Week 13 NCAA Predictions
By Max Baez
Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online
Alabama @ Auburn
The Iron Bowl. No one outside of Auburn thinks the Tigers have a shot, and for good reason. Auburn has lost four of six, with the defense being a bit shaky down the stretch. Alabama coming into town is certainly not good news, as they excel in every area of the game. Mark Ingram and the Crimson Tide should cruise to victory and then get ready for the biggest game of the year next season, when Alabama will play Florida for a shot to go to the BCS Championship Game.
Alabama 31, Auburn 20
Oklahoma State @ Oklahoma
This is unbelievable, but a loss here means Oklahoma is a 6-6 team. Quite the fall for a team that was in the national title game last year and started the season ranked in the top 5, but injuries have clearly played a role. Oklahoma State has really had a great season, going 9-2 so far, even with the loss of their best player, Dez Bryant. Oklahoma’s defense has not been particularly strong this season, which is good news for the potent Oklahoma State offense. For whatever reason, Oklahoma is an 8 point favorite this week – guess reputation can go a long way sometimes. Okie State will go into Norman and claim victory.
Oklahoma State 35, Oklahoma 27
Utah @ BYU
Another episode of a vicious rivalry, which doubles as a culture war. Both teams are real solid this year, as has been the case most of the past few seasons. However, it has always felt like BYU has been a little better this year, even if they both have the same record. I like BYU in this one because of their explosive offense. Expect a solid day from QB Max Hall.
BYU 28, Utah 16
Georgia @ Georgia Tech
Georgia has had a disappointing year, Georgia Tech has not. The Yellow Jackets, playing in the ACC Championship Game next week, would certainly love to beat their in state rival for the second straight year. Considering how mediocre Georgia has been all season, that won’t be too tough a task. With the wishbone offense and some tough defense, Georgia Tech wins and prepares for the chance to make a BCS bowl game.
Georgia Tech 24, Georgia 10
Notre Dame @ Stanford
Will this be Charlie Weis’ last game? Will they let him coach the bowl game? It’s pretty clear to most that he needs to get fired, and this game will show exactly why. Stanford, with less talent, and a coach that has been there for less time, is going to absolutely work the Irish. Stanford had a tough break last week in the Big Game, but they still have an offense that will give Notre Dame fits – and the Irish are going to have a ton of trouble stopping Toby Gerhart. Notre Dame should put up good offensive numbers, but the Cardinal will pull away in the second half.
Stanford 44, Notre Dame 24
Five other games to watch: Nebraska @ Colorado, Pittsburgh @ West Virginia, Florida State @ Florida, Arizona @ Arizona State, Arkansas @ LSU
Saturday, November 28, 2009
0
Write the Check Jack
Write the Check Jack
By John Kelly
Football Reporters Online
Senior Writer-Midwest/Northeast Correspondent
Mr. Swarbrick, remove the checkbook from your dapper business suit and get it over with. Put that shiny ballpoint pen and University letterhead to use. Cut Charlie his check, list some replacements, and move forward.
Since 1996 Notre Dame football is no longer relevant. The Irish have garnered more tabloids than National Titles the last 15 years.
When Weis took over he claimed that his previous predecessors made excuses. However, he was only half right.
Bob Davie and Ty Willingham said the University no longer could recruit elite athletes because of academic rigors.
In 5 years Weis has disproven some excuses but not all of them. He brought in three top ten recruiting classes. His third was number one in the country. Skill players are loaded throughout the roster.
Weis recruited with the big boys and beat them out for blue chip talent. Manti Teo and Michael Floyd turned down powerhouses USC and Ohio State for an education and eventual football glory.
However, other demons have never seemed to cease from South Bend. An arduous schedule during the Davie and Willingham tenure saw better results than the watered down ones of last two years.
Davie opened his final season with a Nebraska team that played for the national title. Willingham closed his tenure beating two top ten teams Tennessee and Michigan. The Wolverines went to the Rose Bowl that year as well.
Weis is 1-10 versus ranked teams, 0-5 versus USC, 3-10 in November, and now 0-3 the last two years versus the lowly Big East. He opened his last two seasons with WAC teams and pounded another to eradicate a 7 game bowl-losing streak.
Weis has not had to play the SEC and Big 12 powers like his past predecessors and couldn’t get improved results with players twice as good.
The last two Senior Days have been disgraceful. Tears normally reserved for a final goodbye were wasted on inexcusable losses. After 4 years Senior Days were designed for a proper send off. Instead those seniors were pelted with snowballs and booed during their own Alma mater and 1812.
Weis never had a quality defense during his tenure in South Bend. The defense has been exposed repeatedly game after game. This year it has finally gotten out of control. Weis tried two new coordinators and brought in defensive genius Jon Tenuta.
Yet, all recruiting cycles never registered elite defensive ends or linebackers capable of running a dominant defense.
Every Quarterback has looked like Johnny Unitas versus this defense and they clearly lack the defensive skill or coaching to stop anybody. When Navy runs 40 yards up the middle consistently with a fullback then you are that bad.
Weis’s staff countered that by calling the Midshipmen classy and dirty.
Notre Dame has been the same story since Weis arrived. Yet, these deficiencies have reared their ugly head the last two years. The Irish put up gaudy offensive stats and 30 points in a lot of their contests and cannot come out on top.
Like in 2001 and 2004 the spotlight is on the Notre Dame AD.
When adversity stared former AD Kevin White in the face he panicked. George O’Leary resigned and Ty Willingham was unjustly cast as the next head coach. Charlie Weis debuted better than expected and name came NFL rumored fudges a ridiculous contract extension.
Its all on you Jackie boy and this move will make or break your alma mater. Again you intend to wait until the end of the year instead of acting now.
Didn’t your past predecessor make the same mistake? Don’t you remember him whiffing twice on his top candidates?
Mr. Swarbrick past history has always produced a sour outcome and this situation won’t be any different. Apply the ink on the page and inscribe the necessary zeros.
If you dare reach for anything make sure it’s your checkbook Jack. Not for another potential disastrous hire.
This time lets get it right.
By John Kelly
Football Reporters Online
Senior Writer-Midwest/Northeast Correspondent
Mr. Swarbrick, remove the checkbook from your dapper business suit and get it over with. Put that shiny ballpoint pen and University letterhead to use. Cut Charlie his check, list some replacements, and move forward.
Since 1996 Notre Dame football is no longer relevant. The Irish have garnered more tabloids than National Titles the last 15 years.
When Weis took over he claimed that his previous predecessors made excuses. However, he was only half right.
Bob Davie and Ty Willingham said the University no longer could recruit elite athletes because of academic rigors.
In 5 years Weis has disproven some excuses but not all of them. He brought in three top ten recruiting classes. His third was number one in the country. Skill players are loaded throughout the roster.
Weis recruited with the big boys and beat them out for blue chip talent. Manti Teo and Michael Floyd turned down powerhouses USC and Ohio State for an education and eventual football glory.
However, other demons have never seemed to cease from South Bend. An arduous schedule during the Davie and Willingham tenure saw better results than the watered down ones of last two years.
Davie opened his final season with a Nebraska team that played for the national title. Willingham closed his tenure beating two top ten teams Tennessee and Michigan. The Wolverines went to the Rose Bowl that year as well.
Weis is 1-10 versus ranked teams, 0-5 versus USC, 3-10 in November, and now 0-3 the last two years versus the lowly Big East. He opened his last two seasons with WAC teams and pounded another to eradicate a 7 game bowl-losing streak.
Weis has not had to play the SEC and Big 12 powers like his past predecessors and couldn’t get improved results with players twice as good.
The last two Senior Days have been disgraceful. Tears normally reserved for a final goodbye were wasted on inexcusable losses. After 4 years Senior Days were designed for a proper send off. Instead those seniors were pelted with snowballs and booed during their own Alma mater and 1812.
Weis never had a quality defense during his tenure in South Bend. The defense has been exposed repeatedly game after game. This year it has finally gotten out of control. Weis tried two new coordinators and brought in defensive genius Jon Tenuta.
Yet, all recruiting cycles never registered elite defensive ends or linebackers capable of running a dominant defense.
Every Quarterback has looked like Johnny Unitas versus this defense and they clearly lack the defensive skill or coaching to stop anybody. When Navy runs 40 yards up the middle consistently with a fullback then you are that bad.
Weis’s staff countered that by calling the Midshipmen classy and dirty.
Notre Dame has been the same story since Weis arrived. Yet, these deficiencies have reared their ugly head the last two years. The Irish put up gaudy offensive stats and 30 points in a lot of their contests and cannot come out on top.
Like in 2001 and 2004 the spotlight is on the Notre Dame AD.
When adversity stared former AD Kevin White in the face he panicked. George O’Leary resigned and Ty Willingham was unjustly cast as the next head coach. Charlie Weis debuted better than expected and name came NFL rumored fudges a ridiculous contract extension.
Its all on you Jackie boy and this move will make or break your alma mater. Again you intend to wait until the end of the year instead of acting now.
Didn’t your past predecessor make the same mistake? Don’t you remember him whiffing twice on his top candidates?
Mr. Swarbrick past history has always produced a sour outcome and this situation won’t be any different. Apply the ink on the page and inscribe the necessary zeros.
If you dare reach for anything make sure it’s your checkbook Jack. Not for another potential disastrous hire.
This time lets get it right.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
0
ACC Wrap up Week 12
ACC Wrap up Week 12
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region
William Queen
Jr. Contributing Writer
Football Reporters Online
MIAMI 34 DUKE 16
Though the final score suggests it, this was anything but a blowout. Duke was winning 13-10 at the half and looked to be in the middle of an ACC upset. However, Miami quarterback Jacory Harris had different plans in the fourth quarter. Throwing for 348 yards and two touchdowns on the game, Harris led the Hurricanes to a 21-point run in the fourth quarter to knock the Blue Devils out of bowl contention. Now having scored in 7 straight games, Miami running back Damien Berry went for 76 yards and a score on the ground, as receiver Leonard Hankerson caught 8 passes for 143 yards one touchdown. I think the Cane’s offense didn’t wake up until it was almost too late and just about caused them another loss. Meanwhile, on the other sideline, Duke quarterback Thaddeus Lewis wasn’t having that bad of a day in his hometown, going 27-40 for 303 yards and one score. However, it just wasn’t enough; while Miami picked up in the second half, the Blue Devils failed to respond. Donavan Varner had a career day; catching eight passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. But he was unable to spur Duke past Miami, losing their 55th straight road game vs. ranked opponents. Ultimately, this game marked the end of the reign of Thaddeus Lewis, as he’s finishing his career without a bowl game appearance. And… well… doesn’t really do much for Miami, as they’re sitting at third in the Costal division anyway.
CLEMSON – 34 VIRGINIA – 21
Outplaying the Cavs in the second half, Clemson fulfilled their season-long goal of going to the ACC championship. Tiger quarterback Kyle Parker threw for 234 yards and two scores and is starting to look like a very promising quarterback, especially since it’s his freshman year. Watch out for Parker in year’s to come. Heisman hopeful CJ Spiller carried Clemson on his back all year and he didn’t plan on stopping. Racking up 114 all-purpose yards, Spiller edged the Tigers over Virginia to clinch their first ACC title appearance in 18 years. Senior receiver Jacoby Ford led Clemson in receiving, catching six passes for 106 yards and a score and second string back Andre Ellington ran one in as well. All in all, Clemson finally pulled themselves together and stringed together wins when needed to reach the ACC title. They’ll be playing a very tough opponent in Georgia Tech. But if they can pull off the upset, they’ll be in a BCS bowl.
FLORIDA STATE – 29 MARYLAND – 26
Finishing the Terps off in the fourth quarter, the Seminoles made Maryland’s season just that much more miserable. Though Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel had a TD-INT ratio of 0-3, he handed the ball off to Lonnie for two scores, leading the Seminoles past Maryland. Coming into the season, I had the Terps as perhaps the Atlantic champions. But currently residing at the last spot in the ACC, Maryland hasn’t lived up to the hype.
NORTH CAROLINA – 31 BOSTON COLLEGE – 13
UNC came out firing, taking a prompt 21-3 lead in the first quarter and, though they didn’t score again until the fourth quarter, didn’t look back. Though Tarheel running back Ryan Houston scampered for a tough 45 yards and two scores, the rest was one on the other end of the ball. Running both a fumble and an interception back for a touchdown, the UNC defense simply came to play as they shattered a good Boston College team 31-13.
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region
William Queen
Jr. Contributing Writer
Football Reporters Online
MIAMI 34 DUKE 16
Though the final score suggests it, this was anything but a blowout. Duke was winning 13-10 at the half and looked to be in the middle of an ACC upset. However, Miami quarterback Jacory Harris had different plans in the fourth quarter. Throwing for 348 yards and two touchdowns on the game, Harris led the Hurricanes to a 21-point run in the fourth quarter to knock the Blue Devils out of bowl contention. Now having scored in 7 straight games, Miami running back Damien Berry went for 76 yards and a score on the ground, as receiver Leonard Hankerson caught 8 passes for 143 yards one touchdown. I think the Cane’s offense didn’t wake up until it was almost too late and just about caused them another loss. Meanwhile, on the other sideline, Duke quarterback Thaddeus Lewis wasn’t having that bad of a day in his hometown, going 27-40 for 303 yards and one score. However, it just wasn’t enough; while Miami picked up in the second half, the Blue Devils failed to respond. Donavan Varner had a career day; catching eight passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. But he was unable to spur Duke past Miami, losing their 55th straight road game vs. ranked opponents. Ultimately, this game marked the end of the reign of Thaddeus Lewis, as he’s finishing his career without a bowl game appearance. And… well… doesn’t really do much for Miami, as they’re sitting at third in the Costal division anyway.
CLEMSON – 34 VIRGINIA – 21
Outplaying the Cavs in the second half, Clemson fulfilled their season-long goal of going to the ACC championship. Tiger quarterback Kyle Parker threw for 234 yards and two scores and is starting to look like a very promising quarterback, especially since it’s his freshman year. Watch out for Parker in year’s to come. Heisman hopeful CJ Spiller carried Clemson on his back all year and he didn’t plan on stopping. Racking up 114 all-purpose yards, Spiller edged the Tigers over Virginia to clinch their first ACC title appearance in 18 years. Senior receiver Jacoby Ford led Clemson in receiving, catching six passes for 106 yards and a score and second string back Andre Ellington ran one in as well. All in all, Clemson finally pulled themselves together and stringed together wins when needed to reach the ACC title. They’ll be playing a very tough opponent in Georgia Tech. But if they can pull off the upset, they’ll be in a BCS bowl.
FLORIDA STATE – 29 MARYLAND – 26
Finishing the Terps off in the fourth quarter, the Seminoles made Maryland’s season just that much more miserable. Though Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel had a TD-INT ratio of 0-3, he handed the ball off to Lonnie for two scores, leading the Seminoles past Maryland. Coming into the season, I had the Terps as perhaps the Atlantic champions. But currently residing at the last spot in the ACC, Maryland hasn’t lived up to the hype.
NORTH CAROLINA – 31 BOSTON COLLEGE – 13
UNC came out firing, taking a prompt 21-3 lead in the first quarter and, though they didn’t score again until the fourth quarter, didn’t look back. Though Tarheel running back Ryan Houston scampered for a tough 45 yards and two scores, the rest was one on the other end of the ball. Running both a fumble and an interception back for a touchdown, the UNC defense simply came to play as they shattered a good Boston College team 31-13.
