College Football Sixsational Weekend: Let the Trash Talk Begin!!
Alabama ran the table against Florida. Oregon dominated Stanford. And all Nebraska could do was smile and wave as they moved another step closer to running the table in their final year with the Big XII.
Is the Big Ten ready for a rude awakening as the reincarnation of Tommie Frazier in the form of Taylor Martinez prepares to move another step closer to immortality?
And with Oregon jumping Boise State in the rankings, the fans are not very happy about the current state of the rankings.
So what will this weekend bring for the College Gridiron?
The trash talking may have began weeks ago...but the real smack talk begins after this weekend.
ACC Conference: Prelude to a Championship?
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No. 13 Miami (3-1, 1-0) vs. No. 23 Florida State (4-1, 2-0)
In what many consider to be a preview of the ACC Championship Game, the Hurricanes and Seminoles have one thing in common: They want what Florida has already accomplished.
The ‘U’ want to return to that national powerhouse status they once had during the pre-Dallas Cowboys era (Jimmy Johnson, Michael Irvin). Led by Jacory Harris, the Canes travel to Tallahassee to battle the seemingly unstoppable Seminoles.
Jimbo Fisher’s first year as head coach is going pretty well. With the exception of a stomping by Oklahoma, Florida State looks like the team that made Bobby Bowden smile tons of times on the sideline.
Now Florida State looks to get themselves a sweep of the Big Three Series, starting with Miami. If this is Florida State’s year to run the ACC, this is the game to establish the ultimate proving ground…especially when they host both the Canes and Gators this season.
Captain’s Pick: Florida State
Boston College (2-2, 0-1) vs. North Carolina State (4-1, 1-1)
While everyone is focused on the big game in Central Florida, there are those who are looking at the other big game on the ACC circuit.
Boston College has a success story on their hands with the return of the one of their best defensive leaders following cancer treatment. On the other side, NC State has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the ACC.
Despite losing their first game last weekend, the Wolfpack still look to be a front-runner for the ACC Championship. And if they can get pass Boston College, they might have a chance against either Miami or Florida State.
Captain’s Pick: North Carolina State
Big Ten Conference: Still Anyone's Conference To Take
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No. 2 Ohio State (5-0, 1-0) vs. Indiana (3-1, 0-1)
Is it safe to say that the Big Ten’s final outright champion will have earned it? You bet your gridironed ass they will have. With at least four teams undefeated in conference play, the Big Ten has never looked more intimidating in regards to the BCS. Despite stronger schedules than Boise State, three teams are feeling the shaft of the polls.
The Buckeyes are set to face the Hoosiers this weekend, and Indiana is looking better than their basketball team has in recent memory. Bet most of you didn’t even know that Indiana had a football team.
Do the Hoosiers have a chance against Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes? Yes, but it is a tough game to win…but if they do win, it will be their biggest win in a long time…or at least since the last time they won March Madness.
Captain’s Pick: Ohio State
No. 17 Michigan State (5-0, 1-0) vs. No. 18 Michigan (5-0, 1-0) {UPSET ALERT!}
How is this for a scenario? The winner of this game will be in the driver’s seat for not only the Big Ten Championship but also the BCS bid as well. Never thought I would be saying that about a game like this in my lifetime.
The Spartans already made noise when they stunned Brian Kelly and the Irish a few weeks ago. And they have quietly made their way to the top of the conference to share the spotlight with Michigan and Ohio State.
On the other side, you got the surprising Michigan Wolverines. All those extra practices must be paying off because the Wolverines are winning games early and often. And with Denard Robinson getting his groove at the right time, can anyone stop the Michigan Wolverines at this rate?
Insert Michigan State and a possible shootout. I have been a little harsh on the Spartans as I haven’t picked them yet this season. That stops today. Despite how good Robinson is, Michigan State has this off-the-wall trick playbook that makes them almost impossible to game-plan against.
Captain’s Pick: Michigan State
No. 20 Wisconsin (4-1, 0-1) vs. Minnesota (1-4, 0-1)
We shall keep this short and simple. The Badgers are going to win this game. How badly they win this game is depending on how much the first team offense wants to deliver the pain.
The Gophers are definitely overmatched in this game. So Wisconsin will win their first conference game of the season. Minnesota will have to go another week without a conference victory.
Captain’s Pick: Wisconsin
Purdue (2-2, 0-1) vs. Northwestern (5-0, 1-0)
Remember my earlier statements about Wisconsin? The same thing almost applies to Northwestern. The Wildcats had themselves a tough battle last week, but were able to pull out a hard-fought victory to remain undefeated and stay in the thick of the Big Ten Race.
Purdue doesn’t look that dangerous anymore, so Northwestern should continue their quest for a championship.
Captain’s Pick: Northwestern
Big XII Conference: Going Out With a Bang?!
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No. 7 Nebraska (4-0, 0-0) vs. Kansas State (4-0, 1-0)
For starters, my apologies to the thousands of fans I offended two weeks ago when I compared Taylor Martinez to Tim Tebow. That being said, comparing him to Tommie Frazier is an insult in itself as well.
Frazier made noise in Lincoln…then disappeared after the NFL gave him his pink slip. So should we compare Taylor to anyone? Nah, let’s just say that Martinez may single handedly destroy Kansas State’s hopes of staying unblemished this weekend.
The Wildcats are quietly making their way back to respectability and dominance. But now they have a tough test coming up this weekend when they battle the high octane offense of the Huskers.
Bear in mind that the Huskers are doing this domination without Ndamukong Suh. And on top of all that, Taylor Martinez is an all-out stud. I’m going with Nebraska for this one…but I have a question all you fans I offended: Are you still called Cornhuskers or just Huskers?
Captain’s Pick: Nebraska
No. 24 Missouri (4-0, 0-0) vs. Colorado (3-1, 0-0)
Oct. 9 will mark the 20-year anniversary of the infamous “Fifth Down” game between the Missouri Tigers and Colorado Buffaloes. In that game, the Buffs managed to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes when they got an extra down to surprise Mizzou with a 33-31 win en route to the 1990 National Championship.
Now that game was a downer mainly because there wasn’t much on the line. This time around…it’s a whole different story.
Missouri is 4-0 and eyeing the Big XII Championship, while Colorado is 3-1 and looking to finish their stint with the Big XII on a positive note. The Tigers and Buffs both have a chance to shoot up the standings and keep pace with Oklahoma, Nebraska and Kansas State.
For Colorado, it’s also a chance to save Dan Hawkins’ job…even though the whack job should have been fired a long time ago. A choice between my home state and my school? Talk about a conundrum.
Captain’s Pick: Missouri
No. 22 Oklahoma State (4-0, 1-0) vs. LA-Lafayette (2-2, 2-1)
This is another one of those games that you won’t lose sleep over. Oklahoma State has already proven that they can win in the clutch after their victory last week.
Now they travel to the Bayou to face a Lafayette team that doesn’t look like they will have a chance against the Cowboys. So this pick is an easy one.
Captain’s Pick: Oklahoma State
Baylor (4-1, 1-0) vs. Texas Tech (2-2, 0-2)
This game had such potential to become one of the best games of the year. Unfortunately, that has become a thing of blah. The Red Raiders are two games under in the Big XII and sitting at .500.
And the team they are facing has a winning record, won their first conference game and doesn’t like being called pushovers. The Baylor Bears are no longer the underdogs they used to be…their entire athletic program is out to enjoy countless victories.
Captain’s Pick: Baylor
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Mountain West Conference: Smashmouth Collision Course
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No. 5 TCU (5-0, 1-0) vs. Wyoming (2-3, 0-1)
The Frogs are better than they look. The Cowboys are still fighting through tragedy. TCU will win this one convincingly. Only difference is that unlike CSU, Wyoming will put up some form of a fight.
Captain’s Pick: TCU
No. 10 Utah (4-0, 2-0) vs. Iowa State (3-2, 1-1)
The Utes are looking pretty good to challenge TCU for the Mountain West Championship. But while TCU will have Boise State in their crosshairs next season, Utah will be looking towards taking down the likes of Oregon and USC.
Utah will have their way against the Cyclones due in large part because for some crazy reason, every team in the top 15 has a shot at the National Championship.
Captain’s Pick: Utah
No. 25 Air Force (4-1, 2-0) vs. Colorado State (1-4, 0-1)
Air Force is one of the toughest ground and pound teams in the country. And this weekend, they will show the Rams why their woes will not only continue…they’ll get worse.
Just like last week when the Frogs came to town, the fans in Fort Collins might as well sit back, have a cold one and enjoy the demolition that makes Sonny Lubick roll over in his grave.
No, Lubick isn’t dead, but the way Steve Fairchild is running his team, his legacy is pretty close.
Captain’s Pick: Air Force
UNLV (1-4, 1-1) vs. West Virginia (3-1, 2-0)
The only reason this game is on the list is because West Virginia is in it and needs all the help they can get to return to powerhouse status. A win over the lackluster Rebels should lead them in the right direction.
Captain’s Pick: West Virginia
San Diego State (3-1, 1-1) vs. BYU (1-4, 0-1)
The surprising Aztecs will battle the once-dangerous Cougars. And now BYU is nothing more than the stepping stone that the Aztecs used to be. It’s almost like Marshall Faulk is coaching his former alma mater.
Captain’s Pick: San Diego State
Pac-10 Conference: While Kiffin's Away, The Ducks, Cats & Cards Will Play!
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No. 3 Oregon (5-0, 2-0) vs. Washington State (1-4, 0-2)
Ducks are the best team in the Pac-10. They got Utah and Colorado coming next season. But they want a National Championship and the Pac-10 Crown before it becomes a game. Oregon wins this one easily.
And LeGarrette Blount is smiling knowing that his knockout blow to the Broncos last season has led to the Ducks stepping over them in the rankings as well.
Captain’s Pick: Oregon
No. 9 Arizona (4-0, 1-0) vs. Oregon State (2-2, 1-0)
The Wildcats are in the Top 10, and surprising everyone in the country as well as the conference. Maybe the Trojans should get suspended more often, because everyone in the conference is playing better football.
Now all they have to do is take down the Beavers, who have a long history of stunning top-ranked opponents. But even Oregon State won’t have enough to take down the tenacious Wildcats team.
Captain’s Pick: Arizona
No. 16 Stanford (4-1, 1-1) vs. USC (4-1, 1-1)
The Cardinal are fuming about their stunning loss to Oregon last week. And they plan to take out their frustration on the deflated Trojans. Now that USC has nothing to completely play for, do they have a shot at stopping Jim Harbaugh and the mighty Stanford Cardinal?
I wouldn’t bank on it, because Stanford is fuming about the loss to Oregon…and USC will become their punching bag for the weekend.
Captain’s Pick: Stanford
SEC Conference: Is The Dirty South on Borrowed Time?
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No. 1 Alabama (5-0, 2-0) vs. No. 19 South Carolina (3-1, 1-1)
The SEC has officially been put on notice. Their reign of the BCS Championship could be in jeopardy. LSU is unblemished, but has to deal with Florida.
Florida was looking improved, but an embarrassing loss to Alabama has them on the outside looking in. And Alabama is either too damn good or just good. With the Pac-10, Big Ten and Big XII breathing down their necks, how will the SEC return to its dominance?
The Tide proved that they cannot be stopped by anyone in the SEC after dismantling the Gators last weekend. Now they get to destroy the Ol’ Ball Coach and the Gamecocks.
However, here’s the problem: If South Carolina puts up a better fight than Florida did, does that mean that Alabama is more vulnerable than advertised? Or is it just Alabama is just like Oklahoma week after week?
I’ll take Alabama in this game. Saban will own Spurrier when this game is over.
Captain’s Pick: Alabama
No. 8 Auburn (5-0, 2-0) vs. Kentucky (3-2, 0-2)
The Wildcats lost a pair the last two weeks. The Tigers have quietly climbed their way into the Top 10. Now Auburn looks to get more momentum heading into a showdown with Alabama in a few weeks.
As for Kentucky, they started off great, but two quick losses have them at the bottom of the SEC. Auburn will win this one, and I see a possible battle of the undefeateds between the Tigers and Tide.
Captain’s Pick: Auburn
No. 11 Arkansas (3-1, 1-1) vs. Texas A&M (3-1, 0-1)
The Hogs are back in action after losing a heartbreaker to the Tide. But they proved that they can handle their own against the top team in the country.
That is why I am picking them in an upset over the Aggies in their own backyard. Ryan Mallett will find his swagger again…and the Hogs will find a way to get back in the saddle. And it starts in Aggieville.
Captain’s Pick: Arkansas
No. 12 LSU (5-0, 3-0) vs. No. 14 Florida (4-1, 2-1) {UPSET ALERT!!}
When Les Miles and Urban Meyer get together, expect fireworks. LSU needs this win to stay neck and neck with Alabama. Florida needs this win to stay atop the SEC East and setup a possible rematch with Alabama. But this one is in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field…better known as “Da Swamp.”
Yes, they just got spanked by Alabama. And yes, experts will be picking the Bayou Puddy Tats to win this one. But I’m die hard for a reason…because it’s great to be a Florida Gator! In clutch and crunch time, give me the Gators anytime.
Captain’s Pick: Florida
Mississippi State (3-2, 1-2) vs. Houston (3-1, 2-0)
One of the most entertaining games on the circuit this weekend is the Mississippi State Bulldogs battling the Houston Cougars.
Why is this entertaining? Because Houston is winning games without their smashmouth quarterback. If you feel the need to try something out of the ordinary, try tuning into this one and not find yourself rooting for the underdog.
Captain’s Pick: Houston
WAC Conference: On The Road To An Upset?
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No. 4 Boise State (4-0, 1-0) vs. Toledo (3-2, 2-0)
The Broncos are upset because they got jumped by the very team that punched their lights out at the beginning of last season: Oregon. Now their fans want justice. I have something to tell those Broncos: Cry all you want.
No matter how good you think you are, you’re not playing for a National Championship this season either. Sure, Boise State will most likely be undefeated for a while this season, but looking at their schedule, they don’t deserve a BCS Championship berth. And that’s the truth.
Captain’s Pick: Boise State
No. 21 Nevada (5-0, 0-0) vs. San Jose State (1-4, 0-0)
The Wolfpack are going to win this game convincingly. In fact, Nevada will most likely remain undefeated when they lock horns with the Boise State Broncos. And if there is anyone who can take down the Broncos, it’s these guys.
Captain’s Pick: Nevada
Hawaii (3-2, 1-0) vs. Fresno State (3-1, 1-0)
The Bulldogs are 3-1, while the Warriors are 3-2. Is this game necessary to describe? Not really. So I think I will let their biggest fans decide…if you can find them. No one has seen Colt Brennan since Donovan came to town.
Captain’s Pick: Fresno State
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