The Week That Was

Hello everyone, a lot to cover as this is the most wonderful time of the year on the sports calendar.

College football had a crazy weekend as ranked teams and favorites fell all over the place. It started on Thursday with USC losing to Oregon State and was finished with an exclamation as Alabama destroyed Georgia between the hedges. I found it funny reading articles online about how Georgia is now out of the national title chase. Did people not pay attention to last year? A 2-loss team in LSU was the national champion. If all of the upsets Saturday were any indication, it is likely to be just as crazy this year.

As for my college football weekend it was bittersweet. Notre Dame romped Purdue and allowed more haters to come out. Somehow Notre Dame's early season schedule of mostly Big Ten teams is too easy, whatever. Oh and that great coach they fired, Ty Willingham, is now 0-4 this year at Washington.

Nebraska was disappointing in their loss to Tech. The defense still looks atrocious and Tech was obviously the better team. Nebraska coach Bo Pelini is just getting started though so patience will be needed.


The biggest story in the NFL was the Redskins going to Dallas and upsetting the Cowboys. I told anyone that would listen that Vegas favoring the Cowboys by double digits was ridiculous but even I didn't think the Redskins would actually pull off the victory. The offense continues to look impressive, the defense hasn't lost anything without supposed genius Gregg Williams coordinating them and there is no doubt that DC is Horny for Zorny!


It is almost October which means it is time for the Major League Baseball playoffs. The AL Central is still undecided between the Chicago White Sox and the Minnesota Twins. The White Sox need to beat Detroit today in a makeup game, then the winner of a play in game between themselves and the Twins will meet the Tampa Bay Rays in the 1st round. I am going on record and predicting a Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Chicago Cubs World Series with the Cubs ending their championship drought. Below is how I see the entire playoffs shaking out:

American League

(1) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim over (4) Boston in 5 games
(2) Tampa Bay Rays over (3) Minnesota Twins (White Sox will not run the gauntlet) in 4 games

(1) Angels over (2) Rays in 6 games

National League

(1) Chicago Cubs over (3) Los Angeles Dodgers in 4 games
(4) Milwaukee Brewers over (2) Philadelphia Phillies in 5 games

(1) Cubs over (4) Brewers in 6 games

World Series

(1) Cubs over (1) Angels in 7 games

The Hail Mary - Week 4

It is Week 4 of the NFL Season and with six teams having a bye week there are some less than compelling games. However, the few that are good make up for the stinkers. Each week I will start off with "Games That I Will Be Watching."

I just have regular, tried and true cable. Because of this I don't have access to the NFL Sunday Ticket which is only for DirecTV and allows fans to watch every game. I am assured a Redskins game every weekend but other than that I am at the whims of what the NFL decides to air in certain markets. Some weeks are better than others. This week is one of the better ones.

Games That I Will Be Watching

Green Bay (2-1) at Tampa Bay (2-1)

It is the "Battle of the Bays" as Green Bay travels to Tampa Bay. The Packers were humbled by Dallas last week while Tampa showed some intestinal fortitude in coming from behind to defeat the Bears. Somehow Aaron Rodgers has convinced irrational people that he is already better than Brett Favre. Unfortunately, these people will have more reason to believe it because the Pack will rebound and win this one on the road.

Prediction: Green Bay 24, Tampa Bay 21

Washington (2-1) at Dallas (3-0)

Everyone expects Dallas to win this game but people that actually follow this rivalry know this game isn't a slam dunk. Not having Jason Taylor will hurt the Redskins but the offense has been clicking the last couple of weeks. Washington always plays the Cowboys close in Texas Stadium and this one will be no different. Some tough running by Cowboys RB Marion Barber will seal the deal late for the Cowboys.

Prediction: Dallas 21, Washington 17

Philadelphia (2-1) at Chicago (1-2)

As of Wednesday the news was that Eagles RB Brian Westbrook would be playing in this game. Because of this I was ready to pick the Eagles with full confidence. Now the news is that he didn't practice yesterday and is unlikely to play. Brian Westbrook is the Eagles offense, without him, they can barely move the ball. QB Donovan McNabb has looked like the McNabb of old so far but he alone isn't good enough to overcome the loss of Westbrook against a tough Bears defense.

Prediction: Chicago 17, Philadelphia 13

Baltimore (2-0) at Pittsburgh (2-1)

One of the worst parts about living in Virginia is that the Ravens game usually ends up being the CBS game. The Baltimore Ravens are the most boring football team to watch, it is not even close. I will watch this because it is Monday Night Football but it is doubtful my whole attention will be on the game. Pittsburgh is without RB Willie Parker, and their offensive line has not proven to be capable of stopping any defense that has the ability to rush the passer. Baltimore is also a terrible road team, and a rookie QB (Joe Flacco) making his first Monday night start is not the recipe for a win.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 21, Baltimore 6

The Rest of Week 4

Cleveland (0-3) at Cincinnati (0-3)

This game will also be on in our viewing area but will only command my attention during commercials of the Packers/Bucs game. Both these teams stink and don't deserve a win.

Prediction: Cincinnati 3, Cleveland 3

Minnesota (1-2) at Tennessee (3-0)

No one would have believed that in 2008 Gus Frerotte and Kerry Collins would be starting QB's in the NFL, but here we are. Thank goodness these two teams have very good defenses. The Titans defense is just a little bit better.

Prediction: Tennessee 16, Minnesota 13

Denver (3-0) at Kansas City (0-3)

Denver still has many doubters and playing and crushing the Chiefs won't change that.

Prediction: Denver 31, Kansas City 10

San Francisco (2-1) at New Orleans (1-2)

I am still trying to figure out if my favorite team, the 49ers, are for real. The Saints aren't world beaters but a road win for the Niners would be very impressive. I am picking this game more with my heart than my mind.

Prediction: San Francisco 28, New Orleans 24

Arizona (2-1) at New York Jets (1-2)

Super Bowl MVPs Kurt Warner and Brett Favre do battle in this one. I kept hoping to run into Kurt Warner at Tyson's Corner Mall this week (Cardinals stayed here to keep on east coast time) but had no such luck. Favre leads the Packers to victory, the haters still give him an F on the season.

Prediction: New York Jets 24, Arizona 20

Atlanta (2-1) at Carolina (2-1)

Lame game.

Prediction: Carolina 29, Atlanta 13

Houston (0-2) at Jacksonville (1-2)

Houston was my sleeper playoff pick this year, I would like to have that one back. Jacksonville was my back up Super Bowl pick after Tom Brady went down for New England, I still believe in that one.

Prediction: Jacksonville 24, Houston 13

San Diego (1-2) at Oakland (1-2)

Score lots of TD's LT.

Prediction: San Diego 38, Oakland 20

Buffalo (3-0) at St. Louis (0-3)

People are actually picking St. Louis to win this game. I may have been completely wrong about USC/Oregon State, but not with this one.

Prediction: Buffalo 20, St. Louis 10

Cram Session

Week 5 of the college football season brings us three games matching ranked teams against each other. Before I get into those I would like to introduce a feature called:

Games That Matter to Me That May Not Matter to You

I like two college football teams. Notre Dame is my favorite (grew up watching them) and Nebraska is my second favorite (born in Lincoln, NE; Dad is a graduate). Both programs used to be very relevant in college football. However, over the last few years, to the delight of many, both have fallen on hard times. It is my hope that sometime this year I won't need this section anymore, that I will just be able to include them in my Top 25 preview, but this is how it has to be for now.

Purdue (2-1) at Notre Dame (2-1)

Expectedly, Notre Dame went to Michigan State and lost. The Notre Dame haters have been out in full force this week, calling head coach Charlie Weis fat, crippled, and incompetent. Two out of three may be correct but bless my heart I still believe in Charlie. I saw how much this team improved when he took over for the most overrated coach in college football history, Tyrone Willingham. I see the potential in WRs Golden Tate and Michael Floyd, and QB Jimmy Clausen and I believe an 8-4 season is entirely possible this year. I may have sealed Notre Dame's fate in this one by betting $10 that they will win this game (I almost never win any bets I make) but the home field advantage will be enough and the Golden Domers will be the victors.

Prediction: Notre Dame 21, Purdue 17

Virginia Tech (3-1) at Nebraska (3-0)

This game is the Cornhuskers chance at a coming out party. I would not be surprised to see them in the Top 25 next week if they can earn an impressive victory against Tech. Despite being 3-1 this is a down year for Tech. Their defense is as good as ever, but on the other side of the ball, the offense is as bad as ever. The Nebraska defense still has a ton of questions to answer, but the offense is for real. Nebraska will score enough in this game to offset any possible problems the defense might have.

Prediction: Nebraska 30, Virginia Tech 17

Top 25

#1 USC (2-0, 1-0) at Oregon State (1-2, 0-1)

This game is tonight on ESPN. Oregon State defeated USC at Corvallis in 2006 but that won't be happening this year. Oregon State will keep it close for a quarter, then USC runs away with the game.

Prediction: USC 41, Oregon State 10

#24 TCU (4-0) at #2 Oklahoma (3-0)

TCU shocked Oklahoma in their home opener in 2005 and will look to recapture that magic here. The Moutain West conference is starting to get a lot of hype and TCU is one of those reasons. Oklahoma has looked very impressive through three games with QB Sam Bradford putting up video game like numbers. TCU hangs for a half, then the Sooners pull away.

Prediction: Oklahoma 37, TCU 20

#8 Alabama (4-0, 1-0) at #3 Georgia (4-0, 1-0)

Alabama announced their presence on the national stage with an opening weekend thumping of Clemson and have continued to impress the last 3 weeks. Georgia is busting ouy their black uniforms for this one, which were last seen when they destroyed Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl. Part of me wants to pick the upset here but the home field advantage will carry Georgia.

Prediction: Georgia 17, Alabama 14

Mississippi (2-2, 0-1) at #4 Florida (3-0, 1-0)

I am already excited thinking about Florida's matchups later in the year with LSU and Georgia. This one not so much.

Prediction: Florida 38, Mississippi 6

Mississippi State (1-3, 0-1) at #5 LSU (3-0, 1-0)

Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom seemed to have the Bulldogs going in the right direction after last year but an opening game loss to Tulane has proven to be prophetic. LSU earned a hard fought victory at Auburn last Saturday. They will show the effects for a half, then cruise to victory.

Prediction: LSU 35, Mississippi State 14

Arkansas (2-1) at #7 Texas (3-0)

Hurricane Ike delayed this old Southwestern Conference rivalry game, but now it's here and Arksansas is going to get destroyed.

Prediction: Texas 45, Arkansas 10

#9 Wisconsin (3-0, 0-0) at Michigan (1-2, 0-0)

Michigan is really bad, Wisconsin is really good. The Big House is the quietest gathering of over 100,000 people you will ever hear.

Prediction: Wisconsin 20, Michigan 7

#22 Illinois (2-1) at #12 Penn State (4-0)

Penn State has beaten a bunch of cupcakes, while Illinois' defense was steamrolled by the one tough team they have played, the Missouri Tigers. This game will give fans a slight hint as to how good Penn State actually is, at Wisconsin in two weeks will be the true test.

Prediction: Penn State 42, Illinois 24

#13 South Florida (4-0) at NC State (2-2)

NC State knocked off potential BCS buster East Carolina at home last weekend, now they get their shot at South Florida. That win prevented any potential overlooking South Florida might have done.

Prediction: South Florida 21, NC State 14

Minnesota (4-0) at #14 Ohio State (3-1)

Don't let the Golden Gophers 4-0 record fool you, they have beaten nobody. Ohio State RB Beanie Wells should play in this one, and QB Tyrelle Pryor should see most of the snaps.

Prediction: Ohio State 37, Minnesota 13

Tennessee (1-2, 0-1) at #15 Auburn (3-1, 1-1)

Tennessee is terrible, losing to a UCLA team that has since then been outscored by BYU and Arizona by a combined score of 90-10. Auburn lost a heartbreaker at home last week to LSU, Tennessee will bear the brunt of that frustration.

Prediction: Auburn 28, Tennessee 10

Navy (2-2) at #16 Wake Forest (3-0)

Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe has done an amazing job and I will be shocked if he hasn't moved on to a higher profile job next year (Tennessee maybe?). The only college football stadium I have been to is Navy's. That makes me sad.

Prediction: Wake Forest 38, Navy 24

Weber State (3-1) at #17 Utah (4-0)

I know Weber State beat North Carolina in the NCAA basketball tournament when I was in high school. I know San Francisco 49ers QB and huge bust Alex Smith went to Utah, beyond that I have nothing.

Prediction: Utah 42, Weber State 3

Maryland (3-1, 0-0) at #20 Clemson (3-1, 1-0)

Not every favorite can win this week so here is my upset special. Ralph Friedgen will outcoach Tommy Bowden, it's science.

Prediction: Maryland 27, Clemson 24

Houston (1-3, 0-0) at #23 East Carolina (3-1, 1-0)

East Carolina's BCS chances ended with last week's loss but hey they can still win Conference USA!

Prediction: East Carolina 31, Houston 13

#25 Fresno State (2-1) at UCLA (1-2)

After UCLA QB Kevin Craft led the Bruins to an upset of Tennessee a certain ABC announcer labeled Craft a star, despite the fact he threw 4 INTs that game. Sounded stupid then, it's sounding even dumber now.

Prediction: Fresno State 21, UCLA 7

Welcome to the blog

Welcome everyone! Please allow me some time as I tinker with the blog and decide what kind of schedule I will use (anyone who knows me, knows I need a schedule!)

Thursdays will feature a College Football Top 25 preview and predictions post.

Fridays will be when I post my weekly NFL previews and predictions. Like the college football preview, I will break down each game and then predict a winner and final score.

Mondays will be my weekly feature "The Week That Was". Basically I will cover everything that happened during the last week, be it sports, entertainment, politics (let the fighting begin), my life, etc.

I may end up adding more to the schedule but for now this will be how it is. Of course, when football season ends things will change a bit around here.

I have wanted to do this for a long time, glad I finally am getting around to doing it. Hope anyone who visits enjoys the blog and I am definitely open to any constructive criticism or content ideas.