Sorry for the long hiatus; I've been in stalemate mode since the football season, but I'm ready to get back in the game. Today's Topic: Best Professional Sports Playoff. I will weigh in on the MLB, NBA, NFL, & NHL by discussing the pros and cons of each playoff and measure it up with one another at the end of the post.
MLB Postseason
Pros: Only 8 teams make the postseason, meaning competition has been scrutinized from a lengthy season to garner the best possible teams. It also takes out a lot of tiebreakers, with a season being so long.
One-game playoffs: If there is a tie between two teams before going into the postseason, and only one can get in, they will play a best of 1 tiebreaker. This makes for a pretty exciting, winner-goes-home game that is fun to enjoy.
Since there are only 8 teams, you get to watch the championship much faster than other sports, which is a plus for such a long season.
Cons: If your team is out of the baseball race, chances are they were out in August or early September, meaning your interest in baseball has gone by the wayside. As a Tiger fan, I can't tell you how many times this has happened to me. By the time October hits, it's football season.
The All-Star game determines home field advantage. This is one of the worst things in sports, in my opinion. Not to mention for over 10 years the American League has dominated the game. Why not reward the team with the best overall record, or best record against similar opponents, or use something more satisfying than one game with a bunch of random players in the summer who get together for one night. It just does not make sense.
Weather. It's cold in the northern states. Don't get me wrong, I would watch a World Series in Detroit in a heartbeat in October, but that doesn't change the fact that people are playing baseball in below 50 degree temperatures; not exactly ideal.
NBA Playoffs
Pros: I am not a big NBA person, not since the Shaq and Penny days, but I will say that there are a great deal of stars in the league. You have the obvious: Kobe, LeBron, Dwight, Garnett Carmello. Not to mention guys like Harper, Gasol, and other developing players. It seems as if the NBA is recovering from the post-Jordan era and reaching into its new and current stars to put itself back on the map.
Charles Barkley. This man delivers some of the most interesting and honest opinions you will find in any sport. Sir Charles is certainly not afraid to speak his mind and often keeps people entertained. Not to mention his golf swing is hilarious too.
Cons: It takes a while. I've felt that the NBA could do without the seven-game series to open up the playoffs. Do we really need to watch the Cavaliers destroy another team in the early rounds? Maybe L.A. needs all seven games since they're crazy, but seriously it is seemingly forever.
It's no longer on NBC. If you are wondering why I bring this up, all you need to do is watch this clip. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UooitEU6AtE&feature=PlayList&p=FBA4331A9E4BD1D9&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=1 Can you not get pumped up watching NBC's intro?
Officiating. I believe the NBA is the toughest sport to officiate of any. There is so much interpretation in making calls, and there have been so many rule and player changes throughout the years, it is hard to keep up with everything. Many people complain about officiating and it turns them off to the game. For me, I am always trying to decide if NBA officials really have it that tough or they just officiate as poorly as it looks from my angle. Either way it is a tough job, and inconsistencies make it tough to watch.
NHL Playoffs
Pros: The eight seed is always dangerous. In the NHL you almost want to have the second seed, because number eight wreaks havoc often. This year it was the number 8 Anaheim Ducks that took down the 1 seed San Jose Sharks. Anaheim is very familiar in that role, as they took down the Red Wings similarly a few years ago. You never know what to expect in the opening rounds.
Re-seeding. After the first round of play teams re-seed. Instead of having a formulated bracket, where winners in one spot play winners they are right beside, they match teams up based on the next seed level. Instead of the 1-8 winner playing the 4-5 winner, the 1-8 winner matches up with who ranks correctly with them. In this year's playoff for the Western Conference the 8 seed won, meaning they matched up with the next highest seed in the tournament, which ended up being the 2 seed. It may be a bit confusing, but in essence not to hard to understand for loyal followers. Re-seeding in this way is a way of encouraging advancement with the higher seeded teams; the ones that did better in the regular season.
Young talent. This year it was on full display as Alexander Olvechkin went head-to-head with Sidney Crosby in the Eastern Conference semifinals. This series went all the way to seven, and even though the seventh game was a snoozer, it was an easily marketable match up for analysts.
Cons: TV coverage. Not many people have the Canadian Broadcast Corporation (CBC) or Versus (VS), which featured the majority of the games. While more people have Versus in America than CBC, I always felt people were missing out because they could not hear the voice of Jim Hughson. If you don't know who Hughson is, just play any EA Sports NHL game from 1997 or after, and you will hear his voice. You can even hear him in Tripe Play Baseball from 1997-2001.
It is more of an international sport, as far as rosters. Yes players make the most money in America, but it is much more of a game for Canadian, Swedish, and Czech players, along with many other European countries. This means that players can often be hard to market, and not easy interviews for the media.
"I can't see the puck!" I hear that line all the time, especially from people in the south. It's not that I don't lose it at times either, but you have to know where to look. Maybe this one is on the television networks, because hockey hasn't improved as rapidly as other sport with tv coverage, but hopefully with the invention of High Definition and the cheapening cost of larger tvs, this complaint will go away. Certainly television broadcasts need to work on this if they wish to increase their fanbase in the coming years.
NFL Playoffs
Pros: No series in any match up. It's one game, winner moves on. It's the only professional sport of the big four where this exists. This means one day of people getting together and focusing all their attenention on one game. Since games in the playoffs are always on the weekends, this let's people get their grill and drink on. Everyone has an excuse to get together and make that day the best day of the week.
Twelve total teams. It's smaller than the number in the NHL and the NBA. Like the NBA, this puts more clout into the regular season and keeps the playoffs from getting too watered down. Four teams will get byes as well, meaning their work in the regular season is rewarded with a weekend off, which can be vital to a team's performance in a hard hitting sport.
The Super Bowl. This is one of the most watched sporting events in the year. People from numerous countries tune in to watch this spectacle that attracts people from everywhere. It's an excuse to have an elaborate party and a time to watch some crazy halftime show. It is truly a gigantic event, one that the nation unites with when it is played.
Cons: The Super Bowl! Yep, this pro is also a con. It seems that this game is now nearly more over hyped than the BCS bowl games. Since there are two weeks between the conference championships and the Super Bowl it's a time for analysts to go crazy, make numerous predictions, and most importantly sicken us with overused information. For instance: Did you know Jerome Bettis was from Detroit? I didn't, but I figured it out 1,000 times over. Up until recently the game has featured pretty boring contests, but hopefully it stays the path of the last two years.
Timeouts. I could have put this down for basketball as well, but timeouts seem to get a bit ridiculous in the NFL. Team A scores, kicks the extra point, commercial. Team A kicks off, team B kneels, commercial. So that's 6 minutes of commercials and 1 minute of play. I can't think of many things more exciting than that.
Overtime. This one is more for other's rationale than mine. Personally I think the NFL overtime is great, but many people do not like seeing teams get the ball and score, without the other team's offense getting to have any possessions. For instance, many people were unhappy to not see Peyton Manning, league MVP, in the overtime game in the playoffs. I personally think NFL overtime is a way of reminding teams to be solid in all assets of the game, but I can see where others are coming from.
Analysis
While the MLB is fun to watch when your team is in, it's my least favorite to watch when my team is out.
The NBA is great when the superstars match up with one another, but it seems like it takes forever to get there.
The NHL has some of the most exciting games and matchups of all sports, in my opinion, but I don't always get to watch on tv.
The NFL is great to watch but it's a long game with many timeouts.
When thinking about the four sports' playoffs I have decided to judge them by their overall value and their championship game(s). Mostly though, I am looking at the end-all finale. For the MLB, NBA, and NHL, that is a game 7 and for the NFL that is the Super Bowl.
My Final Rankings
1) NHL Playoffs - There's nothing like a game 7 in hockey (we saw that this year).
2) NFL Playoffs - The Super Bowl is great, but it has become somewhat of a circus.
3) MLB Playoffs - I haven't seen an MLB game 7 in a while, but those are always fun.
4) NBA Playoffs - The sport may be on an uprise, but game 7s are not.
Feel free to comment on what sport you think is the best and why you think that way.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Friday, November 14, 2008
College Football Weekend 11-15-08
I see a lot of wins, even though there were many upsets this time last year. However, I think Mississippi State, Auburn, and South Carolina all cover. Oh.. throw Stanford in the "cover" mix too. Not a great day on paper, but who knows, we may be surprised.
LSU to beat Troy
Kentucky to beat Vanderbilt
Alabama to beat Mississippi State
Georgia to beat Auburn
Florida to beat South Carolina
Michigan to beat Northwestern
Wake Forest to beat North Carolina St.
Oregon State to beat California
Boston College to beat Florida State
Kansas State to beat Nebraska
BYU to beat Air Force
Texas to beat Kansas
Baylor to beat Texas A&M
North Carolina to beat Maryland
Ohio State to beat Illinois
LSU to beat Troy
Kentucky to beat Vanderbilt
Alabama to beat Mississippi State
Georgia to beat Auburn
Florida to beat South Carolina
Michigan to beat Northwestern
Wake Forest to beat North Carolina St.
Oregon State to beat California
Boston College to beat Florida State
Kansas State to beat Nebraska
BYU to beat Air Force
Texas to beat Kansas
Baylor to beat Texas A&M
North Carolina to beat Maryland
Ohio State to beat Illinois
Friday, November 7, 2008
College Football Picks 11-8-08
Sorry, no Sagarins blog yet; I got sidetracked this week, but it's coming.
Due to limited time I will only be offering my picks this week without my usual spot on analysis.
Alabama - LSU
PICK: Bama
Oklahoma State - Texas Tech
PICK: Oklahoma State
Penn State - Iowa
PICK: Iowa
California - USC
PICK: USC
Ohio State - Northwestern
PICK: Ohio State
Purdue - Michigan State
PICK: Michigan State
Cincinnati - West Virginia
PICK: Cincinnati
Notre Dame - Boston College
PICK: Boston Colelge
Clemson - Florida State
PICK: Florida State
(I'm only picking this game because I'm going to it!)
Enjoy the weekend slate.
Due to limited time I will only be offering my picks this week without my usual spot on analysis.
Alabama - LSU
PICK: Bama
Oklahoma State - Texas Tech
PICK: Oklahoma State
Penn State - Iowa
PICK: Iowa
California - USC
PICK: USC
Ohio State - Northwestern
PICK: Ohio State
Purdue - Michigan State
PICK: Michigan State
Cincinnati - West Virginia
PICK: Cincinnati
Notre Dame - Boston College
PICK: Boston Colelge
Clemson - Florida State
PICK: Florida State
(I'm only picking this game because I'm going to it!)
Enjoy the weekend slate.
Friday, October 31, 2008
College Football Weekend 11-1-08
Well, last week didn't pan out the way I wanted to; but that's probably because upsets rarely happen when you expect them to, which makes the games very hard to predict.
The Rundown
(1) Texas vs. (7) Texas Tech
College Gameday will be back in the Lonestar state yet again. If this game is anything like last week, the punters will see limited action. Both of these teams have proven they can put up tons of points against pretty decent opponents. This a really tough pick for me because there are so many different variables going into the game. However, since TTU is playing at home in one of the biggest games they've ever played, I'll go with the Red Raiders. PICK: Texas Tech
(8) Florida vs. (6) Georgia
Throw the records out the window for this rivalry game. Just like any year, the team that is the best on the day is going to win. I am sure many are picking Florida to put the stomp on Georgia like Alabama did, but this contest is never easy. I'm going to go against my gut feeling, and pick Georgia in an upset. PICK: Georgia
(15) Florida State vs. Georgia Tech
This should be a pretty decent matchup, and Georgia Tech comes in as a 2.5 point favorite, even with FSU playing better ball. As we all know, the ACC is very unpredictable, so every game feels like a tossup. PICK: Georgia Tech (in a close game)
Northwestern vs. (17) Minnesota
This is an intriguing game, mostly because Minnesota won a total of one game last year, and this year they have lost a total of one game. This might actually be a fun Big Ten game to watch at noon (check it out on ESPN2). PICK: Minnesota
(24) Oregon vs. California
Not much commentary as I have seen little from either team. I do know that home teams fair pretty well in Pac-10 games though. PICK: California
Well, that's about all the games I care to comment on. The lineup for this week doesn't look too great overall but I'm sure we're in for surprises. Here's how I think the rest of the week will be.
LSU to beat Tulane
Ole Miss to beat Auburn
Tulsa to beat Arkansas
Mississippi State to beat Kentucky
Tennessee to beat South Carolina
Virginia to beat Miami (FL)
UConn to beat West Virginia
Texas A&M to beat Colorado
Notre Dame to beat Pittsburgh
Oklahoma to beat Nebraska
Michigan to beat Purdue
Illinois to beat Iowa
Standings (Not so good lately... I need a dominant week this time around)
2008 College FB Pick'em
Coming Soon: A blog about the Sagarin ratings... stay tuned SEC fans!
The Rundown
(1) Texas vs. (7) Texas Tech
College Gameday will be back in the Lonestar state yet again. If this game is anything like last week, the punters will see limited action. Both of these teams have proven they can put up tons of points against pretty decent opponents. This a really tough pick for me because there are so many different variables going into the game. However, since TTU is playing at home in one of the biggest games they've ever played, I'll go with the Red Raiders. PICK: Texas Tech
(8) Florida vs. (6) Georgia
Throw the records out the window for this rivalry game. Just like any year, the team that is the best on the day is going to win. I am sure many are picking Florida to put the stomp on Georgia like Alabama did, but this contest is never easy. I'm going to go against my gut feeling, and pick Georgia in an upset. PICK: Georgia
(15) Florida State vs. Georgia Tech
This should be a pretty decent matchup, and Georgia Tech comes in as a 2.5 point favorite, even with FSU playing better ball. As we all know, the ACC is very unpredictable, so every game feels like a tossup. PICK: Georgia Tech (in a close game)
Northwestern vs. (17) Minnesota
This is an intriguing game, mostly because Minnesota won a total of one game last year, and this year they have lost a total of one game. This might actually be a fun Big Ten game to watch at noon (check it out on ESPN2). PICK: Minnesota
(24) Oregon vs. California
Not much commentary as I have seen little from either team. I do know that home teams fair pretty well in Pac-10 games though. PICK: California
Well, that's about all the games I care to comment on. The lineup for this week doesn't look too great overall but I'm sure we're in for surprises. Here's how I think the rest of the week will be.
LSU to beat Tulane
Ole Miss to beat Auburn
Tulsa to beat Arkansas
Mississippi State to beat Kentucky
Tennessee to beat South Carolina
Virginia to beat Miami (FL)
UConn to beat West Virginia
Texas A&M to beat Colorado
Notre Dame to beat Pittsburgh
Oklahoma to beat Nebraska
Michigan to beat Purdue
Illinois to beat Iowa
Standings (Not so good lately... I need a dominant week this time around)
2008 College FB Pick'em
| Overall Score | Overall Rank | ||
| 96 - 55 | 266 | ||
| Session | Score | Rank | Action |
| 1 | 11 - 7 | 1597 | View Results |
| 2 | 14 - 0 | 1 | View Results |
| 3 | 12 - 6 | 726 | View Results |
| 4 | 12 - 6 | 412 | View Results |
| 5 | 9 - 8 | 384 | View Results |
| 6 | 14 - 4 | 19 | View Results |
| 7 | 8 - 8 | 553 | View Results |
| 8 | 9 - 7 | 588 | View Results |
| 9 | 7 - 9 | 992 | View Results |
Coming Soon: A blog about the Sagarin ratings... stay tuned SEC fans!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Upset Saturday...
I guess we'll find out. I don't have a lot of time to get to in-depth with my picks but here's how I feel things will shake out this weekend.
Let's start with the big games
Penn State @ Ohio State
Sure the Nittany Lions have gotten better but they give up a lot of yards on the ground, which is Ohio State's strength. Plus, the game is at the Horseshoe, which will be the toughest test all year for Penn State. Pick: Ohio State (10 or so)
Oklahoma State @ Texas
I would like to pick OSU in this contest but Texas has proven they can play well after a big win.
Pick: Texas
Georgia @ LSU
People are probably wondering how good LSU really is after a blowout loss to Florida, a squeaker to USCe, and a "now-not-so-impressive" win against Auburn. Even so: Pick: LSU
Texas Tech @ Kansas
You know I haven't been too sold on the Red Raiders this year, but I think the fact that they're the underdog in this game, and not getting too much respect, makes them a strong candidate in this game. Pick: Texas Tech
Alabama @ Tennessee
Tennessee's season basically hinders on this game. This is their last shot at making noise against a big opponent, as they have South Carolina, Wyoming, Vanderbilt, and Kentucky left on the schedule. Plus they're starting to play better while Alabama has cooled off.
Pick: Tennessee
USC @ Arizona
Arizona has a similar case like the Volunteers, except the title hopes are very much alive for the Wildcats. Too bad they'll run into a brick wall of inertia. No upset here.
Pick: USC
The rest of my Pick 'Em Picks
Florida > Kentucky (Kentucky covers the 24.5 point spread because it's a 12:30 game at the Swamp)
Ole Miss > Arkansas
Vanderbilt > Duke (Close game though)
Oklahoma > Kansas State
Michigan > Michigan State (Sparty is still little brother)
Virginia Tech > Florida State (Beamer Ball prevails)
Missouri > Colorado (Colorado covers the 22 point spread though)
Georgia Tech > Virginia (I don't know which Virginia will show up)
Wake Forest > Miami (FL) (This should be a close game)
Boston College > North Carolina (UNC hasn't looked that impressive lately and BC is improving, but the ACC is very crazy)
Standings after 8 weeks
2008 College FB Pick'em
I'm hoping for a solid week after a couple of average ones. Good luck to all your teams this week. It should be a great Saturday for college football!
Let's start with the big games
Penn State @ Ohio State
Sure the Nittany Lions have gotten better but they give up a lot of yards on the ground, which is Ohio State's strength. Plus, the game is at the Horseshoe, which will be the toughest test all year for Penn State. Pick: Ohio State (10 or so)
Oklahoma State @ Texas
I would like to pick OSU in this contest but Texas has proven they can play well after a big win.
Pick: Texas
Georgia @ LSU
People are probably wondering how good LSU really is after a blowout loss to Florida, a squeaker to USCe, and a "now-not-so-impressive" win against Auburn. Even so: Pick: LSU
Texas Tech @ Kansas
You know I haven't been too sold on the Red Raiders this year, but I think the fact that they're the underdog in this game, and not getting too much respect, makes them a strong candidate in this game. Pick: Texas Tech
Alabama @ Tennessee
Tennessee's season basically hinders on this game. This is their last shot at making noise against a big opponent, as they have South Carolina, Wyoming, Vanderbilt, and Kentucky left on the schedule. Plus they're starting to play better while Alabama has cooled off.
Pick: Tennessee
USC @ Arizona
Arizona has a similar case like the Volunteers, except the title hopes are very much alive for the Wildcats. Too bad they'll run into a brick wall of inertia. No upset here.
Pick: USC
The rest of my Pick 'Em Picks
Florida > Kentucky (Kentucky covers the 24.5 point spread because it's a 12:30 game at the Swamp)
Ole Miss > Arkansas
Vanderbilt > Duke (Close game though)
Oklahoma > Kansas State
Michigan > Michigan State (Sparty is still little brother)
Virginia Tech > Florida State (Beamer Ball prevails)
Missouri > Colorado (Colorado covers the 22 point spread though)
Georgia Tech > Virginia (I don't know which Virginia will show up)
Wake Forest > Miami (FL) (This should be a close game)
Boston College > North Carolina (UNC hasn't looked that impressive lately and BC is improving, but the ACC is very crazy)
Standings after 8 weeks
2008 College FB Pick'em
| Overall Score | Overall Rank | ||
| 89 - 46 | 139 | ||
| Session | Score | Rank | Action |
| 1 | 11 - 7 | 1597 | View Results |
| 2 | 14 - 0 | 1 | View Results |
| 3 | 12 - 6 | 726 | View Results |
| 4 | 12 - 6 | 412 | View Results |
| 5 | 9 - 8 | 384 | View Results |
| 6 | 14 - 4 | 19 | View Results |
| 7 | 8 - 8 | 553 | View Results |
| 8 | 9 - 7 | 588 | View Results |
I'm hoping for a solid week after a couple of average ones. Good luck to all your teams this week. It should be a great Saturday for college football!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Top 10 College Football Picks
When I say top 10, I mean the top 10 games in my opinion, not necessarily the top 10 teams.
1) (11) Missouri @ (1) Texas
I have to say this has all the makings of an upset. Texas jumps into that shifty #1 spot and has to play a tough game against Mizzou. The saving grace just may be that the game is in Texas, but I like Missouri to win this won by a close margin in a high scoring game.
PICK: Missouri
2) (16) Kansas @ (4) Oklahoma
Like Missouri, Oklahoma has to play coming off of a tough loss to a solid opponent. In the end Oklahoma's offense should just be too powerful for a good, but not good enough Jayhawks team. If Oklahoma's defense shows up at all they will win this game.
PICK: Oklahoma
3) (12) Ohio State @ (20) Michigan State
Ten years ago the Spartans pulled off a huge upset against the Buckeyes, ruining their dreams of a national title. It was an incredibly devastating loss, but it was also the last time the Spartans beat the Buckeyes (They haven't played 10 straight years). With Dantonio, a former Buckeye coach, leading the helm with Ringer and company they are a very solid team, but I have a feeling the Buckeyes play their most complete game this Saturday.
PICK: Ohio State (by at least 14)
4) (13) LSU @ South Carolina
I realize LSU didn't exactly dazzle against Florida, but that happens to numerous teams. I also know that Herbstreit has been on fire with his upsets, but "not-so-fast" this week. Even though the Gamecocks are playing okay, and the quarterback spot is still an issue, I believe Les-Bal and the solid LSU Defensive line prove to be the difference in the game.
PICK: LSU
5) (22) Vanderbilt @ (10) Georgia
While I'm not sold that either team is Top 25, I do think this will be a close game. In the end Georgia wins a close one. I am mostly basing this off of how UGA performed against Tennessee, a team that is pretty pathetic right now. In a close game, PICK: Georgia.
6) (17) Virginia Tech @ Boston College
Each team comes in with just one loss, and is huge for both for the wide open ACC crown. Beamer Ball gets it done though, and I don't think the game will be that close.
PICK: VT
7) (23) Pittsburgh @ Navy
This is an interesting game. Wanstedt seems to be keeping his job for another year after getting the season going, but he better look out. Navy beat a ranked Wake Forest team and is playing better. I guess I'll take Pittsburgh but Navy could easily win this game.
PICK: Pittsburgh
8) Mississippi @ (2) Alabama
Can Ole Miss go on the road and knock off another SEC powerhouse team? Eight ball says: Not Likely. 'Bama rolls. Yes, I know Kentucky gave them a good game; so don't expect two straight.
PICK: Alabama
9) (7) Texas Tech @ Texas A&M
Granted, A&M is pretty atrocious, but so is Texas Tech's defense. I am heavily inclined to pick a huge upset in this game, and you know what... nah I won't. But A&M will cover the spread (21)!
PICK: Texas Tech
10) (18) North Carolina @ Virginia
I just want to find out if UNC has the staying power to be proclaimed a top 20 team. I love watch Butch Davis has done for the program and I would be glad to see the success continue, but they may slip up against UVA.
PICK: North Carolina
Other College Football Thoughts
Michigan has owned Penn State in recent years. I wouldn't be surprised to see a much closer game than the "experts" are projecting (23.5). I know the Wolverines are pretty sad right now, but I know the players will want to win this one pretty bad, and they will fight hard in this game.
The SEC vs. Big 12 conference debate is a pretty good one right now, but really it is mostly based on speculation, and won't be clearer until each conferences' teams play each other in bowls. I'm not sold on too many Big 12 defenses, and I'm not sold on too many SEC offenses. Once the season plays out things should get clearer, but still, it's a fun argument to have.
Clemson "relieving Bowden" of his duties means there is an open job. I think Lane Kiffin might not be doing too much at the moment... we'll see what happens.
Alright, that's all I got. "Rant" updates are below.
Week 8 "TigerRant" Picks
LSU > South Carolina
Georgia Tech > Clemson
Wake Forest > Maryland
Virginia Tech > Boston College
Tennessee > Mississippi State
Alabama > Ole Miss
Georgia > Vaderbilt
Missouri > Texas
Ohio State > Michigan State
Kentucky > Arkansas
Southern Miss > Rice
Northwestern > Purdue
North Carolina > Virginia
California > Arizona
Colorado > Kansas State
UCLA > Stanford
Standings/Status (Rough week, but it was a tough one for many)
2008 College FB Pick'em
1) (11) Missouri @ (1) Texas
I have to say this has all the makings of an upset. Texas jumps into that shifty #1 spot and has to play a tough game against Mizzou. The saving grace just may be that the game is in Texas, but I like Missouri to win this won by a close margin in a high scoring game.
PICK: Missouri
2) (16) Kansas @ (4) Oklahoma
Like Missouri, Oklahoma has to play coming off of a tough loss to a solid opponent. In the end Oklahoma's offense should just be too powerful for a good, but not good enough Jayhawks team. If Oklahoma's defense shows up at all they will win this game.
PICK: Oklahoma
3) (12) Ohio State @ (20) Michigan State
Ten years ago the Spartans pulled off a huge upset against the Buckeyes, ruining their dreams of a national title. It was an incredibly devastating loss, but it was also the last time the Spartans beat the Buckeyes (They haven't played 10 straight years). With Dantonio, a former Buckeye coach, leading the helm with Ringer and company they are a very solid team, but I have a feeling the Buckeyes play their most complete game this Saturday.
PICK: Ohio State (by at least 14)
4) (13) LSU @ South Carolina
I realize LSU didn't exactly dazzle against Florida, but that happens to numerous teams. I also know that Herbstreit has been on fire with his upsets, but "not-so-fast" this week. Even though the Gamecocks are playing okay, and the quarterback spot is still an issue, I believe Les-Bal and the solid LSU Defensive line prove to be the difference in the game.
PICK: LSU
5) (22) Vanderbilt @ (10) Georgia
While I'm not sold that either team is Top 25, I do think this will be a close game. In the end Georgia wins a close one. I am mostly basing this off of how UGA performed against Tennessee, a team that is pretty pathetic right now. In a close game, PICK: Georgia.
6) (17) Virginia Tech @ Boston College
Each team comes in with just one loss, and is huge for both for the wide open ACC crown. Beamer Ball gets it done though, and I don't think the game will be that close.
PICK: VT
7) (23) Pittsburgh @ Navy
This is an interesting game. Wanstedt seems to be keeping his job for another year after getting the season going, but he better look out. Navy beat a ranked Wake Forest team and is playing better. I guess I'll take Pittsburgh but Navy could easily win this game.
PICK: Pittsburgh
8) Mississippi @ (2) Alabama
Can Ole Miss go on the road and knock off another SEC powerhouse team? Eight ball says: Not Likely. 'Bama rolls. Yes, I know Kentucky gave them a good game; so don't expect two straight.
PICK: Alabama
9) (7) Texas Tech @ Texas A&M
Granted, A&M is pretty atrocious, but so is Texas Tech's defense. I am heavily inclined to pick a huge upset in this game, and you know what... nah I won't. But A&M will cover the spread (21)!
PICK: Texas Tech
10) (18) North Carolina @ Virginia
I just want to find out if UNC has the staying power to be proclaimed a top 20 team. I love watch Butch Davis has done for the program and I would be glad to see the success continue, but they may slip up against UVA.
PICK: North Carolina
Other College Football Thoughts
Michigan has owned Penn State in recent years. I wouldn't be surprised to see a much closer game than the "experts" are projecting (23.5). I know the Wolverines are pretty sad right now, but I know the players will want to win this one pretty bad, and they will fight hard in this game.
The SEC vs. Big 12 conference debate is a pretty good one right now, but really it is mostly based on speculation, and won't be clearer until each conferences' teams play each other in bowls. I'm not sold on too many Big 12 defenses, and I'm not sold on too many SEC offenses. Once the season plays out things should get clearer, but still, it's a fun argument to have.
Clemson "relieving Bowden" of his duties means there is an open job. I think Lane Kiffin might not be doing too much at the moment... we'll see what happens.
Alright, that's all I got. "Rant" updates are below.
Week 8 "TigerRant" Picks
LSU > South Carolina
Georgia Tech > Clemson
Wake Forest > Maryland
Virginia Tech > Boston College
Tennessee > Mississippi State
Alabama > Ole Miss
Georgia > Vaderbilt
Missouri > Texas
Ohio State > Michigan State
Kentucky > Arkansas
Southern Miss > Rice
Northwestern > Purdue
North Carolina > Virginia
California > Arizona
Colorado > Kansas State
UCLA > Stanford
Standings/Status (Rough week, but it was a tough one for many)
2008 College FB Pick'em
| Overall Score | Overall Rank | ||
| 80 - 39 | 93 | ||
| Session | Score | Rank | Action |
| 1 | 11 - 7 | 1597 | View Results |
| 2 | 14 - 0 | 1 | View Results |
| 3 | 12 - 6 | 726 | View Results |
| 4 | 12 - 6 | 412 | View Results |
| 5 | 9 - 8 | 384 | View Results |
| 6 | 14 - 4 | 19 | View Results |
| 7 | 8 - 8 | 553 | View Results |
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
College Football: Predictions and Previews
Now that I have had some time to look at the season and how the playing field has looked for half of the season, the pictures are starting to become slightly clearer on which teams are "top dogs." This weekend looks great for college football, as there many competitive and exciting matchups. Keep the alcohol flowing and the tv's going, because this will be a fun weekend.
Thursday
Clemson vs. (21) Wake Forest
This may not seem to be an overly impressive matchup, but I think we can all agree that the Thursday night games have exceeded expecations thus far. I do think Clemson finally gets it rolling in their first "true" road game of the season. They will be happy to get away from home, and make a push. PICK: Clemson in a close one.
Saturday
(1) Oklahoma vs. (5) Texas
The best part about this game: 12:00p.m. Kickoff. Instead of the usual cakewalk games you see at noon, we will get to see a Big 12 Showdown in the Red River Shootout. College GameDay will be at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas for this clash. By my standards, both teams are unproven based on who they've played, but I do think Oklahoma's schedule has been a bit tougher than Texas's so far. Both teams have taken care of business and are hungry to go. Texas is led by Colt McCoy, who has been doing his best Tim Tebow impressions this year by running the ball and throwing it, as he leads the team in rushing yards. Oklahoma is led by Sam Bradford, who is another great Big 12 quarterback. However, when it's all said and done, I believe Oklahoma's defense will be the difference in the game, and they win by 10 or more points. PICK: Oklahoma.
(17) Oklahoma Sate vs. (3) Missouri
There's no doubt the media is pouring their love on the Tigers right now with Chase Daniel and their high powered offense. While I agree they are a solid team, I think their defense will have all they can handle with the high powered offense of Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have put up 50 points in their last four games, which is impressive for any team, regardless of the opponent. Oklahoma State reminds me a lot of the Illinois team that put up 42 against the Tigers, which makes me think this game will be a shootout, closer than the 14 point spread indicates. I like Okie State to cover, but for my PICK: Missouri.
(4) LSU vs. (11) Florida
Did you catch Ricky Jean-Francois's comments on this game? He expects to knock Tebow out of the game (with a clean hit of course). I doubt Florida needed any more motivation to beat LSU but now they have it. The questions are still too many when it comes to the LSU quarterback position... I know all about the Auburn game and the great second half, but this is a hungry Gators' team just starting to peak this season. PICK: Florida
(6) Penn State vs. Wisconsin
Penn State is a heavy favorite among the nation to win the Big Ten, but they have a tough road ahead of them with this game at Camp Randall and anothe road game at the 'Shoe. In most years I would say Wisconsin would rebound from a loss and take the next one at home, but I'm just not feeling that this year. The stadium will be suprisingly subdued again, just like the Ohio State game. PICK: Penn State
Nebraska vs. (7) Texas Tech
The Cornhuskers better find their wings fast if they want to hang with Texas Tech, another high-powered Big XII offense. I don't think they can right that ship in a week.
PICK: Texas Tech
Tennessee vs. (10) Georgia
The Vols are coming off an ugly win versus Northern Illinois, a team in the statistically 2nd worse conference in the league, the MAC. Even so, I think they will bring a much better game agaisnt Georgia (let's hope) and they make it a battle. They'll cover the spread (12) but eventually lose another. PICK: Georgia
(13) Vanderbilt vs. Mississippi State
Shame on Kirk Herbstreit... for picking the upset I told him about. Vandy is in unproven waters and had to bring in a second string quarterback to beat an overrated Auburn team. It won't be so easy on the road after a big win for this academic powerhouse. Mississippi wins this one in what we'll call it the Hugz and Herbstreit Upset Pick of the Week: MSU.
Notre Dame vs. (22) North Carolina
This is an interesting game because I have no idea how it will go. North Carolina is on the up and up, and the Fighting Irish are improving each and every week; and must be more confident now then they have been in a while. I'll take UNC in single digit victory. PICK: UNC
(23) Michigan State vs. Northwestern
The last couple of times these two teams have played it has been an offensive explosion. While I don't think it will be necessarily that much different this time, I do think Sparty's running game will wear down the 'Cats. Michigan State still gets their points, but each team scores less than last year. This is the type of game that has the Michigan State Meltdown written all over it, but this year should be different. PICK: Michigan State
Other Games of Interest w/ Picks
Arizona State vs. USC: USC regardless who is quarterback.
Purdue vs. Ohio State: Ohio State, closer then it should be though.
Arkansas vs. Auburn: Auburn squeaks by again.
Colorado vs. Kansas: Kansas by 10 or so.
There you have it. A fun weekend to be had and hopefully some close games to follow. There will most likely be more upsets than I am picking, but that's why they play the game. In case you are wondering, below is my record for Pick 'Em for college football, and you can also check out who I am picking in all the Pick 'Em games this week.
2008 College FB Pick'em
This Week's Pick'Em Picks
Enjoy!
Thursday
Clemson vs. (21) Wake Forest
This may not seem to be an overly impressive matchup, but I think we can all agree that the Thursday night games have exceeded expecations thus far. I do think Clemson finally gets it rolling in their first "true" road game of the season. They will be happy to get away from home, and make a push. PICK: Clemson in a close one.
Saturday
(1) Oklahoma vs. (5) Texas
The best part about this game: 12:00p.m. Kickoff. Instead of the usual cakewalk games you see at noon, we will get to see a Big 12 Showdown in the Red River Shootout. College GameDay will be at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas for this clash. By my standards, both teams are unproven based on who they've played, but I do think Oklahoma's schedule has been a bit tougher than Texas's so far. Both teams have taken care of business and are hungry to go. Texas is led by Colt McCoy, who has been doing his best Tim Tebow impressions this year by running the ball and throwing it, as he leads the team in rushing yards. Oklahoma is led by Sam Bradford, who is another great Big 12 quarterback. However, when it's all said and done, I believe Oklahoma's defense will be the difference in the game, and they win by 10 or more points. PICK: Oklahoma.
(17) Oklahoma Sate vs. (3) Missouri
There's no doubt the media is pouring their love on the Tigers right now with Chase Daniel and their high powered offense. While I agree they are a solid team, I think their defense will have all they can handle with the high powered offense of Oklahoma State. The Cowboys have put up 50 points in their last four games, which is impressive for any team, regardless of the opponent. Oklahoma State reminds me a lot of the Illinois team that put up 42 against the Tigers, which makes me think this game will be a shootout, closer than the 14 point spread indicates. I like Okie State to cover, but for my PICK: Missouri.
(4) LSU vs. (11) Florida
Did you catch Ricky Jean-Francois's comments on this game? He expects to knock Tebow out of the game (with a clean hit of course). I doubt Florida needed any more motivation to beat LSU but now they have it. The questions are still too many when it comes to the LSU quarterback position... I know all about the Auburn game and the great second half, but this is a hungry Gators' team just starting to peak this season. PICK: Florida
(6) Penn State vs. Wisconsin
Penn State is a heavy favorite among the nation to win the Big Ten, but they have a tough road ahead of them with this game at Camp Randall and anothe road game at the 'Shoe. In most years I would say Wisconsin would rebound from a loss and take the next one at home, but I'm just not feeling that this year. The stadium will be suprisingly subdued again, just like the Ohio State game. PICK: Penn State
Nebraska vs. (7) Texas Tech
The Cornhuskers better find their wings fast if they want to hang with Texas Tech, another high-powered Big XII offense. I don't think they can right that ship in a week.
PICK: Texas Tech
Tennessee vs. (10) Georgia
The Vols are coming off an ugly win versus Northern Illinois, a team in the statistically 2nd worse conference in the league, the MAC. Even so, I think they will bring a much better game agaisnt Georgia (let's hope) and they make it a battle. They'll cover the spread (12) but eventually lose another. PICK: Georgia
(13) Vanderbilt vs. Mississippi State
Shame on Kirk Herbstreit... for picking the upset I told him about. Vandy is in unproven waters and had to bring in a second string quarterback to beat an overrated Auburn team. It won't be so easy on the road after a big win for this academic powerhouse. Mississippi wins this one in what we'll call it the Hugz and Herbstreit Upset Pick of the Week: MSU.
Notre Dame vs. (22) North Carolina
This is an interesting game because I have no idea how it will go. North Carolina is on the up and up, and the Fighting Irish are improving each and every week; and must be more confident now then they have been in a while. I'll take UNC in single digit victory. PICK: UNC
(23) Michigan State vs. Northwestern
The last couple of times these two teams have played it has been an offensive explosion. While I don't think it will be necessarily that much different this time, I do think Sparty's running game will wear down the 'Cats. Michigan State still gets their points, but each team scores less than last year. This is the type of game that has the Michigan State Meltdown written all over it, but this year should be different. PICK: Michigan State
Other Games of Interest w/ Picks
Arizona State vs. USC: USC regardless who is quarterback.
Purdue vs. Ohio State: Ohio State, closer then it should be though.
Arkansas vs. Auburn: Auburn squeaks by again.
Colorado vs. Kansas: Kansas by 10 or so.
There you have it. A fun weekend to be had and hopefully some close games to follow. There will most likely be more upsets than I am picking, but that's why they play the game. In case you are wondering, below is my record for Pick 'Em for college football, and you can also check out who I am picking in all the Pick 'Em games this week.
2008 College FB Pick'em
| Overall Score | Overall Rank | ||
| 72 - 31 | 68 | ||
| Session | Score | Rank | Action |
| 1 | 11 - 7 | 1597 | View Results |
| 2 | 14 - 0 | 1 | View Results |
| 3 | 12 - 6 | 726 | View Results |
| 4 | 12 - 6 | 412 | View Results |
| 5 | 9 - 8 | 384 | View Results |
| 6 | 14 - 4 | 19 | View Results |
This Week's Pick'Em Picks
Enjoy!
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