National Preview: Week Nine
by Peter Gray on Oct 27, 2011 1:30 PM EDT
in Football
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PrintDepending on how you look at it, there's anywhere from one to four undefeated teams that are in serious jeopardy of losing their perfect record this weekend. If I had to bet, I think one of them will go down, but as always with college football, the second you come to expect something to happen, circumstances change.
Both Alabama and LSU are on their bye weeks, which is convenient because they'll need the time to prep for their game next weekend in Tuscaloosa. Perhaps you've heard about it.
As always, all times listed are Eastern.
The Headliners
(4) Stanford Cardinal @ (20) USC Trojans (8 pm, Saturday)
Line: Stan -7.5
One of the few areas of concern last week for the USC defense was that they weren't able to really corral Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert. While that didn't come back to hurt the Trojans in that game, if they don't do a better job of defending the TE then Stanford is going to run them out of their own stadium. The Stanford murder machine offense was on full display last week, as they put up over 60 points on a good Washington team. Even more impressive than the point total was how the Cardinal put the points up. Three running backs went for over 90 yards, and Andrew Luck picked yet another defense apart with play action and three TEs that will be playing in the NFL. USC has a chance to stay in the game because Stanford's secondary is fairly suspect, but I don't think it'll be enough. I'll be surprised if Stanford doesn't win by at least two touchdowns.
(11) Oklahoma Sooners @ (10) Kansas St. Wildcats (3:30 pm, Saturday)
Line: OU -13.5
A loss in this game would effectively remove the Sooners from the Big 12 title chase, and be a huge blow to their chances of securing a BCS at-large bid. Luckily for them, though, the Sooners have history on their side in this game. Oklahoma hasn't lost back to back Big 12 conference games since before Bob Stoops took over in Norman. It also helps that Kansas State won't be able to exploit the weaknesses in their defense like Texas Tech could, as K-State pretty much just runs the ball every play. The Wildcat defense will need to turn in another sterling performance for them to have any chance of knocking off Oklahoma, because their offense will not be able to keep up if the game turns into a shootout. I like the Sooners to get back on the right side of the wins column in a big way.
Worthy of your Consideration
Baylor Bears @ (3) Oklahoma St. Cowboys (3:30 pm, Saturday)
Line: OSU -14
Oklahoma State is a fun team to watch, and Baylor has Robert Griffin III. This game is going to be unbelievably fun based on that alone, it really doesn't matter what the score is.
(6) Clemson Tigers @ Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (8 pm, Saturday)
Line: CU -3.5
At this point, it's probably safe to say that Clemson's undefeated run is one of the biggest surprises of the season. Georgia Tech always presents a difficult matchup, simply because the triple option can open up a defense like a tin can if the defense is unprepared. However, the Ramblin' Wreck have looked pretty bad recently, and I'm extremely skeptical that they'll be able to slow down Clemson's offense. Lord help me, I think I'm finally starting to believe in Clemson.
(14) South Carolina Gamecocks @ Tennessee Volunteers (7:15 pm, Saturday)
Line: USC -4
Both teams in this game are regular MASH units at this point. The Vols are without QB Tyler Bray and WR Justin Hunter, and the Gamecocks will be without RBs Marcus Lattimore and Bruce Ellington. I'll be very curious to see how Carolina responds in their first game after losing Lattimore for the season, because he was their offense. Don't expect a whole lot of scoring.
Missouri Tigers @ (16) Texas A&M Aggies (Noon, Saturday)
Line: A&M -15
These are two of the squirrelier teams in the country, and attempting to predict how this game will go is almost pointless. As soon as you think A&M can be counted on for a late game collapse, they go out and absolutely bury Baylor. Missouri seems to be a competent team, but can't quite seal the deal against teams with more talent. Just based on being at home, I think A&M should win, but if the Aggies don't lock down James Franklin and Henry Josey, anything is possible for the Tigers.
(22) Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators, in Jacksonville, FL (3:30 pm, Saturday)
Line: UGA -3
Georgia has a history of getting embarrassed at the Cocktail Party, but for the first time in a while they appear to be the better team. Florida is expected to get QB John Brantley back this week, but who knows how effective he'll be. I'm tempted to lean Florida here just because of the recent history, but I think Georgia is more than overdue to win one of these.
(25) West Virginia Mountaineers @ Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3:30 pm, Saturday)
Line: WVU -7
Eric LeGrand is leading Rutgers out of the tunnel. That alone is reason to watch this. Or the beginning at least.
Avert Your Eyes
Washington State Cougars @ (7) Oregon Ducks (3 pm, Saturday)
Line: UO -36.5
(8) Arkansas Razorbacks @ Vanderbilt Commodores (12:20 pm, Saturday)
Line: Piggy -10
(15) Virginia Tech Hokies @ Duke Blue Devils (Noon, Saturday)
Line: VT -15
Rice Owls @ (18) Houston Cougars (8 pm, Thursday)
Line: UH -27.5
Iowa St. Cyclones @ (19) Texas Tech Red Raiders (7 pm, Saturday)
Line: TTU -15
Colorado Buffaloes @ (23) Arizona St. Sun Devils (6:30 pm, Saturday)
Line: ASU -31
On bye week: (1) LSU, (2) Alabama, (5) Boise St., (24) Cincinnati
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Bill Snyder vs. Big Game Bob.
I’m taking Bill Snyder.
Oh, the sun shines bright on my Pennsyltucky home.
by ReadingRambler on Oct 27, 2011 1:41 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Me too...
I was lukewarm on him during his first go ‘round. This second stint has made a believer out of me. I hope that, when the time comes, they are planning on naming significant things for him in Manhattan. The only times in my life I’ve thought of K-State and football without laughter have involved Snyder.
"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world" -- Ludwig Wittgenstein
ruh roh
At this point, it’s probably safe to say that Clemson’s undefeated run is one of the biggest surprises of the season.
aaaaaaaaaaaaand with that Clemson loses by 30
PSU 09
by kdf5005 on Oct 27, 2011 2:10 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
yes you do
They have been my love affair out here for 2+ years
it doesn’t hurt that they are 7-1 ATS this year too
"my dad says Michigan used to be good"
I watched them
Fuck up those elite Hokies in the Orange Bowl, but haven’t seen em since. I like how the culture of toughness that Harbaugh built has remained.
Have you watched Clemson yet?
not really
mostly highlights and a drive or two when flipping back during breaks
"my dad says Michigan used to be good"
I'll piggyback the U
In the B1G, I like (in order of how strong I feel about it): Iowa -15; OSU +8; Purdue +14, and MSU +4. thoughts?
I wouldn't trust old rooster me neither.
i feel strongest about stanford, then ark, then U, then miss st
I haven’t been playing the big ten this year much, and when i have it hasn’t been with good results…I just feel they are all a damn coin flip
example, I felt equally strong about Wisc and PSU last weekend
"my dad says Michigan used to be good"
you played the U...
ouch.
"They stalk their prey to within two or three great leaps and then launch a lightning-fast charge, striking their prey. Victims are most often killed by suffocation with a prolonged bite..."--Hinterland Who's Who
For all the PAC 12 stereotypes,
this is a power football team. They just might be able to shut one of these SEC crews up at the end of the year.
"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world" -- Ludwig Wittgenstein
Oh, and I've seen Clemson play twice now this year
They don’t look anything like the Bowden-led chokers of old. I think if I were a player, I would very much like to play for Coach Dabo Swinney.
Seems cool in both fundamentals and fun.
I went to the Clemson-UMD game a couple weeks ago
great game. Scalped tix for cheap and ended up with great seats in the Clemson section. Even when they were down by three scores or whatever in the third quarter, all the Clemson folks kept saying they’d come back. They have a ton of fire power…with that said, I think they fall to Ga Tech Saturday.
I wouldn't trust old rooster me neither.
Oh, hey
Did you, or anybody else beside Chris (who I know did), catch Trent Richardson on twwl at halftime of the Pitt ‘game?’ He had some very, how shall we say, tell-tale droopy eyes.
Wouldn't that seem like a good time to put the bong on the shelf?
I mean, right before a nationally televised video interview?
Ehh, perhaps
My buzz maintenance goes the other route. If it’s time to be on, especially in a speaking role, it’s coffee.
I saw him and thought that he looked baked.
"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world" -- Ludwig Wittgenstein
Not to be confused with
#buyweakweed
"In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."
#OccupyESPN
by IcersGuy on Oct 27, 2011 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I saw your twitter exchange, but missed it
Damn, how I miss college.
I wouldn't trust old rooster me neither.
FYI, Saturday forecast is getting a little HAMmy.
Computer models have apparently converged on a big east coast snowstorm (by October standards), so those of you heading up from Harrisburg, Maryland, Philly, or Jersey should keep an eye on it.
im sorry guys
but i’m jumping all over that stanford line. no way u$c hangs with them.
other plays:
CU +31.5
Iowa -16
We have little tranquility but tons of tranquilizers.
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