman Trophies for a certain Notre Dame signal caller? Well, Ron Paulus didn't win anything and the Irish flopped during his years under center. So much for the hype.
I think Pryor will be great - maybe this season - but predicting him as maybe the greatest player ever in college history is a bit much considering he's started three games.
UC Davis and Sacramento State meet on Nov. 8 in Davis, near the end of the season, in the Causeway Classic.
The way both teams are going right now, that game may be the deciding factor in whether one team has a winning record or a losing campaign this season.
Both have some tough games remaining on the schedule, and will need to win the games they're expected to in order to finish about .500.
Davis is 2-4 entering this week's game against Southern Oregon. The Aggies finish the year with two very difficult road games - at Cal Poly and at UC San Diego.
Although it's a ways off, I see a Hornet victory in my crystal ball. The Aggies have a tradition of excellence, but the move up to Div. 1 AA (I still call it this) has not been good for Davis.
At 3-3, Sac. State is having a great year if you compare it to past seasons; so look for a change in attitude over at CSUS and a big win over the Aggies.
Jeff Forward
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
My Top 15
Here is my Top 15 after last weekend's games.
1.) Oklahoma
2.) Penn State
3.) Missouri
4.) Texas
5.) LSU
6.) Alabama
7.) Florida
8.) Georgia
9.) USC
10.) Ohio State
11.) Vanderbilt
12.) Texas Tech
13.) BYU
14.) Utah
15.) Boise State
A few notes. I think by far, right now, the Big 12 is leading the way. Missouri looks unstoppable on offense...so, all they need to do is outscore people. Oklahoma and Texas are both loaded with talent and great QBs....like Missouri.
Alabama is not as good as people think and their offense will cost them two games this season. Georgia is not as bad as the loss to Alabama, but they'll lose at least one more game. Florida and LSU are the class of the SEC at the moment, but don't overlook Vanderbilt...and yes, South Carolina.
I think Penn State is doing great, but Ohio State will win at home versus the Nittany Lions and finish 11-1. Terrelle Pryor and Beanie Wells are awesome and this is not the same team that lost to the Trojans.
A shocking trio of non-BCS teams are making waves - Boise State, BYU, and Utah. All are undefeated, well-coached, have excellent players that fit their systems, and are in relatively easy conferences.
Jeff Forward
Citizen College Football Writer
1.) Oklahoma
2.) Penn State
3.) Missouri
4.) Texas
5.) LSU
6.) Alabama
7.) Florida
8.) Georgia
9.) USC
10.) Ohio State
11.) Vanderbilt
12.) Texas Tech
13.) BYU
14.) Utah
15.) Boise State
A few notes. I think by far, right now, the Big 12 is leading the way. Missouri looks unstoppable on offense...so, all they need to do is outscore people. Oklahoma and Texas are both loaded with talent and great QBs....like Missouri.
Alabama is not as good as people think and their offense will cost them two games this season. Georgia is not as bad as the loss to Alabama, but they'll lose at least one more game. Florida and LSU are the class of the SEC at the moment, but don't overlook Vanderbilt...and yes, South Carolina.
I think Penn State is doing great, but Ohio State will win at home versus the Nittany Lions and finish 11-1. Terrelle Pryor and Beanie Wells are awesome and this is not the same team that lost to the Trojans.
A shocking trio of non-BCS teams are making waves - Boise State, BYU, and Utah. All are undefeated, well-coached, have excellent players that fit their systems, and are in relatively easy conferences.
Jeff Forward
Citizen College Football Writer
Saturday, October 4, 2008
October 4th Picks
The season is in full swing now and there are some big games tomorrow....
No. 23 Oregon at No. 9 USC
The Trojans are really banged up with injuries following their shocking loss at Oregon State last Thursday. Now, they face a tough Duck squad that also loves to run the ball. Rey Maualuga is out, so look for a close game and possible upset....Mike Bellotti can coach and is due for a win in Los Angeles.
MY PICK: Ducks 28, Trojans 24.
No. 14 Ohio State at No. 18 Wisconsin
The Badgers flopped big time last week against Michigan, losing 27-25 after dominating in the first half with a 19-0 lead and causing five turnovers. They were being talked about as national title contenders, but all that flew out the window with the loss to the Wolverines - made worse by the nullification of a tying two-point conversion attempt because of a basic penalty. Now a renewed Ohio State team comes to town with Beanie Wells back in action along with super freshman Terrelle Pryor. I see a big Buckeye win with a powerful ground game mixed with an ever improving Buckeye defense.
MY PICK: OSU 38, Badgers 20.
No. 13 Auburn at No. 19 Vanderbilt
The Commodores are off to a great start and look to keep rolling at home against what is an over-rated Tiger squad that has had offensive difficulties this season. I see a solid defensive effort by both teams, but Vanderbilt's edge on offense will lead them to another win and higher ranking.
MY PICK: Commodores 17, Tigers 12.
UPSET SPECIAL
Kentucky at No. 2 Alabama
Last season the Wildcats got a taste of upsets with a run in the top 25 for much of the season; defeating eventual national champion LSU in overtime. Nick Saban's squad has demolished everyone in its path, but could be ripe for a let down against an undefeated and talented Kentucky team.
MY PICK: Wildcats 34, Tide 31.
QUICK FIVE PICKS:
North Carolina Tar Heels over No. 25 UConn, 33-23.
No. 12 Florida over Arkansas, 42-10.
No. 6 Penn State over Purdue, 45-16
No. 20 Va. Tech over Western Kentucky, 35-0.
No. 5 Texas is victorious at Colorado.
Upset Special No. 2
Nebraska vs. No. 4 Missouri
The Cornhuskers had a tough loss to a good Virginia Tech team and will be fired up to play Mizzou, which has not won in Lincoln in a long, long, long, long time. (ask a Tiger alum)
Chase Daniel has been awesome, but has not had a bad game yet. Turner Gill and Buffalo gave some ideas to Missouri's future opponents and I believe Bo Pelini will devise a great defensive game plan and win a close one with some big defensive plays and sacks.
MY PICK: Huskers 28, Mizzou 27.
Final Five Picks:
Stanford wallops Notre Dame
Cal barely beats ASU
Bruins of UCLA defeat Wash. State handily.
Nevada pulls out road win in Idaho.
No. 22 Fresno State routs Hawaii.
Jeff Forward
Citizen College Football Writer
No. 23 Oregon at No. 9 USC
The Trojans are really banged up with injuries following their shocking loss at Oregon State last Thursday. Now, they face a tough Duck squad that also loves to run the ball. Rey Maualuga is out, so look for a close game and possible upset....Mike Bellotti can coach and is due for a win in Los Angeles.
MY PICK: Ducks 28, Trojans 24.
No. 14 Ohio State at No. 18 Wisconsin
The Badgers flopped big time last week against Michigan, losing 27-25 after dominating in the first half with a 19-0 lead and causing five turnovers. They were being talked about as national title contenders, but all that flew out the window with the loss to the Wolverines - made worse by the nullification of a tying two-point conversion attempt because of a basic penalty. Now a renewed Ohio State team comes to town with Beanie Wells back in action along with super freshman Terrelle Pryor. I see a big Buckeye win with a powerful ground game mixed with an ever improving Buckeye defense.
MY PICK: OSU 38, Badgers 20.
No. 13 Auburn at No. 19 Vanderbilt
The Commodores are off to a great start and look to keep rolling at home against what is an over-rated Tiger squad that has had offensive difficulties this season. I see a solid defensive effort by both teams, but Vanderbilt's edge on offense will lead them to another win and higher ranking.
MY PICK: Commodores 17, Tigers 12.
UPSET SPECIAL
Kentucky at No. 2 Alabama
Last season the Wildcats got a taste of upsets with a run in the top 25 for much of the season; defeating eventual national champion LSU in overtime. Nick Saban's squad has demolished everyone in its path, but could be ripe for a let down against an undefeated and talented Kentucky team.
MY PICK: Wildcats 34, Tide 31.
QUICK FIVE PICKS:
North Carolina Tar Heels over No. 25 UConn, 33-23.
No. 12 Florida over Arkansas, 42-10.
No. 6 Penn State over Purdue, 45-16
No. 20 Va. Tech over Western Kentucky, 35-0.
No. 5 Texas is victorious at Colorado.
Upset Special No. 2
Nebraska vs. No. 4 Missouri
The Cornhuskers had a tough loss to a good Virginia Tech team and will be fired up to play Mizzou, which has not won in Lincoln in a long, long, long, long time. (ask a Tiger alum)
Chase Daniel has been awesome, but has not had a bad game yet. Turner Gill and Buffalo gave some ideas to Missouri's future opponents and I believe Bo Pelini will devise a great defensive game plan and win a close one with some big defensive plays and sacks.
MY PICK: Huskers 28, Mizzou 27.
Final Five Picks:
Stanford wallops Notre Dame
Cal barely beats ASU
Bruins of UCLA defeat Wash. State handily.
Nevada pulls out road win in Idaho.
No. 22 Fresno State routs Hawaii.
Jeff Forward
Citizen College Football Writer
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