Wednesday, October 30, 2013

The Home Stretch! (College Football Week 10 Preview)

Matt: Welcome to Week 10! What a week we had last week in college football and with each Saturday, the championship picture is becoming a bit clearer. Another undeafted team fell last week in Missouri, blowing a fourth quarter lead and missing a chip shot in double overtime to probably dismantle their chances of finding themselves in the last BCS national championship. But alas, five teams still remain perfect through week10: Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State, Baylor, and the Ducks of Oregon. As we get closer to bowl season, we’ll be on a higher alert of these teams and give you more information on who is looking to find themselves in Pasadena, California come January 6th, 2014.

Ryan once again dominated me last week in terms of picks. He picked seven more correctly than me this week, taking his lead to 11 games. I guess I’ll have to do a bit more research on games so I can bridge this gap. At this point in the season, Ryan is 396-129 (.754) and I am 385-140 (.733) This week, Ryan and I will be talking about 7 different matchups. So let’s get right into it.

Michigan at Michigan State, Saturday 3:30 PM, ABC

Matt: Honestly for me, the Big Ten has surprised me a bit. I did not think Minnesota would be bowl eligible at this point, and I did not think that Michigan State would be ranked going into this game. This game, when looking at it before the college football season started looked like an easy win for Michigan, but now I’m not entirely sure.  Michigan State is coming off a huge win over Illinois last week, with Connor Cook throwing for 208 yards and 3 touchdown passes, but it was really the rushing game that killed the Fightin Illini last week, Michigan State rushed for 269 yards against Illinois and after struggling to puts points on the board against Purdue the previous week, Michigan State looks like a real threat going into this game. I don’t think Ryan or myself really thought that the Spartans were going to be challenging for the division title, but it looks like that might be a possibility. They are doing it with defense, only allowing 12.3 points per game, which is third in FBS. Michigan is coming off a bye after scoring 63 points against my Hoosiers, and allowing 47. Michigan isn’t going to score that much against this Spartans D, they are tough. Brady Hoke is undeafted at home, but at the end of the day I think this Michigan State defense is tough enough to stop the Wolverines and hand Hoke his first loss at the Big House.
Winner: Michigan State

Ryan: Michigan’s high scoring offense clashes up against Michigan State’s dominant defense. This will be a marquee game for Devin Gardner, who has put up impressive numbers at the quarterback position. Michigan is an overtime win away from being undefeated and a national title contender. Now , the Wolverines go into East Lansing as the underdog. Michigan State has skated under the radar all year with no impressive wins and getting physically outplayed by Notre Dame. This rivalry matchup looks a lot closer on paper then it will be in real life. Michigan has too much star power.
Winner: Michigan

Minnesota at Indiana, Saturday 3:30 PM, Big Ten Network

Matt: Every year I say, as an Indiana fan, how I wished we played Minnesota because they are just as terrible as us. This year is the one exception. I remember looking at the schedule when it was released and being super happy that for the first time in five years we would be playing Minnesota, and it would be an easy W with the talent and offense we have. Now, after watching the Hoosiers give up 63 points to Michigan and watching Minnesota upset Nebraska and starting to get attention in the national polls, I’m not so sure anymore. The QB carasoul is starting once against for my Hoosiers, with Wilson pulling Sudfield in the second quarter in favor of Tre Roberson. Look, I’m okay with either quarterback, they both have their cons and pros, but Wilson needs to be consistent so they can develop a rhythm. I’m hoping that the environment in Memorial Stadium will help this game, it is homecoming after all, hopefully a strong force of alumni will show up to this game and be the key factor we need. This Minnesota team is 6-2 and has already knocked off Nebraska, and Northwestern (who may be the biggest disappointment of the Big Ten season, but that is another story). If Indiana is to win this game, they’ll have to stop the high powered rushing offense of Minnesota which is averaging 217.8 per game, fourth in the Big Ten. Indiana is ranked dead last in total defense in the Big Ten, but I think the Hoosiers will learn from the Michigan game and set up for this huge homecoming game. No surprises here, I’m going with my Hoosiers.
Winner: Indiana

Ryan: The matchup in Bloomington is very interesting. Indiana is looking to add wins to become bowl eligible while Minnesota is trying to stay in the hunt for the Big Ten title. Nate Sudfeld has helped the Hoosiers become the eighth best scoring offense in the country with his 1700 yards and 14 touchdown passes. Indiana has been terrible on defense, however, giving up more than 37 points a game. In every loss this season, the opponents have scored over 40 points. The Gophers have done most of its damage on the ground, rushing for over 215 yards a game. Minnesota has a strong defense that is able to shut down opponents.  With a strong defense from the Gophers and a lack of one for the Hoosiers, I see Minnesota being able to stop Sudfeld and come away with the win.
Winner: Minnesota

Ohio State at Purdue, Saturday Noon, Big Ten Network

Matt: The Buckeyes are coming off a huge win over Penn State. Only allowing Penn State to find the endzone twice, and Braxton Miller going off throwing for 3 touchdowns and and rushing for another two. Purdue, on the other hand, is coming off a bye after holding Michigan State to only 14 points but being unable to find the end zone and ending up with a goose egg on their side of the scoreboard. That being said, this should be a no brainer, Ohio State should win this one. However, in the last couple of years Purdue has been able to test Ohio State. Unfortunately, this isn’t the same Purdue team that was able to test them. This is a game that I’m sure many Purdue fans are going to want to forget, just like my Hoosiers always dread and try to block our embarrassing losses to Wisconsin the last ten years.  Ohio State wins big again here.
Winner: Ohio State

Ryan: Ohio State should have a queasy feeling this week. The Buckeyes face a Boilermaker team that has always given them trouble. This year looks to be the same.  Purdue is in the middle of a rebuilding phase after Danny Hope tore the team down. Ohio State has looked good all year, led by Braxton Miller and backup Kenny Guitton. The Buckeyes have stayed rounded with a top 20 scoring and scoring defense. Purdue on the other hand has played terribly. The Boilermakers were fortunate to beat Indiana State, but have not showed much promise the rest of the year. However, Purdue has been known to spoil the hopes of Big Ten teams. Like they did with the Irish, the Boilermakers will rise to the occasion and Danny Etling will grow up before our eyes. Purdue wins in a shocker.
Winner: Purdue

Navy at Notre Dame, Saturday 3:30 PM, NBC

Matt: Notre Dame is coming off a huge win over another service branch, the Air Force, winning the game 45-10, which is their largest margin of victory this year. The Midshipmen, on the other hand, barely escape the Panthers of Pitt and needed a last second field goal to get pass them. When looking at Navy, you have to look at the other team’s rushing defense. Mostly because all Navy does is run the triple option. Notre Dame is ranked 42nd in rushing defense. Which isn’t that bad, but isn’t great either. If Notre Dame wants to stop the rushing attack of Navy, they’ll have to figure out a way to stop QB Keenan Reynolds, who is 16th in rushing attempts in the nation and has an average of 78 rushing yards per game. If Notre Dame can stop him and his backfield, they’ll come out on top. I think they will be able to just that and find themselves with another victory.
Winner: Notre Dame

Ryan: Notre Dame is following the Option-based Air Force with the option-based Navy. This scheduling is very accommodating for the Irish, being able to practice two straight weeks on this tricky offensive structure. The Irish gave up 290 rushing yards on 65 attempts. Notre Dame looked good offensively, connecting on three 30+ yard passing touchdowns. Tommy Rees is going to be a key player again against Navy who has only given up around 200 yards passing a game. Navy is going to look to dominate the line of scrimmage on offense, forcing the Irish to load the box. Notre Dame shouldn’t be too worried about Navy’s ability to throw the football. Quarterback Keenen Reynolds has passed for over 100 just twice this year. The Irish front seven will be able to concentrate on the running game and make Navy throw more than it wants to. Irish with another easy victory.
Winner: Notre Dame

Oklahoma State at Texas Tech, Saturday 7:00 PM, FOX

Matt: Texas Tech was handed their first loss last week against Oklahoma in a tight battle, but ultimately it was the turnovers that costed Texas Tech, turning the ball over three times. Oklahoma State on the other hand is coming over a pretty easy win over Iowa State with Desmond Roland rushing for 219 yards and four touchdowns. This is a huge game in terms of the Big 12 title. Both sit with one loss in the conference and both still have to conference leaders Baylor and Texas. This is going to be a tight one but in the end I think that the Red Raiders bounce back from a disappointing loss against the Sooners and find themselves with a huge win over the Cowboys.
Winner: Texas Tech

Ryan: A top-25 matchup takes place in Lubbock against the Cowboys and the Red Raiders. Oklahoma State is entering with a three game winning streak whereas Texas Tech is coming off its first loss of the season against Oklahoma. This game is very evenly matched when you look at it from afar. Both teams are in the top-25 in scoring offense and scoring defense. The Red Raiders have the advantage in the passing game with Baker Mayfield and Davis Webb, both of which have over 1400 yards and at least 8 touchdowns. However, Texas Tech lacks a running game. Oklahoma State is more balanced, passing for 271 yards and rushing for 166 a game. The balance of the Cowboys is going to make things rough for the Red Raider defense, giving Oklahoma State just enough of an edge.
Winner: Oklahoma State

Miami at Florida State, Saturday 8:00 PM, ABC

Matt: This game is going to be huge, unfortunately I’ll be at work but I can’t wait to see the highlights from this one. Florida State is coming off a huge win over North Carolina State. Jameis Winston is not looking like a freshmen QB, after throwing 3 touchdowns last week, bringing his total to 23 touchdowns on the year and another three with rushing. If Florida State wants to make the national championship, this is a must win for them. Miami is looking to spoil that dream, but it won’t be easy. Florida State is a three touchdown favor (as of writing this blog). If Miami wants to beat the Seminoles, they’ll have to find someway to get pass the tough defense and offensive attack of Florida State, both of which are in the top 25 national. I just think Florida State is too good to be upset at home by this Hurricanes team, it may be closer than three touchdowns but in the end I think Florida State pulls this off.
Winner: Florida State

Ryan: Battle of two heavyweights takes place in Tallahassee this Saturday. Miami and Florida State not only battle for the state of Florida, but they also battle for a shot at the national title. Florida State has hitched its wagon to Jameis Winston and he has carried them every step of the way. Winston has thrown for over 2300 yards and 23 touchdowns. Miami is led by star running back Duke Johnson. Johnson isn’t the only back doing work this year for the Hurricanes. Dallas Crawford has scored two touchdowns in four different games this season. Miami has not looked as impressive as Florida State, who hasn’t won a game by less than two touchdowns all year. The Hurricanes have squeaked out the past two wins against North Carolina and Wake Forest. Now, coming to the biggest stage in the ACC, Miami is going to have its hands full.
Winner: Florida State

New Mexico at San Diego State, Saturday 8:00, Local TV only

Matt: The Lobos are just 2-5 on the season, with their only wins coming against a 1-7 New Mexico State team and an OT win over UTEP. One thing that New Mexico has going for it though it their rushing game, with 322.3 yards per game, they are 3rd in the nation in rushing. However, they are 121st in passing offense, and one of the worst defense at 116th in the nation. San Diego State’s numbers are impressive in any category necessarily. However, their QB, Quinn Kaehler, is ranked 26th in nation in passing yards per game at 261.3 yards per game. I think San Diego’s passing game is too much for New Mexico in the end and San Diego comes out on top in this one.
Winner: New Mexico

Ryan: New Mexico is coming off a bye week, giving them an extra week to prepare for San Diego State. The Lobos have once again maintained a top five rushing team, averaging over 322 yards a game. Kasey Carrier is performing well after starting the season off slow. Carrier has 858 yards and nine rushing touchdowns with one receiving touchdown. Quarterback Cole Gautsche 523 yards and six touchdowns. The Lobos, however, are not a balanced team, averaging less than 100 yards passing a game. The Aztecs are coming off a tough loss against Fresno State last Saturday, losing in overtime. San Diego State offers a more balanced attack with 269 yards passing and 169 rushing. The Aztecs have lost four games this season, with the opponents scoring 34 points or more in those games. This stat is not good for the Aztecs, seeing is the Lobos average 33 points per game. Both teams need a win to continue their hopes of post-season play. In this evenly matched game, I have to go with the team I know.
Winner: New Mexico


Matt: There you have it, our picks for some of the key matchups this week. Here are the rest of our picks for the week.  

Date TIME (ET) MATCHUP TV Matt Ryan
Wednesday 8:00 PM Cincinnati at Memphis Cincinnati Cincinnati
Thursday 7:00 PM South Florida at Houston Houston Houston
Thursday 7:30 PM Rice at North Texas FOX Sports 1 Rice North Texas
Thursday 7:30 PM Louisiana-Monroe at Troy Louisiana-Monroe Troy
Thursday 10:30 PM Arizona State at Washington State Arizona State Arizona State
Friday 9:00 PM USC at No. 25 Oregon State Oregon State Oregon State
Saturday 3:30 PM No. 22 Michigan at Michigan State Michigan State Michigan
Saturday 3:30 PM Georgia vs. Florida* CBS Florida Georgia
Saturday 3:30 PM Minnesota at Indiana BTN Indiana Minnesota
Saturday TBA Tennessee at No. 5 Missouri    Missouri Missouri
Saturday TBA No. 11 Auburn at Arkansas    Auburn Auburn
Saturday 12:00 PM No. 4 Ohio State at Purdue BTN Ohio State Purdue
Saturday 12:00 PM No. 14 Virginia Tech at Boston College     Virginia Tech Virginia Tech
Saturday 12:00 PM No. 18 Northern Illinois atMassachusetts ESPN 3 NIU NIU
Saturday 12:00 PM Temple at Rutgers ESPN 3 Rutgers Rutgers
Saturday 12:00 PM Illinois at Penn State     Penn State Penn State
Saturday 12:00 PM Army at Air Force Army Air Force
Saturday 12:00 PM Wisconsin at Iowa     Wisconsin Wisconsin
Saturday 12:21 PM Mississippi State at No. 21 South Carolina ESPN 3 South Carolina South Carolina
Saturday 12:30 PM North Carolina at North Carolina State ESPN 3 North Carolina North Carolina
Saturday 12:30 PM Wake Forest at Syracuse ESPN 3 Syracuse Syracuse
Saturday 12:30 PM Southern Miss at Marshall CBS Sports Network Marshall Marshall
Saturday 1:00 PM Middle Tennessee at UAB Middle Tennessee Middle Tennessee
Saturday 1:00 PM Western Kentucky at Georgia State ESPN 3 Western Kentucky Western Kentucky
Saturday 2:00 PM Rhode Island at Old Dominion Old Dominion Old Dominion
Saturday 3:30 PM No. 9 Clemson at Virginia    Clemson Clemson
Saturday 3:30 PM Northwestern at No. 24 Nebraska BTN Nebraska Nebraska
Saturday 3:30 PM Arizona at California Pac-12 Network Arizona Arizona
Saturday 3:30 PM Navy at Notre Dame NBC Notre Dame Notre Dame
Saturday 3:30 PM UTSA at Tulsa Tulsa Tulsa
Saturday 3:30 PM Kansas at Texas Longhorn Network Texas Texas
Saturday 3:30 PM Kent State at Akron ESPN 3 Kent State Akron
Saturday 3:30 PM Iowa State at Kansas State FOX Sports 1 Kansas State Kansas State
Saturday 3:30 PM West Virginia at TCU TCU TCU
Saturday 4:00 PM Hawaii at Utah State CBS Sports Network Utah State Utah State
Saturday 4:00 PM San Jose State at UNLV San Jose State UNLV
Saturday 5:00 PM Texas State at Idaho Texas State Texas State
Saturday 5:00 PM New Mexico State at Louisiana-Lafayette Louisiana-Lafayette Louisiana-Lafayette
Saturday 5:00 PM Tulane at Florida Atlantic Florida Atlantic Florida Atlantic
Saturday 6:00 PM East Carolina at Florida International East Carolina FIU
Saturday 7:00 PM No. 19 Oklahoma State at No. 10 Texas Tech FOX Texas Tech Oklahoma State
Saturday 7:00 PM Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech Georgia Tech Georgia Tech
Saturday 7:00 PM Eastern Michigan at Toledo ESPN 3 Toledo Toledo
Saturday 7:30 PM Colorado at No. 12 UCLA FOX Sports 1 UCLA UCLA
Saturday 7:30 PM Arkansas State at South Alabama ESPN 3 South Alabama South Alabama
Saturday 7:30 PM Alabama State at Kentucky ESPN 3 Kentucky Kentucky
Saturday 8:00 PM No. 7 Miami (FL) at No. 2 Florida State Florida State Florida State
Saturday 8:00 PM New Mexico at San Diego State San Diego State New Mexico
Saturday 8:00 PM Boise State at Colorado State CBS Sports Network Boise State Boise State
Saturday 9:00 PM UTEP at No. 16 Texas A&M Texas A&M Texas A&M
Saturday 10:30 PM Nevada at No. 17 Fresno State Fresno State Fresno State

Friday, October 25, 2013

S 'n' P Sports is Back! (College Football Week 9 Preview)

Matt: Wow, what a week last week in college football! Upset city! So many giants fell last night, I’m not even sure where to start. Ryan dominated me last week in picks. He pick six more correct than I did and the week before that he had one up on me. Finally the week before that was my biggest victory by winning by four. So overall, Ryan is up by six. Hopefully I can make up some ground this week. This week we are only covering five matchups. Sorry about the hiatus, I guess Ryan was too busy researching picks to write a blog, but we’re back now, so let’s get into it.

Notre Dame at Air Force, CBS Sports Network, 5:00 PM EST Saturday

Ryan: Notre Dame is coming off a big win against rival Southern Cal. However, the Irish were handed a tough loss at quarterback when Tommy Rees was injured in the second half. Andrew Hendrix, who came in for Rees, was unable to move the ball. A bright side is that the Irish defense looks to be clicking. The Trojans were on the receiving end of many hard hits from the Irish secondary, which sealed the win late in the fourth quarter. Air Force has lost five straight games coming into this matchup, all of which in conference play. Of course the Falcons would love to upset Notre Dame in Colorado Springs, but it’s just not in the cards. Notre Dame wins big.
Winner: Notre Dame

Matt: Well, Notre Dame cost me another lose again by beating USC last week. Another one of their rivals. Air Force is pretty terrible at 1-6 and no conference wins, with their only close game coming against Nevada. I don’t see the FIghtin’ Irish having any problems with the Falcons of Air Force. They may pay Ryan’s bills but I don’t see any way the Falcons are able to pull  off the victory.
Winner: Notre Dame

UCLA at Oregon, Saturday, 7:00 PM ESPN

Ryan: Oregon is led by Heisman candidate Marcus Mariotta, who has yet to commit a turnover. The Ducks haven’t lost a step since former coach Chip Kelly went to the Eagles, averaging over 300 yards rushing and passing. The Ducks also have the second highest points per game average and twelfth scoring defense. UCLA is coming off a tough loss to Stanford on the road. The Bruins have had a strong year thus far and don’t want multiple losses in a row. Brett Hundley has thrown for over 1600 yards and 13 touchdowns so far this year. With a matchup of great quarterbacks, I see this game being a shootout. Oregon will continue its success with a double digit win at the Autzen Zoo.
Winner: Oregon

Matt: Oregon remains the only undeafted team in the Pac-12 and quarterback Marcus Mariotta is looking like a stud coming off a huge win over Washington State last week. But now the real test of the season begins, Oregon has UCLA this week and Stanford, these two weeks could make or break their national championship hopes. But I don’t think the high powered offense will have problems against UCLA. I think the Ducks keep on rolling and end up winning this one and going undeafted into Palo Alto.
Winner: Oregon

Stanford at Oregon State, Saturday, 10:30 ESPN

Ryan: If it weren’t for an early season hiccup, Oregon State may be ranked higher. The number 25 Beavers are going into Saturday’s game with something to prove. After falling to East Washington, they have won six straight, including four in conference. Stanford put aside the loss to Utah by beating a top ten UCLA team. Kevin Hogan may not be a top tier quarterback, but he is filling in for Andrew Luck nicely.  The Cardinal controls their own destiny in the PAC-12, as do the Beavers and Ducks. With the Beavers this week and the Ducks next week, the Stanford has a tough road. However, Stanford’s defense and maturity will be too much for the Beavers in this game.
Winner: Stanford

Matt: Stanford came off a lost with class and was able to take care of UCLA in a very exciting game. It doesn’t get any easier for Stanford now having to take on the Beavers this week and the Ducks next week. Oregon State leads the nation in passing yards per game. However, they are ranked 125th in rushing. I think this game will be a great game, I’ll probably be asleep by halftime because I’m old but I think it’ll be a close one but in the end I think the Cardinal are still sour from that loss against Utah and come out winning this one.
Winner: Stanford

Texas Tech at Oklahoma, Saturday, 3:30 PM EST FOX

Ryan: Before the season started, no one was talking about Texas Tech. Now, after starting 7-0, the Red Raiders are 3-0 and atop the Big 12. The Raiders are number two in the country in passing, led by a duo of quarterbacks. Baker Mayfield and Davis Webb have accounted for over 2900 yards and 19 touchdowns. Oklahoma, the preseason Big 12 favorite, had a slip against Texas in the Red River Rivalry. The Sooners have had controversy at quarterback between Blake Bell and Trevor Knight. Bell has set himself ahead as the starter, but neither has produced much this season. Both teams have a strong defense allowing less than 20 points a game. Neither team has a clear advantage, so home field and coaching are going to be big factors. Bob Stoops has owned Norman, and this weekend doesn’t look to be much different.
Winner: Oklahoma

Matt: I think Ryan and I both over looked a lot of teams in the Big 12 this year. Our conference winners, TCU and Texas, aren’t even ranked and haven’t really been the powerhouses in the Big 12 this year. Looking at the Big 12 schedule earlier, I wouldn’t have thought this would be the marquee matchup of the conference, but here we are in Week 9 and both of these teams are in the top 20. This is going to be a great game, and Texas Tech has a been a pleasant surprise this year. I think the Red Raiders will come out on top of this one and continue to be unbeated.
Winner: Texas Tech

South Carolina at Missouri, Saturday 7:00 PM EST, ESPN2

Ryan: Missouri is an interesting team this year. The Tigers are ranked high, but really have no reason to be. The Tigers beat Georgia and Florida. However, starting quarterback James Franklin is out for the year and Florida is not as good of a team that we thought of at the beginning of the season. South Carolina has also had an interesting season. Jadaveon Clowney has underachieved this year, and the Gamecocks have lost two close games: Georgia and Tennessee.  Missouri is leading the SEC East by two games with South Carolina behind them. A win here by the Gamecock would still keep the Tigers in first, but a loss would most likely mean the end of South Carolina’s SEC title hopes. The Gamecock have the superior team with Connor Shaw at quarterback and a proven defense. This SEC East matchup will end up being closer than it should, but I see the Gamecock having their way.
Winner: South Carolina

Matt: For me, Missouri has been the surprise team of the year. When I saw that my Hoosiers were playing Missouri, I was kind of hopeful because I believed they were a lower tier SEC team that was more of a basketball school, but they have proved me wrong since they dominated my Hoosiers. They are coming off a very impressive win over Florida last week, and now have moved into the top 5 and are in the national championship picture. South Carolina, on the other hand, has underperformed, when the season started, I know they were on a lot of people’s short list for national champion, but they are coming off an upset by Tennessee. I think Missouri keeps this dream season alive and comes out with a W.
Winner: Missouri


Matt: There you have it! Our picks for the big matchups for Week 9. Here is a complete list of our picks. 

Date TIME (ET) MATCHUP TV Matt Ryan
Tuesday 8:00 PM Louisiana-Lafayette at Arkansas State Louisiana-Lafayette Louisiana-Lafayette
Thursday 7:30 PM Kentucky at Mississippi State Mississippi State Mississippi State
Thursday 7:30 PM Marshall at Middle Tennessee FOX Sports 1 Marshall Marshall
Friday 8:00 PM Boise State at Brigham Young Boise State BYU
Saturday 3:30 PM Michigan State at Illinois    Illinois MSU
Saturday 12:00 PM Wake Forest at No. 7 Miami (FL) Miami (FL) Miami (FL)
Saturday 12:00 PM No. 19 Oklahoma State at Iowa State Oklahoma State Oklahoma State
Saturday 12:00 PM No. 20 Louisville at South Florida Louisville Louisville
Saturday 12:00 PM Connecticut at No. 23 UCF ESPN 3 UCF UCF
Saturday 12:00 PM No. 24 Nebraska at Minnesota Nebraska Nebraska
Saturday 12:00 PM Houston at Rutgers Houston Rutgers
Saturday 12:00 PM Ball State at Akron ESPN 3 Ball State Ball State
Saturday 12:00 PM Northwestern at Iowa BTN Northwestern Northwestern
Saturday 12:21 PM Vanderbilt at No. 16 Texas A&M ESPN 3 Texas A&M Texas A&M
Saturday 12:30 PM Georgia Tech at Virginia ESPN 3 Georgia Tech Georgia Tech
Saturday 1:00 PM Pittsburgh at Navy CBS Sports Network Pittsburgh Navy
Saturday 1:00 PM Old Dominion at Norfolk State Old Dominion Norfolk State
Saturday 2:00 PM Miami (OH) at Ohio ESPN 3 Miami (OH) Ohio
Saturday 2:30 PM Toledo at Bowling Green ESPN 3 Bowling Green Bowling Green
Saturday 3:00 PM Western Michigan at Massachusetts ESPN 3 Western Michigan Umass
Saturday 3:00 PM Temple at Southern Methodist ESPN 3 Southern Methodist Southern Methodist
Saturday 3:30 PM Tennessee at No. 1 Alabama CBS Alabama Alabama
Saturday 3:30 PM North Carolina State at No. 2 Florida State    Florida State Florida State
Saturday 3:30 PM No. 9 Clemson at Maryland Clemson Clemson
Saturday 3:30 PM No. 10 Texas Tech at No. 15 Oklahoma FOX Texas Tech Oklahoma
Saturday 3:30 PM Duke at No. 14 Virginia Tech Virginia Tech Virginia Tech
Saturday 3:30 PM Eastern Michigan at No. 18 Northern Illinois ESPN 3 Northern Illinois Northern Illinois
Saturday 3:30 PM Boston College at North Carolina ESPN 3 Boston College North Carolina
Saturday 3:30 PM UTEP at Rice Rice Rice
Saturday 3:30 PM Buffalo at Kent State ESPN 3 Buffalo Buffalo
Saturday 3:30 PM Tulsa at Tulane Tulsa Tulane
Saturday 3:45 PM West Virginia at Kansas State FOX Sports 1 West Virginia Kansas State
Saturday 4:00 PM Utah at USC Pac-12 Network Utah USC
Saturday 4:00 PM Troy at Western Kentucky ESPN 3 Western Kentucky Western Kentucky
Saturday 5:00 PM Notre Dame at Air Force CBS Sports Network Notre Dame Notre Dame
Saturday 5:00 PM UAB at UTSA UAB UAB
Saturday 6:00 PM Louisiana Tech at Florida International Louisiana Tech Louisiana Tech
Saturday 6:05 PM UNLV at Nevada ESPN 3 UNLV Nevada
Saturday 7:00 PM No. 12 UCLA at No. 3 Oregon Oregon Oregon
Saturday 7:00 PM No. 21 South Carolina at No. 5 Missouri Missouri South Carolina
Saturday 7:00 PM No. 8 Baylor at Kansas Baylor Baylor
Saturday 7:00 PM Furman at No. 13 LSU ESPN 3 LSU LSU
Saturday 7:00 PM Wyoming at San Jose State Wyoming San Jose State
Saturday 7:00 PM South Alabama at Texas State ESPN 3 Texas State South Alabama
Saturday 7:00 PM Georgia State at Louisiana-Monroe ESPN 3 Louisiana-Monroe Louisiana-Monroe
Saturday 7:00 PM North Texas at Southern Miss North Texas North Texas
Saturday 7:30 PM Florida Atlantic at No. 11 Auburn ESPN 3 Auburn Auburn
Saturday 7:30 PM Idaho at Ole Miss ESPN 3 Ole Miss Ole Miss
Saturday 7:30 PM Texas at TCU FOX Sports 1 Texas Texas
Saturday 8:00 PM Penn State at No. 4 Ohio State Ohio State Ohio State
Saturday 8:00 PM Arizona at Colorado Pac-12 Network Colorado Arizona
Saturday 8:00 PM Abilene Christian at New Mexico State ESPN 3 New Mexico State Abilene Christian
Saturday 10:30 PM No. 6 Stanford at No. 25 Oregon State Stanford Stanford
Saturday 10:30 PM No. 17 Fresno State at San Diego State Fresno State Fresno State
Saturday 11:00 PM California at Washington FOX Sports 1 Washington Washington
Sunday 12:00 AM Colorado State at Hawaii Hawaii Colorado State


Friday, October 4, 2013

The Cardinal Face The Huskies (College Football Week 6 Preview)

Matt: Week 6! Last week I killed Ryan, gaining some ground on his overall lead. I went 38-10, while Ryan went 33-15. I am now just one game behind him in the overall standings. This week we are previewing just 5 matchups, but there are plenty good games as we get into the meat of conference play. You can check out all our picks below the preview, the ones that aren't highlighted are the ones that Ryan and I picked different teams to win. Enjoy!

Indiana vs. Penn State

Ryan: This matchup marks the opening of Big Ten play for both teams. Indiana has been up and down this year, losing after every win, and winning after every loss. With that logic, IU wins this game. However, that’s not a strategy to go betting your lifesavings on. Penn State is a strong program still with a lot to prove. Christian Hackenberg has played well for a freshman quarterback, throwing for more than 175 yards and a touchdown in every game. He did, however, struggle against Kent State, completing only 37 percent of his passes. IU has shown some early offensive production this season. Quarterback Nate Sudfeld has thrown for over 1100 yards and 11 touchdowns already. Sudfeld struggled against a tough Missouri team, throwing three interceptions. This game is a tossup, but I have to go with the Nitny Lions. IU still has a long way to go before they prove to me they can be a legitimate team in this conference. Winner: Penn State

Matt: My Hoosiers open up Big Ten conference play with the Nitny Lions, followed by both Michigan teams, so this isn’t going to be an easy three game stretch for my Hoosiers. Penn State isn’t the same team that was a powerhouse a few years ago, but they still have a chip on their shoulder and want to prove that they can play even though they aren’t eligible for the postseason. Honestly, I’m not sure how this game plays out, Indiana has been up and down like Ryan  said, and two weeks ago game against Missouri was hard to watch, but I think the Hoosiers will bounce back nicely after a week off. I told our friends that I wouldn’t pick against my own team, and I’m not doing it here. Indiana wins this one, and starts turning some heads in the Big Ten.
Winner: Indiana

Illinois vs. Nebraska

Ryan: Nebraska goes into this game with a huge injury. Starting quarterback Taylor Martinez is out against Illinois, meaning Freshman Tommy Armstrong is getting the start. The loss of Martinez is going to mean Ameer Abdullah is going to be getting a lot more carries in the run game. Abdullah has rushed for over 100 yards in three of the first four games. The only time he didn’t was in the loss to UCLA. Illinois has had a better than expected season, beating a Cincinnati team, who we now know is not good, and a close game against Washington. The Illini are powered by Nathan Scheelhaase and Josh Ferguson. Ferguson has been a matchup nightmare out of the backfield, catching twelve passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns. Nebraska and Illinois both give up a lot of points and score a lot of points. I picture a shootout with the Cornhuskers on top.
Winner: Nebraska

Matt: The Illini go into Lincoln to start their Big Ten season against the Cornhuskers, and it will not  be an easy test for Scheelhaase and company. However, this isn’t the same Illini team that the Big Ten is use to seeing, I’m expecting that this game will be closer than Nebraska wants it to be. With Nebraska’s starting QB out of the game, Illinois has a chance to do  something big here and possibly pull out the upset. In the end, I think Nebraska comes out on top on this one, but part of me will be cheering for Illinois because I’m still not ready to accept Nebraska as a Big Ten school yet.
Winner: Nebraska

New Mexico State vs. New Mexico

Ryan: The Rio Grande Rivalry takes place in Albuquerque this Saturday. Not being a fan of either team could make this a skip over game. The bad records could also do the same. The Lobos have lost two very winnable games against UTSA and UNLV, having led in both. The Aggies, however, haven’t even gotten close to winning a game in over a year, losing 16 straight now. Time to make it 17. The Lobos have finally clicked in the running game, rushing for over 300 yards a game. Kasey Carrier is tenth in the nation in rushing with 559 yards in four games. The Lobos struggle on defense and have no passing game, but none of that will matter against NMSU. Lobos will win this one easily and maintain their control over the Land of Enchantment.
Winner: New Mexico

Matt: I won’t say much about this game, because I know very little about either team, but from what I’ve seen or read about the Lobos, they seem to put a lot of heart into their games, losing a couple of close one this year already. With that being said, I’m going with New Mexico State on this one, just because the one time I did pick New Mexico, they lost to a FCS team, and I’m still not willing to forgive them for that.
Winner: New Mexico State

Notre Dame vs. Arizona State

Ryan: Notre Dame has struggled in big games this year. The Irish had to come from behind at Purdue and lost close ones to Michigan and Oklahoma. This week they play Arizona State in Cowboys Stadium. Tommy Rees seemed to have his turnover issues behind him until throwing three interceptions in the first half against the Sooners, all resulting in a touchdown. The run game has worked for the Irish, and will be a key part in this game. The Irish use a running back by committee approach. Arizona State is coming off a huge win against USC and looking to put themselves on the map with a marquee win on primetime. The Devils have not looked too impressive this year, losing big to Stanford and winning by bad calls against Wisconsin. Taylor Kelly has thrown the ball well for the Sun Devils, with over 1300 yards and 11 touchdowns. Kelly has also thrown five interceptions in his last three games. Turnovers early for the Irish will spark their defense and grab momentum. The Irish will need to play sharp early in order to run the ball down the stretch and come away with the win.
Winner: Notre Dame

Matt: This Arizona State team is for real. I wasn’t sure when they barely got past Wisconsin but after watching them pretty much dominate USC on both sides of the ball, leading to Lane Kiffin’s firing, I’m pleasantly surprised of the Sun Devils performance. With that being said, I think that Arizona State will be able to take care of Notre Dame pretty easily, Notre Dame has yet to beat a ranked opponent this year, and barely skated pass Michigan State. I think this is the game that Fightin’ Irish prove to the rest of the country what most of them already know, they aren’t that great. The Sun Devils win this one, and Notre Dame returns to being a sub-par team.
Winner: Arizona State

Stanford vs. Washington

Ryan: Stanford has jumped out as the early favorite to upset Alabama this year in the national title game. The Cardinal defense isn’t as stout as they were last year, but the offense is better. Kevin Hogan has shined at quarterback so far this year while Tyler Gaffney is having the best rushing year of his career. Washington is looking to spoil and national title hopes and PAC-12 hopes with an upset this week in Palo Alto. Keith Price has played efficient football so far this season with nine touchdowns and only two interceptions. A big reason for that success comes from running back Bishop Sankey. Sankey has rushed for 607 yards and five touchdowns. With the running game bringing more defenders in the box, Price is getting better matchups on the outside. The Huskies defense is also very underrated, only allowing 10.8 points a game. A close game and not too far for the Huskies to travel, I think Washington will upset the Cardinal.
Winner: Washington


Matt: This is going to be a great game and could determine who possibly goes to a national championship and who ends up being disappointed and going to the Rose Bowl. Washington has a tough next three weeks with games against Stanford this week, Oregon next week, and Arizona State the next. If the Huskies are able to pull the huge upset, it could give them a lot of momentum going into next week against Oregon. Unfortunately, I don’t believe that is going to happen. Stanford has been running like a well-oiled machine the whole season and I think they are still under the radar in the national championship talks, and still feel they have something to prove. I think they’ll come out and want to show the nation what is up. Stanford wins this one, but not with some challenges from the Huskies.
Winner: Stanford

Time Away Team Home Team Matt Ryan
7:30 PM Texas Longhorns  Iowa State Cyclones  Texas Texas
7:30 PM Western Kentucky Hilltoppers  Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks  Western Kentucky Western Kentucky
10:00 PM 13 UCLA Bruins  Utah Utes  UCLA UCLA
8:00 PM BYU Cougars  Utah State Aggies  BYU BYU
9:00 PM Nevada Wolf Pack  San Diego State Aztecs  Nevada San Diego State
11:30 AM Air Force Falcons  Navy Midshipmen  Navy Air Force
12:00 PM Eastern Michigan Eagles  Buffalo Bulls  Buffalo Buffalo
TBA Arkansas Razorbacks  20 Florida Gators  Florida Florida
TBA Maryland Terrapins  8 Florida State Seminoles  Florida State Florida State
12:00 PM Penn State Nittany Lions  Indiana Hoosiers  Indiana Penn State
12:00 PM Michigan State Spartans  Iowa Hawkeyes  Michigan State Michigan State
12:00 PM 24 Texas Tech Red Raiders  Kansas Jayhawks  Texas Tech Texas Tech
TBA Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets  15 Miami (FL) Hurricanes  Miami (FL) Miami (FL)
12:00 PM Illinois Fighting Illini  Nebraska Cornhuskers  Nebraska Nebraska
TBA 3 Clemson Tigers  Syracuse Orange  Clemson Clemson
TBA 9 Georgia Bulldogs  Tennessee Volunteers  Georgia Georgia
12:00 PM Ball State Cardinals  Virginia Cavaliers  Ball State Virginia
12:21 PM Georgia State Panthers  1 Alabama Crimson Tide  Alabama Alabama
12:30 PM North Carolina Tar Heels  Virginia Tech Hokies  Virginia Tech Virginia Tech
TBA 21 Ole Miss Rebels  Auburn Tigers  Ole Miss Ole Miss
1:00 PM Army Black Knights  Boston College Eagles  Boston College Boston College
1:00 PM Central Michigan Chippewas  Miami (OH) RedHawks  Central Michigan Miami (OH)
1:00 PM South Alabama Jaguars  Troy Trojans  Troy Troy
2:00 PM Ohio Bobcats  Akron Zips  Akron Ohio
2:00 PM UTSA Roadrunners  Marshall Thundering Herd  Marshall Marshall
3:00 PM Western Michigan Broncos  Toledo Rockets  Toledo Toledo
3:00 PM Florida Atlantic Owls  UAB Blazers  UAB UAB
3:30 PM Massachusetts Minutemen  Bowling Green Falcons  Bowling Green Bowling Green
3:30 PM Northern Illinois Huskies  Kent State Golden Flashes  Northern Illinois Northern Illinois
3:30 PM Minnesota Golden Gophers  18 Michigan Wolverines  Michigan Michigan
3:30 PM East Carolina Pirates  Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders  East Carolina Middle Tennessee
3:30 PM Kansas State Wildcats  11 Oklahoma State Cowboys  Oklahoma State Oklahoma State
3:30 PM North Texas Mean Green  Tulane Green Wave  North Texas North Texas
3:30 PM Rice Owls  Tulsa Golden Hurricane  Tulsa Tulsa
3:30 PM North Carolina State Wolfpack  Wake Forest Demon Deacons  North Carolina State Wake Forest
4:00 PM Washington State Cougars  California Golden Bears  Washington State California
4:00 PM FIU Golden Panthers  Southern Miss Golden Eagles  Southern Miss Southern Miss
5:00 PM 25 Fresno State Bulldogs  Idaho Vandals  Fresno State Fresno State
6:00 PM 2 Oregon Ducks  Colorado Buffaloes  Oregon Oregon
7:00 PM Texas State Bobcats  Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns  Louisiana Louisiana
7:00 PM 6 LSU Tigers  Mississippi State Bulldogs  LSU LSU
7:00 PM New Mexico State Aggies  New Mexico Lobos  New Mexico State New Mexico
7:00 PM TCU Horned Frogs  14 Oklahoma Sooners  Oklahoma Oklahoma
7:30 PM 22 Notre Dame Fighting Irish  Arizona State Sun Devils  Arizona State Notre Dame
7:30 PM Kentucky Wildcats  12 South Carolina Gamecocks  South Carolina South Carolina
7:30 PM Louisiana Tech Bulldogs  UTEP Miners  Louisiana Tech UTEP
7:30 PM Missouri Tigers  Vanderbilt Commodores  Missouri Vanderbilt
8:00 PM West Virginia Mountaineers  19 Baylor Bears  Baylor Baylor
8:00 PM 4 Ohio State Buckeyes  17 Northwestern Wildcats  Ohio State Ohio State
10:30 PM 16 Washington Huskies  5 Stanford Cardinal  Stanford Washington
12:00 AM San Jose State Spartans  Hawaii Rainbow Warriors  Hawaii Hawaii