by Wally

What a day it’s going to be just 65 miles up the road in College Station, TX!!!    Wish I had ducats, but at least my daughter and some friends will be there taking it all in.    Anyway, the mid afternoon showdown between OK State and Tex A&M isn’t the only big game this weekend.   Here’s a preview/prediction on most of them:

Temple at Maryland:   Hate to say it, Rey, but I think the Owls are going down on the road.   Hope not, but I think the Terps will rebound from a very poor game offensively last week and I think they’re “just as good as” Penn State.   Fear the turtle … Terps win 27-17.

#11 Florida State at #21 Clemson:    Underdog Tigers coming off an upset of Auburn while the Seminoles are ticked off after failing to hold serve at home vs #1 Oklahoma.   Starting QB for the Noles, EJ Manuel, still appears to be hampered by injury.    I just don’t think FSU has enough offense with a banged up starting QB to win this one on the road.   Tigers take it  30-21.

#7 Oklahoma State at #8 Texas A&M:    This should be  a great ballgame at a great venue.    (Have I mentioned that I’ve never seen students impact the game as much as they do at A&M … truly something to behold!).   The winner of this one should set themselves up to vault into the top 2 if they can beat Oklahoma later this season.   Anyway, this is how I see it … the teams are fairly similar … both are well-coached and play well on both sides of the ball.   OK State may have the more potent offense, but A&M has the slightly better defense …. and most importantly in this one, home field advantage.    The 12th Man prevails as A&M takes it 30-27.

#14 Arkansas at #3 Alabama:     I’d love to be able to say that the Razorbacks will somehow … finally … win the big one.   But I can’t.   They failed to pull it out at home last year when they had Bama on the ropes and Ryan Mallet to close the deal … which he failed to do.    This time, they’re going to Tuscaloosa and are facing probably Saban’s best defense yet at Bama.    I’m hoping for an Arkansas upset, Russell, but the brain says the Tide will take it  27-17.

Notre Dame at Pittsburgh:    The Irish took one big step toward righting the ship by beating Michigan State last week, but two steps are required … they must win this game against a so-so Pitt squad.    Pitt is nearly last among 120 teams in pass defense, which isn’t a good thing when ND’s Michael Floyd, one of the nation’s elite WRs,  is staring at you.   Notre Dame simply has more talent than Pitt, who blew a large lead at Iowa last week.   Unless the Panthers can overwhelmingly win the turnover battle, the Irish should prevail  31-21.

Mizzou at #1 Oklahoma:   Not this year and not on the road.   I just can’t see the Tigers hanging with the Sooners for 4 quarters.  OU is too talented and they have too much to lose.   Sooners win going away … 38-24.

#2 LSU at #16 West Virginia:     This should also be quite a ballgame … Morgantown at night … yikes.  Again … the size and speed of LSU’s players all over the field might be unmatched.    And they’ve played two very challenging games while shutting down their opponents with stifling defense and a methodical but efficient offense.   Can WVU, a pretty talented squad, play 4 FULL quarters and match LSU’s intensity?    Would love to see WVU pull off the upset here, but I think LSU will wear them out in the 4th.  This one is very close through 3 quarters, but LSU prevails 27-21.

Tulsa at #4 Boise State:   Another big day for Kellen Moore.    Broncos … by 23!!!   

#10 Oregon at Arizona:   Arizona and coach Mike Stoops are clearly on the hot seat and feeling extreme pressure to produce right now.   Meanwhile, a talented Ducks team is looking forward to this conference road game.   The ‘Cats will quack under the pressure … Ducks win 31-20.

USuC at Arizona State:    Question is, will the Trojans play up to their talent level or not?   They’re gonna have to in order to pull this one out … and even that might not be good enough.   I think home field wins it for ASU.   Crash … tell Nance I’m going with her Sun Devils over USuC … 31-26.  

by Wally

One might be thinking that the Syracuse players are trying to tackle the Pitt runner  … before he gets to one of the last remaining seats in college football’s version of musical chairs.    Boy, the times they are a changin’  !    For those of you without a scorecard, here’s what has happened over the past 4 weeks, through today:

– Texas A&M will become the 13th member of the SEC

– Pitt and Syracuse just yesterday announced they will be joining the ACC, thereby raising ACC conference membership to 14 schools.  It’s not clear how quickly that move can be made.   I’ve read that the amount of notice required to leave the BE is 27 months.

– The Pac 10, er …  uh, Pac 12 is strongly rumored to be adding Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State to their membership from the crumbling Big 12.  That brings them to a 16 PAC, so I guess they’re just about done.

So what is this fascination with four 16-team “Super Conferences” and 64 teams?    People have been talking about this for a couple years now …. and it appears this is the way we’re headed.    But why can’t it be four 20-team super conferences, so 80 teams in all??    Or why not 5 at 20 for 100 teams in all?

It appears as though the four super conferences will be the PAC 16, the ACC, the SEC and the Big 16 (formerly the Big 10).   So … what if you’re already a member of one of these super galaxies, but not very good in football???   For instance, Vanderbilt.   Exhibit B … Indiana.   Exhibits C and D:  Duke and Wake Forest.    Are current members guaranteed a seat at the table once the music stops????   That’s a key question.

Now, what if you’re a member of one of these crumbling conferences (Big 12, Big East) but you have a decent football pedigree?    Maybe West Virginia, or now Baylor … or one of the Kansas schools … or Cincinnati?    Where’s Louisville gonna end up??   What should you do …. scramble and beg for one of the last remaining chairs?

So … if it’s true that there will indeed only be four super conferences with only 16 teams apiece … and if it’s also true that current members are guaranteed their slots,  then there are really only 9 chairs remaining at the table of the Super elite as follows:

– 4 in the Big 10-to-16

– 2 in the ACC

– 3 in the SEC

– 0 in the PAC 16

Grab your partner … doe see doe … if ya wait too long, they’ll say “no”.

So what should Notre Dame do?   Although their last decade or so of on-field football performance has been far less than dazzling, they remain college football’s best national brand and drawing card.    Should they wait to be courted or choose their date to the dance and pick their seat?    Should they leverage their clout into starting a 5th super conference that has more of a national flavor?    What if ND teamed up with new independent, BYU, the 3 military academies, TCU, Boise State, Baylor, Houston, L’ville, Rutgers, Iowa State and a handful of other schools left at the altar by the other big boys?

I’m kinda thinking ND should brush off their file on the Big 10 and seriously start looking at that.   ND told ‘em “no” a couple of years ago, but I gotta think the Irish will begin looking at B10 affiliation a little more fondly given all the movement over the past month.     And if ya want any special terms or treatment (TV deal!), the time to negotiate that is now … not when there’s only one seat left and 16-20 teams are begging for it.

Questions, questions … anyone out there have some answers???

By Wally

Nothing like a Friday to pause and take a look at the possibilities for the weekend.     Similarly, Chief Osceola is feelin’ frisky today and lookin’ to hunt down some Sooners this weekend by warming up with the ol’ spear toss.      Meanwhile, the residents of NDNation are afraid to look at what awaits them.    So, without further adieu, here’s a look at some of Saturday’s key college football games.

#4 Boise State at Toledo (Fri):     BSU was off last week so might be a bit rusty.   Toledo was thisclose to pulling one out vs Ohio State.    This one might be close for a quarter and a half, but the Broncos flex their muscles and pull away for the win … 31-17.  

Penn State at Temple:    This is gonna be a good game, especially since it’s at Temple.   PSU’s QB uncertainty and general lack of production from that position could cost them the game here.   If Temple can remain stout vs the run, this will go down to the wire.   Sure, let’s call for the upset … Owls win 20-17.    Whadya say, Ray??

#18 West Virginia at Maryland:    There’s certainly a prevalent theme this week with many of the favorites being tested on the road against decent teams.    This is no exception.     The Terps have had two weeks to prepare for this one after getting by Miami in their opener.    Feel good guy, Randy Edsall, has his new team fired up … and their ugly new uniforms have their own special shock value.    Take the Terps in another upset … 24-21.

#21 Auburn at Clemson:   The Tigers will win, no doubt about it!    Okay, I know, which Tigers???    Auburn has been quite lucky to be 2-0 going into this one and now they’re facing their first road test.   I just don’t think Clemson has the horses, as much as I’d like to see them end Auburn’s 17 game winning streak.   Auburn’s Tigers win by 3.

#23 Texas at UCLA:    Another tightly matched game with the favorite on the road.   Texas has struggled mightily to it’s 2-0 record while searching for decent play at the QB position.   Seems Mack Brown has decided to platoon two youngsters at the position and has benched the incumbent.    UCLA lost to Houston on the road two weeks ago.   Except at QB, the Longhorns are much more talented than the Cougars … and they’re better coached than the Bruins,  since the enigmatic Rick Neuheisal mans the sideline in Westwood.    Texas doesn’t need great QB play to win this game … they just need to play physical … run the ball and stop the run.   Let’s go with a Texas win  … 24-17.

Tennessee at #16 Florida:    This is a tough one, but I’m going with the home favorite.     Not sure either of these rebuilding teams could rise to Top 10 status in their wildest dreams this season, but I have more confidence in the Gators.   They have more talent, they’re at home, and employ a coaching staff with higher pedigree.    Florida wins by 10. 

#15 Michigan State at Notre Dame:   Why is Mark Dantoni smiling?   That’s cuz he’s coming into Rockne’s House and he knows ALL the pressure is on the Irish.   And he also knows he can outsmart Brian Smelly … which he did, of course, last year in stunning game-ending fashion.     Here’s the confounding thing about the Irish … they are favored to win this game as they have been favored to win their first two games … and we know how that turned out.   But can you believe the “not even getting any votes” 0-2 Irish are actually 5 point favorites over the #15 Spartans???     I say take the points and run … the Spartans may win this game outright.    In fact, I’m picking ND to lose until they can demonstrate some level of competence in playing a full game and playing smart.  They need to start playing up to their talent level, and they MUST do it this Saturday.    But until I actually see it on the field, I’m going with the opponent … except maybe Purdue next week.    Spartans win another heartbreaker against the Irish … 30-28. 

Syracuse at USC:   The Orange doesn’t have much of a running game and that will play right into USuC’s hands.   Trojans win by 17.   When are they gonna play someone good??

#1 Oklahoma at #5 Florida State:   This is the Game of the Day.   And now that Bobby Bumfuzzled Bowden is retired, I can now more easily root for the Seminoles, not that it’s easy.    But when it comes to beating  Boob Stoops, I can root for almost anyone … ‘cept for Meeeeeeeshigan.   The ‘Noles were manhandled last year by the Sooners.   I think the X factor in this game is Oklahoma’s D vs FSU’s Offense.   Will FSU be able to score enough to pull off the upset?     They’ll need to score more than 30.    I say no … not this year.   Sooners take it 31-27.

#17 Ohio State at Miami:    Nothing like a nice tilt between two “rogue programs”.   We might see a couple hundred probation officers in the stands for this one.   This is like a game between two prisons.     I heard that recently fired OSU coach Jim Tressel has been asked to do the honorary coin flip but couldn’t because he’s not allowed within 200 yards of college players.    Everyone’s on probation!!!     Fans attending this game will get free tatoos and free admission to one of the various strip clubs in South Beach … courtesy of Miami booster and convicted felon Nevin Shapiro.    Both teams’ alums must be sooooo proud!!!    Whadya root for in this one???    It’s obvious … a 0-0 tie!!!     Okay … seriously … I’ll go with the Buckeyes to win 21-14.

Anyone see LSU’s manhandling of Miss State last night?   Pretty impressive showing by the Tigers in a hostile environment … no need for luck, that’s for sure.   Their toughness, strength and speed all over the field … all positions … is gonna make them VERY tough to beat this year.   I’ll be kinda surprised if they’re not undefeated come December.

Feel free to chime in with your predictions!    Hope everyone has a great weekend!

by Wally

Somehow, I can just hear the legendary voice of Keith Jackson in the background doing the play by play broadcast of an Alabama-Penn State game.   Please,  Keith … just one mention of the “big ugglies” for old times sake.   Okay … sorry for reminiscing.    Here’s a preview/prediction of some notable games this weekend:

#21 Mizzou at Arizona State (Fri):    Tigers still “rebuilding” after the graduation of stud QB Blaine Gabbert.   ASU needs to make a statement and they’re at home.   Sun Devils win by 4 in a nice upset.

Temple at Akron:   Who gives a hoooooot?    We do !!!   This one’s for Rey!!  Temple is coming off a dismantling of Villanova while the Zips were summarily demolished as a tasty appetizer for Ohio State.    No contest as the Owls trounce the Zips  31-20. 

#16 Mississippi State at Auburn:    I don’t care what the records are or if the rankings were reversed … I’m going with the Bulldogs in this one!!  I’m tired of Auburn, who got SOOOOO LUCKY last week vs Utah State … and I’m leaning heavily on Crossword Pete’s prediction that Miss St is one of the SEC’s top teams.   I have to admit, they looked really good last week.   Miss State 31  Auburn 24. 

#11 Virginia Tech at East Carolina:    Looks tempting as an upset special, but I don’t think so.   Hokies win comfortably … probably by 20+.

#3 Alabama at #23 Penn State:    Would love to see a Nittany Lions upset here … (and to hear Keith Jackson say “We’ve got an old fashioned barn burner here!”) … but not so fast, my friends.     I’d be comfortable going there if Penn State didn’t have quarterback issues, but I believe they do … and you can’t have those against the Bama defense … this could be the Crimson’s best defense under Saban.   Bama is also breaking in a new starting QB, so they won’t exactly be smooth on offense either, but they do have a great running game.   I think this will be closer than the experts think, but unfortunately the Tide will grind out a win  21-17. 

#25 TCU at Air Force:   This has upset written all over it.    The Falcons might rack up 400 yards on the ground with their triple option against a suddenly suspect TCU defense.   TCU confidence is low after losing to Baylor.    Air Force soars at home … Falcons win by 6.

#12 South Carolina at Georgia:    Mark Richt might be on the hottest hot seat in America and so this SEC home opener for the Bulldogs is essentially a must win.   Meanwhile, SCarolina has it’s own issues … usually between Steve Spurrier and whipping boy, QB Stephen Garcia.    Will the must win pressure make Georgia crumble or will it bring out a top effort???    I think the latter will hold true and the Bulldogs prevail 27-24.

BYU at #24 Texas:   The Cougars are coming off a stirring road win at Ole Miss while the Longhorns looked somewhat lackluster in their opening win over Rice.    Meanwhile, Mack Brown has been busy doing commercials and commentary for the new Longhorn Network and nobody is really sure who is coaching the team.     Texas is still somewhat weak offensively and I’m not sure they’ve shored up their defense either.   They have been playing a bunch of freshman while BYU has several married players.   BYU has a great recent track record vs Big 12 teams.   Go with maturity and experience … BYU 26  Texas 20.

Utah at USC:   The Utes go into Los Angeles for their inaugural PAC 12 match-up after cleaning up on the Montana Bobcats last week.  The Trojans are coming off a lackluster performance in a 2 point win over lowly Minnesota that has the USuC faithful worried.   Not sure what they’re worried about … they’re on probation and can’t go to a bowl.   Anyway, it’s hard to believe USuC is as bad as they looked last week, especially with all that talent on the roster.   Lame Kiffin will get the troops fired up for the Pac 12 opener.    Trojans prevail 28-24.

 Notre Dame at Meeeeeshigan:     Okay, the Irish aren’t gonna win the national title this year after coughing up what shoulda been a comfortable win last week vs So Florida, so this is their Super Bowl!!!    (It’s so humbling to say that going into week 2 … again!).    First night game in Michigan history … (it’s about time those rocket scientists in Ann Arbor finally discovered the light bulb) … and the Skunkbear fans will be numerous and well oiled by the time this one kicks off in the not so Big House.   So what?!?!    Last year, ND had HUGE problems containing Denard Robinson … BUT their defense is quite improved.    Meanwhile, the Irish will start the “undefeated” Tommy Rees at QB and … say a prayer … he performs well and plays the WHOLE game.    Add to this the fact the the Skunbears really only had one half of football last week to work out the kinks against a subpar opponent.    All this spells victory for the Irish, right????   On paper, they SHOULD win!!!    Not so fast, my friends!!!    There’s a reason I picked Meeeeeeeshigan to win this one last Wednesday and until proven otherwise, I’m sticking to that.   The fact of the matter is this … “Funny things” tend to happen to the Irish up there in Ann Arbor (actually, not so funny for ND).    Seconds mysteriously slip off the clock, the Irish get called for holding excessively and for excessive celebration frequently.    ND coaches suddenly get brain lock during crucial moments when the win is within grasp.    Memories of Charlie unWeis passing the ball with two mins left with the lead only to give Meeeeshigan the vital seconds they needed to pull out a win in 2009 and then last year Brian Kelly not settling for the winning chip shot FG vs Tulsa only to be intercepted … well, you might understand why I’m a little gun-shy about this game (and this team).     Really hurts to put this in print, but I’m going with my head on this one … ND’s David Ruffer misses a 45 yarder as time expires … Meeeeshigan  28  ND  26.    Hope I’m dead wrong.      Have I mentioned my complete disdain for the Skunkbears?

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Time for a serious, reflective pause as we head into the 10th anniversary of 911,  which was certainly a life-altering, watershed event in the history of our great nation that shall never be forgotten.   Please take a few moments to remember those who lost their lives, those whose lives were permanently changed, and all the men and women who serve to protect us … whether at home in emergency response or abroad in the military.    Make sure you say “thank you” to the next fire fighter or soldier you see.

Have a great weekend 

Whoa, Nellie!   We’ve got some barn-burners right outta the chute this weekend in college football.    Take a look:

South Florida at #16 Notre Dame:   I talked about this the other day.   Many are picking South Florida to win the Big East, but that doesn’t make them a Top 20 team.   The Irish will start a bit slowly and this will be close at halftime, but I see the Domers getting it together in the second half to win by two TDs.

#5 Boise State at #19 Georgia:   Ya gotta hand it to the Broncos for showing some guts with their scheduling … third or fourth year in a row they’ve scheduled a Top 25 team to open the season … last two on the road.    Probably a bit easier for them to play in Atlanta as opposed to Athens, but this is still a home game for the Bulldogs.   Boise State wins a close one here because Georgia never really seems to have their act together early in the season.   Talented … yes.   But never really seem to get the execution part down and there are certainly questions about the quality of Mark Richt and their coaching staff.    The Broncos have under-rated talent but more importantly a pretty experienced squad returning from a very good team last year, including Heisman candidate, QB Kellen Moore.    Boise State by 4.

#3 Oregon at #4 LSU:    Luckily for the Ducks, this game is not in Death Valley at LSU, but instead they’ll be playing at JerryWorld in Arlington, TX.   Not quite a neutral site, more of the home game for LSU.    No worries though … The Ducks will somehow outscheme  and outsmart the “challenged” Les Miles and sneak away with a HUGE road win to start the season.  Plus, LSU’s #1 QB, Jordan Jefferson, is suspended for his involvment in a bar fight.    This time, the Mad Hatter doesn’t get lucky (his main strategy) and he turns into Less Smiles by midnight.   Ducks win 23-21.

Northwestern at Boston College:     The key question is whether veteran Northwestern QB, Dan Persa, will play.   I say he does … and the Wildcats win 30-27.   If not, the Mildcats will succumb to the Eagles 24-14.

UCLA at Houston:    The Bruins have two quarterbacks while the Cougars have prolific passer and Heisman candidate, Case Keenum.   It will be well over 90 degrees and muggy at Houston’s Robertson Stadium.    UCLA’s surfer dudes will wilt in the heat.   Edge:  Houston … Cougs win by 3.

Minnesota at #25 USC:   This is interesting only because these teams share the same uniform colors.   It’ll be like the spring intersquad game … just not as close.   Gophers are awful.   USuC by 24.

Anyone see Syracuse barely save their lives in OT yesterday at home vs Wake Forest??   I was pretty surprised … I thought the Orange were on their way up …. what is their outlook this year?

Is there a game I haven’t mentioned that you’d like to highlight?   Please chime in on that or the games above!

Enjoy the games and the long holiday weekend!   

by Wally

As college football’s opening day fast approaches, it’s unquestionably time to put a marker out there and set expectations for the apple of my college sports eye, Notre Dame.    So here we go … first with 5 key questions for the season and then a game-by-game prediction.  

The 5 key questions:

1) This defense showed signs of brilliance over the last third of the 2010 season … has it really transformed into a dominant unit … a Top 10 type PHYSICAL defense?   

2) Will starting QB Dayne Crist stay reasonably healthy and play in at least 9-10 games? 

3) Will the Irish run the ball effectively as they did toward the end of 2010? 

4) With stud WR Michael Floyd likely seeing double teams all season, will WRs Theo Riddick and TJ Jones and TE Tyler Eifert step up and make opposing defenses pay?

5) This is the most important question of all:     For once, can ND get off to a good start this season … say 3-1 or better?     

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 Here’s the schedule with predictions:

 S03 SOUTH FLORIDA  (W) — a bit jittery to start, Irish pull away for a 14 point win against the Big East favorite and Lou Holtz’s son, Skip.

S10 @ Michigan (L) — the ball doesn’t bounce ND’s way and neither does some highly questionable officiating in the Big House.  UM by 2.   Pains me to write this.   Have  I previously mentioned my disdain for the Meeeeeeeeshigan Skunkbears???   Grrrrrrrrrr.

S17 MICHIGAN STATE (W) — Spartans are a very good team, but Irish are back in the friendly confines and pissed as hell about the week before.   And they’re pissed as hell about blowing last year’s game in East Lansing.   The tricks are on Sparty this time.

S24 @ Pittsburgh (W) — Irish are just a better team than Pitt, but this won’t be a cakewalk.   Who’s coaching Pitt these days?   Wanny?  Mark May???   God help ‘em.

O01 @ Purdue (W) — ND is zoned in, Boilers are terrible … Irish by 24.

O08 AIR FORCE (W) — if it were Navy, I’d hesitate … but like I said, ND is focused.

O22 SOUTHERN CAL (W) — ND at home and coming off a bye week while USuC is at Cal the week before.   It’ll be close, but the Irish prevail by a field goal in the end.  (Take that, Crash!)

O29 NAVY (W) — Yes, I hesitated.   This will be a nail-biter as ND loses some focus after the big win vs USuC … but the home crowd wills the Irish to a victory in the end.

N05 @ Wake Forest (W) — Seriously?  

N12 MARYLAND (at FedEx Field) (W) — I guess this counts as a “home game” for the Irish.   Terps struggling to rebuild … ND typically plays well in these “big stadium showcase games”.

N19 BOSTON COLLEGE (W) — Don’t get caught looking ahead!!!  It’s Senior Day, so let’s go out with a win.   BC is rebuilding … hopefully they won’t be rebuilt by mid-November.   At least this one’s not out there in Chestnut Hill … a graveyard for ND.

N26 @ Stanford (L) — This will be close … possibly a battle of Top 10 teams, but the Luck is with Stanford.

So there ya have it … 10-2 and ranked maybe #11 in the country on Dec 1 … probably good enough to barely make a BCS bowl game … and of course folks will be whining that there were “more deserving” teams.    Could it be 9-3?   Absolutely!   Do I feel like I’m out on a limb?    Sure.    ND could lose to Sparty in week 3, at Pitt in week 4 and/or to USC in October.   Bad luck with key injuries early on could quickly turn this into an 8-4 campaign.    On the other hand, the Irish could also win one or both of the games I’ve predicted they’ll lose.   

Things appear different now …  the Irish have talented depth at just about every position except running back.    Some freshman could see meaningful playing time this year … and not necessarily because of injuries.   And I’ve detected some maturity on the roster that can weather a storm or two.    Therefore ….

Anything less than 9-3 will be extremely disappointing, at least to this scribe, unless there are extenuating circumstances.     The Irish MUST get off to a good start to be 10-2 in the end … not that it will be easy.    But somehow I think they will buck the trend over the last decade or so.   I have faith in Brian Kelly.   This is an experienced team with essentially 18 starters returning from a team that played very well down the stretch last season while overcoming a boatload of adversity.    I think this team’s got character, leadership and talent … experienced talent.    The depth is getting a lot better thanks to some nice recruiting classes … and the Irish might boast three first round draft picks next April:    WR Michael Floyd, LB Manti T’eo and Safety Harrison Smith.    When’s the last time an ND team could even suggest that?    And when’s the last time I felt comfortable saying that the Irish will be physical and tackle well?   Can’t remember.

Just shoot me if they’re 2-2 after 4 games … okay?  

by Wally

Are you ready for some football??   Not just yet??   That’s okay … we’re still about 4 weeks away.   As you can see, the guys are just getting warmed up.    Anyway, the first poll that counts … the coaches USA Today poll … has been released.  (see below).  

Given the pre-ordained system that unfortunately governs Div 1 college football, it looks like a spot in the national title game is waiting for both Oklahoma and Alabama, assuming they don’t lose and screw it all up.    Interestingly enough, since the “Big 12″ almost imploded after last season with the defection of Nebraska to the “Big 10″ and near defection of Texas A&M, there is not a Big 12 title game this season and thus one less risk faced by Oklahoma.   But unlike most seasons, the Sooners actually have a tough non-conference tilt as they travel to play #5 Florida State in mid Sept.    I think both of these “red teams” at the top of the rankings will lose at least a game … but if it’s only one, we could still see one of them in the final game. 

Meanwhile, #7 Boise State travels to Atlanta to battle #22 Georgia in Week 1.    No question what I’d like to see happen in that one!     Nothing would make me happier than seeing pretty boy Mark Richt squirming on the sidelines as his always underachieving Bulldogs lose to a “mid major”.    Go Broncos !!!!

Notre Dame is in at #18 off their strong finish last season combined with lots of returning veterans (including Michael Floyd …whew!) and a real good recruiting class.   The only ranked Irish opponents are #6 Stanford and #17 Michigan State.   However, if USuC wasn’t on probation, they’d probably be in the Top 25 as well.   

Auburn at #19???    Really??   Can you lose your “whole team” … Heisman winner Scam Newton and Lombardi winner Nick Fairley to the pros … and still come in that high while playing an SEC schedule?  

Stanford as high as #6 with a new coaching staff after Jim Harbaugh left for the 49ers?   I don’t think so … Andrew Luck is good, but he’s not THAT good.  

by Wally

The “offseason Super Bowl” of college football is today … National Signing Day Feb 2.   All those national letters of intent are being faxed to athletic departments all over the country.  In fact, by now most of them are in.   Given that recruiting is the lifeblood of college football, this is a big day.    As of 1:30 Central, this was one scouting service’s ranking of the recruiting classes … (from Scout.com):

Rank	School	Commits	Conf	Points	Top 100				Off	Def	SpT	HS	JC	Avg
1.	Auburn	25	SEC	4784	3	3	14	8	12	13	0	25	0	3.80
2.	Florida State	27	ACC	4596	11	5	10	12	13	14	0	25	2	3.74
3.	Ohio State	24	Big Ten	4403	8	3	12	8	10	13	1	24	0	3.71
4.	Texas	22	Big 12	4355	8	4	11	7	12	10	0	22	0	3.86
5.	Georgia	25	SEC	4123	5	2	11	10	11	13	1	25	0	3.52
6.	USC	28	Pac-12	4120	5	2	12	9	12	13	3	24	4	3.39
7.	Alabama	23	SEC	4054	7	2	13	8	10	13	0	20	3	3.74
8.	Notre Dame	23	Indep	3906	5	4	6	13	10	12	1	23	0	3.61
9.	LSU	22	SEC	3552	5	3	7	11	12	9	1	21	1	3.55
10.	Tennessee	27	SEC	3498	4	0	9	18	14	13	0	24	3	3.33
11.	Clemson	29	ACC	3481	5	2	7	16	15	13	1	29	0	3.24
12.	Oregon	23	Pac-12	3402	4	0	12	10	13	10	0	21	2	3.48
13.	South Carolina	33	SEC	3331	1	1	5	22	16	17	0	32	1	3.06
14.	California	22	Pac-12	3257	3	1	8	13	9	13	0	20	2	3.45
15.	Arkansas	32	SEC	3201	1	1	6	19	17	15	0	28	4	3.03
16.	North Carolina	25	ACC	3057	5	2	5	13	11	13	1	23	2	3.12
17.	Oklahoma	17	Big 12	3040	4	4	4	9	9	8	0	17	0	3.71
18.	Texas Tech	28	Big 12	2971	2	0	7	17	16	12	0	24	4	3.07
19.	Washington	24	Pac-12	2956	2	2	3	17	12	12	0	23	1	3.21
20.	Oklahoma State	26	Big 12	2838	3	1	5	16	10	15	1	23	3	3.12
21.	Florida	18	SEC	2836	3	1	8	8	7	10	1	18	0	3.50
22.	Mississippi	28	SEC	2826	4	0	5	19	14	14	0	20	8	3.04
23.	Stanford	19	Pac-12	2791	1	0	7	12	10	9	0	19	0	3.37
24.	Nebraska	20	Big Ten	2788	5	1	8	8	11	8	1	18	2	3.35
25.	Virginia	26	ACC	2721	1	0	4	19	12	14	0	26	0	3.04

Looks like Auburn is getting a lot of mileage out of their stellar championship season.   And Florida State is making a comeback under Jimbo Fisher.    For having such a poor season, Mack Brown and Texas made a great haul.    Despite their recent troubles, including having Lame Kiffin as coach, USC is still a huge player.   (Hmmm … their “Pay The Players Package” must still be in place).

As for Notre Dame, a VERY GOOD class especially on the D-line and defensive front 7  overall … probably their best haul since the early ’90s.   I think they snagged 7 or 8 of ESPN’s Top 150.    Given you’re probably unlikely to compete for a national title without a great D-line (“SEC formula”), this bodes very well for ND’s program in a couple years.    I’m encouraged.   Now, only poor coaching could screw this up.    In past years, I’d be worried about that happening … but now with Brian Kelly, I think we’re gonna see the Irish compete consistently in the Top 10.    Hope I’m right!

Positive Note:    Michigan Skunkbears out of the Top 25 … tee hee, tee hee 

Comments or observations from the Pine?

by Wally

Getting ready to head into a WONDERFUL weekend of BIG games …  college and NFL games that REALLY matter.   Okay, I’m including Monday night’s national title game, too … so an “extended weekend” if you will.   So here’s a few somewhat random thoughts on what we’re about to see.

Jets at Colts:   Good thing for Indy they’ve got a home game here, otherwise I’d be going the other way.    I’d rather have Manning going against the Jets D at Peyton’s Place as opposed to Sanchez playing against Indy and their home crowd.    Jets may bottle up Indy a bit, but Sanchez will make a few key errors, one too many.    Colts advance 20-16.

Ravens at Chiefs:   This feels like a close one to me … essentially a toss-up.   Wish I knew which Ravens defense will show up.    If it’s the dominant one, I’m clearly going with the Ravens, but if the “average” one shows up, this one becomes a nailbiter.    Still, although Flacco is pretty young, the Ravens are very much a veteran unit that’s played in big, tough games over last few years.    The Chiefs just seem happy to be here this year and looked like crap last week vs Oakland.   Baltimore takes it by 4.

Packers at Eagles:    I’m convinced the Packers are a better all-around team and they’ll win if they don’t beat themselves.    Vick presents some unique challenges, but a handful of teams this year displayed the recipe for keeping him contained and I think the Packers are capable of containing him as well.    Eagle teams really feel the pressure when they play at home … so I expect they’ll be a little tight.   The poor showing vs Minnesota when they needed to win is not encouraging.    As long as Aaron Rogers doesn’t pull a Favre at the end with an untimely INT, Green Bay wins 26-21.

by Wally

Before y’all go out and celebrate, a few things to ponder and debate before we hit the boatload of games coming our way Saturday:

* I’m still surprised that Miami is favored over the Irish by 2 1/2 in today’s Sun Bowl.   I woulda pegged ND the fave by 4 or so.   I guess Miami is still viewed to have superior team speed and athleticism, etc, but they sure didn’t play well in November and just fired their coach.   Meanwhile, the Irish are enjoying their best late season run in recent memory and seem to have discovered the keys to really good defense.    Am I overly optimistic?   Missing something obvious?   Maybe I’m not the guy you want rooting for your team … my picks in the PPP have been quite awful … lucky if I’m batting near the Mendoza Line so far.   Well … we’ll see in a few hours if I’ve pegged the ND game correctly!

* Are the Lakers regressing to be  just another “very good team”?     They’ve already lost 10 games and looked quite beatable in San Antonio earlier this week, not to mention getting beat at home by the Bucks.   The Bucks!   Heck, even the Bulls have lost 10 games.   What’s the problem in LA LA land??   (Crash … your analysis??)   Oh, and suddenly the Eastern Conference is looking just as strong as the West.    The revamped Magic join the Heat and Celtics as title contenders.

* Speaking of the Spurs, anyone else notice that Tim “Not” Dunkin has an “advancing hairline” (as opposed to a receding one, like most humans)?   Seriously, his hair is about to merge with his eyebrows.   We’re not talkin’ forehead here … Tim’s got a threehead and maybe even a twohead.  

* Congrats to Duke’s Coach K for passing UNC’s Dean Smith on the all-time wins list.   I’m sure this is sweet for Dukies since he passed a Carolina guy.   Next up:   Bobby Knight, K’s former mentor.

* Down goes Frazier!   Down goes Fra …. er, uh the UConn women.   Thanks to Stanford, UConn’s consecutive win streak ends at 90 games.   Congrats to both teams … Stanford for the win and UConn for an incredible feat.   (Stanford was the last team to beat UConn before the streak started.

* I’m really looking forward to the Rose Bowl.   Aside from the National title game, and ND/Miami, the Rose Bowl is THE GAME that I think the nation is very interested in.   Will ”David” (TCU) knock out “Goliath” (Wisc)???   Utah and Boise State were able to pull off BCS bowl wins for the non-AQers in recent seasons past, but I think this Rose Bowl might have greater impact overall.    I anticipate a very competitive game that could go either way.   Hoping the Horned Frogs win a good one!

* College hoops:   #15 Notre Dame visits #5 Syracuse at the Carrier Dome Saturday afternoon.    I’m sure the Orange are favored by a solid 10.   Here’s a great measuring stick for the Irish … not many tougher places to play than at the CD when the Orange are good, which they are (again)!

* I can’t stand the thought of Pete Carroll and his Seattle Seachickens making the playoffs.   GO RAMS!!!

* Anyone see the Tennessee Volunteers dumb away another football game vs UNC?   What Lane Kiffin proved in his short tenure there at UT is that’s it’s easy to recruit stupid.   Athletic players, yes, but dumb as a Rock (y Top).    Hope he continues doing that at USuC.

* Anyone notice that the “favorites” in these bowl games between mediocre teams are, for the most part, not prepared to play at the start of the game.   The underdogs are almost always jumping on top quickly, often building double digit leads midway through 2nd quarter.   Then the faves come back only to fall short in the end.   (Which explains my paltry point total in the PPP … that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it!).

* Looks like the Washington Huskies are gonna be a force in the Pac 10/12 in the years to come under Steve Sarkisian.  However, stud QB Jake Locker graduates.   None of us predicted they’d beat Nebraska.

* The PPP.    Some of the more pivotal games we’ll see Saturday in Stages 6 and 7 (point totals per game) are Northwestern vs Texas Tech, Florida vs Penn State, Wisc vs TCU and Stanford vs Va Tech.    Picks on these games by PPP participants were quite varied … if someone gets hot, we could see big separation from the pack.   Here are the latest standings going into Dec 31:

* Lastly and most importantly, I want to wish everyone the best of health, happiness and good furtune in 2011.   HAPPY NEW YEAR!