First and 2: Recapping week 3
Top-10 Bold Prediction: USC takes down Stanford
The Cardinal controlled this one from the start, and McCaffrey shined as usual, as Stanford won 27 - 10.
B1G Bold Prediction: Colorado stuns Michigan in the Big House
The Buffs jumped out to a 14 - 0 lead, and kept it close for a while, but ultimately couldn't keep up with the Wolverines. Michigan prevailed, 45 - 28, but showed some potential weaknesses that other teams will undoubtedly try to exploit.
Buckeye Bold Prediction: Defense records pick-six in third straight game
Basic defense? The Silver Bullets were anything but basic as they held a potent Oklahoma offense in check all game. And once again, they registered a pick-six. This time it was Jerome Baker who capitalized, intercepting a tipped pass and returning it 68 yards for the score. For those of you keeping track at home, the Ohio State defense has now scored 28 points this season. Opposing offenses? 23 points. Hell, if the secondary keeps playing like this the Buckeyes won't even need an offense. They can just have Johnson punt on first down and let the Bullets do their thing. Somewhere, Jim Tressel just wet himself.
Why-not Bold Prediction: Cal upends up-and-coming Texas
Against opponents not named UTEP, the Longhorns have surrendered 45 points on average. Granted, two games is a small sample size and the Notre Dame score was inflated because of the two overtime periods. But still, I think it's safe to say Texas isn't back yet. Better, maybe, but not "back."
Not-so-bold Bold Prediction: Jim Harbaugh is a booger eater
Yep.
Week 3 record: 3 - 2
2016 record: 8 - 7
2016 record: 8 - 7
Second and 6: Predicting the future!
Top-10 Bold Prediction: Stanford falls to UCLA
It's really just a matter of time until the Cardinal drops a game or two. Maybe it happens this week? UCLA wins by 6.
B1G Bold Prediction: Badgers take down Spartans in East Lansing
This one will depend greatly on the health of Wisconsin's running backs. They have four running backs with game experience, and three of them are listed as questionable. If #6 Corey Clement plays, I believe the Badgers have a chance in this one. MSU suffers their first loss of the season, 23 - 20.
Buckeye Bold Prediction: I come face-to-face with former OSU players
Hey, it could happen...
Why-not Bold Prediction: Clemson stumbles at Georgia Tech
The Tigers have looked shaky against real competition so far, and they could fall victim to what looks like a classic trap game this Thursday. They are certainly aware of what Louisville did to the Seminoles, and may very well be looking ahead to their match-up with the Cardinals in two weeks. But first, they have to deal with an always dangerous Georgia Tech triple option attack. With enough time to prepare, it can be defended without too much trouble, but they have just a few days to get ready. The home team has walked away with the win the past six times these squads met. Clemson travels to Atlanta, where they will lose, 31 - 28.
Not-so-bold Bold Prediction: Louisville's Lamar Jackson lights up scoreboard... again
Florida State couldn't stop him. There's no way Marshall, who gave up 560 yards and 65 points to Akron, can stop #8. The Cardinals crush the Herd, 66 - 14, behind another big game from Jackson.
They certainly looked legit in their 63 - 20 demolition of Florida State. And I'm not questioning the talent of the Cardinals or the ability of Jackson, which was prominently on display Saturday. But with the win, they go from being the hunter to being the hunted. The former is always easier, because the pressure is infinitely lower. They've vaulted to 3rd in the AP poll; can they deal with the expectations and the spotlight that comes with it? They have all the pieces to be a championship caliber team, and I won't even be surprised if they beat Clemson on Oct 1. But I will be surprised if they end up in the top 4 at the end of the year, just because these are kids who aren't used to being given the media attention and praise week in and week out. Eventually, I think it will become too much for Louisville, and they will drop a couple of games. I could be wrong, of course.
Third and 3: Is Louisville for real?
They certainly looked legit in their 63 - 20 demolition of Florida State. And I'm not questioning the talent of the Cardinals or the ability of Jackson, which was prominently on display Saturday. But with the win, they go from being the hunter to being the hunted. The former is always easier, because the pressure is infinitely lower. They've vaulted to 3rd in the AP poll; can they deal with the expectations and the spotlight that comes with it? They have all the pieces to be a championship caliber team, and I won't even be surprised if they beat Clemson on Oct 1. But I will be surprised if they end up in the top 4 at the end of the year, just because these are kids who aren't used to being given the media attention and praise week in and week out. Eventually, I think it will become too much for Louisville, and they will drop a couple of games. I could be wrong, of course.
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