Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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Tennessee (0-0) vs. Pittsburgh (0-0)
September 10, 2009 - NBC 7:30 PM CST
Vegas Line: Steelers -6 / 35
t 2008 Ranking
2008 ATS Record 2008 ATS Record
137.4 ypg - 7th Run Offense 105.6 ypg - 23rd
12-4-0 9-7-0
176.2 ypg - 27th Pass Offense 206.3 ypg - 17th
2008 Over/Under 2008 Over/Under
8-8-0 8-8-0
23.4 ppg - 14th Scoring Offense 21.7 ppg - 20th
Last 5 Games Last 5 Games
93.9 ypg - 6th Run Defense 80.3 ypg - 2nd
1/10 L, Baltimore 10-13 2/1 W, Arizona 27-23
12/28 L, @ Indianapolis 0-23 1/18 W, Baltimore 23-14
199.8 ypg - 9th Pass Defense 156.9 ypg - 1st
12/21 W, Pittsburgh 31-14 1/11 W, San Diego 35-24
12/14 L, @ Houston 12-13 12/28 W, Cleveland 31-0
14.6 ppg - 2nd Scoring Defense 13.9 ppg - 1st
12/7 W, Cleveland 28-9 12/21 L, @ Tennessee 14-31
Even - 16th TO Margin + 3 - 12th
When the Titans have the ball... The Titans aren't a hard offense to figure out. They want to run the ball down
your throat and then pass it just enough to keep you honest without having to lean on QB Collins to win any games.
Chris Johnson gave the Titans a "homerun" dimension last year with his speed, but getting loose for big runs against
the Steelers is nearly impossible. Collins certainly isn't mobile, but he gets rid of the ball fairly quickly so the chess
match between Steelers DC Dick LeBeau and Titans OC Mike
Heimerdinger will be an interesting one as some teams have had
success against the Steelers by going 4 wide and spreading them out. Fantasy Report
Does Heimerdinger have the guts to try that with Collins and his Lendale White, Titans RB - Hard to give
subpar WR corps? the starting nod to Lendale White
against ferocious Steelers defense. Sit
When the Steelers have the ball... I look for them to test the White and find someone else.
defensive front of the Titans to see how sturdy they are without Albert
Haynesworth. Last year, the Titans won 31-14 as they sacked Ben Jeff Reed, Steelers K - The Steelers
Roethlisberger 5 times, had 4 takeaways and limited the Steelers to kicker was solid last year and he figures
to get more FG attempts than extra
just 71 yards rushing. The Titans have good speed up front on their
point tries tonight. Start Reed.
defensive line and that can be a problem for the Steelers at times, but
without big Haynesworth in the middle, the Steelers might have some
success if they run it straight at the Titans. I look for the Steelers to
utilize a controlled passing game while testing the Titans rush defense early; however, even without Haynesworth,
this won't be easy for the Steelers offense unless they win the battle in the trenches.
Conclusion: What separates the Steelers from another defensive-minded team like the Ravens is that they find ways
to get big plays from their offense and/or special teams when they are at home. If the Steelers can hit a couple of big
plays, they will win because I expect LeBeau to load up the box against the run all game long in order to force Collins
to beat them and I don't think Collins will handle the pressure of the Steelers defense in Heinz Field.
t 2008 Ranking
2008 ATS Record 2008 ATS Record
125.3 ypg - 9th Run Offense 115.4 ypg - 13th
7-9-0 8-8-0
206.4 ypg - 16th Pass Offense 266.7 ypg - 4th
2008 Over/Under 2008 Over/Under
8-7-1 10-6-0
25.3 ppg - 8th Scoring Offense 22.9 ppg - 17th
Last 5 Games Last 5 Games
94.9 ypg - 7th Run Defense 122.6 ypg - 23rd
12/28 L, Miami 24-27 12/28 W, Chicago 31-24
12/21 L, @ Seattle 3-13 12/21 L, @ Oakland 16-27
234.5 ypg - 29th Pass Defense 213.9 ypg - 17th
12/14 W, Buffalo 31-27 12/14 W, Tennessee 13-12
12/7 L, @ San Francisco 14-24 12/7 W, @ Green Bay 24-21
22.3 ppg - 18th Scoring Defense 24.6 ppg - 26th
11/30 L, Denver 17-34 12/1 W, Jacksonville 30-17
-4 - 18th TO Margin -13 - 31st
Conclusion: I think Texans defensive coordinator, Frank Bush, can take more chances on defense since it is unlikely
that the Jets will ask Mark Sanchez to beat the Texans with big plays down the field. If Bush can scheme a way to
slow down the running game, the Texans will be in great shape because they should be able to get some points on
the board. If the Jets can control the running game on both sides, they've got a real shot here.
Conclusion - The OSU haters (and there are plenty) had to absolutely love the narrow win over Navy. But, Navy’s offense is
unconventional and gives every team problems. Getting help from his ‘D’, #2 will turn in a #1 performance in a huge win.
Ohio State - 23 vs. USC - 17
CLEMSON (1-0) VS. GEORGIA TECH (1-0)
VEGAS SAYS: GT -5.5
September 10, 2009 first time they touched the ball last week - Dwyer on a
ESPN 6:30 PM CST long run and Spiller on a 96-yard kickoff return.
Last week, we had two sort of snoozers on Thursday
night, but when these two teams take the field this Stopping each back is the key for each respective team,
Thursday night, that should all change. Now, the game but the method for doing so is a tad different. Clemson
might take all of two hours, but it’ll be a fun two hours must play responsibility sound option defense against the
that’s for sure. vaunted GT spread option. All GT needs is one non-
Although CJ Spiller responsible player
left last week’s win and Dwyer is
Clemson Players to Watch over MTSU with house-ing it. G. Tech Players to Watch
QB # Kyle Parker an apparent leg A Back #21 Jonathan Dwyer
RB #28 CJ Spiller injury, the G Tech’s approach QB #9 Josh Nesbitt
DE #93 DaQuan Bowers FS #1 Morgan Burnett
Clemson medical to stopping Spiller
DE #7 Ricky Sapp DE #91 Derrick Morgan
staff has said his is similar. But, the
injury is not onus is different -
considered to be stay in your pursuit
serious. That’s great news for people who want to watch lanes, don’t penetrate and open seams in the defense and
two of the top five running backs in the nation - Spiller then when he’s in the open field, tackle well. And, with
and G Tech’s Jonathan Dwyer. Both backs scored the some help from FS Burnett, the Jackets will do that.
HOUSTON (1-0) VS. OKLAHOMA STATE (1-0)
VEGAS SAYS: OSU -15.5
September 12, 2009 Case Keenum riddled the Demons with four touchdowns
FSN 2:30 PM CST and 359 yards through the air. But, OSU is a much
During the LONG college off-season, most of the talk different animal.
about the Oklahoma State Cowboys centered on the
Triplets on offense - Zac Robinson, Kendall Hunter and The one key to focus on this Saturday is how the Cougars
Dez Bryant. And, with good reason. This is one of the decide to attack the OSU defense. The Houston staff
best offensive skill player trios in the nation. But, all the has a ton of respect for OSU CB Perrish Cox and may
talk did was not throw at him
overshadow the much during the
Houston Players to Watch defense, a defense game. But, what OSU Players to Watch
QB #7 Case Keenum that held Georgia they’ll want to do QB #11 Zac Robinson
RB #25 Bryce Beall S #31 Lucien Antoine
WR #35 Tyron Carrier to ten points last is force Cox to WR #1 Dez Bryant
LB #55 Marcus McGraw week in a 24-10 come up and make LB #20 Andre Sexton
OSU win. Beyond tackles as much as
that, one of the possible. So,
most impressive aspects of this defense was this group’s expect Houston to utilize the quick passing game - slants,
tackling and how improved it was over last season. And, hitches and bubble screens to get the ball to the
that was even without senior LB Orie Lemon who was explosive Houston receiving corps.
lost before the season started with a torn ACL.
OSU is going to attack with the run game against a young
The Cougars got their season off to a fine start, taking Houston defense. Hunter didn’t have Heisman numbers,
care of business against Northwestern State 55-7. QB but against U of H, he and Keith Toston might.
PREDICTION: OKLAHOMA STATE - 49 VS. HOUSTON - 31
DC Bill Young has become one of Mike Gundy’s best assets on defense and I think the ‘D’ will be the
key. The ‘D’ must tackle well in space, which is an absolute against the Coogs, while QB Robinson
has to find his groove early. But, plenty of Hunter/Toston on the ground will result in an OSU win.
“PUT THE FILM ON, BRO” - BYU ZONE BLITZ
IN THE FILM ROOM WITH JOHN HARRIS
Last week, the biggest surprise in the entire nation was the play of the BYU Cougars defense and the defensive game
plan constructed by defensive coordinator Jaime Hill. Here’s a look at the zone blitz that BYU utilized against OU.
1 23
The Sooners come out in four wides with a single back in As soon as the ball is snapped, the Sooners have to know
the backfield and it appears BYU is lined up accordingly. they’re in trouble. The two linebackers have dropped into
But notice the two linebackers in the circle. Are they truly coverage to replace the void in the defense - out in the flat. At
threats to the pass protection? The Sooners think so and the top of the screen, the Cougars are sending three rushers
line up RB Chris Brown to the right side to help block them against only two OU linemen. Someone is coming free.
Clawson
LT Trent Williams has engaged the DE who has looped Clawson has drawn a bead on Bradford and is ready to make
outside, while left guard Brian Simmons has engaged the him very uncomfortable before he throws. Look at Bradford’s
defensive tackle to his side. But linebacker Coleby Clawson, mechanics on this play - this tells you nearly everything. His
who originally lined up outside, darts inside and has run to front foot, which should be pointed directly at his receiver, is
QB. Look at the WRs in the pattern; the play is nowhere pointed toward the sideline. He knows he can’t step into his
near developing. The right side of the line? Blocking air. throw and it ends up being wide and outside.
Clawson puts the first hit of many on Bradford on this drive. Hill used a similar concept on the succeeding play which is the
one that knocked Bradford out of the game. I don’t mean this as piling on, but Bradford had to read this a little better. Look
at the first diagram - there’s not a BYU defender anywhere near his two inside receivers. Either one of those WR is going to
be wide open or BYU is dropping defenders to that area. He should’ve accounted for that by shifting his RB to other side or
he should’ve thrown quick and hot to one of his receivers on that side.
PREDICTIONS ON ALL D1A GAMES - TV GAMES IN RED
Friday September 11th
Colorado at Toledo 8 PM ESPN - Colorado got knocked off at home by hated rival CSU, to a point where CU had
to watch the green and gold faithful bum rush the field after the win. Toledo put some points up on the board against
Purdue. But, CU should come back for a narrow win. CU - 42 vs. Toledo - 34
Central Michigan at Michigan State 11 am ESPN or ESPN2 - Sparty was fairly dominant over Montana State
as expected, but CMU’s vaunted offense got shut down in Tucson against Arizona. The Spartans defense is just as good
as Arizona’s, so don’t expect much to change other than the time zone - Michigan State - 34 vs. CMU - 17
Duke at Army 11 am ESPN Classic - The Rich Ellerson era started off with a bang and a win over Eastern
Michigan, while the Duke season, well, didn’t start so well - a loss to Richmond. If Duke can’t go to Michie Stadium
and get a win, it’s going to be hard to get a win all season long. Desperation is on the side of the Blue Devils and QB
Thad Lewis - Duke - 23 vs. Army - 21
Eastern Michigan at Northwestern 11 am Big Ten Network - Northwestern hammered Towson with a strong
running game, while EMU struggled with Army. After watching the goings-on in the Big Ten, I’m not totally convinced
that Northwestern can’t get in the mix for, at a minimum, third place. QB Mike Kafka runs for 100+ and leads the
Wildcats to a second straight win - Northwestern - 38 vs. EMU - 21
Fresno State at Wisconsin 11 am ESPN or ESPN2 - it was a shaky start to say the least for Wisconsin - hanging
on for a 28-20 win over NIU at home. Fresno State is playing this weekend at 9 am, which is typically never good for
west coast teams. Wisconsin should continue to ride RB John Clay and new starting QB Chris Tolzien to a win over
FSU - Wisconsin - 24 vs. Fresno State - 16
Iowa at Iowa State 11 am FSN - I didn’t think this one would be close before the season started, but after watching
the Iowa offense sputter around against Northern Iowa, I’m not convinced that Iowa is that much better than Paul
Rhoads’ Cyclones. The difference will be Iowa’s defense, a unit that’ll hold Iowa State’s QB Austen Arnaud in check -
Iowa - 23 vs. ISU - 10
North Carolina at Connecticut 11 am ESPNU - U Conn got a great win over Ohio on the road to start the season,
but moving back to the Rent won’t be easy with a blazingly fast Tar Heel squad coming to town. The Tar Heels have
found a true running threat in Shaun Draughn and he should have 125+ yards to lead the Heels to a big win - UNC - 31
vs. U Conn - 17
Pittsburgh at Buffalo 11 am - Buffalo lost former QB Drew Willy to graduation and RB James Starks to a season-
ending injury, but still went to El Paso and knocked off UTEP 23-17. Pitt is the most talented team Buffalo has seen in
quite some time and even at home, the Bulls will struggle with the Panthers - Pitt - 31 vs. Buffalo - 21
Stanford at Wake Forest 11 am Raycom/ESPN Gameplan - Of course, I love battles that include “smaht kids”,
and this one is just that. But, it’s also one of the most intriguing games of this week given last week’s results. Wake lost
at home to Baylor and really struggled with Baylor’s offensive speed. Stanford doesn’t have that type of speed, but it
does have QB Andrew Luck and a punishing running game led by Toby Gerhart. Given the fact that Baylor ran for
197 yards against Wake Forest, expect Stanford to follow a similar script. But, QB Riley Skinner is bound to respond to
one of the worst games in his career (three picks last week) - Wake Forest - 27 vs. Stanford - 21
Syracuse at Penn State 11 am Big Ten Network - The ‘Cuse is much improved over previous years and QB Greg
Paulus is at least a solid option at that position. But, this is PSU, led by Daryll Clark and a dominant defense. Forget
it, Orange - Penn State - 44 vs. Syracuse - 13
PREDICTIONS ON ALL D1A GAMES - TV GAMES IN RED
Saturday September 12th (CONT’D)
Western Michigan at Indiana 11 am Big Ten Network - Indiana started with a win, but Western Michigan got
thumped in Ann Arbor. Western Michigan will struggle again, although it’ll be a close finish - IU - 27 vs. WMU - 24
Troy at Florida 11 am SEC Network - ESPN Regional - Um, Troy lost last week and will come back with a
vengeance...next week. Florida is scary good this season. Yes, I know it was Charleston Southern, but you can tell this
team is as good as any repeat champion as we’ve seen since 2005 - Florida - 54 vs. Troy - 13
Arkansas State at Nebraska - The Huskers should bat ASU around for a quarter or two before taking control in the
second half - Nebraska - 41 vs. ASU - 14
BYU at Tulane 2:30 PM ESPN2 - BYU was stellar on Saturday night in an upset win over OU, but the biggest
surprise was how fast, quick and aggressive the defensive unit was. Tulane won’t be a walkover in the ‘Dome, but
they’ve got to get more consistency on offense around QB Joe Kemp. Tulsa moved the ball when it wanted against
Tulane and BYU should do the same. The Cougars know now that they can’t look ahead, but they’ve got to come off
of cloud nine to win this one convincingly - BYU - 38 vs. Tulane - 21
Howard at Rutgers - These two teams should only play two quarters. After the horrendous loss to Cincinnati, it’s
going to get ugly, early. Mercy rule, people - Rutgers - 63 vs. Howard - 3
Idaho at Washington - The Vandals got a wonderful win over New Mexico State, but the Huskies are as improved as
any team in the nation. They gave LSU all it could handle on Saturday night. And, oh by the way, the Huskies have QB
Jake Locker. Enough said - Washington - 42 vs. Idaho - 21
Louisiana Tech at Navy 2:30 PM CBS CSTV - One week to prepare for the Navy option attack is rough, especially
after getting physically beat up at Auburn. This should be a completely underrated competitive game, but one Navy
should control with its run game and explosive option attack - Navy - 31 vs. La. Tech - 24
TCU at Virginia 2:30 PM ESPNU - Tough spot in some sense for UVA. The Wahoos lost to D1AA William &
Mary last weekend and now must face a team rested and ready for its opener (TCU was off last week). I don’t see any
reason why TCU shouldn’t take care of business in a systematically destructive way - TCU - 27 vs. UVA - 10
Illinois State at Illinois 6 PM Big Ten Network - There was probably no more disappointing team in week one
than Illinois. Not only did Missouri hand the Illini their lunch, but it did appear that the Illini opened a can of quit in
the second half. It’s also a team with impressive athleticism that can turn the season around in a hurry. That turn-
around starts here - Illinois - 49 vs. ISU - 12
Memphis at Middle Tennessee 6 PM ESPN360 - Both teams struggled in losses to Ole Miss and Clemson,
respectively. But, Memphis looked solid for about three quarters and I’m riding the Curtis Steele train all the way to a
Memphis win - Memphis - 31 vs. MTSU - 17
Mississippi State at Auburn 6 PM ESPN360 - If this one ends up 3-2, I’m done. Auburn turned it on in the
second half against La. Tech, roaring to a big win, while Mississippi State took care of business against Jackson State.
I’m not convinced that the Bulldogs are ready for big boy SEC football, but they’ll still compete for new head coach
Dan Mullen. I’m rolling with the over this week...over 5 that is - Auburn - 23 vs. Mississippi State - 7
Texas at Wyoming 2:30 PM Vs. - It may not look like a tough challenge on paper for the Longhorns, but any team
from a non-BCS conference treats a game like this as the BCS national champ. game, especially a home game. Texas
hasn’t been an up and down team since Colt McCoy took over at quarterback. The ‘Horns take care of business no
matter who they play, with McCoy providing the right amount of calm and leadership - Texas - 49 vs. Wyoming - 10
PREDICTIONS ON ALL D1A GAMES - TV GAMES IN RED
Saturday September 12th (CONT’D)
UCLA at Tennessee 3 PM ESPN - Payback’s a, well, you know. This time the Bruins fly east to Knoxville to take on
the new look Vols. The Lane Kiffin led new look Vols. RB Montario Hardesty will find the going a little tougher
against the vaunted UCLA front seven. But, Tennessee can set itself up for a solid season with a strong win over the
visiting Bruins - Tennessee - 24 vs. UCLA - 14
Eastern Washington at Cal 4:30 PM Comcast/ESPN Gameplan - So, how good do you think RB Jahvid Best
really is? Luckily, Eastern Washington won’t see Best for more than about a quarter and a half - Cal - 54 vs. EWU - 7
Air Force at Minnesota 6 PM Big Ten Network - This one could be fun. The opener in the new Minnesota
Stadium could’ve been a bit dicey if the Gophers hadn’t pulled one out of the magician’s hat in the Carrier Dome last
week. Air Force ran all day on outmanned Nicholls State and will give the Minnesota defense all it can handle. In a
mild upset - Air Force - 35 vs. Minnesota - 28
Bowling Green at Missouri - Boy, how good were both of these teams last week. BG QB Tyler Sheehan lit up an
extremely athletic Troy defense, while Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert did the same to Illinois. Missouri is the better
team and Gabbert will second that notion with another great game in win number two - Missouri - 42 vs. Bowling
Green - 30
Florida International at Alabama - Do you think SEC Guy even knows what a Florida International even is?
Whether he does or not, the Tide won’t have a problem at home for the first time this year - Alabama - 54 vs FIU -
10
Idaho State at Oklahoma - OU isn’t nearly as powerful as we all thought it was going to be. But, it won’t matter, at
least this week against an outmanned Idaho State squad - OU 63 vs. ISU - 7
South Florida at Western Kentucky 6:30 PM ESPN360 - The Hilltoppers are no match for Matt Grothe,
George Selvie and the rest of the athletic Bulls - USF - 42 vs. WKU - 14
Vanderbilt at LSU 6 PM ESPNU - I really want to believe that Washington is much better than last year, but a
31-23 win over the Huskies doesn’t exactly have me feeling all warm and fuzzy about LSU. But, it was sort of a tricky
spot against a healthy Washington team, with a couple of athletes, well prepared, up at night and in a place its never
played. Vanderbilt is breaking in a new quarterback but QB Larry Smith looked good before cramps took over. But,
against an LSU ‘D’ that has something to prove back at home, he’ll struggle. The run game is much improved for
Vandy, but it won’t be enough to overcome LSU in Baton Rouge - LSU - 27 vs. Vanderbilt - 14
Kansas at UTEP 6:30 PM CBS CSTV - The Miners were horribly disappointing against Buffalo in a revenge game
in El Paso. And, if that’s any indication, UTEP will get UTEPPED on against a powerful Kansas offense - Kansas - 42
vs. UTEP - 21
Southeast Missouri State at Cincinnati - Consider me swayed. I didn’t think Cincinnati would have a strong year
with all of the holes the defense had to fill after 2008. But, if the game against Rutgers is any indication, the Bearcats
could be looking at another ten win season - Cincinnati - 56 vs. SEMO - 7
Western Illinois at Northern Illinois 6:30 PM ESPN360 - Northern Illinois had Wisconsin on the ropes in the
fourth quarter but couldn’t deliver a knockout blow to win that one. It should dominate early and often against WIU -
NIU - 42 vs. WIU - 17
New Hampshire at Ball State - Ball State lost to North Texas last week. At home. What makes me think that it
can beat a D1AA power? MiQuale Lewis? Okay, you convinced me - Ball State - 31 vs. UNH - 20
PREDICTIONS ON ALL D1A GAMES - TV GAMES IN RED
Saturday September 12th (CONT’D)
Oregon State at UNLV 7 PM CBS CSTV - The Rodgers brothers are back and that’s not good news for the
Rebels, a 38-3 winner over D1AA Sacramento State. Oregon State is no Sacto State - Oregon State - 38 vs. UNLV -
21
Central Florida at Southern Miss - UCF was trailing D1AA Samford in the fourth quarter, but pulled out a 28-24
win. USM rode the Damian Fletcher train to a smooth 52-0 whitewash of Alcorn State. I don’t think UCF can fully
stop Fletcher - USM - 31 vs. UCF - 20
East Carolina at West Virginia - The Pirates delivered a butt-whipping to WVU in Greenville last season, but can
the same song play out in Morgantown? Don’t think so. WVU took a while to get loose against Liberty, but it was
definitely looking forward to the physical Pirates - WVU - 31 vs. ECU - 21
Hawaii at Washington State - Hawaii escaped against DII Central Arkansas although no one knew it had played,
signed 12:05 am kickoff. Washington State has taken some steps and could get a win over a 2008 bowl team. Really?
Yeah, why not - Washington State - 27 vs. Hawaii - 26
Jacksonville State at Florida State 5 PM ESPN360 - The Seminoles have a short week to prepare, so don’t
expect them to blowout JSU. In the first half - FSU - 51 vs. JSU - 10
James Madison at Maryland - The Fridge’s Terps had better bounce back or it’s curtains for him and his staff.
They’ll respond this week against JMU - Maryland - 35 vs. JMU - 14
Kansas State at Louisiana-Lafayette - This is the worst Kansas State team since Bill Snyder took over the
Wildcats the first time. ULL isn’t a world beater by any stretch of the imagination, but in a monumental upset - ULL
- 24 vs. KSU - 20
Miami U at Boise State 7 PM ESPN360 - Boise State just has to settle in and take care of business from here on
out. There won’t be one game in which it’ll be the underdog the rest of the way. But, taking it one at a time is the
biggest challenge for BSU. This week, the Broncos should be in good shape - Boise State - 35 vs. Miami - 7
Tulsa at New Mexico 7 PM Mtn. - Tulsa’s offensive machine is in good hands - Texas transfer G.J Kinne (man,
another one?) has a strong handle on this one, especially against a New Mexico defense that was shredded by Texas
A&M in College Station last week. Tulsa WR Damaris Johnson is one of the most dynamic players in the nation and
should be a key figure in this one - Tulsa - 41 vs. New Mexico - 13
Purdue at Oregon 9:15 PM FSN - I would think that the Ducks are going to rally given the unfortunate events of
last week, but the offense has to show that it’s got a pulse. Boise State didn’t run all over Oregon, even though the
rushing stats were positive for the Broncos. The defense gets another test facing Purdue RB Ralph Bolden, who had
234 yards and two touchdowns last week against Toledo. UO isn’t Toledo and it’ll prove that to Purdue on Saturday
night - Oregon - 35 vs. Purdue - 21
Utah at San Jose State 9:30 PM ESPNU - Utah QB Terrance Cain stepped right into the starting lineup for
former starter Brian Johnson and didn’t miss a beat. RB Matt Asiata ran for 156 yards against Utah State. Point is that
SJSU won’t have a whole lot of success stopping Utah, even at home - Utah - 35 vs. SJSU - 14
Kent State at Boston College 1 PM ESPN360 - Boston College has to hold up the integrity of the ACC. Good
luck, BC. Well, at least, it should do it this week - BC - 28 vs. Kent State - 13
Marshall at Virginia Tech 12:30 PM ESPN360 - The Hokies will bounce back against a tough minded Marshall
squad. Blacksburg isn’t a very forgiving place - Virginia Tech - 31 vs. Marshall - 14
PREDICTIONS ON ALL D1A GAMES - TV GAMES IN RED
Saturday September 12th (CONT’D)
Morgan State at Akron - Morgan State is no Penn State - Akron - 51 vs. Morgan State - 7
Murray State at North Carolina State - See above, just change “Morgan State” to “Murray State” and “Penn State”
to “South Carolina” - NC State - 38 vs. Murray State - 3
Northern Arizona at Arizona - Maybe the Desert Swarm 2.0 is in vogue in Tucson yet again. The Wildcats held
vaunted CMU to six points, which was a shock for a lot of people named John Harris. This should be a cakewalk -
Arizona - 35 vs. NAU - 3
Ohio at North Texas - The Riley Dodge era started well at Ball State, a 13-1 team in 2008, and now the Mean Green
return home to face an Ohio team that lost to U Conn 23-16 last week. Ride the hot team in this one - North Texas -
24 vs. Ohio - 21
Prairie View A&M at New Mexico State - NMSU will get its first win of the season. Bank on it - NMSU - 63 vs.
PVSU - 14
Rice at Texas Tech - The Owls gave up what seemed like 1,000 yards on the ground against UAB, but this is a young
defense that’ll catch its stride later in the season. The good news is that Texas Tech head ball coach Mike Leach won’t
run the ball more than 25 times in this game. But, even in throwing the ball all over the yard, the Red Raiders have the
distinct advantage. Expect QB Taylor Potts to have a 400 yard/4 TD night against the Andrew Sendejo-led secondary -
Texas Tech - 49 vs. Rice - 31
SMU at UAB - Two words: Joe. Webb. SMU has no chance to win with Webb taking snaps under center for UAB.
He ran for over 130 yards last week against Rice. He should equal that number against SMU this weekend - UAB - 41
vs. SMU - 24
Southern Utah at San Diego State - This is a lock. San Diego State wins! San Diego State wins! Not much more
to say about that - SDSU - 51 vs. SU - 13
Texas-Southern at Louisiana-Monroe - In some strange faraway place, I’m totally intrigued by what Johnnie Cole
is doing at Texas-Southern, but ULM will roll big after losing at Texas last weekend - ULM - 54 vs. TSU - 14
Weber State at Colorado State - QB Grant Stucker was solid in his debut as starting QB for the Rams in a massive
win over CU last Sunday night. Weber State stayed competitive against Wyoming, but CSU is no Wyoming. Bomb Ass
Cookies for everyone! - CSU - 51 vs. Weber State - 14
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTES BY JOHN HARRIS
Thoughts from first weekend of college football...
1. Man, the wildcat has caught on like wildfire – nearly every team that I’ve watched this weekend has some form of
the Wildcat in the game plan and is showing it in the first week. Why? Preparation. Opposing defensive coordinators
are now going to have to spend hours preparing for the Wildcat look. Unfortunately, with nearly everyone running
some version of the scheme, it’s not a unique look and won’t cost teams in preparation time down the road. They all
look the same, too, with guys who can’t throw taking the snap from center. But, analysts and the sort have to be careful
in some sense with the Wildcat. Just because a guy takes a shotgun snap that isn’t typically a QB DOESN’T exactly
mean it’s the Wildcat. What makes the Wildcat special in some sense is the use of the tackle over concept.
2. The Big Ten and the ACC weren’t thought to be world-beaters this year, but are you kidding me? In the Big Ten,
Ohio State faces a game tying two point conversion late in the fourth quarter against Navy. Iowa has to block not
one, but two field goals on the last play of the game to beat a D1AA team Northern Iowa. Illinois was flat out
embarrassed by Missouri. A joke. Thank god for Michigan or the conference wouldn’t have had even a decent win.
The ACC? Not much better. Duke and UVA lost to D1AA teams at home, while Wake, NC State, Virginia Tech
lost tough games to schools from BCS conferences. Clemson’s win over MTSU was the conference’s only win over a
D1A school (MTSU).
3. UGA’s secondary was laying serious wood on Oklahoma State receivers all day long, even on All-American Dez
Bryant. But, in the third quarter, safety #9 Reshad Jones put a hit on OSU TE #81 Justin Blackmon that gave
me a tingly feeling all over. But, then a 15 yard penalty was called for unnecessary roughness on the receiver. Now, the
ref says #18 who is giving some kind of throat slash, but his reasoning was meant for the hit. He wouldn’t have said
“unnecessary roughness on the receiver” and meant that for the throat slash on #18 Bacarri Rambo. This was a bull-
bleep call to say the least and cost Georgia huge. First, he hit Blackmon with his shoulder, this was not a spearing at
all. And, if you want to say he’s defenseless, then Zac Robinson shouldn’t have thrown the ball. This is football; it’s a
collision sport and that was a bad call. This officiating crew will see that when they watch this film. Basically, Jones
got a penalty for hitting Blackmon too hard, but when S Bryan Jones knocked Dez into next week, nothing was
called. Nothing I hate more than a lack of consistency, especially from my favorite group on Earth – the refs.
4. Virginia Tech fans aren’t happy this morning after another loss to a big-time BCS conference’s program, but I’m
telling you right now DE #6 Jason Worilds is a big-time player. Wow. His burst off the edge is insane. He can play
off blockers and make plays in the run game. He can redirect once he has the tackle beat rushing the passer, such that
he doesn’t get pushed past the quarterback on the pass rush. I liked him before, but I really like him that much more
now.
But, the story of this game was the continued progress of sophomore RB Mark Ingram. Since Alabama decided to
change its philosophy prior to the 2008 season, the run game continues to make progress (the 2009 Sugar Bowl
notwithstanding). And, the beneficiary last night was power back Ingram. As I noted in my Keys to the Game, he
was the hammer, rushing for 150 yards, a career high and running over nearly every Hokie in sight. RB Roy Upchurch
contributed 90 yards as well and as long as the defense can respond a little better in sudden change situations, ‘Bama
is going to be tough to beat with this running game.
5. Ohio State got a scare against Navy, but it’s not too surprising for a couple of reasons. One, preparing for a true
option team like Navy is extremely difficult. And, two, keeping the Buckeyes focused on Navy when USC is looming
was maybe more difficult. Navy just sent Diet Dr. Pepper dabblers into scramble mode – I still think Ohio State will
play better against USC’s more conventional offense. OSU QB Terrelle Pryor looks 1,000 times more comfortable in
this offense and, in particular, throwing the football.
And by the way, this Navy offense has some quickness, perhaps more than this unit has had in past years. QB Ricky
Dobbs, outside of his heinous throwing decision on the two-point conversion, is going to be a monster to stop this
year. The other thing is that your offense is probably going to get only two drives per quarter if the Navy offense is
clicking.