22 South Carolina @ 2 Alabama
Favorite: Alabama, -17
This in-conference game features what have become two defensive powers in college football, as SC has the 15th ranked defense, and Alabama has the 2nd. But both teams have also played well on offense, with Alabama putting up 37 points per game. Sc's offense has struggled at times, including in a 7-3 over NC State in Week 1. It will be that dominant defense and scoring offense that carries the day for 'Bama in this one.
Pick: Alabama 38 - South Carolina 24
20 Oklahoma vs 3 Texas (Neutral Site - Dallas)
Pick: Texas, -3
Despite losingthis game last year, Oklahoma went on to play for the BCS National Championship instead of Texas, and you better believe Texas remembers it. Both teams come into this game putting up huge points and allowing very few. Texas has blown through five straight unranked teams, outscoring them 236-75. And with the national polls dropping Texas one spot this week, they want to put up a big win to get back to second. Oklahoma has struggled on the big stage this year, already losing twice to ranked opponents. But QB Sam Braford was injured in the first loss, resulting in him not playing in the second. Still, BYU outplayed Oklahoma even before Bradford went down, and Texas will outplay them this week.
Pick: Texas 35 - Oklahoma 17
6 USC @ 25 Notre Dame
Favorite: USC, -10
The funny thing about big games is that they sometimes allow the lesser team to make a name for themselves. USC has simply dominated the Irish over the past couple years, and they spread would indicate people seem to think they still will. But with Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen in the Heisman running this year and a USC team that looks beatable, 10 points might be far too high a spread. In fact, the future of the Irish football program may hang in the balance of this game, as there has been speculation that if Charlie Weis can't win this game, he may be out as head coach. The key will be the Irish defense. If they can play like they did in Week 1, they'll win. If not, they'll lose, but it will be a close one.
Pick: Notre Dame 38 - USC 35
Pitt @ Rutgers
Favorite: Pitt, -3.5
Each of these teams have quietly put together strong, one-loss records this year. The result has been a wide-open Big East, with four one-loss teams and an unbeaten Cincinnati. Rutgers one loss, however, was in-conference against that Cincinnati team in Week 1. Both teams, then, com into this game needing a big win both for their national rankings and their conference standings. Both teams come in with a strong offense, and Rutgers appears to have the better D. But with Cincinnati still on their schedule to end the season, Pitt needs this game more, and they know it.
Pick: Pitt 31 - Rutgers 27
Showing posts with label USC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USC. Show all posts
Friday, October 16, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
College Football Week 5 - Important Matchups
3 Alabama @ Kentucky
Favorite: Alabama, -15.5
With the two teams ahead of them in the polls off this week, as well as most of the always powerful Big XII conference, Alabama needs to prove themselves here. Coming off their 41-7 loss to Florida last week, Kentucky looks like a team 'Bama can breeze through. And they'll need to. 'Bama has put up some strong numbers this year, but so has Kentucky in their two wins. 'Bama will have to duplicate what Florida's defense did last week, or suffer an ugly upset.
Pick: Alabama 42 - Kentucky 13
4 LSU @ 18 Georgia
Favorite: Georgia, -3
With LSU undefeated but not putting up the numbers you would normally expect, Georgia comes in as the small favorite. Playing at home probably has something to do with that. But Georgia hasn't exactly been a powerhouse this year, either. Two of their wins have been by 4 points or less, and their third was by only 11. If LSU can put together some offense, they can have an easy win on the road.
Pick: LSU 35 - Georgia 21
7 USC @ 24 Cal
Favorite: USC, -5
Both teams have suffered upset losses the last two weeks, and both teams looked terrible in them. USC had their bounce-back win last week, and Cal needs one now. Though Cal looked worse in their loss than USC did, only managing 3 points, Cal still looks to have the batter offense. This week will be a return to putting up big numbers.
Pick: Cal 42 - USC 24
8 Oklahoma @ 17 Miami(FL)
Favorite: Oklahoma, -7.5
Though injured QB Sam Bradford wanted to be back for this game, he'll sit on the sidelines as Landry Jones continues to play for Oklahoma. While Jones's huge performances have been the story this year, its the Oklahoma defense that deserves a lot of credit. In the last two games, they've blanked their opponents, outscoring them 109-0. Including their loss to BYU, its still 122-14. But those shut-outs were against Idaho State and Tulsa, two teams no one expected to put up much of a fight. Miami, however, come in with something to prove. After suffering their first loss of the season last week, they are now 2-1 against ranked opponents. They need a win both as a bounce-back and to cement their right to a ranking as they go into the easy part of their schedule. To do that, Jacory Harris needs to play like he did against FSU and Georgia Tech, and forget about Va Tech last week.
Pick: Miami 38 - Oklahoma 35
Favorite: Alabama, -15.5
With the two teams ahead of them in the polls off this week, as well as most of the always powerful Big XII conference, Alabama needs to prove themselves here. Coming off their 41-7 loss to Florida last week, Kentucky looks like a team 'Bama can breeze through. And they'll need to. 'Bama has put up some strong numbers this year, but so has Kentucky in their two wins. 'Bama will have to duplicate what Florida's defense did last week, or suffer an ugly upset.
Pick: Alabama 42 - Kentucky 13
4 LSU @ 18 Georgia
Favorite: Georgia, -3
With LSU undefeated but not putting up the numbers you would normally expect, Georgia comes in as the small favorite. Playing at home probably has something to do with that. But Georgia hasn't exactly been a powerhouse this year, either. Two of their wins have been by 4 points or less, and their third was by only 11. If LSU can put together some offense, they can have an easy win on the road.
Pick: LSU 35 - Georgia 21
7 USC @ 24 Cal
Favorite: USC, -5
Both teams have suffered upset losses the last two weeks, and both teams looked terrible in them. USC had their bounce-back win last week, and Cal needs one now. Though Cal looked worse in their loss than USC did, only managing 3 points, Cal still looks to have the batter offense. This week will be a return to putting up big numbers.
Pick: Cal 42 - USC 24
8 Oklahoma @ 17 Miami(FL)
Favorite: Oklahoma, -7.5
Though injured QB Sam Bradford wanted to be back for this game, he'll sit on the sidelines as Landry Jones continues to play for Oklahoma. While Jones's huge performances have been the story this year, its the Oklahoma defense that deserves a lot of credit. In the last two games, they've blanked their opponents, outscoring them 109-0. Including their loss to BYU, its still 122-14. But those shut-outs were against Idaho State and Tulsa, two teams no one expected to put up much of a fight. Miami, however, come in with something to prove. After suffering their first loss of the season last week, they are now 2-1 against ranked opponents. They need a win both as a bounce-back and to cement their right to a ranking as they go into the easy part of their schedule. To do that, Jacory Harris needs to play like he did against FSU and Georgia Tech, and forget about Va Tech last week.
Pick: Miami 38 - Oklahoma 35
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Tuesday Morning News - 9/29/09
Oakland Raiders assistant Randy Hanson has told police head coach Tom Cable broke his jaw in an altercation. Charges have not been filed. [The Huddle]
USC RB Stefan Johnson was seriously injured yesterday when the bar he was using to weightlift fell on his throat. [Rivals.com]
The LA Angels have clinched the AL West with an 11-0 win over the Texas Rangers. [MLB.com]
Magic Number Update: The Philadelphia Phillies number is down to 3 in the NL East. The LA Dodgers are down to 2 and can clinch the NL West with a win against San Diego AND a Colorado loss to Milwaukee tonight. The Boston Red Sox are down to 1 and can clinch the AL Wild Card with a win tonight over Toronto OR another Texas loss to the Angels.
USC RB Stefan Johnson was seriously injured yesterday when the bar he was using to weightlift fell on his throat. [Rivals.com]
The LA Angels have clinched the AL West with an 11-0 win over the Texas Rangers. [MLB.com]
Magic Number Update: The Philadelphia Phillies number is down to 3 in the NL East. The LA Dodgers are down to 2 and can clinch the NL West with a win against San Diego AND a Colorado loss to Milwaukee tonight. The Boston Red Sox are down to 1 and can clinch the AL Wild Card with a win tonight over Toronto OR another Texas loss to the Angels.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
The Sunday News - 9/20/09
Floyd Mayweather beat Juan Manuel Marquez by unanimous decision. [Washington Post]
UFC 103 results: Vito Belfort beat Rich Franklin, Junior dos Santos beat Mirko Cro Cop, Josh Koscheck beat Frank Trigg. [The Sun]
Washington upset 3 USC, 16-13.(If you would like to see why this shouldn't have been a surprise, click here) [Seattle Times]
Wes Welker will not play today against the Jets. He is out with a knee injury. [ESPN Boston]
UFC 103 results: Vito Belfort beat Rich Franklin, Junior dos Santos beat Mirko Cro Cop, Josh Koscheck beat Frank Trigg. [The Sun]
Washington upset 3 USC, 16-13.(If you would like to see why this shouldn't have been a surprise, click here) [Seattle Times]
Wes Welker will not play today against the Jets. He is out with a knee injury. [ESPN Boston]
Friday, September 18, 2009
College Football Week 3 - Important Matchups
Tennessee @ 1 Florida
Favorite: Florida, -30
This will be the closest thing to a "test" Florida will have faced so far in the season, having previously beaten Charlseton Southern and Troy. And Tennessee is not a team to be taken lightly. They have a new head coach with NFL experience in Lane Kiffin, and he feels his team has something to prove. The Volunteers got blown out at home last year, and this year have to go into The Swamp for the defending National Champions. Florida will win, but a 30 point spread will favor Tennessee.
Pick: Florida 45 - Tennessee 20
Texas Tech @ 2 Texas
Favorite: Texas, -17.5
Texas Tech was the team that derailed the Big 12 South last season, causing a three-way tie with their win over Texas. Tech has lost a good portion of their playmakers, though, and will have to stop returning Texas QB Colt McCoy. This may have been one of the shock games of last year, but it won't be this year.
Pick: Texas 35 - Texas Tech 10
3 USC @ Washington
Favorite: USC, -19.5
This game has every marking on it of being a let-down game for USC. Last week they had to go into Ohio State and barely came out with the W. This week they have to go into Washington. On paper, it looks like a total mismatch. But coming off an 0-12 season, Washington already has one win this year. Plus, they only lost to LSU by eight points in Week 1. USC has also had problems going north since their undefeated regular season in 2005. They have lost at Oregon in 2007 and at Oregon State twice, including last years post-Ohio State game. I hate to say it, but I'm expecting more of the same.
Pick: Washington 28 - USC 24
19 Nebraska @ 13 Virginia Tech
Favorite: Va Tech, -5
Of the four games these teams have played this year, three have been blowouts: Nebraska over Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State, and Va Tech over Marshall. The one blemish here is Tech's loss to Alabama in Week 1, the only time either team has played a good opponent so far. I'm led to believe that 34-24 loss wasn't a fluke. Va Tech has some improving to do in the next couple of seasons before they can consistently beat ranked opponents.
Pick: Nebraska 31 - Va Tech 20
Favorite: Florida, -30
This will be the closest thing to a "test" Florida will have faced so far in the season, having previously beaten Charlseton Southern and Troy. And Tennessee is not a team to be taken lightly. They have a new head coach with NFL experience in Lane Kiffin, and he feels his team has something to prove. The Volunteers got blown out at home last year, and this year have to go into The Swamp for the defending National Champions. Florida will win, but a 30 point spread will favor Tennessee.
Pick: Florida 45 - Tennessee 20
Texas Tech @ 2 Texas
Favorite: Texas, -17.5
Texas Tech was the team that derailed the Big 12 South last season, causing a three-way tie with their win over Texas. Tech has lost a good portion of their playmakers, though, and will have to stop returning Texas QB Colt McCoy. This may have been one of the shock games of last year, but it won't be this year.
Pick: Texas 35 - Texas Tech 10
3 USC @ Washington
Favorite: USC, -19.5
This game has every marking on it of being a let-down game for USC. Last week they had to go into Ohio State and barely came out with the W. This week they have to go into Washington. On paper, it looks like a total mismatch. But coming off an 0-12 season, Washington already has one win this year. Plus, they only lost to LSU by eight points in Week 1. USC has also had problems going north since their undefeated regular season in 2005. They have lost at Oregon in 2007 and at Oregon State twice, including last years post-Ohio State game. I hate to say it, but I'm expecting more of the same.
Pick: Washington 28 - USC 24
19 Nebraska @ 13 Virginia Tech
Favorite: Va Tech, -5
Of the four games these teams have played this year, three have been blowouts: Nebraska over Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State, and Va Tech over Marshall. The one blemish here is Tech's loss to Alabama in Week 1, the only time either team has played a good opponent so far. I'm led to believe that 34-24 loss wasn't a fluke. Va Tech has some improving to do in the next couple of seasons before they can consistently beat ranked opponents.
Pick: Nebraska 31 - Va Tech 20
Friday Morning News - 9/18/09
High school football coach Jason Stilson was found not guilty on all charges stemming from the death of a 15-year-old player during practice. [WLKY]
Roger Federer Has been fined $1,500 for swearing at an umpire during the US Open finals on Monday. [CNN International]
ESPN is reporting USC QB Aaron Corp will start this weekend in place of injured QB Matt Barkley. [ESPN]
Former Eagle Hank Baskett has signed with the Colts, replacing injured receiver Anthony Gonzalez. [1070 The Fan]
The Jacksonville Jaguars home opener this week will be blacked out on local tv. The San Diego Chargers and Detroit Lions were granted ticket selling extensions that end today. [Washington Post]
LeBron James will play himself in the upcoming movie Fantasy Basketball Camp. [Ohio.com]
Roger Federer Has been fined $1,500 for swearing at an umpire during the US Open finals on Monday. [CNN International]
ESPN is reporting USC QB Aaron Corp will start this weekend in place of injured QB Matt Barkley. [ESPN]
Former Eagle Hank Baskett has signed with the Colts, replacing injured receiver Anthony Gonzalez. [1070 The Fan]
The Jacksonville Jaguars home opener this week will be blacked out on local tv. The San Diego Chargers and Detroit Lions were granted ticket selling extensions that end today. [Washington Post]
LeBron James will play himself in the upcoming movie Fantasy Basketball Camp. [Ohio.com]
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Sunday News - 9/13/09
NHL trade news: San Jose Sharks get Danny Heatley and a fifth round pick, Ottawa Senators get Milan Michalek, Jonathan Cheechoo, and a second round pick. [SI.com]
USC wins, Notre Dame loses, both on late TDs. [USA Today, Washington Post]
Denny Hamlin wins the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 and the Chase field is set. Kyle Busch tied Mark Martin for most regular season wins this year, but doesn't make the Chase. I thought they changed the rules so that sort of thing didn't happen? [Daily Press]
Serena Williams was eliminated from the US Open after being deducted a point for a profanity laced tirade at a line judge who called a foot fault on her. [MyFOXNY.com]
Theo Fleury, 41, has been reinstated by the NHL and invited to training camp by the Calgary Flames. [Chicago Tribune]
USC wins, Notre Dame loses, both on late TDs. [USA Today, Washington Post]
Denny Hamlin wins the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 and the Chase field is set. Kyle Busch tied Mark Martin for most regular season wins this year, but doesn't make the Chase. I thought they changed the rules so that sort of thing didn't happen? [Daily Press]
Serena Williams was eliminated from the US Open after being deducted a point for a profanity laced tirade at a line judge who called a foot fault on her. [MyFOXNY.com]
Theo Fleury, 41, has been reinstated by the NHL and invited to training camp by the Calgary Flames. [Chicago Tribune]
Friday, September 11, 2009
College Footbal Week 2 - Important Matchups
It is hard to call any game important this early in a season, but this week there are two games with some signifigance to them:
3 USC at 8 Ohio State
Favorite: USC, -7
Things in sports tend to be cyclical. Teams are usually great for a couple of years, then decent for a year, then bad for a couple years, then decent, and back to at least good. There are a couple of exceptions to this in recent years: the NY Yankees, the Indianapolis Colts, and, of course, USC football. The Trojans seems to always be in the top-5, and always in title talk, both before and after the season. This is in no small part thanks to Pete Carroll's scouting ability and pro-style schemes. One team that is not an exception is Ohio State. After having major success over the past decade(one undefeated season, a National Championship, and five Big 10 conference championships), the Buckeyes finally look like a team on the decline. Their weaknesses showed last week, barely beating Navy, 31-27. You can be sure Coach Carroll was paying attention.
Pick: USC 31 - Ohio State 13
18 Notre Dame at Michigan
Favorite: Notre Dame, -3
The annual Week 2 meeting of these teams this year takes on added importance, as both teams now look like teams on the rise. Opening week blowouts for both teams have fans hopeful for the rest of the season. For Michigan, head coach Rich Rodriguez has been surrounded by controversy in the off-season, and has been feeling the pressure after going 3-9 in his first season with the Wolverines. The announcement he would rotate QBs throughout the game didn't win him any more fans, especially when coupled with the fact true freshman Tate Forcier would be the starter. The decision payed off, however, as all three QBs looked good as the team won 31-7 over Western Michigan. Notre Dame, however, seems to be a step ahead of Michigan. Last years 6-6 regular season record led to a 41-29 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl win over Hawaii. In that game, then-sophmore Jimmy Clausen and the Irish offense broke 9 Notre Dame bowl game records, including Clausen's 401 passing yards and the teams 478 yards of total offense. Those are stats ND, who started the season ranked 23, is looking to build on.
Pick: ND 31 - Michigan 21
3 USC at 8 Ohio State
Favorite: USC, -7
Things in sports tend to be cyclical. Teams are usually great for a couple of years, then decent for a year, then bad for a couple years, then decent, and back to at least good. There are a couple of exceptions to this in recent years: the NY Yankees, the Indianapolis Colts, and, of course, USC football. The Trojans seems to always be in the top-5, and always in title talk, both before and after the season. This is in no small part thanks to Pete Carroll's scouting ability and pro-style schemes. One team that is not an exception is Ohio State. After having major success over the past decade(one undefeated season, a National Championship, and five Big 10 conference championships), the Buckeyes finally look like a team on the decline. Their weaknesses showed last week, barely beating Navy, 31-27. You can be sure Coach Carroll was paying attention.
Pick: USC 31 - Ohio State 13
18 Notre Dame at Michigan
Favorite: Notre Dame, -3
The annual Week 2 meeting of these teams this year takes on added importance, as both teams now look like teams on the rise. Opening week blowouts for both teams have fans hopeful for the rest of the season. For Michigan, head coach Rich Rodriguez has been surrounded by controversy in the off-season, and has been feeling the pressure after going 3-9 in his first season with the Wolverines. The announcement he would rotate QBs throughout the game didn't win him any more fans, especially when coupled with the fact true freshman Tate Forcier would be the starter. The decision payed off, however, as all three QBs looked good as the team won 31-7 over Western Michigan. Notre Dame, however, seems to be a step ahead of Michigan. Last years 6-6 regular season record led to a 41-29 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl win over Hawaii. In that game, then-sophmore Jimmy Clausen and the Irish offense broke 9 Notre Dame bowl game records, including Clausen's 401 passing yards and the teams 478 yards of total offense. Those are stats ND, who started the season ranked 23, is looking to build on.
Pick: ND 31 - Michigan 21
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