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Dr. Tressel and Mr. Pryor Deliver

Earlier this season, I was in the camp of critical observers of Tressel's offensive strategy and Pryor's inability to read defenses.  After the Purdue game, I was highly critical of OSU's offense - not just this season, but every season under Tressel.  My primary criticism was based on the Tressel's outward resistance/apathy toward having a top 10 offense to go along with the top ten defense each year.  How many championships have been lost because the offense could not deliver in big games?  Several.

As expected the win against Oregon in the Rose Bowl has temporarily silenced the critics.  Tressel's pass first approach was not expected by anyone, especially Oregon.  The Senator gave the pupil a good lesson in football...balance wins games.  OSU had offense and defense.  Oregon had little of either.  If not for special teams play, Oregon may have not scored. 

Maybe the Rose Bowl game reflects Tressel's ability to bend his offensive philosophy.  The defensive side of the ball made the change three years ago, and has been paying dividends for two seasons.  Compared to 2007, OSU's co-defensive coordinator's Heacock and Fickel, have shown a fantastic ability to adjust to the current spread/no huddle offenses.  The spread offense is no longer a thorn in OSU's side.  The coaching staff has recruited faster players who close the gaps much quicker.  If Tressel has made a change on the offensive side of the ball, 2010 will be a special season.

College Bowl Top Five

Seems fitting that college football bowl season is beginning today with DC getting about a foot of snow right now.  A lot of stories have been written, but here are my top five games.

Alabama vs Texas.  Hard to not love the match up against two of the most storied programs in college football history.  Texas slept walked through the regular season, barely cracking a sweat except against Texas in the Big 12 Championship game.  Bama had a few close calls, but pretty much dominated the SEC.  Tide running back Mark Ingram became the first Alabama Heisman Trophy winner last week.  Recent history suggests this favors Texas though. 

The key to the game will be Texas' offense against Bama's phenomenal defense.  Can McCoy and Co. deliver?  I think they do.  The stage is set for a great game.  Texas wins 24-21.

Oregon vs. Ohio State.  Oregon has a high powered offense led by QB Jeremiah Masoli.  Ohio State is led by a quick, opportunistic defense.  PAC 10 has dominated the Big 10 in the Rose Bowl this decade.  Ohio State has not won a big non-conference/bowl game since 2005.  Can the Buckeyes get back on track?  Can Pryor deliver on the big stage, and set up the high expectations for 2010?  The winner will likely be a top 3 preseason pick next year.  Defense wins championships, right?  Go with the Buckeyes, 27-23.

TCU vs. Boise State.  Forget the talk about this being a charity bowl game to appease the non-automatic qualifier conferences.  Forget the conspiracy talk about the BCS not matching TCU or Boise against an automatic qualifier.  The Fiesta Bowl almost always delivers fireworks, and this game will be phenomenal.  TCU wins a high scoring game, 45-37.

Arizona vs. Nebraska.  I love the Holiday Bowl.  The scoring is generally high, but not this year.  Nebraska has a great defense which will keep the scoring in the teens.  Give Mike Stoops some credit.  His first few seasons in the desert were abysmal.  He is starting to deliver.  Similar to the Rose Bowl, the winner of this game will be a high preseason pick in 2010.  The game will go down to wire.  Nebraska wins 18-17.  

FSU vs. WVU.  Bobby Bowden's last game and he's playing against the school he coached before Florida State.  Florida State lack speed and WVU has speed.  That should be the difference.  A remarkable career will end in a loss.  WVU wins 35-28.

In today's games, in the New Mexico Bowl, Fresno will soundly beat Wyoming, 42-21.  Ryan Matthews will run wild against the Cowboys.  In the St. Petersburg Bowl, Rutgers will be Central Florida 35-14. 

Title Weekend, Bama Should Roll

Championship weekend got off to a hot start Thursday night as the Oregon Ducks beat the Oregon State Beavers 37-33 in the Civil War sending the Ducks to the Rose Bowl.  Oregon versus Ohio State should be a great game.

 

Today’s slate brings us the CUSA, SEC, Big 12 and ACC Championship games, and technically the Big East championship game since the winner of the Pittsburgh/Cincinnati game wins the Big East.  Central Michigan beat Ohio University to win the MAC last night. 

 

SEC

 

A rematch of last year’s SEC championship game.  Undefeated #1 Florida against undefeated #2 Alabama.  Tim Tebow is seeking his second SEC championship (as a starter) and his third BCS Title trip.  The Heisman Trophy is also on the line.  Bama is trying to get to their first SEC Championship since 1999.  Running back Mark Ingram is also a legitimate Heisman candidate.  A strong performance against the Gators might propel him to the top.

 

Both defenses are elite. There are few, if any, weaknesses on this side of the ball for both the Tide and Gators.  Bama’s defense might have the edge now that Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlop was suspended for the game following a DUI earlier this week. 

 

The key for Bama, stop Tebow from being Tebow.  If Bama can get to Tebow and put pressure on him, the Tide will win this game.  This is a huge if considering no team has really been able to get to Tebow this year, but no other team has had Bama’s defense either.  Saban will have his team ready to attack.

 

The keys for Florida is stop Ingram and disrupt Tide QB Greg McElroy.  Again, no other team has yet to do this for an entire game this year, but Florida has the defensive talent to stop Bama’s offense.  The loss of Dunlop will hurt though.

 

The money says to go with Urban Meyer and Tim Tebow.  I am going to side with Bama though.  The loss of Dunlop is going to impact the Gators ability to stop the run.  Bama wins 21-17. 

 

Big 12

 

Texas vs. Nebraska.  Two great programs collide once again.  Texas is led by Heisman Trophy candidate Colt McCoy.  His offense is clicking at the right time of the season, and is clearly the favorite in this game.  Under second year head coach Bo Pelini, Nebraska is back playing for the championship.  As expected, the Cornhuskers’ defense is ranked in the top 20 in the FBS.  The defense is led by Ndamukong Suh who is a beast in the middle of the Dline. 

 

This game will be close until Texas opens up a comfortable lead in the third quarter.  This will force Nebraska to press on offense and make mistakes.  Nebraska is still a season or two away from being in elite again.  Texas wins 42-21 and goes to the BCS title game again.

 

ACC

 

Talk about a downer.  Georgia Tech and Clemson were riding high before last weekend when an average Georgia team beat the Yellow Jackets and an average South Carolina team throttled the Tigers.  These two defeats did not help the image of the ACC.  That being said, Clemson is playing for their first ACC title since 1991 and Georgia Tech is looking for their first title since 1998. 

 

These teams collided in the second game of the 2009 season.  Georgia Tech won 30-27 in a back and forth game.  Look for more of the same tomorrow.  Clemson will exact revenge this time.  Tigers win 34-27.

 

Big East

 

Cincinnati vs. Pitt.  Amid the Notre Dame coaching controversy is Cincinnati’s quest for a Big East title and an undefeated regular season.  Head Coach Brian Kelly is the obvious leader for the open position at ND, but has this impacted his Bearcats’ preparations for Pitt?  Probably a little. 

 

Amazingly, Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt has turned his team into a winner.  They slipped a little last week against rival West Virginia, but the Panthers are solid and should give the Bearcats a tough game.   Cinci will win the game, but they’ll have to come from behind to do it.  Bearcats win 28-24. 

 

Conference USA

 

Houston vs. East Carolina.  Houston is explosive.  With wins over Oklahoma State, Texas Tech and Mississippi State, the Cougars have proven they can run with the big boys.  East Carolina has played well down the stretch, but the Pirates lack some of the power they has last season.  This will be a close game with a lot of offense which favors Houston.  Cougars win 45-42, and get their first league title since 2006. 

 

All the games should be good this weekend.  The upset will be Bama over Florida, but don’t be surprised if Pitt beats Cinci.

Beer, Chili, Football - Life's Grand

If you love great food and drink like I do, you need to check out The Atlantic’s Food Channel.  I must confess that I work for The Atlantic Media Company so I am biased, but this section is simply outstanding.  With this in mind;

 

Beer of the Week:  Andechs Dopplebock Dunkel

Food of the Week:  Chili.  The Nor’easter created by Ida has sat over DC for about three days now.  This has put me in the mood for chili.

Movie of the Week:  Without a doubt, Friday the 13^th, Part I. 

 

 

Week Eleven

 

Last week, I went 4-2 again.  I called the Stanford over Oregon upset.  Blew it big time with PSU over the Buckeyes.  Glad to be wrong on that pick.  Six unbeatens remain; Texas, Florida, Alabama, TCU, Boise and Cincinnati.  The flaws of the BCS system will again rear its ugly head. 

 

BCS Bowl Projections:  (always sub to change based on results)

 

Rose:  OSU vs. Oregon

Orange:  Clemson vs. Boise

Sugar:  Florida vs. Cincinnati

Fiesta:  TCU vs. USC

Title:  Alabama vs. Texas

 

Games of the Week:

 

ACC

 

Florida State vs. Wake.  Hard pick over the Miami vs. North Carolina game. I am picking this game because the loser will not make a bowl game.  In the past, Wake not making a bowl game was common.  Jim Grobe changed the expectations in Winston-Salem, and has made Wake a consistent ACC challenger.  If FSU drops this game, the will miss making a bowl for the first time in 27 years – this is assuming the Seminoles lose to Florida and end up with seven losses.  Ouch.

 

Big East

 

Cincinnati vs. West Virginia.  It’s plug and play down in the Queen City.  Pike goes down, Collaros comes in and shines.  All coaches should be so fortunate.  WVU has been playing rather poorly over the last month.  The Bearcats should roll over the Mountaineers, but crazier things have happened.  Just not in this game.  Bearcats win 42-17.

 

Big Ten

 

OSU vs. Iowa.  It’s funny how one week makes a difference in a season.  When OSU lost to Purdue, the sky was falling.  When they beat PSU, they are gaining momentum at the right time of the year.  Last week’s win confirms what most people already know.  OSU owns the Big Ten, and if the Buckeyes do not turn over the ball, they do not lose a game.  Period.  The talent gap is just that wide.  Iowa comes into the Shoe with a chance to win the Big Ten.  They’ll have to do this without their QB Ricky Stanzi who had surgery on his ankle is done for the regular season.  Buckeyes win pretty comfortably 28-10.

 

Big 12

 

This is a tie.  Oklahoma St vs. Texas Tech and Kansas State vs. Missouri.  The OSU/TT game is a battle for 2^nd place in the Big 12 South division which may include a trip to the Cotton Bowl.  OSU will win this high scoring game.  Kansas State’s rise to the top of the Big 12 North standings did not take long under head coach Bill Snyder.  Snyder built this program in the 90’s, left for a few seasons, and now has the Wildcats eyeing the North championship in his first season back on the sideline.  Missou has looked awful since losing to Nebraska last month.  KState is home so I like them to win, 23-17. 

 

PAC 10

 

Stanford vs. USC.  The loser is out of the conference championship race.  Stanford’s unlikely upset over USC two years ago was the beginning of Jim Harbaugh’s influence over the Cardinal program.  This looks like a very good game.  Stanford runs the ball well (Toby Gerhart 1200 yds/16TD’s) and passes well (Andrew Luck 2000 yds/11TD’s).  If the game was in Palo Alto, I’d pick Stanford.  It’s not so I am going with USC in a fourth quarter battle, 24-21. 

 

SEC

 

Auburn vs. Georgia.  Old, bitter rivalry.  Georgia is 5-4 with three tough games remaining.  The Bulldogs are in serious trouble, and might not make a bowl game.  With back to back wins over Ol Miss and Furman, Auburn appears to have recovered from the three game losing streak in the middle of October.  Keep in mind, Georgia’s gotten the better of Auburn for three straight seasons.  I don’t think the Dawgs will make it four.  Auburn wins 31-24. 

 

Other Notable Game:

 

TCU vs. Utah.  TCU is ranked 4^th in the BCS Standings, Utah 16^th.  Last year, the Utes barely edged the Horned Frogs in Provo.  The Horned Frogs will get their revenge at home, 34-21. 

No Way LSU Beats Bama This Week

Beer of the Week:  Fat Tire Amber.  First had it in 1995 thanks to a dear friend, and I’ve love it since. 

 

Sports Movie of the Week:  Rocky.  On again last night and just as good as the first time I watched it.

 

Food of the Week:  NY Strip with a nice big baked potato. 

 

Evidence the world might be ending:

 

Most people know I grew up in Westerville, Ohio.  Until recently, there were two high schools, North and South.  Traditionally, both were football powerhouses in central Ohio.  North went 0-10 this season.  How in the world does this happen?  Where is Warrior pride?  0-10?  Wow. 

 

Games of Week 10

 

4-2 last week.  Here’s an interesting statistic demonstrating the roll USC has been on this decade.  USC’s eight losses from the 2003 season up to the Oregon loss were by a combined 29 points.  The Trojans lost by 27 to the Ducks.  Amazing.

 

ACC

 

Clemson vs. Florida State.  No longer the Bowden Bowl, but the stakes are still high this season.  Clemson is trying to make their first ACC championship game.  Bowden’s long time defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews announced this would be his last season.  I think Clemson is an 8.5 favorite, but the game will be much closer.  Tigers win 28-24.

 

Big East

 

Cincinnati vs. Connecticut.  The Bearcats are undefeated and trying to keep their BCS title game hopes alive.  UConn is coming off two emotional losses.  UC wins big 45-10.

 

Big Ten

 

OSU vs. Pa State.  Both teams are strong defensively.  Pa St’s offense is better than OSU’s offense.  OSU’s special teams are better than Pa State’s ST.  Game is at Happy Valley.  Last year, PSU scored a rare victory in the Shoe.  The loser likely gets a first class ticket to the Cap One Bowl.  Looks like Southwest should get some planes fueled in Cbus in late December because the Lions roar, 27-14.

 

Big 12

 

Oklahoma vs Nebraska.  This used to be the premier game in the Big Eight conference.  The luster has slipped lately, but Bo Pelini has the Huskers clawing their way back to FBS relevance again.  The Sooners win 27-17, but the game is close until late 4^th Quarter.

 

PAC 10

 

For the second straight week, Oregon is playing in the game of the week.  They play at Stanford.  Stanford is good team this season.  Don’t be surprised to see the Cardinal pull the upset.  Stanford wins 38-35.

 

SEC

 

Alabama vs. LSU.  Saban coached LSU to a BCS title in 2003, left for the NFL and returned to the SEC West as the Tide’s coach.  Both teams are playing well, and this will likely determine the SEC West title.  Game is at Bama.  I like the Tide in romp.  31-10.

Beer and Football - nothing Better

Sales tip of the Day:  Learn to ask great questions.  All great salespeople know how to ask the smart questions that establish rapport and help build a solid business relationship.  Practice, Practice, Practice. 

 

Beer of the Week:  Chimay Trappist Ale.  Monks know how to brew some good beer.

 

I am missing a fantastic annual birthday party tonight where the main course is always Brats and Kraut.  Bummer.  If you want good comfort food, go find the best country pork ribs you can find, rub them with dry mustard, black pepper, salt, brown sugar and a little whiskey.  Slow cook them with some kraut.  Enjoy. 

 

 

Games of the Week

 

ACC

 

The ACC is the wackiest FBS conference.  Virginia’s the only undefeated team in conference play, Florida State is 1-3, the entire Atlantic Division has 2 or 3 conference losses, Miami throttled Ga Tech, Va Tech throttled Miami and Ga Tech beat Va Tech.  No team wants to step up and win the ACC.  Amazing. 

 

Georgia Tech vs. Virginia.  Tech secured the big win over the Hokies last weekend.  Can they give Virginia their first conference loss?  I’m not sold on the Cavs.  Their wins are against mediocre teams.  Tech should roll in this game, 31-14.

 

Big East

 

This is movement weekend in the Big East.  Four of the top five teams play each other.  Pitt squares off against South Florida and UConn plays West Virginia.  The Pitt/S.Fla game is probably the better game, but the more interesting story is how the Huskies will play after dealing with Jasper Howard’s death last Saturday.  WVU owns the series and should win a close game, 27-21.

 

Big Ten

 

After OSU’s collapse at Purdue last weekend, the Iowa Hawkeyes sit alone the conference standings.  This week, the Hawkeyes travel to Michigan State to battle a much improved Spartan team.  MSU is 3-1 in the Big Ten and looking to stay in the race for the conference championship.  This will be a close game, but I like Iowa to squeak out the win, 24-20.

 

Pa St travels to Michigan.  Penn State never plays well at the Big House, but the Lions need this win to stay in the Big Ten race.  Tough game to call.  I’ll call for the mild upset.  Wolverines win a shootout, 38-35. 

 

Big 12

 

After beating Oklahoma last weekend in a very ugly game, Texas is in the driver’s seat for the championship.  Don’t blow it is the motto.  The Longhorns first test is at Missouri.  The Tigers have a pretty good team, but should not pose any real threat to Texas.  Game is close, but Texas opens up a comfortable lead late in the 3^rd quarter.  Texas 38-18.

 

Oklahoma travels to Lawrence to take on the Kansas Jayhawks.  Kansas was rolling until last weekend when the Colorado Buffaloes pulled the upset.  I think the Jayhawks were looking ahead to this game.  Is it possible that Oklahoma, a legitimate preseason BCS championship contender, could have four losses midway through the 09 season?  Losing Bradford hurts, but this team should be better.  Oklahoma wins a very close game, 24-21.

 

PAC 10

 

Oregon sits alone at the top of the PAC 10 standings.  How long will they stay there?  Not long.  Oregon travels to Washington this week.  Can the Huskies catch the Ducks looking ahead to USC next week?  Yes.  UW wins a surprisingly low scoring game.  21-17. 

 

USC’s 2008 championship hopes went down the drain in a loss to Oregon State.  Think Pete Carroll has been reminding the Trojans all week about that devastating loss?  Of course.  USC might be looking ahead to the Oregon game too so don’t expect a blow out.  Trojans win 27-17. 

 

SEC

 

I’m tempted to say the Alabama vs. Tennessee game is the game of the week in the SEC, but I think the LSU vs. Auburn game has more ramifications in the SEC West race.  The loser is essentially out of contention; though the way the Bama’s playing, both teams might already be out of the race.  The last five LSU/Auburn games have been decided by a total of 19 points.  The game is in Death Valley so I’ll give the Bayou Tigers the edge, but this will be another close game,17-14. 

 

Besides Auburn, Bama’s closest mortal enemy is Tennessee.  These two schools hate each other, and that is good for the fans.  The Tide spanked the Vols last year in Knoxville.  Expect more of the same this year.  The Tide rolls 28-10. 

 

Non-Conference

 

TCU vs BYU.  If TCU wants to make it to a BCS bowl game, they have to beat BYU in Provo.  Both teams are playing well.  This will be a mild upset.  BYU wins, 31-27. 

 

The Catholic Bowl.  ND vs. BC.  Don’t be fooled.  The series is evenly split, and BC’s won six straight.  The Irish are playing at home and should get a fairly comfortable win, 35-21. 

Week 3 Recap and hell of a lot more

As predicted, FSU, Texas, Cinci, Fla, Auburn and Va Tech all won.  No real surprises there.  The only surprise was USC losing to Washington, but considering Washington's staff essentially owns the USC playbook, the Trojans loss is not extraordinary.

Washington HC Steve Sarkisian delivered in year one. He defeated the PAC 10's top dog.  Pretty impressive - as was Pete Carroll in his post game comments. 

I just checked and Ga and Ark are still scoring touchdowns.  Did anyone practice for defense last week?

Auburn dug a hole, crawled out of it and then throttled WVU in the second half.  Note to Jim Tressel, you may want to hire Gus Malzahn to run the O at OSU.  I know you like control, but this guy will win you a championship.

Jahvid Best looks the best.  This guy is an incredible runner.  If Cal beats USC, he'll be in NY for the Heisman ceremony.  Get past Oregon first though.

I love the backyard play that VT QB Tyrod Taylor orchestrated to beat Nebraska.  This is the best part of college football - improvising into a great play for a win. 

Memo to the Big 10.  MAC schools can play football.  You may want to show up for these games.

I've seen and heard enough of Tim Tebow.  Great player, but the antics are childish.  Thanks to TN for once again showing the recipe for beating FL.  Fl will lose at least one game this year before the SEC championship game. 

Doubtful that ND loses more than 2 more games, but if they do, look for Brian Kelly as their next HC.  Kelly is incredible.  Dantonio layed the foundation, Kelly is putting on the top floors. 

Look for an anlysis of week 4's top games later in the week.

Week Two Games of the Week

Breaking down the top games in each BCS conference this week:

 

ACC

 

FloridaState at BYU.  Florida State is coming off a lackluster performance against Jacksonville State and BYU is looking to keep their BCS hopes alive.  Who would think that BYU is favored over FSU?  Starting 1-2 would be a disaster for FSU so I am calling for the mild upset victory on the road.  Notre Dame, Ohio State , Oklahoma and every major tam that has one loss should send roses to Bobby Bowden if FSU wins.

 

Honorable mention game is Virginia Tech vs. Nebraska . 

 

Big East

 

West Virginia at Auburn.  WVU used a strong second half to throttle the Tigers last season, but Auburn looks much improved offensively in 09.  This game will be close, but I like Auburn to get a big win at home.

 

Honorable mention game is Louisville vs. Kentucky .  Steve Kragthorpe needs a significant victory, and a win over in-state rival Kentucky would be a nice start.  Too bad the victory won’t happen.  Wildcats roll.

 

Big 10

 

Michigan State at Notre Dame.  This is usually a classic, and both teams come into the game after heartbreaking losses last week.  Notre Dame appears to be the better team and they are playing at home, but I like the Spartans in a mild upset.  Let the Weis grumblings begin.

 

Honorable mention game is Cal vs. Minnesota .  The Big 10 is 0-2 against the PAC 10this season.  Going 0-3 would prove that the Big 10 is not that strong – it will happen.  Cal wins big – by 3-4 TDs.

 

Big 12

 

Texas Tech at Texas .  Last season, the Red Raiders ruined the Longhorns’ chances for a national title by scoring a dramatic touchdown late in the game.  Texas is thinking revenge and they’ll get it.  The game will be close though.

 

Honorable mention is the Nebraska/Va Tech game.

 

SEC

 

Tennessee at Florida .  Where to begin?  Lane Kiffin starts his tenure by incorrectly accusing Urban Meyer of recruiting violations.  Things went south from there.  The Gators are nasty and likely licking their chops to destroy the Volunteers.  Lane’s dad – Monte, coaches the D and is good friends with Meyer.  Can the old man stop the defending national champs in the Swamp?  Uh – no.  Gators easily defeat the Vols.

 

Honorable mention game is Georgia at Arkansas .  Georgia is looking to build on their win against South Carolina last week.  Arkansas needs a win or likely starts the season 1-2 because they get Bama next week.  This game will be a good test for measuring Petrino’s influence on the Arkansas program in year two.

 

PAC 10

 

Cincinnati at Oregon State.  The Bearcats have looked great so far this season with Tony Pike leading the way.  Oregon Stateescaped with a win against UNLV last weekend.  Traveling cross country is never easy, but I think Cinci is up to the task.  Close game, but the Bearcats score a big victory for the Big East.

 

Honorable mention game is USC at Washington .  Mentor vs Protégé.  Can Sarkisian score a victory against his old boss?  Laugh all you want, but USC destroyed OSU last year and then stunk up the joint at Oregon State the following week.  Barkley and Mays have not practiced all week.  Are the Trojans on upset alert?  No.  Carroll will have his team ready to play, but the score will be close for three quarters.