College Football Week 4 Bold Predictions

1. Texas Tech outguns TCU in Lubbock

You can bet the Red Raiders haven't forgotten about last year's 82 - 27 demolition in Fort Worth.  If Texas Tech can start fast, and get and keep the home crowd involved, I think they have a chance to hang with the Horned Frogs.  And if it's close in the fourth quarter, anything can happen.  Not to mention, TCU has lost four straight games at Texas Tech.  On Saturday, I think it becomes five straight, with a 41 - 38 upset of Gary Patterson's squad.

2. Virginia Tech falls to East Carolina for second straight year

Last year, the Hokies came into this game riding high after knocking off Ohio State on their home turf.  Beamer Ball (TM) was back and Virginia Tech was primed for a great year.  Then, East Carolina came along and gave the Hokies a taste of their own medicine with a 28 - 21 upset in Blacksburg.  The loss sent Virginia Tech spiraling into a season full of mediocrity, as they went on to finish 7 - 6.  This is a pivotal moment again for VT this year.  I think the Pirates come out loose and get the job done again, 27 - 24.

3. Ohio State's defense keeps the Broncos out of the end zone

All the focus recently has been on the Buckeyes' offensive problems and who should be starting at quarterback.  Meanwhile, the Silver Bullets have been outright nasty, and have proven that they will find ways to win games no matter how the offense plays and who is taking snaps at QB.  While I think Jones and the rest of the OSU offense makes major strides against Western Michigan, it will be the defense that really shines again.  They might give up a couple of field goals, but that's it, as the Buckeyes move to 4 - 0 with a much more satisfying 38 - 6 win.

4. Bobcats notch surprise win over Gophers

Minnesota's defense is good enough to keep them in the game against some of the best teams in the country, as evident by their narrow 23 - 17 loss to TCU in the season opener.  But their offensive struggles make them susceptible to lose to just about anyone, as they barely survived contests against Colorado State and Kent State.  Unless the Gophers can find a way to move the ball more consistently, this match-up with a good Ohio team will be another close one.  Look for the Bobcats to come away victorious in this game, 17 - 13.

5. Arizona State changes their fight song to Florence + The Machine's "Shake It Out"

Tempe councilman David Schapira, who had back surgery in July, had an unfortunate encounter with ASU mascot Sparky during halftime of the Sun Devils' game against New Mexico.  Schapira's recovery has been reportedly delayed by 4-6 weeks as a result of the shenanigans.  I think Arizona State has no choice now but to change their official fight song to Florence + The Machine's "Shake It Out", because it's hard to dance with a devil on your back.

College Football Week 3 Recap

First, let's see how I did with my Week 3 Bold Predictions:

1. Boston College upsets Florida State

The Eagles' defense did all they could, clamping down after Florida State's opening drive, in which the Seminoles scored the game's first (and only) offensive points.  But Boston College was kept off the scoreboard, after racking up 100 points over their first two contests (against back-to-back FCS opponents).  Perhaps BC should consider scheduling a bit more aggressively in the future, so that they might be more prepared for conference play.  As it was, the Eagles' offense seemed lost, as they fell 14 - 0 to the Seminoles.

2. USC blows out Stanford by 3 touchdowns or more

So much for this prediction.  Stanford was in control of this game, and it was the Trojans' defense that couldn't contain the balanced Cardinal attack.  USC lost 41 - 31 to Stanford, and now face an uphill battle to get back in the Pac 12 race, let alone playoff contention.  Perhaps it was a bit premature to say the Trojans were back to their dominant pre-sanction ways.

3. Three different Buckeyes throw touchdown passes against Northern Illinois

Another prediction I completely whiffed on.  J.T. Barrett was the only Ohio State player to score any kind of offensive touchdown, after relieving a struggling Jones.  Barrett had struggles of his own, though, and the Buckeye offense as a whole just seemed off.  Whether it's been due to the odd 3-4 defense Hawaii and Northern Illinois both used, adjusting to changes in the coaching staff and player personnel, or simply mental errors and mistakes across the board (the reality is probably some combination of all of these), I'm confident Meyer will get the issues on offense rectified.  In the meantime, the defense has been playing lights-out.  Darron Lee's 41-yard pick six late in the third quarter may have saved the game, as Ohio State survived, 20 - 13.

4. Indiana and Western Kentucky combine for 80+ points

There were definitely fireworks, but not enough to get this prediction right.  The game went back-and-forth and the final score was close, as expected, but the teams combined for only 73 points.  Indiana goes to 3 - 0 after the 38 - 35 win over the Hilltoppers.

5. Rutgers makes it through weekend without any more players or coaches getting arrested and/or suspended

Well, they did it.  Rutgers made it through the weekend without any more players or coaches getting in trouble.  But with all their focus on not screwing up, they forgot they had a football game against Penn State, and were handed an ugly 28 - 3 loss.  On a positive note, Rutgers' interim coach Norries Wilson handled the post-game press conference like a boss.  If he manages his players like he manages the media, I think we'll start to see some better things out of the Scarlet Knights in the coming weeks.

Week 3 record: 1 - 4
Overall record: 3 - 12

I guess I shouldn't quit my day job anytime soon.

Other headlines from week 3:

Wild 66-yard touchdown highlights Ole Miss win over Alabama

Ole Miss upset the Tide last year, but not many picked them to do the same this year, with the game at Alabama.  The Rebels had won only 1 of the last 27 games in Tuscaloosa, and had never claimed back-to-back victories over the Crimson Tide.  But there's a first time for everything, and the Rebels managed to pull off another shocking upset, 43 - 37, helped along with some crazy plays like this one:

Fournette and Chubb take early lead in Heisman race

The workhorse running backs at LSU and Georgia both tore up SEC defenses this weekend in blowout wins for their programs.  Fournette was fueled by some comments made by Auburn safety Rudy Ford, who said it "shouldn't be difficult" to stop the 6'1", 230 pound running back (the Tigers apparently didn't learn from the backfiring of last year's Outback Bowl trash talk).  Chubb was likely motivated by last year's loss to South Carolina.  Can these two powerful running backs keep up the strong performances throughout the season, with one of them possibly taking home the Heisman?

Northwestern, Iowa, Indiana biggest surprises in Big Ten so far

If someone had told me before the season that other than Ohio State and Michigan State, the Wildcats, Hawkeyes, and Hoosiers would be the other undefeated B1G teams going into week 4, I wouldn't have believed them.  Looking at the schedules of Iowa and especially Indiana, it's not that surprising that they've made it this far without a loss, and it seems inevitable that both will falter sooner rather than later.  But still, 3-0 is 3-0.  Northwestern is the real shocker, after pulling off upset wins over Stanford and Duke.  Can they keep the magic alive and compete for the Big Ten West title?

Ohio State of Mind: Northern Illinois

Underestimate no one.

Anyone who looks at Northern Illinois and sees just another "cupcake" doesn't know what they're talking about.  This is a good team with high caliber players that will beat us if we aren't prepared.

Make no excuses.

Last week was our wake-up call.  We can't just show up and expect to win.  If we aren't ready to play against the Huskies, how can we expect to be ready for Penn State, Minnesota, Michigan State, etc?  We have to be ready.

Hold nothing back.

Every team will play their best game against us this year.  We have to leave it all on the field every game or the other team will take it from us.

Yield to no one.  Surrender nothing.

Go Bucks.  Beat Northern Illinois.

College Football Week 3 Bold Predictions

1. Boston College upsets Florida State

The Eagles have played the Seminoles close the last two years, but came up short on both occasions.  I think third time's the charm for Boston College, as they deal a significant blow to Florida State's playoff aspirations with a win at home.  33 - 30, BC.

2. USC blows out Stanford by 3 touchdowns or more

The last five meetings between these two teams has been decided by 8 points or less, but I think that's about to change.  The Trojans are finally starting to recover from NCAA sanctions imposed after the Bush scandal, and the Cardinal look like they might have a down year.  Unless Stanford's defense really steps up, this one could get out of hand fast.  I think USC's high-powered aerial attack is too much for David Shaw's squad, as Stanford falls, 38 - 17.

3. Three different Buckeyes throw touchdown passes against Northern Illinois

Both Cardale Jones and JT Barrett had touchdown passes in week 1 against Virginia Tech, but Ohio State was held without a touchdown pass against Hawaii last weekend - breaking a streak of 24 straight games with such scores, which tied a school record  I think Ohio State's passing game gets back on track this week against Northern Illinois.  Cardale and JT should both get a fair amount of playing time, and Meyer has hinted at the possibility of Miller being ready to throw.  There's also a chance that Stephen Collier gets some reps late, if the Buckeyes have a big enough lead.  No matter who does the scoring, I think Ohio State's offense is too much for the Huskies as they cruise to a 49 - 17 win.

4. Indiana and Western Kentucky combine for 80+ points

I expect fireworks in Bloomington, as both these teams tend to not play extremely sound defense but sport high-powered offenses.  Indiana gets the win, but it ain't pretty, 44 - 42.

5. Rutgers makes it through weekend without any more players or coaches getting arrested and/or suspended

Last weekend, the Scarlet Knights' star receiver, Leonte Carroo, was arrested for body slamming a woman into concrete following the team's loss to Washington State.  Before that, six current and two former players were arrested on various charges related to home invasions and attempted robbery.  And now, the latest scandal for the team involves head coach Kyle Flood, who has been suspended 3 games for violating university policies related to contacting professors.  The off-field issues with this program have been seemingly endless, but I think if they focus all their energy on not screwing up they might be able to make it two days without any more problems.  Maybe.

College Football Week 2 Recap

First, a look at how I fared in my Week 2 Bold Predictions:

1. Michigan State drops 40+ on Oregon... and loses

The game started with offensive fireworks, but both defenses eventually settled in.  But it was the Michigan State defense that made key plays when they needed to, helping the Spartans notch a key victory over Oregon, 31 - 28.

2. Tennessee bests Oklahoma by a touchdown or more

This prediction looked good at first, as Tennessee built up a 17 - 0 lead over the Sooners at home.  But a second half collapse for the Vols allowed Oklahoma to claw their way back and eventually tie it and send the game to overtime.  The teams traded scores in the first OT, but Oklahoma clinched the game with a touchdown, followed by an interception to end the game in double OT.  Final score: 31 - 24, Oklahoma.

3. Ohio State's "Zone 6" lights up the scoreboard with 6+ touchdowns against Hawaii

I was way off on this one, as the Buckeye offense started slow and never really hit its stride against the Rainbow Warriors.  The usually high-powered unit only scored four touchdowns, three courtesy of Zeke and one coming from his back-up, Brionte Dunn.  The defense stepped up, though, by shutting out Hawaii and scoring a touchdown of their own.  Ohio State won 38 - 0, but there's still a lot of room for improvement.

4. B1G rebounds with 12 or more wins

The games I thought would be close, were: Michigan State held off Oregon, Washington State scored with 13 seconds left to beat Rutgers, and Iowa scored two late touchdowns to take down rival Iowa State.  There were a few other close games for the Big Ten, but the one surprise was Maryland falling to Bowling Green by 21 points at home.  Other than that and Rutgers' loss, the Big Ten looked pretty good in week 2.

5. AP voters decide to just put the whole damn SEC in the top 25

Well, well, well... so much for this prediction.  Auburn nearly lost to Jacksonville State.  Alabama and Georgia looked so-so against Middle Tennessee and Vanderbilt, respectively.  Arkansas fell to Toledo.  Tennessee blew a 17-point lead in their loss to Oklahoma.  And Missouri and Florida struggled to beat Arkansas State and East Carolina.  The effect of all this SEC mediocrity was a drop from 10 ranked teams down to 7.  Auburn also tumbled 12 spots, to number 18.  Although, if Gus Malzahn had his way, the Tigers would have stayed at 6 and Jacksonville State would've catapulted into the top 25.  Because according to the Auburn head coach, "most teams wouldn't win that game."  Yeah, OK, coach.

Week 2 record: 1 - 4
Overall record: 2 - 8

Other headlines from week 2:

Notre Dame quarterback Zaire out for season

Fighting Irish playoff hopes took a big hit on Saturday, as starting quarterback Malik Zaire suffered a broken ankle during the win over Virginia.  Redshirt freshman DeShone Kizer stepped in for the injured QB and helped Notre Dame survive the Cavaliers' upset bid via a 39-yard touchdown pass with 12 seconds left.  But the future remains cloudy in South Bend, as the Irish prepare for Georgia Tech with a new signal caller at the helm.

Kent State kicker shows girls can ball too

April Goss kicked an extra point for the Golden Flashes in the second quarter of their win over Delaware State.  With the kick, she becomes only the second female to score in a FBS game.  You go, girl.

Remembering which team you're on major challenge for University of Florida football players

First, two Florida players blocked each other in an embarrassing loss to Georgia Southern back in 2013.  Then, a couple gators did it again last year in an OT loss to South Carolina.  This time, we see one of their players tackling a teammate after he recovers a fumble.  Now, you could give him the benefit of the doubt and claim that he did it to prevent a score, which would give the ball back to East Carolina late.  But there would have been probably less than 10 seconds left in the game by the time the defender scored (to put Florida up by 14).  Meaning there would literally not be enough time for the Pirates to score a touchdown, recover an onside kick, and score again to send it to overtime.  Considering that, and the recent issues Florida has had along these lines, I'm going to go ahead and say the guy just got confused.  Hey, at least they won this time.

Ohio State of Mind: Hawaii

It doesn't matter that we're supposed to win by 40.

On the first kick-off, the scoreboard will still read 0 - 0.  Being a heavy favorite won't help us tackle.  It won't allow us to gain more yards or score more points.  We still have to earn every inch on that football field and if we aren't prepared, we won't be successful.

It doesn't matter that we have 15 former four-star or five-star recruits in our freshman class and they've had 2 in the last ten years.

They will still be motivated, perhaps more so because of that.  They will play their hardest football of the year because of where they are and who they're playing.  And if we don't match their level of intensity, we will lose.

It doesn't matter that we could have as many as 7 players drafted in the first round of next year's NFL draft.

What happens in the future doesn't help us today.  Ignore what the analysts think.  Disregard projections for conference winners and bowl games and playoffs, because it won't change what happens on that football field.  If we listen to the hype surrounding our own football team, we will fall.

It doesn't matter if Hawaii players do the Haka dance or wear retro uniforms with rainbow stripes.

All that matters is 60 minutes of all-or-nothing football.  All that matters is leaving it all on the field.  All that matters is beating them.  We will beat them.

Go Bucks.  Beat Hawaii.

College Football Week 2 Bold Predictions

1. Michigan State drops 40+ on Oregon... and loses

The Ducks will be underdogs for the first time since 2011, and on paper, the Spartans are the better team.  But both teams looked vulnerable defensively in their season openers, making me think this could turn into a shootout. That scenario definitely favors Oregon, and I think they come away victorious after a 4th quarter touchdown drive puts them on top to win, 45 - 42.

2. Tennessee bests Oklahoma by a touchdown or more

The Vols are a popular sleeper pick in the SEC East, and I believe they will win that division.  But before they can even think about that, they must face a tough Sooner team that is a slight favorite.  I see this game staying close well into the 4th quarter, but a late Oklahoma turnover gives Tennessee a score and the game, 33 - 24 Vols.

3. Ohio State's "Zone 6" lights up the scoreboard with 6+ touchdowns against Hawaii

The talented Buckeye receiving corps did some serious damage against a good Virginia Tech secondary last week.  This week, Jalin Marshall, Dontre Wilson, and Corey Smith return from suspension and the Rainbow Warriors don't have an answer for a single one of them (or Michael Thomas, or Braxton Miller, or Curtis Samuel...).  Look for many scores - on the ground and through the air - for this dynamic bunch of wide receivers and H-backs.  It's a short week for Ohio State, but they still cruise to an easy win, 59 - 10.

4. B1G rebounds with 12 or more wins

The conference managed only 8 wins last week, against a lineup of mostly mediocre/weak opponents.  The match-ups get easier this week, so I expect a strong showing with no more than 2 losses.  The only games I see being close are: Michigan State vs Oregon, Rutgers vs Washington State, Iowa vs Iowa State, and maybe one or two others. If the Big Ten can win some of these close games and avoid upsets elsewhere, they should be able to manage an impressive 12 wins in week 2.

5. AP voters decide to just put the whole damn SEC in the top 25

The Southeastern Conference landed a record 10 teams in the rankings after week 1, which begs the question: why aren't the other 4 ranked?  The voters can easily fix this by inserting any remaining unbeaten, unranked SEC teams into the top 25 without question.  In the case of those with losses, simply add the team that beat said SEC team to the top 25 and now it's a "quality loss".  Boom. All 14 SEC teams justifiably ranked.  Good luck having a better strength of schedule than any SEC team, teams from other crappy conferences.