Cram Session - Week 6

There are some interesting games this weekend but most of them are taking place outside of the Top 10. However, #1 Alabama faces a third straight difficult game, as they take on #19 South Carolina on the road. The Huskers face what could be a difficult road test tonight, when they face Big 12 rival and fellow unbeaten Kansas State. The Fighting Irish look to carry over momentum from their beat down of Boston College last Saturday, when they return home to take on Pittsburgh.

Games That Matter to Me That May Not Matter to You

Pittsburgh (2-2) at Notre Dame (2-3)

Notre Dame got a much needed win last weekend at Boston College. I was tempted to pick the Irish to lose because they have always played poorly at BC but when looking at BC's roster I knew they were an awful team. They certainly played like it as on Notre Dame jumped on them early and never really looked back. QB Dayne Crist was impressive and the Irish were able to establish a running game behind Armando Allen, Jr. I would like to see Michael Floyd be a bit more involved, but sophomore Theo Riddick has emerged in the last few weeks as another weapon at wideout. The defense played much better and shockingly didn't let a freshman making his first start make them look silly. Pitt had high expectations entering the season but those were tempered after an opening night loss to Utah and then an embarrassing home loss to Miami. Sophomore RB Dion Lewis has been a huge disappointment. He missed last week's rout of Florida International with an injury but even prior to that had only been averaging 3.0 yards a carry. Sophomore RB Ray Graham started in place of Lewis last weekend and had 3 touchdowns. Even if Lewis is to return for this game, the Irish should expect a healthy dose of Graham. The Panthers are led by sophomore QB Tino Sunseri. Sunseri has 4 TDs, and 2 INTs and is completing 63% of his passes. He is not spectacular but efficient. The schedule lightens over the next three weeks for the Irish after this game so a win would be a huge momentum lift. A few weeks ago I probably wouldn't have given the Irish a chance in this game, but Pitt isn't all that impressive. I think Notre Dame's confidence from last week's win will carry over to another win.

Prediction: Notre Dame 27, Pittsburgh 23

Top 10

Thursday, October 7

#7 Nebraska (4-0, 0-0) at Kansas State (4-0, 1-0)

After a weekend off, the Huskers kick off their final Big 12 season in prime time in Manhattan, Kansas. The Wildcats will be looking for revenge from last season, when the Huskers defeated them in the final game of the season to take the Big 12 North. The lost not only denied the Wildcats a spot in the Big 12 championship game, but also a bowl bid. The Wildcats have a couple of impressive wins, including a season opening win against UCLA, and a Big 12 win over the improving Cyclones of Iowa State. The Huskers answered the mail in their last road test, when they lambasted Washington. This game reminds me of last year's prime time Thursday game between Nebraska and Missouri. Missouri came into that game unbeaten and dominated the first three quarters, before Nebraska shocked the Tigers in the fourth. The crowd will be jacked for this game, so the key for Nebraska will be to get the crowd out of it early like they did at Washington. The Huskers last game was a very poor showing against South Dakota State. QB Taylor Martinez finally played like a freshman and the entire offense looked out of sorts. He has to bounce back and manage the game. Senior RB Daniel Thomas is who the Blackshirts will have stop. Thomas already has 628 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on the season. Central Florida was able to slow him down last weekend so hopefully Jared Crick and the rest of that defensive front can follow suit. The Huskers can't be caught looking ahead to Texas next weekend or they will lose this one. I don't think the Huskers fiery coach Bo Pelini will let that happen. It won't always be pretty but Nebraska will remain unbeaten.

Prediction: Nebraska 24, Kansas State 19

Saturday, October 9

#1 Alabama (5-0, 2-0) at #19 South Carolina (3-1, 1-1)

I knew Alabama was good but I didn't think they were capable of manhandling the Gators like they did. The road gets no easier as they now have to take on the Ol Ball Coach Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks. South Carolina looked like they might be finally turning the corner after a 3-0 start, but then a loss to Auburn and now this game with Alabama could derail those plans. For the Gamecocks to have any chance they can't allow RB Mark Ingram to rush for 246 yards on them like he did last year. The Crimson Tide running game is overwhelming and almost impossible to stop with Ingram and Trent Richardson. QB Stephen Garcia will get the start for the Gamecocks and will be entrusted to get over his fumbling problems that got him yanked against Auburn. Arkansas proved a few weeks ago that with the right game plan teams can hang with Alabama. South Carolina will be energized by their crowd but they simply aren't good enough.

Prediction: Alabama 35, South Carolina 24

Indiana (3-1, 0-1) at #2 Ohio State (5-0, 1-0)

The Buckeyes had far more trouble with Illinois than I think most people expected. Indiana did all they could to try to upset Michigan but proved unable to slow down Denard Robinson. Buckeyes QB Terrelle Pryor isn't as electric but he will certainly give the Hoosiers fits.

Prediction: Ohio State 38, Indiana 17

#3 Oregon (5-0, 2-0) at Washington State (1-4, 0-2)

After falling behind to Stanford 21-3 it looked like Oregon would be exposed as massive fluke frauds. Instead they ended up whipping the Cardinal 52-31. This game against Washington State will essentially be a bye for the Ducks.

Prediction: Oregon 64, Washington State 17

Toledo (3-2) at #4 Boise State (4-0)

Boise State crushed New Mexico State 59-0 but still dropped behind Oregon in the polls. At this point I think it is obvious that Boise State is simply playing to be a BCS crasher and has no real chance at playing for the national championship. Toledo actually knocked off Purdue on the road a few weeks ago so they aren't completely terrible, especially if you ignore that they lost to Arizona 41-2 to open the season. However, the Broncos knocking around the Rockets won't impress anyone outside of the potato state.

Prediction: Boise State 38, Toledo 9

Wyoming (2-3, 0-1) at #5 TCU (5-0, 1-0)

I will continue to tout TCU who I believe has been unfairly overlooked due to the media's love for Boise State. Boise State whipped Wyoming 51-6 on the road, so hopefully the Horned Frogs can do even better.

Prediction: TCU 52, Wyoming 6

#8 Auburn (5-0, 2-0) at Kentucky (3-2, 0-2)

For the second straight year, Auburn coach Gene Chizik has the Tigers off to a 5-0 start. Last season the wheels somewhat fell off after that start so I am sure Tigers fans are being cautious of getting too excited. The Tigers are loaded on offense with QB Cameron Newton having already thrown for 12 TDs. Newton is also the team's leading rusher, and the Tigers also have RB Onterio McCalebb who averages 8.0 yards a carry. As for Kentucky, they just lost to shitty Ole Miss. Enough said.

Prediction: Auburn 27, Kentucky 17

Oregon State (2-2, 0-1) at #9 Arizona (4-0, 1-0)

I never see Pac-10 football so not much to say about this one. Arizona has a good defense, Oregon State has a good offense, good defense usually beats good offense.

Prediction: Arizona 31, Oregon State 20

#10 Utah (4-0) at Iowa State (3-2)

The Utes will face a challenge to their unbeaten season at Ames this weekend. The Cyclones lit up Texas Tech at home last weekend but should get more fight from a tough Utes defense. The Utes haven't had a true road challenge so it will be interesting to see how they respond. Oh what the hell, I'll pick the upset.

Prediction: Iowa State 28, Utah 27

Last Week: 8-0
Overall: 45-4

The Hail Mary - Week 4

Kind of a weak slate of games this weekend but all eyes will be on Philadelphia come Sunday afternoon. That is when Donovan McNabb will make his return to Philadelphia, where he played for 11 seasons, taking the Eagles to 5 NFC Championship games, and 1 Super Bowl. The big question is what kind of reception will McNabb get from the Eagles fans. He should be cheered when he goes on to the field. He didn't demand a trade or leave via free agency. He was traded because the Eagles determined they were better off without him. Now during the game, of course he should be booed, he will be playing for the enemy Redskins. But considering all he went through during his time in Philadelphia and how he never bashed the fans or organization despite those things, he deserves an initial standing ovation.

Week 4 - Sunday, October 3

San Francisco (0-3) at Atlanta (2-1), Atlanta favored by 6 1/2

I was a big Mike Singletary fan but unless he gets the ship righted quickly this season, he has to go. Their is no reason the 49ers should be getting blown out by teams like the Seahawks and Chiefs with the amount of talent they have. They finally fired Offensive Coordinator Jimmy Raye, who was getting nothing out of an offense with multiple Pro Bowlers on it. Who knows if that will make a difference or not. Singletary is a great motivator but it appears he and his staff is very weak when it comes to X's and O's. Luckily, the 49ers are in the atrocious NFC West, but after fluke wins by the Seahawks and Cardinals last week, they already find themselves 2 games out. Atlanta made me look good by knocking off the Saints in New Orleans as I predicted. I had a feeling that the Falcons would be this year's sleeper team. QB Matt Ryan is playing very well, WR Roddy White is on fire, and the Falcons now have two consistent running backs in Michael Turner and Jason Snelling. 0-4 is staring the 49ers right in the face, I hope they can at least be competitive.

Prediction: Atlanta 28, San Francisco 14

New York Jets (2-1) at Buffalo (0-3), New York Jets favored by 4 1/2

What do you know? Mark Sansucks has played awesome football the last two games. He has yet to throw an interception this season. Sansucks had the worst game of his young career against the Bills last season so fantasy buyers beware of starting him this weekend. The Buffalo offense showed life with Ryan Fitzpatrick at QB last weekend against the Patriots. With Jets CB Darrelle Revis being out again this week, I think the Bills will be able to move the ball against the Jets. However, a late Nick Folk field goal will be the difference.

Prediction: New York Jets 24, Buffalo 21

Cincinnati (2-1) at Cleveland (0-3), Cincinnati favored by 3 1/2

This game seems to be people's upset special this weekend. I don't see it. Sure Carson Palmer sucks and the Bengals have looked less than impressive this season but come on, it's the Browns we are talking about. Even if Jake Delhomme comes back to play this game, the Bengals win and cover.

Prediction: Cincinnati 20, Cleveland 14

Detroit (0-3) at Green Bay (2-1), Green Bay favored by 14 1/2

The Packers blew a game they should have won at Chicago on Monday night. It certainly didn't help that they had an astounding 18 penalties. The Lions looked like the Lions of old in not being able to cover an 11 point spread against the previously winless Vikings. Usually, I avoid lines that are this big but last week taught me to never bet on the Lions.

Prediction: Green Bay 35, Detroit 14

Denver (1-2) at Tennessee (2-1), Tennessee favored by 6 1/2

Because of the Broncos less than stellar beginning to the season, QB Kyle Orton's hot start has gone under the radar. Orton and the passing game are clicking in Denver, but they have been unable to establish a running game. The Titans weren't overly impressive against the Giants, they were mostly just fortunate that the Giants are really good at shooting themselves in the foot. I expect Titans RB Chris Johnson to bust out one large touchdown run in this game, and that will prove to be the difference.

Prediction: Tennessee 20, Denver 17

Seattle (2-1) at St. Louis (1-2), Seattle favored by 1

There is no doubt in my mind that Rams QB Sam Bradford is the real deal. For a rookie that has started just three NFL games he looks incredibly poised and confident. I think the sky is the limit for Bradford. I still think the Seahawks are huge fluke frauds but the Rams are so bad I find it impossible to actually pick them to win consecutive games.

Prediction: Seattle 21, St. Louis 17

Carolina (0-3) at New Orleans (2-1), New Orleans favored by 13 1/2

The Panthers offense is in shambles. Despite having two of the best running backs in the game in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, they don't give either nearly enough touches. QB Jimmy Clausen looked awful in his first start and looks like he will be dealing with major growing pains. They have a head coach in John Fox who is completely lame duck and on his way out the door. Now they get to play an angry Saints team that blew a home game against the Falcons last weekend. One of my most loyal readers, Pinto, celebrated a birthday this week, so while I can't predict a Panthers win, I can at least predict that they will cover!

Prediction: New Orleans 24, Carolina 13

Baltimore (2-1) at Pittsburgh (3-0), Pittsburgh favored by 1 1/2

If not for McNabb's return to Philadelphia this would be the game of the weekend. I hate watching Ravens game, I find them incredibly dull and boring, but when they play the Steelers I make sure to tune in. The hatred is there between these two teams and you are guaranteed to see hard hits and intense play. The Steelers are looking to finish undefeated without QB Ben Rapelisberger. QB Charlie Batch did just enough against Tampa Bay, while the Steelers defense continues to look like it could be an all-time defense. The Ravens offense and QB Joe Flacco got some much needed confidence against the Browns, but when faced with other good defenses this year Flacco has looked awful. It is impossible to pick against the Steelers right now.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 14, Baltimore 12

Houston (2-1) at Oakland (1-2), Houston favored by 3

The Texans came back down to Earth just as I predicted they would against the Cowboys. I think Houston is good but they have major issues that need to be addressed with their passing defense. Luckily for them the Raiders really aren't the type of team that can exploit that. That means the offensive load will go to RB Darren McFadden. McFadden is finally looking like the running back everyone expected him to be coming out of Arkansas. Too much Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, and Arian Foster for the Raiders to deal with.

Prediction: Houston 27, Oakland 17

Indianapolis (2-1) at Jacksonville (1-2), Indianapolis favored by 8 1/2

No matter what the Jaguars record is they always give the Colts fits. However, this year's Jaguars team looks like a new brand of awful. QB David Gerrard has regressed tremendously and the Jaguars defense can't stop anyone. Not good news when you have Peyton Manning and his seemingly new number one target, Austin Collie coming into town.

Prediction: Indianapolis 38, Jacksonville 17

Washington (1-2) at Philadelphia (2-1), Philadelphia favored by 6

What was most disheartening about the Skins blowout loss at St. Louis last weekend was how poorly coached they looked. In the preseason and the first two games, you could at least say that with Mike Shanahan the Skins looked competently coached. That was a Jim Zorn type effort Skins fans were treated to last Sunday. The early season story in the NFL is the sudden reemergence of Mike Vick. Vick is playing out of his mind right now. He has to come back to Earth at some point. I don't think going to jail and barely playing suddenly made Vick one of the best quarterbacks in the league. I think this game will have a playoff like atmosphere with the whole McNabb spectacle. Donovan won't admit it but he will be extra jazzed up for this game. One thing that I don't understand is why WR Devin Thomas isn't getting a shot on offense. He really isn't better than Joey Galloway or Roydell Williams? I find that hard to believe. I have a funny feeling about this game. The Skins tend to always play down to their competition but when the competition stiffens they rise to the occasion. I think the Skins pull off the mild upset, McNabb get's a measure of revenge and plays very well, and Mike Vick finally doesn't have an above average game.

Prediction: Washington 23, Philadelphia 20

Arizona (2-1) at San Diego (1-2), San Diego favored by 8

Bill Parcells used to say you are what your records say you are but that isn't always true. The Cardinals have a better record than the Chargers but they are no way a better team than the Chargers. San Diego looks like they may be an awful road team this year, and then more like the Chargers we expect to see at home. The Cardinals were destroyed by the Falcons in their last road game, and with the atrocious Derek Anderson still under center, I expect a similar result in this game.

Prediction: San Diego 31, Arizona 10

Chicago (3-0) at New York Giants (1-2), New York Giants favored by 3 1/2

Chicago is very fortunate to be 3-0. They had the bogus call win them their game against Detroit when Megatron got a touchdown stolen from him. Then last Monday night Jay Cutler was able to get away with throwing about 5 interceptions because of penalties. The New York Giants are awful. They look like they have tuned out coach Tom Coughlin, Eli Manning threw one of the most retarded passes I have ever seen in my life last weekend, and the defense continues to get pushed around. I think the Giants will start slow in this one, the New York crowd will turn against them, the heat will rise on Coughlin, and the Bears will be one of the worst 4-0 teams ever.

Prediction: Chicago 28, New York Giants 17

Monday, October 4

New England (2-1) at Miami (2-1), New England favored by 1

The Dolphins are coming off a tough to swallow loss at home against the Jets. The Patriots offense looked impressive last weekend but their defense, specifically their pass defense continues to look pathetic. Dolphins QB Chad Henne was able to get his receivers going against the Jets, and I think WR Brandon Marshall could be in for a big game against the inexperienced Patriots secondary. It would be demoralizing for the Dolphins to lose two division, prime time home games in a row. The Patriots have proven over the last couple of seasons that they aren't a very good road team anymore. That trend continues Monday night.

Prediction: Miami 27, New England 24

Last Week Straight Up: 9-7
Overall Straight Up: 27-21

Last Week Against the Spread: 11-5 (hell yeah!)
Overall Against the Spread: 27-19-2

Cram Session - Week 5

Huge weekend in college football. Hard to believe we are already five weeks into the season. Two games pit Top 10 teams against each other. #7 Florida travels to Tuscaloosa to take on #1 Alabama, while #9 Stanford goes to Autzen to take on #4 Oregon. Both these games will have a huge impact on this year's national championship picture.

Games That Matter to Me That May Not Matter to You

Notre Dame (1-3) at Boston College (2-1)

The Irish received the beatdown that I was expecting from Stanford last Saturday. It get's no easier for them as they have to go on the road in primetime against Boston College. The Eagles aren't actually any good but they have had the Irish's number, especially when playing the Irish at home. Boston College was embarrassed themselves last weekend. Virginia Tech shut them out at Chestnut Hill 19-0, the first time the Eagles have been shutout in 12 years. The poor performance has caused them to turn to freshman Chase Rettig. Rettig should feel fortunate that he gets to play the porous Irish defense. Trying to remain patient but four games into the Brian Kelly era nothing has changed from what we saw in the Charlie Weis era. The offense can pass but not run, and the defense can do almost nothing right. I think the Irish are more talented than Boston College but it is hard to see them winning there. Ah, screw it, Boston College sucks.

Prediction: Notre Dame 24, Boston College 17

Top 10

#7 Florida (4-0, 2-0) at #1 Alabama (4-0, 1-0)

I am surprised by the lack of buzz this game seems to be receiving. Seems that almost no one is giving the Gators a chance. The Gators unveiled QB Trey Burton against Kentucky last weekend and he definitely impressed, scoring 6 touchdowns. Their starting QB John Brantley continues to be efficient but not really spectacular. He may have to be spectacular to beat the Crimson Tide. Alabama was tested by Arkansas but did what championship teams do and found a way to pull out a victory. It was surprising that the Tide were somewhat shut down on offense by the Razorbacks, and the Gators are far more talented on the defensive side of the ball. I think this game will be closer than the experts think but tough to pick against Alabama.

Prediction: Alabama 21, Florida 19

#2 Ohio State (4-0, 0-0) at Illinois (2-1, 0-0)

This one figures to get pretty ugly. Some may point to the Buckeyes mystifying loss at Purdue last season and claim that the Illni may have some hope. I would point to the fact that Illinois only beat Northern Illinois by 6 at home. Obviously, they will probably be far more motivated for this game but talent-wise they are nowhere near a match for the Buckeyes. It is all about October 16th at Wisconsin for the Buckeyes.

Prediction: Ohio State 38, Illinois 17

#3 Boise State (3-0, 0-0) at New Mexico State (0-3, 0-0)

The Broncos open up their WAC schedule against the atrocious Aggies. This one will be over within the first 5 minutes.

Prediction: Boise State 58, New Mexico State 13

#9 Stanford (4-0, 1-0) at #4 Oregon (4-0, 1-0)

Oregon escaped Arizona State with a win despite giving up a mind boggling 597 yards of total offense. With that being said, the defense still played a huge part in the Ducks victory, forcing seven Sun Devils turnovers. As mentioned above the Cardinal embarrassed Notre Dame on the road and because of that everyone has given them instant respect. As much as it pains me to say Oregon is ten times the team the Irish are and the Cardinal will be in for a much stiffer test. The QB battle should be fun to watch between the Ducks Darron Thomas, and the Cardinals Andrew Luck. I think the difference in this game will be Oregon's advantage in the rushing game with LaMichael James. Having this game at home is also huge for Oregon, as I would take Stanford if this game was on the road.

Prediction: Oregon 41, Stanford 38

#5 TCU (4-0, 0-0) at Colorado State (1-3, 0-0)

For some strange reason, I guess because Boise beat TCU in the Fiest Bowl last year, no one is giving TCU much discussion for being a potential national championship team. The Horned Frogs won't earn any additional attention after this weekend, as they get to play the sorry Rams.

Prediction: TCU 50, Colorado State 17

#21 Texas (3-1, 1-0) at #8 Oklahoma (4-0, 0-0)

This game lost quite a bit of its luster after the Longhorns were embarrassed by UCLA last weekend. However, it still is the Red River Rivalry and should prove to be an interesting game. Oklahoma has been schizophrenic all season, looking amazing against Florida State but pretty ordinary in their other three games. The Sooners barely escaped with a win against the Bearcats and really struggled in establishing a run game. The Longhorns have been inconsistent on offense all season and the defense finally caved in their loss to UCLA. Neither of these teams are that impressive and clearly a step below Nebraska in the Big 12 pecking order. The winner of this game will likely meet the Huskers in the Big 12 Championship in December. This game is really a coin flip, but I will go with the Sooners.

Prediction: Oklahoma 24, Texas 21

Louisiana-Monroe (1-2) at #10 Auburn (4-0)

We close with a dud as Auburn gets a nice week's respite after back to back hard fought wins against Clemson and South Carolina.

Prediction: Auburn 34, Louisiana-Monroe 10

Last Week: 9-1
Overall: 37-4