B1G Week #7 Picks.

We’re turning the corner on the 2012 season. Week #6 was the end of the first half of the season and Week #7 kicks-off the second half. For many teams, the schedule just keeps getting harder. At the same time, teams are starting to hit their stride and dial everything in. Or their weaknesses are exposed and injuries are wreaking havoc. No matter, it’s all good fun to watch.

I’m 40-10 for the season thus far, or a straight-up 80%. I think I’m doing as well as if not better than the ESPN B1G bloggers Andy and Brian, but our numbers don’t really match-up because I don’t pick the MSU games. If I did, I would be 44-12 which actually helps my percentage. Let’s look at the Week #7 games and pick some winners…

Iowa @ Michigan State – Noon on ESPN. These teams match-up pretty well statistically, and both teams have two losses. The Spartans have one more win, their schedule has been tougher and they have only lost to Top 10 teams, but none of that really matters when the two teams face-off. I’m glad the game is in East Lansing. It’s going to be a battle. I’ll be watching and cheering like a crazy person.

Northwestern @ Minnesota – Noon on ESPN-2.  The Wildcats are very good and the Golden Gophers are just good. The fact that the game is in Minnesota isn’t that big of a deal as the Gophers don’t really go nuts and effect the game. I see this being a good game, but the Wildcats win by 14.

Wisconsin @ Purdue – Noon on BTN.  This is actually an important game in the Leaders. One of these two teams is likely going to Indy for the B1G Championship and this game may well be the deciding factor. Both have two losses. Non-scientifically speaking, The Boilermakers’ season seems to be slipping while the Badger’s season seems to be on the upswing. Like Michigan, I think Wisconsin handles the Purdue winning by 13.

Illinois @ #25 Michigan – 3:30 on ABC.  Wolverines cream the Illini in the Big House. Should be silly to watch.

#8 Ohio State @ Indiana – 8:00 on BTN.  The Buckeyes have all the juice in the B1G right now, even if they can’t do anything with it. The Hoosiers will score, but the Bucknuts will score more. But not a blowout I don’t think. All bets are off if Braxton Miller goes down as OSU is a one-trick pony offense, for sure. Ohio State by 10.

Nebraska and Penn State – Bye.

There are some really good games here, and lots of coverage on non-BTN networks. Also, I believe that the BCS rankings come out after this week so that should be interesting. Good luck to the B1G this week, and to Spartans everywhere, a big, hearty, loud, proud…

GO GREEN!

Rankings & Ramblings – Week #4

I didn’t really expect the win over Eastern Michigan to boost the Michigan State Spartans in the rankings. In fact, from watching the game, I was worried that the Spartans might lose a tick or two. But nope, MSU moves up one to #20 following their win on Saturday.

Let’s take a look at how the B1G is holding up in the rankings…

Ohio State moves from #16 to #14 after a win over UAB. That is more or less the vacuum effect at work.

Nebraska re-entered the rankings last week and this week they move from #25 to #22. From a scheduling standpoint, that game is an embarrassment to the Cornhuskers and to the B1G, but I guess a win is a win in the eyes of the Associated Press. At least they kicked the shit out of them.

And then there is Michigan. I’ve been saying “over-hyped” and “over-ranked” since the pre-season, but I’m “over-biased” against the Wolverines. They shit the bed against Notre Dame and tumbled from #18 to un-ranked. They might sneak back at some point, the media loves Robinson and they historically love Michigan.

Just outside the Top 25 is Northwestern at #26 with 89 votes, just three behind #25 Baylor. Also receiving votes were Michigan (44), Wisconsin (13) and Purdue (5). I guess I’m a little surprised that Minnesota at 4-0 can’t muster a single vote.

Conference play begins next week and the Michigan State – Ohio State game will have implications in terms of rankings, but isn’t that important in terms of making it to Indy for the B1G Championship game. No matter, I’m pulling for the Spartans to field a fired-up, angry, aggressive, and productive team against the Buckeyes. Say it loud, say it proud…

GO GREEN!

B1G Week #2 Win / Loss Chart

This is not your typical week #2 B1G win / loss chart. Penn State 0-2? Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa and Michigan all 1-1? Indiana, Minnesota and Northwestern hanging at the top of the list?

It’s a crazy world in the B1G in 2012. We’re still a couple of weeks away from B1G in-conference play, but the bleeding has already started for seven.

B1G Week #1 Win / Loss Chart.

Not much to look at with only one week in the books, but here it is anyway.  There were 10 B1G victories and two B1G losses. And, of course, none of this really has any impact on the B1G divisional races or the Championship, but it still counts.

Rankings will be out later today and I’ll post those tracking charts tonight.

Week One is in the Books, and the B1G is Rolling (for the most part.)

Wow, what an opening weekend of college football. So many good game and we’re just getting started. Let’s take a look at how the B1G did and how I did with my Week #1 picks…

• Minnesota @ UNLV – I thought the Golphers would lose this evenly matched game only because of their road history, and I was wrong.  0-1.
• Michigan State vs. Boise State –  I didn’t call this one because I never pick MSU games, but MSU won and that’s always the best news. Anyway, still 0-1.
• Northwestern vs. Syracuse – I picked the Wildcats by 10 and it was the Wildcats by one, so I missed on the actual score but called it right. 1-1.
• Illinois vs. Western Michigan – I said the Illini by 10 and it was the Illini by 17, close enough. 2-1.
• Ohio State vs. Miami (Ohio) – I called the Buckeyes by 14 and Ohio State won by a mere 46. Still I get the W, 3-1.
• Penn State vs. Ohio – I picked Ohio by three and it was Ohio by 10. 4-1.
• Iowa vs. Northern Illinois – I went with the Hawkeyes by 10 and they won by only one. 5-1
• Nebraska vs. Southern Miss – I took the Huskers by seven and it ended up being Nebraska by 29. 6-1.
• Purdue vs. Eastern Kentucky – I went with the Boilermakers by 21 and it was the Boilermakers by 42. 7-1.
• Wisconsin vs. Northern Iowa – I made fun of Bucky for this non-con game and just said they would win, but it was a close 26-21. 8-1.
• Michigan vs. Alabama – I predicted three picks in the first half and the Crimson Tide by 17, it was only two but Michigan lost by 27. 9-1.
• Indiana vs. Indiana State – I took the Hoosier by 10 and it was the Hoosier by 7. 10-1.

So I went 10-1. Not bad, but the non-conference season should be pretty easy to pick.

Some teams took on formidable opponents like Michigan State, Northwestern, Penn State and Michigan (none more than Michigan), and and of those four Northwestern and Michigan State came away victorious. Maybe Michigan was a little over-hyped? But that always is the case, right. Anyway, what a great weekend of college football. I loved it. Next week is a little less exciting with your more typical non-con cakewalk games, but were in the season and the B1G is rolling.

Go Green!

Week One Pre-Picks

Normally I do my picks the day before or the morning of game day. But with only two weeks to go, I’m getting too amped up to wait. So I’m going to call these my “Pre-Picks” which means I reserve the right to change them up right up to the first kick-off. Speaking of first kick-off…

August 31, 2012

Michigan State vs. Boise State – 8:00pm on ESPN. I don’t pick the MSU games, never have. I will say that both teams had great QBs that have since moved on to the pros, so we’re going to be test-driving some new guys in the key position. Andrew Maxwell is a a long-time Kirk Cousins protege and all indicators are that he’s going to be great. He knows the players, he’s been in games, he knows the playbook better than anyone, etc. etc. etc. But he’s a first time starter, so he’ll likely need some time to settle in and develop some confidence. I’m glad the defense has tons of experience and should as good if not better than 2011. I’m also glad the game is at Spartan Stadium with 75,000+ Spartan fans supporting our boys.  GO GREEN!

September 1, 2012

Minnesota @ UNLV – 11:00am. Looking at the stats from 2011, these teams are pretty evenly matched. Both teams ran for more yardage than they threw for. Both teams we’re pretty low scoring and got scored on a lot. Coach Kill seems like a good guy and he’s working hard to re-create something that hasn’t really existed in years. But on the road? The Gophers? I’m going with UNLV in a close one.

Northwestern @ Syracuse – Noon on ESPN-2. Coach Fitzgerald is taking the Wildcats up to New York for there opener against the Orange. This should be a pretty good game but Northwestern is the better team. Persa’s gone and Colter’s back. Kain is an okay passer and a good scrambler / runner. I think he’s going to come in to his own in his junior year. I’ll go with Northwestern by 10.

Illinois vs. Western Michigan – Noon on ESPN-U. The Fighting Illini started so strong with six wins, and then flagged so hard as they ended the regular season with six losses. But, alas, they did beat UCLA in their bowl game, to 7-6 it was. One of those wins in 2011 was against WMU; they squeaked it out 23-20. Bottom line, the Illini don’t score enough points. The defense is good, the running game is serviceable, but the air attack is flaccid. But I think Scheelhaase will be better this year. I say he throws 18 TDs this year. I say Illini over the Broncos by 17.

Ohio State Vs. Miami (Ohio) – Noon on BTN. Urban Meyer is a douche. Not as much of a douche as Lane Kiffin, but still a douce. The biggest douche in the B1G without question. Pleated pants and a sweatshirt? Gaw. But the word has it he’s a really good coach. I get that. I believe it and I respect it. His team will win games. And they will beat the RedHawks (sorry Coach Treadwell). But I say Zac Dysert out-guns Braxton Miller by a longshot, and if he steers clear of picks, might keep it close. Buckeyes by a pair.

Penn State vs. Ohio – Noon on ESPN / ESPN-3D. Finally, the Nittany Lions in the press for something other than NCAA sanctions and pedophilia. Those poor fans. It’s not over, not even close. But once football resumes, the healing and moving on will have begun. What a mess. Anyway, I think the Bobcats seriously challenge the Lions in Happy Valley. Pat Mygroin Matt McGloin isn’t all that and Tyler Tettleton is really good. The Lions will rally hard in the second half but they lose in OT by three.

Iowa vs. Northern Illinois – 3:30pm on ESPN-U. Ugh, the Hawkeyes. Not a fan. Don’t like the team, the colors, the logo, nuthin. Yuch. And the Huskies are going to run hard on them, and score points. But it won’t be enough because the Hawkeyes are going to be good this year. Iowa by 10.

Nebraska vs. Southern Miss – 3:30pm on ABC / ESPN-2. Oh T-Magic, you say you learned how to throw in the off-season. Maybe, but doubt it. You just keep running it and you’ll be okay. The Golden Eagles are a good team, but the Nebraska defense cuts them down to size. The Husker offense has just enough to win the opener by a score.

Purdue vs. Eastern Kentucky – 3:30pm  on BTN. Boiler Up because you’ve got Notre Dame on the road in week two. Eastern Kentucky is like playing the late-night staff of your local KFC, so this game should be a breeze for the Boilers. Purdue handles this one easily winning by 21, even with Danny Hope’s scary stache.

Wisconsin vs. Northern Iowa – 3:30pm on BTN. Uni at Wisci… yawn. Barry, really? UNI? Not even going to try on this pick if the Badgers aren’t even going to try to play real teams. Bucky wins, whatever.

Michigan vs. Alabama – 8:00pm  on ABC. This is more like it. This is a football game. I don’t know why it’s being played in Arlington, TX, but it’s cool that there is no home field advantage. The Wolverines hype bubble doesn’t usually burst until they play MSU, but this year they’re given a free pass because nobody expects them to beat the Tide. And they won’t. Denard get’s picked off three times. In the first half! Bama by 17.

Indiana vs. Indiana State – 8:00pm on BTN. The game no one will watch because of Michigan-Bama. The Hoosiers were terrible in 2011. They can’t hardly be worse in 2012. They tie their 2011 win record in the first game so they get off to a good start. Hoosiers by 10.

Well let’s kick these picks around a bit and we’ll tune them up before kick-off as needed. Let me know what you think too, I’m always open hearing what you have to say. All my picks may be way off, but one thing that is for damn sure is that college football season is about to start and for that, we all win!

GO GREEN!

The Final B1G Win / Loss Chart.

It’s all over for the B1G this year. Michigan beat Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl to round out a lackluster 4-6 bowl season for the B1G.

The winners this year were Michigan State, Wisconsin and Michigan.

The Spartans won the Legends Division and the Outback Bowl ending up 11-3.

The Badgers won the Leaders Division and the B1G Championship game but lost in the Rose Bowl, so they also ended the year 11-3.

The Wolverines were a surprise to me but a weak schedule and a much improved defense certainly helped. Michigan won the Sugar Bowl and ended up 11-2.

Now attention turns to recruiting, coaching staff comings and goings, and whatever scandal or otherwise unfortunate mess comes to the surface during the slow news cycles. Hopefully, the B1G steers clear of that business for a while, we’ve certainly had our fair share lately.

Great job to the eight B1G schools with winning records this year, and better luck next time to the four schools that ended up in the red. Spring ball is just around the corner.

Go B1G or go home!

B1G Win / Loss Chart 11.19.11.

MSU 3, Nebraska 24. Spartans go to 6-2, 3-1 in the B1G.

Nobody likes to lose. I certainly don’t. But a hard-fought game that ultimately becomes a loss is an easier pill to swallow than 60-minutes of disfunction. And yesterday’s Spartan-Husker game was a very bitter pill. Taste’s like Iowa 2010.

The Spartan stats don’t lie.

On offense, 101 total yards rushing averaging 3.4 yards per carry. 86 yards passing with Cousins going 11-27 with one interception. Zero receptions for B.J. Cunningham. Cousins was sacked like 45 times (or so it seems). Total offense was 187 yards with no TDs and one FG. Credit to the Nebraska defense (they finally received their notorious black shirts after the game), no doubt about that, but boy were the Spartans off. Just not there at all.

Defense was a better but not spectacular. Burkhead ran for 130 of Nebraska’s 190 rushing yards, but they averaged only 3.3 yards per carry.

“T-Magic” had 80 yards in the air, which after seeing the mechanics of his throw is remarkably good – he throws the ball like a 7th grader. Martinez went 7-13 also with one pick.

With a few exceptions, the Cornhuskers were running the show. They were doing their thing and MSU was reacting. In a nutshell, Nebraska was totally up for this game and Michigan State was not.

So, the Spartans head back home. Re-group and re-load. We’ve got Minnesota at home next week. The good news is that the “October From Hell” is finally over. We played Ohio State in the Shoe, Michigan, Wisconsin and Nebraska in Lincoln, and we came away 3-1. In September I was just hoping and praying that we would be 2-2 in that stretch, so I should be pleased. And I guess that I am. But that damn bitter taste just won’t go away.

All the B1G teams played yesterday, and it was an interesting day. I’m 14-4 on the conference season going in to this week. Here’s how it played out…

Northwestern beat Indiana – I picked NW by two TDs, and they did a little better than that in their 59-38 score-fest.

#18 Michigan beat Purdue – Shoelace & co. took it to Purdue 36-14. Purdue maintains their perfect alternating win / loss pattern. I picked U-M because I thought they would be rested and highly motivated to prove they are not the 2009 or 2010 Wolverines. So far, it looks like they are not, but they have some tougher match-up still in front of them.

Minnesota beat Iowa – Yep. Who’d of thunk it. I guess when Floyd of Rosedale is on the line, the Gophers can get it done. I missed on this one.

#19 Penn State beat Illinois – I picked the Lions because they were playing in Happy Valley, and I believe they are the better team. They waited until the fourth quarter to prove it, but they got it done in the snow.

Ohio State beat #15 Wisconsin – I underestimated the Buckeyes and I overestimated the fury that the Badgers would bring after a crushing defeat last week. What a second half. Braxton Miller may be the real deal.

I’m now 17-6 for conference games. Pretty good, I think. For the Lucky Strike Extra, Notre Dame blew out Navy. I called that too.

I think the Spartans will feel this one for a while. But Dantonio will use it to get them focused and fired-up for the Gophers and beyond. Unfortunately, the B1G race just got a lot more interesting. Bring on November!

Go Green!

B1G GameDay!

I already miss the ruckus and spectacle of College GameDay being in East Lansing, but it was fun while it lasted.

This week it’s #11 Michigan State vs. #14 Nebraska in Lincoln. Both teams are 6-1 overall with MSU 3-0 and NU 2-1 in the B1G. This game is important as it is the match-up of two schools likely to be at the top of the Legends at the end of the year, and winning this game could decide a tie-breaker down the line. Not to mention it’s two really good football teams squaring off for the first time in-conference. The game is set for a Noon kickoff on ESPN / ESPN3.

Elsewhere in the B1G, here’s who’s playing and my predictions:

Northwestern at Indiana – Noon on BTN.  The Wildcats are the best bad team in the B1G. They’ve played some good teams and payed the price. Indiana is just not good. The only thing worse than their offense is their defense. I pick NW by two scores in Bloomington today.

Purdue at #18 Michigan – Noon on ESPN2/ESPN3.  The Boilermakers are 4-3 and they have alternated win / loss all season (they’re up for L based on that pattern). Their running game is solid and their defense isn’t bad either. But then there is the Wolverines. Who can tell what they’ll do now that they have a loss. We know what happened in the past, but I think things are different in Ann Arbor. I’m not saying U-M will be a one loss team at the end of the season, or anything like that. But at home today, after a bye week, I pick Michigan over Purdue.

Iowa at Minnesota – 3:30pm on BTN – Hawk. Eyes.

Illinois at #19 Penn State – 3:30pm on ABC / ESPN2 / ESPN3.  The Illini are 6-2 after starting 4-0. Penn State is 7-1 with their only loss coming from Alabama. This is the (once) overrated vs. the (not for long) underrated, and the Nittany Lion defense is the deciding factor. JoePa gets win #675,921 today at home.

#15 Wisconsin at Ohio State – 8:00pm on ESPN / ESPN3.  The Badgers are mad. And they’re damn good. The Buckeyes are a shadow of their former self. Wisconsin wins in the Shoe decisively.

No byes this week, everybody plays.

Lucky Strike Extra: Navy at Notre Dame – 3:30pm on NBC.  The Midshipmen are sinking fast even with an offense that averages 325 yards on the ground per game. Navy’s defense leaky and their passing game is one of the worst in college football. The Irish strung four solid wins together only to totally collapse against arch-rival USC. I think Notre Dame wins today, but I just don’t know what to think about Coach Kelly and the Fighting Irish these days. Get it together already.

It’s mighty chilly out there, so throw a pot of Chili on the stove, bundle up and hunker down for some B1G football. And lest we forget, Go Green!