Just to give you an idea of what a complete nerd I am and how much free time I have on my hands, I went through every single game this year involving a top 25 team and attempted to predict who would win each one. It wasn't easy (some games were nearly impossible to decide, such as Texas/Oklahoma, Miami/Ohio State, and Georgia/Florida) and with that many games to pick, I didn't exactly examine each one closely...but dammit, I'm just so excited that college football season begins THIS WEEK that I had to do something fun (yes, this is FUN for me) in anticipation. It may be a little biased (yeah, I have Miami running the table and playing for a national title, but I'm also not the only one)
ACC
Miami (undefeated) def. Florida State
Big 12
Oklahoma (undefeated) def. Nebraska
Big East
Pitt
Big Ten
Ohio State (1-loss)
Pac 10
Oregon (undefeated)
SEC
Alabama (undefeated) def. Georgia
Final BCS Standinds
1. Alabama 13-0
2. Miami 13-0
3. Oklahoma 13-0
4. Oregon 12-0
5. Georgia 12-1
6. Boise State 12-0
7. Texas 11-1
8. TCU 12-0
9. Ohio State 11-1
10. Pittsburgh 11-1
BCS Championship
Alabama def. Miami
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
2010 Rose Bowl Running Diary
I was just looking through past tweets on my twitter and I noticed that I did something of a "running diary" for the Rose Bowl and I thought it would be fun to collect those tweets into a blog entry:
-gonna be doing some semblance of a running diary for the Rose Bowl...let's see if anyone pays attention :)
-my prediction about Terrell Pryor having a Vince Young moment took a hit when they mentioned his knee was tweaked...but we'll see...
-the only two times I've seen Oregon (this game and v. USC) the defense has come FLYING out of the gate but could be burned in over-pursuit
-as I say that Pryor busts a 24 yarder...
-a couple very good short throws pick up another first down...here comes Pryor
-Ohio State putting the ball all over the place to take advantage of this over-pursuing over-energetic Oregon D
-absolutely BEAUTIFUL throw by Pryor goes RIGHT through the receiver's hands
-Pryor is getting ALL DAY to throw and Brandon Sane makes an absolutely brilliant tip toe run up the sidelines after the catch for a TD, 7-0
-every time Pryor scores a TD, i'm reposting this: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/note.php?note_id=256544186258
-the refs just missed a hold AND a block in the back on whoever the first man down for OSU was on that kickoff
-two very smart offensive gameplans giving their QBs short passes and well-called running plays to get some rhythm
-as soon as I say that Cam Heyward steamrolls Masoli
-there are MAYBE two or three other players in the country that can extend a play like Jeremiah Masoli...but great defensive possession 4 OSU
-If Pryor takes the Bucks 98 yards for another touchdown then roll out the red carpet and book him a flight to NY this coming December
-wow Oregon's overzealous D just MAJORLY bailed the Bucks out
-Bucks manhandling the Ducks up front and gashing the middle with their RBs...that'll be there all night and will really open things up
-Pryor with a gutsy run, knowing exactly how much he needs for the first down
-the Bucks are gonna take a shot downfield on this drive...and it's coming soon...maybe right after this offsides penalty
-it should have been, Oregon was looking run (on first and 5 no less...hello Jim Tressel?)
-that might have been the play they were gonna take a shot on but the O-Line breaks down
-well it's not gonna work on 3rd and 16...
-if the Bucks had taken a shot downfield on 1st and 5 they'd be in the red zone right now guaranteed
-man OSU sniffing out the read option like wolves moreso than bucks
-Masoli just received divine intervention to avoid a pick 6 on that throw...
-Pryor gets to start at midfield now...maybe time for a shot downfield on first down? does Tressel have it in him?
-sometimes I get tired of being right all the time...not often though...
-Brandon Sane has an INsane ability to tip toe the sideline...like beyond human...
-I have a feeling that mishandled snap on first down was gonna be a QB run all the way...and I bet it would have scored
-Oregon reads the option beautifully and flies to the ball...the option isn't what you wanna run on an over-pursuing defense, Tress...
-special teams are going to be so huge in this game...the return games and punting games...field position field position field position
-Oregon becomes a steamroller when their offense gets in rhythm
-great red zone stand by OSU's defense to prevent a big momentum swing...great, gutsy call to dial up the pressure on 3rd and goal
-wow how bout that the option STILL doesn't work...what a shock...
-Pryor is spending too much time in the pocket against a hyped up Oregon D...short passes and fast developing runs, Tress
-Oregon's offense is consistently faster to the edge than OSU's defense
-Masoli is gonna break a big one up the middle soon
-the OSU middle softening up now that they've seen that they can't beat the Oregon backfield to the edge
-that's a touchdown...his knees were on a defender
-a rare instance this season of the instant replay booth getting a call right
-I feel like this one will stay 10-10 until halftime and then develop into a shootout in the second half
-Tress said pregame that Pryor's ability to throw downfield will be key...they've only thrown downfield once and it led to their only TD
-that defender looked like he got there early...pass interference isn't called nearly enough when the ball gets caught
-OSU's D is playing the run and the big play...the short passing game has been and will be there all day
-Pryor is having to make all kinds of throws because his OL is breaking down
-wow Tressel just went for it on 4th down in the red zone...what dimension am I in?
-if that guy from the Oregon D doesn't switch to the other side of the formation at the last second, that pass could have been cut inside
-the chess match between both offenses and both defenses that's going on right now in the Rose Bowl is really fun to watch
-that pass to stop the clock by Pryor just now didn't pass the line of scrimmage...should have been grounding
-does it have to LAND past the line of scrimmage? is that the rule? cuz if it is, that's retarded
-I miss the days when TV stations would broadcast the halftime shows of bowl games :(
-Oregon should try some counter plays to get those OSU LBs confused and really maximize the advantage of being able to beat them to the edge
-Masoli needs to keep some of those option reads or they're just gonna key in on the RB every time
-FINALLY the Bucks go downfield again and are now inside the Oregon 30
-man Pryor had Sanzenbacher WIIIDE open and missed him...that was six...
-1st and 5...Pryor in rhythm...take a shot downfield
-you can't roll Pryor out without moving the pocket with him...Oregon's D is too fast
-tough, TOUGH running by Pryor...man is he a big dude...
-that wasn't a bad read by Pryor that was just not enough arm strength...if he puts that ball out in front of the WR, it might be six
-it looks like it's getting close to time for me to post my link again...
-Pryor with unmistakable shades of Vince Young on that first down run
-THAT was almost IDENTICAL to the throw Vince Young made against #4 Ohio State in 2005 in the closing seconds to win the game
-holy crap that was a brilliant special teams call...if the Ducks come back and win it, that call will have been the reason why
-as I say that, LaMichael James gets swallowed by the OSU D
-Pryor finally showing some rhythm in the option
-Herby and Brent just had the perfect segue to compare Pryor to Vince Young and neither said a word...how am I the only one noticing this?
-http://www.facebook.com/notes.php?ref=sb#/note.php?note_id=256544186258
-gonna be doing some semblance of a running diary for the Rose Bowl...let's see if anyone pays attention :)
-my prediction about Terrell Pryor having a Vince Young moment took a hit when they mentioned his knee was tweaked...but we'll see...
-the only two times I've seen Oregon (this game and v. USC) the defense has come FLYING out of the gate but could be burned in over-pursuit
-as I say that Pryor busts a 24 yarder...
-a couple very good short throws pick up another first down...here comes Pryor
-Ohio State putting the ball all over the place to take advantage of this over-pursuing over-energetic Oregon D
-absolutely BEAUTIFUL throw by Pryor goes RIGHT through the receiver's hands
-Pryor is getting ALL DAY to throw and Brandon Sane makes an absolutely brilliant tip toe run up the sidelines after the catch for a TD, 7-0
-every time Pryor scores a TD, i'm reposting this: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/note.php?note_id=256544186258
-the refs just missed a hold AND a block in the back on whoever the first man down for OSU was on that kickoff
-two very smart offensive gameplans giving their QBs short passes and well-called running plays to get some rhythm
-as soon as I say that Cam Heyward steamrolls Masoli
-there are MAYBE two or three other players in the country that can extend a play like Jeremiah Masoli...but great defensive possession 4 OSU
-If Pryor takes the Bucks 98 yards for another touchdown then roll out the red carpet and book him a flight to NY this coming December
-wow Oregon's overzealous D just MAJORLY bailed the Bucks out
-Bucks manhandling the Ducks up front and gashing the middle with their RBs...that'll be there all night and will really open things up
-Pryor with a gutsy run, knowing exactly how much he needs for the first down
-the Bucks are gonna take a shot downfield on this drive...and it's coming soon...maybe right after this offsides penalty
-it should have been, Oregon was looking run (on first and 5 no less...hello Jim Tressel?)
-that might have been the play they were gonna take a shot on but the O-Line breaks down
-well it's not gonna work on 3rd and 16...
-if the Bucks had taken a shot downfield on 1st and 5 they'd be in the red zone right now guaranteed
-man OSU sniffing out the read option like wolves moreso than bucks
-Masoli just received divine intervention to avoid a pick 6 on that throw...
-Pryor gets to start at midfield now...maybe time for a shot downfield on first down? does Tressel have it in him?
-sometimes I get tired of being right all the time...not often though...
-Brandon Sane has an INsane ability to tip toe the sideline...like beyond human...
-I have a feeling that mishandled snap on first down was gonna be a QB run all the way...and I bet it would have scored
-Oregon reads the option beautifully and flies to the ball...the option isn't what you wanna run on an over-pursuing defense, Tress...
-special teams are going to be so huge in this game...the return games and punting games...field position field position field position
-Oregon becomes a steamroller when their offense gets in rhythm
-great red zone stand by OSU's defense to prevent a big momentum swing...great, gutsy call to dial up the pressure on 3rd and goal
-wow how bout that the option STILL doesn't work...what a shock...
-Pryor is spending too much time in the pocket against a hyped up Oregon D...short passes and fast developing runs, Tress
-Oregon's offense is consistently faster to the edge than OSU's defense
-Masoli is gonna break a big one up the middle soon
-the OSU middle softening up now that they've seen that they can't beat the Oregon backfield to the edge
-that's a touchdown...his knees were on a defender
-a rare instance this season of the instant replay booth getting a call right
-I feel like this one will stay 10-10 until halftime and then develop into a shootout in the second half
-Tress said pregame that Pryor's ability to throw downfield will be key...they've only thrown downfield once and it led to their only TD
-that defender looked like he got there early...pass interference isn't called nearly enough when the ball gets caught
-OSU's D is playing the run and the big play...the short passing game has been and will be there all day
-Pryor is having to make all kinds of throws because his OL is breaking down
-wow Tressel just went for it on 4th down in the red zone...what dimension am I in?
-if that guy from the Oregon D doesn't switch to the other side of the formation at the last second, that pass could have been cut inside
-the chess match between both offenses and both defenses that's going on right now in the Rose Bowl is really fun to watch
-that pass to stop the clock by Pryor just now didn't pass the line of scrimmage...should have been grounding
-does it have to LAND past the line of scrimmage? is that the rule? cuz if it is, that's retarded
-I miss the days when TV stations would broadcast the halftime shows of bowl games :(
-Oregon should try some counter plays to get those OSU LBs confused and really maximize the advantage of being able to beat them to the edge
-Masoli needs to keep some of those option reads or they're just gonna key in on the RB every time
-FINALLY the Bucks go downfield again and are now inside the Oregon 30
-man Pryor had Sanzenbacher WIIIDE open and missed him...that was six...
-1st and 5...Pryor in rhythm...take a shot downfield
-you can't roll Pryor out without moving the pocket with him...Oregon's D is too fast
-tough, TOUGH running by Pryor...man is he a big dude...
-that wasn't a bad read by Pryor that was just not enough arm strength...if he puts that ball out in front of the WR, it might be six
-it looks like it's getting close to time for me to post my link again...
-Pryor with unmistakable shades of Vince Young on that first down run
-THAT was almost IDENTICAL to the throw Vince Young made against #4 Ohio State in 2005 in the closing seconds to win the game
-holy crap that was a brilliant special teams call...if the Ducks come back and win it, that call will have been the reason why
-as I say that, LaMichael James gets swallowed by the OSU D
-Pryor finally showing some rhythm in the option
-Herby and Brent just had the perfect segue to compare Pryor to Vince Young and neither said a word...how am I the only one noticing this?
-http://www.facebook.com/notes.php?ref=sb#/note.php?note_id=256544186258
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Week 1
Welcome to the TRIUMPHANT REBIRTH of Hobbitcore's College Football Corner. Those of you familiar with "the corner" (VLV) know how this works but for those who don't, I will be picking 10 of what I deem to be the most relevant games played each week and providing a little insight and a prediction for each game. "Game of the Week" is pretty self-explanatory: the biggest game of the week...this section will also include a "Keys to the Game" feature (presented by GM--making cars you want to buy since 20??) and will carry the distinction of being the only game I pick the score for. There will also be "Upset of the Week"...also fairly self explanatory. I'll also be including a collection of teams that should be on "Upset Alert" for a given week and possibly an "Out of Whack Spreads" or a "Betters' Corner" at some point (it's week one so there aren't many spreads that are too out of whack). Also at an indefinite point in time I'll start listing my top 3 Heisman candidates each week and then once the BCS standings come out I'll start doing weekly predictions for who will be playing in each of the BCS bowls. I dunno about you but I can hardly contain my excitement about the season finally starting so let's get right to it...
THURSDAY
South Carolina @ North Carolina State
Two teams with a high sleeper potential in their respective divisions of their conferences. Russell Wilson should be the star of the show and unless Steve Spurrier’s defense can do something to contain him or Stephen Garcia can emerge to go toe-to-toe with him in a shootout, I just don’t see this one going the Gamecocks’ way.
Hobbitcore Sez: North Carolina State
#16 Oregon @ #14 Boise State
Lots of credit to Boise State for scheduling a marquee BCS team and to Oregon for stepping up and playing the Broncos when so many other teams have backed out of deals with Boise State University. With Jeremiah Masoli running the spread and senior RB LeGarrette Blount behind him I could see Oregon tacking a ton of points on the board. If it turns into a shootout, don’t bet on the Broncos.
Hobbitcore Sez: Oregon
SATURDAY
#13 Georgia @ #9 Oklahoma State
Big props to Georgia for playing a top 10 team (whether they knew they would be when they scheduled them or not) as part of an already grueling SEC schedule. SOME teams aren’t so bold. But I digress. This game is all about Georgia’s defense matching up with the potent Cowboy offense lead by returning starting QB Zac Robinson and explosive RB Kendall Hunter. I like the Cowboys offense to find the weaknesses of the Bulldogs defense just enough times to win. It’ll be close and it won’t be a shootout but Robinson will make some crucial plays late to secure a win.
Hobbitcore Sez: Oklahoma State
Missouri v. Illinois
I really like Illinois as a sleeper pick in the Big Ten with QB Juice Williams back for his senior season. Missouri will have a hard time replacing Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin but should be able to score their share of points working out of that offensive scheme. Still, Juice Williams is the X-factor that pushes it over the top for Illinois.
Hobbitcore Sez: Illinois
Nevada @ #23 Notre Dame
I’m not sure exactly what reason Notre Dame has to be ranked but they better not let it go to their heads because the Wolfpack are not to be taken lightly. I like Notre Dame in this one but it’s up to them whether they can make a statement that they’re back or barely escape with a victory and send a very different message.
Hobbitcore Sez: Notre Dame
#20 BYU v. #3 Oklahoma
Oklahoma is another team who deserves a lot of credit for playing one of the toughest schedules in the country, one that includes a trip to Miami to play the Hurricanes and this neutral site game against Brigham Young. It should be very interesting to see reigning Heisman Tropy winner Sam Bradford back on the field without a lot of his offensive weapons and a lot of his big men up front, especially against a very good BYU defense. Still, on a neutral field, Oklahoma is better than just about anyone you can put in front of them.
Hobbitcore Sez: Oklahoma
Maryland @ #12 California
You can bet the Terps won’t catch the Golden Bears napping again this year. Last year Maryland dealt California a crucial loss and don’t think Cal has forgotten that. Maryland is entirely capable of beating Cal, even in Cal, but they’re going to have to come up with an answer to potential Heisman candidate Jahvid Best, probably the best RB in the nation. If they can contain him, this could be anyone’s game. Chances are, they won’t.
Hobbitcore Sez: California
UPSET OF THE WEEK (tie)
MONDAY
Cincinnati @ Rutgers
The defending Big East champions certainly don’t ease their way into their schedule, starting with a tough road test at Rutgers. Rutgers has a relatively easy schedule and a lot of talent on defense to be a sleeper pick in the fairly wide open Big East race. I like them to win a defensive nailbiter behind the energy of their tremendous fans and use that win as a catapult to a run at the Big East title.
Hobbitcore Sez: Rutgers
Miami (FL) @ #18 Florida State
I know, I know, I ALWAYS say this…but Miami is going to be a hell of a lot better than many people realize. Most are picking them to finish 3rd or 4th in the Coastal Division and although it is a division that includes three other ranked teams, behind the leadership of sophomore QB Jacory Harris on offense and sophomore LB Sean Spence on defense (already on the Belitnikoff Award watch list as a true sophomore) and Mark Whipple’s newly installed offense, this team is really going to impress people. It’s a testament to the ridiculously tough schedule the Canes have to play to say that if they start the season 4-0, you will undoubtedly be hearing the ESPN talking heads talking about this team making a national championship run (and likely see them rocket into the top 10, possibly top 5). As much trouble as the Canes had stopping Christian Ponder and Antone Smith on the ground last year, I think you’ll see a different team on defense than you saw last year, especially with LB Colin McCarthy back from injury. Of course it’s UM/FSU so it’ll come down to the final minutes, big shock. I see the Miami defense grabbing a big turnover on a crucial late Seminole drive to seal a win.
Hobbitcore Sez: Miami
GAME OF THE WEEK
#5 Alabama v. #7 Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech took a huge blow to their national title aspirations recently when star RB Darrell Evans was declared out for the season. That means Tyrod Taylor is going to have to grow up way ahead of schedule if the Hokies want to have the kind of year they had been expecting. This is a mega huge game for both teams and their respective conferences. The ACC can’t afford another preseason top 10 team being embarrassed on national TV in week one after what happened to Clemson against Alabama last year and Virginia Tech v. LSU the year before. Expect the Hokies to compete hard for respect in this one and for their defense to keep them close but Alabama’s defense will keep Tech at arm’s length most of the game.
Hobbitpick: Alabama 27, Virginia Tech 21
Keys to the Game
Alabama
-pressure Tyrod Taylor, dare him to throw
-establish running game
Virginia Tech
-fill Darrell Evans's shoes
-give Tyrod Taylor a chance to make plays
UPSET ALERT
#23 Notre Dame (v. Nevada)
Wake Forest (v. Baylor)
#24 Nebraska (v. Florida Atlantic)
#12 California (v. Maryland)
#18 Florida State (v. Miami)
THURSDAY
South Carolina @ North Carolina State
Two teams with a high sleeper potential in their respective divisions of their conferences. Russell Wilson should be the star of the show and unless Steve Spurrier’s defense can do something to contain him or Stephen Garcia can emerge to go toe-to-toe with him in a shootout, I just don’t see this one going the Gamecocks’ way.
Hobbitcore Sez: North Carolina State
#16 Oregon @ #14 Boise State
Lots of credit to Boise State for scheduling a marquee BCS team and to Oregon for stepping up and playing the Broncos when so many other teams have backed out of deals with Boise State University. With Jeremiah Masoli running the spread and senior RB LeGarrette Blount behind him I could see Oregon tacking a ton of points on the board. If it turns into a shootout, don’t bet on the Broncos.
Hobbitcore Sez: Oregon
SATURDAY
#13 Georgia @ #9 Oklahoma State
Big props to Georgia for playing a top 10 team (whether they knew they would be when they scheduled them or not) as part of an already grueling SEC schedule. SOME teams aren’t so bold. But I digress. This game is all about Georgia’s defense matching up with the potent Cowboy offense lead by returning starting QB Zac Robinson and explosive RB Kendall Hunter. I like the Cowboys offense to find the weaknesses of the Bulldogs defense just enough times to win. It’ll be close and it won’t be a shootout but Robinson will make some crucial plays late to secure a win.
Hobbitcore Sez: Oklahoma State
Missouri v. Illinois
I really like Illinois as a sleeper pick in the Big Ten with QB Juice Williams back for his senior season. Missouri will have a hard time replacing Chase Daniel and Jeremy Maclin but should be able to score their share of points working out of that offensive scheme. Still, Juice Williams is the X-factor that pushes it over the top for Illinois.
Hobbitcore Sez: Illinois
Nevada @ #23 Notre Dame
I’m not sure exactly what reason Notre Dame has to be ranked but they better not let it go to their heads because the Wolfpack are not to be taken lightly. I like Notre Dame in this one but it’s up to them whether they can make a statement that they’re back or barely escape with a victory and send a very different message.
Hobbitcore Sez: Notre Dame
#20 BYU v. #3 Oklahoma
Oklahoma is another team who deserves a lot of credit for playing one of the toughest schedules in the country, one that includes a trip to Miami to play the Hurricanes and this neutral site game against Brigham Young. It should be very interesting to see reigning Heisman Tropy winner Sam Bradford back on the field without a lot of his offensive weapons and a lot of his big men up front, especially against a very good BYU defense. Still, on a neutral field, Oklahoma is better than just about anyone you can put in front of them.
Hobbitcore Sez: Oklahoma
Maryland @ #12 California
You can bet the Terps won’t catch the Golden Bears napping again this year. Last year Maryland dealt California a crucial loss and don’t think Cal has forgotten that. Maryland is entirely capable of beating Cal, even in Cal, but they’re going to have to come up with an answer to potential Heisman candidate Jahvid Best, probably the best RB in the nation. If they can contain him, this could be anyone’s game. Chances are, they won’t.
Hobbitcore Sez: California
UPSET OF THE WEEK (tie)
MONDAY
Cincinnati @ Rutgers
The defending Big East champions certainly don’t ease their way into their schedule, starting with a tough road test at Rutgers. Rutgers has a relatively easy schedule and a lot of talent on defense to be a sleeper pick in the fairly wide open Big East race. I like them to win a defensive nailbiter behind the energy of their tremendous fans and use that win as a catapult to a run at the Big East title.
Hobbitcore Sez: Rutgers
Miami (FL) @ #18 Florida State
I know, I know, I ALWAYS say this…but Miami is going to be a hell of a lot better than many people realize. Most are picking them to finish 3rd or 4th in the Coastal Division and although it is a division that includes three other ranked teams, behind the leadership of sophomore QB Jacory Harris on offense and sophomore LB Sean Spence on defense (already on the Belitnikoff Award watch list as a true sophomore) and Mark Whipple’s newly installed offense, this team is really going to impress people. It’s a testament to the ridiculously tough schedule the Canes have to play to say that if they start the season 4-0, you will undoubtedly be hearing the ESPN talking heads talking about this team making a national championship run (and likely see them rocket into the top 10, possibly top 5). As much trouble as the Canes had stopping Christian Ponder and Antone Smith on the ground last year, I think you’ll see a different team on defense than you saw last year, especially with LB Colin McCarthy back from injury. Of course it’s UM/FSU so it’ll come down to the final minutes, big shock. I see the Miami defense grabbing a big turnover on a crucial late Seminole drive to seal a win.
Hobbitcore Sez: Miami
GAME OF THE WEEK
#5 Alabama v. #7 Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech took a huge blow to their national title aspirations recently when star RB Darrell Evans was declared out for the season. That means Tyrod Taylor is going to have to grow up way ahead of schedule if the Hokies want to have the kind of year they had been expecting. This is a mega huge game for both teams and their respective conferences. The ACC can’t afford another preseason top 10 team being embarrassed on national TV in week one after what happened to Clemson against Alabama last year and Virginia Tech v. LSU the year before. Expect the Hokies to compete hard for respect in this one and for their defense to keep them close but Alabama’s defense will keep Tech at arm’s length most of the game.
Hobbitpick: Alabama 27, Virginia Tech 21
Keys to the Game
Alabama
-pressure Tyrod Taylor, dare him to throw
-establish running game
Virginia Tech
-fill Darrell Evans's shoes
-give Tyrod Taylor a chance to make plays
UPSET ALERT
#23 Notre Dame (v. Nevada)
Wake Forest (v. Baylor)
#24 Nebraska (v. Florida Atlantic)
#12 California (v. Maryland)
#18 Florida State (v. Miami)
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