- Keep an eye out in your fantasy league for who was dropped this week. Some team is bound to drop a player that you would have gladly had on your team a week ago in order to grab a Week 1 hot name. Week 1 pick-ups often fizzle, so see if any potential longer-term steals hit your dropped list this week.
- My quarterback in the league I have been in for 22 years had zero of the one trillion TD passes thrown on the weekend.
- Sean Payton, next time, let your best player try to make the play.
- Worst to First - Arizona Cardinals.
- First to Worst - Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks.
- That Tom Brady guy is pretty good.
- That Tom Brady guy has pretty hair.
- I like Tony Romo, but c'mon man, I don't know what's worse...Losing Carrie Underwood or choking away almost every big game
- Donovan McNabb gives me comfort as a Packer fan.
- Jay Cutler will eventually too give me comfort.
- A healthy Matthew Stafford makes me a bit squeamish.
- Ndamukong Suh coming free on Aaron Rodgers gives me the major heebie jeebies.
- Cam Newton will be a better quarterback than y'all thought. Somehere in between the Week 1 great and what everyone expected.
- Andrew Luck to the Indianapolis Colts?
- If there is no NBA, how can I make fun of Lebron James.
- When John McEnroe did it, it was entertaining. When Serena Williams does it, its appalling.
- I am enjoying the seat for RussellMania 2011, but there will be a couple games where the defense will have to come through to body slam this team into a BCS Bowl.
- October 1st is going to be one crazy night in Madtown.
- After Emmanuel Sanders caught a TD pass last week, I quickly decided he is not in my top 5 Sanders of all-time. They would be Barry, Deion, Colonel, Summer and Steve.
- Go Florida State!! I predicated my whole College Football predictions on the 'Noles beating Oklahoma. So far, things haven't gone the best...
Sports Blog specializing in Bracketology
Friday, September 16, 2011
NFL, Badger and Fantasy Randomness
Here are some random thoughts on Week 1 and 2 in the NFL, the Wisconsin Badgers and Fantasy Football. Maybe even something else random.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
College Football Rewind - Week 2
One of the great things about College Football is the unpredictability. When it comes down to it, these are still 18-22 year old men/boys that are the great determinant in victory or defeat. It is no great shock that after two weeks, some of my pre-season predictions have gone horribly wrong. I am able to admit when I am wrong, no matter how hard it might be. So this week, my theme will be who I have been wrong on after two weeks. More teams will be added to this as the year passes I am sure.
ACC (7-3 for the week, 15-7 overall, 13-5 non-conference, 2-3 BCS non-conf)
I am wrong about: North Carolina State. I was under the impression that the Wolfpack defense would help them through the transition at quarterback. NC State also had a fairly mild September and October schedule. After the defense surrendered 34 points to a surprising Wake Forest offense, so far I am wrong about the Wolfpack. I still think they are a bowl-eligible team but no longer a contender for the ACC Atlantic crown.
I am also wrong about: Wake Forest. First a tough OT loss to Syracuse. Then the big upset win over NC State. I thought the Demon Deacons would win exactly zero ACC games, a total they have now surpassed. The rest of the schedule is not kind, but at least Wake has shown it will be competitive in 2011.
Bowl Changes: Virginia Tech replaces Notre Dame in the BCS this week. Either Georgia Tech or Virginia will be bowl-eligible this year. I am going with the Yellowjackets in my current projection. North Carolina jumps ahead of North Carolina State in the pecking order. (See Updated Bowl Projections at the bottom of the page.)
My record: 18-2
This Week: Maryland over West Virginia, Auburn over Clemson, Georgia Tech over Kansas, Boston College over Duke, North Carolina over Virginia, Virginia Tech over Arkansas State, North Carolina State over South Alabama, Wake Forest over Gardener-Webb, Ohio State over Miami, Florida State over Oklahoma
Big East (4-4 for the week, 12-4 overall, 12-4 non-conference, 1-3 BCS non-conf)
I am wrong about: Connecticut. While I thought the Big East would be a struggle for the Huskies this year, I predicted a 5-0 non-conference record would get this team to a bowl. While a road loss to an SEC school is nothing to sneer at, it was Vanderbilt. Based on what I have seen so far, Connecticut will struggle to reach 6-6 and bowl eligibility.
Bowl Changes: Cincinnati replaces Connecticut as the 5th bowl-eligible Big East team. South Florida makes a definitive leap over Pittsburgh for the #2 spot in the league.
My Record: 13-3
This Week: Iowa State over Connecticut, Maryland over West Virginia, Iowa over Pittsburgh, Cincinnati over Akron, South Florida over Florida A&M, Kentucky over Louisville, USC over Syracuse
Big 12 (4-1 for the week, 14-1 overall, 14-1 non-conference, 2-1 BCS non-conf)
I am wrong about: Kansas. The Jayhawks doubled my predicted win total by beating Northern Illinois last weekend. The offense has put up over 40 points in both contests. The Big 12 will still likely be a harsh reality for Kansas, but there are some winnable home games and a trip to Ames that could get them 4 or 5 wins this year.
I am also wrong about: Missouri. My prediction for Missouri had them grouped with the Oklahoma teams and Texas A&M as Big 12 Title contenders. I was wrong. They are in the group with Texas and Baylor that are not serious threats for the title. Arizona State might be really good, but inconsistent quarterback play and defensive injuries will hold the Tigers back this year.
Bowl Changes: Texas and Baylor move ahead of Missouri with the likelihood they will be selected before the Tigers at this time.
My Record: 11-4
This Week: Iowa State over Connecticut, Georgia Tech over Kansas, Texas over UCLA, Texas Tech over New Mexico, Missouri over Western Illinois, Baylor over Stephen F Austin, Texas A&M over Idaho, Kansas State over Kent State, Florida State over Oklahoma, Oklahoma State over Tulsa
Big Ten (7-5 for the week, 17-7 overall, 17-7 non-conference, 2-4 BCS non-conf)
I was wrong about: Iowa. Everyone says the Hawkeyes are most dangerous in the years where they are not expected to do anything. Apparently they are very dangerous now because I really don't expect much from this group after losing to Iowa State. I am giving them the benefit of the doubt with a bounce-back win over Pittsburgh this week, but a team that loses to the Cyclones does not compete for a Legends Division Title.
Bowl Changes: Michigan climbs the ladder in the selection order, while Iowa falls to the bottom of the chain.
My Record: 19-5
This Week: Michigan over Eastern Michigan, Penn State over Temple, Iowa over Pittsburgh, Purdue over SE Missouri State, Indiana over South Carolina State, Michigan State over Notre Dame, Miami(OH) over Minnesota, Nebraska over Washington, Army over Northwestern, Wisconsin over Northern Illinois, Illinois over Arizona State, Ohio State over Miami(FL)
PAC-12 (8-4 for the week, 16-8 overall, 15-7 non-conference, 4-4 BCS non-conf)
I was wrong about: Arizona State. Well, kind of. I had them winning the PAC-12 South. The Missouri win might vault them to more special achievements this year. Last year they could not win the close games. If they reverse that trend, which they started last week, this team will compete for a BCS bowl, which I did not expect.
Bowl Changes: Currently none.
My Record: 19-3
This Week: Colorado over Colorado State, Texas over UCLA, Nebraska over Washington, Oregon over Missouri State, California over Presbyterian, San Diego State over Washington State, Illinois over Arizona State, USC over Syracuse, BYU over Utah, Stanford over Arizona
SEC (10-2 for the week, 20-4 overall, 18-2 non-conference, 4-0 BCS non-conf)
I was wrong about: Auburn. The Tigers are better (luckier??) than I thought. The schedule is still not easy, but Auburn appears good enough to at least win 6 or 7 games and get bowl-eligible. This weeks game against Clemson is huge, as it might just take one loss to send this ship in the wrong direction.
I was also wrong about: Mississippi State. The Rebels seemed poised to be the surprise SEC team this year. If Chris Relf pitches the ball, they might still be. This team has the talent to contend, but I don't think they believe they can play with the top tier. They can prove me wrong this week against LSU, but I doubt they will fool me again.
Bowl Changes: Auburn is added to the bowl-eligible list and leaps over Kentucky, Tennessee and probably Mississippi State in attractiveness. South Carolina and Arkansas are firmly #'s 3 and 4 behind Alabama and LSU. Florida and Georgia join Auburn in the middle.
My Record: 19-3
This Week: LSU over Mississippi State, Auburn over Clemson, Mississippi over Vanderbilt, Georgia over Coastal Carolina, Florida over Tennessee, South Carolina over Navy, Kentucky over Louisville, Arkansas over Troy, Alabama over North Texas
Conference USA (6-5 this week, 11-11 overall, 9-9 non-conference, 3-8 BCS non-conf)
I was wrong about: Southern Mississippi. The Golden Eagles could have competed for a spot in the C-USA Championship Game. The loss to Marshall throws them back in the pack with East Carolina, UAB and now Marshall in a struggle for one of the open bowl spots in the conference.
Bowl Changes: Currently None.
My Record: 18-2
This Week: UAB over Tulane, Ohio over Marshall, Memphis over Austin Peay, Houston over Louisiana Tech, Southern Mississippi over SE Louisiana, New Mexico State over UTEP, SMU over Northwestern State, Oklahoma State over Tulsa, Central Florida over Florida International
Mountain West (4-3 for the week, 9-6 overall, 7-4 non-conference, 1-3 BCS non-conf)
I was wrong about: TCU and Air Force. Only because I over-reacted to week 1. I need to stop doing that.
Bowl Changes: Back to the pre-season order.
My Record: 11-2
This Week: Boise State over Toledo, Bowling Green over Wyoming, Colorado over Colorado State, TCU over Louisiana-Monroe, Texas Tech over New Mexico, San Diego State over Washington State, Hawaii over UNLV
MAC (6-6 for the week, 14-11 overall, 13-10 non-conference, 1-9 BCS non-conf)
I was wrong about: No teams (yet).
Bowl Changes: Currently none.
My Record: 20-4
This Week: Boise State over Toledo, Michigan over Eastern Michigan, Bowling Green over Wyoming, Penn State over Temple, Western Michigan over Central Michigan, Miami over Minnesota, Cincinnati over Akron, Wisconsin over Northern Illinois, Ohio over Marshall, Ball State over Buffalo, Kansas State over Kent State
WAC (4-4 for the week, 5-10 overall, 5-10 non-conference, 2-7 BCS non-conf)
I was wrong about: New Mexico State. The victory over the Gophers shows this team might be ready to be more than a doormat. I predicted one win. 3 or 4 is well within reach now.
Bowl Changes: Currently none.
My Record: 13-2
This week: Nevada over San Jose State, Texas A&M over Idaho, Houston over Louisiana Tech, New Mexico State over UTEP, Fresno State over North Dakota, Hawaii over UNLV
Sun Belt (4-4 for the week, 5-12 overall, 4-11 non-conf, 1-9 BCS non-conf)
I was wrong about: Florida International. I had FIU grouped among 4 Sun Belt Title contenders. They are clearly the best team in the league right now.
Bowl Changes: Arkansas State and Louisiana-Monroe lose spots to BCS leagues that will now fulfill their tie-ins.
My Record: 14-2
This Week: TCU over Louisiana-Monroe, Virginia Tech over Arkansas State, Western Kentucky over Indiana State, Louisiana-Lafayette over Nicholls State, Arkansas over Troy, Alabama over North Texas, Central Florida over Florida International
Independents (1-3 for the week, 3-5 overall, 1-3 BCS)
I was wrong about: Notre Dame. That was fast. I have thrown out the kool-aid. I will never drink the golden kool-aid again. Special teams figure out a way to win. Forgettable teams find a way to lose. 2011 Notre Dame Football will be forgettable.
Bowl Changes: Army is teetering on bowl non-eligibility. Notre Dame drops from the BCS.
My Record: 6-2
This Week: Michigan State over Notre Dame, South Carolina over Navy, BYU over Utah, Army over Northwestern
Updated Bowl Predictions
National Championship Game: Florida State vs Alabama
Rose: Wisconsin vs Oregon
Sugar: Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Fiesta: Oklahoma State vs Boise State
Orange: LSU vs Virginia Tech
Capitol One: South Carolina vs Nebraska
Gator: Florida vs Ohio State
Cotton: Texas A&M vs Arkansas
Alamo: Texas vs Stanford
Outback: Georgia vs Michigan State
Chick Fil-A: Auburn vs Maryland
Sun: Washington vs Miami(FL)
Holiday: Arizona State vs Texas Tech
Champs: Notre Dame vs North Carolina
Liberty: Tennessee vs Central Florida
Belk: South Florida vs North Carolina State
Independence: Georgia Tech vs Air Force
Music City: Mississippi State vs Clemson
Pinstripe: Pittsburgh vs Northwestern
Kraft Fight Hunger: California vs Army
Meineke Car Care: Penn State vs Missouri
Insight: Baylor vs Michigan
Ticket City: Illinois vs East Carolina
Little Caesars: Iowa vs Northern Illinois
Humanitarian: Miami(OH) vs Fresno State
Hawaii: Hawaii vs SMU
Beef O'Bradys: Syracuse vs Houston
Armed Forces: BYU vs Tulsa
Las Vegas: Utah vs TCU
Poinsettia: San Diego State vs Nevada
GoDaddy.com: Toledo vs Troy
New Orleans: Southern Mississippi vs Florida International
BBVA Compass: Kentucky vs Cincinnati
New Mexico: Louisiana Tech vs Colorado State
Military: Navy vs Western Michigan
ACC (7-3 for the week, 15-7 overall, 13-5 non-conference, 2-3 BCS non-conf)
I am wrong about: North Carolina State. I was under the impression that the Wolfpack defense would help them through the transition at quarterback. NC State also had a fairly mild September and October schedule. After the defense surrendered 34 points to a surprising Wake Forest offense, so far I am wrong about the Wolfpack. I still think they are a bowl-eligible team but no longer a contender for the ACC Atlantic crown.
I am also wrong about: Wake Forest. First a tough OT loss to Syracuse. Then the big upset win over NC State. I thought the Demon Deacons would win exactly zero ACC games, a total they have now surpassed. The rest of the schedule is not kind, but at least Wake has shown it will be competitive in 2011.
Bowl Changes: Virginia Tech replaces Notre Dame in the BCS this week. Either Georgia Tech or Virginia will be bowl-eligible this year. I am going with the Yellowjackets in my current projection. North Carolina jumps ahead of North Carolina State in the pecking order. (See Updated Bowl Projections at the bottom of the page.)
My record: 18-2
This Week: Maryland over West Virginia, Auburn over Clemson, Georgia Tech over Kansas, Boston College over Duke, North Carolina over Virginia, Virginia Tech over Arkansas State, North Carolina State over South Alabama, Wake Forest over Gardener-Webb, Ohio State over Miami, Florida State over Oklahoma
Big East (4-4 for the week, 12-4 overall, 12-4 non-conference, 1-3 BCS non-conf)
I am wrong about: Connecticut. While I thought the Big East would be a struggle for the Huskies this year, I predicted a 5-0 non-conference record would get this team to a bowl. While a road loss to an SEC school is nothing to sneer at, it was Vanderbilt. Based on what I have seen so far, Connecticut will struggle to reach 6-6 and bowl eligibility.
Bowl Changes: Cincinnati replaces Connecticut as the 5th bowl-eligible Big East team. South Florida makes a definitive leap over Pittsburgh for the #2 spot in the league.
My Record: 13-3
This Week: Iowa State over Connecticut, Maryland over West Virginia, Iowa over Pittsburgh, Cincinnati over Akron, South Florida over Florida A&M, Kentucky over Louisville, USC over Syracuse
Big 12 (4-1 for the week, 14-1 overall, 14-1 non-conference, 2-1 BCS non-conf)
I am wrong about: Kansas. The Jayhawks doubled my predicted win total by beating Northern Illinois last weekend. The offense has put up over 40 points in both contests. The Big 12 will still likely be a harsh reality for Kansas, but there are some winnable home games and a trip to Ames that could get them 4 or 5 wins this year.
I am also wrong about: Missouri. My prediction for Missouri had them grouped with the Oklahoma teams and Texas A&M as Big 12 Title contenders. I was wrong. They are in the group with Texas and Baylor that are not serious threats for the title. Arizona State might be really good, but inconsistent quarterback play and defensive injuries will hold the Tigers back this year.
Bowl Changes: Texas and Baylor move ahead of Missouri with the likelihood they will be selected before the Tigers at this time.
My Record: 11-4
This Week: Iowa State over Connecticut, Georgia Tech over Kansas, Texas over UCLA, Texas Tech over New Mexico, Missouri over Western Illinois, Baylor over Stephen F Austin, Texas A&M over Idaho, Kansas State over Kent State, Florida State over Oklahoma, Oklahoma State over Tulsa
Big Ten (7-5 for the week, 17-7 overall, 17-7 non-conference, 2-4 BCS non-conf)
I was wrong about: Iowa. Everyone says the Hawkeyes are most dangerous in the years where they are not expected to do anything. Apparently they are very dangerous now because I really don't expect much from this group after losing to Iowa State. I am giving them the benefit of the doubt with a bounce-back win over Pittsburgh this week, but a team that loses to the Cyclones does not compete for a Legends Division Title.
Bowl Changes: Michigan climbs the ladder in the selection order, while Iowa falls to the bottom of the chain.
My Record: 19-5
This Week: Michigan over Eastern Michigan, Penn State over Temple, Iowa over Pittsburgh, Purdue over SE Missouri State, Indiana over South Carolina State, Michigan State over Notre Dame, Miami(OH) over Minnesota, Nebraska over Washington, Army over Northwestern, Wisconsin over Northern Illinois, Illinois over Arizona State, Ohio State over Miami(FL)
PAC-12 (8-4 for the week, 16-8 overall, 15-7 non-conference, 4-4 BCS non-conf)
I was wrong about: Arizona State. Well, kind of. I had them winning the PAC-12 South. The Missouri win might vault them to more special achievements this year. Last year they could not win the close games. If they reverse that trend, which they started last week, this team will compete for a BCS bowl, which I did not expect.
Bowl Changes: Currently none.
My Record: 19-3
This Week: Colorado over Colorado State, Texas over UCLA, Nebraska over Washington, Oregon over Missouri State, California over Presbyterian, San Diego State over Washington State, Illinois over Arizona State, USC over Syracuse, BYU over Utah, Stanford over Arizona
SEC (10-2 for the week, 20-4 overall, 18-2 non-conference, 4-0 BCS non-conf)
I was wrong about: Auburn. The Tigers are better (luckier??) than I thought. The schedule is still not easy, but Auburn appears good enough to at least win 6 or 7 games and get bowl-eligible. This weeks game against Clemson is huge, as it might just take one loss to send this ship in the wrong direction.
I was also wrong about: Mississippi State. The Rebels seemed poised to be the surprise SEC team this year. If Chris Relf pitches the ball, they might still be. This team has the talent to contend, but I don't think they believe they can play with the top tier. They can prove me wrong this week against LSU, but I doubt they will fool me again.
Bowl Changes: Auburn is added to the bowl-eligible list and leaps over Kentucky, Tennessee and probably Mississippi State in attractiveness. South Carolina and Arkansas are firmly #'s 3 and 4 behind Alabama and LSU. Florida and Georgia join Auburn in the middle.
My Record: 19-3
This Week: LSU over Mississippi State, Auburn over Clemson, Mississippi over Vanderbilt, Georgia over Coastal Carolina, Florida over Tennessee, South Carolina over Navy, Kentucky over Louisville, Arkansas over Troy, Alabama over North Texas
Conference USA (6-5 this week, 11-11 overall, 9-9 non-conference, 3-8 BCS non-conf)
I was wrong about: Southern Mississippi. The Golden Eagles could have competed for a spot in the C-USA Championship Game. The loss to Marshall throws them back in the pack with East Carolina, UAB and now Marshall in a struggle for one of the open bowl spots in the conference.
Bowl Changes: Currently None.
My Record: 18-2
This Week: UAB over Tulane, Ohio over Marshall, Memphis over Austin Peay, Houston over Louisiana Tech, Southern Mississippi over SE Louisiana, New Mexico State over UTEP, SMU over Northwestern State, Oklahoma State over Tulsa, Central Florida over Florida International
Mountain West (4-3 for the week, 9-6 overall, 7-4 non-conference, 1-3 BCS non-conf)
I was wrong about: TCU and Air Force. Only because I over-reacted to week 1. I need to stop doing that.
Bowl Changes: Back to the pre-season order.
My Record: 11-2
This Week: Boise State over Toledo, Bowling Green over Wyoming, Colorado over Colorado State, TCU over Louisiana-Monroe, Texas Tech over New Mexico, San Diego State over Washington State, Hawaii over UNLV
MAC (6-6 for the week, 14-11 overall, 13-10 non-conference, 1-9 BCS non-conf)
I was wrong about: No teams (yet).
Bowl Changes: Currently none.
My Record: 20-4
This Week: Boise State over Toledo, Michigan over Eastern Michigan, Bowling Green over Wyoming, Penn State over Temple, Western Michigan over Central Michigan, Miami over Minnesota, Cincinnati over Akron, Wisconsin over Northern Illinois, Ohio over Marshall, Ball State over Buffalo, Kansas State over Kent State
WAC (4-4 for the week, 5-10 overall, 5-10 non-conference, 2-7 BCS non-conf)
I was wrong about: New Mexico State. The victory over the Gophers shows this team might be ready to be more than a doormat. I predicted one win. 3 or 4 is well within reach now.
Bowl Changes: Currently none.
My Record: 13-2
This week: Nevada over San Jose State, Texas A&M over Idaho, Houston over Louisiana Tech, New Mexico State over UTEP, Fresno State over North Dakota, Hawaii over UNLV
Sun Belt (4-4 for the week, 5-12 overall, 4-11 non-conf, 1-9 BCS non-conf)
I was wrong about: Florida International. I had FIU grouped among 4 Sun Belt Title contenders. They are clearly the best team in the league right now.
Bowl Changes: Arkansas State and Louisiana-Monroe lose spots to BCS leagues that will now fulfill their tie-ins.
My Record: 14-2
This Week: TCU over Louisiana-Monroe, Virginia Tech over Arkansas State, Western Kentucky over Indiana State, Louisiana-Lafayette over Nicholls State, Arkansas over Troy, Alabama over North Texas, Central Florida over Florida International
Independents (1-3 for the week, 3-5 overall, 1-3 BCS)
I was wrong about: Notre Dame. That was fast. I have thrown out the kool-aid. I will never drink the golden kool-aid again. Special teams figure out a way to win. Forgettable teams find a way to lose. 2011 Notre Dame Football will be forgettable.
Bowl Changes: Army is teetering on bowl non-eligibility. Notre Dame drops from the BCS.
My Record: 6-2
This Week: Michigan State over Notre Dame, South Carolina over Navy, BYU over Utah, Army over Northwestern
Updated Bowl Predictions
National Championship Game: Florida State vs Alabama
Rose: Wisconsin vs Oregon
Sugar: Oklahoma vs West Virginia
Fiesta: Oklahoma State vs Boise State
Orange: LSU vs Virginia Tech
Capitol One: South Carolina vs Nebraska
Gator: Florida vs Ohio State
Cotton: Texas A&M vs Arkansas
Alamo: Texas vs Stanford
Outback: Georgia vs Michigan State
Chick Fil-A: Auburn vs Maryland
Sun: Washington vs Miami(FL)
Holiday: Arizona State vs Texas Tech
Champs: Notre Dame vs North Carolina
Liberty: Tennessee vs Central Florida
Belk: South Florida vs North Carolina State
Independence: Georgia Tech vs Air Force
Music City: Mississippi State vs Clemson
Pinstripe: Pittsburgh vs Northwestern
Kraft Fight Hunger: California vs Army
Meineke Car Care: Penn State vs Missouri
Insight: Baylor vs Michigan
Ticket City: Illinois vs East Carolina
Little Caesars: Iowa vs Northern Illinois
Humanitarian: Miami(OH) vs Fresno State
Hawaii: Hawaii vs SMU
Beef O'Bradys: Syracuse vs Houston
Armed Forces: BYU vs Tulsa
Las Vegas: Utah vs TCU
Poinsettia: San Diego State vs Nevada
GoDaddy.com: Toledo vs Troy
New Orleans: Southern Mississippi vs Florida International
BBVA Compass: Kentucky vs Cincinnati
New Mexico: Louisiana Tech vs Colorado State
Military: Navy vs Western Michigan
Thursday, September 8, 2011
2011 NFL Predictions
I keep hearing that every year, 5 playoff teams change from the previous year. It has also been 7 years since the Super Bowl Champion won a playoff game the next year. The NFC has had 10 different Super Bowl representatives in the last 10 years. Are these reliable trends or merely coincidental? Will the lockout and strange off-season be enough to alter those trends at least for 1 year?
First, will 5 playoff teams change from a year ago? I have 4 likely choices that immediately come to mind in Indianapolis, Kansas City, Chicago and Seattle. If I a 5th is going to emerge, New Orleans or Baltimore would be next in line.
Second, will the Super Bowl Champions win a playoff game? The NFL playoffs have become so unpredictable that nobody can say with certainty on this one. Hot teams, injuries, weather...all can alter the landscape dramatically. That being said, Green Bay was the hot team last year and may have won before their time. Also, the Packers two previous Super Bowl runs have involved back-to-back appearances.
Third, will an 11th NFC team represent in this year's big game? The five remaining choices are Washington, Dallas, Minnesota, Detroit and San Francisco. Could Dallas have just been a year late to play in their home stadium? Other than the Cowboys, you would not think any of the remaining four are ready.
So here are the official Jabesblog predictions for the 2011 NFL season (keeping in mind I had 7 of 12 playoff teams correct in 2010, 2 championship game reps, and 0 Super Bowl teams). I just do it for fun people.
AFC EAST
1. New England Patriots
2. New York Jets
3. Miami Dolphins
4. Buffalo Bills
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. Cleveland Browns
4. Cincinnati Bengals
AFC South
1. Houston Texans
2. Indianapolis Colts
3. Tennessee Titans
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
AFC West
1. San Diego Chargers
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. Oakland Raiders
4. Denver Broncos
NFC East
1. Dallas Cowboys
2. Philadelphia Eagles
3. New York Giants
4. Washington Redskins
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers
2. Detroit Lions
3. Chicago Bears
4. Minnesota Vikings
NFC South
1. Atlanta Falcons
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4. Carolina Panthers
NFC West
1. St. Louis Rams
2. Arizona Cardinals
3. San Francisco 49ers
4. Seattle Seahawks
AFC Wildcard
Baltimore Ravens over San Diego Chargers
New York Jets over Houston Texans
NFC Wildcard
Philadelphia Eagles over St. Louis Rams
Dallas Cowboys over New Orleans Saints
AFC Divisional Playoff
New England Patriots over Baltimore Ravens
New York Jets over Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC Divisional Playoff
Atlanta Falcons over Dallas Cowboys
Green Bay Packers over Philadelphia Eagles
AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots over New York Jets
NFC Championship Game
Green Bay Packers over Atlanta Falcons
Super Bowl
New England Patriots over Green Bay Packers
First, will 5 playoff teams change from a year ago? I have 4 likely choices that immediately come to mind in Indianapolis, Kansas City, Chicago and Seattle. If I a 5th is going to emerge, New Orleans or Baltimore would be next in line.
Second, will the Super Bowl Champions win a playoff game? The NFL playoffs have become so unpredictable that nobody can say with certainty on this one. Hot teams, injuries, weather...all can alter the landscape dramatically. That being said, Green Bay was the hot team last year and may have won before their time. Also, the Packers two previous Super Bowl runs have involved back-to-back appearances.
Third, will an 11th NFC team represent in this year's big game? The five remaining choices are Washington, Dallas, Minnesota, Detroit and San Francisco. Could Dallas have just been a year late to play in their home stadium? Other than the Cowboys, you would not think any of the remaining four are ready.
So here are the official Jabesblog predictions for the 2011 NFL season (keeping in mind I had 7 of 12 playoff teams correct in 2010, 2 championship game reps, and 0 Super Bowl teams). I just do it for fun people.
AFC EAST
1. New England Patriots
2. New York Jets
3. Miami Dolphins
4. Buffalo Bills
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. Cleveland Browns
4. Cincinnati Bengals
AFC South
1. Houston Texans
2. Indianapolis Colts
3. Tennessee Titans
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
AFC West
1. San Diego Chargers
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. Oakland Raiders
4. Denver Broncos
NFC East
1. Dallas Cowboys
2. Philadelphia Eagles
3. New York Giants
4. Washington Redskins
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers
2. Detroit Lions
3. Chicago Bears
4. Minnesota Vikings
NFC South
1. Atlanta Falcons
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4. Carolina Panthers
NFC West
1. St. Louis Rams
2. Arizona Cardinals
3. San Francisco 49ers
4. Seattle Seahawks
AFC Wildcard
Baltimore Ravens over San Diego Chargers
New York Jets over Houston Texans
NFC Wildcard
Philadelphia Eagles over St. Louis Rams
Dallas Cowboys over New Orleans Saints
AFC Divisional Playoff
New England Patriots over Baltimore Ravens
New York Jets over Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC Divisional Playoff
Atlanta Falcons over Dallas Cowboys
Green Bay Packers over Philadelphia Eagles
AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots over New York Jets
NFC Championship Game
Green Bay Packers over Atlanta Falcons
Super Bowl
New England Patriots over Green Bay Packers
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
College Football Rewind - Week 1
The 2011 Opening Weekend in College Football is now history. While there were few surprises, it did not take long for some interesting developments to occur. It also did not take long for my predictions to take a hit, mainly due to an unwarranted change in my opinion on the Oregon/LSU game (more on this later). Here is a conference-by-conference look at the week that was in "Amatuer" Football.
ACC (8-4 for the week, 7-3 non-conference, 0-2 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Georgia Tech. The offense racked up 662 yards of total offense, including 365 through the air. It was only Western Carolina, but if the offense plays like this, Georgia Tech will be a bowl-eligible team in 2011.
Unpleasant Surprise: Duke. I thought Duke might have enough offensive firepower to improve this year. A loss to Richmond says otherwise.
Unpleasant Surpirse II: Maryland's uniforms. If you haven't seen them you need to. In a you have to see them they are so awful sort of way.
Bowl Changes: Currently none. Florida State, Virginia Tech and Maryland all looked strong. Notre Dame's loss moves Virginia Tech on the cusp of a BCS berth. Georgia Tech or Virginia could grab another bowl spot for the ACC, but a rugged conference schedule awaits for each.
My record: 10-1 (missed Richmond over Duke)
This Week: Florida State over Charleston Southern, Virginia Tech over East Carolina, Clemson over Wofford, North Carolina State over Wake Forest, Georgia Tech over Middle Tennessee, North Carolina over Rutgers, Virginia over Indiana, Stanford over Duke, Central Florida over Boston College (Maryland and Miami are idle)
Big East (8-0 for the week, 8-0 non-conference, 1-0 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: South Florida. Going to South Bend and returning victorious is a major accomplishment for this program. It is also a victory that can provide enough confidence to win a Big East title.
Unpleasant Surprise: Syracuse. A win is a win, or at least that is what the Orange should be telling themselves. A home overtime win over an ACC cellar-dwellar is hardly a quality win.
Bowl Changes: Currently none. More impressive play could lead South Florida to leadfrog Pittsburgh or even West Virginia. Syracuse is now treading on thin ice and Cincinnati looks better than advertised, although I want to see them play someone other than Austin Peay before I rush to judgement.
My Record: 7-1 (missed South Florida over Notre Dame)
This Week: West Virginia over Norfolk State, Pittsburgh over Maine, South Florida over Ball State, Syracuse over Rhode Island, Connecticut over Vanderbilt, Louisville over Florida International, Tennessee over Cincinnati, North Carolina over Rutgers
Big 12 (10-0 for the week, 10-0 non-conference, 0-0 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Baylor. The Baylor offense put up 50 points on a TCU defense that usually gives up 50 over 5 games. The Bears almost blew it in the end, but this was a huge victory for a team many thought would be home for the bowl season.
Unpleasant Surprise: Iowa State. The Cyclones squeaked out a 20-19 win over in-state foe Northern Iowa. That is correct, I did say Northern.
Bowl Changes: Currently none. Oklahoma State will have to be better on defense and turn the ball over less to reach my predicted heights. Baylor was impressive, but remains behind Texas in my Big 12 pecking order.
My Record: 9-1 (missed Baylor over TCU)
This Week: Oklahoma State over Arizona, Missouri over Arizona State (sticking with this despite Missouri injuries), Iowa over Iowa State, Texas over BYU, Northern Illinois over Kansas
Big Ten (10-2 for the week, 10-2 non-conference, 1-1 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Michigan. More specifically, the Michigan defense. If the Wolverines are to return to prominence, the defense will need to continue what it started in 2011. The pass rush looked great, which can make up for holes elsewhere.
Unpleasant Surprise: Indiana. The Kevin Wilson era got off to a rocky start. Losing to a middle-of-the-road MAC Team in Ball State is not a good omen for Big Ten competition.
Bowl Changes: Currently none. Wisconsin looked solid, as did contenders Nebraska and Ohio State. This is a deep league and will be won by the team who does not trip up against the perceived middle teams in the conference.
My Record: 11-1 (missed Ball State over Indiana)
This Week: Iowa over Iowa State, Michigan State over Florida Atlantic, Ohio State over Toledo, Wisconsin over Oregon State, Illinois over South Dakota State, Northwestern over Eastern Illinois, Minnesota over New Mexico State, Alabama over Penn State, Purdue over Rice, Virginia over Indiana, Nebraska over Fresno State, Notre Dame over Michigan
PAC-12 (8-4 for the week, 8-4 non-conference, 1-1 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Washington State. Anytime the Cougars put up 64 points, regardless of the competition, it's a surprise. In a down week for the conference, Washington State was one of the few bright spots.
Unpleasant Surprise: The Conference. Oregon State would be an easy target, but the entire conference struggled in the first week. In addition to the 4 losses, USC had to hang on for dear life against Minnesota and Washington was fortunate to beat FCS member Eastern Washington. Once again, the SEC's best made the PAC-12's best look inferior. This is no East Coast Bias. This is all fact.
Bowl Changes: Currently none. I will stick with Oregon over Stanford for the conference crown at this point, but the blueprint for beating the Ducks may be out there now.
My Record: 10-2 (missed Sacramento State over Oregon State and LSU over Oregon)
This Week: Oklahoma State over Arizona, Missouri over Arizona State, Wisconsin over Oregon State, California over Colorado, Stanford over Duke, Washington over Hawaii, Oregon over Nevada, Washington State over UNLV, USC over Utah, UCLA over San Jose State
SEC (10-2 for the week, 10-2 non-conference, 1-0 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: LSU. I admit I was tricked. Bamboozled. The suspension of Jordan Jefferson should have made no difference. He was the reason I already thought LSU would trip up twice in conference. I knew that the LSU defense would dominate a new Oregon O-Line. Yet I changed my stance on this game because of Jordan Jefferson. Irregardless, LSU looked like a National Title contender for one game. I still wonder whether there will be enough offense all season long. We shall see....
Unpleasant Surprise: Auburn. I am one who thinks Auburn is in for a long season. I did not think they would need Utah State to gift-wrap them a victory.
Bowl Changes: Currently none. I did hedge by keeping LSU in a BCS Bowl. Kentucky was unimpressive and may not be a bowl team this year.
My Record: 11-1 (missed LSU over Oregon)
This Week: Kentucky over Central Michigan, Alabama over Penn State, Tennessee over Cincinnati, Mississippi over Southern Illinois, Arkansas over New Mexico, Florida over UAB, Connecticut over Vanderbilt, LSU over Nortwestern State, Mississippi State over Auburn, South Carolina over Georgia
Conference USA (5-6 this week, 5-6 non-conference, 1-6 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Southern Mississippi. Finding a way to win over a comparable WAC team was big.
Unpleasant Surprise: SMU. I did not expect the Mustangs to beat Texas A&M, but a 46-14 trouncing does not instill confidence in my pick for C-USA Champion. I hope to find out that the Aggies are that good and that SMU just had a bad game.
Bowl Changes: Currently none. Houston and Central Florida could overtake SMU with more performances like week 1.
My Record: 11-0
This Week: Virginia Tech over East Carolina, Purdue over Rice, Southern Mississippi over Marshall, Tulsa over Tulane, Florida over UAB, Houston over North Texas, Arkansas State over Memphis, SMU over UTEP, Central Florida over Boston College
Mountain West (5-3 for the week, 4-2 non-conference, 1-2 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Boise State. Once again Boise State took care of the ranked, tradition-rich BCS school. They will now be favored from here on out.
Unpleasant Surprise: TCU. More specifically, the vaunted TCU defense. Breaking in a new QB, you would think 48 points would be enough. If the TCU defense struggles like this there will be games where the offense won't be able to pull this off.
Bowl Changes: I am picking Air Force over TCU this week, so that would mean I have Air Force moving to the Las Vegas Bowl and TCU moving back to the Independence Bowl.
My Record: 6-1 (missed Baylor over TCU)
This Week: San Diego State over Army, Colorado State over Northern Colorado, Washington State over UNLV, Wyoming over Texas State, Arkansas over New Mexico, Air Force over TCU
MAC (8-5 for the week, 8-5 non-conference, 1-5 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Ball State. A victory over a Big Ten school is huge for a MAC Team. Even better to be a team in-state that you recruit against. Honorable mention to Bowling Green for an impressive road win.
Unpleasant Surprise: Western Michigan. I thought Western would give Michigan more troubles. It is hard to say with the weather complications if this was a true representation. The game really turned on one play, so the Broncos may be fine.
Bowl Changes: Currently none.
My Record: 11-2 (missed Bowling Green over Idaho and Ball State over Indiana)
This Week: Kentucky over Central Michigan, Ohio State over Toledo, Eastern Michigan over Alabama State, Temple over Akron, Buffalo over Stony Brook, South Florida over Ball State, Bowling Green over Morgan State, Ohio over Gardener Webb, Northern Illinois over Kansas, Kent State over Louisiana-Lafayette, Western Michigan over Nicholls State
WAC (1-6 for the week, 1-6 non-conference, 1-3 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Hawaii. The only WAC team to win this week. Period. Utah State was an execution away from this list.
Unpleasant Surprise: Idaho. Getting wacked at home by Bowling Green will do nothing for your bowl chances or the outlook for this conference.
Bowl Changes: Currently none. I had Louisiana Tech and Fresno State losing this week, so the league remains at 4 bids.
My Record: 6-1 (missed Bowling Green over Idaho)
This week: Minnesota over New Mexico State, Washington over Hawaii, Oregon over Nevada, Idaho over North Dakota, Nebraska over Fresno State, Louisiana Tech over Central Arkansas, Utah State over Weber State, UCLA over San Jose State
Sun Belt (1-8 for the week, 0-7 non-conf, 0-7 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Florida International. Again, the only Sun Belt team to win and it was over another Sun Belt team. Kudos for taking on the BCS leagues, but thumbs down for losing them all (although Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky held their own).
Unpleasant Surprise: Louisian-Monroe. My sleeper team in the Sun Belt could not get on the scoreboard against Florida State.
Bowl Changes: Currently none.
My Record: 8-0
This Week: Louisville over Florida International, Michigan State over Florida Atlantic, Navy over Western Kentucky, Houston over North Texas, Arkansas State over Memphis, Kent State over Louisiana Lafayette, Georgia Tech over Middle Tennessee, Louisiana Monroe over Grambling State
Independents (2-2 for the week, 1-1 BCS)
Pleasant Surprise: Navy. The Midshipmen were the most impressive Independent of the week.
Unpleasant Surprise: Notre Dame. I bought into the Notre Dame kool-aid. They better get it together, because I do not even like that kool-aid.
Bowl Changes: The more I look at, the Army vs Temple game might be for a bowl bid. I will stick with Army for now.
My Record: 3-1
This Week: San Diego State over Army, Navy over Western Kentucky, Texas over BYU, Notre Dame over Michigan
ACC (8-4 for the week, 7-3 non-conference, 0-2 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Georgia Tech. The offense racked up 662 yards of total offense, including 365 through the air. It was only Western Carolina, but if the offense plays like this, Georgia Tech will be a bowl-eligible team in 2011.
Unpleasant Surprise: Duke. I thought Duke might have enough offensive firepower to improve this year. A loss to Richmond says otherwise.
Unpleasant Surpirse II: Maryland's uniforms. If you haven't seen them you need to. In a you have to see them they are so awful sort of way.
Bowl Changes: Currently none. Florida State, Virginia Tech and Maryland all looked strong. Notre Dame's loss moves Virginia Tech on the cusp of a BCS berth. Georgia Tech or Virginia could grab another bowl spot for the ACC, but a rugged conference schedule awaits for each.
My record: 10-1 (missed Richmond over Duke)
This Week: Florida State over Charleston Southern, Virginia Tech over East Carolina, Clemson over Wofford, North Carolina State over Wake Forest, Georgia Tech over Middle Tennessee, North Carolina over Rutgers, Virginia over Indiana, Stanford over Duke, Central Florida over Boston College (Maryland and Miami are idle)
Big East (8-0 for the week, 8-0 non-conference, 1-0 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: South Florida. Going to South Bend and returning victorious is a major accomplishment for this program. It is also a victory that can provide enough confidence to win a Big East title.
Unpleasant Surprise: Syracuse. A win is a win, or at least that is what the Orange should be telling themselves. A home overtime win over an ACC cellar-dwellar is hardly a quality win.
Bowl Changes: Currently none. More impressive play could lead South Florida to leadfrog Pittsburgh or even West Virginia. Syracuse is now treading on thin ice and Cincinnati looks better than advertised, although I want to see them play someone other than Austin Peay before I rush to judgement.
My Record: 7-1 (missed South Florida over Notre Dame)
This Week: West Virginia over Norfolk State, Pittsburgh over Maine, South Florida over Ball State, Syracuse over Rhode Island, Connecticut over Vanderbilt, Louisville over Florida International, Tennessee over Cincinnati, North Carolina over Rutgers
Big 12 (10-0 for the week, 10-0 non-conference, 0-0 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Baylor. The Baylor offense put up 50 points on a TCU defense that usually gives up 50 over 5 games. The Bears almost blew it in the end, but this was a huge victory for a team many thought would be home for the bowl season.
Unpleasant Surprise: Iowa State. The Cyclones squeaked out a 20-19 win over in-state foe Northern Iowa. That is correct, I did say Northern.
Bowl Changes: Currently none. Oklahoma State will have to be better on defense and turn the ball over less to reach my predicted heights. Baylor was impressive, but remains behind Texas in my Big 12 pecking order.
My Record: 9-1 (missed Baylor over TCU)
This Week: Oklahoma State over Arizona, Missouri over Arizona State (sticking with this despite Missouri injuries), Iowa over Iowa State, Texas over BYU, Northern Illinois over Kansas
Big Ten (10-2 for the week, 10-2 non-conference, 1-1 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Michigan. More specifically, the Michigan defense. If the Wolverines are to return to prominence, the defense will need to continue what it started in 2011. The pass rush looked great, which can make up for holes elsewhere.
Unpleasant Surprise: Indiana. The Kevin Wilson era got off to a rocky start. Losing to a middle-of-the-road MAC Team in Ball State is not a good omen for Big Ten competition.
Bowl Changes: Currently none. Wisconsin looked solid, as did contenders Nebraska and Ohio State. This is a deep league and will be won by the team who does not trip up against the perceived middle teams in the conference.
My Record: 11-1 (missed Ball State over Indiana)
This Week: Iowa over Iowa State, Michigan State over Florida Atlantic, Ohio State over Toledo, Wisconsin over Oregon State, Illinois over South Dakota State, Northwestern over Eastern Illinois, Minnesota over New Mexico State, Alabama over Penn State, Purdue over Rice, Virginia over Indiana, Nebraska over Fresno State, Notre Dame over Michigan
PAC-12 (8-4 for the week, 8-4 non-conference, 1-1 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Washington State. Anytime the Cougars put up 64 points, regardless of the competition, it's a surprise. In a down week for the conference, Washington State was one of the few bright spots.
Unpleasant Surprise: The Conference. Oregon State would be an easy target, but the entire conference struggled in the first week. In addition to the 4 losses, USC had to hang on for dear life against Minnesota and Washington was fortunate to beat FCS member Eastern Washington. Once again, the SEC's best made the PAC-12's best look inferior. This is no East Coast Bias. This is all fact.
Bowl Changes: Currently none. I will stick with Oregon over Stanford for the conference crown at this point, but the blueprint for beating the Ducks may be out there now.
My Record: 10-2 (missed Sacramento State over Oregon State and LSU over Oregon)
This Week: Oklahoma State over Arizona, Missouri over Arizona State, Wisconsin over Oregon State, California over Colorado, Stanford over Duke, Washington over Hawaii, Oregon over Nevada, Washington State over UNLV, USC over Utah, UCLA over San Jose State
SEC (10-2 for the week, 10-2 non-conference, 1-0 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: LSU. I admit I was tricked. Bamboozled. The suspension of Jordan Jefferson should have made no difference. He was the reason I already thought LSU would trip up twice in conference. I knew that the LSU defense would dominate a new Oregon O-Line. Yet I changed my stance on this game because of Jordan Jefferson. Irregardless, LSU looked like a National Title contender for one game. I still wonder whether there will be enough offense all season long. We shall see....
Unpleasant Surprise: Auburn. I am one who thinks Auburn is in for a long season. I did not think they would need Utah State to gift-wrap them a victory.
Bowl Changes: Currently none. I did hedge by keeping LSU in a BCS Bowl. Kentucky was unimpressive and may not be a bowl team this year.
My Record: 11-1 (missed LSU over Oregon)
This Week: Kentucky over Central Michigan, Alabama over Penn State, Tennessee over Cincinnati, Mississippi over Southern Illinois, Arkansas over New Mexico, Florida over UAB, Connecticut over Vanderbilt, LSU over Nortwestern State, Mississippi State over Auburn, South Carolina over Georgia
Conference USA (5-6 this week, 5-6 non-conference, 1-6 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Southern Mississippi. Finding a way to win over a comparable WAC team was big.
Unpleasant Surprise: SMU. I did not expect the Mustangs to beat Texas A&M, but a 46-14 trouncing does not instill confidence in my pick for C-USA Champion. I hope to find out that the Aggies are that good and that SMU just had a bad game.
Bowl Changes: Currently none. Houston and Central Florida could overtake SMU with more performances like week 1.
My Record: 11-0
This Week: Virginia Tech over East Carolina, Purdue over Rice, Southern Mississippi over Marshall, Tulsa over Tulane, Florida over UAB, Houston over North Texas, Arkansas State over Memphis, SMU over UTEP, Central Florida over Boston College
Mountain West (5-3 for the week, 4-2 non-conference, 1-2 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Boise State. Once again Boise State took care of the ranked, tradition-rich BCS school. They will now be favored from here on out.
Unpleasant Surprise: TCU. More specifically, the vaunted TCU defense. Breaking in a new QB, you would think 48 points would be enough. If the TCU defense struggles like this there will be games where the offense won't be able to pull this off.
Bowl Changes: I am picking Air Force over TCU this week, so that would mean I have Air Force moving to the Las Vegas Bowl and TCU moving back to the Independence Bowl.
My Record: 6-1 (missed Baylor over TCU)
This Week: San Diego State over Army, Colorado State over Northern Colorado, Washington State over UNLV, Wyoming over Texas State, Arkansas over New Mexico, Air Force over TCU
MAC (8-5 for the week, 8-5 non-conference, 1-5 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Ball State. A victory over a Big Ten school is huge for a MAC Team. Even better to be a team in-state that you recruit against. Honorable mention to Bowling Green for an impressive road win.
Unpleasant Surprise: Western Michigan. I thought Western would give Michigan more troubles. It is hard to say with the weather complications if this was a true representation. The game really turned on one play, so the Broncos may be fine.
Bowl Changes: Currently none.
My Record: 11-2 (missed Bowling Green over Idaho and Ball State over Indiana)
This Week: Kentucky over Central Michigan, Ohio State over Toledo, Eastern Michigan over Alabama State, Temple over Akron, Buffalo over Stony Brook, South Florida over Ball State, Bowling Green over Morgan State, Ohio over Gardener Webb, Northern Illinois over Kansas, Kent State over Louisiana-Lafayette, Western Michigan over Nicholls State
WAC (1-6 for the week, 1-6 non-conference, 1-3 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Hawaii. The only WAC team to win this week. Period. Utah State was an execution away from this list.
Unpleasant Surprise: Idaho. Getting wacked at home by Bowling Green will do nothing for your bowl chances or the outlook for this conference.
Bowl Changes: Currently none. I had Louisiana Tech and Fresno State losing this week, so the league remains at 4 bids.
My Record: 6-1 (missed Bowling Green over Idaho)
This week: Minnesota over New Mexico State, Washington over Hawaii, Oregon over Nevada, Idaho over North Dakota, Nebraska over Fresno State, Louisiana Tech over Central Arkansas, Utah State over Weber State, UCLA over San Jose State
Sun Belt (1-8 for the week, 0-7 non-conf, 0-7 BCS non-conf)
Pleasant Surprise: Florida International. Again, the only Sun Belt team to win and it was over another Sun Belt team. Kudos for taking on the BCS leagues, but thumbs down for losing them all (although Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky held their own).
Unpleasant Surprise: Louisian-Monroe. My sleeper team in the Sun Belt could not get on the scoreboard against Florida State.
Bowl Changes: Currently none.
My Record: 8-0
This Week: Louisville over Florida International, Michigan State over Florida Atlantic, Navy over Western Kentucky, Houston over North Texas, Arkansas State over Memphis, Kent State over Louisiana Lafayette, Georgia Tech over Middle Tennessee, Louisiana Monroe over Grambling State
Independents (2-2 for the week, 1-1 BCS)
Pleasant Surprise: Navy. The Midshipmen were the most impressive Independent of the week.
Unpleasant Surprise: Notre Dame. I bought into the Notre Dame kool-aid. They better get it together, because I do not even like that kool-aid.
Bowl Changes: The more I look at, the Army vs Temple game might be for a bowl bid. I will stick with Army for now.
My Record: 3-1
This Week: San Diego State over Army, Navy over Western Kentucky, Texas over BYU, Notre Dame over Michigan
Thursday, September 1, 2011
2011 College Football Preview - Top 74 (Updated September 1, 2011)
Jabesblog will start its 2011 College Football Preview with a reveal of my Top 74 teams. Why 74 you ask? I am predicting that there will be 74 teams with bowl-eligible records. With 70 spots available in bowls, 4 of these teams will be left out. At the current time, one of these 74 teams is ineligible for a bowl in 2011 (USC). A second team could be added to this equation pending the NCAA investigation of Ohio State. I have left records out at this point and will reveal them in the Conference Previews.
- Florida State Seminoles
- Alabama Crimson Tide
- Boise State Broncos
- Oregon Ducks
- Oklahoma State Cowboys
- Virginia Tech Hokies
- Oklahoma Sooners
- Wisconsin Badgers
- Texas A&M Aggies
- Stanford Cardinal
- Nebraska Cornhuskers
- LSU Tigers
- Michigan State Spartans
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- South Carolina Gamecocks
- Missouri Tigers
- Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Georgia Bulldogs
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Arkansas Razorbacks
- Maryland Terrapins
- USC Trojans
- Texas Longhorns
- West Virginia Mountaineers
- Florida Gators
- North Carolina State Wolfpack
- TCU Horned Frogs
- Iowa Hawkeyes
- BYU Cougars
- Pittsburgh Panthers
- Washington Huskies
- Illinois Fighting Illini
- South Florida Bulls
- Air Force Falcons
- Northwestern Wildcats
- Penn State Nittany Lions
- Clemson Tigers
- Arizona State Sun Devils
- Southern Methodist Mustangs
- Houston Cougars
- Michigan Wolverines
- North Carolina Tar Heels
- Northern Illinois Huskies
- Miami Hurricanes
- Syracuse Orange
- Nevada Wolfpack
- San Diego State Aztecs
- Tennessee Volunteers
- Utah Utes
- Central Florida Golden Knights
- Tulsa Golden Hurricane
- Hawaii Fighting Rainbows
- Toledo Rockets
- Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles
- Connecticut Huskies
- Navy Midshipmen
- Baylor Bears
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
- California Golden Bears
- Kentucky Wildcats
- Miami (Oh) Redhawks
- Army Black Knights
- Fresno State Bulldogs
- East Carolina Pirates
- Western Michigan Broncos
- Florida International Golden Panthers
- UAB Blazers
- Troy Trojans
- Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
- Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks
- Arkansas State Redwolves
- Colorado State Rams
- Ohio Bobcats
- Temple Owls
Other Conference Projected Standings and Bowls
Conference USA East Projected Standings
Central Florida, 6-2, 9-4 (Armed Forces Bowl)
Southern Mississippi, 5-3, 8-4 (New Orleans Bowl)
East Carolina 5-3, 6-6 (Ticket City Bowl)
UAB, 4-4, 6-6
Marshall, 4-4, 5-7
Memphis, 0-8, 1-11
Conference USA West Projected Standings
SMU, 7-1, 10-3 (Liberty Bowl)
Houston, 6-2, 10-2 (Hawaii Bowl)
Tulsa, 6-2, 7-5 (Beef O'Brady's Bowl)
Rice, 2-6, 2-10
Tulane, 2-6, 3-10
UTEP, 1-7, 3-9
Conference USA Championship Game: SMU over Central Florida
Mountain West Projected Standings
Boise State, 7-0, 12-0 (Fiesta Bowl)
TCU, 5-2, 9-3 (Las Vegas Bowl)
Air Force, 5-2, 9-3 (Independence Bowl)
San Diego State, 5-2, 8-4 (Poinsettia Bowl)
Colorado State, 3-4, 6-6 (New Mexico Bowl)
Wyoming, 2-5, 5-7
New Mexico, 1-6, 3-9
UNLV, 0-7, 1-11
MAC East Projected Standings
Miami, 7-1, 8-5 (Humanitarian Bowl)
Ohio, 6-2, 7-5
Temple, 5-3, 6-6
Kent State, 3-5, 5-7
Bowling Green, 3-5, 4-8
Buffalo, 1-7, 2-10
Akron, 1-7, 2-10
MAC West Projected Standings
Toledo, 7-1, 9-4 (GoDaddy.Com Bowl)
Northern Illinois, 7-1, 10-2 (Little Caesars Bowl)
Western Michigan, 6-2, 8-4 (Military Bowl)
Central Michigan, 3-5, 4-8
Ball State, 2-6, 2-10
Eastern Michigan, 1-7, 3-9
MAC Championship Game: Toledo over Miami
WAC Projected Standings
Nevada, 7-0, 9-3 (Poinsettia Bowl)
Hawaii, 5-2, 9-4 (Hawaii Bowl)
Fresno State, 5-2, 7-6 (Humanitarian Bowl)
Lousiana Tech, 5-2, 6-6 (New Mexico Bowl)
Idaho, 2-5, 4-8
Utah State, 2-5, 4-8
San Jose State, 1-6, 1-11
New Mexico State, 1-6, 1-11
Sun Belt Projected Standings
Florida International, 6-2, 7-5 (New Orleans Bowl)
Troy, 6-2, 6-6 (GoDaddy.com Bowl)
Louisiana-Monroe, 6-2, 7-5 (Beef O'Bradys Bowl)
Arkansas State, 5-3, 7-5 (BBVA Compass Bowl)
Western Kentucky, 4-4, 5-7
Middle Tennessee, 3-5, 4-8
North Texas, 3-5, 3-9
Louisiana Lafayette, 2-6, 3-9
Florida Atlantic, 1-7, 1-11
Independents
Notre Dame, 10-2 (Sugar Bowl)
BYU, 9-3 (Armed Forces Bowl)
Navy, 7-5 (Military Bowl)
Army, 7-5 (Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl)
Central Florida, 6-2, 9-4 (Armed Forces Bowl)
Southern Mississippi, 5-3, 8-4 (New Orleans Bowl)
East Carolina 5-3, 6-6 (Ticket City Bowl)
UAB, 4-4, 6-6
Marshall, 4-4, 5-7
Memphis, 0-8, 1-11
Conference USA West Projected Standings
SMU, 7-1, 10-3 (Liberty Bowl)
Houston, 6-2, 10-2 (Hawaii Bowl)
Tulsa, 6-2, 7-5 (Beef O'Brady's Bowl)
Rice, 2-6, 2-10
Tulane, 2-6, 3-10
UTEP, 1-7, 3-9
Conference USA Championship Game: SMU over Central Florida
Mountain West Projected Standings
Boise State, 7-0, 12-0 (Fiesta Bowl)
TCU, 5-2, 9-3 (Las Vegas Bowl)
Air Force, 5-2, 9-3 (Independence Bowl)
San Diego State, 5-2, 8-4 (Poinsettia Bowl)
Colorado State, 3-4, 6-6 (New Mexico Bowl)
Wyoming, 2-5, 5-7
New Mexico, 1-6, 3-9
UNLV, 0-7, 1-11
MAC East Projected Standings
Miami, 7-1, 8-5 (Humanitarian Bowl)
Ohio, 6-2, 7-5
Temple, 5-3, 6-6
Kent State, 3-5, 5-7
Bowling Green, 3-5, 4-8
Buffalo, 1-7, 2-10
Akron, 1-7, 2-10
MAC West Projected Standings
Toledo, 7-1, 9-4 (GoDaddy.Com Bowl)
Northern Illinois, 7-1, 10-2 (Little Caesars Bowl)
Western Michigan, 6-2, 8-4 (Military Bowl)
Central Michigan, 3-5, 4-8
Ball State, 2-6, 2-10
Eastern Michigan, 1-7, 3-9
MAC Championship Game: Toledo over Miami
WAC Projected Standings
Nevada, 7-0, 9-3 (Poinsettia Bowl)
Hawaii, 5-2, 9-4 (Hawaii Bowl)
Fresno State, 5-2, 7-6 (Humanitarian Bowl)
Lousiana Tech, 5-2, 6-6 (New Mexico Bowl)
Idaho, 2-5, 4-8
Utah State, 2-5, 4-8
San Jose State, 1-6, 1-11
New Mexico State, 1-6, 1-11
Sun Belt Projected Standings
Florida International, 6-2, 7-5 (New Orleans Bowl)
Troy, 6-2, 6-6 (GoDaddy.com Bowl)
Louisiana-Monroe, 6-2, 7-5 (Beef O'Bradys Bowl)
Arkansas State, 5-3, 7-5 (BBVA Compass Bowl)
Western Kentucky, 4-4, 5-7
Middle Tennessee, 3-5, 4-8
North Texas, 3-5, 3-9
Louisiana Lafayette, 2-6, 3-9
Florida Atlantic, 1-7, 1-11
Independents
Notre Dame, 10-2 (Sugar Bowl)
BYU, 9-3 (Armed Forces Bowl)
Navy, 7-5 (Military Bowl)
Army, 7-5 (Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl)
SEC Preview
SEC East Projected Standings
South Carolina, 6-2, 10-3
Georgia, 6-2, 9-3
Florida, 5-3, 8-4
Tennessee, 2-6, 6-6
Kentucky, 2-6, 6-6
Vanderbilt, 1-7, 2-10
SEC West Projected Standings
Alabama, 7-1, 12-1
LSU, 6-2, 9-3
Mississippi State, 5-3, 9-3
Arkansas, 5-3, 8-4
Auburn, 2-6, 5-7
Mississippi, 1-7, 3-9
SEC Championship Game
Alabama over South Carolina
Team most likely to exceed my expectations: Auburn. Some people feel Auburn will re-load, but the depth of this conference doesn't necessarily allow that when you suffer the personnel losses the Tigers did. I could be wrong, but I have the Tigers home for the Bowl Season.
Team most likely to play below my expectation: Mississippi State. I honestly feel like Mississippi State can challenge for the SEC West title if a few things materialize, mainly consistent QB and LB play. Or they could just be in that next tier where everyone else has them.
SEC Player of the Year
Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina
Games to Watch
September 3 - Oregon vs LSU
September 3 - Boise State vs Georgia
September 10 - South Carolina at Georgia
September 10 - Alabama at Penn State
September 24 - LSU at West Virginia
October 1 - Arkansas at Texas A&M
October 1 - Alabama at Florida
November 5 - LSU at Alabama
November 12 - Alabama at Mississippi State
November 12 - Florida at South Carolina
November 25 - Arkansas at LSU
November 26 - Florida State at Florida
Upset Alert
October 8 - Mississippi State at UAB
Bowl Destinations
National Championship: Alabama
Sugar: LSU
Capital One: South Carolina
Cotton: Mississippi State
Gator: Georgia
Outback: Florida
Chick Fil-A: Arkansas
Music City: Tennessee
Liberty: Kentucky
South Carolina, 6-2, 10-3
Georgia, 6-2, 9-3
Florida, 5-3, 8-4
Tennessee, 2-6, 6-6
Kentucky, 2-6, 6-6
Vanderbilt, 1-7, 2-10
SEC West Projected Standings
Alabama, 7-1, 12-1
LSU, 6-2, 9-3
Mississippi State, 5-3, 9-3
Arkansas, 5-3, 8-4
Auburn, 2-6, 5-7
Mississippi, 1-7, 3-9
SEC Championship Game
Alabama over South Carolina
Team most likely to exceed my expectations: Auburn. Some people feel Auburn will re-load, but the depth of this conference doesn't necessarily allow that when you suffer the personnel losses the Tigers did. I could be wrong, but I have the Tigers home for the Bowl Season.
Team most likely to play below my expectation: Mississippi State. I honestly feel like Mississippi State can challenge for the SEC West title if a few things materialize, mainly consistent QB and LB play. Or they could just be in that next tier where everyone else has them.
SEC Player of the Year
Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina
Games to Watch
September 3 - Oregon vs LSU
September 3 - Boise State vs Georgia
September 10 - South Carolina at Georgia
September 10 - Alabama at Penn State
September 24 - LSU at West Virginia
October 1 - Arkansas at Texas A&M
October 1 - Alabama at Florida
November 5 - LSU at Alabama
November 12 - Alabama at Mississippi State
November 12 - Florida at South Carolina
November 25 - Arkansas at LSU
November 26 - Florida State at Florida
Upset Alert
October 8 - Mississippi State at UAB
Bowl Destinations
National Championship: Alabama
Sugar: LSU
Capital One: South Carolina
Cotton: Mississippi State
Gator: Georgia
Outback: Florida
Chick Fil-A: Arkansas
Music City: Tennessee
Liberty: Kentucky
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