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wscsuperfan
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| 09/06/2007 10:52 AM |
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BIG 12 GAME OF THE WEEK
Miami (1-0) at Oklahoma (1-0)
11:00 a.m. - ABC
This would have been an absolute screamer about three years ago, and this was a stop-the-world type game in the mid-to-late 1980s, but Miami's recent slide takes some of the luster off. Who cares? It's MIAMI vs. OKLAHOMA. These are still two monster programs that can still play a little, and will want to use this as a springboard to a potentially huge season. It's a great opportunity for the Hurricanes to show whether things are already different under new coach Randy Shannon, or whether there the long road back to the elite ranks will take a while longer. As for Oklahoma, the Sooners must prove their offense can continue to click, after a 79-10 romp over helpless North Texas last week. Can OU QB Sam Bradford and RB DeMarco Murray really be that good? This could be their national coming out party.
Why Miami might win
The Hurricane defense played like its typical national title-caliber self in the 31-3 season opening win over Marshall, piling up six sacks and picking off four passes. Two of the steals set up short-field situations for the Miami offense, masking yet another mediocre day from the other side of the ball. The Hurricane ground attack should pose problems for the Sooners, who have six new starters among their front seven and weren't exactly tested by North Texas. The dynamic duo of powerful Javarris James and sleek Graig Cooper gives Miami an opportunity to control the game and keep the explosive OU offense off the field.
Why Oklahoma might win
Sure, the Hurricanes can run the ball, but QB Kirby Freeman completed just 9-of-21 passes for 81 yards against Marshall and failed to inspire any sort of confidence in the downfield passing game. Even if suspended wideout Sam Shields is back, the Sooners should be able to push up close to the line and dare Miami to pass, provided they account for Lance Leggett, the 'Canes only breakaway threat. That's not a problem, considering OU has one of the nation's five best secondaries, if it's not the best overall. As for that formidable Miami front four, particularly DE Calais Campbell, who had an interception last week, they'll be facing Oklahoma's stout offensive line that, like the secondary, is in the discussion among the nation's best.
Who to Watch
Even though Bradford comes into the game with gaudier stats, completing 21 of 23 passes for 363 yards and three touchdowns, don't throw dirt on Freeman quite yet; he might be able to thrive in a big game like this. The Hurricanes had several dropped passes against Marshall, and Shields' absence meant the Thundering Herd were able to focus on Leggett and not let him loose, particularly on the many short slants and screens thrown his way. With Shields back and the many youngsters who were baptized against Marshall a little more comfortable, Freeman could well be more successful. Don't expect 300 yards, but look for more success than he had last week. For OU, all eyes will be on Murray, who ran for five touchdowns against North Texas. Certain to be a marked man, it might be time to ramp up the Heisman talk if he comes up with another big game. He's that good.
What Will Happen
The Hurricanes are on the right path under Shannon's tougher ways, but winning in Norman against a more talented Oklahoma team is asking too much. OU is at another level right now that Miami will get back to soon enough.
Prediction
Oklahoma 24, Miami 13
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Nebraska (1-0) at Wake Forest (0-1)
11:00 a.m. - ESPN
It's news enough that the Cornhuskers are coming to little Groves Stadium to take on the Deacons, but this one has gome from a Nebraska layup when the contract was signed a couple of years ago to an intriguing intersectional matchup after Wake Forest stunned the world with an ACC title last year, and looked awfully good in a 38-28 loss to Boston College last week. Nebraska has been pointing towards this season for a while and hopes to return to preeminence now that coach Bill Callahan has had three years to put his system into place. Meanwhile, the Deacons will try to rebound from last week's tough loss, and will look to avoid a three-game losing streak without quarterback Riley Skinner (separated shoulder).
Why Nebraska might win
The I-backs weren't dashing across the plains as in days of old, but any time you pile up 413 yards rushing, you're doing something right. Give credit to Marlon Lucky (233 yards), but more hosannas should ring down on the Nebraska offensive line, which is leaner and faster this season after years of not being up to snuff. The front five paved the way for 625 yards of total offense in the rout of Nevada. And while new starter (and Arizona State transfer) Sam Keller was average in his debut (14-of-25, 193 yards), he'll face a Wake defense that surrendered 408 yards and five scores to Boston College's Matt Ryan. Meanwhile, the Nebraska front seven will face a Wake ground attack that produced a mere four yards last week. If the Huskers don't make mega-mistakes, they'll win.
Why Wake Forest might win
Could the Huskers be looking ahead to USC? Their heads might be back in Lincoln worrying about next weekend's epic clash with the nation's best team. This week, the Deacons will be without Skinner, but redshirt freshman Brett Hodges showed a good command of the offense under tough circumstances. If the short passing game is crackling, the Husker secondary may find itself in one-on-one matchups that it might not win; the Wake receivers are better than given credit for. Defensively, the Deacons must force Nebraska into passing by crowding the box and forcing Keller to make plays. Possibly a bit rusty still, Keller is more likely to make mistakes than the Husker running backs will.
Who to Watch
Hodges has a bit of an advantage heading into this game since Nebraska won't have a lot of film on him, as they would have had on Skinner. That said, coming into a relief situation is one thing; starting against a nationally-ranked club is quite another. Hodges needs to trust the system, be precise with his throws and get rid of the ball quickly. If he does that, Wake will have a chance. If not, it could get uglier than a Phyllis Diller marathon.
What Will Happen
Wake's home field energy will keep it close for a while, but in the end, Nebraska will wear down the lighter, thinner Deacons.
Prediction
Nebraska 31, Wake Forest 20
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Fresno State (1-0) at Texas A&M (1-0)
2:30 p.m.
O.K. Fresno State, you want to get back on the national map, right? It's time to actually beat someone. It's been six years since the David Carr run that brought wins over Colorado and overrated Oregon State and Wisconsin teams, and since then, the program has failed to unseat Boise State as the WAC's bright light and can claim to coming close to beating USC in 2005. After a disastrous 2006, and a lackluster 24-3 win over Sacramento State to start 2007, the Bulldogs need to do something splashy. Texas A&M was equally average in a go-through-the-motions 38-7 win over Montana State, and can't take a rest or it'll get tagged. There are still plenty of things to work on, like ...
Why Fresno State might win
... pass defense. Oh sure, Montana State had to throw after getting down, but it was still a ball game going into the fourth quarter. The Bobcats had little problems moving the ball, and had particular success through the air. A&M's secondary isn't going to be tested next week by Louisiana-Monroe, so this game will be the best early indicator of where the defense is at. If Tom Brandstater and the Fresno State passing game can merely be efficient, the Bulldogs will have a shot.
Why Texas A&M might win
The Bulldogs were sloppy in week one with three fumbles. If A&M is +2 in turnover margin, this won't just be an Aggie win; it'll be a blowout. The Fresno State defensive front is fine, but it's nothing special, and it should have problems, like everyone does, with the combination of talents in the Aggie backfield. As long as QB Stephen McGee isn't making mistakes, and as long as Mike Goodson and Jorvorskie Lane do what they do, Fresno State won't have much of an answer.
Who to Watch
A&M isn't the only team with options for the running game. True freshman Ryan Mathews had a nice first game for the Bulldogs with 77 yards on 11 carries, while Lonyae Miller, Anthony Harding and Clifton Smith combined for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Fresno State will try to connect on several deep passes, but to beat the Aggies, it has to beat them at their own game and control the clock on the ground. FSU has to win the time of possession battle.
What Will Happen
Fresno State will prove to be tougher than the Aggies might like. This isn't going to be a shootout of any kind in a grind-it-out battle, but in the end, McGee will outplay Brandstater just enough for A&M to put it away late.
Prediction
Texas A&M 31, Fresno State 20
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Missouri (1-0) at Ole Miss (1-0)
5:00 p.m.
Which Missouri team will show up? Will it be the one that was on its way to a blowout over Illinois, or the one that almost choked it away in the 40-34 win? This is one of the most talented teams in the Big 12 North, and it needs to get as many confidence-boosting wins as it can before facing Nebraska in early October. A loss to the Rebels wouldn't be a total disaster, but for a team that's as flaky as they come, it could set the wheels in motion for a disappointing year. Ole Miss hung on to pull out a tough 23-21 win over Memphis. A home win over the Tigers would be the biggest in the Ed Orgeron era and would be a huge boost going into the SEC season with Vanderbilt, Florida, and Georgia coming up over the following three weeks. Consider this a bowl game for the Rebels.
Why Missouri might win
The Ole Miss offense appears to be better than last year, but it's still not going to hang up 45 points on the board. This isn't an Illinois-like offense with a slew of young talent to come up with a big comeback; if Mizzou gets up early, it'll stay there. As Memphis tried to come back on the Rebels last week, QB Martin Hankins threw the ball at will. Tiger QB Chase Daniel should be able to do the same if......
Why Ole Miss might win
.....his offensive line doesn't get him killed. The Tigers couldn't run the ball on the Illini thanks to a lousy day from the offensive line, while Daniel was sacked twice and under pressure all game long. Ole Miss might not have the most disciplined, stout defense, but it can get into the backfield and it'll be disruptive. Mizzou has problems when it becomes one dimensional. Take away the ground game, and things become interesting.
Who to Watch
The big question all off-season for Ole Miss was whether the passing game could be any better. Brent Schaeffer struggled way too much last year, and senior Seth Adams had the spotlight squarely on him going into this season. While he wasn't out of this world, he completed 19 of 30 passes for 201 yards and a touchdown against Memphis, doing enough to force teams to worry about more than just RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Against Missouri, he won't have to match Daniel yard for yard, but he'll have to be efficient and he can't make mistakes.
What Will Happen
Missouri will have to withstand an early surge of emotion as the Rebel defense will come out roaring. After about 20 minutes, the Tigers will hit on a big pass play to change the momentum, and then will get a crushing score that Ole Miss won't be able to answer.
Prediction
Missouri 27, Ole Miss 17
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Northern Iowa (1-0) at Iowa State (0-1)
6:00 p.m.
Every I-AA team will forever point to Appalachian State's win over Michigan as reason to hope for an upset over a BCS-league team. Northern Iowa vs. Iowa State isn't the same thing; Northern Iowa might actually be better. The Panthers are among the top ranked I-AA teams in the country and coming off a 41-14 stomping of Minnesota State-Mankato (Division II). Iowa State was lousy in the home opener of the Gene Chizik era losing 23-14 to Kent State. Last year, the Cyclones beat the Panthers 28-27 for the oasis in a brutal losing streak that led to the end of Dan McCarney's reign.
Why Northern Iowa might win
Iowa State didn't do much of anything right against Kent State. The Cyclones didn't move the ball consistently, struggled against the Golden Flash running game, and failed to do much on the lines. Since Kent State doesn't throw, the ISU secondary wasn't tested. It will be this week against Eric Sanders and a passing game that won't be afraid to take shots deep.
Why Iowa State might win
Because it's against an in-state school, Iowa State takes this game seriously anyway, and now it'll be extra pumped up after the way it played last week. The overall talent might not be in place compared to the rest of the Big 12, but there's enough speed and experience to be far better. The Cyclone line did a decent job of paving the way for J.J. Bass, who should pound away for 150 yards without a problem.
Who to Watch
Sanders might be the better of the starting quarterbacks. On the Walter Payton Award Watch List, the senior comes into the game with 6,485 career yards with 54 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. While not necessarily a runner, he's mobile and needs to be accounted for when things break down. For Iowa State, Bret Meyer has to be better. The senior has been around too long to be as awful as he was against Kent State, completing 14 of 23 passes for 148 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.
What Will Happen
Iowa State will come out roaring, but it might not matter. The offense will be more explosive with Northern Iowa having to key on Bass. If the Cyclone passing game doesn't take off this week, it isn't going to.
Prediction
Iowa State 27, Northern Iowa 23
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Southeast Louisiana (0-1) at Kansas (1-0)
6:00 p.m.
Oh this won't be pretty. SE Louisiana is on a five game losing streak dating back to last year, and while it wasn't bad against New Mexico State in the opening day 35-14 loss, it was saved by a slew of takeaways. Kansas was one of the nation's most impressive teams last week, thumping defending MAC champion Central Michigan 52-7. Everything worked. The passing game was efficient, the ground game tremendous, and the defense a rock. CMU was supposed to be the challenge early on. Now it's easy sailing to 4-0 before facing Kansas State.
Why Southeast Louisiana might win
There's still a question mark about the Kansas pass defense. Horrible in 2006, it gave up a few too many yards last week, even though most came after the outcome had been decided. The balanced SE Louisiana offense should have a few good drives if KU is patting itself on the back for last week.
Why Kansas might win
This is an awful Lion team. Ever since Hal Mumme left for New Mexico State, the program hit the skids losing 10 of its last 12 games. Kansas doesn't have to play at a high level to win by 30. This is still Kansas; it's not going to take anything for granted quite yet. Several players are still fighting to keep a starting job, and the maximum effort will be there.
Who to Watch
How was Kansas going to replace RB Jon Cornish, arguably the Big 12's best player last year? At least against Central Michigan, the problem appeared to be solved with speedy Jake Sharp running for 106 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.1 yards per carry, and the pounding Brandon McAnderson averaging 6.9 yards a pop with 110 yards. The longer these two are effective, the less Todd Reesing, who cemented himself in the starting quarterback job over Kerry Meier, will have to press.
What Will Happen
Kansas will have this wrapped up by halftime. Don't be shocked if the Jayhawks go five-for-five on touchdown drives to start the game.
Prediction
Kansas 55, Southeast Louisiana 10
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wscsuperfan
Posts:230
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| 09/06/2007 10:53 AM |
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San Jose State (0-1) at Kansas State (0-1)
6:00 p.m.
Kansas State might have lost last week to Auburn, and it might have lost by blowing it late (helped by forgetting to block Tiger DE Quentin Groves), but it also gained a measure of respect. The young team went into one of college football's nastiest environments and almost pulled out a win. A more experienced team wins that game, and the loss will likely be seen someday as a step back to take a giant leap forward. San Jose State came into the year hoping to build on a hot 2006, and then went out and got blasted 45-3 by Arizona State. The Spartans didn't do much of anything right, looking like the Spartans of old, and they must quickly come up with a good performance or it might take a while to get the mojo back.
Why San Jose State might win
While it wasn't evident in the loss to the Sun Devils, San Jose State can play a little defense. The Kansas State offense is going to be hit-or-miss all year long. Get QB Josh Freeman when he's off, and you have a chance to play a Wildcat team without an offense. The Spartans have to find a way to get into the backfield and put continuous pressure on No. 1, who says he's fine, but suffered an ankle injury against Auburn. Not giving up anything deep is a must. Freeman threw for 268 yards against the Tigers, but he did it on 57 passes.
Why Kansas State might win
If the defense plays like it did last week, and if the San Jose State offensive line plays like it did last week, this will be a brutally ugly blowout. The Spartans failed to give QB Adam Tafralis any time to work, and did absolutely nothing for the running game. Kansas State's defensive front did a terrific job of shutting down the Tiger running game and didn't have problems against the pass until crunch time. San Jose State isn't Auburn.
Who to Watch
While Auburn's defense is gong to shut down most running games, netting 27 rushing yards is still unacceptable. The Wildcats all but gave up on handing the ball off, putting the entire game in Freeman's hands. While it almost worked, to have any hope of winning much in the Big 12, the ground game has to help the cause. Leon Patton gained just two yards on three carries, while James Johnson led the team with 14 yards on seven carries. If they don't produce this week, it'll be time for KSU to worry.
What Will Happen
San Jose State's defense will play night-and-day better than it did last week, and it won't matter. The running game will be MIA for the second week in a row, and KSU will come up with at least three picks to make a close first half game a runaway in the second half.
Prediction
Kansas State 27, San Jose State 10
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Rice (0-1) at Baylor (0-1)
6:00 p.m.
In a matchup of former Southwest Conference rivals, the first team to ten points might be declared the winner. In last week’s openers, while Baylor was being blanked by TCU, Rice was taking it on the chin from I-AA Nicholls State. Although neither program is likely to be playing past November, the Bears have an opportunity to get on a mini-roll with games against Texas State and Buffalo coming up in the next two weeks. The Owls looked like a shell of the program that miraculously bowled in 2006, even failing to get a touchdown reception for WR Jarett Dillard for the first time in 15 games. If nothing else, Saturday’s winner gets a valuable talking point when the two Texas schools inevitably cross paths along the recruiting trail later in the year.
Why Rice might win
You can’t win if you don’t score, and Baylor’s disjointed offense is in a serious state of confusion. QB Blake Szymanski is clinging to his job after getting picked three times in Fort Worth, the running game is AWOL, and an already depleted offensive line just lost its best blocker, LT Jason Smith. Even the kickers were erratic in Week One, raising legitimate questions about how the Bears are going to get on the board this season.
Why Baylor might win
Lost in the Bears’ forgettable first game was the play of a scrappy defense that held the ranked Horned Frogs to just 27 points, 14 through the first three quarters. The linebackers, led by Joe Pawelek, are underrated, and senior CB Josh Bell is savvy enough to keep Dillard out of the end zone for a second straight game. After performing like a bumbling mess last Saturday, Rice QB Chase Clement will face a far tougher defense than the one he saw from Nicholls State.
Who to Watch
Unable to count on its offense to crank out big plays or long drives, Baylor needs the defense to create turnovers and short fields. At 6-6 and 270 pounds, DE Jason Lamb is the type of imposing figure up front that can pressure Clement into poor decisions and game-changing mistakes.
What Will Happen
In one of the most unappealing matchups of week two, the bad team from the Big 12 will squeak out a win over the bad team from Conference USA.
Prediction
Baylor 28, Rice 14
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Texas Christian (1-0) at Texas (1-0)
6:00 p.m.
While the Miami-Oklahoma game will be the marquee matchup of the Big 12 slate, this one might be more important to the national title chase. This is TCU's BCS game. This is TCU's shot at being more than Boise State. This is TCU's biggest game in decades. This is TCU's chance at the big time, with a win likely to spark a debate all season long about the possibility of deserving a spot in the BCS Championship. The Mountain West is decent, and there are road dates at Wyoming and BYU looming, but this is for all the marbles in what could be the program's biggest win since shocking Oklahoma 17-10 in the 2005 season opener. For Texas, this is a chance to be Texas again. It's been a rough last four games for the Longhorns with losses to Kansas State and Texas A&M, followed up by a lackluster bowl win over a bad Iowa team, followed up by a 21-13 win over ... Arkansas State?! Longhorn fans are dying for their boys to turn it on again, and this game will show if this really is a good team, or if it just looks the part in the orange jerseys.
Why Texas Christian might win
The Texas offensive line hasn't been up to snuff, at least it wasn't against Arkansas State, and now it'll face one of the nation's most dangerous defensive lines. The Horned Frog defensive front seven is the real deal, led by the type of pass rushers who should put more pressure on QB Colt McCoy than he's seen since becoming the starter. Consistency is going to be a problem for a Longhorn attack that couldn't run the ball last week and might not have time to let the deep pass plays develop.
Why Texas might win
It's not like TCU is going to hang 50 on the board. All things go through the TCU defense, and if it's not dominant, the offense won't be able to pick up the slack. If Texas can get up by double-digits, it's over. While the Longhorns got ran on by the Indians, this is a nasty run defense that's much better than it showed. UT will put everyone and the jerseys of Tommy Nobis and Derrick Johnson up front to stop the run because ...
Who to Watch
... TCU QB Andy Dalton probably isn't quite ready for primetime. While the freshman was fine against Baylor, completing 18 of 30 passes for 205 yards and a touchdown, he has to do more than just manage the game and limit mistakes. He's going to have to be a difference maker, and if this isn't his coming out party, TCU won't be able to pull off the upset.
What Will Happen
TCU just doesn't have enough horses to make it happen. Star DE Tommy Blake is coming off an undisclosed illness and star RB Aaron Brown is injured. Texas has had to hear about this game all off-season and will give it all the attention and focus it deserves.
Prediction
Texas 17, Texas Christian 10
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Texas-El Paso (1-0) at Texas Tech (1-0)
6:00 p.m.
UTEP had them. In one of the best games of the early part of last year, UTEP had several chances to pull off a win over Texas Tech, but ended up succumbing 38-35 in overtime. The Miners' opening day 10-6 win over New Mexico wasn't remotely close to being as thrilling, but was more to their liking, with Terrell Jackson getting the 36-yard winning touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. Texas Tech had a far easier time on Monday with a 49-9 laugher over SMU, with 553 yards of total offense and 473 through the air. The Red Raider offense, with several new starting receivers, could use all the warm-up games it can get before the Big 12 season, while UTEP would like to make a statement with its first win over a now-BCS program since beating Arizona State in 1974.
Why UTEP might win
The only chance the Miners have to keep this close is to control the clock, pound away with the running game, and hope to catch several breaks from a Red Raider team coming off an extremely short week. With just four days to rest after facing SMU, the legs might not be back yet for Texas Tech, and the Miners have to take advantage by running well behind a veteran offensive line and keeping the defensive front moving. The UTEP secondary did a nice job of keeping a good New Mexico receiving corps in check last week.
Why Texas Tech might win
UTEP's offense doesn't have nearly enough firepower to keep up if this gets into any sort of a shootout. The Miners are struggling at quarterback, got 81 yards passing against New Mexico, and only came up with one big offensive play to pull out the win. Worse yet, the defense didn't generate any pressure into the backfield. If Tech QB Graham Harrell gets ten days to throw like he had against SMU, this won't be pretty.
Who to Watch
Trevor Vittatoe has to be better. The young UTEP quarterback didn't get any help from a receiving corps that couldn't hang on to the ball, but he didn't have a good game, completing just six of 21 passes for 59 yards. Lorne Sam will see a little bit of work, but this is VIttatoe's team to run. For Texas Tech, freshman Michael Crabtree appears to be the team's newest receiving star. He broke open the SMU game with three straight touchdowns with scores from one, 42, and two yards out on the way to a 12-catch, 106-yard day. Danny Amendola chipped in with ten catches for 149 yards and a score.
What Will Happen
UTEP's offense will open it up a bit, but it won't matter. Texas Tech will be sluggish for about a half before opening it up once the game starts to get tight.
Prediction
Texas Tech 34, Texas-El Paso 16
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Florida Atlantic (1-0) at Oklahoma State (0-1)
6:05 p.m.
In part three of the trilogy, Oklahoma State looks to go for the sweep after beating FAU by a combined score of 71-11 over the last two years. However, this is a much, much better Owl team with a veteran defense and a bit more pop on offense. Coming off a 27-14 win over Middle Tennessee, FAU made a huge statement in the Sun Belt race, but it has to deal with the Cowboys and Minnesota before going to North Texas. Oklahoma State has a two-game stretch against Sun Belt teams, facing Troy next week, after a surprisingly poor 35-14 loss to Georgia. This is an explosive OSU team that needs to come up with big performances over the next two weeks before dealing with Texas Tech.
Why Florida Atlantic might win
In a perfect world for OSU, it has good offensive balance with a running game that provides more big plays than the passing attack. FAU has a good defensive backfield with a linebacking corps that should hold up well against the Cowboy speedsters. Middle Tennessee only netted 18 yards last week, and while OSU should beat that in the first few plays of the game, it won't likely explode like it'll want to.
Why Oklahoma State might win
While FAU ran the ball surprisingly well against Middle Tennessee, it simply doesn't have the overall firepower to keep up if OSU gets up early. This is an aggressive Owl defense that'll have to take plenty of chances and is almost certain to get beaten deep at least twice on big plays. Special teams will be an issue all season long for the Owls, and it could be part of a downfall this week. The punting game is awful and there's no range from PK Warley Leroy. FAU will have to go for it anytime it's within reasonable range, since Leroy can't hit from beyond 35 yards.
Who to Watch
While Florida Atlantic junior RB Charles Pierre doesn't have the wheels of the Oklahoma State top backs, he's a small, shifty speedster who took over the job late last year and started off this season with a bang. His 95 yards, combining with B.J. Manley's 64 and fullback Williams Rose's 53, has given FAU a bit of an offensive identity, and has taken the pressure off QB Rusty Smith. The more the backfield can keep the chains moving and keep the Cowboy offense off the field, the better.
What Will Happen
Florida Atlantic's defense will make it a harder night than Oklahoma State might like. It'll take a while, but eventually, the Cowboy attack will come up with a few big plays to finally get comfortable, but it won't be an easy ride.
Prediction
Oklahoma State 45, Florida Atlantic 14
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Colorado (1-0) at Arizona State (1-0)
9:15 p.m.
Appalachian State was not the only “ASU” making noise in college football on the opening weekend. Arizona State, with Dennis Erickson making his debut in Tempe, completely dismantled a decent San Jose State team 48-3. The Sun Devils outgained the Spartans 520-115, displaying a physical demeanor on both sides of the ball that was lacking throughout the Dirk Koetter era. With similar results against better competition this week, you can start seriously debating whether Arizona State can be the next best thing to USC in the Pac-10 this season. After going 2-10 in Dan Hawkins’ first season at the helm, Colorado got exactly what it needed to start the year, a win over intrastate rival Colorado State. The Buffs came from behind late and won in overtime in the type of game that a young team can feed off as the schedule gets tougher. The 31 points Colorado scored in the opener was well above last year’s average, largely due to the efficient passing of rookie QB Cody Hawkins, the head coach’s son.
Why Colorado might win
The Buffs boast an underrated defense that’s tough against the run and experienced from front to back. They were at it again last Saturday, registering nine tackles for loss and three sacks, and holding Ram runners to under three yards a carry. With DT George Hypolite getting a push up the middle and LB Jordon Dizon tackling everything in sight, Arizona State will find moving the ball a whole lot tougher this week than a week ago.
Why Arizona State might win
Senior Ryan Torain is a bona fide workhorse back who'll pound away at the Colorado defense 25-30 times, controlling the clock for the Sun Devils. And just when Colorado over commits to the run, a more confident and comfortable Rudy Carpenter will play-action his way to long gainers. Defensively, Arizona State is on the verge of doing a 180 from last season, which is bad news for a Buffalo offense that’s still a work-in-progress. With DE Dexter Davis providing pressure on the outside and LB Robert James attacking from the weakside, Hawkins won’t have much time to set his feet or locate open receivers.
Who to Watch
At 6-4 and 208 pounds with great bounce, Michael Jones is flashing signs that he’s about to become the next dynamite receiver to play for Arizona State. He had four receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown in the opener, and is going to command the attention of Terrence Wheatley, Colorado’s best cover corner. The more the defense will have to worry about Torian, the more single coverage Jones will see.
What Will Happen
Cody Hawkins has not lost a football game since the sixth grade. Arizona State will end that individual winning streak, getting 125 yards and two scores from Torain, and a second straight solid effort from its improving defense.
Prediction
Arizona State 37, Colorado 17
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egami
Posts:5397
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| 09/06/2007 10:56 AM |
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| I almost like Ole Miss over Mizzou. I do like UNI over ISU. |
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Posted By Omahan on 11/04/2008 2:24 PM
I've worked very hard to become your friend egami. |
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Blackshirt
Posts:586
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| 09/06/2007 2:53 PM |
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I'd love to see TCU knock off Texas, but I suspect the Horns are going to come into this week's game with a little more fire than they did against Arkansas State.
Should be an entertaining game regardless. |
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"Perhaps the worst thing that can happen is to reach into the refrigerator and come out with something that you cannot identify at all. You literally do not know what it is. Could be meat, could be cake. Usually, at a time like that, I'll bluff. "Honey, is this good?" "Well, what is it?" "I don't know. I've never seen anything like it. It looks like...meatcake!" "Well, smell it." (snort, sniff) "It has absolutely no smell whatsoever!" "It's good! Put it back! Somebody is saving it. It'll turn up in something." Thats what frightens me. That someone will consider it a challenge and use it just because it's in there." -- George Carlin |
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vranged
Posts:2813
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| 09/06/2007 3:05 PM |
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I'd like to see Texas win convincingly. I want the Longhorns undefeated when Nebraska goes down to Austin and blows them out by three TDs. That'll further legitimize the Huskers 17 point win over USC.
(Guys, Dman has me at gunpoint. He has red powder all over his mouth and nose. He apparently was snorting the Kool Aid. Please don't take this seriously.)
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After acknowledging that he was desperate, Dwight said "people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate." That about sums it up! |
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egami
Posts:5397
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| 09/06/2007 3:10 PM |
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In all honesty he's been fairly reasonable this season.
And his Week 1 pick was about as accurate as yours. |
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Posted By Omahan on 11/04/2008 2:24 PM
I've worked very hard to become your friend egami. |
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vranged
Posts:2813
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| 09/06/2007 3:19 PM |
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It was a joke. Dman can take it.
Actually, it was probably my inner-Dman coming out, as I'd love for the above to be true. |
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After acknowledging that he was desperate, Dwight said "people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate." That about sums it up! |
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vranged
Posts:2813
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| 09/06/2007 3:29 PM |
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Oklahoma over Miami
NU over WF
A&M over Fresno
Missouri over Ole Miss
IA State over UNI
Kansas over SELouisiana
KState over San Jose State
Baylor over Rice
Texas Tech over UTEP
Texas over TCU
OSU over Florida Atlantic
Colorado over AZ State
That's right. A 12-0 week for the Big XII. (Go Colorado!! Ugghhh...I feel nauseous for typing that.) |
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After acknowledging that he was desperate, Dwight said "people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate." That about sums it up! |
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DMan
Posts:0
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| 09/06/2007 5:20 PM |
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Posted By vranged on 09/06/2007 3:19 PM
It was a joke. Dman can take it.
Actually, it was probably my inner-Dman coming out, as I'd love for the above to be true.
Everyone should have an inner-demon, err, dman to utilize in tight situations. |
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Crit40
Posts:2483
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| 09/06/2007 7:06 PM |
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Oklahoma over Miami
NU over WF
A&M over Fresno
Missouri over Ole Miss
UNI over ISU
Kansas over SELouisiana
KState over San Jose State
Baylor over Rice
Texas Tech over UTEP
TCU over Texas
OSU over Florida Atlantic
Colorado over AZ State |
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Counting the Herd one hoof at a time. |
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IrememberDukester
Posts:2404
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| 09/06/2007 9:59 PM |
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Oklahoma over Miami
NU over WF
A&M over Fresno
Missouri over Ole Miss
UNI over ISU
Kansas over SELouisiana
KState over San Jose State
Rice over Baylor
Texas Tech over UTEP
Texas over TCU
OSU over Florida Atlantic
Arizona St over Colorado
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egami
Posts:5397
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| 09/07/2007 7:41 AM |
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I know it was a joke.
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Posted By Omahan on 11/04/2008 2:24 PM
I've worked very hard to become your friend egami. |
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Logan
Posts:2525
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| 09/07/2007 5:10 PM |
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Posted By egami on 09/06/2007 10:56 AM
I almost like Ole Miss over Mizzou. I do like UNI over ISU.
i seriously doubt ol miss can beat mizzou. |
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dwight, refuting reality one post at a time. |
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Screamincheetahwillie
Posts:100
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| 09/08/2007 9:33 AM |
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Oklahoma is gonna rip a hurricane on Miami 56-31.
Nebraska over Wake Forest 45-27.
Texas A&M over Fresno State 35-24.
Missouri over Ole Miss 35-30.
ISU over UNI 24-20.
Kansas over SE Louisiana 42-14.
Kansas State over San Jose State 38-35.
Baylor over Rice 27-21.
Texas Tech over UTEP 67-24.
TCU over Texas 31-20.
Oklahoma State over Florida Atlantic 49-13.
Colorado over Arizona State 24-20.
2007's Championship Predictions: All of my favorite teams: Huskers, Rams, Suns, Avalanche, and Red Sox. Hey, can't a guy dream??? |
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Logan
Posts:2525
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| 09/10/2007 1:04 PM |
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Posted By vranged on 09/06/2007 3:05 PM
I'd like to see Texas win convincingly. I want the Longhorns undefeated when Nebraska goes down to Austin and blows them out by three TDs. That'll further legitimize the Huskers 17 point win over USC.
(Guys, Dman has me at gunpoint. He has red powder all over his mouth and nose. He apparently was snorting the Kool Aid. Please don't take this seriously.)
lol!! |
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dwight, refuting reality one post at a time. |
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