The Good, The Bad ,The Ugly - Western Michigan

Offense

The Good

We got the feeling Michael Floyd was in for a true breakout game on the 1^st snap when he streaked by single coverage, snared a wind-aided underthrown ball, pirouetted around his defender and said sayonara.  80 yards.  12 seconds.  7-0 Irish.  Floyd enjoyed two more TDs en route to a 9 catch, 157 yard day – a performance we’ve been waiting for all season.  Go figure it comes against the weakest competition. 

Loved the John Goodman trick play as they sold it perfectly.  Cierre Wood showed a number of reasons why the running game (when it’s emphasized…we’ll get to that) won’t be in dire straits after Allen graduates.  Tyler Eifert looked solid in filling Rudolph’s large shoes.  He will be leaned on heavily this second half of the season.

The Bad

It took a half for Brian Kelly to decide that the ground game needed to be established.  Armando couldn’t sniff any holes (perhaps his health slowed him down) and the rushing attack was largely ignored in the 1^st half.  Such lack of balance isn’t necessary against MAC schools, but very much needed for most of the other schools on the schedule.  Very frustrating, but not nearly as frustrating as…

The Ugly

…the de-evolution of Dayne Crist.  Yikes.  Skipping passes at the feet of WRs.  Holding on to the ball interminably long - the 3 sacks WMU tallied should not have been that many.  Staring down his first option.  Missing WIDE OPEN receivers on the run.  The offense suffered two poor three and outs in the 2nd quarter when the game was still up for grabs.  For the game, the Irish were 5 of 13 converting 3rd downs.  This must improve.  Until Dayne shows a better grasp of the fundamental aspects of his position, we’ll have to continue enduring Good Crist vs. Bad Crist. 

Defense

The Good

The front seven simply shut down the Western Michigan rushing offense.  26 rushes for 37 total yards is domination.  Factor in 4 sacks, 2 INTs and 2 fumbles recovered and the defense was very opportunistic.  If they hadn't been, the 1st half score would have been uncomfotably close.  The unit executed terrifically coming out fo the break, holding WMU to a garbage time FG and allowing 1 drive longer than 5 plays in the 2nd half.  The Broncos didn't cross the 50 yard line until the 4th quarter.  Overall, the Irish D forced 9 series of 3 or fewer plays and held WMU to 2 of 14 in 3rd down conversions.  Getting off the field quick is pivotal the rest of the way.   

The Bad

Much too soft a zone allowed WMU to move the ball a little too easily.  They must stiffen things up with 3 high-flying offenses still left on the schedule.  I don't recall who was responsible for all of the yellow laundry, so I'm putting my gripe here.  9 penalties for 80 yards is entirely too many.   What happened to the disciplined Irish from the beginning of the season?

The Ugly

16 WMU first downs, 13 of which came in the 1st half.  Watching a MAC team march up and down the field on 3 drives of 10+ plays was a deflating feeling.  I wouldn’t have been surprised to see a long TD with busted coverage or a trick play fool them, but not methodical drives picking the defense apart.  Y-U-C-K.

Special Teams

The Good

Great coverage by the kick and punt return teams, led by emerging special teams star Bennett Jackson with 2 tackles.  Also learned a surprising, but super stat - ND leads the nation in punt coverage, allowing 0.5 yards per return.  Credit the gunners, and let's start giving Ben Turk some credit.  He's turned the corner on his erratic start.  The punt coverage unit ranked 105 last year, so a welcome sign that the little things are being preached and practiced by Kelly and his staff. 

The Bad

Nothing really.

The Ugly

The blocked extra point was a brain fart for the unit.  Never good to see, but no reason to think there is a problem there.

Coaching

The Good

Halftime adjustments were excellent.  The Irish played with renewed vigor in the second frame and let the backups take the field for most of the 4th quarter.   

The Bad

Kelly hadto walk over to the O-Line during the 2^nd quarter, barking at them to “Wise Up” and start doing their jobs better.  It seemed to do the trick.  The fact that they needed a wake up call in the first place against a MAC team is troubling.

The Ugly

It’s become a weekly occasion for the inevitable Kelly haranguing of Crist after a poor series.  I can’t blame him for yelling at the guy when he’s making mistake after mistake.  But what is going on in practice?  Does Crist make all the throws and check guys off then, only to get the ole deer-in-headlights come game time?  Something's not getting through. 

Buckeyes

Offense – Floyd - With Riddick possibly hurt for a stretch, Floyd will need to keep asserting himself and keep being a primary target for #10. 

Defense – Ethan Johnson.  Just an outstanding game from the big fellow.  5 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 1 QB hurry and 1 pass broken up.  All in a day's work for the junior who's finally enjoying a breakout year. 

Special Teams – Ben Turk.  A 41.6 average on 5 punts.  2 kicks of 50+ yards.  The maligned punter is getting his groove back. 

Special Buckeye to the Western Michigan band who were very entertaining in the far end zone.  The Rocky Theme blared every time their defense took the field.  They featured a solid mix of relevant/hip songs that would make Dr. Kenneth Dye blush, including the band highlight of the year – the “Hide Your Kids, Hide Your Wife” Bed Intruder.  Not once, but twice!  Hilarious.  It sounded great with the full brass treatment. 

Week 7 Pick: Notre Dame - Western Michigan

Dan: Notre Dame

Not a lot of time or interest in analyzing this game in depth. The first stretch of mediocre (read: bad) games for ND, I will still tune it to watch this weekend. However, I will not be happy about it. A couple quick thoughts:

- The spread, (currently -24) seems high to me. We have not shown the killer instinct necessary to beat a team by four touchdowns. Throw in a completely placid and half-full stadium and you have the recipe for an incredibly boring ho-hum 23-13 game. Over under for punts: 12.

- Is Rudolph’s injury a blessing in disguise? This may assure his return next year and we weren’t utilizing him that well this year anyway. Maybe next year with a year under his belt Crist becomes the quarterback we were hoping for and he can better utilize Rudolph.

 - What are the chances I spend most of the afternoon watching that Arkansas – Auburn game instead?

Notre Dame 23 Western Michigan 13

Jeremy: Notre Dame

Hopefully, this game will be “over” by the end of the 1^st quarter.  I still have nightmares about the SDSU game to open the ’08 season.  This may be another contest where fans will have to search high and low to take away some nuggets of optimism, since I doubt we’ll learn much about the starters.

A few things to keep an eye on:

-          Making a more concerted effort to run the ball.  Armando Allen will probably be a game-time decision, so not only should we see whether Kelly tries to “pound it” on the Broncs, but we should also get a preview of what’s to come in the Irish rushing attack.  Would like to see both Cierre Wood and Jonas Gray get about 10 or so carries each in this game. 

-          Finding a replacement for Kyle Rudolph.  By all accounts, this will probably be Tyler Eifert, who the coaches have consistently praised for his play-making ability, particularly in the passing game.  Rudolph’s injury may also allow some more PT for Bobby Burger, the seemingly forgotten TE/H-back who might be the best blocker on the team.

-          Consistent production from the backups on the DL.  Particularly from Sean Cwynar, who, along with Louis Nix, will be called on to anchor the DL next season.

-          My country for a pass rush.  Somebody, anybody, generate some consistent pressure on the QB.

-          Backups in the secondary.  Particularly Lo Wood and Danny McCarthy. 

ND 38  WMU 17

Jimmy:  Notre Dame

The day has come for this dreaded matchup.  It feels like the Irish are sinking to I-AA levels of competition simply because the usual cupcakes we’re accustomed to come under the guise of a service academy or fellow private/Catholic schools (Rice, SMU, Rutgers – though I suppose the state school of New Jersey doesn’t exactly fit this description.  A quick Wiki search says the Rutgers started as a private school, established by the Dutch Reformed Church, so I stand corrected).  Western Michigan is the first directional state school on the schedule since…well…Western Michigan in 1920 (a 42-0 triumph, in case you were wondering).  The administration and coaching staff, to their credit, simply have avoided these matchups.  What makes things more laughable is the Broncos, a mere 75 miles away, couldn’t even sell their allotment of tickets.  Is there that little support for the football team?  Maybe everyone in Kalamazoo has visited campus at some point or another.  Let’s hope it’s another 90 years before this blip appears back on the radar.  

In a week bearing more bad than good news for the team, this is a welcome opportunity to beat up on an inferior foe and get needed reps for guys who will factor into the 2^nd half of this season.  Crist’s learning curve behind center requires more fine-tuning (and #2 on the depth chart could use a few productive series as well).  Finding a new safety valve to replace Rudolph is a priority in the weeks ahead.  Cierre Wood and Bob Hughes will give Armando a needed break.  And wouldn’t it be nice to see the defense shed the bend but don’t break label once and for all this week.  Lest I forget, the student section should get a quality push-up workout to start their Fall Break.

As you can imagine, Brian Kelly has some history against Western Michigan, going 2-1 while at Central Michigan and 1-0 against them at Cincinnati.  He’s outscored the Broncos 106-83 in those four games.  I expect at least as wide a margin of victory tomorrow as Kelly sets the tone for the stretch run.

ND 48 WMU 17

Matt: Notre Dame

No analysis needed. Just go out there, blow them off the field, and then never allow a MAC team back in the stadium in mid October.

ND A lot  WMU A little

Mike: Notre Dame

I won’t bother to analyze the various matchups since I obviously haven’t watched Western Michigan play this year (or ever, for that matter).  The line on the game is 22.5, which seems quite high considering that Notre Dame is only 10 points superior to WMU according to the Sagarin ratings.  Phil Steele picked Western Michigan to win the Western Division of the MAC, so ND will have to play with some degree of competence to win comfortably.

Having said that, I hope this game becomes a rout early so that some of the younger players can gain some game experience.  I would also love to see some sort of enhanced commitment to the running game, which has been effective in extremely limited doses.  Although I believe that the cultivation of a top flight defense is the ultimate key, in my opinion, to a Notre Dame return to prominence, Kelly would certainly improve his odds of succeeding by developing a reliable ground game.  Probably a pipe dream, but a man can dream, right?

Notre Dame 34 Western Michigan 24

WeIs Roundtable Week 7 Picks: #1 Ranking Up for Grabs Edition

A handful of solid games on tap for the weekend.  A couple Big Ten showdowns bookend this week's picks, with a future Big Ten team tossed in the middle.  No further buildup...let's get to the picks. 

Iowa (-3.5) @ Michigan

Dan: Iowa (-3.5)  Lock of the Week

Michigan was exposed last week against MSU. Expect the trend to follow. Watch for Michigan to go at best 3-3 to close out its Big 10 season, and 2-4 wouldn’t surprise me at all. They have no defense and only one player on offense. That is the perfect formula to fall apart in conference play (and beat Notre Dame). Iowa cruises.

Iowa 31 Michigan 20

Jeremy: Iowa (-3.5)

Don’t really have a great feel for this game.  Iowa should win, but I’m not terribly confident that the Hawkeyes have the ability to march up and down the field on the swiss cheese Michigan defense.  But the Iowa defense is the difference here as Denard Robinson has difficulty finding much daylight on the ground.  If the Hawkeyes can force Robinson to beat them with his arm, he won’t be able to.

Iowa 31  Michigan 24

Jimmy: Iowa (-3.5)

Iowa may not have the same offensive balance as Michigan State, but the Hawkeyes are good enough to score plenty on the Wolverine decimated ranks.  And Kirk Ferentz’ defense will tie Shoelace in knots with Adrian Clayborn and Co.  We knew the losses were inevitable for Michigan as their high-wire act survived 5 weeks unscathed.  Will back-to-back home losses rev up the DickRod needs to go cavalry, again?  Denard Robinson’s one-man show provided a little reprieve for the faction looking for change in Ann Arbor.  But there’s still plenty that’s not right, most notably a sieve for a defense that will need more than a few years of replenishing the ranks.  Has Rodriguez found a security blanket for his job with the emergence of Shoelace, a player in the mold of Pat White, Woody Dantzler and Shaun King (Denard appears to be better than all three of these fine college QBs).  Will the administration change directions now with the only ray of light being a QB the embroiled head coach is uniquely experienced to coach?  A catch 22 that I wouldn’t want to touch with a 200-foot pole. 

Iowa 34  Michigan 17

Matt: Iowa (-3.5)

The Shoelace for Heisman campaign took a serious hit last week, and I expect it to be permanently derailed following this week’s game against the tough Hawkeye D.  Michigan thrived playing against inferior competition (it pains me to type that and acknowledge that ND is apparently at the level of a middling Big Ten team), but that Swiss Cheese defense can’t stop anyone, and Robinson has found the running lanes a little smaller.

Interesting comments by a UNC QB recruit also being recruited by Michigan that Rich Rod has been told he will be at Michigan for a long time.  I can definitely see a worst case (best case?) scenario of Michigan losing out or maybe winning at Purdue to finish 6-6.  But with Robinson as QB and the roster finally taking shape to run the spread offense, would Michigan really get rid of Rod and start all over?  Probably not.  Even the most ardent Michigan hater would admit that the program is at least relevant this year and most likely heading in the right direction under Rodriguez.

Iowa 24 Michigan 17

Mike: Iowa (-3.5)  Lock of the Week

As shown last week, Michigan is simply an average team.  The Wolverines have one of the worst defenses in college football and Denard Robinson is basically a one man show on offense.  Iowa should be able to neutralize Robinson with its strong defensive line and the Hawkeye offense will likely have its way with the Michigan defense.  Iowa will roll in Ann Arbor.

Iowa 41 Michigan 21

Texas (+10) @ Nebraska

Dan: Texas (+10)

Wow, who would have expected this line a year or two ago. Unfortunately, Millman’s article isn’t out yet, because I’d love to hear where the sharps are on this one (if he covers it). Texas is reeling. They’ve lost 2 straight and have not looked very good all year. Can Mack Brown get them in shape for a trip to Lincoln? Nebraska has beaten every team it has played all year by at least 14 points. But they have had some weak competition. Even a bad Texas team will be by far the best team they have played, particularly defensively. I think the Texas defense plays just well enough to squeak out the cover.

Nebraska 21 Texas 13 

Jeremy: Texas (+10)

The first big test for the 2010 Huskers.  Texas rolls into Lincoln licking some serious wounds, but I think Mack Brown and the ‘Horns have too much pride and talent to let this game get out of hand.  A late Texas TD keeps it close and allows them to cover the big spread.

Nebraska 27  Texas 20

Jimmy: Nebraska (-10)

Revenge will be sweet for last year’s Big XII title game.  This figures to be the toughest defense remaining on Nebraska’s schedule.  But the way Taylor Martinez is running wild, I’m not sure how much they can be contained.  On the flip side, Nebraska may present the stiffest challenge Garron Gilbert and the stunted Longhorns offense will face all season.  As the likely last matchup as conference foes between these two pillars of the Big XII, the hype may not match the result.  I like Big Red to leave an indelible mark on the minds of Texas and pollsters as Nebraska inches toward a shot at the championship.

Nebraska 27 Texas 13

Matt: Nebraska (-10)

After foolishly picking against Nebraska last week, I’m not making the same mistake again.  What it comes down to is I have seen nothing out of Texas that makes me think that they can hang with the Huskers.  The Garrett Gilbert experiment has fizzled, as has the supposed new found commitment to the ground game.  That’s not a good recipe when you have to go up against the offense powered by Taylor Martinez, who did his best Denard Robinson impression last week.  In Lincoln, I see the Huskers getting some revenge for the Big 12 title game last year.

Nebraska 34 Texas 17

Mike: Nebraska (-10)

Texas will almost certainly struggle to score points against Nebraska, but I expect that the Longhorn defense will slow down Taylor Martinez and the Husker rushing game for most of the game.  Like UCLA, however, Nebraska will eventually wear down Texas’ defense to pull away for a big win before a jacked up crowd in Lincoln.

Nebraska 28 Texas 10

Arkansas (+3) @ Auburn

Dan: Arkansas (+3)

Cameron Newton is a beast. But much of the rest of the Auburn offense has been a little underwhelming. Meanwhile, I really like this Arkansas team. I think both QBs will throw a couple interceptions, keeping the game slightly lower scoring than some might expect. I can’t pick the outright upset at home, but I’ll take the points.

Auburn 24 Arkansas 23

Jeremy: Arkansas (+3)

I just get the feeling that Auburn has been living a bit of a charmed life so far this year.  Not quite on LSU’s level, but not exactly far behind.  Mallett has been a bit quiet lately, so look for him to fight his way back into the Heisman discussion with a big win on the road in Jordan Hare. 

Arkansas 30  Auburn 27

Jimmy: Arkansas (+3)

I love Cam Newton and am squarely on board the War Eagle train.  Looking at this objectively, though, Auburn has been squeaking by teams.  We all know the SEC grind simply wears teams down – maybe this is the Tigers’ d-day.  Auburn’s defense will struggle to slow down Ryan Mallett’s throwing frenzy.  The Hogs could put up 40+ points.  I would like nothing better than to saddle up next weekend in Kansas City (last stop on the ’10 wedding tour…big ups KZ) to watch undefeated Auburn battle undefeated LSU.  Madonia would be twice as nervous as the groom and there would be even odds of an accidental/overzealous applaus at a quiet point in the ceremony.  I really, really want Auburn to win.  So, let’s just say Arkansas covers (a great chance this 3 point spread ends up pushing on a last-seconf FG or OT win). 

Auburn 37  Arkansas 35

Matt: Auburn (-3)

Game of the week – no surprise it’s taking place in the SEC.  If Auburn wins they could set up a huge showdown next week against LSU for the chance to remain the lone undefeated team in the conference.  But Arkansas will present all kinds of challenges, and perhaps it should be a little alarming that Auburn had a nailbiter in Lexington last week before finally prevailing 37-34.

But I’m willing to chalk that up to ‘road life in the SEC’ and trust the Cam Newton led ground attack at home over the Ryan Mallett led aerial attack.  Arkansas is only 96^th in the country running the ball, and look for the Auburn defense to make them one dimensional and rattle Mallett into a few turnovers.  If this game was in Arkansas, I might pick the Hogs, but on the plains I’ll take Auburn.  War Eagle.

Auburn 34 Arkansas 30

Mike: Arkansas (+3)

Auburn has shown a knack for winning close games and it’s hard not to be impressed by Cameron Newton.  Still, one must wonder if the Tigers’ good fortune is about to run out this week against a talented Arkansas team that is playing well on both sides of the ball.  Also, while Gene Chizik has excelled thus far at Auburn, the coaching matchup favors the Razorbacks here.  Auburn’s undefeated run will come to an end in another entertaining game.

Arkansas 30 Auburn 27

California (+2.5) @ USC

Dan: USC (-2.5)

I’m sorry, they are playing football in the Pac-10 this year? Color me disinterested. Both teams had “bounce-back” games last week, if you can call a close loss to Stanford bounce back for USC (circa 2005 Notre Dame). Cal looked like its old self again destroying a hyped UCLA team. I really don’t have a strong feel about this one, but my gut says USC pulls it together for one last win before the bye week (after which they will go 1 – 3 before destroying ND somehow.

USC 27 Cal 21

Jeremy: Cal (+2.5)

USC is pretty fragile right now.  One more bad bounce or turnover and the Trojans are likely to fold up their tents for the rest of the year.  Cal absolutely destroyed UCLA on the ground last week, and the soft Trojan defense is ripe to allow another big running output to the Bears. 

Cal 27  USC 23

Jimmy: USC (-2.5)  Lock of the Week

What has happened to the once proud Trojan defense?  Paging Monte Kiffin…paging acclaimed NFL D-coordinator Monte Kiffin.  Are we sure there’s not a Weekend at Bernie’s sequel unfolding in Trojan Land?  They’ve given up 36, 14, 21, 16, 32, 37 points.  USC gave up more than 21 points seven times in the last two seasons combined.  The mystique is gone, like a magic trick gone wrong.  I couldn’t be happier to see the doomsday columns signaling the end of the Trojans dynasty (though it’s a little bittersweet that ND couldn’t best Troy at least once during their reign).  Kiffykins is getting his come-uppance.  But don’t lose sight of the fact that Matt Barkley is leading a very potent offense, one that should have no trouble outscoring Cal by a field goal.

USC 36  Cal 27

Matt: USC (-2.5)  Lock of the Week

All my instincts tell me to take Cal, but I think USC is proud enough to show up and take care of business against a team that they are far more talented than.  If the Trojans lose this one, look out, it could get ugly in LA.  Suddenly those Laker preseason game will look a lot more attractive for the what-have-you done-for-me-lately LA fans.  BTW the fact that we are picking this game tells you what type of matchups are on the schedule this week. 

USC 41 Cal 30

Mike: USC (-2.5)

USC’s defense is a mess, but Monte Kiffin should be able to devise a game plan to slow the one-dimensional California offense, which is heavily reliant on the running game.  On offense, the Trojans have proven to be quite explosive, as Matt Barkley is developing into a top flight quarterback and the running backs have been dynamic.  From a talent standpoint, this is a mismatch, notwithstanding USC’s depth issues and inconsistencies.

USC 38 California 24

Ohio State (-4.5) @ Wisconsin

Dan: Wisconsin (+4.5)

I had this game all written up as an easy win for OSU. Wisconsin is an average football team. Ohio State is the #1 team in the country (though probably only about the 5^th or 6^th best team… maybe). But doesn’t this game have Tressel ball, Wisconsin keeping it close, written all over it? Ohio State should win this game by 20 points. But my gut just doesn’t feel comfortable with that. Personally, I am staying away from this game as a gambler. But if I had to bet, I’d take the points.

Ohio State 20 Wisconsin 17

Jeremy: Wisconsin (+4.5)  Lock of the Week

Just feels like too many points, doesn’t it?  I can’t quite get a read on this OSU team.  Pryor is obviously not 100%, and if his running ability has been compromised, he’s a much less dangerous weapon in that offense.  The Buckeye defense is going to have to keep this game close, so Tressel can unleash his special teams to play the field position game.  The Bucks pull out a big win, but it’ll be a tight one till the end.

OSU 13  Wisconsin 10

Jimmy: Wisconsin (+4.5)

This has the hallmarks of an old school Big Ten slugfest – a throwback to the 3 yards and a cloud of dust days.  Big John Clay and the young legs of James White will test the Buckeyes front seven.  Pryor’s injury status looms over the fate of the #1 Buckeyes.  It will be a war of attrition that I like the Badgers to at least cover, though I’m pulling for an outright victory for the 5^th quarter in Madison.  The recent history of this series screams for a closer line. 

Ohio State 26  Wisconsin 24

Matt: Wisconsin (+4.5)

I really don’t know what to think about this game.  Wisconsin has been really good in night games in recent history.   But I’m just not sure how good this edition of Badger football is.  And I’ll be honest, I haven’t seen them play that much.  Are they going to be able to slow down Terrelle Pryor and the rest of the Buckeye offense?  They gave up 23 points last week to a terrible Minnesota team, and really haven’t beaten anyone of note unless you count a one point squeaker against a dead man walking Dennis Erickson coached Arizona State team. 

So I really have no idea why I am picking Wisconsin, just seems like one of those game that is going to come down to a field goal in front of the rapid Madtown crowd.  Bucks win.

Ohio State 20 Wisconsin 17

Mike: Ohio State (-4.5)

Wisconsin is a nice little team, but they aren’t on Ohio State’s level yet.  The Buckeyes were able to win at Camp Randall when Terrelle Pryor was a true freshman and they should be able to repeat the feat now that Pryor is playing at an elite level.  Look for Wisconsin to keep the game close for 3 quarters before fading at the end when forced to play from behind.

Ohio State 34 Wisconsin 21

BONUS PICKS

Dan: South Florida @ West Virginia (-10.5)

I enjoy picking the Thursday night game, and with New Mexico, my go to, on bye this week, I’ll take the Mountaineers for my bonus pick. USF has beaten the Mountaineers soundly the last couple years, but they are off to a poor start in 2010. A loss to Syracuse last week has the faithful (are there any Bulls faithful?) reeling. We all know how much we love the home team on Thursday night. Throw in a motivated Mountaineers team, and I think Geno Smith and Noel Devine pull off the two TD victory. (Not for the picks but a couple other games to consider – MSU -7, Fresno State -30.5)

West Virginia 27 South Florida 13

Jeremy: Pitt (+1) @ Syracuse

Millman directed me away from my first pick (Illinois), but I still think Sparty is due for a bit of a letdown coming off a big rivalry win on the road. 

When was the last time Syracuse was favored in a Big East game?  Can’t imagine it was anytime recently.  The Panthers are reeling a bit, and I know Marrone is doing wonderful things with the Orange, but I’m not ready to turn my back on Pitt yet.  Too much firepower with that offense. 

Pitt 24  Syracuse 13

Jimmy: Kansas State (-2.5) @ Kansas

You would think I’m breaking my own TERDS (Thursday Evening RoaD Syndrome) rules.  But there’s two exceptions with this matchup.  1) The Wildcats played last Thursday as well, so it hasn’t been a short week for them.  2) The Kansas Jayhawks are terrible!  They lost 55-7 last week to an above average Baylor team.  I don’t even need to remind you what happened in Week 1.  That Georgia Tech upset will boggle my mind all season.  Daniel Thomas might outgain Kansas’ entire team by himself.  This is a no-brainer.

Kansas State 41  Kansas 12

Matt: Oregon State (Pick Em) @ Washington

It’s usually about this time of year that Oregon State under Mike Riley goes on a winning streak to make a run at the PAC 10 title.  Despite the loss of James Rodgers (sorry Jimmy), I still think that the Beavers are good enough to win at Washington and down the road set up another intriguing version of the Civil War.  If all of your bets go wrong this weekend, this one is a 10:15 EST kickoff and offers a chance for redemption.

Oregon State 34 Washington 28

While we’re here…

UNOFFICIAL HESIMAN CANDIDACY UPDATE/EULOGY

Well, it was fun while it lasted.  My “self-promotion” for college’s top prize didn’t even last til November as James Rodgers season came to an abrupt end last week with a knee injury that requires surgery.  Rodgers was currently ranked 6^th in the nation with 176.76 all-purpose yards, averaging 18 yards/punt return and 29 yards/kick return.  Pretty sure the Downtown Athletic Club won’t pay a seconds notice to this final season stat line, but we’ll give it it’s due praise here and hope that James Rodgers comes back with a vengeance next season.

16 REC  215 YDS  2 TDs

8 RUSH  38 YDS

6 Punt Returns  110 YDS  1 TD

12 Kick Returns  344 YDS 

Mike: Mississippi @ Alabama (-20.5)

Pity Ole Miss, which must face the wrath of an angry Nick Saban at Bryant-Denny Stadium this week.  Things will turn ugly quick for Houston Nutt and the visiting Rebels.

Alabama 42 Mississippi 10

Last Week’s Picks:

Dan: 6-1 (-)

Jeremy: 4-3 (+)

Jimmy: 5-2 (-)

Matt: 3-4 (-)

Mike: 5-2 (+)

Picks to Date:

Dan: 21-20-1 (2-3-1)

Jeremy: 29-12-1 (4-2)

Jimmy: 24-17-1 (3-3)

Matt: 21-19-2 (2-3)

Mike: 30-11-1 (5-0-1)

#6 Doak Campbell Stadium, Florida State

Final Score 45.5

We return South for the next installment of the Stadium Countdown.  Some good distance separates Florida State and Michigan State in our highly sophisticated algorithmic ranking equation.  Not surprising that the Tallahassee sun would score higher than East Lansing and the rest of the previously ranked Midwest destinations.  

There are no lack of spots to hunker down and enjoy yourself outside of Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium.  The surrounding lots and fields all cater to quality, unencumbered tailgating amidst the throng.  From personal experience, the reception among FSU fans in 1994 (played in Orlando, so not true Tallahassee hospitality) and 2002 was markedly different.  The Orlando crowd was hostile and unwelcoming, which may be attributable to FSU being at the height of their program's arrogance and a bitter hangover effect from the loss dealt them in the 1993 version of the Game of the Century.  (Though there really is no excuse for being spit at).  The FSU faithful could not have been nicer to us, both around the sprawl of RVs we rocked in the lots, as well as in and around the stadium.  I still fondly recall walking out of the stadium, chest puffed a little after the whooping Tyrone administered (his first and only respectable road whooping).  A dejected elder man looked at me, contemplated the beer in his hand, then thrust the bottle in my gut like we were running an off-tackle dive.  "There's your victory beer."  Perfectly played by a proud and generous fan expressing his disappointment.  

Back to the game experience itself, there's some pretty good spectacle to enjoy in the Doak, centered around the pre-game ceremonial flaming spear thrown at midfield by Chief Osceola from atop his trusty steed, Renegade.  As you can imagine, anything that mixes fire, Native Americans on horseback and a massive, alcohol-inspired crowd is guaranteed to create quite the commotion.  Goosebumps all around. 

Naively, I dreaded being subject to the Tomahawk chant ad nauseum throughout the game, but it, too, was very cool to behold.  82,000+ people joining in an intimidating and enthusiastic cheer is pretty cool.  Thankfully, Notre Dame's success that afternoon probably cut the normal number of chant occurrences in half.  In fact, at one point in the 4th quarter when the rout was on, the Florida State band, seated below the majority of the Irish road section, turned and played the chop for us.  We were actually encouraged to chop FSU fans in their own place!  A surreal moment.   

As is usually the case, the dual Jumbotrons add substantially to the experience, getting the benefit of immediate replays and extra motivation for crowd participation.  There was one glaring misuse of the screens, though.  With some of the tomahawk chants, the screen would flash various people associated with FSU - former athletes and other folk (my memory is foggy if Turd Ferduson, I mean Burt Reynolds, was included) chopping merrily with the crowd.  That was all well and good until Jared Fogle's dumb mug appeared, goofily doing the chop.  Last I checked, Jared didn't earn an FSU degree (surprisingly, he's an IU grad and North Central, Indianapolis alum).  Who were the ad-wizards that thought the Subway guy would be the perfect "celeb" to get the crowd fired up??  A laughable moment for the marketing staff.  Who knows - maybe it was a contractual obligation to serve Subway on campus.  IF (a ginormous if) the powers that be ever bit the bullet and installed Jumbotrons in ND Stadium, the university should never EVER cave to the almighty sponsor and allow the confluence of sponsorship and crowd participation.  

Alas, I digress.  A fun fact about the Doak: that ND game in 2002 ranks as the 5th biggest crowd in stadium history.  Unfortunately, the Seminoles have lost 3 of those top 5 most crowded games.  All in all, just about everything you could ask for from a Southern football powerhouse.  Why it's only #6?  Well, there's some very good competition to contend with.  Florida State couldn't claim any of the top category marks (Tailgate Scene, Campus Vibe, Tradition, Fan Factor, Surrounding Area, Intangibles) from the top 5.  Stay tuned...