Here are our picks for 10/30 (FBS and FCS)
10/28 Pick (FBS)
Florida State over NC State
10/29 Picks (FBS)
West Virginia over UConn
10/30 Picks (FBS)
Southern Miss over UAB
Northern Illinois over Western Michigan
Army over VMI
Pittsburgh over Louisville
Syracuse over Cincinnati
Miami over Virginia
Clemson over Boston College
Northwestern over Indiana
Illinois over Purdue
Oklahoma State over Kansas State
South Carolina over Tennessee
Temple over Akron
San Diego State over Wyoming
Ohio over UL-Lafayette
Iowa State over Kansas
Notre Dame over Tulsa
UTEP over Marshall
Western Kentucky over North Texas
SMU over Tulane
East Carolina over UCF
Miami (Oh) over Buffalo
Kent State over Ball State
Central Michigan over Bowling Green
Troy over UL-Monroe
Navy over Duke
Maryland over Wake Forest
North Carolina over William & Mary
Michigan State over Iowa
Texas Tech over Texas A&M
Nebraska over Missouri
Arizona over UCLA
California over Oregon State
Florida over Georgia
New Mexico State over San Jose State
FIU over FAU
Toledo over Eastern Michigan
Colorado State over New Mexico
Auburn over Ole Miss
Houston over Memphis
Baylor over Texas
Stanford over Washington
Arizona State over Washington State
Mississippi State over Kentucky
Arkansas over Vanderbilt
Utah over Air Force
Michigan over Penn State
Ohio State over Minnesota
Oregon over USC
Oklahoma over Colorado
Nevada over Utah State
TCU over UNLV
Hawaii over Idaho
10/28 (FCS)
Bethune-Cookman over North Carolina A&T
10/30
Robert Morris over Duquesne
Villanova over Richmond
Yale over Columbia
Central Connecticut State over Wagner
Lehigh over Colgate
Princeton over Cornell
Lafayette over Bucknell
Georgetown over Fordham
Dayton over Davidson
South Carolina State over Delaware State
Norfolk State over Howard
Albany over Bryant
Marist over Campbell
Monmouth over Sacred Heart
Hampton over Old Dominion
North Dakota over Lamar
Northern Iowa over Youngstown State
Coastal Carolina over Gardner-Webb
Wofford over Citadel
Penn over Brown
Liberty over Presbyterian
Harvard over Dartmouth
Southeast Missouri State over UT-Martin
Georgia Southern over Samford
Chattanooga over Elon
Butler over Valporaiso
Jacksonville over Morehead State
Drake over San Diego
NC Central over Edward Waters
Austin Peay over Eastern Illinois
Alcorn State over Southern
Southern Illinois over Missouri State
Stephen F. Austin over Texas State
Central Arkansas over Southeast Louisiana
Murray State over Eastern Kentucky
Florida A&M over Morgan State
Western Illinois over Illinois State
Stony Brook over Charleston Southern
Montana over Weber State
South Dakota State over Indiana State
Grambling over UA-Pine Bluff
Alabama State over Alabama A&M
Appalachian State over Furman
Rhode Island over Towson
UMass over James Madison
Georgia State over South Alabama
Texas Southern over Mississippi Valley State
Jackson State over Prairie View
South Dakota over Northern Colorado
Montana State over Idaho State
Northern Arizona over Sacramento State
Sam Houston State over Northwestern State
Southern Utah over UC-Davis
McNeese State over Nicholls State
Eastern Washington over Portland State
Cal Poly over St. Francis
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Coaches Swimming in the Dead Pool Volume 6
Already Drowned
Tim Brewster, Minnesota
Todd Dodge, North Texas
Still Swimming
Neil Calloway, UAB
Blazers have had some hits and misses this season, but too many misses. Calloway has to have a miraculous turnaround at this point to save his job.
David Bailiff, Rice
The program is going nowhere, and the coach has to take the hit.
Stan Parrish, Ball State
If they keep him around, the administration would be fools. Parrish is not a good coach, and has never been. It's not going to get better with him running the show.
Mike Locksley, New Mexico
Nothing will stop the firing, but it looks like it will be at the end of the season. He won't be the guy to turn it around.
Paul Wulff, Washington State
The Cougars are not as bad as they were a season ago, but it's just a different degree of sucking. Wulff is all done.
Tim Brewster, Minnesota
Todd Dodge, North Texas
Still Swimming
Neil Calloway, UAB
Blazers have had some hits and misses this season, but too many misses. Calloway has to have a miraculous turnaround at this point to save his job.
David Bailiff, Rice
The program is going nowhere, and the coach has to take the hit.
Stan Parrish, Ball State
If they keep him around, the administration would be fools. Parrish is not a good coach, and has never been. It's not going to get better with him running the show.
Mike Locksley, New Mexico
Nothing will stop the firing, but it looks like it will be at the end of the season. He won't be the guy to turn it around.
Paul Wulff, Washington State
The Cougars are not as bad as they were a season ago, but it's just a different degree of sucking. Wulff is all done.
Coaches on the Hot Seat...Volume 6
Flames are getting higher with the stakes...
Randy Edsell, UConn
Off-Field issues are mounting faster than the national debt, with the latest being QB Cody Endres being kicked off of the team after his third violation of team rules, which we have come to find out are drug related. Add to all of this that the Huskies are not winning like people expected, and there is some grumbling going on in Storrs and Hartford.
Bill Lynch, Indiana
The season started out nicely, but everything has gone to crap since Big 10 play began. Remember that Lynch was a bit of an emergency hire with the death of Terry Hoeppner, and probably has never had full backing from the dwindling fan base. He is wasting his amazing QB, Ben Chappell by not winning this season.
Joe Paterno, Penn State
He should have walked away after last season. This team just doesn't have much energy this season, and it's just time to go.
Bob Toledo, Tulane
He's not in the dead pool anymore, but he could slip back in easily if the Green Wave crashes down again. The win against UTEP was mildly impressive.
Doug Martin, Kent State
There is still some time to save this season, but the Golden Flashes would end up in a bowl game that nobody cared about at this point. But just getting to a bowl would be enough to save Martin.
Bill Cubit, Western Michigan
The Broncos are on a fast track to nowhere right now, and Cubit is to blame. He is not getting good athletes at this point, and if he is, they sure aren't being coached up right.
Steve Fairchild, Colorado State
Coming back for one more season, but the flames will be intense from day one.
Dennis Erickson, Arizona State
Not dead pool yet, but getting close. The walls are certainly caving in on the Sun Devils.
Jeff Tedford, California
Cal fan probably did not expect to be tied for 5th in the conference right now, but wake up. Tedford has hit the wall in my book.
Rick Neuheisel, UCLA
Rick said anything short of 8 wins will be a major disappointment. A loss to Arizona this weekend makes that impossible.
Derek Dooley, Tennessee
The Vols are 2-5 in his first season. How long do you think that this will last?
Houston Nutt, Ole Miss
I am trying to gauge the difference between what Nutt has done and what most other coaches have done hee in the last 40 years. Not much.
Mario Christobal, FIU
The only reason that he climbs out of the dead pool is that the Panthers are 2-0 in the Sun Belt.
Steve Roberts, Arkansas State
Sun Belt was winnable, and the Red Wolves are not going to win it. Underachiever.
Ricky Bustle, UL-Lafayette
The Administration should be doing the BUstle Hustle this week to find a way to get him out after his rageless Cajuns found a way to lose to Western Kentucky of all people.
Howard Schnellenberger, FAU
Smelles like stale program.
Randy Edsell, UConn
Off-Field issues are mounting faster than the national debt, with the latest being QB Cody Endres being kicked off of the team after his third violation of team rules, which we have come to find out are drug related. Add to all of this that the Huskies are not winning like people expected, and there is some grumbling going on in Storrs and Hartford.
Bill Lynch, Indiana
The season started out nicely, but everything has gone to crap since Big 10 play began. Remember that Lynch was a bit of an emergency hire with the death of Terry Hoeppner, and probably has never had full backing from the dwindling fan base. He is wasting his amazing QB, Ben Chappell by not winning this season.
Joe Paterno, Penn State
He should have walked away after last season. This team just doesn't have much energy this season, and it's just time to go.
Bob Toledo, Tulane
He's not in the dead pool anymore, but he could slip back in easily if the Green Wave crashes down again. The win against UTEP was mildly impressive.
Doug Martin, Kent State
There is still some time to save this season, but the Golden Flashes would end up in a bowl game that nobody cared about at this point. But just getting to a bowl would be enough to save Martin.
Bill Cubit, Western Michigan
The Broncos are on a fast track to nowhere right now, and Cubit is to blame. He is not getting good athletes at this point, and if he is, they sure aren't being coached up right.
Steve Fairchild, Colorado State
Coming back for one more season, but the flames will be intense from day one.
Dennis Erickson, Arizona State
Not dead pool yet, but getting close. The walls are certainly caving in on the Sun Devils.
Jeff Tedford, California
Cal fan probably did not expect to be tied for 5th in the conference right now, but wake up. Tedford has hit the wall in my book.
Rick Neuheisel, UCLA
Rick said anything short of 8 wins will be a major disappointment. A loss to Arizona this weekend makes that impossible.
Derek Dooley, Tennessee
The Vols are 2-5 in his first season. How long do you think that this will last?
Houston Nutt, Ole Miss
I am trying to gauge the difference between what Nutt has done and what most other coaches have done hee in the last 40 years. Not much.
Mario Christobal, FIU
The only reason that he climbs out of the dead pool is that the Panthers are 2-0 in the Sun Belt.
Steve Roberts, Arkansas State
Sun Belt was winnable, and the Red Wolves are not going to win it. Underachiever.
Ricky Bustle, UL-Lafayette
The Administration should be doing the BUstle Hustle this week to find a way to get him out after his rageless Cajuns found a way to lose to Western Kentucky of all people.
Howard Schnellenberger, FAU
Smelles like stale program.
FBS PRS (Bilo Poll 1-A) Edition 8
Here is the latest release for the FBS poll. I will also post today the comparison between the PRS and the first BCS standings from last week. Again, major moves in the top 5 this week. I hope that you enjoy.
1. Auburn (8-0, 1880)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #2, Defeated #9 LSU 24-17
Points Gained: 231
This Week: at Ole MIss
The Tigers should get a big win this week on the road to further help them cement their place at the top of the PRS. Cameron Newton is on fire, and should be able to continue his dominance this week.
I Pick: Auburn
2. Utah (7-0, 1828)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #3, Defeated Colorado State 59-6
Points Gained: 262
This Week: at Air Force
With the Falcons having lost two straight, the Utes should kick them while they are down, but never discount the Falcons from going for the upset in a game like this. TCU is still on the horizon.
I Pick: Utah
3. Michigan State (8-0, 1714)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #8, Defeated Northwestern 35-27
Points Gained: 293
This Week: at #31 Iowa
Down 17? No problem! If you are still questioning the Spartans and their place in the national title picture, get over it. This team deserves this ranking, and the numbers don't lie. Iowa is the last hurdle to get over, and it's on the road. Will this game be tough? Hell yes it will be. Will Sparty survive? I think that they will.
I Pick: Michigan State
4. TCU (8-0, 1704)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #4, Defeated Air Force 38-7
Points Gained: 219
This Week: at UNLV
This week will be a cake walk, as the Frogs come into my back yard to take on the Rebels. UNLV is on step one of building a program from the ground up, so the Frogs will come out of here with a nice and easy victory.
I Pick: TCU
5. Boise State (6-0, 1696)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #1, Idle
Points Gained: 0
This Week: Louisiana Tech (Last Night, Won 49-20)
The Broncos gained back 228 points last night, which would probably not allow them to rise any higher then #3 next week. Those bye weeks sure do suck, and Tuesday games should be outlawed.
6. Oregon (7-0, 1692)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #6, Defeated UCLA 60-13
Points Gained: 257
This Week: at USC
This game may be a bigger test for the Ducks than it looks on paper, but remember that the Ducks handled the Trojans in every way last season, and they are better this season.
I Pick: Oregon
7. Alabama (7-1, 1598)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: Defeated Tennessee 41-10
Points Gained: 272
This Week: at #9 LSU
Auburn exposed the lack of LSU offense last weekend, and Alabama has a better D. This game will be close, but Bama should be favored, and I'd bet them.
I Pick: Alabama
8. Ohio State (7-1, 1490)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #11, Defeated Purdue 49-0
Points Gained: 248
This Week: at Minnesota
The Gophers pose no challenge to the Buckeyes. All is safe in Columbus.
I Pick: Ohio State
9. LSU (7-1, 1301)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #5, Lost to #1 Auburn 24-17
Points Lost: -140
This Week: #7 Alabama
The Tigers have another very difficult date this week with the Crimson Tide rolling in. LSU has got to find a QB quickly, and this week will be too soon to play a team of this calibur and have someone turn into a star. However, this can be the kind of game where stars are made.
I Pick: Alabama
10. Wisconsin (7-1, 1288)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #15, Defeated #31 Iowa 31-30
Points Gained: 282
This Week: at Purdue
Wisconsin is in second place in the Big 10, and if Michigan State can push their way into the BCS, the Badgers would be a perfect fit for the Rose Bowl. This week should get them one week closer to that goal.
I Pick: Wisconsin
11. Oklahoma State (6-1, 1262)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #7, Lost to #15 Nebraska
Points Gained: 169
This Week: at Kansas State
The Cowboys have been pushed down this week, but they still have a shot when they take on Oklahoma, but they have to win out up until then. This week will be a huge test against the Wildcats, who are strictly on spoiler mode after falling to Baylor last week. Justin Backmon may not be available this week at WR, which would be a crushing loss.
I Pick: OSU
12. Mssouri (7-0, 1244)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #12, Defeated #13 Oklahoma
Points Gained: 245
This Week: at #15 Nebraska
No rest for the weary. The Huskers looked strong offenively against the OSU last week, so this should be interesting. Intrigued at how the Tigers didn't rise in the PRS? OU was not as big a deal as they were made up to be, and the were a false God at #1 in the BCS. They were only ranked 10th here.
I Pick: UPSET ALERT!!! I am going with Nebraska, because that's how things usually go down when a team like Missouri beats Oklahoma in front of a huge national audience. They trip the following week.
13. Oklahoma (6-1, 1236)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #10, Lost to #12 Missouri 36-27
Points Lost: -132
This Week: Colorado
Sooners rebound this week in a big way. Colorado should be receive some pity for having to play this game a week after OU lost.
I Pick: OU
14. Stanford (6-1, 1124)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #16, Defeated Washington State 38-28
Points Gained: 198
This Week: at Washington
My tip for the week...hit Jake Locker hard in the ribs early, even if it costs you a 15 yard roughing call. Game over. Stanford should roll.
I Pick: Stanford
15. Nebraska (6-1, 1100)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #19, Defeated #11 Oklahoma State 51-41
Points Gained: 311
This Week: #12 Missouri
The Huskers had better find their defense this week, because the Tigers are very good at finding soft zones and they take advantage. The Huskers should win at home this week, as Missouri could still be living off of the energy that last week's huge homw win brought.
I Pick: UPSET Alert!!! Nebraska
16. Nevada (6-1, 1069)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #13, Idle
Points Gained: 0
This Week: Utah State
The Wolfpack is trying to bounce back from a tough loss to Hawaii, and hopefully the week off gave them some time to solve the issues that took place in the loss. Utah State should be a nice bounce back opponent.
I Pick: Nevada
17. Florida State (6-1, 1016)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #14, Idle
Points Gained: 0
This Week: at NC State (Thursday)
The Seminoles have had some trouble with the Wolfpack in previous seasons, so this game is not a guranteed win by any means. FSU is going to need the D to be at their very best, will need for their running game to take up some clock, and will need Christian Ponder to be healthy and not fuck it up. If they get all three, than the Noles will get the win.
I Pick: FSU
18. Arizona (6-1, 968)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #20, Defeated Washington 44-14
Points Gained: 224
This Week: at UCLA
Arizona should have no issues this week against the mightless bRuins. Nick Foles should just take another week off to make sure that he is healthy for the back end run for the PAC-10 title.
I Pick: Arizona
19. Hawaii (6-2, 909)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #26, Defeated Utah State 45-7
Points Gained: 283
This Week: Idaho
Idaho has been a bit of an afterthought in the WAC this season, and Hawaii is probably where they should have been at this point. Instead, the Rainbows just get better week after week, and they will make the Vandals even more of an afterthought this week.
I Pick: Hawaii
20. Virginia Tech (6-2, 902)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #23, Defeated Duke 44-7
Points Gained: 231
This Week: Idle
After the bye week, the next 3 weeks will be like running the gauntlet with Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and Miami on the slate before closing out with Virginia. The Hokies control their own destiny.
21. Baylor (6-2, 838)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #25, Defeated Kansas State 47-42
Points Gained: 202
This Week: at Texas
Apparently it's not a great big deal to win at Austin anymore. Just ask Iowa State and UCLA. Baylor has every shot at winning this game and maintaining this pace, but the final 4 games on the schedule are brutal. Gotta win now. The good news is that the Bears are already going bowling and by winning, they decide where they are headed.
I Pick: Baylor
22. USC (5-2, 804)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #18, Idle
Points Gained: 0
This Week: #6 Oregon
This is a tough one, but Trojan fan, you aren't winning this one this week. Sorry. Ducks will probably blast the Trojans.
I Pick: Oregon
23. Northern Illinois (6-2, 776)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #28, Defeated Central Michigan 33-7
Points Gained: 209
This Week: at Western Michigan
NIU is in a battle to win the MAC, and I never thought that they would be here based on their start to the season. WMU should not be much of an obstacle to getting to the MAC title game. Don't get caught looking ahead to next week's showdown with Toledo.
I Pick: NIU
24. East Carolina (5-2, 746)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #35, Defeated Marshall 37-10
Points Gained: 214
This Week: at #32 UCF
This is a huge road showdown for the Pirates, and trhey will need to play their best game of the season to get by. A win here, and the Pirates set themselves up to represent the East in the CUSA title game.
I Pick: ECU
25. San Diego State (5-2, 691)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #41, Defeated New Mexico 30-20
Points Gained: 240
This Week: at Wyoming
The Aztecs are way ahead of schedule in their rebuilding process. This makes the firing of Chuck Long and hiring of Brady Hoke look genius. Now that they have learned to win on the road, there is nothing to stop them from becoming a major player from this point forward.
I Pick: SDSU
KNOCKING ON THE DOOR
26. Temple (6-2, 686)
27. Mississippi State (6-2, 673)
28. Arkansas (5-2, 654)
29. South Carolina (5-2, 644)
30. Miami (5-2, 643)
31. Iowa (5-2, 635)
32. UCF (5-2, 593)
33. Michigan (5-2, 563)
34. Troy (4-2, 551)
35. Kansas State (5-2, 545)
Dropped Out: West Virginia, Northwestern, Texas, Air Force, Georgia Tech, Southern Miss, NC State
1. Auburn (8-0, 1880)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #2, Defeated #9 LSU 24-17
Points Gained: 231
This Week: at Ole MIss
The Tigers should get a big win this week on the road to further help them cement their place at the top of the PRS. Cameron Newton is on fire, and should be able to continue his dominance this week.
I Pick: Auburn
2. Utah (7-0, 1828)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #3, Defeated Colorado State 59-6
Points Gained: 262
This Week: at Air Force
With the Falcons having lost two straight, the Utes should kick them while they are down, but never discount the Falcons from going for the upset in a game like this. TCU is still on the horizon.
I Pick: Utah
3. Michigan State (8-0, 1714)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #8, Defeated Northwestern 35-27
Points Gained: 293
This Week: at #31 Iowa
Down 17? No problem! If you are still questioning the Spartans and their place in the national title picture, get over it. This team deserves this ranking, and the numbers don't lie. Iowa is the last hurdle to get over, and it's on the road. Will this game be tough? Hell yes it will be. Will Sparty survive? I think that they will.
I Pick: Michigan State
4. TCU (8-0, 1704)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #4, Defeated Air Force 38-7
Points Gained: 219
This Week: at UNLV
This week will be a cake walk, as the Frogs come into my back yard to take on the Rebels. UNLV is on step one of building a program from the ground up, so the Frogs will come out of here with a nice and easy victory.
I Pick: TCU
5. Boise State (6-0, 1696)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #1, Idle
Points Gained: 0
This Week: Louisiana Tech (Last Night, Won 49-20)
The Broncos gained back 228 points last night, which would probably not allow them to rise any higher then #3 next week. Those bye weeks sure do suck, and Tuesday games should be outlawed.
6. Oregon (7-0, 1692)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #6, Defeated UCLA 60-13
Points Gained: 257
This Week: at USC
This game may be a bigger test for the Ducks than it looks on paper, but remember that the Ducks handled the Trojans in every way last season, and they are better this season.
I Pick: Oregon
7. Alabama (7-1, 1598)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: Defeated Tennessee 41-10
Points Gained: 272
This Week: at #9 LSU
Auburn exposed the lack of LSU offense last weekend, and Alabama has a better D. This game will be close, but Bama should be favored, and I'd bet them.
I Pick: Alabama
8. Ohio State (7-1, 1490)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #11, Defeated Purdue 49-0
Points Gained: 248
This Week: at Minnesota
The Gophers pose no challenge to the Buckeyes. All is safe in Columbus.
I Pick: Ohio State
9. LSU (7-1, 1301)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #5, Lost to #1 Auburn 24-17
Points Lost: -140
This Week: #7 Alabama
The Tigers have another very difficult date this week with the Crimson Tide rolling in. LSU has got to find a QB quickly, and this week will be too soon to play a team of this calibur and have someone turn into a star. However, this can be the kind of game where stars are made.
I Pick: Alabama
10. Wisconsin (7-1, 1288)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #15, Defeated #31 Iowa 31-30
Points Gained: 282
This Week: at Purdue
Wisconsin is in second place in the Big 10, and if Michigan State can push their way into the BCS, the Badgers would be a perfect fit for the Rose Bowl. This week should get them one week closer to that goal.
I Pick: Wisconsin
11. Oklahoma State (6-1, 1262)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #7, Lost to #15 Nebraska
Points Gained: 169
This Week: at Kansas State
The Cowboys have been pushed down this week, but they still have a shot when they take on Oklahoma, but they have to win out up until then. This week will be a huge test against the Wildcats, who are strictly on spoiler mode after falling to Baylor last week. Justin Backmon may not be available this week at WR, which would be a crushing loss.
I Pick: OSU
12. Mssouri (7-0, 1244)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #12, Defeated #13 Oklahoma
Points Gained: 245
This Week: at #15 Nebraska
No rest for the weary. The Huskers looked strong offenively against the OSU last week, so this should be interesting. Intrigued at how the Tigers didn't rise in the PRS? OU was not as big a deal as they were made up to be, and the were a false God at #1 in the BCS. They were only ranked 10th here.
I Pick: UPSET ALERT!!! I am going with Nebraska, because that's how things usually go down when a team like Missouri beats Oklahoma in front of a huge national audience. They trip the following week.
13. Oklahoma (6-1, 1236)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #10, Lost to #12 Missouri 36-27
Points Lost: -132
This Week: Colorado
Sooners rebound this week in a big way. Colorado should be receive some pity for having to play this game a week after OU lost.
I Pick: OU
14. Stanford (6-1, 1124)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #16, Defeated Washington State 38-28
Points Gained: 198
This Week: at Washington
My tip for the week...hit Jake Locker hard in the ribs early, even if it costs you a 15 yard roughing call. Game over. Stanford should roll.
I Pick: Stanford
15. Nebraska (6-1, 1100)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #19, Defeated #11 Oklahoma State 51-41
Points Gained: 311
This Week: #12 Missouri
The Huskers had better find their defense this week, because the Tigers are very good at finding soft zones and they take advantage. The Huskers should win at home this week, as Missouri could still be living off of the energy that last week's huge homw win brought.
I Pick: UPSET Alert!!! Nebraska
16. Nevada (6-1, 1069)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #13, Idle
Points Gained: 0
This Week: Utah State
The Wolfpack is trying to bounce back from a tough loss to Hawaii, and hopefully the week off gave them some time to solve the issues that took place in the loss. Utah State should be a nice bounce back opponent.
I Pick: Nevada
17. Florida State (6-1, 1016)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #14, Idle
Points Gained: 0
This Week: at NC State (Thursday)
The Seminoles have had some trouble with the Wolfpack in previous seasons, so this game is not a guranteed win by any means. FSU is going to need the D to be at their very best, will need for their running game to take up some clock, and will need Christian Ponder to be healthy and not fuck it up. If they get all three, than the Noles will get the win.
I Pick: FSU
18. Arizona (6-1, 968)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #20, Defeated Washington 44-14
Points Gained: 224
This Week: at UCLA
Arizona should have no issues this week against the mightless bRuins. Nick Foles should just take another week off to make sure that he is healthy for the back end run for the PAC-10 title.
I Pick: Arizona
19. Hawaii (6-2, 909)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #26, Defeated Utah State 45-7
Points Gained: 283
This Week: Idaho
Idaho has been a bit of an afterthought in the WAC this season, and Hawaii is probably where they should have been at this point. Instead, the Rainbows just get better week after week, and they will make the Vandals even more of an afterthought this week.
I Pick: Hawaii
20. Virginia Tech (6-2, 902)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #23, Defeated Duke 44-7
Points Gained: 231
This Week: Idle
After the bye week, the next 3 weeks will be like running the gauntlet with Georgia Tech, North Carolina, and Miami on the slate before closing out with Virginia. The Hokies control their own destiny.
21. Baylor (6-2, 838)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #25, Defeated Kansas State 47-42
Points Gained: 202
This Week: at Texas
Apparently it's not a great big deal to win at Austin anymore. Just ask Iowa State and UCLA. Baylor has every shot at winning this game and maintaining this pace, but the final 4 games on the schedule are brutal. Gotta win now. The good news is that the Bears are already going bowling and by winning, they decide where they are headed.
I Pick: Baylor
22. USC (5-2, 804)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #18, Idle
Points Gained: 0
This Week: #6 Oregon
This is a tough one, but Trojan fan, you aren't winning this one this week. Sorry. Ducks will probably blast the Trojans.
I Pick: Oregon
23. Northern Illinois (6-2, 776)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #28, Defeated Central Michigan 33-7
Points Gained: 209
This Week: at Western Michigan
NIU is in a battle to win the MAC, and I never thought that they would be here based on their start to the season. WMU should not be much of an obstacle to getting to the MAC title game. Don't get caught looking ahead to next week's showdown with Toledo.
I Pick: NIU
24. East Carolina (5-2, 746)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #35, Defeated Marshall 37-10
Points Gained: 214
This Week: at #32 UCF
This is a huge road showdown for the Pirates, and trhey will need to play their best game of the season to get by. A win here, and the Pirates set themselves up to represent the East in the CUSA title game.
I Pick: ECU
25. San Diego State (5-2, 691)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #41, Defeated New Mexico 30-20
Points Gained: 240
This Week: at Wyoming
The Aztecs are way ahead of schedule in their rebuilding process. This makes the firing of Chuck Long and hiring of Brady Hoke look genius. Now that they have learned to win on the road, there is nothing to stop them from becoming a major player from this point forward.
I Pick: SDSU
KNOCKING ON THE DOOR
26. Temple (6-2, 686)
27. Mississippi State (6-2, 673)
28. Arkansas (5-2, 654)
29. South Carolina (5-2, 644)
30. Miami (5-2, 643)
31. Iowa (5-2, 635)
32. UCF (5-2, 593)
33. Michigan (5-2, 563)
34. Troy (4-2, 551)
35. Kansas State (5-2, 545)
Dropped Out: West Virginia, Northwestern, Texas, Air Force, Georgia Tech, Southern Miss, NC State
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
FCS (1-AA) PRS (Bilo Football Poll) Edition 8
Another week in the books. We are now on the home stretch heading into the FCS Playoffs. This week, we are going to be shrinking coverage of the poll down here at the report, so that we can spend siginifcant time breaking down playoff and bowl projections. Every school is still ranked in both the FCS and FBS rankings, so if you don't see a specific school, email me at onlinesports05@yahoo.com and just ask, as I'd be more than happy to hear from you.
There has been some movement this week, and as we get closer to the playoffs, we are getting to see who should be in line for a birth, and who should not. We'll start breaking down our looks at who should be in, and who should be out, and some of you may not like the answers, while others will see some light as to how the system may fail some conferences.
For now...enjoy the latest Bilo Power Ranking System results...the Top 35 edition...
1. Jacksonville State (8-0, 1892)
Last week's Ranking/Result: #1, Defeated Austin Peay 56-3
Points Gained: 259
This Week: Idle
The Gamecocks have been in this spot all season long. Appalachian State will get a huge chance to move them out this week, as JSU takes a week off. The Gamecocks will have a fight on their hands for the top spot, and remember, they have not played Southeast Missouri yet.
2. Appalachian State (7-0, 1605)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #3, Defeated Western Carolina 37-14
Points Gained: 260
This Week: #30 Furman
The Mountaineers are number one in all other polls, but JSU has the win over Ole Miss that has carried them all week. ASU will have a fight on their hands this week with the Paladins, but a win should push them closer to overtaking their last frontier to conquer.
I Pick: ASU should battle to a win, and move closer to a SoCon title, but tough games are stillon the horizon.
3. Southeast Missouri State (7-1, 1526)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #4, Defeated Eastern Kentucky 40-21
Points Gained: 209
This Week: UT-Martin
The Scheible and Harris show continues to roll on, and there are only 3 games remaining. Here's the bad news...one of those games is against Southwest Baptist and won't count for much.
I Pick: SEMS...UTM is strictly in a spoiler role right now, but the Redhawks won't be spoiled this week.
4. Bethune-Cookman (7-0, 1522)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #5, Defeated North Carolina Central 23-10
Points Gained: 236
This Week: North Carolina A&T (Thursday)
The Wildcats should pick up another easy win this week, but cannot get caught looking ahead to what should be their final test against Hampton next week.
I Pick: Bethune-Cookman...A&T is one of the worst programs in America right now, and the Aggies won't be able to put up a fight against the high powered Wildcats.
5. Stephen F. Austin (6-1, 1418)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #7, Defeated Sam Houston State 31-28
Points Gained: 234
This Week: Texas State
This is the final challenge on the Lumberjack slate. If SFA wins this game, they should win out for the SOuthland title, and will be an auto entry into the playoffs.
I Pick: Texas State fell to Nicholls State last week, so they are not much of a threat at this point. The Jacks should get an easy one this week.
6. Jacksonville (7-1, 1387)
Last Week's Rank/Result: #8, Defeated Marist 56-10
Points Gained: 248
This Week: at Morehead State
The Dolphins are leading the nation in points scored and total offense. They are in the Pioneer League, which does not have an auto birth. The FCS needs to find a way in for JU if they win out.
I Pick: JU...Dolphins should roll over the Eagles this week on the road, and the remaining schedule is very complimentary.
7. Wofford (6-1, 235)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #11, Defeated Elon 28-21
Points Gained: 235
This Week: Citadel
Wofford should have easy wins this week and next, but the war begins and will take them through the final two weeks of the season with games against Appalachian State and Chattanooga.
I Pick: Wofford...The Terriers have a very good shot at winning their way into the playoffs, but they have to ensure wins this week and next.
8. William & Mary (6-1, 1262)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #13, Defeated Delaware 17-16
Points Gained: 218
This Week: at North Carolina
The Tribe could not have chosen a worse time to play this game against the 1-A Tar Heels. They still control their own destiny in the Colonial after beating Delaware this week.
I Pick: North Carolina...It may not be a rout, but I cannot see the Tribe pulling off the upset this week.
9. Dayton (7-1, 1257)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #12, Defeated Campbell 41-23
Points Gained: 209
This Week: at Davidson
Unfortunately, the Flyers won't play Jacksonville for the Pioneer title. The good news is that the Flyers look to win out from this point on, and the Pioneer League can have two teams go undefeated in league play.
I Pick: Dayton...another easy win.
10. Grambling State (6-1, 1255)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #9, Defeated Mississippi Valley State 35-10
Points Gained: 256
This Week: at Arkansas-Pine Bluff
The Tigers are riding the legs of Frank Warren, as he is coming off of a 209 yard effort in last week's win. This week will be a harder chore, but Grambling is up for the challenge.
I Pick: Grambling...The Lions will be a tough draw this week, but Frank Warren should be able to expose weknesses in their D.
11. Delaware (7-1, 1241)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #2, Lost to #8 William & Mary 17-16
Points Lost: -135
This Week: Towson
This week's game against the Tigers will be their last guaranteed win of the season, and given how the Colonial has beaten up on eachother, this could get tricky.
I Pick: UD...the Hens get a huge win this week, but has to ramp up for a challenging final 2 weeks.
12. Robert Morris (6-1, 1227)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #6, Idle
Points Gained: 0
This Week: Duquesne
The Colonials are well rested coming into this week, and a game that may have seemed like an easy win a week ago, no longer does. These next two weeks should be interesting.
I pick: Robert Morris...This game should be a tight one, as the Dukes are coming back in a late charge.
13. Villanova (5-2, 1049)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #16, Defeated James Madison 14-7
Points Gained: 171
This Week: Richmond
Nova struggled to a win over JMU last week, and although Richmond is out of the picture, they can still bring a nasty surprise. Villanova is in a must win situation this week.
I Pick: Villanova at home...I'd be more worried if this game were away.
14. Pennsylvania (5-1, 991)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #21, Defeated Yale 27-20
Points Gained: 234
This Week: Brown
The Bears are going to be bring a major challenge to Philly this week. Penn has already ousted Yale, and they need to win out or get some help from some others.
I Pick: Penn...The Quakers get the home edge, but Brown will be gunning for the road upset.
15. Montana State (6-2, 970)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #18, Defeated Northern Colorado 37-35
Points Gained: 189
This Week: at Idaho State
There are 3 games left on the docket for the Bobcats, with extremely winnable games coming in the next two weeks. The showdown with Montana will be the monster. Bobcats are very much alive in the playoff hunt, but will need to win out to get a solid shot without having to sweat it out.
I Pick: Montana State
16. Liberty (5-2, 963)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #14, Idle
Points Gained: 0
This Week: at Presbyterian
No worries this week, and the Flames look to have an easy road to the Big South title.
I Pick: Liberty...easily.
17. Eastern Washington (6-2, 930)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #22, Defeated Sacramento State 28-24
Points Gained: 930
This Week: at Portland State
The Eagles have been steadily building this season, and is peaking at the right time. The Eagles need some help with getting someone to beat Montana State, and EWU needs to win out, and they would get the Big Sky auto bid.
I Pick: EWU...should be a tough fight, but EWU was on the right track.
18. Chattanooga (5-2, 929)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #26, Defeated #30 Furman 36-28
Points Gained: 294
This Week: Elon
With 4 games left, the Mocs could end up going 2-2. This week should bring a win against slumping Elon, but then comes Auburn.
I Pick: The Mocs are probably not going to knock off Wofford and get a break to win the SoCon, but right now they would be on the edge for a birth in the playoffs.
19. Hampton (5-2, 919)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #10, Lost to South Carolina State 10-7
Points Gained: -146
This Week: Old Dominion
This game has all of the makings of a nice rivalry. ODU is going to be a tough out this week, and the Pirates need to avoid a loss, as their overall record would not get them into the playoffs.
I Pick: Hampton, but it will be very close.
20. Montana (6-2, 877)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #25, Defeated Northern Arizona 24-21
Points Gained: 227
This Week: at Weber State
The Grizzlies have a prety easy road the next two weeks, but will have a major showdown against rival Montana State. Because of an early season loss to Eastern Washington, the Grizzlies do not control their destiny.
I Pick: Montana...no issues this week or next, but the week after will be war.
21. New Hampshire (5-3, 788)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: Defeated UMass 39-13
Points Gained: 265
This Week: Idle
The Wildcats are pushing their way back into the picture, and will end up dropping down some for taking a late season week off. The schedule will not be forgiving, as the Cats could be dogs in two of their final 3 games.
22. Western Illinois (5-3, 782)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #15, Lost to Missouri State 31-28
Points Lost: -175
This Week: Illinois State
If you had to pick the playoff brackets right now, the Leathernecks would not be in. The loss to the Bears was nearly a disaster, and a loss to the Redbirds would finish it off.
I Pick: WIU...sometimes you have to be desperate to get a big win. Desperation time is now.
23. North Dakota State (5-3, 728)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #30, Defeated Indiana State 27-15
Points Gained: 189
This Week: Southern Illinois
The Bison are out of the running for a playoff birth, and they have just been hanging around all season long. NDSU is not a bad team, but they just got off to a bad start in conference play.
I Pick: NDSU...If they keep winning, they may sneak in at the end, but it may be too little, too late.
24. South Carolina State (5-2, 721)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #32, Defeated #19 Hampton
Points Gained: 213
This Week: at Delaware State
The Hornets pose no threat to the Bulldogs this week. SC State should not lose another game this season in reality.
I Pick: SC State...easy week for the Bulldogs
25. Georgia Southern (4-3, 676)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #34, Defeated Citadel 20-0
Points Gained: 240
This Week: Samford
The Eagles should win this week, but if you break down what's left of the season, a 2-2 split looks realistic. Looking like a playoff miss.
I Pick: Georgia Southern...Eagles won't stick, as consistency has been an issue.
KNOCKING ON THE DOOR
26. Lehigh (5-2, 646)
27. Sam Houston State (4-3, 644)
28. Colgate (4-3, 611)
29. Central Connecticut State (5-2, 597)
30. Furman (4-3, 581)
31. Texas Southern (4-3, 573)
32. Southern Utah (4-4, 568)
33. Prairie View (5-3, 548)
34. Cal Poly (5-3, 543)
35. Northern Arizona (4-3, 520)
Dropped out of Top 35
Yale, UMass, James Madison, Gerogia State
There has been some movement this week, and as we get closer to the playoffs, we are getting to see who should be in line for a birth, and who should not. We'll start breaking down our looks at who should be in, and who should be out, and some of you may not like the answers, while others will see some light as to how the system may fail some conferences.
For now...enjoy the latest Bilo Power Ranking System results...the Top 35 edition...
1. Jacksonville State (8-0, 1892)
Last week's Ranking/Result: #1, Defeated Austin Peay 56-3
Points Gained: 259
This Week: Idle
The Gamecocks have been in this spot all season long. Appalachian State will get a huge chance to move them out this week, as JSU takes a week off. The Gamecocks will have a fight on their hands for the top spot, and remember, they have not played Southeast Missouri yet.
2. Appalachian State (7-0, 1605)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #3, Defeated Western Carolina 37-14
Points Gained: 260
This Week: #30 Furman
The Mountaineers are number one in all other polls, but JSU has the win over Ole Miss that has carried them all week. ASU will have a fight on their hands this week with the Paladins, but a win should push them closer to overtaking their last frontier to conquer.
I Pick: ASU should battle to a win, and move closer to a SoCon title, but tough games are stillon the horizon.
3. Southeast Missouri State (7-1, 1526)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #4, Defeated Eastern Kentucky 40-21
Points Gained: 209
This Week: UT-Martin
The Scheible and Harris show continues to roll on, and there are only 3 games remaining. Here's the bad news...one of those games is against Southwest Baptist and won't count for much.
I Pick: SEMS...UTM is strictly in a spoiler role right now, but the Redhawks won't be spoiled this week.
4. Bethune-Cookman (7-0, 1522)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #5, Defeated North Carolina Central 23-10
Points Gained: 236
This Week: North Carolina A&T (Thursday)
The Wildcats should pick up another easy win this week, but cannot get caught looking ahead to what should be their final test against Hampton next week.
I Pick: Bethune-Cookman...A&T is one of the worst programs in America right now, and the Aggies won't be able to put up a fight against the high powered Wildcats.
5. Stephen F. Austin (6-1, 1418)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #7, Defeated Sam Houston State 31-28
Points Gained: 234
This Week: Texas State
This is the final challenge on the Lumberjack slate. If SFA wins this game, they should win out for the SOuthland title, and will be an auto entry into the playoffs.
I Pick: Texas State fell to Nicholls State last week, so they are not much of a threat at this point. The Jacks should get an easy one this week.
6. Jacksonville (7-1, 1387)
Last Week's Rank/Result: #8, Defeated Marist 56-10
Points Gained: 248
This Week: at Morehead State
The Dolphins are leading the nation in points scored and total offense. They are in the Pioneer League, which does not have an auto birth. The FCS needs to find a way in for JU if they win out.
I Pick: JU...Dolphins should roll over the Eagles this week on the road, and the remaining schedule is very complimentary.
7. Wofford (6-1, 235)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #11, Defeated Elon 28-21
Points Gained: 235
This Week: Citadel
Wofford should have easy wins this week and next, but the war begins and will take them through the final two weeks of the season with games against Appalachian State and Chattanooga.
I Pick: Wofford...The Terriers have a very good shot at winning their way into the playoffs, but they have to ensure wins this week and next.
8. William & Mary (6-1, 1262)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #13, Defeated Delaware 17-16
Points Gained: 218
This Week: at North Carolina
The Tribe could not have chosen a worse time to play this game against the 1-A Tar Heels. They still control their own destiny in the Colonial after beating Delaware this week.
I Pick: North Carolina...It may not be a rout, but I cannot see the Tribe pulling off the upset this week.
9. Dayton (7-1, 1257)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #12, Defeated Campbell 41-23
Points Gained: 209
This Week: at Davidson
Unfortunately, the Flyers won't play Jacksonville for the Pioneer title. The good news is that the Flyers look to win out from this point on, and the Pioneer League can have two teams go undefeated in league play.
I Pick: Dayton...another easy win.
10. Grambling State (6-1, 1255)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #9, Defeated Mississippi Valley State 35-10
Points Gained: 256
This Week: at Arkansas-Pine Bluff
The Tigers are riding the legs of Frank Warren, as he is coming off of a 209 yard effort in last week's win. This week will be a harder chore, but Grambling is up for the challenge.
I Pick: Grambling...The Lions will be a tough draw this week, but Frank Warren should be able to expose weknesses in their D.
11. Delaware (7-1, 1241)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #2, Lost to #8 William & Mary 17-16
Points Lost: -135
This Week: Towson
This week's game against the Tigers will be their last guaranteed win of the season, and given how the Colonial has beaten up on eachother, this could get tricky.
I Pick: UD...the Hens get a huge win this week, but has to ramp up for a challenging final 2 weeks.
12. Robert Morris (6-1, 1227)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #6, Idle
Points Gained: 0
This Week: Duquesne
The Colonials are well rested coming into this week, and a game that may have seemed like an easy win a week ago, no longer does. These next two weeks should be interesting.
I pick: Robert Morris...This game should be a tight one, as the Dukes are coming back in a late charge.
13. Villanova (5-2, 1049)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #16, Defeated James Madison 14-7
Points Gained: 171
This Week: Richmond
Nova struggled to a win over JMU last week, and although Richmond is out of the picture, they can still bring a nasty surprise. Villanova is in a must win situation this week.
I Pick: Villanova at home...I'd be more worried if this game were away.
14. Pennsylvania (5-1, 991)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #21, Defeated Yale 27-20
Points Gained: 234
This Week: Brown
The Bears are going to be bring a major challenge to Philly this week. Penn has already ousted Yale, and they need to win out or get some help from some others.
I Pick: Penn...The Quakers get the home edge, but Brown will be gunning for the road upset.
15. Montana State (6-2, 970)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #18, Defeated Northern Colorado 37-35
Points Gained: 189
This Week: at Idaho State
There are 3 games left on the docket for the Bobcats, with extremely winnable games coming in the next two weeks. The showdown with Montana will be the monster. Bobcats are very much alive in the playoff hunt, but will need to win out to get a solid shot without having to sweat it out.
I Pick: Montana State
16. Liberty (5-2, 963)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #14, Idle
Points Gained: 0
This Week: at Presbyterian
No worries this week, and the Flames look to have an easy road to the Big South title.
I Pick: Liberty...easily.
17. Eastern Washington (6-2, 930)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #22, Defeated Sacramento State 28-24
Points Gained: 930
This Week: at Portland State
The Eagles have been steadily building this season, and is peaking at the right time. The Eagles need some help with getting someone to beat Montana State, and EWU needs to win out, and they would get the Big Sky auto bid.
I Pick: EWU...should be a tough fight, but EWU was on the right track.
18. Chattanooga (5-2, 929)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #26, Defeated #30 Furman 36-28
Points Gained: 294
This Week: Elon
With 4 games left, the Mocs could end up going 2-2. This week should bring a win against slumping Elon, but then comes Auburn.
I Pick: The Mocs are probably not going to knock off Wofford and get a break to win the SoCon, but right now they would be on the edge for a birth in the playoffs.
19. Hampton (5-2, 919)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #10, Lost to South Carolina State 10-7
Points Gained: -146
This Week: Old Dominion
This game has all of the makings of a nice rivalry. ODU is going to be a tough out this week, and the Pirates need to avoid a loss, as their overall record would not get them into the playoffs.
I Pick: Hampton, but it will be very close.
20. Montana (6-2, 877)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #25, Defeated Northern Arizona 24-21
Points Gained: 227
This Week: at Weber State
The Grizzlies have a prety easy road the next two weeks, but will have a major showdown against rival Montana State. Because of an early season loss to Eastern Washington, the Grizzlies do not control their destiny.
I Pick: Montana...no issues this week or next, but the week after will be war.
21. New Hampshire (5-3, 788)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: Defeated UMass 39-13
Points Gained: 265
This Week: Idle
The Wildcats are pushing their way back into the picture, and will end up dropping down some for taking a late season week off. The schedule will not be forgiving, as the Cats could be dogs in two of their final 3 games.
22. Western Illinois (5-3, 782)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #15, Lost to Missouri State 31-28
Points Lost: -175
This Week: Illinois State
If you had to pick the playoff brackets right now, the Leathernecks would not be in. The loss to the Bears was nearly a disaster, and a loss to the Redbirds would finish it off.
I Pick: WIU...sometimes you have to be desperate to get a big win. Desperation time is now.
23. North Dakota State (5-3, 728)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #30, Defeated Indiana State 27-15
Points Gained: 189
This Week: Southern Illinois
The Bison are out of the running for a playoff birth, and they have just been hanging around all season long. NDSU is not a bad team, but they just got off to a bad start in conference play.
I Pick: NDSU...If they keep winning, they may sneak in at the end, but it may be too little, too late.
24. South Carolina State (5-2, 721)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #32, Defeated #19 Hampton
Points Gained: 213
This Week: at Delaware State
The Hornets pose no threat to the Bulldogs this week. SC State should not lose another game this season in reality.
I Pick: SC State...easy week for the Bulldogs
25. Georgia Southern (4-3, 676)
Last Week's Ranking/Result: #34, Defeated Citadel 20-0
Points Gained: 240
This Week: Samford
The Eagles should win this week, but if you break down what's left of the season, a 2-2 split looks realistic. Looking like a playoff miss.
I Pick: Georgia Southern...Eagles won't stick, as consistency has been an issue.
KNOCKING ON THE DOOR
26. Lehigh (5-2, 646)
27. Sam Houston State (4-3, 644)
28. Colgate (4-3, 611)
29. Central Connecticut State (5-2, 597)
30. Furman (4-3, 581)
31. Texas Southern (4-3, 573)
32. Southern Utah (4-4, 568)
33. Prairie View (5-3, 548)
34. Cal Poly (5-3, 543)
35. Northern Arizona (4-3, 520)
Dropped out of Top 35
Yale, UMass, James Madison, Gerogia State
Pass/Fail FBS Week 8-Part 2
Here is the conclusion of our weekly Pass/Fail Report for all FBS games during week 8.
Georgia 44, Kentucky 31
Pass: Washsaun Ealey rushed for 157 yards and an amazing 5 TDs as the Bulldogs did what everyone does against the Cats...jump out bug and hold on late.
Fail: One of these weeks, UK won't find themselves down 3 scores to force a rally. Mike Hartline was actually outstanding at QB this week, and it was wasted.
TCU 38, Air Force 7
Pass: Ed Wesley's 209 yards rushing and 2 scores offset an off day by Andy Dalton, and the defense put a strangle hold on Air Force. Utah remains the only serious threat to TCU's run at the BCS.
Fail: The Falcons didn't even try to pass in this game, and were held to 231 yards of offense on the day with 13 1st downs in comparison to 30 for the Frogs. The defense was absent, having given up 582 yards on the day.
Fresno State 33, San Jose State 18
Pass: Robbie Rouse rushed for 116 yards and a pair of scores and Kevin Goessling kicked 4 FGs in a rather lifeless game.
Fail: Jordan LaSecla continues to try to carry the Spartans on his back, but they don't have anyone else, and with only 50 scholarship players on the roster, this is never going to get better.
Missouri 36, Oklahoma 27
Pass: Blaine Gabbert played precision QB, making smart choices in a short to medium range passing game, And then the Tigers used a power rushing attack to subdue the Sooners late in the game.
Fail: Bob Stoops literally gave up at the end and played safe because he was afraid of the effects of losing by double digits with the BCS voters. See why the system is bad?
Tulane 34, UTEP 24
Pass: What's this? Tulane picks up 2 wins in 3 weeks? A win is a win, and every one of those is a life raft for Bob Toledo in the dead pool.
Fail: UTEP should be massively embarrassed by this loss. They had a chance to control the CUSA West, and tossed it all away in one night. Only 10 carries for Donald Buckram?
San Diego State 30, New Mexico 20
Pass: SDSU finally got the road game monkey off of their back and won. It was ugly, though, and none of the stars for the Aztecs had solid games.
Fail: The Lobos are crap. That is all.
Arizona 44, Washington 14
Pass: Matt Scott completed 18 of his 22 passes in relief of injured Nick Foles, and Keola Antolin and Nic Grigsby each rushed for 2 scores for Arizona.
Fail: Jake Locker...another avergae to crap performance in another big game for the Huskies. He has murdered his own draft stock.
Georgia 44, Kentucky 31
Pass: Washsaun Ealey rushed for 157 yards and an amazing 5 TDs as the Bulldogs did what everyone does against the Cats...jump out bug and hold on late.
Fail: One of these weeks, UK won't find themselves down 3 scores to force a rally. Mike Hartline was actually outstanding at QB this week, and it was wasted.
TCU 38, Air Force 7
Pass: Ed Wesley's 209 yards rushing and 2 scores offset an off day by Andy Dalton, and the defense put a strangle hold on Air Force. Utah remains the only serious threat to TCU's run at the BCS.
Fail: The Falcons didn't even try to pass in this game, and were held to 231 yards of offense on the day with 13 1st downs in comparison to 30 for the Frogs. The defense was absent, having given up 582 yards on the day.
Fresno State 33, San Jose State 18
Pass: Robbie Rouse rushed for 116 yards and a pair of scores and Kevin Goessling kicked 4 FGs in a rather lifeless game.
Fail: Jordan LaSecla continues to try to carry the Spartans on his back, but they don't have anyone else, and with only 50 scholarship players on the roster, this is never going to get better.
Missouri 36, Oklahoma 27
Pass: Blaine Gabbert played precision QB, making smart choices in a short to medium range passing game, And then the Tigers used a power rushing attack to subdue the Sooners late in the game.
Fail: Bob Stoops literally gave up at the end and played safe because he was afraid of the effects of losing by double digits with the BCS voters. See why the system is bad?
Tulane 34, UTEP 24
Pass: What's this? Tulane picks up 2 wins in 3 weeks? A win is a win, and every one of those is a life raft for Bob Toledo in the dead pool.
Fail: UTEP should be massively embarrassed by this loss. They had a chance to control the CUSA West, and tossed it all away in one night. Only 10 carries for Donald Buckram?
San Diego State 30, New Mexico 20
Pass: SDSU finally got the road game monkey off of their back and won. It was ugly, though, and none of the stars for the Aztecs had solid games.
Fail: The Lobos are crap. That is all.
Arizona 44, Washington 14
Pass: Matt Scott completed 18 of his 22 passes in relief of injured Nick Foles, and Keola Antolin and Nic Grigsby each rushed for 2 scores for Arizona.
Fail: Jake Locker...another avergae to crap performance in another big game for the Huskies. He has murdered his own draft stock.
Monday, October 25, 2010
PRS (Bilo Football "Poll") Releases
Just an announcement...I know that a lot of you were looking for the release of the PRS today. I release it every Tuesday. Come back on late tomorrow afternoon to catch the latest rankings and observations, as well as the rest of the Pass/Fail reports for the FBS, and those of the FCS as well.
See you all tomorrow.
Scott
See you all tomorrow.
Scott
Pass/Fail FBS Week 8-Part 1
It's time for our weekly look at what passed and failed during week 8's action on the field. It was a strange week in college football, and it was definately Separation Saturday #2 with the undefeated's taking eachother on. Let's get into the action...
Oregon 60, UCLA 13
Pass: The Ducks stuck to their M.O. as they rolled up over 50 and 500 yards of offense. Darron Thomas was an unstoppable force, upstaging superstar RB LaMichael James.
Fail: The bRuins had two weeks to preapre for this game. This is the best that they could come up with?
South Florida 38, Cincinnati 30
Pass: Dear God!!! USF does have an offense. BJ Daniels, who has been suffering from suckitis all season, finally busted out, passing for 2 scores and rushing for 2 more.
Fail: UC gave up 4 sacks, committed 12 penalities, and had 200 yards of offense more than the Bulls, and tanked miserably. The Bearcats are one of the most disappointing teams in the nation.
Temple 42, Buffalo 0
Pass: The Owls got over 100 yards from both Matt Brown and Bernard Pierce and survived a mistake prone game with a staunch defense.
Fail: Buffalo started freshman QB Alex Zordich, and that was a mess. The Bulls were held to 161 yards on the day.
Navy 35, Notre Dame 17
Pass: Ricky Dobbs could have beaten the Irish all by himself, as he rushed for 3 scores. Alexander Teich also rushed for 210 yards for the MIddies as well.
Fail: Dayne Crist has slipped way down in the QB world, and now he has a potential battle with Tommy Rees in the eyes of the media. Navy has flipped the table and now owns the Irish.
Syracuse 19, West Virginia 14
Pass: Ross Krautman's 4 FGs and an opportunistitic defense took the Mountaineers down in Morgantown. The Orangemen forced 3 Geno Smith picks.
Fail: Noel Devine was the lone start on offense, but never found the endzone, and WVU failed to have the offense support the D.
Virginia Tech 44, Duke 7
Pass: Tyrod Taylor passed for 280 yards and 3 scores, and the Hokies rolled on.
Fail: Duke trailed huge early and never got in the game. It would seem that the Devils have never replaced Thaddeus Lewis at QB.
Ohio State 49, Purdue 0
Pass: The Buckeyes needed to bounce back from getting handled last week ,and raced out to a 42-0 lead at the half. The Buckeyes are not dead yet.
Fail: Purdue had reinvented themselves as of late, but they hit the wall, and were held to 118 yards of offense for the day.
MIchigan State 35, Northwestern 27
Pass: Kirk Cousins led the Spartans back from a 17-0 hole on the road, and now that Iowa has fallen, the Spartans are in complete control of winning the Big 10 title. Cousins passed for 331 yards and 3 scores.
Fail: Dan Persa never found the endzone, and the Wildcats blew that early 17 point lead. They have now lost 2 of 3.
Penn State 33, Minnesota 21
Pass: Robert Bolden had completed 11 of 13 passes before getting hurt, and the Nittany Lion defense held off the Gophers in the second half to preserve the road win.
Fail: Jeff Horton lost his debut as interm HC, and Adam Webber's 3 TD game went for naught.
Illinois 43, Indiana 13
Pass: Patrick Nixon-Youman and Jonathon Brown both returned picks for scores for the Illini, and Chris Hagerup blocked an Indiana punt in the endzone for a safety, and the Illini harrassed Ben Chappell into 3 picks on the day total.
Fail: The Hoosiers outgained the Illini by 99 yards and still lose by 30. Ben Chappell, the IU rock, turned into a dirt clot.
Iowa State 28, Texas 21
Pass: Austin Arnaud and Alexander Robinson both accounted for 2 scores as the Cyclones shocked the Longhorns in Austin.
Fail: Beat Nebraska, but lose to UCLA and Iowa State. I don't get it. I also don't get Garrett Gilbert as a starter at QB.
Arkansas 38, Ole Miss 24
Pass: Knile Davis took over the burden of winning for Arkansas as he rushed for 176 yards and 3 scores to make up for an average at best day from banged up Ryan Mallett.
Fail: The Rebels are going to need a lot more than Jeremiah Masoli (327 yards passing, 98 rushing) to get into a bowl game, as they are just wasting his skills right now.
Ohio 34, Miami (Ohio) 13
Pass: The Bobcats rushed for 5 scores on the day, and their D victimized Miami QB Zac Dysert all day long. Ohio stays very much alive in the MAC race.
Fail: Dysert had 4 of Miami's 6 turnovers on the day. Looks like they have a bunch to learn, and they are still very much in rebuilding mode.
Arkansas State 37, Florida Atlantic 16
Pass: The Red Wolves scored 28 in the 4th to rally from a smakk deficit. They stay alive (barely) in the Sun Belt.
Fail: The Owls season is virtually over, and you can blame the defense mainly, as they gave up 17 more 1st downs than the offense was able to collect.
Maryland 24, Boston College 21
Pass: Danny O'Brien passed for 3 scores in what was otherwise a very underwhelming offensive performance for the Terps.
Fail: Bad QB play sank the Eagles again, and the season is virtually over for BC, who have now lost 5 straight games.
BYU 25, Wyoming 20
Pass: A late Jake Heeps TD pass was enough to get BYU the win. I guess that was something.
Fail: The Cowboys were held to 173 yards of total offense, but that's more the ineptitude of the Wyoming offense this season than it was a credit to BYU's brilliance on defense.
UCF 41, Rice 14
Pass: Ronnie Weaver rushed for 3 TDs on the day, and UCF continued on with their dark horse journey to win CUSA.
Fail: 229 yards and 12 1st downs for Rice. And what do they expect from that output? Crap.
Houston 45, SMU 20
Pass: Michael Hayes and Bryce Beall both rushed for 2 scores, and Houston destroyed the Mustangs in Dallas.
Fail: You can better predict roullette than predict the CUSA Western Division race at this point. It's starting to feel like nobody really wants to win it.
Kent State 30, Bowling Green 6
Pass: Spencer Keith Passed for 2 scores and rshed for another, and the Golden Flashes are clinging to life.
Fail: When it comes to the Falcons, the patient has expired. No chance at life with 7 losses. Condolences.
Western Michigan 56, Akron 10
Pass: Alex Carder tossed for 5 TDs and 372 yards on the day, as the Broncos finally found someone that they could handle.
Fail: Akron is a broken record. Lose, lose, lose.
Louisville 26, UConn 0
Pass: The rebuilding process at Louisville is very much alive.
Fail: The Bowl hopes of the Huskies are very much dead, as is the playing career of QB Cody Endres who has been kicked out of the program permanently.
Clemson 27, Georgia Tech 13
Pass: Andre Ellington rushed for 166 yards and a pair of scores, and the Tigers are back in the bowl hunt.
Fail: The Yellow Jackets got behind big, and again, as is always the case, they could not come back on the non-existent arm of Josh Nesbit. Run the option all that you want, but you have to be ready to pass at some point, and Tech can't do it.
Baylor 47, Kansas State 42
Pass: Robert Griffin passed for 404 yards and 4 scores, while Jay Finley rushed for 250 yards and a pair of scores. The Bears are bowl eligible for the first time in 15 years and got a signature win at home.
Fail: K State gave up 683 yards of offense to the Bears. You don't ever win when you do that.
Texas Tech 27, Colorado 24
Pass: Matt Williams put the Red Raiders ahead with his 2nd FG of the 4th quarter and Tech came back from a 24-14 deficit to put the Buffs away.
Fail: That 4th quarter collapse was likely the final bullet into the tenure of Dan Hawkins at Colorado.
Wisconsin 31, Iowa 30
Pass: Montee Ball carried the ball 3 times all game long, and one was the game winner with 1:14 left in the game to lift the Badgers to the life saving road win.
Fail: The Hawkeyes had it in the bag, and at this point, the inability to stop Ball gives the Big Ten title to Michigan State on a platter.
Nebraska 51, Oklahoma State 41
Pass: Taylor Martinez passed for 323 yards and 5 scores, and added another 112 yards on the ground, and the Huskers victimized the OSU D through the air.
Fail: That D has been leaky all season for the Cowboys, and it finally blew up on them. Wasted performances by Kendell Hunter and Justin Blackmon.
Cal 50, Arizona State 17
Pass: Kevin Riley passed for 2 scores and Shane Vereen rushed for 2 more, and the Bears threw a bucket of cold water on the Sun Devils.
Fail: Terrible QB play and a missing run game sank the Devils to a new level of hell.
Auburn 24, LSU 17
Pass: Cameron Newton rushed for 217 yards on the day, and the Tigers of AU look to move to number 1 in the PRS.
Fail: We knew that the LSU QBs were no good, and they were awful against Auburn, which is not exactly a defensive juggernaut.
Northern Illinois 33, Central Michigan 7
Pass: Chad Spann rushed for 3 scores and the Huskies blew open a tight game at the half.
Fail: The Chippewas are eliminated from contention, and would now have to finish the season 4-0 in order to finish at .500.
East Carolina 37, Marshall 10
Pass: Dominique Davis passed for 208 yards and a pair of scores, and he also rushed for a score, as the Pirates continue to get closer to a birth in the CUSA title game. I am guessing that BC would love to have him back at this point.
Fail: Brian Anderson was picked 3 times, and the Herd had 4 turnovers total. The Rushing game never got close to developing.
Middle Tennessee 38. UL-Monroe 10
Pass: The Blue Raiders piled up 463 yards of offense, and got the action started with a Rod Isaac pick 6 of Kolton Browning that went 70 yards.
Fail: The WarHawks were a miserable 3 of 18 on 3rd down conversions, kepping them from extending drives time after time.
Idaho 37, New Mexico State 14
Pass: Nathan Enderle passed for 291 yards and 3 scores as the Vandals marched out to a 31-7 lead at the half.
Fail: Same old story in Las Crucas. The Aggies suck again.
Hawaii 45, Utah State 7
Pass: Alex Green rushed for 172 yards and just 4 scores, which helped right a shaky performance by QB Bryan Moniz, who tossed 2 picks to his 1 TD.
Fail: Diondre Borel was plain awful, and the rushing game was absent for the Aggies in the loss.
Western Kentucky 54, UL-Lafayette 21
Pass: WKU ended a nation's longest 27 game losing streak to get a big win for the program. Willie Taggert's first career win as HC of the Toppers was welcomed with congrats Tweets from his old boss Jim Harbaugh.
Fail: If there was any question about how Ricky Bustle needs to go at ULL, could it be put to rest now?
Stanford 38, Washington State 28
Pass: Andrew Luck passed for 3 scores and Stepfan Taylor rushed for 2, and the Cardinal was able to put away the pesky Cougars.
Fail: If anything can be said for another lost season in Pullman, it's that at least you have found a QB in Jeff Tuel. Otherwise, there is little else to celebrate.
Utah 59, Colorado State 6
Pass: JOrdan Wynn passed for 303 yards and 3 scores, and Matt Asiata added two more scores, as the Utes burried the Rams at home.
Fail: Another horrible day for the Rams. Fairchild has to start showing signs of progress, or else he could be gone after next season.
Virginia 48, Eastern Michigan 21
Pass: Marc Verica passed for 2 scores and Keith Payne rushed for a pair, and the Cavs keep their bowl hopes alive.
Fail: EMU found production from the run game, but that's not much good for you when your down as far as they were.
Toledo 31, Ball State 24
Pass: Austin Dantin rushed for a pair of scores and passed for another to negate his 2 picks. The Rockets stay alove in the MAC race.
Fail: Ball State committed 5 turnovers for the day, and they lost by a single score. Do the math.
Texas A&M 45, Kansas 10
Pass: Ryan Tannaheill passed for 3 scores on the game, and Mike Sherman is giving him some of Jerrod Johnson's snaps as he goes to a 2 QB system (bad idea).
Fail: The Jayhawks could go to a 5 QB sustem, but finding anyone to fill the role has become extremely problematic.
South Carolina 21, Vanderbilt 7
Pass: Brian MAddox rushed for 146 yards in place of Marcus Lattimore, and the Gamecocks picked up an ugly win on the road to stay in control of the SEC East.
Fail: Same old Vandy, different day.
Alabama 41, Tennessee 10
Pass: trent Richardson and Mark Ingram combined for 3 scores, and the Crimson Tide blew the game open with a 21-0 3rd quarter.
Fail: Can anyone on UT's roster other than Tauren Poole step up to be a star for the Vols?
Mississippi State 29, UAB 24
Pass: Laderius Perkins rushed for 131 yards and a score, and Derek Depasquale nailed 2 FGs to give the Bulldogs the win in the 4th.
Fail: If the Blazers had not turned the ball over 3 times, we may have had a different outcome.
Miami 33, North Carolina 10
Pass: Jacory Harris passed for 3 scores, and the Hurricanes went on a 30-0 run to win the game and beat the Butch Davis curse.
Fail: UNC never got on track, and a nice run comes to an end. UNC is still very much alive for a bowl bid, but cannot afford losses like this.
Oregon 60, UCLA 13
Pass: The Ducks stuck to their M.O. as they rolled up over 50 and 500 yards of offense. Darron Thomas was an unstoppable force, upstaging superstar RB LaMichael James.
Fail: The bRuins had two weeks to preapre for this game. This is the best that they could come up with?
South Florida 38, Cincinnati 30
Pass: Dear God!!! USF does have an offense. BJ Daniels, who has been suffering from suckitis all season, finally busted out, passing for 2 scores and rushing for 2 more.
Fail: UC gave up 4 sacks, committed 12 penalities, and had 200 yards of offense more than the Bulls, and tanked miserably. The Bearcats are one of the most disappointing teams in the nation.
Temple 42, Buffalo 0
Pass: The Owls got over 100 yards from both Matt Brown and Bernard Pierce and survived a mistake prone game with a staunch defense.
Fail: Buffalo started freshman QB Alex Zordich, and that was a mess. The Bulls were held to 161 yards on the day.
Navy 35, Notre Dame 17
Pass: Ricky Dobbs could have beaten the Irish all by himself, as he rushed for 3 scores. Alexander Teich also rushed for 210 yards for the MIddies as well.
Fail: Dayne Crist has slipped way down in the QB world, and now he has a potential battle with Tommy Rees in the eyes of the media. Navy has flipped the table and now owns the Irish.
Syracuse 19, West Virginia 14
Pass: Ross Krautman's 4 FGs and an opportunistitic defense took the Mountaineers down in Morgantown. The Orangemen forced 3 Geno Smith picks.
Fail: Noel Devine was the lone start on offense, but never found the endzone, and WVU failed to have the offense support the D.
Virginia Tech 44, Duke 7
Pass: Tyrod Taylor passed for 280 yards and 3 scores, and the Hokies rolled on.
Fail: Duke trailed huge early and never got in the game. It would seem that the Devils have never replaced Thaddeus Lewis at QB.
Ohio State 49, Purdue 0
Pass: The Buckeyes needed to bounce back from getting handled last week ,and raced out to a 42-0 lead at the half. The Buckeyes are not dead yet.
Fail: Purdue had reinvented themselves as of late, but they hit the wall, and were held to 118 yards of offense for the day.
MIchigan State 35, Northwestern 27
Pass: Kirk Cousins led the Spartans back from a 17-0 hole on the road, and now that Iowa has fallen, the Spartans are in complete control of winning the Big 10 title. Cousins passed for 331 yards and 3 scores.
Fail: Dan Persa never found the endzone, and the Wildcats blew that early 17 point lead. They have now lost 2 of 3.
Penn State 33, Minnesota 21
Pass: Robert Bolden had completed 11 of 13 passes before getting hurt, and the Nittany Lion defense held off the Gophers in the second half to preserve the road win.
Fail: Jeff Horton lost his debut as interm HC, and Adam Webber's 3 TD game went for naught.
Illinois 43, Indiana 13
Pass: Patrick Nixon-Youman and Jonathon Brown both returned picks for scores for the Illini, and Chris Hagerup blocked an Indiana punt in the endzone for a safety, and the Illini harrassed Ben Chappell into 3 picks on the day total.
Fail: The Hoosiers outgained the Illini by 99 yards and still lose by 30. Ben Chappell, the IU rock, turned into a dirt clot.
Iowa State 28, Texas 21
Pass: Austin Arnaud and Alexander Robinson both accounted for 2 scores as the Cyclones shocked the Longhorns in Austin.
Fail: Beat Nebraska, but lose to UCLA and Iowa State. I don't get it. I also don't get Garrett Gilbert as a starter at QB.
Arkansas 38, Ole Miss 24
Pass: Knile Davis took over the burden of winning for Arkansas as he rushed for 176 yards and 3 scores to make up for an average at best day from banged up Ryan Mallett.
Fail: The Rebels are going to need a lot more than Jeremiah Masoli (327 yards passing, 98 rushing) to get into a bowl game, as they are just wasting his skills right now.
Ohio 34, Miami (Ohio) 13
Pass: The Bobcats rushed for 5 scores on the day, and their D victimized Miami QB Zac Dysert all day long. Ohio stays very much alive in the MAC race.
Fail: Dysert had 4 of Miami's 6 turnovers on the day. Looks like they have a bunch to learn, and they are still very much in rebuilding mode.
Arkansas State 37, Florida Atlantic 16
Pass: The Red Wolves scored 28 in the 4th to rally from a smakk deficit. They stay alive (barely) in the Sun Belt.
Fail: The Owls season is virtually over, and you can blame the defense mainly, as they gave up 17 more 1st downs than the offense was able to collect.
Maryland 24, Boston College 21
Pass: Danny O'Brien passed for 3 scores in what was otherwise a very underwhelming offensive performance for the Terps.
Fail: Bad QB play sank the Eagles again, and the season is virtually over for BC, who have now lost 5 straight games.
BYU 25, Wyoming 20
Pass: A late Jake Heeps TD pass was enough to get BYU the win. I guess that was something.
Fail: The Cowboys were held to 173 yards of total offense, but that's more the ineptitude of the Wyoming offense this season than it was a credit to BYU's brilliance on defense.
UCF 41, Rice 14
Pass: Ronnie Weaver rushed for 3 TDs on the day, and UCF continued on with their dark horse journey to win CUSA.
Fail: 229 yards and 12 1st downs for Rice. And what do they expect from that output? Crap.
Houston 45, SMU 20
Pass: Michael Hayes and Bryce Beall both rushed for 2 scores, and Houston destroyed the Mustangs in Dallas.
Fail: You can better predict roullette than predict the CUSA Western Division race at this point. It's starting to feel like nobody really wants to win it.
Kent State 30, Bowling Green 6
Pass: Spencer Keith Passed for 2 scores and rshed for another, and the Golden Flashes are clinging to life.
Fail: When it comes to the Falcons, the patient has expired. No chance at life with 7 losses. Condolences.
Western Michigan 56, Akron 10
Pass: Alex Carder tossed for 5 TDs and 372 yards on the day, as the Broncos finally found someone that they could handle.
Fail: Akron is a broken record. Lose, lose, lose.
Louisville 26, UConn 0
Pass: The rebuilding process at Louisville is very much alive.
Fail: The Bowl hopes of the Huskies are very much dead, as is the playing career of QB Cody Endres who has been kicked out of the program permanently.
Clemson 27, Georgia Tech 13
Pass: Andre Ellington rushed for 166 yards and a pair of scores, and the Tigers are back in the bowl hunt.
Fail: The Yellow Jackets got behind big, and again, as is always the case, they could not come back on the non-existent arm of Josh Nesbit. Run the option all that you want, but you have to be ready to pass at some point, and Tech can't do it.
Baylor 47, Kansas State 42
Pass: Robert Griffin passed for 404 yards and 4 scores, while Jay Finley rushed for 250 yards and a pair of scores. The Bears are bowl eligible for the first time in 15 years and got a signature win at home.
Fail: K State gave up 683 yards of offense to the Bears. You don't ever win when you do that.
Texas Tech 27, Colorado 24
Pass: Matt Williams put the Red Raiders ahead with his 2nd FG of the 4th quarter and Tech came back from a 24-14 deficit to put the Buffs away.
Fail: That 4th quarter collapse was likely the final bullet into the tenure of Dan Hawkins at Colorado.
Wisconsin 31, Iowa 30
Pass: Montee Ball carried the ball 3 times all game long, and one was the game winner with 1:14 left in the game to lift the Badgers to the life saving road win.
Fail: The Hawkeyes had it in the bag, and at this point, the inability to stop Ball gives the Big Ten title to Michigan State on a platter.
Nebraska 51, Oklahoma State 41
Pass: Taylor Martinez passed for 323 yards and 5 scores, and added another 112 yards on the ground, and the Huskers victimized the OSU D through the air.
Fail: That D has been leaky all season for the Cowboys, and it finally blew up on them. Wasted performances by Kendell Hunter and Justin Blackmon.
Cal 50, Arizona State 17
Pass: Kevin Riley passed for 2 scores and Shane Vereen rushed for 2 more, and the Bears threw a bucket of cold water on the Sun Devils.
Fail: Terrible QB play and a missing run game sank the Devils to a new level of hell.
Auburn 24, LSU 17
Pass: Cameron Newton rushed for 217 yards on the day, and the Tigers of AU look to move to number 1 in the PRS.
Fail: We knew that the LSU QBs were no good, and they were awful against Auburn, which is not exactly a defensive juggernaut.
Northern Illinois 33, Central Michigan 7
Pass: Chad Spann rushed for 3 scores and the Huskies blew open a tight game at the half.
Fail: The Chippewas are eliminated from contention, and would now have to finish the season 4-0 in order to finish at .500.
East Carolina 37, Marshall 10
Pass: Dominique Davis passed for 208 yards and a pair of scores, and he also rushed for a score, as the Pirates continue to get closer to a birth in the CUSA title game. I am guessing that BC would love to have him back at this point.
Fail: Brian Anderson was picked 3 times, and the Herd had 4 turnovers total. The Rushing game never got close to developing.
Middle Tennessee 38. UL-Monroe 10
Pass: The Blue Raiders piled up 463 yards of offense, and got the action started with a Rod Isaac pick 6 of Kolton Browning that went 70 yards.
Fail: The WarHawks were a miserable 3 of 18 on 3rd down conversions, kepping them from extending drives time after time.
Idaho 37, New Mexico State 14
Pass: Nathan Enderle passed for 291 yards and 3 scores as the Vandals marched out to a 31-7 lead at the half.
Fail: Same old story in Las Crucas. The Aggies suck again.
Hawaii 45, Utah State 7
Pass: Alex Green rushed for 172 yards and just 4 scores, which helped right a shaky performance by QB Bryan Moniz, who tossed 2 picks to his 1 TD.
Fail: Diondre Borel was plain awful, and the rushing game was absent for the Aggies in the loss.
Western Kentucky 54, UL-Lafayette 21
Pass: WKU ended a nation's longest 27 game losing streak to get a big win for the program. Willie Taggert's first career win as HC of the Toppers was welcomed with congrats Tweets from his old boss Jim Harbaugh.
Fail: If there was any question about how Ricky Bustle needs to go at ULL, could it be put to rest now?
Stanford 38, Washington State 28
Pass: Andrew Luck passed for 3 scores and Stepfan Taylor rushed for 2, and the Cardinal was able to put away the pesky Cougars.
Fail: If anything can be said for another lost season in Pullman, it's that at least you have found a QB in Jeff Tuel. Otherwise, there is little else to celebrate.
Utah 59, Colorado State 6
Pass: JOrdan Wynn passed for 303 yards and 3 scores, and Matt Asiata added two more scores, as the Utes burried the Rams at home.
Fail: Another horrible day for the Rams. Fairchild has to start showing signs of progress, or else he could be gone after next season.
Virginia 48, Eastern Michigan 21
Pass: Marc Verica passed for 2 scores and Keith Payne rushed for a pair, and the Cavs keep their bowl hopes alive.
Fail: EMU found production from the run game, but that's not much good for you when your down as far as they were.
Toledo 31, Ball State 24
Pass: Austin Dantin rushed for a pair of scores and passed for another to negate his 2 picks. The Rockets stay alove in the MAC race.
Fail: Ball State committed 5 turnovers for the day, and they lost by a single score. Do the math.
Texas A&M 45, Kansas 10
Pass: Ryan Tannaheill passed for 3 scores on the game, and Mike Sherman is giving him some of Jerrod Johnson's snaps as he goes to a 2 QB system (bad idea).
Fail: The Jayhawks could go to a 5 QB sustem, but finding anyone to fill the role has become extremely problematic.
South Carolina 21, Vanderbilt 7
Pass: Brian MAddox rushed for 146 yards in place of Marcus Lattimore, and the Gamecocks picked up an ugly win on the road to stay in control of the SEC East.
Fail: Same old Vandy, different day.
Alabama 41, Tennessee 10
Pass: trent Richardson and Mark Ingram combined for 3 scores, and the Crimson Tide blew the game open with a 21-0 3rd quarter.
Fail: Can anyone on UT's roster other than Tauren Poole step up to be a star for the Vols?
Mississippi State 29, UAB 24
Pass: Laderius Perkins rushed for 131 yards and a score, and Derek Depasquale nailed 2 FGs to give the Bulldogs the win in the 4th.
Fail: If the Blazers had not turned the ball over 3 times, we may have had a different outcome.
Miami 33, North Carolina 10
Pass: Jacory Harris passed for 3 scores, and the Hurricanes went on a 30-0 run to win the game and beat the Butch Davis curse.
Fail: UNC never got on track, and a nice run comes to an end. UNC is still very much alive for a bowl bid, but cannot afford losses like this.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
This Weekend
More live updates on Saturday...Pass/Fail reports on Saturday and Tuesday....Live updates on Twitter all weekend. Have a great football weekend all!!!
I'll be checking out some high school football action in Vegas tomorrow night. Hit me up on Twitter from wherever you will be watching football on any level this weekend!!! @BiloFootball
BIG BIG NEWS coming next week in regards to the future of the Bilo College Football Report and beyond. News coming on Tuesday with the release of the next PRS rankings. Stay tuned.
I'll be checking out some high school football action in Vegas tomorrow night. Hit me up on Twitter from wherever you will be watching football on any level this weekend!!! @BiloFootball
BIG BIG NEWS coming next week in regards to the future of the Bilo College Football Report and beyond. News coming on Tuesday with the release of the next PRS rankings. Stay tuned.
Saturday Picks 10/23
Here are my FBS picks for Saturday, 10/23.
Temple over Buffalo
The Bulls are falling off of the radar, and a loss here puts them to bed for 2010. Temple is still battling for a shot at the MAC title game.
Notre Dame over Navy
The Irish are starting to look like a real football team, and that's bad news for Navy.
West Virginia over Syracuse
It was fun watching the Cuse win while it lasted. The party is over.
Pittsburgh over Rutgers
Call me crazy...but I just cannot take Rutgers this week.
Virginia tech over Duke
No issues for the Hokies as they keep tearing up the ACC.
Ohio State over Purdue
The Buckeyes will not lose to Purdue a week after losing to Wisconsin. The Boilers are going down.
Michigan State over Northwestern
This is the one chance that someone has to upset the Spartans, but they will be ready for it. Sparty will get it done.
Penn State over Minnesota
The Gophers are going into their first game under Jeff Horton. He just wants them to have fun. What a bunch of crap. Gophers fall.
Indiana over Illinois
Going to be tough for the Illini defense to stop the Ben Chappell show.
Texas over Iowa State
The Cyclones would like to shoot the schedule maker. Utah, Oklahoma, and Texas all in a row.
Arkansas over Ole Miss
Mallett is back this week after a concussion last week. Thick head and good arm. Hogs win.
Miami (Ohio) over Ohio
Both temas still in the MAC race. Miami at home is a good bet.
Arkansas State over FAU
The Red Wolves should have had a win at Indiana, but didn't play defense. The Owls are a mess. Advantage ASU.
Maryland over Boston College
This could be the last guarantee for the Terps.
BYU over Wyoming
Cougars finally find someone they can kick ass on in final MWC season.
UCF over Rice
The Knights are still battling in CUSA East race. Rice is cooked, dispite win over under staffed Houston last week.
Bowling Green over Kent State
Two terrible teams, but Kamar Jorden could have a huge game for Falcons.
Western Michigan over Akron
Who would seriously choose the Zips this week? Any week?
Louisville over UConn
Cardinals fought hard in loss last week. UConn moving to their third QB this season after Cody Endres is kicked off of the team.
Georgia Tech over Clemson
Tigers get officially bounced out of ACC race. Who will have worse passing game?
Baylor over Kansas State
Huge game in the Big 12. Both still in the hunt for a great bowl. Baylor looks good in Waco.
Texas Tech over Colorado
Hawkins gets dumped into the dead pool with a loss
Iowa over Wisconsin
Badgers will be suffering inflated ego issues. Hawkeyes are quiet and sneaky good, and at home.
Oklahoma State over Nebraska
OSU's offensive trinity can beat anyone. Huskers great defensively, but the Cowboys can get it done.
Cal over Arizona State
Bears Shane Vereen should be a go this week. Bears will ride him to a win in a game between PAC-10's two most overrated coaches in Erickson and Tedford.
LSU at Auburn
Huge game...huge crowd...Auburn at home...better QB play in Cam Newton.
Northern Illinois over Central Michigan
NIU heading up, CMU heading down. Easy choice here.
East Carolina over Marshall
Pirates will roll. No doubt.
Middle Tennessee over UL-Monroe
Blue Raiders will finally find someone to beat. Dwight Dasher's last chance to shine.
Idaho over New Mexico State
Not much to say here. NMSU is horrible.
Hawaii over Utah State
Rainbows on a roll...they keep on rolling.
UL-Lafayette over Western Kentucky
WKU heads to their 27th consecutive loss. Ugly.
Stanford over Washington State
Cardinal are giving the Cougs props. That's so nice of them to set them up for the big knockdown.
Utah over Colorado State
Utah is the silent assassin in 2010. Nobody is paying them enough attention, and then they snipe your ass. Gotta love Kyle Whittingham.
Virginia over Eastern Michigan
The Cavs love playing 1-AA teams. Oh yeah, EMU is 1-A...same thing.
Toledo over Ball State
Ball State back to being Ball Sweat...Toledo tears them a new one.
Texas A&M over Kansas
If the Aggies lose this game, Sherman should just go ahead and resign.
South Carolina over Vanderbilt
Even with Lattimore banged up, Gamecocks still light years better than the Commodores.
Alabama over Tennessee
Tide is going to really take it to the Vols. Bama needs another statement game to get their mojo back.
Mississippi State over UAB
MSU takes it to another CUSA flunky.
North Carolina over Miami
Turns out the Heels aren't dead yet. The cheater knows how to beat the cheaters.
Kentucky over Georgia
Wildcats get another big win for Joker Phillips. Stay in contention for decent bowl.
TCU over Air Force
If the Falcons could not handle San Diego State, how will they do in Fort Worth?
Fresno State over San Jose State
Spartans down to just 50 scholarship players. Worse than some 1-AA schools.
Missouri over Oklahoma
This may be the biggest game ever for Mizzou at home. These are the moments that define your football team.
UTEP over Tulane
No way the Miners lose to another scrub this week. Last week was an atrocity.
San Diego State over New Mexico
SDSU finally finds someone that they can take down on the road.
Washington over Arizona
Nick Foles is out for the Wildcats. That's bad news as Matt Scott is inexperienced, and didn't exactly burn down the barn against Washington State last week.
My straight up win picks in the FCS
Charleston Southern over VMI
Jacksonville over Marist
Yale over Penn
Delaware over William & Mary
Brown over Cornell
Lehigh over Bucknell
Rhode Island over Maine
Lafayette over Fordham
Jackson State over Texas Southern
Dayton over Campbell
Butler over Morehead State
Duquesne over Wagner
Georgia Southern over Citadel
Colgate over Holy Cross
Georgetown over Sacred Heart
Monmouth over St. Francis
Morgan State over Delaware State
Harvard over Princeton
Gardner-Webb over Presbyterian
Hampton over South Carolina State
Wofford over Elon
North Carolina A&T over Howard
Columbia over Dartmouth
Alabama State over Savannah State
Southeast Missouri State over Eastern Kentucky
Western Illinois over Missouri State
Chattnooga over Furman
Drake over Davidson
Florida A&M over Norfolk State
Bethune-Cookman over North Carolina Central
Murray State over Eastern Illinois
SF Austin over Sam Houston State
Youngstown State over South Dakota State
Grambling over Mississippi Valley State
Appalachian State over Western Carolina
Southern Utah over South Dakota
Montana over Northern Arizona
Montana State over Northern Colorado
Old Dominion over Georgia State
Villanova over James Madison
Richmond over Towson
UMass over New Hampshire
Texas State over Northwestern State
Jacksonville State over Austin Peay
North Dakota State over Indiana State
Eastern Washington over Sacramento State
San Diego over Valporaiso
Prairie View over Southern
Central Arkansas over Nicholls State
UC-Davis over South Alabama
Weber State over Portland State
Illinois State over Northern Iowa
McNeese State over SE Louisiana
Tennessee Tech over Tennessee State
Coastal Carolina over Stony Brook
Cal Poly over North Dakota
Temple over Buffalo
The Bulls are falling off of the radar, and a loss here puts them to bed for 2010. Temple is still battling for a shot at the MAC title game.
Notre Dame over Navy
The Irish are starting to look like a real football team, and that's bad news for Navy.
West Virginia over Syracuse
It was fun watching the Cuse win while it lasted. The party is over.
Pittsburgh over Rutgers
Call me crazy...but I just cannot take Rutgers this week.
Virginia tech over Duke
No issues for the Hokies as they keep tearing up the ACC.
Ohio State over Purdue
The Buckeyes will not lose to Purdue a week after losing to Wisconsin. The Boilers are going down.
Michigan State over Northwestern
This is the one chance that someone has to upset the Spartans, but they will be ready for it. Sparty will get it done.
Penn State over Minnesota
The Gophers are going into their first game under Jeff Horton. He just wants them to have fun. What a bunch of crap. Gophers fall.
Indiana over Illinois
Going to be tough for the Illini defense to stop the Ben Chappell show.
Texas over Iowa State
The Cyclones would like to shoot the schedule maker. Utah, Oklahoma, and Texas all in a row.
Arkansas over Ole Miss
Mallett is back this week after a concussion last week. Thick head and good arm. Hogs win.
Miami (Ohio) over Ohio
Both temas still in the MAC race. Miami at home is a good bet.
Arkansas State over FAU
The Red Wolves should have had a win at Indiana, but didn't play defense. The Owls are a mess. Advantage ASU.
Maryland over Boston College
This could be the last guarantee for the Terps.
BYU over Wyoming
Cougars finally find someone they can kick ass on in final MWC season.
UCF over Rice
The Knights are still battling in CUSA East race. Rice is cooked, dispite win over under staffed Houston last week.
Bowling Green over Kent State
Two terrible teams, but Kamar Jorden could have a huge game for Falcons.
Western Michigan over Akron
Who would seriously choose the Zips this week? Any week?
Louisville over UConn
Cardinals fought hard in loss last week. UConn moving to their third QB this season after Cody Endres is kicked off of the team.
Georgia Tech over Clemson
Tigers get officially bounced out of ACC race. Who will have worse passing game?
Baylor over Kansas State
Huge game in the Big 12. Both still in the hunt for a great bowl. Baylor looks good in Waco.
Texas Tech over Colorado
Hawkins gets dumped into the dead pool with a loss
Iowa over Wisconsin
Badgers will be suffering inflated ego issues. Hawkeyes are quiet and sneaky good, and at home.
Oklahoma State over Nebraska
OSU's offensive trinity can beat anyone. Huskers great defensively, but the Cowboys can get it done.
Cal over Arizona State
Bears Shane Vereen should be a go this week. Bears will ride him to a win in a game between PAC-10's two most overrated coaches in Erickson and Tedford.
LSU at Auburn
Huge game...huge crowd...Auburn at home...better QB play in Cam Newton.
Northern Illinois over Central Michigan
NIU heading up, CMU heading down. Easy choice here.
East Carolina over Marshall
Pirates will roll. No doubt.
Middle Tennessee over UL-Monroe
Blue Raiders will finally find someone to beat. Dwight Dasher's last chance to shine.
Idaho over New Mexico State
Not much to say here. NMSU is horrible.
Hawaii over Utah State
Rainbows on a roll...they keep on rolling.
UL-Lafayette over Western Kentucky
WKU heads to their 27th consecutive loss. Ugly.
Stanford over Washington State
Cardinal are giving the Cougs props. That's so nice of them to set them up for the big knockdown.
Utah over Colorado State
Utah is the silent assassin in 2010. Nobody is paying them enough attention, and then they snipe your ass. Gotta love Kyle Whittingham.
Virginia over Eastern Michigan
The Cavs love playing 1-AA teams. Oh yeah, EMU is 1-A...same thing.
Toledo over Ball State
Ball State back to being Ball Sweat...Toledo tears them a new one.
Texas A&M over Kansas
If the Aggies lose this game, Sherman should just go ahead and resign.
South Carolina over Vanderbilt
Even with Lattimore banged up, Gamecocks still light years better than the Commodores.
Alabama over Tennessee
Tide is going to really take it to the Vols. Bama needs another statement game to get their mojo back.
Mississippi State over UAB
MSU takes it to another CUSA flunky.
North Carolina over Miami
Turns out the Heels aren't dead yet. The cheater knows how to beat the cheaters.
Kentucky over Georgia
Wildcats get another big win for Joker Phillips. Stay in contention for decent bowl.
TCU over Air Force
If the Falcons could not handle San Diego State, how will they do in Fort Worth?
Fresno State over San Jose State
Spartans down to just 50 scholarship players. Worse than some 1-AA schools.
Missouri over Oklahoma
This may be the biggest game ever for Mizzou at home. These are the moments that define your football team.
UTEP over Tulane
No way the Miners lose to another scrub this week. Last week was an atrocity.
San Diego State over New Mexico
SDSU finally finds someone that they can take down on the road.
Washington over Arizona
Nick Foles is out for the Wildcats. That's bad news as Matt Scott is inexperienced, and didn't exactly burn down the barn against Washington State last week.
My straight up win picks in the FCS
Charleston Southern over VMI
Jacksonville over Marist
Yale over Penn
Delaware over William & Mary
Brown over Cornell
Lehigh over Bucknell
Rhode Island over Maine
Lafayette over Fordham
Jackson State over Texas Southern
Dayton over Campbell
Butler over Morehead State
Duquesne over Wagner
Georgia Southern over Citadel
Colgate over Holy Cross
Georgetown over Sacred Heart
Monmouth over St. Francis
Morgan State over Delaware State
Harvard over Princeton
Gardner-Webb over Presbyterian
Hampton over South Carolina State
Wofford over Elon
North Carolina A&T over Howard
Columbia over Dartmouth
Alabama State over Savannah State
Southeast Missouri State over Eastern Kentucky
Western Illinois over Missouri State
Chattnooga over Furman
Drake over Davidson
Florida A&M over Norfolk State
Bethune-Cookman over North Carolina Central
Murray State over Eastern Illinois
SF Austin over Sam Houston State
Youngstown State over South Dakota State
Grambling over Mississippi Valley State
Appalachian State over Western Carolina
Southern Utah over South Dakota
Montana over Northern Arizona
Montana State over Northern Colorado
Old Dominion over Georgia State
Villanova over James Madison
Richmond over Towson
UMass over New Hampshire
Texas State over Northwestern State
Jacksonville State over Austin Peay
North Dakota State over Indiana State
Eastern Washington over Sacramento State
San Diego over Valporaiso
Prairie View over Southern
Central Arkansas over Nicholls State
UC-Davis over South Alabama
Weber State over Portland State
Illinois State over Northern Iowa
McNeese State over SE Louisiana
Tennessee Tech over Tennessee State
Coastal Carolina over Stony Brook
Cal Poly over North Dakota
Friday Preview 10/22
South Florida at Cincinnati
What's At Stake
USF is already basically out of any form of a Big East race, so not much is at stake for them except maybe a small chance at crawling back into the muck. For the Bearcats, this is a chance to put their first winning streak together, and they stay in the race for the Big East title, even if only as an outsider.
USF Wins If...
They get their act together on offense. I don't know what's going on in Tampa, but damn this offense is just simply offensive in every way. If I weren't a UCLA fan and already had a really good idea of what a crappy offense looks like, I would be sickened. The Bulls really don't match up with UC very well, and so look for them to stay winless in the Big East.
Cincinnati Wins If...
The Bearcats seemed to really get a sense of themselves in the win over Louisville. Collaros started to get into a groove at QB, and the Bearcats followed right along with him. He needs to be the leader again, and although the USF D has not been bad, UC should have enough weapons to open up the field.
Vegas Line
UC -8.5
I Pick
Cincinnati
In FCS action...
Central Connecticut State at Albany
CCSU is really the last team in the Northeast Conference that has a shot at taking down Robert Morris. They have not played yet, and so the journey has to go through Albany, who lost to the Colonials 38-0 last week. CCSU is rushing the ball very well this season, and Albany has been hit and miss. I'll take the CCSU Blue Devils and run with it.
What's At Stake
USF is already basically out of any form of a Big East race, so not much is at stake for them except maybe a small chance at crawling back into the muck. For the Bearcats, this is a chance to put their first winning streak together, and they stay in the race for the Big East title, even if only as an outsider.
USF Wins If...
They get their act together on offense. I don't know what's going on in Tampa, but damn this offense is just simply offensive in every way. If I weren't a UCLA fan and already had a really good idea of what a crappy offense looks like, I would be sickened. The Bulls really don't match up with UC very well, and so look for them to stay winless in the Big East.
Cincinnati Wins If...
The Bearcats seemed to really get a sense of themselves in the win over Louisville. Collaros started to get into a groove at QB, and the Bearcats followed right along with him. He needs to be the leader again, and although the USF D has not been bad, UC should have enough weapons to open up the field.
Vegas Line
UC -8.5
I Pick
Cincinnati
In FCS action...
Central Connecticut State at Albany
CCSU is really the last team in the Northeast Conference that has a shot at taking down Robert Morris. They have not played yet, and so the journey has to go through Albany, who lost to the Colonials 38-0 last week. CCSU is rushing the ball very well this season, and Albany has been hit and miss. I'll take the CCSU Blue Devils and run with it.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Thursday Picks 10/21
There is only one FBS game on tap for tomorrow night.
UCLA at Oregon
What's at Stake
For UCLA, a loss to Oregon will mean that the rebuilding process has officially fallen way behind schedule. For Oregon, this is a chance to stay at #1 in the AP (1st time ever), maintain a spot in the BCS national championship game, and to keep leaving a trail of bodies in the PAC-10.
Oregon Wins If...
They just win. Oregon will play their game, and will pound the ball at lightning speed against a deer caught in the headlight Bruin front seven. The Ducks shouldn't even feel a bump as they cruise right over the carcass of the Bruins tomorrow night. They won't hear it either over the din of the home faithful.
UCLA Wins If...
Aliens abduct Chip Kelly and replace him with Grace Kelly's doppleganger. Yeah, I know, not happening...but it would be funny if it did...
Vegas Line
Oregon -21
I Pick
Oregon by more than 21
In FCS Play...
Lambuth at Tennessee-Martin
UTM has not been horrible this season, but they aren't great either. Lambuth has a histiry of providing some entertaining NAIA play, but don't expect an upset this season. The Skyhawks have enough in the tank to take this one.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Alcorn State
Elimination game in the SWAC, but they may both already be eliminated. Alcorn State had crawled towards the top 25 of the PRS before falling flat two weeks ago. I am taking Raymond Webber and the Golden Lions on the road.
UCLA at Oregon
What's at Stake
For UCLA, a loss to Oregon will mean that the rebuilding process has officially fallen way behind schedule. For Oregon, this is a chance to stay at #1 in the AP (1st time ever), maintain a spot in the BCS national championship game, and to keep leaving a trail of bodies in the PAC-10.
Oregon Wins If...
They just win. Oregon will play their game, and will pound the ball at lightning speed against a deer caught in the headlight Bruin front seven. The Ducks shouldn't even feel a bump as they cruise right over the carcass of the Bruins tomorrow night. They won't hear it either over the din of the home faithful.
UCLA Wins If...
Aliens abduct Chip Kelly and replace him with Grace Kelly's doppleganger. Yeah, I know, not happening...but it would be funny if it did...
Vegas Line
Oregon -21
I Pick
Oregon by more than 21
In FCS Play...
Lambuth at Tennessee-Martin
UTM has not been horrible this season, but they aren't great either. Lambuth has a histiry of providing some entertaining NAIA play, but don't expect an upset this season. The Skyhawks have enough in the tank to take this one.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Alcorn State
Elimination game in the SWAC, but they may both already be eliminated. Alcorn State had crawled towards the top 25 of the PRS before falling flat two weeks ago. I am taking Raymond Webber and the Golden Lions on the road.
Coaches Swimming in the Dead Pool Volume 5
Here are the coaches that are basically done. The Dead Pool did claim two victims this week already. We say RIP to the careers of two coaches, and prepare for the passing of a few others. Let's take a look...
The Drowning Victims
Tim Brewster, Minnesota
It was inevitable. Brewster didn't know how to swim in the Big 10 waters, and they claimed his head coaching job. This program is not even close to the top of the big 10 class, and the Gophers have found that out the hard way when Tony Dungy shot themdown before they even asked him to look at the job. OUCH!!! Jeff Horton takes over for the interim, but Joel Musari swears that a huge hire is right over the hill over there. Let's hope that he is right.
Todd Dodge, North Texas
Truly, like Brewster, he never had a chance to swim. He was given a goal to meet 7 wins this season, and that was not remotely possible, meaning that he should have just resigned before the season started. Did nobody learn anything when Notre Dame hired Gerry Faust from a high school? That shit does not work!!!
Still Treading Water
Neil Calloway, UAB
It's just a matter of time. UAB will lose several more games this season, and although the Blazers upset UTEP last week, don't get too excited. A massive turnaround would have to happen for Calloway to be retained.
David Bailiff, Rice
This will eventually come to pass. Bailiff is failing miserably, and don't look too closely at the win over rival Houston last weekend. This team is still remarkably horrid.
Bob Toledo, Tulane
Good guy...horrible coach. Tulane has not gotten any better in his 3 years, and no progress means no job. I don't see him being retained to keep on spinning the wheels. Let's be real...the right guy can win here...Rich Rodriguez did.
Stan Parrish, Ball State
Another retread who's days are numbered. The panic hire is flailing in Muncie, and better can be had. Ball State is not a terrible job.
Mike Locksley, New Mexico
A week off, and let's get ready to continue the losing!!! The Lobos have become the worst program in the west next to instate rival New Mexico State and San Jose State.
Paul Wulff, Washington State
At least he can say that he has had a hand in making Jeff Tuel a better QB. That means that the new guy will have a solid guy under center to coach. Wait...do any QBs play under center anymore, or do I just sound dated?
Mark Richt, Georgia
I know that they are on a 2 game winning streak, but the Dogs have to go 5-0 to reach 8 wins. Do you really see that happening? Do you see Richt coming back if he loses more than 4 games?
The Drowning Victims
Tim Brewster, Minnesota
It was inevitable. Brewster didn't know how to swim in the Big 10 waters, and they claimed his head coaching job. This program is not even close to the top of the big 10 class, and the Gophers have found that out the hard way when Tony Dungy shot themdown before they even asked him to look at the job. OUCH!!! Jeff Horton takes over for the interim, but Joel Musari swears that a huge hire is right over the hill over there. Let's hope that he is right.
Todd Dodge, North Texas
Truly, like Brewster, he never had a chance to swim. He was given a goal to meet 7 wins this season, and that was not remotely possible, meaning that he should have just resigned before the season started. Did nobody learn anything when Notre Dame hired Gerry Faust from a high school? That shit does not work!!!
Still Treading Water
Neil Calloway, UAB
It's just a matter of time. UAB will lose several more games this season, and although the Blazers upset UTEP last week, don't get too excited. A massive turnaround would have to happen for Calloway to be retained.
David Bailiff, Rice
This will eventually come to pass. Bailiff is failing miserably, and don't look too closely at the win over rival Houston last weekend. This team is still remarkably horrid.
Bob Toledo, Tulane
Good guy...horrible coach. Tulane has not gotten any better in his 3 years, and no progress means no job. I don't see him being retained to keep on spinning the wheels. Let's be real...the right guy can win here...Rich Rodriguez did.
Stan Parrish, Ball State
Another retread who's days are numbered. The panic hire is flailing in Muncie, and better can be had. Ball State is not a terrible job.
Mike Locksley, New Mexico
A week off, and let's get ready to continue the losing!!! The Lobos have become the worst program in the west next to instate rival New Mexico State and San Jose State.
Paul Wulff, Washington State
At least he can say that he has had a hand in making Jeff Tuel a better QB. That means that the new guy will have a solid guy under center to coach. Wait...do any QBs play under center anymore, or do I just sound dated?
Mark Richt, Georgia
I know that they are on a 2 game winning streak, but the Dogs have to go 5-0 to reach 8 wins. Do you really see that happening? Do you see Richt coming back if he loses more than 4 games?
Coaches on the Hot Seat...Volume 5
Here is our weekly list of coaches who are feeling the heat. They may or may not be fired this season, but things could definately be better...
Ralph Friedgen, Maryland
I have laid off of him all season just for the fact that 4 wins was probably 3 more than I thought that the Terps would have all season. The party is ending, however, as a 31-7 pounding at the hands of Clemson could spell future trouble with the schedule getting tougher.
Dabo Swinney, Clemson
He gave himself a break by beating Maryland last week, but people are not going to accept .500 records at Clemson for very long. If they did, they would have kept Tommy Bowden around.
Dave Wannstadt, Pittsburgh
Pitt was supposed to be so much better. A 3-3 record is a huge letdown to the fans and to Wannstadt himself. It had start getting better, and fast.
Ron Zook, Illinois
The season hasn't been horrible at 3-3, but if the engine starts to sputter as we get deeper into conference play, he could slide out of the frying pan and into the cool waters of the dead pool.
Bill Lynch, Indiana
After another solid start, the Hoosiers have fallen to 0-2 in the Big 10. IU is not a football school, but people want a team that can compete in conference play. Hell, they only beat Arkansas State by 2!
Joe Paterno, Penn State
The rumblings have been going on this season that this will have to be the end for Paterno. He's like the old grandpa that can't turn over his car keys when he has started to drive like crap. Turn the keys over to the next generation Joe!!!
Dan Hawkins, Colorado
One more loss will basically be all the administration will need to cut Hawkins loose and go for a big splashy name hire. Hawkins is kind of in a no win situation, as he has to know that most of the fans don't want him anymore.
Mike Sherman, Texas A&M
The season is starting to get away from the Aggies, and Sherman is going to hear all about it loud and clear. The Aggies have become a program of the past, and Sherman could slip into the dead pool at any time because of that.
Doug Martin, Kent State
Another season of promise has come, and it will go without fulfilling said promise just as fast. Martin is not the guy that can lead this team over the hump in the MAC.
Bill Cubit, Western Michigan
This team has failed for over 2 years now to meet the most minor of expectations in the MAC. Cubit is seemingly no longer the right guy at WMU.
Steve Fairchild, Colorado State
If you listen to the administrators are saying, it looks like he'll get one more year to starighten this mess out. Then it's wait and see time.
Jeff Tedford, California
Tedofrd is now feeling the heat, until he beats another overrated club and then he looks like the local genious again. Nobody can make up their mind on this guy, but I say overrated is about right.
Dennis Erickson, Arizona State
The pressure is on, and they are halfway throught the season. A 3-3 second half to 6-6 may not be good enough.
Rick Neuheisel, UCLA
Let's be real here. The Bruins will get hamered tomorrow night against Oregon in Eugene, and the Bruins will be 3-4, making them have to go 5-0 to finish with 8 wins that he promised before the start of the season. Not going to happen. Who's still buying and drinking the Kool-Aid that this guy is selling?
Derek Dooley, Tennessee
Like I said last week, he had better get this machine cranking quickly. He is dealing with a sacred artifact in Knoxville, and people are not going to wait for him to completely fuck it up.
Ricky Bustle, Louisiana-Lafayette
How much longer can ULL stay with this guy and stay stuck inmediocrity or worse?
Steve Roberts, Arkansas State
Don't give him credit for only losing to Indiana by 2...a better coach would have pulled the rabbit from his ass and pulled off the upset.
Howard Schnellenberger, FAU
It's time for the legend to call it a day. Things are not getting better at FAU, and the program is too young to already be stagnant in the Sun Belt of all places.
Ralph Friedgen, Maryland
I have laid off of him all season just for the fact that 4 wins was probably 3 more than I thought that the Terps would have all season. The party is ending, however, as a 31-7 pounding at the hands of Clemson could spell future trouble with the schedule getting tougher.
Dabo Swinney, Clemson
He gave himself a break by beating Maryland last week, but people are not going to accept .500 records at Clemson for very long. If they did, they would have kept Tommy Bowden around.
Dave Wannstadt, Pittsburgh
Pitt was supposed to be so much better. A 3-3 record is a huge letdown to the fans and to Wannstadt himself. It had start getting better, and fast.
Ron Zook, Illinois
The season hasn't been horrible at 3-3, but if the engine starts to sputter as we get deeper into conference play, he could slide out of the frying pan and into the cool waters of the dead pool.
Bill Lynch, Indiana
After another solid start, the Hoosiers have fallen to 0-2 in the Big 10. IU is not a football school, but people want a team that can compete in conference play. Hell, they only beat Arkansas State by 2!
Joe Paterno, Penn State
The rumblings have been going on this season that this will have to be the end for Paterno. He's like the old grandpa that can't turn over his car keys when he has started to drive like crap. Turn the keys over to the next generation Joe!!!
Dan Hawkins, Colorado
One more loss will basically be all the administration will need to cut Hawkins loose and go for a big splashy name hire. Hawkins is kind of in a no win situation, as he has to know that most of the fans don't want him anymore.
Mike Sherman, Texas A&M
The season is starting to get away from the Aggies, and Sherman is going to hear all about it loud and clear. The Aggies have become a program of the past, and Sherman could slip into the dead pool at any time because of that.
Doug Martin, Kent State
Another season of promise has come, and it will go without fulfilling said promise just as fast. Martin is not the guy that can lead this team over the hump in the MAC.
Bill Cubit, Western Michigan
This team has failed for over 2 years now to meet the most minor of expectations in the MAC. Cubit is seemingly no longer the right guy at WMU.
Steve Fairchild, Colorado State
If you listen to the administrators are saying, it looks like he'll get one more year to starighten this mess out. Then it's wait and see time.
Jeff Tedford, California
Tedofrd is now feeling the heat, until he beats another overrated club and then he looks like the local genious again. Nobody can make up their mind on this guy, but I say overrated is about right.
Dennis Erickson, Arizona State
The pressure is on, and they are halfway throught the season. A 3-3 second half to 6-6 may not be good enough.
Rick Neuheisel, UCLA
Let's be real here. The Bruins will get hamered tomorrow night against Oregon in Eugene, and the Bruins will be 3-4, making them have to go 5-0 to finish with 8 wins that he promised before the start of the season. Not going to happen. Who's still buying and drinking the Kool-Aid that this guy is selling?
Derek Dooley, Tennessee
Like I said last week, he had better get this machine cranking quickly. He is dealing with a sacred artifact in Knoxville, and people are not going to wait for him to completely fuck it up.
Ricky Bustle, Louisiana-Lafayette
How much longer can ULL stay with this guy and stay stuck inmediocrity or worse?
Steve Roberts, Arkansas State
Don't give him credit for only losing to Indiana by 2...a better coach would have pulled the rabbit from his ass and pulled off the upset.
Howard Schnellenberger, FAU
It's time for the legend to call it a day. Things are not getting better at FAU, and the program is too young to already be stagnant in the Sun Belt of all places.
FBS MVP Candidates-DB Edition 2
And now we look at our best DBs of the season...
Cliff Harris, Oregon
A two category performer. Harris leads tha nation with 10 passes defended. He's not the guy that you want to throw the ball towards.
Donovan Fletcher, Ohio
Fletcher leads the nation with 5 picks at this point. He can certainly reach ten if teams are dumb enough to try and keep throwing at him.
Shamiel Gary, Wyoming
Leads all DBs in tackles with 72. Avergaes 10.29 pper game.
Josh Robinson, UCF
Has 8 passes broken up in the season. A real play killer to your passing game.
Jamell Fleming, Oklahoma
He's broken up 8 passes this season, and is a big reason that the Sooners have survived in tight games this season.
Honorable Mention
Andrew Rich, BYU
Chris Prosinski, Wyoming
Travis Bradshaw, Rice
Jarvis Phillips, Texas Tech
Morris Claiborne, LSU
Cliff Harris, Oregon
A two category performer. Harris leads tha nation with 10 passes defended. He's not the guy that you want to throw the ball towards.
Donovan Fletcher, Ohio
Fletcher leads the nation with 5 picks at this point. He can certainly reach ten if teams are dumb enough to try and keep throwing at him.
Shamiel Gary, Wyoming
Leads all DBs in tackles with 72. Avergaes 10.29 pper game.
Josh Robinson, UCF
Has 8 passes broken up in the season. A real play killer to your passing game.
Jamell Fleming, Oklahoma
He's broken up 8 passes this season, and is a big reason that the Sooners have survived in tight games this season.
Honorable Mention
Andrew Rich, BYU
Chris Prosinski, Wyoming
Travis Bradshaw, Rice
Jarvis Phillips, Texas Tech
Morris Claiborne, LSU
FBS MVP Candidates-LB Edition 2
Now we take a look at ouor best LBs...
Jamon Hughes, Memphis
Hughes leads the nation in tackles with 86. It would be nice to have him around for a couple more seasons to build around, but alas he is a senior. He is shining when the rest of the team is not.
Justin Houston, Georgia
Leads all LBs in sacks with 7 this season. In a coincidence, the Bulldog D has been getting better in recent weeks.
Antonio Lowery, Rutgers
He has a nose for the football, as he leads all LBs in fumble recoveries with 3. Don't put the ball on the ground with this guy around, as you're probably going to lose it.
Luke Kuelchy, Boston College
Kuelchy is the star of the D, and leads the nation in tackles per game with 13.67. He's a machine, and still only a sophomore.
Ja'Gared Davis, SMU
Davis gets runners in the backfield twice per game. SMU's latest production in a line of wonderful college level LBs.
Honorable Mention
Mario Harvey, Marshall
Bobby Wagner, Utah State
Trent Mackey, Tulane
Mason Foster, Washington
Corey Parades, Hawaii
Jamon Hughes, Memphis
Hughes leads the nation in tackles with 86. It would be nice to have him around for a couple more seasons to build around, but alas he is a senior. He is shining when the rest of the team is not.
Justin Houston, Georgia
Leads all LBs in sacks with 7 this season. In a coincidence, the Bulldog D has been getting better in recent weeks.
Antonio Lowery, Rutgers
He has a nose for the football, as he leads all LBs in fumble recoveries with 3. Don't put the ball on the ground with this guy around, as you're probably going to lose it.
Luke Kuelchy, Boston College
Kuelchy is the star of the D, and leads the nation in tackles per game with 13.67. He's a machine, and still only a sophomore.
Ja'Gared Davis, SMU
Davis gets runners in the backfield twice per game. SMU's latest production in a line of wonderful college level LBs.
Honorable Mention
Mario Harvey, Marshall
Bobby Wagner, Utah State
Trent Mackey, Tulane
Mason Foster, Washington
Corey Parades, Hawaii
FBS MVP Candidates-DL Edition 2
Let's switch gears now and concentrate on the defense, which is something that we don't do enough of. From now moving forward, we'll be keeping track of the best defensive players in the game, and we start with the D linemen...
Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson
When the ball is snapped, you had better expect to see his face in the backfield fast. He has racked up 14.5 TFLs this season as the Tigers have struggled despite his efforts.
Tim Fugger, Vanderbilt
You had better hold onto the ball with both hands when running by Fugger. He is tied for the national lead with 4 forced fumbles in 2010.
Josh McNary, Army
McNary has been on the leaderboard for sacks dating back to last season. Let's say he picked up where he left off. He leads the nation with 9.5 sacks in 2010.
Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
People are referring to him as Superman in West Lafayette these days. He is second only to Bowers in TFLs with 14.
Logan Harrell, Fresno State
Loves to get after the QB. Has 8 sacks on the season, tied for second behind McNary.
Honorable Mention
Dontay Moch, Nevada
Vinny Curry, Marshall
Nick Fairley, Auburn
Brandon Jenkins, Florida State
Kyle Wilbur, Wake Forest
Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson
When the ball is snapped, you had better expect to see his face in the backfield fast. He has racked up 14.5 TFLs this season as the Tigers have struggled despite his efforts.
Tim Fugger, Vanderbilt
You had better hold onto the ball with both hands when running by Fugger. He is tied for the national lead with 4 forced fumbles in 2010.
Josh McNary, Army
McNary has been on the leaderboard for sacks dating back to last season. Let's say he picked up where he left off. He leads the nation with 9.5 sacks in 2010.
Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
People are referring to him as Superman in West Lafayette these days. He is second only to Bowers in TFLs with 14.
Logan Harrell, Fresno State
Loves to get after the QB. Has 8 sacks on the season, tied for second behind McNary.
Honorable Mention
Dontay Moch, Nevada
Vinny Curry, Marshall
Nick Fairley, Auburn
Brandon Jenkins, Florida State
Kyle Wilbur, Wake Forest
FBS MVP Candidates-All Purpose Athletes
Here is a new category that will include players that often don't fit into one box...
Denard Robinson, Michigan
He's fun to watch, and he has won some games for the Wolverines, and you cannot doubt the talent, but he's not a prototype QB. It's like the Wolverines run the Wildcat formation on every play. Robinson got hurt last week.
Adam Robinson, Iowa
Robinson is a multi threat back that's very adept at catching the football out of the backfield. While not amongst the leaders in pure rushing yardage alone, his All Purpose status is alive and well.
Derrick Locke, Kentucky
Locke is as skilled as any player in the country, and is dangerous in the open field, whether it be as a back or as a receiver. He averages just a shade over 133 yards per game.
Shane Vereen, California
Vereen has scored 11 times this season, and you cannot count him out on passing downs. Youhave to cover him, and many teams don't. Huge mistake.
Taylor Martinez, Nebraska
Just because he doesn't pass much, does not mean that he cannot. He just doesn't get that call often because of his rushing skills. Martinez was a 3000 yard passer in high school. Think about that if you want to be scared come Halloween.
Honorable Mention
Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina
Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State
Mikel Leshoure, Illinois
Rodney Stewart, Colorado
Ray Graham, Pittsburgh
Denard Robinson, Michigan
He's fun to watch, and he has won some games for the Wolverines, and you cannot doubt the talent, but he's not a prototype QB. It's like the Wolverines run the Wildcat formation on every play. Robinson got hurt last week.
Adam Robinson, Iowa
Robinson is a multi threat back that's very adept at catching the football out of the backfield. While not amongst the leaders in pure rushing yardage alone, his All Purpose status is alive and well.
Derrick Locke, Kentucky
Locke is as skilled as any player in the country, and is dangerous in the open field, whether it be as a back or as a receiver. He averages just a shade over 133 yards per game.
Shane Vereen, California
Vereen has scored 11 times this season, and you cannot count him out on passing downs. Youhave to cover him, and many teams don't. Huge mistake.
Taylor Martinez, Nebraska
Just because he doesn't pass much, does not mean that he cannot. He just doesn't get that call often because of his rushing skills. Martinez was a 3000 yard passer in high school. Think about that if you want to be scared come Halloween.
Honorable Mention
Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina
Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State
Mikel Leshoure, Illinois
Rodney Stewart, Colorado
Ray Graham, Pittsburgh
FBS MVP Candidates-PK Edition 2
And we continue with our friends on special teams with the Place Kickers...
Danny Hrapmann, Southern Miss
Hrappman has deliverd on 16 of his 17 kicks in 2010, and keeps the Eagles in close games. If the offense can produce with more punch, he would see a slight reduction in attempts. They use him a lot.
Dan Bailey, Oklahoma State
Bailey is 13 of 13 for the season, just one more start in the studded crown of the OSU roster.
Dan Conroy, Michigan State
Just another weapon on Mark Dantonio's roster during this magical season in East Lansing. Conroy has not missed (13 for 13).
David Ruffer, Notre Dame
When breaking in a new offense, one usually has to lean heavily on the kicker. Ruffer has responded by nailing all 12 of his kicks.
Derek Dimke, Illinois
Illinois has been better than expected this season, and Dimke keeps the Illini in games with his leg. He has hit 12 of 13.
Honorable Mention
Collin Wagner, Penn State
Nate Freese, Boston College
Aaron Jones, Baylor
Blair Walsh, Georgia
Nate Whitaker, Stanford
Danny Hrapmann, Southern Miss
Hrappman has deliverd on 16 of his 17 kicks in 2010, and keeps the Eagles in close games. If the offense can produce with more punch, he would see a slight reduction in attempts. They use him a lot.
Dan Bailey, Oklahoma State
Bailey is 13 of 13 for the season, just one more start in the studded crown of the OSU roster.
Dan Conroy, Michigan State
Just another weapon on Mark Dantonio's roster during this magical season in East Lansing. Conroy has not missed (13 for 13).
David Ruffer, Notre Dame
When breaking in a new offense, one usually has to lean heavily on the kicker. Ruffer has responded by nailing all 12 of his kicks.
Derek Dimke, Illinois
Illinois has been better than expected this season, and Dimke keeps the Illini in games with his leg. He has hit 12 of 13.
Honorable Mention
Collin Wagner, Penn State
Nate Freese, Boston College
Aaron Jones, Baylor
Blair Walsh, Georgia
Nate Whitaker, Stanford
FBS MVP Candidates-KR Edition 2
Continuing my focus on speacial teams, here are the best kickoff return guys in the game this season...
Taveon Johnson, New Mexico State
He gets lots of opportunities, as NMSU gives up points like they grow on trees, but he makes the most of his chances. Johnson averages 118 yards per game in kick returns, and is a shining star on a team that does not have many.
Willie McNeal, Western Kentucky
He gets his chances because his team is a mess on defense. That's ok, because it has allowed him to get some well deserved attention here. McNeall gives his chance and teammate Bobby Rainey a chance to work with a shorter field. He averages 111 yards per game in returns.
Jerrel Jernigan, Troy
He has not been a regular return guy, but he has taken one for a score this season. Jernigan averages 37.4 yards every time he takes the ball out of the endzone on returns. Kick it away from him.
Kerwyn Williams, Utah State
He averages 102 yards per game for the struggling Aggies. Not a bad number on a bad football team. Avergaes 25.5 yards per return.
Tandon Doss, Indiana
One of Ben Chappell's favorite targets, and a super dangerous return man. Doss gets 100 yards per game in returns, and is a big yards guy in the passing game too.
Honorable Mention
Eric Stephens, Texas Tech
Demond Washington, Auburn
Derek Good, Colorado State
Jonathon Warzeka, Air Force
Jeff Demps, Florida
Taveon Johnson, New Mexico State
He gets lots of opportunities, as NMSU gives up points like they grow on trees, but he makes the most of his chances. Johnson averages 118 yards per game in kick returns, and is a shining star on a team that does not have many.
Willie McNeal, Western Kentucky
He gets his chances because his team is a mess on defense. That's ok, because it has allowed him to get some well deserved attention here. McNeall gives his chance and teammate Bobby Rainey a chance to work with a shorter field. He averages 111 yards per game in returns.
Jerrel Jernigan, Troy
He has not been a regular return guy, but he has taken one for a score this season. Jernigan averages 37.4 yards every time he takes the ball out of the endzone on returns. Kick it away from him.
Kerwyn Williams, Utah State
He averages 102 yards per game for the struggling Aggies. Not a bad number on a bad football team. Avergaes 25.5 yards per return.
Tandon Doss, Indiana
One of Ben Chappell's favorite targets, and a super dangerous return man. Doss gets 100 yards per game in returns, and is a big yards guy in the passing game too.
Honorable Mention
Eric Stephens, Texas Tech
Demond Washington, Auburn
Derek Good, Colorado State
Jonathon Warzeka, Air Force
Jeff Demps, Florida
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