Weekly Thougths and Predictions

Okay, before we get started on my weekly thoughts, it should be pointed out that Florida State has suspended five WR’s for tomorrow’s game against Boston College. The WR’s were reportedly in a brawl with some frat boys at the student union. This will get added to the next TROUBLE TRACKER.


REVENGE WEEK

There are not a ton of great games this week in terms of top tiered teams, however there are lots of good story line games, many of which have a revenge factor involved.

USC @ STANFORD
Last year Stanford pulled off one of the biggest upsets in college football history by defeating the Trojans. USC was playing at home, where they had not lost since 2001, and were a 42-point favorite. Stanford scored on a 4th down play in the final minute of the game and then intercepted a last desperation pass by USC to seal the victory.

This year the Trojans are again a big favorite (23 points) and we be playing on the road. However, these Trojans have probably being replaying the last moments of that game in their head and will not let that happen again.

GEORGIA @ AUBURN
Last year Auburn complained after the game of the lack of sportsmanship Georgia showed during the 45-20 beating the Bulldogs put on Auburn. This came from the Georgia Bulldog fans and players dancing on the sidelines and even on the field.

Here is an idea for Auburn if they don’t want them dancing on the sidelines, STOP THEM! Don’t let them score. Don’t let them get momentum. Don’t let them have fun. To be completely honest though, if I were the UGA band director, I would be teaching the band this song and playing it all day long, just to piss off Auburn even more.

OHIO STATE @ ILLINOIS
Illinois went to Columbus last year and beat the then undefeated and #1 Buckeyes. At that time everyone thought it would knock tOSU out of the National Championship picture, we weren’t that lucky.

The Buckeyes are playing really well right now, and they should roll over Illinois this weekend.

RUTGERS @ SOUTH FLORIDA
South Florida started last season 6-0. They beat a top 5 WVU team. And were ranked #2 in the nation. Then they played Rutgers where nothing went right for the Bulls. USF committed 10 penalties and went 2-14 on 3rd downs. Rutgers pulled off the upset and handed the Bulls their first loss of the season. It would take USF a while to recover, as they would go on to lose the following two games as well.

It is Kind of a role reversal this year. USF is struggling big time and looking up in the conference standings to Rutgers. Both teams need a win to help their bowl chances. I think the Bulls get their revenge tomorrow.

NOTRE DAME @ NAVY
Navy defeated Notre Dame at Notre Dame last season. It was the first time since 1963 that Navy beat the Irish.

Both teams are much different this year. Notre Dame is a year older and getting better (although they need to fire Charlie Weis if they want to REALLY get better) and Navy is beat up and breaking in new guys this season to their triple option offense. Should be a fun one to watch, especially since it will be on CBS and you don’t have to deal with NBC and the terribly bad homer calls by the Notre Dame broadcast team.

MISSISSIPPI STATE @ ALABAMA
Alabama has lost the last 2 games played against Mississippi State and has not scored an offensive touchdown against them since 2004. If Bama wants to stay on top of the rankings they are going to have to beat a team that has been a thorn in its side the past few years.

UCLA @ WASHINGTON
Washington fired now UCLA coach Rick Nueheisel after the 2002 football season. In his time with the Huskies in the great northwest he went 33-16 and 23-9 in Pac-10 play. He also took them to and won the 2001 Rose Bowl against Purdue. Nueheisel is back at his alma mater now looking for revenge. Washington since Nueheisel left, ahh not so good. In fact the huskies have yet to win a game this season.

THIS WEEKS PICKS:
4-2 last week, but I’ll take those 2 losses considering it played into my Pitt Trifecta. A Pitt Trifecta is when in any given week Pitt wins, and both West Virginia and Penn State lose. That happened last week for the first time since September 13, 2003. On that date Pitt defeated Ball State, and Penn State lost to Nebraska while West Virginia lost to Cincinnati. For the season I am 42-19.

FLORIDA beats up on the Ole ball coach and South Carolina

And for the revenge games:
USC
the Ohio State University
South Florida
Notre Dame
Alabama
UCLA
For an upset pick I am going with Auburn over Georgia.

Have a great weekend and enjoy your football games!!!