College Football Picks: Week 9
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by The Beast
Just a few weeks ago, analysts, nationwide were suggesting that Trojans' dynasty was nearing an end. Certainly they have not met the insurmountable expectations this year, but the Trojans have still been reasonably good this year, especially on defense. That defense, which may be the best of the Pete Carroll era, is fourth against the run, ninth in pass efficiency, third in total defense and tenth in scoring defense. Not bad, eh. However, Oregon is no slouch on offense, as the Dennis Dixon led attack averages over 550 yards of total offense. While Oregon's offensive numbers have been impressive, the Ducks have traditionally committed multiple turnovers in big games. Against Cal, Oregon committed four turnovers in the fourth quarter alone, ending in a seven point loss. Carroll's defenses are known to take advantage of this tendency and excel in creating takeaways.
The Trojans have been criticized for their poor performance this year but if you look a the games in which they have struggled in, Washington, Stanford, and Arizona, than you'll notice that they were missing multiple starters on both sides of the ball. Against Arizona, they were missing four of the five offensive lineman who started in the opener against Idaho. Last week against Notre Dame, nearly all of the previously injured starters returned to the lineup with the exception of quarterback John David Booty. When healthy, which appears to be the case now, the Trojans are clearly a top five caliber team and Oregon just might be a tad overrated. USC 38-26
(25) Rutgers v. (7) West Virginia
Last season, the Mountaineers barely escaped the Scarlet Knights' upset bid, winning 41-39 in overtime. A year later, both West Virginia and Rutgers remain in contention for the Big East title despite previous losses on conference play. In last week's victory against South Florida, Rutgers' defense looked more than able at stopping the scrambling Matt Grothe, USF's version of Pat White. What hurts the Mountaineers chances even more is the fact that White is still nursing an injury to his right, non-throwing shoulder, and has a bruised thigh. Because of their play last week and White's injury, expect Rutgers' defense to slow down West Virginia's high octane offense. Rutgers 27-23
Nebraska is really hurting after consecutive home losses to Oklahoma State and Texas A&M. While the Cornhuskers have had their fair share of troubles, Texas also looked average last week in their win against Baylor. Despite a so-so performance against Baylor, Texas's offense, led by Colt McCoy, should not have any trouble finding the endzone against an absolutely horrible Husker defense. Texas 41-17
Since these Florida-Georgia games have historically been very close and highly competitive, the Gators should definitely be on upset alert. Georgia is certainly struggling right now but they should still out fired up and ready to defeat their hated rivals. Despite what will be an intense contest, the Gators are clearly the better team and should pull this one out. Florida 27-21
Tennessee v. (15) South Carolina
Phil Fulmer's Vols frustrate me each and every week, because I have no idea which team will show up. Since the Vols laid an egg last week on the road against Alabama, I must take Tennessee, right? Since, Phillip Fulmer's job is on the line in this and a win is vital, the Volunteers should notch a narrow victory against a struggling South Carolina team. Tennessee 28-17
(24) Penn State v. (1) Ohio State
I really want to pick Penn State here but in reality they do not have much of a chance. Yes, they did beat the Buckeyes two years ago in Happy Valley during the famous "White Out," but this Nittany Lions team is a lot worse than that 2005 team. So far this season, Ohio State's defense has been stifling while their offense has been highly efficient. Since this is the year of the upset, a Penn State victory is not out of the question (hey, Stanford beat USC), but logic says that the Buckeyes should be okay in this one. Ohio State 24-13
(7) Arizona State v. (18) California
It's hard to believe that two weeks ago, the Bears had a chance to be ranked number one. Now, winning the conference title seems like an uphill climb due to two consecutive losses in Pac Ten play. On the other hand, undefeated Arizona State has become a BCS title contender as they ascended to number four in the recent BCS standings. While the Sun Devils, have been impressive so far, they yet to defeat a top twenty-five opponent, and consequently, do not have any big game experience. In addition, they also rank among the Pac Ten's highest in penalty yardage. Cal is due for a big offensive performance against the Sun Devils and should expose an overrated Arizona State team. Cal 44-28
Upset Special
Can anybody point out Kansas's big win this season? Was it that big-time grudge match against Southeastern Louisiana? Or, was it that defense struggle against Toledo? Maybe, it was that thriller against Baylor? Clearly, Kansas is the nation's most overrated team, as they are currently ranked number nine in the BCS standings. The Jayhawks are relatively untested and have not played in a big-time road game this season. As a result, traveling to Kyle Field "Aka the 12th Man," should be quite a culture shock for the young team. While their opponents, the Texas A&M Aggies, have been rather unimpressive this season, they are coming in off an impressive road victory against Nebraska. Because of their homefield advantage against an inexperienced and overrated Kansas team, the Aggies should pull this one out. Texas A&M 31-25
Last week: 5-3
This Year: 33-14
