Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Week 5 Predictions

Week 4 wasn't the most exciting weekend of college football but if you love offense, there was plenty to go around. Teams across the nation put up basketball-scores in route to victory. Clemson avoided the upset in Raleigh Thursday night and knocked off NC State, 26-14. The LSU Tigers sent the Auburn Tigers home with their first loss of the season, North Texas gave UGA all they could handle until the fourth quarter, and Florida defeated Tennessee in the Swamp, but lost starting QB Jeff Driskel for the season with a broken lower leg. Week 5 gives us another Top 10 showdown as LSU travels between the hedges to take on Georgia. In addition, Texas A&M plays Arkansas (who blew a big lead and fell to Rutgers last weekend), Alabama meets Ole Miss at home, South Carolina travels down to Florida to square off against UCF and Clemson is back home in Death Valley as they take on Wake Forest. Lets make some predictions! 


Week 5 Predictions: Take Your Pick


                                                            #1 Alabama vs #21 Ole Miss

Ole Miss will roll into Tuscaloosa undefeated at 3-0 and 1-0 in SEC play. Alabama is starting to look like the team we all expected them to be after a not so impressive showing against Virginia Tech to kick off the season. The Rebels are a much improved team but they aren't quite ready to hang with the big boys of the conference just yet. Nick Saban's squad gets the job done and keeps their #1 ranking for at least another week.

The Pick: Alabama


#12 South Carolina @ UCF

South Carolina hits the road to take on 3-0 UCF Saturday at noon. The Gamecocks are not taking the Knights lightly and are prepared for what will not be a easy victory. The fans are pumped up as this is arguably the biggest game in the school's history. UCF already proved it can pull the upset as they took down Penn State just earlier this season in Happy Valley, 34-31. South Carolina is coming off their bye week and should be well rested, healthy and ready to go full speed ahead. This game has the potential to be very interesting, but at the end of the day I think South Carolina is just the better team and they will make it known.

The Pick: South Carolina


Virginia Tech @ Georgia Tech 


A HUGE showdown in the Coastal Division. Georgia Tech has looked solid thus far and took care of business last weekend against North Carolina. VT on the other hand needed 3 Overtimes to finish off Marshall at home last Saturday. Logan Thomas has been, well Logan Thomas and has already thrown 6 interceptions this season. If VT wants to stand a chance at winning the division Thomas has to take better care of the football. I like GT's offense better here and I think the Yellow Jackets get the job done at home against the Hokies.

                                                                                    The Pick: Georgia Tech



#3 Clemson vs Wake Forest

After a bye week and a Thursday night trip to Raleigh last week, Clemson returns home to take on division foe, Wake Forest. The Tigers had some trouble getting things rolling last week but stepped up and made plays when they had to. Its homecoming weekend for the Tigers so it should be a solid home crowd and atmosphere. Clemson proved once again that they aren't the "Same ole Clemson" team and that they are a different, more focused and a more mature team. Bottom line....Clemson has too many weapons on offense and the defense is improving. Too much talent all over the field for the Demon Deacons to match. Tigers win big on Homecoming.

The Pick: Clemson  

*Bonus Pick of the Week*

Presbyterian vs Charlotte 

After coming up short against Furman on the road last weekend, PC is even more focused and ready to get back on the winning side with Charlotte coming to town Saturday afternoon. Blue Hose get the job done and pick up an important win with conference play right around the corner and a trip to rival Wofford coming up next weekend.

The Pick: Presbyterian 



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





Christopher's Game of the Week 


#6 LSU @ #9 Georgia 


Preview:

Another week of college football and another top 10 showdown featuring at least on SEC school. Starting to become quite the popular trend this year. This time, Georgia plays host to LSU who enters the game a perfect 4-0 and 1-0 in conference play. LSU is averaging 43.3 ppg while giving up 19.5. Georgia is averaging 40.3 ppg while giving up 29.7. College Gameday will be in attendance and this one should be another instant classic down between the hedges. 


Players to Watch:

LSU- QB Zach Mettenberger, RB Jeremy Hill, WR Odell Beckham

Georgia- QB Aaron Murray, RB Todd Gurley, RB Keith Marshall 


My Thoughts:

Zach Mettenberger is much improved this year and probably the most improved QB in the nation and has thrown for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns with only 1 interception. Jeremy Hill is one of the most underrated backs in the nation and already has 6 touchdowns and 350 yards rushing to this point. Despite losing most of their team to the NFL, LSU hasn't had much of a drop-off at all from last season. Georgia was tied up with North Texas 21-21 halfway through the 3rd quarter Saturday before pulling away late in the game to secure the win. They will have to execute and much better this week or they could be in serious trouble.


Bottom Line:

The only thing that concerns me to this point is the strength of schedule. LSU's signature win to this point is a 37-27 win over #20 TCU. Outside of that, the Tigers have played UAB, Kent State, and Auburn. Oh and by the way, LSU hasn't played a road game this season. Georgia on the other hand will be playing their 3rd top 10 opponent of the year Saturday night. It could be fair to say the Bulldogs were not fully focused on the task at hand last week and were looking ahead to this game but it almost came back to haunt them. For me, I just have too many questions for LSU and not sure if they are truly a top 10 team based on who they've played to this point. We all know how good Georgia is and the Bulldogs may have the best QB-RB duo in the country in Murray and Gurley/Marshall. If the game was in that other "Death Valley", my pick would be harder but with the Tigers finally playing a quality opponent and having to do it on the road, I'm not sure they can handle it.

The Pick: Georgia 



Friday, September 20, 2013

Reflections From Raleigh


Last night was my first (and probably last) trip to Raleigh. It was not what I expected at all. Tried to head downtown for lunch and to explore before the game only to find out that it was deserted and there was a prison less than five minutes away. That was my cue to head back towards the stadium as quick as humanly possible. After driving in circles we finally found someone who knew what was going on and how to direct me towards a public parking lot. Before I'm even parked and out of my car I get I'm greeted with a nice warm (f-bomb you)...welcome to Raleigh, right? Tailgating in Raleigh was also not what I expected either..it felt more like a bunch of people having their own picnic in some random gravel lot with porta potties. 98% of the fans I came into contact with either cussed at me or talked trash (both before and after the game) and I was flipped off at least four times throughout the day for absolutely no reason. Got called a bandwagon by a complete stranger to which I could only laugh. Fans were extremely cocky and confident before the game and after the game instigated confrontations as I walked back to my car. At the end of the day though, I got the last laugh and proudly blasted "Eye of the Tiger" as I waited in traffic in the parking lot and rolled out of Raleigh. Well, enough about that..lets get to the actual game, shall we? 


Not So Fast, My Friend! 


It was FAR from a pretty, but the Tigers found a way to get it done on the road and came up big when we needed it most. We didn't quite cover the spread but if you go back and really breakdown this game, this was a solid win. Be cautious in your assessment of the Tigers performance last night. It wasn't the best, but it was a win. It was the first road game of the year, on a Thursday night, and in a place where we struggled and failed miserably in our last trip. We got behind but didn't give in and came back to take control of the game. I've been to numerous games in Death Valley and a handful on the road/neutral and I've seen the Tigers start like they did last night and not recover or make adjustments and lose a game in which they should have won. The old Clemson team would have lost last night. No doubt about it. Its sign of the progression and maturity of this team and program. Don't overlook it! I will say that some big calls changed the game (i.e. that state player was IN bounds, by the way) and played a major role in the outcome. However, the bottom line is Clemson found a way to get the job done on the road and move on step closer towards returning to Charlotte for an ACC Championship. 

The Tigers will certainly have to play better on both sides of the ball moving forward and I think they will. Clemson is back at home next weekend for Homecoming and should get back to its self next weekend in Death Valley. As for NC State, I can't put my finger on it. They looked much better than expected but not sure how much Clemson's lack of execution and overall swagger ( Yes, I just went there) played into that. Bottom line is the Tigers move forward with another win and all their goals are still on the board and up for grabs. And that's all that matters. One game at a time. Lets rest up and get ready to go after it hard next week against Wake Forest! Great job last night Tigers and Tiger nation! Have a nice weekend! Oh yeah, and GO TIGERS! 

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Week 4 Predictions

Week 4 Predictions

Many college football fans had their eyes set on College Station in Week 3 for the epic rematch from last season of Texas A&M and Alabama. Alabama couldn't have asked for a worse start falling behind 14-0 early but the Tide would rise and respond down the stretch and hold off a late Aggie rally to survive a thrilling 49-42 shootout. Johnny Manziel had an overall solid game but threw two costly interceptions both leading directly to Alabama touchdowns that ultimately proved to be the difference maker. South Carolina held off the visiting Commodores, Ole Miss thumped Texas (see ya later, Mack Brown) and both Auburn and Texas Tech picked up conference wins and head into Week 4 undefeated. Clemson and Georgia were on their bye weeks and will look to stay in the win column this week as they take on North Carolina State and North Texas, respectively.


Week 4 Predictions: Take Your Pick 


Auburn @ #6 LSU 

Gus Malzhan has Auburn at 3-0 and ready to gain back some respect for a program that has seen better days since winning the BCS title in 2010. If Auburn can find a way to get it done in Tiger Stadium, watch out for the (Auburn) Tigers...this could be their rebound year. LSU is also 3-0 and coming off two blowout wins and will be tested against a much improved Auburn squad. Auburn will have a good season this year and might steal a win or two in conference play, but not this week. Always tough to knock off LSU at home. 

The Pick: LSU  



Texas State @ #25 Texas Tech

Kliff Kingsbury is off to a good start as head coach at his alma mater as the Red Raiders enter week 4 undefeated at 3-0. They cracked the top 25 with their win over TCU this weekend and will again take care of business this week against the Bobcats. Texas Tech easily moves to 4-0 this weekend and the Red Raider nation slowly but surely feel better about letting Chad Morris slip through the cracks. It is way too early to tell, but Kingsbury appears to be a great fit back at Texas Tech. 

                                                                                     The Pick: Texas Tech



#9 Georgia vs North Texas

A well rested Georgia team welcomes North Texas to town as a warm-up for another crucial SEC showdown next weekend when LSU comes to Athens for battle. Coming off the bye week and win over South Carolina I anticipate the Dawgs to pick up right where they left out and cruise to an easy victory over North Texas. With LSU looming next week, this is another case of jump out to an early lead, get your reserves in the game and most importantly, stay healthy.

The Pick: Georgia 





#8 Florida State vs Bethune Cookman

For the second straight week Florida State squares off against another inferior opponent at home and for the second straight week they will prove they are they are on their back to college football's elite. Jamies Winston will push the Noles closer to an epic potential top five showdown in Death Valley against the Tigers on October 19th. Seminoles put this one away early and prepare for ACC play on the road in Chestnut Hill against Boston College next weekend. 

                                                                                    The Pick: Florida State



Bonus Pick of the Week


North Carolina vs Georgia Tech

These two Coastal division foes meet up for an important ACC match-up giving the winner a small step ahead of the pack as conference play begins to heat up. North Carolina's Bryn Renner has thrown for over 500 yards so far this season and has only 1 interception. They win a close one this week over the yellow jackets. 

The Pick: North Carolina


And last but not least...... 


Christopher's Game of the Week


#3 Clemson @ North Carolina State



Preview:

Clemson fans would like to forget what happened the last time the Tigers made the trip to Carter-Finley Stadium. The Tigers rolled into Raleigh ranked #7 and got absolutely blasted by the Wolfpack and fell 37-13. However, things will be much different this time around and this team is better in nearly every aspect of the game. Going on the road on a Thursday night is not a easy task for anyone but the Tigers, coming off their bye week, should be loaded and ready to fire away when they take the field Thursday night. 

Players to Watch: 

Clemson- QB Tajh Boyd, WR Sammy Watkins, WR Gerome Hopper, RB Roderick McDowell 

North Carolina State- QB Pete Thomas, RB Matt Dayes, NC State Defense.


My Thoughts: 

I've had this game circled on my calendar since the schedule was released. I told a few friends of mine in the off season I was more worried about this week than I was about week 1 against Georgia. The Tigers know very well that if they don't show up ready to play they will and can get knocked off by the Wolfpack. This game will be nothing like the shootout we saw last season in Death Valley, but NC State is capable of making this game a bit "too interesting" if you are a Tiger fan. If the Tigers want to prove they are the real deal and a National title contender, this is a game where you have to make a statement. I haven't heard of anyone calling for an upset but it has to be in the back of everyone's mind. Will the Tigers "pull a Clemson" this year and if so, when? 


Bottom Line:

The Tiger defense is improving and North Carolina State has yet to even put up a touchdown through the air. That's good news for a Clemson secondary that is still suspect. If the Tigers show up and play to the level they are capable of, we'll see Cole Stoudt and Chad Kelly in the game as early as the 3rd quarter. However if Clemson comes out flat and ill-prepared, it could be a rough night in Raleigh. All that being said, Clemson is the better team here and will prove it on the field. The spread is 13 in favor of the Tigers and I think they cover it and then some. Even if the defense is shaky, the Offense will put up more than enough points to secure the victory. Clemson picks up its first conference win of the season in convincing fashion. 

The Pick: Clemson 47 North Carolina State 21



Thursday, September 12, 2013

Week 3 Predictions

Week 3 Predictions 


Week 2 of college football certainly did not disappoint and gave us a little bit of everything. From low scoring, defensive struggles to high scoring shootouts, upsets, blowouts, Saturday had it all. Georgia is back in the headlines again this week! However, this time they are on the winning side as they took care of South Carolina at home 41-30 to take over the drivers seat in the Eastern division. Both USC and Texas fell out of the AP Top 25 after their losses to Washington State (ouch!)  and BYU, respectively. Clemson took care of business against South Carolina State at home despite a slow start and last but not least, the ACC picked up another big win over the SEC as Miami upset (then) #12 Florida (21-16). Hard to believe its already week 3! With Clemson on their first bye week I'm gonna enjoy watching other games stress-free. Here's a few that I'll be keeping an eye on this weekend....


Week 3 Predictions: Take Your Pick 

#2 Oregon vs Tennessee 

Both squads enter this game undefeated at 2-0. The Ducks high powered offense will be looking for its 22nd straight victory at home. Oregon is averaging just over 62 points per game right now and are simply too much for this Volunteer defense to handle. The Ducks will take care of business and leave no doubt they are worthy of their #2 ranking.

The Pick: Oregon 


#13 South Carolina vs Vanderbilt 

This is a game South Carolina should handle with ease. They are the better team and get the Commodores under the lights in Williams Brice Stadium. The key here is to get an early start and not allow Vanderbilt to build any confidence. Shut the door on them early. If South Carolina has any hopes of making it to the SEC Championship they will need some help but they have to take care of their own business first and win out. Bottom line...if you are looking for an upset, look elsewhere.

                                                                                    The Pick: South Carolina



#25 Ole Miss @ Texas 

The Rebels, who currently lead the West division, are on the rise and catch a struggling Texas squad that may very well be looking for a new coach after this weekend. Mack Brown's days at Texas are numbered. A change in Defensive Coordinators isn't going to save the Longhorns season and probably won't save them Saturday either.  Ole Miss picks up the road win and the Rebels start to make a little more noise in the SEC-East.

                                                                                    The Pick: Ole Miss


Boston College vs USC

Another head coach finds himself on thin ice out in California as the Trojans fell to Washington State last weekend. Boston College is 2-0 and hoping to make some strides this year within the ACC and beyond. A win Saturday against USC could go a long way in building this team's confidence down the stretch. Look out for the ACC as they pick up another big win early in this 2013 season.

The Pick: Boston College 


**Bonus Pick of the Week**



Presbyterian  vs Furman


The Blue Hose travel to Greenville to take on the Paladins this weekend. Last year, Furman came into Bailey Memorial Stadium and left with a 31-21 victory. The year before, Furman had a field day on the PC defense en route to a 62-21 woodshed beating. I promise you these guys have not forgotten about those games. With revenge on their minds and a better overall team taking the field, I think PC finds a way to get it done against the Paladins.

The Pick: Presbyterian 


And last but not least.....



Christopher's Game of the Week


#1 Alabama vs #6 Texas A&M


Preview: 

We've been waiting for this one since last year's showdown ended. The winner of this game not only can make a statement to the SEC but to the rest of the college football world as well. Last year's contest was quite the ball game with Texas A&M sneaking out of Tuscaloosa with a stunning 29-24 victory. This game has huge SEC and BCS title implications and ticket prices are higher than ever for a regular season game. This one is going to be another classic. No matter who you pull for, if you aren't intrigued by this game, there has gotta be something wrong with you. Here we go! 

 Players to Watch: 

Texas A&M-

QB Johnny Manziel, WR Mike Evans, RB Tra Carson, RB, RB Ben Malena


Alabama- 

QB AJ McCarron, RB T.J. Yeldon, WR Christion Jones



My Thoughts: 

Johnny Manziel has been in the spotlight all offseason and most of the time it wasn't a good thing. I'm interested to see how he plays in the first major game of the season. Mentally and physically will he be ready? Texas A&M has been dubbed a BCS title contender by more than a few and we could be watching either of these teams play in Pasadena in Janurary. I think this is going to be another relatively low scoring game as it was last year with the game coming down to late in the fourth quarter. Alabama didn't look so hot against a not-so-great VT squad in week 1. I'm sure Saban has address those issues during their bye week last weekend. 


Bottom Line: 

College Station is going to be rocking and the 12th man will definitely be making its presence known Saturday afternoon. Manziel caught many of us off guard last season but I think teams will be better prepared this year. However, Johnny Football is still going to make plays and put up some points. Lets not forget that Alabama is coming in well rested off their bye week and they will be ready to give the Aggies everything in the tank.....and then some. I think this comes down to who can come up with a big turnover or have that one game-changing play that sways the momentum. Hard to judge a team so early in the year and if this game was played two weeks from now, I might have a different choice. However, for now, looks like its going to be two in a row over Alabama for Texas A&M. 

The Pick: Texas A&M






Thursday, September 5, 2013

Week 2 Predictions

Coach Dabo Swinney and his Clemson Tigers stole the show in opening weekend as they knocked off (then) #5 Georgia, 38-35 (the exact score I predicted, might I add) in front of a full capacity and electric crowd in Death Valley Saturday night. The win propelled Clemson to the #4 spot in the polls and has Tiger nation buzzing about making a run for a BCS title. In other tidbits from the weekend, South Carolina took care of business Thursday night against North Carolina (27-10). Alabama had a far from impressive showing against VT in the Georgia dome and new signal caller Jameis Winston showed that he's the real deal in FSU's 41-13 win over Pittsburgh. Overall it was a great opening weekend of college football. Now lets see if Week 2 can can top it! Not sure I can nail a score like I did last weekend but here goes nothing....


Week 2 Predictions: Take Your Pick 



#14 Notre Dame @ #17 Michigan 

For only the 2nd time ever, Michigan will be playing under the lights in the Big House. We all remember how exciting the first game was back in 2011. The Wolverines won an exciting high scoring battle 35-31. Hopefully this one will shape up to be just as good. ESPN's College Gameday will be there to watch it all unfold. Death Valley was rocking last weekend and now Michigan will get another chance to show the nation just how loud it gets in the Big House at night. 

The Pick: Michigan 




#2 Oregon vs Virginia 

Oregon has one of the best offenses in the country and when it comes to speed, they take things to another level. Virginia barely had 200 yards of total offense last week in their win over BYU. No need to sugarcoat this one or even begin to say the Oregon could get knocked off. The Ducks are stacked on offense and will score early and often on this Caviler defense. This one is going to get ugly, folks. No way around it. 

The Pick: Oregon 


#12 Florida @ Miami 

This should be a good one. Another old classic rivalry in the Sunshine State. Duke Johnson is set for monster year for the Hurricanes as he rushed for 186 yards on 18 carries last weekend. If Miami is ready to make its comeback they'll need to keep pounding the ball with #8. Florida is hoping to make some noise this year in the SEC. They showed signs of promise last season finishing 11-2 highlighted by wins against Texas A&M, LSU, South Carolina and Florida State. The ACC could use another big win over the SEC. However, I don't think it happens here.

The Pick: Florida


#4 Clemson vs SC State

The Tigers answered a lot of questions Saturday night in their win over Georgia. Although the defense gave up a few big plays, they made stops when they had to and put the pressure on Aaron Murray when it mattered most. The offense didn't disappoint either and it appears that the Tigers running game will be just fine this year without Andre Ellington. With a bye week and a Thursday night road trip to NC State looming, Clemson just needs to pour it on early, get the reserves into the game as soon as possible and head into their bye week healthy. No need to even entertain the idea of an upset here, the Tigers are 26-0 against Division 1-AA teams since 1978. 

The Pick: Clemson 


**Bonus Pick of the Week**

Presbyterian vs Brevard

The Blue Hose drew first blood against Wake Forest Thursday night but the lead was short lived as they fell 31-7 to the ACC foe. This week PC should be on the other side of a rout and notch their first win of the 2013 season. Look for them to get an early lead and cruise through the second half with relative ease.

The Pick: Presbyterian 

And last but not least......




Christopher's Game of the Week



#11 UGA vs #6 South Carolina



Preview: 

Georgia finds itself in yet another huge showdown in week 2 when they welcome in Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks Saturday afternoon "Between the hedges". South Carolina has had Georgia's number as of late, winning the last three meetings. Last season South Carolina dominated the game in nearly every aspect and send the Dawgs back home to Athens with a 35-7 loss. This year's game should be much closer and more entertaining. With the best defensive player in college football going up against one of the best quarterbacks, this game, like the Clemson-UGA game last week, should be one for the ages. This game has become quite the rivalry matchup. The winner will be in the drivers seat in the Eastern division while the loser will have to play catch-up. 


Players to Watch: 

Georgia- QB Aaron Murray, RB Todd Gurley, RB Keith Marshall, FB Quayvon Hicks

South Carolina- QB Conner Shaw, RB Mike Davis, WR Bruce Ellington, WR Shaq Roland


My Thoughts: 

Georgia fans have gone into deep depression and panic mode following their loss to Clemson. But they have to move on. The Dawgs can still technically make it to the BCS title game if they win out and get some help along the way. However, the road won't be an easy one. South Carolina took control of this game last season and put the pressure on Aaron Murray. The UGA offense couldn't do much of anything, especially in the running game. Luckily this game isn't on the road so the Bulldogs will have the crowd on their side this time around. Georgia desperately needs this win if nothing more from a morale standpoint. This time last week, UGA fans were calling for a BCS title. But if South Carolina can come to Athens and leave with a win, that puts the Dawgs out of the BCS title talk, puts SEC title dreams on hold and could be the last straw for head coach Mark Richt. There will be more guys like this calling into radio shows Monday morning (or Saturday night) with their heads hanging low. 


Bottom Line: 

Although Clemson's defense is still a bit suspect, they won the battle up front for the majority of the night and recorded four sacks on Aaron Murray. If Clowney comes ready to play (which I'm sure he will) UGA could be in trouble. I'm looking for a low scoring affair in Athens this weekend and it'll come down to who can step up and make that one play to make a difference. As good as Georiga's offense is, South Carolina's defense still might have the upper hand. This one will go down to the wire with a defensive stand or last minute drive making the difference. At the end of the day, I gotta go with my gut on this one. Sorry, Georgia fans. 

The Pick: South Carolina