Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Week 1 Predictions

Are You Ready For Some Football? 


The wait is FINALLY over and football season is here! Time for a day full of tailgating, sitting around a TV and watching football all day long. Its my favorite part of the year and this year promises to be another great season for college football. Doing things a little different this year and going with straight picks for 4 games per week, My Bonus Pick of the week featuring my school, Presbyterian, plus one big preview for my "Game of the Week". Week 1's game of the week is an easy choice but each week I'll pick one game that I want to break down for that week and make it my featured game of the week. I feel like I'm just rambling on and on now so lets just get to business, shall we? 



Week 1 Predictions : Take Your Pick


#1 Alabama vs Virginia Tech 

Alabama begins their quest for 3 straight BCS titles when they open up the season in Atlanta against Virginia Tech in Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game. VT has struggled the past few seasons after dominating the ACC when they hit the scene in 2004. Alabama is literally too good to slip up against a mediocre VT squad. This one is easy. Roll Tide, Roll! 

The Pick: Alabama






#12 LSU vs #20 TCU

It feels like LSU lost their whole team to graduation/NFL. Zach Mettenberger isn't that great of a QB and the Tiger's offense and play-calling was very suspect at times last season. LSU better hope they take care of business in week 1 because with four top ten opponents looming in UGA, Florida, Texas A&M and Alabama, there is little room for error. However, Tiger Stadium at night isn't for the weak at heart and that will ultimately be the difference.

The Pick: LSU


North Carolina vs  #6 South Carolina

Its amazing that these two schools don't meet up more often. The battle of Carolina's. Maybe this game will tell us who the REAL Carolina is and help avoid confusion when "Carolina" is discussed. Some people have the Gamecocks on upset alert for this game but I'm not buying it. As much as I'd love to see it, I don't believe the Tarheels have enough to get the job done, or more importantly, keep Clowney out of their backfield. 

The Pick: South Carolina  


#11 Florida State vs Pittsburgh 

The Seminoles have some gaps to fill as they take on the 2013 season. A new QB under center in Freshmen Jameis Winston leaves many with questions with what this team can accomplish. Defensively, the Noles will be among the best in the nation and should help keep the pressure off this offense to put up big numbers. This one might be close, but the better team will prevail. The defending ACC champs start off their path to Charlotte on the right foot.

The Pick: Florida State




**Since I'm a student at PC I also have to show some love for Blue Hose every weekend and include them in my weekly predictions. It will be a bonus to the normal five predictions I make weekly. Check those out in the "Bonus Pick of The Week " section!** 



*Bonus Pick of The Week* 


Presbyterian @ Wake Forest 

The Blue Hose open up the season on the road at ACC foe, Wake Forest.The two teams met up in 2010 and the Demon Deacons walked away with a 53-13 victory. Although I expect this game to be much closer, I don't think PC can pull the upset. I think it will be a very competitive game early with Wake Forest pulling away in the 2nd half. Perhaps Coach Nichols has another trick-play up his sleeve. We shall see.

The Pick: Wake Forest





And last but certainly not least........

Christopher's Game of the Week


#5 Georgia vs #8 Clemson 

Preview: 

Old school rivalry renewed. These two teams meet up for the first time since 2003, a 30-0 Georgia victory in Death Valley. In my opinion this should be a game that is played every single year. The history of this rivalry goes back for years. Back in the 1980's Clemson-UGA was THE Rivalry game to watch and I'm thrilled its being revived. This is what college football in the south is all about. Two teams that hate each other with very passionate fans. This is going to be an instant classic. From a ticket standpoint, I've never seen demand so high for a Clemson football game. Camping out for tickets 11 days before they are distributed? That's insane. But I absolutely love it. Shout out to Clemson students for that! That's what I call being "All In"

Players to Watch: 

Georgia: QB Aaron Murray, RB Todd Gurley, RB Keith Marshall, WR Malcom Mitchell, CB Damian Swann*


Clemson: QB Tajh Boyd, WR Sammy Watkins, WR Gerome Hopper, RB Roderick McDowell, LB Spencer Shuey. 

Notable Suspensions/Injuries: 

Georgia- K Marshall Morgan, SS Josh Harvey-Clemons, TE Ty Flournoy-Smith, FS Tray Matthews*, SS Corey Moore.*

Clemson- TE Sam Cooper, TE Jordan Leggett, TE T.J. Green

 (*-denotes injured player with status TBD) 



My Thoughts: 

We know both of these teams have explosive offenses that can light up the scoreboard. However, both have questions on defense. Inexperience is an issue for both secondaries, especially the Tigers. Coach Swinney has praised the effort and performance of his Offensive and Defensive lines and feels they could actually be a strength of this team this season. With ESPN College Gameday and the rest of the college football world watching, can the Tigers focus and take care of business despite all the distractions? This game could easily turn into a high scoring shootout. With two high power offenses  tied with a defense that has problems with depth, experience, and health...don't be surprised to see a lot of points. And I hope it does (turn into a high scoring affair) for two reasons. 1. Just imagine how fun it would be to see these teams go punch for punch all night long in a high scoring frenzy. 2. A high scoring game as opposed to a low scoring affair favors the Tigers. The atmosphere is going to be second to none and I expect the crowd to be a MAJOR factor in this game as well. This one could easily go down to the wire and a FG could be the difference in the outcome. If that's the case, you have to feel good as a Clemson fan. We know Chandler Catanzaro is more than capable of being clutch but UGA will be without the services of Marshall Morgan who was arrested earlier this summer for BUI (Boating Under The Influence) and will have to look elsewhere for help. Most likely from either sophomore Patrick Beless or RS Freshmen Thomas Pritchard. The key for Clemson will be a good start early to keep the crowd rowdy and on their feet as well as putting the pressure on Aaron Murray. South Carolina showed us last year just how effective a good pass rush can be in stopping UGA. Its vital. In the end, I think this one simply comes down to who wants it more. With South Carolina looming next weekend, will the Bulldogs be fully focused at the task at hand? Looking ahead could cost them greatly. One thing is for sure, this is going to be a good one.

Bottom Line: Both secondaries have some major concerns heading to this game. We know both offenses can move the ball but will they be able to stop the other team? I'm torn over a prediction. My gut tells me Clemson's secondary issues are going to cost them this game but another part tells me we are in for a pleasant surprise with this defense. I've gone back and forth but I'm committing now and think somehow, someway, the Tigers find a way to get it done in Death Valley.

The Pick: 

Clemson 38 Georgia 35

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Keys To Victory

Its About That Time........


The long wait is almost over and in just a few days #8 Clemson will welcome rival #5 Georgia to Death Valley for the first time since 2003. This game has all the ingredients for an instant classic and will draw viewers from across the nation. All eyes will be set on Clemson, SC Saturday night. Who will rise to the occasion? Who will be the game-changer? Those questions will be answered Saturday. But as for now, I'm going to give my two cents on what I believe the Tigers must do if they want to take down the Bulldogs.



Clemson's Keys to Victory: 



1. Get Physical 

This game is going to be a hard-hitting, physical, match-up and it will ultimately be won in the trenches. Swinney has praised the play of his offensive and defensive lines during spring ball, fall camp and heading to the opener against UGA. That is exactly what the Tigers need. On offense the guys have to be zoned in and protect Boyd in the pocket. Defensively, Clemson has to get off the ball fast and put some pressure on Murray. Marshall and Gurley are going to get their yards but keeping that to a minimum and blocking up those holes will be key. And when you get your hands on a ball carrier, wrap up and bring him down. Bottom line....play angry and make UGA earn every inch of that football field all night long. No free gifts!!!!


2. Protect Your House 

This is a big one. We don't get many night games in Death Valley these days so we MUST take advantage and show the nation why Clemson has one of the greatest stadiums and crowds in college football. Fans need to arrive to the game early (Stay the ENTIRE game) and be loud. Really loud. I have been at games where I couldn't even hear what my friend next to me was saying. We need to blow the top off of Death Valley Saturday night. I think its embarrassing when you let another team come into YOUR house and leave with a win. You don't let that one neighbor you dislike walk in your house, sit down and take the remote control and start flipping the channels do you? Didn't think so. Likewise, you shouldn't let someone come into Death Valley, control the game and leave with a win. It just shouldn't happen. Period. 


3. Weather The Storm

Emotions will be running high all night and it will be extremely important to remain focused and be able to move on quickly from each play; no matter how positive or negative it is. Move on. Play the next down. The valley will be rocking but you can only play off emotions for so long and eventually you have to settle in and play football. Keep fighting hard all night long and don't allow a bad play or decision turn into a bad quarter, half or game. Keep a short memory and be prepared for a roller-coaster, physical game. Staying poised and calm will help keep the ship stable even if the waters become a little rocky during the game. 



4. Get Off The Field

This is another key point in my opinion. When the Tigers are on defense and its 3rd down, we have to get the stop and get off the field. Georgia's offense can score on you at any given time from anywhere on the field. That being said, when we are given the chance to get our offense back on the field, we have to take advantage. Time of possession will be huge and keeping the ball in the hands of Tajh Boyd while also having a rested defense will pay huge dividends down the stretch. This offense literally wore down LSU with its tempo in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. But if the defense isn't coming up with big stops all night long and allows UGA long, clock-eating, and productive drives, time could run out on the Tigers. 





5. BELIEVE!!!!!

This one may be the most important of all and is completely mental. If the Tigers want to win this game they have to believe they can do it. Forget what the "experts" say, forget what the fans have to say and when calls on the field don't go your way, tuck your head and move on. But above all things, believe that you can take down the #5 team in the nation and make a bold statement to start the 2013 season. Right now the sky is the limit and we control our own destiny. Don't stop believing...this just might be our year.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Season Preview: Clemson

Clemson Tigers 


Head Coach: Dabo Swinney
40-21 at Clemson (5 years) 

Review of 2012 Season- 
The Tigers were just a few defensive stops away from being undefeated last season. The loss to Florida State on the road cost them a trip to the ACC Championship and despite losing to rival South Carolina for the fourth year straight, Clemson was still close to playing for a BCS bowl bound last season. A win over LSU in the Chic-Fil-A Bowl shocked much of the college football world and gives the Tigers quite the momentum heading into this season. (If you believe in that kind of thing, that is.) Clemson's offense was arguably the best in the nation last season but at times its defense was arguably the worst. The Tigers will have to improve greatly defensively this year. The offense is more than capable of putting up big numbers again. However, if the defense can get off the field and give the ball back to the offense, it will not only allow them more chances to score but will also help alleviate the pressure to score 40 points every time they step on the field.  


Key Losses/Key Returners- 

The Tigers lost some significant contributors on offense in RB Andre Ellington, WRs DeAndre Hopkins and Jaron Brown, TE Brandon Ford, and C Dalton Freeman. On defense, Clemson is now without DE Malliciah Goodman, LB Johnthan Willard, and S Johnathan Meeks. However, like UGA, Clemson returns one of the best quarterbacks in the nation in Heisman trophy contender Tajh Boyd. In addition, RBs Roderick McDowell and D.J. Howard, WRs Sammy Watkins and Martavis Bryant all return and will get significant touches throughout the season. In addition, the Tigers also will put Red-shirt Freshmen WR Gerome Hopper on the field to give this offense yet another dangerous player with "big play" capability.  Defensively, DT Deshawn Williams, DE Tavaris Barnes, and LBs Quandon Christian and Spencer Shuey will help anchor the Tiger defense under the direction of 2nd year defensive coordinator, Brent Venables.   


2013 Schedule- 

August 31st                     Georgia*
September 7th                 S. Carolina State
September 19th               NC State*
September 28th               Wake Forest 
October 5th                     Syracuse
October 12th                   Boston College 
October 19th                   Florida State*
October 26th                   Maryland 
November 2nd                 Virginia 
November 14th                Georgia Tech*
November 23rd                The Citadel 
November 30th                 South Carolina*

#- Home games in BOLD 
*-denotes key game 

Schedule Analysis- 

It doesn't get much bigger than the home opener against UGA on August 31st under the lights in Death Valley. A Thursday night road trip to Raleigh has trouble written all over it BUT I think Clemson's offense is just too powerful and talented to fall to the Wolfpack this season. However, that game will be closer than Tiger fans will like. The road trip to ACC-newcomer Syracuse should be a fun one for Clemson fans and having Atlantic division rival, FSU at home is definitely an advantage for Dabo Swinney and company. The 'Noles haven't won in Death Valley since 2001...that was back when it was called the "Bowden Bowl". Another Thursday night conference clash on November 14th against Georgia Tech will be the first Thursday night game in Clemson since 2002. (I'd rather not recall how ugly that game was.) As always, the Tigers end the regular season against South Carolina. They'll try to snap a four game skid against the Gamecocks but will have to find a way to win down in Williams-Brice Stadium....a place that hasn't been kind to the Tigers in the Spurrier era.  

My Thoughts- 

I really like this schedule and its setup. I believe Swinney is taking us in the right direction and to be honest, I'd be really concerned if the Tigers aren't able to win another ACC title this year. Playing UGA to open helps because it allows us the time to rebound (if needed) unlike a loss in late September or October would. This could be a very special year for Clemson and I'm excited to see how it turns out. That being said, we have to handle our business (especially at home) and not have our future in someone else's hands. Right now we control our own destiny so lets keep it that way. Lets give a new meaning to "pulling a Clemson" and gain back the respect of the college football world. 

Bottom Line- 

Clemson wins the ACC and returns to the Orange Bowl this year. First 12 win season in Tigertown since the Danny Ford era when Clemson captured its first National Championship in 1981. 


Monday, August 12, 2013

Season Preview: Georgia

Season Preview: Georgia

Georgia Bulldogs


Head Coach: Mark Ricth
118-40 Record at UGA (12 years)


Review of 2012 Season- 

From the outside looking in, one would be hard pressed to find something to complain about when it comes to Georgia's season last year. Yes, South Carolina made them look like a junior varsity team but that same South Carolina squad only had two losses themselves and are becoming a force in the SEC-East. The Bulldogs other loss came in down-to-the-wire boxing match with eventual BCS champ, Alabama, in the SEC Championship game. A game in which the Dawgs fell short by a score of 32-28. A strong showing against Nebraska in the Captial One Bowl pushed UGA to a 12-2 finish.






Key Losses/Key Returners-

Standout LB Jarvis Jones won't be anchoring the defense this year and on offense the bulldogs need to replace the likes of Tavarres King. However, the bulldogs have a great deal going for them when it comes to returners on offense. First and foremost, Aaron Murray is back for his senior year and with him is arguably the best backfield in college football with Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall. The duo has provided UGA with a nice one-two punch and have quickly gained the respect of their opponents.




2013 Schedule-

Aug 31st.               Clemson*
September 7th       South Carolina*
September 21st      North Texas 
September 28th      LSU*
October 5th           Tennessee
October 12th         Missouri 
October 19th         Vanderbilt
November 2nd       Florida*
November 9th        Appalachian State
November 16th      Auburn
November 23rd      Kentucky
November 30th      Georgia Tech

#- Home games in BOLD
*-denotes key game

Schedule Analysis- 

The probability of starting the season off 0-2 is a legitimate concern for Georgia with a road trip to Death Valley and a visit from South Carolina in back-to-back weeks to open the season. Both games will be extremely physical and have major BCS implications. The Dawgs will make two trips to the state of Tennessee in October but should handle their business on both of those road trips. The cocktail party will again be a huge showdown with all the marbles up for grabs and the chance for one of the teams to separate themselves from the rest of the Eastern division. All-in-All this schedule is a pretty favorable one. All of the Dawgs tougher opponents have to come to Athens except for Clemson. (Cocktail party in Jacksonville) Possible trap game with Auburn on the road two weeks before the annual showdown against rival Georgia Tech to conclude the regular season.

My Thoughts-

With Aaron Murray at the reigns, Georgia has the pieces in play to make a run at a SEC title this year. The first two games will give us a great and insightful perspective on what to expect the rest of the season. A 2-0 start will have UGA fans calling for a National Championship run, and rightfully so. However, if they could just as easily be facing an 0-2 record heading into their bye week. I don't see Georgia getting through both Clemson and South Carolina without (at least) one loss.

Bottom Line- 
Should be another great year in Athens. Bulldogs will return to the SEC Championship if they can stay healthy. Expect at least 11 wins for the Red and Black this fall.






Tuesday, August 6, 2013

ESPN's College Gameday Headed to Clemson

Its Official!  


After months of speculation and rumors, ESPN finally made it official earlier today. While on campus filming a feature on the Tigers for College Football Live, they announced that they will indeed be back in Clemson August 31st to watch the Tigers battle the Dawgs in an old-school rivalry renewed. In one of the biggest season openers in recent history, both teams will enter the game in the top 10 with a veteran QB under-center. This game has all the makings of an instant classic and once you throw in the history and rivalry between the schools the game becomes even more intriguing. 

This will be College Gameday's second visit to Clemson. The first trip was back in 2006 when the Tigers hosted Georgia Tech in a Top 15 match-up. It was a beautiful day and game day atmosphere and Clemson fans showed up bright and early and made noise all day long. Although I can't say it was the absolute loudest game I've been to, it definitely was the most "electric". From the moment Gameday went live until they went off the air after the game, Clemson fans were making their presence felt. The vibe and atmosphere for the game was 2nd to none. The Tigers came ready to play and although it was a cool night with clear skies, "Thunder and Lighting" aka James Davis and C.J. Spiller struck multiple times in Death Valley that night. The Tigers took it to the Yellow jackets in a 31-7 victory over their rivals from the coastal division. Clemson had the nation's attention that night and they took full advantage and left a good impression on ESPN's gameday crew. 

A great deal has changed about this program since the 2006 season and I'm thrilled to have Gameday back in Clemson for all the nation to see what makes this school and town so special. From Howard's Rock, The Hill, Tiger Walk, The Esso Club, and the traditional rushing of the field after EVERY game to join at the Paw and sing the Alma Mater, Clemson is a very unique and special place. Glad to see that all that and much more will once again be on display for all of the College Football world to see. 

In Closing, I leave you with my top three favorite memories from that special night on October 21, 2006: 

3.  The Pick-
For those of you that aren't as familiar with College Gameday, at the end of each show the crew goes through a string of games for the day and predicts the winner. They conclude with the featured game and Lee Corso goes under the desk and pulls out the mascot head of the team he believes will win. He isn't afraid to pull against the home team and crowd but on this day he was "All In" with the Tigers and pulled out the Tiger mascot head and I remember the fans going nuts. 

2. Calvin Who?-
Clemson fans will remember all to well back in 2004 when GT came to Clemson and "stole" one from the Tigers the final moments of the game. A botched punt recovered deep in Clemson territory lead to a TD catch from then-freshmen Calvin Johnson that ended up being the game-winner. A young Calvin Johnson left Death Valley silent that night. On this night however, Clemson got their revenge and didn't allow "Megatron", as we now know him, a single catch. Shutting down such a quality receiver was a huge accomplishment and something for Clemson to hang its hat on. 

1. The Double-Move-
I remember this play like it was yesterday. Early in the fourth quarter, Clemson went to a familiar play in the ole playbook. A Rob Spence Special, as I like to call it. Yup, you guessed it, the bubble screen. In a play that seemed like it was going nowhere fast, CJ Spiller showed the nation just how athletic and quick he was. Spiller caught the screen pass along the GT sideline. Made on quick juke to the right making a defender miss, another quick juke to the left dodging another GT defender, and then it was off to the races. "Lighting" struck on a 50 yard TD pass that happened so fast if you blinked, you probably missed it.







The anticipation now grows even more with the official announcement. All eyes will be on Clemson, SC on August 31st. Will the Tigers rise to the occasion and prove all the "experts" wrong again and prove they are worthy of being talked of as National Champion contenders? Or will Aaron Murray and his stacked backfield be too much for the suspect Tiger defense? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, August 31st is going to be a memorable day for both Clemson and Georgia fans alike. Only 24 days until kickoff. And it simply can't get here soon enough! Operation: BEAT UGA is in full force! See you in the valley!!


Monday, August 5, 2013

Season Preview: South Carolina

South Carolina Gamecocks

Head Coach: Steve Spurrier
66-37 Record at South Carolina (8 years)
206-76 Overall (23 Years)


Review of 2012 Season-

Back-to-Back 11 win seasons for the Gamecocks have them hungry for even more in 2013 and ready to take the program to the next level and capture their first SEC Championship and first conference Championship since 1965 when it won the ACC. If there ever was a season for this to finally happen, this is it. The Gamecocks will look to veteran Conner Shaw under-center who has a more-than-reliable back-up in Dylan Thompson. Both of the Gamecocks' losses last year came on the road and in hostile environments. A nail-bitter in that "other death valley" that could have went either way and a just an overall bad day in the swamp separated South Carolina from reaching the SEC Championship. Once again South Carolina ended the regular season with a win over arch-rival Clemson to make it four straight over the Tigers. And even more impressively, they did it without Marcus Lattimore and Conner Shaw on the road in Clemson. 2012 was a great year to be a Gamecock fan.

Key Losses/Key Returners-

The departure of WR Ace Sanders and RB Marcus Lattimore was certainly a significant blow to the Gamecocks as well as the loss of  Safety D.J. Swearinger (who is now a teammate of his former rival DeAndre Hopkins), DE Devin Taylor and Safety DeVonte Holloman on the defensive side of the ball. However, South Carolina will have back QB Conner Shaw, RB's Mike Davis, RB Brandon Wilds, WR's Bruce Ellington and Damiere Byrd on offense and on defense, DE Jadevon Clowney will be back in the garnet and black and cause offenses to tweak their offense and blocking schemes to (TRY) and contain him this year.


2013 Schedule- 

Aug 29th. (Thursday Night)      North Carolina 
September 7th                          Georgia*
September 14th                        Vanderbilt
September 28th                        UCF
October 5th                              Kentucky 
October 12th                            Arkansas
October 19th                            Tennessee
October 26th                            Missouri
November 2nd                         Mississippi State 
November 16th                        Florida*
November 23rd                       Coastal Carolina
November 30th                        Clemson*

#- Home games in BOLD
* Denotes Key Game

Schedule Analysis-

If you are a Gamecock fan you have to be happy with this schedule. Although you play Georgia in week 2 on the road, you avoided LSU, Alabama and Texas A&M during the regular season. Furthermore, you get a Bulldog team that will be coming off a physical match-up on the road again Clemson just one week before. A three week straight road conference road trip isn't too bad considering the competition, and you get the Gators at home after a bye-week. Your back-ups should play most of the second half against CCU giving your starters plenty of time to be rested and ready to go for Clemson the following week. In Closing, opening week against North Carolina could have the Gamecocks on upset alert but not sure the Tarheels have enough speed and weapons on offense to off-set  Clowney on the other side. I expect South Carolina to have one or two more big plays down the stretch in that game that ultimately make the difference.


My Thoughts- 

A part of me wants to think this is the year South Carolina makes a serious run at a SEC title while the other part reminds of what happened the last time the Gamecocks actuallly reached the Championship Game in 2010.( 56-17 loss to Auburn) The winner of the South Carolina-UGA game this year not only has very important SEC title implications but BCS title implications as well. Assuming ESPN's CollegeGameday comes to Death Valley in week 1 for Clemson/UGA, they will likely follow the Bulldogs back to Athens for the showdown against South Carolina in week 2 especially if Mark Ricth's crew can get the job done in Clemson Aug 31st. The first three weeks will tell us a great deal about this years squad.

Bottom Line: Expect another 11 win season in Columbia this year.