BIG 11 Bowl BreakDown

Credit Matt Tramba (pictured in red above) for this great Blog idea.

With Wisconsin taking on Da U tonight, I decided to take a look at each of the Big Tens Bowl games and see how I think they will do.

Wisconsin vs. Miami (FL) - Miami came back onto the college football world like a hurricane this year, beating Florida St, Georgia Tech, and Oklahoma in its first 4 games. Losses to Virginia Tech, Clemson, and North Carolina derailed any hope of winning the ACC but this team is young and talented led by sophomore QB Jacory Harris on offense and linebacker Sean Spence on defense. Miami will have its hands full with powerful running back John Clay. But in Miami has done a nice job against the run this season except for a the loss to Virginia Tech in the slop. I am picking Miami to play mistake free and beat Wisconsin.

Minnesota vs. Iowa St - Who cares really? 2 6-6 teams playing really is the pinnacle of college football.....Ill pick Iowa St just because they havent been to a bowl game in a while and Minnesota is going back to the same bowl game 2 years in a row.

Northwestern vs. Auburn - If you would have told me at the beginning of the year that Northwestern would be the Big10s best chance to beat an SEC school I would have laughed. But now, they probably are the best shot the Big10 has. Northwestern has played competitively in the past few bowl games as has Auburn. The Outback Bowl is usually a good game. The current line is Auburn -7.5 and they might win the game but I think it will be close and I give the slight edge to Northwestern in this game.

Penn St vs. LSU - 2009 was not a kind year for the Nittany Lions. It started in the Rose Bowl, where they were shellacked by USC (as all Big10 schools are). And in Penn St's only "big games" they were embarrassed at home by Iowa and Ohio St. LSU has dominated its bowl games under coach Les Miles. There is no logical reason why Penn St is favored in this game. I pick LSU and there bad QB.

Michigan St vs. Texas Tech - 2 days ago I would have said this is a lead pipe lock that Tech would win because Michigan St is lousy and half of their team is suspended. But who knows what is going on at Tech with Coach Mike Leach being suspended for allegedly locking an injured player in a closet. I picked Texas Tech, but now I'm not so sure. Maybe thats why Texas Tech looked terrible last year in the Cotton Bowl, because half their team was imprisoned! Ill pick MSU.

Iowa vs. Georgia Tech - I will make this one short and sweet. Georgia Tech will be able to run when it matters most. Iowa will play a close game, because thats what it seems like they did all year. In the end, my pick is Georgia Tech.

Buckeyes vs. Oregon - I predicted Ohio St 27 -24 the day the game was set. Now I'm not so sure... Ohio St has had all kinds of time off where Oregon played the last week of the season. My hope is that the team comes out ready to play, especially on defense. If Oregon picks up early momentum we will be in trouble, Ohio State is not a come from behind team. I pick Ohio St but much less confidently than I did in the past.

So there it is Matt, I have the Big Ten with a 3-4 bowl record. Lets enjoy the games!

ALL DECADE BUCKEYE TEAM

As this decade comes to an end, I decided to look back and pick out the best players from the past decade and make an All Buckeye Team. And what a decade to be a Buckeye fan as year in and year out the Buckeyes beat Michigan and competed for a National Championship. Here are my selections:

QB - Troy Smith (02-06) - 3 wins over Michigan and the 2006 Heisman trophy still overshadow the devastating loss to Florida in the Championship game.
RB - Maurice Clarett (02) - The 2002 Championship doesnt happen without him.
RB - Beanie Wells (06-08) - Very punishing runner had a knack for getting injured, but he carried the 07 team to the championship game.
WR - Santiono Holmes (02-05) - Krenzel to the Criminal was my personal favorite touchdown combination of the decade. Very explosive player with the ball in his hands
WR - Michael Jenkins (00 - 03) - Jenkins made huge plays in the 02 season and was a 3 year starter.
WR - Anthony Gonzalez (03-06) - Gonzo seemed to always hook up with Smith in the Michigan game.
For the offensive line, I have chosen to take the 2002 unit as a whole. With no real standouts at any position I feel like the team that got it done should be honored.
LT - Ivan Douglas
LG - Adrian Clarke
C - Alex Stepanovich
RG - Bryce Bishop
RT - Shane Olivea.
(Rob Sims and Nick Mangold were key contributors to this team as reserves)
DE - Will Smith - Dominant. Still embarrassing offensive lineman in the NFL.
DE - Vernon Gholston - He had to take some steroid/HGH combo pack to get those Biceps. But he ate offensive lineman for dinner.
DT - Kenny Peterson - Huge Part of the 02 team
DT - Tim Anderson - The lumberjack was another reason the 02 team was successful
LB - AJ Hawk - Best Buckeye I have seen.
LB - Matt Willhelm - The captain of the 02 defense was a hard nosed player and I personally believe his play was undervalued.
LB - James Laurenitis - Hard to not but a Butkus award winner, but I thought he was overrated.
CB - Malcolm Jenkins - Most physical defensive back I have seen in the college game. Started as a true freshman, at corner. I dont think he had a pass thrown his way his entire senior season.
CB - Chris Gamble - As instrumental as Clarett was, the Bucks dont win in 02 without Gamble. I dont think the guy came off the field. His shutdown of Andre Johnson in the Fiesta Bowl is even more remarkable now.
S - Michael Doss - The 02 Defense seemed to be filled with leaders, but Doss was the best.
S - Donny Nickey - Im not leaving my personal favorite off this list.
K - Mike Nugent
P - Pick one besides the 09 kid.
Kick Return man - You didnt think I was going to leave Ted Ginn Sr's son off the list did you?

Honorable Mention:
QB - Craig Krenzel
RB - Antonio Pittman
WR - Brian Hartline
WR - Brian Robiske
C - LeCharles Bently
DL - Ryan Pickett
DL - Darion Scott
DL - Cameron Heyward
LB - Cie Grant - I wanted to put him in over Laurenitis
LB - Bobby Carpenter
CB - Dustin Fox
S - Donte Witner

FOOTBALL FRIDAY

At some point over this drawn out, seemingly month long bowl season I might share my thoughts as to why bowl games mean nothing, but it starts with every team makes it. There are 34 bowl games which means more than half of the teams in Divisions 1-A make a bowl game! I would love the hear the argument that a playoff would ruin college football because the bowls matter. Since when has any normal, sane human being cared about the New Mexico Bowl? Even the kids in the game dont care. So besides ranting about how terrible the bowl system is, I will refuse to comment on any college football game besides the major ones. In my eyes, every other bowl game does not count, and will not happen.

I will comment on the actual college football being played under the Friday night lights to decide the Division 1-AA championship. Montana played in a great back and forth game with Appalachian St last weekend and plays Villanova for the title. I will pick Montana in this game. And what a novel concept - a playoff to determine the national champion. I would rather leave it to the computers to decide who has the best team, personally.

Anyway, a great weekend of NFL action is upon us. Let me start with the game that NOBODY will get to watch. It is the game of the week. Dallas @ New Orelans. It seems like all season, everyone has been asking the same question about the Saints. Are they for real? Can they compete with the big boys? Well week in and week out they have answered the questions. Dallas on the other hand, has not answered anything. They want us to believe they are talented and that they can win when it matters. Well I am not buying the Cowboys. I think it will be a close, competitive game, but I will take the Saints and give the 7 points because I believe they will answer this question like all the others before it.

Another game I will have my eye on is Green Bay @ Pittsburgh. This features teams going in different directions as the Packers have won 5 in a row and the Steelers have lost 5 in a row. I like the Pack, they are getting healthy on the offensive line and the defense has played great. But I can not go against Pitt at home and with extra rest.

The Bengals are dealing with a tragedy for the 2nd time this season, as Chris Henry passed away on Thursday. Tough for them to get motivated for this game, but the team did rally around Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer when his wife passed away prior to the Ravens game. San Diego is the hottest team in football. I probably would have picked the Chargers, but I am taking the points because I have a feeling the Bengals will play tough in memory of Henry.

It wouldnt be a primetime telecast if the announcers didnt drool about Brett Favre. On Sunday Night, Favre travels to Carolina to play the Panthers by himself. No other Vikings will be needed because the ole gunslinger will run around in his wranglers and go all #4 all over the field. If you cant tell, I very much dislike Favre. I think he will be exposed as the player we all know he is, and that is the turnover machine. I will pick the Panthers +9.

STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN LEAD PIPE LOCK OF THE WEEK: KC -1.5 vs. Cle. As pointed out by many, my locks have been quite breakable this year. KC has an exciting young back and they believe a franchise QB and they putting the rest of it together. With the Browns, all but signing Mike Holmgren to Czar duties I believe Mangini knows he is out. Plus KC is a tough place to play. Come on Chiefs, win 1 for Stone Cold

Big X + 2???

With the news that the Big 10 (which actually has 11 teams in, and has since 1994) is searching for a team to add to the conference I feel like I should blog about my ideas about who the new team should be.

Obvious choice: Notre Dame
You will hear Notre Dame talk. I think it makes sense and they would be a good fit for the conference, but they will never do it. They get all kind of TV money from NBC and they get to hand pick their schedule every year (how else do you explain a bye week before USC game every year). That being said they play most of the conference (Michigan, Michigan St., and Purdue annually play ND). My odds of seeing ND in the Big 10 - 1%.

Regional Choices: Missouri, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Louisville, West Virginia, Kentucky, Iowa State.
All these schools would make sense and become geographic rivals with several schools. Out of all of these I think I like Pittsburgh best. They would become a natural rival for Penn State and Ohio State and they also could give the Big10 credibility in basketball. I really believe it will be Missouri. Mizzou is not great at either football or basketball but they can compete in both sports. They already are rivals with Illinois and adding the team on the west side of the dvision would make the divisions look like this - EAST - Ohio St, Mighigan, Penn St, Mighigan St., Indiana, Purdue. WEST - Missouri, Illinois, Northwestern, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota. The addition of Mizzou would also give the Big 10 a new viewing market to expand coverage of its television network.

And before all you MAC guys jump on me for not giving a shout out to one of you MAC schools, I do not apologize. Toledo, Ohio U, and the likes are not a good fit for the Big11 as they do not compete athletically nor would they bring credibility to the conference.

Outside the box choices: Nebraska, Virginia Tech, Boise St.
My friend Jon Lamb can elaborate on the reasons (www.fourthandxx.blogspot.com) but word is Nebraska is not excited about being the Big12 North not playing powers Oklahoma and Texas every year. I think they could be a great fit in the new Big 12 in the West Division. But if they dont like not playing Oklahoma and Texas would they like not playing Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn St every year? Probably not. I like the thinking but I would put the probability that Nebraska leaves the real Big 12 and 2%.

Virginia Tech could be a very interesting choice. They would expand the conference to a different region. And they would compete athletically and are very similar in terms of academic institution. The downfall with them is that they would make the East very strong and I believe you have to keep both Indiana teams together - and this would force a split. Odds they leave the ACC .5%.

Boise St is the team I really doubt we will hear, but it makes all the sense. They want the chance to play with the big boys every year. Almost every single one of their conference mates should be playing in 1AA. That does not help their chances at a national title, which they believe they should be a contender for. Going undefeated in the Big 11 would give them that opportunity. I think Boise wants it, but would the big 10? I do not think they will toss the idea around,although having Boise could boost the Big10's national reputation which has taken a big hit with the most recent losses in big games. I believe that Boise has 0% chance of landing in the Big 10, but I think they would be an obvious replacement for Missouri in the Big 12 should they ever leave.

My Top 6 Christmas Movies

So I stole this idea's from Nick Pozek's Blog (www.bigpozstake.blogspot.com) but here is my countdown of top 6 (I know, why 6? well I needed to add 5 and I refused to go to 10) Christmas Movies:

6. The Santa Clause. Tim Allen kills Santa and must take over for him with hilarious results. I enjoy when he is binge eating during his office meeting. Thats basically my life except I dont get whisked away by reindeer's.

5. Christmas Vacation. Ok so Vegas Vacation is my favorite for obvious reasons but all the vacation movies are outstanding. Maybe some day I can have a Christmas rant like Clark.

Clark: Hey! If any of you are looking for any last-minute gift ideas for me, I have one. I'd like Frank Shirley, my boss, right here tonight. I want him brought from his happy holiday slumber over there on Melody Lane with all the other rich people and I want him brought right here, with a big ribbon on his head, and I want to look him straight in the eye and I want to tell him what a cheap, lying, no-good, rotten, four-flushing, low-life, snake-licking, dirt-eating, inbred, overstuffed, ignorant, blood-sucking, dog-kissing, brainless, dickless, hopeless, heartless, fat-ass, bug-eyed, stiff-legged, spotty-lipped, worm-headed sack of monkey shit he is!

4. Bad Santa. Billy Bob Thorton and his midget friend dress up as Santa and his little helper to rob a department store on Christmas Eve. Just picture a dirty old man as Santa.

Kid: your beard's not real
Santa: It was real, but I got sick and my hair fell out.
Kid: How come?
Santa: I loved a women who wasnt clean.
Kid: Mrs. Claus?
Santa: No it was her sister.

3. Elf. Will Ferrell. As an elf. Thats how imagine the movie was pitched around Hollywood. The rest is a Christmas comedy for the ages. This movie even gives you an education as I learned that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is to sing loud for all to hear!

Buddy (answering a phone): Buddy the elf, whats your favorite color?

Buddy: We elves stick to the main 4 food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup!

2. Jingle All the Way. An all star cast (Schwarzenegger, Phil Hartman, Sinbad!) combine to spread some Christmas cheer. Anybody who has gone to a mall on a weekend knows how crazy and insane shoppers are. This movie puts a fathers need to get his son the Toy of the year (a Turbo Man) which leads Arnold to somehow become Turbo man in the towns Christmas parade. Sinbad plays Arnold's nemesis to a T. Turbo man's catchphrase is "You can always count on me." Well you can count on this as a great Christmas Movie.

1. A Christmas Story. Any movie that is put on for 24 hours straight has to be #1 in it's category. I love watching random parts of this movie throughout the day. My favorite part is when the dad gets his leg lamp and worships it like its that of a goddess. I also like the end when the dogs eat the dinner and they go to a a Chinese restaurant for Christmas dinner. If you havent seen it, watch TBS anytime on Christmas day and no doubt you will agree with me.

Happy Holidays to everyone! Wishing you all health and happiness.

FOOTBALL FRIDAY!!!!

A huge weekend of football that I am really looking forward to, but let me remind you that each week you can check out the NFL power rankings as Nick Pozek, Jon Lamb, and myself see fit @ www.bigpozstake.blogspot.com

Let me get to 3 College football thoughts and than a huge NFL weekend:
1. I am really looking forward to watching ESPNs film The U detailing the rise of the Miami Hurricane football program in the 1980s.
2. The Heisman Trophy will be presented on Saturday, and while you know who I voted for, I am interested to see who the actual voters picked. My guess is Mark Ingram but Colt McCoy wouldnt shock me. Im holding out hope that Ndamunkong Suh wins it.
3. As you all know, Notre Dame is trying to wake up the echos with a new coach. Brian Kelly was hired away from Cincinnati to lead a program that has been average over the past decade or so. Brian Kelly is a fine coach, but if you are an Irish fan you have to ask yourself is he really that much better than Charlie Weis? Im not too sure if he is. And I want to tell all the Irish fans that if Kelly has 1 good year he is not the next Knute Rockne. Give him some time, let him get established and we will revisit if he is a good hire in 5 years.

As for Cincinnati where do you go from here? Brian Kelly did turn that into an attractive job, but they will not land a big name. The players have ever right to be upset with him for leaving. I would be. I wish these players all the luck in the world because they have their hands full in the Sugar bowl against Florida with or without Kelly.

Enough ramblings on college football. This week starts the fantasy playoffs for most Fantasy Football leagues and what better way to start it off that the Cleveland Browns upsetting the Pittsburgh Steelers? I dont know where to begin on this one, it is such a shock. First off, we have to answer the question did Cleveland win or did Pittsburgh lose? Pittsburgh lost, no doubt about it. The Browns are pathetic and the Steelers couldnt block anybody. I have never seen a Steelers team not give effort and they played like they did not want to be there. Big Ben must have some post concussion syndrome because he went down if the wind blew too hard (I have seen him take carry 11 defenders only to keep fighting and complete the pass as he avoided a sack). It is shocking to me the effect Troy Polamalu can have on a team, but I really believe he is the reason Pittsburgh has lost 5 in a row. When he was out there for a full game the Steelers are 3-0 with all 3 wins coming by double digits. Without him they are 3-7 with all 3 wins coming by a combined 21 points and losses to such powerhouses as Kansas City, Oakland, and the Browns. Everybody wave to Pittsburgh, because their season is done.

As for the Browns, why did you win? You ruin your chance at drafting King Kong (Ndamunkong Suh, DT, Nebraska) and now were probably looking at drafting in the 3-5 range. Good effort though. Maybe the Browns have figured out a formula for success. In each of the 2 wins this season, Browns quarterbacks have combined to complete 8 (EIGHT) passes (2 for Anderson in the shootout @ Buffalo, a whopping 6 for Quinn last night). My hope for the Browns is that they are able to find the right GM to lead the organization for the next 10-15 years and we can find the right mix of players to field a competitive team.

Let me take this opportunity to bash the NFL Network and the leagues handling of TV games. I never found myself wanting Direct TV more than this season and let me tell you why. The NFL Network is not available on most cable packages and if it is the cable company refuses to pay the surcharge the NFL Network demands in order to air the games. Take last night for example, WOW (my cable company) has the NFL Network but when the NFL Network is airing a live broadcast of a game the channel is blocked out because WOW does not want to pay the surcharge. Ridiculous. And than, last Sunday after the thrilling Bengals - Lions game Fox goes to extended coverage of the Saints - Redskins game. Im thinking this is great, I get to see the last 4 minutes of a great game. Wrong. I get to see the Redskins kicker miss a chip shot field goal to ice the game and than it gets interrupted by announcer saying that we must watch pregame of the Cowboys - Giants game. Ridiculous. Joe Buck is fine and all but Id rather watch a thrilling conclusion of a game in which a team is trying to remain undefeated (which the Saints did in overtime) than Joe Buck rant for 5 minutes about how bad the Cowboys have been in the month of December. Say it with me - Ridiculous! My point here is that I should not have to go to a bar or pay a large sum of money by purchasing Direct TVs NFL Package in order to watch the games I want to. Its common sense to air the best games, no fan wants to get stuck watching a 5 touchdown blowout (like we have been multiple times this year). Stop fining players and make some changes fans want to see Mr. Goodell. Thanks.

After that rant..... happier topics.

Huge game between the San Diego Chargers and the Dallas Cowboys in the House that Jerry Built. Over the past 3 years the San Diego Chargers have been one of the best teams in the month of December (with a 10-0 record). Over the past 3 years the Cowboys have been pathetic (3-6). So naturally San Diego will be favored, right? Wrong - they are 3 point underdogs. Very interesting.... This game should be a shootout with Rivers and Romo cooking. I expect a very close game but I will pick the Cowboys and give the points because I think Vegas knows best.

The Colts look to set an NFL record by winning their 22nd straight regular season game by playing host to everybody's favorite paper tiger the Denver Broncos. While Denver has been hot, I can not envision them going and winning this game on the road. Interesting stat for you - during Indy's 21 game win streak the visitor is 16-5 against the spread. Ill take the Broncos getting 7.

The other perfect team, the New Orealans Saints, are traveling to a banged up Atlanta team. I expect that the Saints had their wake up call last week against the Redskins. Drew Brees said maybe this is their destiny. I am rooting for them, and I think theyll remain perfect and beat the Falcons.

For my Stone Cold Steve Austin (If i played against Tim Tebow you know my eye black would say Austin under my right eye and 3:16 under my left eye) lead pipe lock of the week: Cincinnati +6.5 @ Minnesota. The Cardinals exposed the Vikings in their win last Sunday night. Enough of Brett Favre running around like a conquering hero. He collapsed last year in December and I expect it again this year. Brett Favre will turn the ball over if you make him throw it enough times. Arizona stopped the run, which is something Cincy has done all year. And the Vikings have a banged up offensive line, and Cincy has a similar ball hawking secondary as the Cardinals have. I fully expect the Bengals to win the game and if Vikings to pull off the miracle, I think it will be by a closer margin than a touchdown.

Good luck to all those teams starting your fantasy playoffs this year and as always enjoy the games!

Chipotle

Is there a better place to eat than Chipotle? Is there a place that makes me happier? No. Today I decided to share my passion for Chipotle.

Every Friday, after a long, miserable week of work I like to start my weekend off than with a big, warm, flavorful burrito. Is there a better way to use that 1st bit of money from a fresh paycheck than by eating a burrito? Chipotle is the best and nothing can top it. It's even good for you! I love binging on a stuffed burrito until I hit the wall, and then comes the food coma. If eating the Burrito is my favorite part of the week, the food coma is a close second because you lose all memory of binge eating and you get some much needed rest.

I love Chipotle and everything about it. If anyone ever wants to surprise me with something that will make me happy you can get me a chicken burrito, with extra rice, pinto beans, sour cream, cheese, and lettuce.

Bruce Gradkowski

Dear Bruce Gradkowski,

I apologize for ever criticizing you or your play. Your fellow Toledo Rocket Alumns (fellow blogger Nick Pozek www.bigpozstake.blogspot.com and one of your offensive lineman @ UT Matt Tramba) are very protective of your reputation and yell at me for picking on you. By beating the Pittsburgh Steelers today, I officially withdraw any comments I made that may have questioned your ability as a professional quarterback. You are a good quarterback. Maybe you can come back to Cleveland? Congrats on beating Pittsburgh today and Cincinnati a few weeks ago.

Again, my sincerest apologies,

Joe Solarz

My Heisman Ballot

With the Heisman trophy presentation Saturday, we will find out what college football player is anointed the most outstanding player in college football.

Here is my ballot:

1. Mark Ingram, Running Back, Alabama, Sophomore.
He played in the nation's toughest conference and he averaged over 100 yards and a rushing touchdown a game. I know he doesn't have better stats than Toby Gerhart of Stanford but he shined in the nations biggest game of the year yesterday as he ran for 113 yards and 3 TDs against the nation's #1 defense, belonging to the Florida Gators. He also tacked on 2 catches for 76 yards. My only concern is that voters will judge him vs. Auburn and did not wait to see him shine against Florida.

2. Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle, Nebraska, Senior.
It is hard to improve your draft stock when you were already considered the #1 overall prospect, but Suh managed to do just that against Texas in the Big 12 championship game. Going against double and triple teams, he routinely beat both or all 3 blockers and was 3rd in the nation in sacking the quarterback with 12. Suh was the most dominant player in college football, and it is pretty amazing that he is #2 on my ballot but the only reason he is not #1 on my ballot is because defensive players just do not win the Heisman.



3. Toby Gerhart, Running Back, Standford, Senior.
Gerhart had an amazing season. But the fact that I did not know who he was until a month ago really hurts his chances. The final 4 games of his career are legendary (vs. Oregon, @ USC, vs. California, vs. Notre Dame - total 742 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns!!!). The problem for him is that he made his move too late. I can not put him any higher on my ballot but he had a great year.

4. Colt McCoy, Quarterback, Texas, Senior.
Good career as a 4 year starter. He had a good senior season. Had he had a big game against Nebraska in the Big 12 title game I think he would have won the Heisman, instead he gets put #4.

5. Tim Tebow, Quarterback, Florida, Senior.
Great career. Good Person. Not deserving of the Heisman Trophy this season.

Leave your thoughts and/or your ballots.

I've got Roses on my mind

With Oregons victory over Oregon St. last night, the Rose Bowl matchup is set. Ohio St vs. Oregon in the grandaddy of them all. Oregon is the best offense Ohio State's defense will face all year. Ohio St has the best defense Oregon's offense will face all year. This is the classical matchup of a great offense vs. a great defense.

Oregon offense features dual threat quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and the La La running back tandem of freashman LaMichael James and controversial senior LaGarrette Blount (Blount was suspended following the loss to Boise St for punching a Boise player after the game. He was suspended until the beginning of November but did not get any game action until the Oregon State game). The combination of James and Blount has me worried as a Buckeye fan because James is a home run threat while Blount is a big back capable of breaking multiple tackles and turning nothing into something. The key for the Buckeye defense will be controlling the line of scrimmage and playing a full 60 minutes. As stated earlier, Oregon has not faced a defense like the Buckeyes and if Ohio State's defensive line can be more physical than the offensive line of Oregon, Ohio State should improve to 8-0 all time against the Ducks.

With a majority of pregame attention being put on the Oregon O vs Ohio St. D, I believe the X factor is what unit will win the other battle, Buckeyes Offense vs. Oregons Defense. Neither unit has looked truly impressive, but I believe the Buckeyes have a lot of positives to look forward to. Terrelle Pyror has made his fair share of mistakes this season, but Oregon's defense has not created many turnovers (although Purdue didnt create any turnovers before Pyror came to town). If Oregon is unable to force Pyror to make mistakes, you will see what you saw in the month of November from the Buckeyes. A physical, grind it out type football game where Ohio State will split carries between Saine and Herron and Pryor will run the ball on obvious passing downs. Pryor a very truly gifted athlete and hopefully we can see some development in his game that seemed lacking during this season. I believe Jim Tressel should take note of what happened to Oregon State last night, and that is the inability to score touchdowns when they had the ball in the redzone.

Tressel's conservative gameplan has me worried, but the Silver Bullet Defense will keep Ohio State in the game. Oregon will get its share of points, but I think it will be Oregon's inability to create turnovers that allows Ohio State to stay in the game and ultimately win the game. Ohio State 27 Oregon 24.

Back for More!

After a very nice and relaxing Thanksgiving break, I am back and better than ever ready to look ahead to this weekends biggest college football games! What a great time to be a college football fan as the regular season comes to an end and teams battle for a BCS bowl berth, the games will have the playoff atmosphere college football lacks.

Lets start with a game that has a lot of interest in Columbus, OH and it is being played tonight! I am talking of course about Oregon St vs Oregon. The Civil War (editor's note: I do not know why this game is called the Civil War) decides the PAC-10 Champion and therefore determines Ohio St.'s counterpart in the 2010 Rose Bowl game. At home, Oregon is unbeaten and lately teams have not come close including a thumping of USC by 27! Oregon St. is looking for revenge from last years matchup when Oregon knocked off Oregon St. preventing the Beavers from going to the Rose Bowl. Oregon St. is very capable of pulling off the upset, with a pair of highly regarded brothers, junior wide receiver James and sophomore running back Jaquizz Rodgers. Certainly Jeremiah Masoli, the Oregon quarterback, can lead Oregon to victory in this game but I believe it will be freshman running back LaMicael James who stands out in tonight's victory over Oregon St as Oregon marches on to play the Buckeyes in Pasadena!

I certainly rip on my fair share of MAC teams, but Friday nights MAC championship game should be interesting. Dual threat QB Dan LeFevour of Central Michigan takes on the mighty Bobcats of Ohio University. Ohio U is 2 touchdown underdogs in this game and I have a feeling that they will keep it close. Here's the X factor, the OU team has been done with class for 2 weeks and has given them more time to prepare. I pick CMU, in a close game.

I cant believe it has taken me this long to get to this game, but this game needs no introduction. It is #1 Florida vs. #2 Alabama. All year I have been beating the Bama drum saying they should be #1, not the Gators. And as November rolled around all the Gators did was thump each one of their opponents while Alabama avoided upset week in and week out. So naturally I like the hot Florida team, behind the all mighty and God like Timothy R. Tebow, right? WRONG! I am sticking with my team and my boys. Mark Ingram has had a tremendous season, dont let one game fool you. He probably had too much turkey the day before. Bama also proved to have a dynamic second option in true freshman Trent Richardson should Ingram's hip keep him less than 100%. Bama's QB Greg McElroy needs to step up against the fast Florida defense, but he made plays against the fast LSU defense that stymied Florida. He looked fine against a Mississippi St. team that kept Tebow in check for most of the game. Maybe its because Carlos Dunlap (Florida's best pass rusher and likely top NFL draft pick) went all Tony LaRussa 5 days before the game (Dunlap was arrested early Tuesday morning as he was asleep behind the wheel of his car that was stopped at an intersection near Floridas campus). It is nothing against Florida, or Tebow, or Urban (is he looking for that payday from Notre Dame - possible $8 million a year to leave Florida!!!) they are great, but I like Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide in this game. Alabama 14 Florida 10.

Some quick picks:
I like Texas over Nebraska as Colt McCoy lays his claim to the Heisman trophy.
I will pick Clemson in a upset over Georgia Tech to win the ACC. I watched these 2 teams play early in the year and Georgia Tech blew them out in the 1st half, while Clemson stormed back in the second and made a game of it. Look for more of what happened in the second half in this game.
Of course I like Cincinnati against the mighty mustache Dave Wannstedt and the Pittsburgh Panthers but this game will be much closer and low scoring than people think.
I will also pick Boise to stay unbeaten and UConn to beat USF.

I am looking forward to the action and I hope you are too! Enjoy it!