By this time tomorrow, 11 of the 12 playoff seeds will have been determined, with only the fourth seed in the NFC and the NFC East Title still up for grabs, as the New York Giants host the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Ten seeds are still up for grabs, with only the Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans locked in their playoff spots, but nine teams have already clinched the playoffs (Green Bay, San Francisco, New Orleans, Atlanta, and Detroit in the NFC; New England, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Houston in the AFC).
It will take about six hours to digress all the scenarios and tiebreakers that come with them, but here is who I think should get in:
(AFC)
1) New England
2) Pittsburgh
3) Houston
4) Oakland
5) Baltimore
6) Cincinnati
Week 18: Cincinnati at Houston, Baltimore at Oakland
(NFC)
1) Green Bay
2) San Francisco
3) New Orleans
4) NY Giants
5) Detroit
6) Atlanta
Week 18: Atlanta at New Orleans, Detroit at NY Giants
Here are this week's predix, and based on all the tiebreaker scenarios, who I think WILL end up getting in.
BIG GAMES OF THE WEEK:
(AFC)
Baltimore Ravens (11-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (9-6)
and
(NFC)
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants (both 8-7)
It's do or die time for three of these four teams (the Ravens are already in, but they could be as high as # 2, or low as # 5), but at least one (Dallas/NY Giants winner) more team will also get in.
The Bengals are 1-6 against teams with winning records (the lone win being against the Titans in Week 9), while the Ravens are going to embark on their fourth straight postseason appearance with Head Coach John Harbaugh and Quarterback Joe Flacco. A Bengals win means they are in. However, if they lose, they need two other teams at least (the NY Jets and either Oakland or Denver) to lose as well.
PICKS:
Baltimore 27, Cincinnati 13
NY Giants 37, Dallas 17
DRAFT WATCH OF THE WEEK:
Indianapolis Colts (2-13) at Jacksonville Jaguars (4-11)
and
San Francisco 49ers (12-3) at St. Louis Rams (2-13)
For the 49ers, it's win and a First Round Bye they get. For the Colts, it's lose and clinch the top pick in the 2012 draft. However, the Colts have won two straight after reeling 14 straight losses dating back to last year in the playoffs. A Colts win would kill their shot at the # 1 pick in the NFL draft and put Sam Bradford on the hot seat in St. Louis.
PICKS:
Indianapolis 24, Jacksonville 19
San Francisco 28, St. Louis 0
# 1 DRAFT PICK: St. Louis
OTHER EARLY GAMES:
Detroit Lions (10-5) at Green Bay Packers (14-1)
Detroit victorious at Lambeau? If the Packers rest their starters (given the Pack have already clinched Home Field), it is possible.
PICK: Detroit 33, Green Bay 13
Carolina Panthers (6-9) at New Orleans Saints (12-3)
PICK: New Orleans 42, Carolina 34
New York Jets [8-7) at Miami Dolphins (5-10)
PICK: Miami 23, NY Jets 20 (OT)
Buffalo Bills (6-9) at New England Patriots (12-3)
PICK: New England 34, Buffalo 7
Tennessee Titans [8-7) Houston Texans (10-5)
PICK: Tennessee 30, Houston 6
OTHER LATE GAMES:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11) at Atlanta Falcons (9-6)
Raheem Morris, we hardly knew ye.
PICK: Atlanta 35, Tampa Bay 0
Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4) at Cleveland Browns (4-11)
PICK: Pittsburgh 21, Cleveland 0
San Diego Chargers (7-8] at Oakland Raiders [8-7)
PICK: Oakland 23, San Diego 16
Kansas City Chiefs (6-9) at Denver Broncos [8-7)
Kyle Orton was the starter at Denver at the beginning of the season. This time, he's back at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, and he's making it personal.
PICK: Kansas City 28, Denver 23
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks (both 7-8]
PICK: Seattle 20, Arizona 19
PLAYOFF PAIRINGS:
(NFC)
1) Green Bay
2) San Francisco
3) New Orleans
4) NY Giants
5) Detroit
6) Atlanta
(AFC)
1) New England
2) Baltimore
3) Houston
4) Oakland
5) Pittsburgh
6) Cincinnati
UPSET PLAYOFF PICK: Either Dallas, Denver, and/or Tennessee
BLACK MONDAY:
Tomorrow is the oft-referred to "Black Monday", where coaches on the NFL hot seat get pink slipped. Black Monday came early in Jacksonville, Miami, and Kansas City this season. What coaches could be gone? Well, find out now...
(GONE)
San Diego- Norv Turner (Turner is gone, no doubt, and GM A.J. Smith will follow Turner out the door as well)
Tampa Bay- Raheem Morris (With Tampa Bay headed to a 4-12 finish after a 4-2 start, changes need to be made in Tampa)
St. Louis- Steve Spagnuolo (This is a gimme)
Indianapolis- Jim Caldwell (Unless they play the Peyton Manning sympathy card)
Minnesota- Leslie Frazier (Could go either way)
(50-50)
Cleveland- Pat Shurmur
Philadelphia- Andy Reid
This blog is a spin-off of A Man and His Awards, and hosts weekly football predictions as well as predictions for the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
College Bowl Picks 2011: Part 3
There are a couple of Bowl Games going on (Sun Bowl- Georgia Tech vs. Utah, DJBC Sports Corner picked the Yellow Jackets to win this; and the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl- Illinois vs. 6-7 UCLA, both the Illini and Bruins are being coached by assistant head coaches following the dismissals of Ron Zook and Rick Neuheisel respectively; DJBC Sports Corner picked UCLA).
Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas (Reliant Stadium- Houston, TX)
Texas A&M Aggies vs. Northwestern Wildcats
PICK: Was Texas A&M 30-10 over Northwestern
Sun Bowl (Sun Bowl- El Paso, TX)
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Utah Utes
PICK: Georgia Tech 31, Utah 17
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl (AT&T Park- San Francisco, CA)
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. UCLA Bruins
PICK: UCLA 41, Illinois 33
AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Liberty Bowl- Memphis, TN)
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Vanderbilt Fighting Commodores
PICK: Cincinnati 37, Vandy 23
Chick-fil-A Bowl (Georgia Dome- Atlanta, GA)
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Auburn Tigers
PICK: Virginia 27, Auburn 23
No Games on New Year's Day due to the Final Week of the NFL Regular Season
MONDAY JANUARY 2:
TicketCity Bowl (Cotton Bowl- Dallas, TX)
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Houston Cougars
PICK: Houston 27, Penn State 21
TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl (EverBank Field- Jacksonville, FL)
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Florida Gators
This is practically a home game for the Gators, because it's only an hour away from Gainesville, so the Gator fans won't have too far to travel. This is probably eerily to the 2007 BCS National Championship when the Buckeyes lost to LSU at the Superdome. The Gators will bring the noise and the speed. This is the final game for Buckeye offensive and defensive coordinators Jim Bollman and Jim Heacock. The former was one of the first Jim Tressel assistant hires, and the latter had been on staff since the John Cooper era. This is a game for Will Muschamp to prove that he is the coach for the Gators. This will be the final bowl game not only for the Buckeye seniors, but for the Buckeye juniors as well, because of next year's postseason ban. This will be a good game, but the Gators will edge the Buckeyes due to the SEC speed and the home field.
PICK: Florida 20, Ohio State 17
Outback Bowl (Raymond James Stadium- Tampa, FL)
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Michigan State Spartans
PICK: Georgia 37, Michigan State 21
Capital One Bowl (Citrus Bowl- Orlando, FL)
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
PICK: South Carolina 28, Nebraska 19
Rose Bowl presented by Vizio (The Rose Bowl- Pasadena, CA)
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Oregon Ducks
PICK: Oregon 42, Wisconsin 28
Tostito's Fiesta Bowl (University of Phoenix Stadium- Glendale, AZ)
Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Stanford Cardinal
Erin Andrews, ESPN sideline reporter tweeted before the BCS Selection show, "a loss in Baton Rouge vs. a loss in Ames", referring to which loss would determine the # 2 team in the final BCS rankings (with would be Alabama). Oklahoma State was robbed of a spot (because of that loss to Iowa State) in the BCS National Championship game.
PICK: Stanford 49, Oklahoma State 31
TUESDAY January 3
Allstate Sugar Bowl (Mercedes-Benz Superdome- New Orleans, LA)
Michigan Wolverines vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
Could this be Denard's last stand? We hope not (we need him to beat Urban Meyer in Columbus in November). But, Michigan's improved defense, coached by defensive coordinator Greg Mattison turned heads this year, and Michigan's defense will give Virginia Tech hell. The Hokies also have problem with converting red zone possessions into touchdowns. This is what will separate the men (Michigan) from the boys (Virginia Tech).
PICK: Michigan 38, Virginia Tech 24
WEDNESDAY January 4
Discover Orange Bowl (SunLife Stadium- Miami, FL)
Clemson Tigers vs. West Virginia Mountaineers
PICK: Clemson 33, West Virginia 21
FRIDAY January 6
AT&T Cotton Bowl (Cowboys Stadium- Arlington, TX)
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Kansas State Wildcats
PICK: Arkansas 24, Kansas State 21
SATURDAY January 7
BBVA Compass Bowl (Birmingham, AL)
Pitt Panthers vs. SMU Mustangs
PICK: Pitt 20, SMU 7
SUNDAY January 8
GoDaddy.com Bowl (Mobile, AL)
Arkansas State vs. Northern Illinois
PICK: ??
MONDAY January 9
Allstate BCS National Championship Game (Mercedes-Benz Superdome- New Orleans, LA)
# 1 LSU Tigers vs. # 2 Alabama Crimson Tide
For the sixth straight year, the Southeastern Conference will win the BCS National Championship game. In the first game between these two schools this year, no touchdowns were scored in a boring 9-6 overtime field goal defensive battle won by the Tigers. There will be touchdowns in this game (knock on wood), and the Tigers will be the 3rd 14-0 team in I-FBS history.
PICK: LSU 30, Alabama 24
Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas (Reliant Stadium- Houston, TX)
Texas A&M Aggies vs. Northwestern Wildcats
PICK: Was Texas A&M 30-10 over Northwestern
Sun Bowl (Sun Bowl- El Paso, TX)
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Utah Utes
PICK: Georgia Tech 31, Utah 17
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl (AT&T Park- San Francisco, CA)
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. UCLA Bruins
PICK: UCLA 41, Illinois 33
AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Liberty Bowl- Memphis, TN)
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Vanderbilt Fighting Commodores
PICK: Cincinnati 37, Vandy 23
Chick-fil-A Bowl (Georgia Dome- Atlanta, GA)
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Auburn Tigers
PICK: Virginia 27, Auburn 23
No Games on New Year's Day due to the Final Week of the NFL Regular Season
MONDAY JANUARY 2:
TicketCity Bowl (Cotton Bowl- Dallas, TX)
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Houston Cougars
PICK: Houston 27, Penn State 21
TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl (EverBank Field- Jacksonville, FL)
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Florida Gators
This is practically a home game for the Gators, because it's only an hour away from Gainesville, so the Gator fans won't have too far to travel. This is probably eerily to the 2007 BCS National Championship when the Buckeyes lost to LSU at the Superdome. The Gators will bring the noise and the speed. This is the final game for Buckeye offensive and defensive coordinators Jim Bollman and Jim Heacock. The former was one of the first Jim Tressel assistant hires, and the latter had been on staff since the John Cooper era. This is a game for Will Muschamp to prove that he is the coach for the Gators. This will be the final bowl game not only for the Buckeye seniors, but for the Buckeye juniors as well, because of next year's postseason ban. This will be a good game, but the Gators will edge the Buckeyes due to the SEC speed and the home field.
PICK: Florida 20, Ohio State 17
Outback Bowl (Raymond James Stadium- Tampa, FL)
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Michigan State Spartans
PICK: Georgia 37, Michigan State 21
Capital One Bowl (Citrus Bowl- Orlando, FL)
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
PICK: South Carolina 28, Nebraska 19
Rose Bowl presented by Vizio (The Rose Bowl- Pasadena, CA)
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Oregon Ducks
PICK: Oregon 42, Wisconsin 28
Tostito's Fiesta Bowl (University of Phoenix Stadium- Glendale, AZ)
Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Stanford Cardinal
Erin Andrews, ESPN sideline reporter tweeted before the BCS Selection show, "a loss in Baton Rouge vs. a loss in Ames", referring to which loss would determine the # 2 team in the final BCS rankings (with would be Alabama). Oklahoma State was robbed of a spot (because of that loss to Iowa State) in the BCS National Championship game.
PICK: Stanford 49, Oklahoma State 31
TUESDAY January 3
Allstate Sugar Bowl (Mercedes-Benz Superdome- New Orleans, LA)
Michigan Wolverines vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
Could this be Denard's last stand? We hope not (we need him to beat Urban Meyer in Columbus in November). But, Michigan's improved defense, coached by defensive coordinator Greg Mattison turned heads this year, and Michigan's defense will give Virginia Tech hell. The Hokies also have problem with converting red zone possessions into touchdowns. This is what will separate the men (Michigan) from the boys (Virginia Tech).
PICK: Michigan 38, Virginia Tech 24
WEDNESDAY January 4
Discover Orange Bowl (SunLife Stadium- Miami, FL)
Clemson Tigers vs. West Virginia Mountaineers
PICK: Clemson 33, West Virginia 21
FRIDAY January 6
AT&T Cotton Bowl (Cowboys Stadium- Arlington, TX)
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Kansas State Wildcats
PICK: Arkansas 24, Kansas State 21
SATURDAY January 7
BBVA Compass Bowl (Birmingham, AL)
Pitt Panthers vs. SMU Mustangs
PICK: Pitt 20, SMU 7
SUNDAY January 8
GoDaddy.com Bowl (Mobile, AL)
Arkansas State vs. Northern Illinois
PICK: ??
MONDAY January 9
Allstate BCS National Championship Game (Mercedes-Benz Superdome- New Orleans, LA)
# 1 LSU Tigers vs. # 2 Alabama Crimson Tide
For the sixth straight year, the Southeastern Conference will win the BCS National Championship game. In the first game between these two schools this year, no touchdowns were scored in a boring 9-6 overtime field goal defensive battle won by the Tigers. There will be touchdowns in this game (knock on wood), and the Tigers will be the 3rd 14-0 team in I-FBS history.
PICK: LSU 30, Alabama 24
Monday, December 26, 2011
2011 College Bowl Season: Part 2
Christmas is over, and there are more college bowl games to play as the old year fades into the sunset and the new year rises like a phoenix.
TONIGHT-
AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl (Shreveport, LA)
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Missouri Tigers
Pick: Mizzou 20, UNC 14
TUESDAY-
Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl (Ford Field- Detroit, MI)
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Western Michigan Broncos
Pick: Purdue 34, Western Michigan 13
Belk Bowl (Charlotte, NC)
North Carolina State Wolf Pack vs. Louisville Cardinals
Pick: Louisville 21, NC State 17
WEDNESDAY-
Military Bowl (FedEx Field- Landover, MD)
Toledo Rockets vs. Air Force Falcons
Pick: Toledo 28, Air Force 19
Bridgeport Education Holiday Bowl (QualComm Stadium- San Diego, CA)
Cal Golden Bears vs. Texas Longhorns
Pick: Texas 33, Cal 22
THURSDAY-
Champps Sports Bowl (Orlando, FL)
Florida State Seminoles vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Pick: Notre Dame 24, Florida State 20
Valero Alamo Bowl (Alamodome- San Antonio, TX)
Baylor Bears vs. Washington Huskies
Pick: Baylor 41, Washington 17
FRIDAY-
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl (Dallas, TX)
Brigham Young Cougars vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Pick: Tulsa 23, BYU 19
New Era Pinstripe Bowl (Yankee Stadium- The Bronx, NY)
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Pick: Rutgers 27, Iowa State 21
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (LP Stadium- Nashville, TN)
Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Pick: Mississippi State 42, Wake 10
Insight Bowl (Sun Devil Stadium- Tempe, AZ)
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Oklahoma Sooners
Pick: Oklahoma 34, Iowa 21
On Friday- The New Year's Eve, January 2*, and BCS Bowl Games
*- NO Bowl Games on New Year's Day, due to the Final Week of the NFL Regular Season
Projected Picks:
Sun Bowl: Georgia Tech
Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl: Florida
Outback Bowl: Georgia
Capital One Bowl: Nebraska
Rose Bowl: Oregon
Tostito's Fiesta Bowl: Stanford
Allstate Sugar Bowl: Michigan
Discover Orange Bowl: Clemson
AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic: Arkansas
BCS National Championship: LSU
TONIGHT-
AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl (Shreveport, LA)
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Missouri Tigers
Pick: Mizzou 20, UNC 14
TUESDAY-
Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl (Ford Field- Detroit, MI)
Purdue Boilermakers vs. Western Michigan Broncos
Pick: Purdue 34, Western Michigan 13
Belk Bowl (Charlotte, NC)
North Carolina State Wolf Pack vs. Louisville Cardinals
Pick: Louisville 21, NC State 17
WEDNESDAY-
Military Bowl (FedEx Field- Landover, MD)
Toledo Rockets vs. Air Force Falcons
Pick: Toledo 28, Air Force 19
Bridgeport Education Holiday Bowl (QualComm Stadium- San Diego, CA)
Cal Golden Bears vs. Texas Longhorns
Pick: Texas 33, Cal 22
THURSDAY-
Champps Sports Bowl (Orlando, FL)
Florida State Seminoles vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Pick: Notre Dame 24, Florida State 20
Valero Alamo Bowl (Alamodome- San Antonio, TX)
Baylor Bears vs. Washington Huskies
Pick: Baylor 41, Washington 17
FRIDAY-
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl (Dallas, TX)
Brigham Young Cougars vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Pick: Tulsa 23, BYU 19
New Era Pinstripe Bowl (Yankee Stadium- The Bronx, NY)
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Pick: Rutgers 27, Iowa State 21
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (LP Stadium- Nashville, TN)
Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Pick: Mississippi State 42, Wake 10
Insight Bowl (Sun Devil Stadium- Tempe, AZ)
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Oklahoma Sooners
Pick: Oklahoma 34, Iowa 21
On Friday- The New Year's Eve, January 2*, and BCS Bowl Games
*- NO Bowl Games on New Year's Day, due to the Final Week of the NFL Regular Season
Projected Picks:
Sun Bowl: Georgia Tech
Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl: Florida
Outback Bowl: Georgia
Capital One Bowl: Nebraska
Rose Bowl: Oregon
Tostito's Fiesta Bowl: Stanford
Allstate Sugar Bowl: Michigan
Discover Orange Bowl: Clemson
AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic: Arkansas
BCS National Championship: LSU
Thursday, December 22, 2011
NFL Week 16 Predix (2011)
Tonight, the penultimate week of the 2011 NFL regular season takes place as the AFC South champs Houston Texans look to sweep the Indianapolis Colts for the first time ever. Because of the Christmas holiday on Sunday, game day is on Saturday, where there will be 13 Saturday afternoon matchups. On Sunday night, the NFC North champs Green Bay host the Chicago Bears, who will make another QB switch. On Monday night, the New Orleans Saints can win the NFC South with a win over Wild Card contender Atlanta in the Monday Night Football season finale.
TONIGHT'S GAME:
Houston Texans (10-4) at Indianapolis Colts (1-13)
Pick: Indianapolis 20, Houston 17
UPSET PICK (other than above):
Arizona Cardinals (7-7) at Cincinnati Bengals [8-6)
The Bengals MUST win their final two games in order to have ANY hope to get into the playoffs (and hope that the NY Jets lose at least ONE of their final two). The Arizona Cardinals MUST win their final two and hope Atlanta and Detroit stumble (which won't happen eventually). The Bengals secondary will have their hands full trying to cover Larry Fitzgerald. If John Skelton is the quarterback for Arizona, and all indications are he will be, it will be a blue Christmas in Cincinnati.
Pick: Arizona 34, Cincinnati 24
SATURDAY'S GAMES:
Cleveland Browns (4-10) at Baltimore Ravens (10-4)
Pat Shurmur is on the hot seat in Cleveland. The Ravens defense will make Shurmur's seat even hotter.
Pick: Baltimore 31, Cleveland 13
Denver Broncos [8-6) at Buffalo Bills (5-9)
Remember when the Bills were 5-2 and as hot as they were in the early 1990s? I completely forgot. They've lost seven in a row. Make that eight, because what's this I hear? TEBOW TIME!
Pick: Denver 20, Buffalo 13
Oakland Raiders (7-7) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-8]
Romeo, oh Romeo, where foreout thou Romeo? Without the coaching change in Kansas City, the Packers would be 14-0 right now. The Raiders are in a hurt of trouble now as the Chiefs are still alive in the AFC West division race...for now.
Pick: Kansas City 21, Oakland 19
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10) at Tennessee Titans (7-7)
Pick: Tennessee 24, Jacksonville 6
Miami Dolphins (5-9) at New England Patriots (11-3)
Pick: New England 35, Miami 7
The Battle of New York: Giants (7-7) at Jets [8-6)
Both of these teams need wins to stay alive. The J-E-T-S hold the sixth and final slot in the AFC currently, while the Giants need a win to keep up with Dallas in the NFC East division race.
Pick: Giants 30, Jets 23
St. Louis Rams (2-12) at Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4)
Pick: Pittsburgh 43, St. Louis 0
Minnesota Vikings (2-12) at Washington Redskins (5-9)
Pick: Washington 27, Minnesota 3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-10) at Carolina Panthers (5-9)
The Bucs have lost eight straight and Raheem Morris is on his way out the door.
Pick: Carolina 33, Tampa Bay 7
San Diego Chargers (7-7) at Detroit Lions (9-5)
Pick: Detroit 34, San Diego 31
San Francisco 49ers (11-3) at Seattle Seahawks (7-7)
Pick: San Francisco 21, Seattle 10
Philadelphia Eagles (6-8] at Dallas Cowboys [8-6)
This is do-or-die time for the Eagles. A Cowboy win (teamed with a Giant loss) could wrap up the NFC East.
Pick: Dallas 38, Philadelphia 31
CHRISTMAS NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Chicago Bears (7-7) at Green Bay Packers (13-1)
The surviving members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins raised their glasses high after the Packers lost at Arrowhead to the Chiefs last week. Luke McCown is starting for the Bears after Caleb Hanie proved ineffectiveness through four starts, all embarrassing losses.
Pick: Green Bay 37, Chicago 3
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SEASON FINALE:
Atlanta Falcons (9-5) at New Orleans Saints (11-3)
Pick: New Orleans 31, Atlanta 17
TONIGHT'S GAME:
Houston Texans (10-4) at Indianapolis Colts (1-13)
Pick: Indianapolis 20, Houston 17
UPSET PICK (other than above):
Arizona Cardinals (7-7) at Cincinnati Bengals [8-6)
The Bengals MUST win their final two games in order to have ANY hope to get into the playoffs (and hope that the NY Jets lose at least ONE of their final two). The Arizona Cardinals MUST win their final two and hope Atlanta and Detroit stumble (which won't happen eventually). The Bengals secondary will have their hands full trying to cover Larry Fitzgerald. If John Skelton is the quarterback for Arizona, and all indications are he will be, it will be a blue Christmas in Cincinnati.
Pick: Arizona 34, Cincinnati 24
SATURDAY'S GAMES:
Cleveland Browns (4-10) at Baltimore Ravens (10-4)
Pat Shurmur is on the hot seat in Cleveland. The Ravens defense will make Shurmur's seat even hotter.
Pick: Baltimore 31, Cleveland 13
Denver Broncos [8-6) at Buffalo Bills (5-9)
Remember when the Bills were 5-2 and as hot as they were in the early 1990s? I completely forgot. They've lost seven in a row. Make that eight, because what's this I hear? TEBOW TIME!
Pick: Denver 20, Buffalo 13
Oakland Raiders (7-7) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-8]
Romeo, oh Romeo, where foreout thou Romeo? Without the coaching change in Kansas City, the Packers would be 14-0 right now. The Raiders are in a hurt of trouble now as the Chiefs are still alive in the AFC West division race...for now.
Pick: Kansas City 21, Oakland 19
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10) at Tennessee Titans (7-7)
Pick: Tennessee 24, Jacksonville 6
Miami Dolphins (5-9) at New England Patriots (11-3)
Pick: New England 35, Miami 7
The Battle of New York: Giants (7-7) at Jets [8-6)
Both of these teams need wins to stay alive. The J-E-T-S hold the sixth and final slot in the AFC currently, while the Giants need a win to keep up with Dallas in the NFC East division race.
Pick: Giants 30, Jets 23
St. Louis Rams (2-12) at Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4)
Pick: Pittsburgh 43, St. Louis 0
Minnesota Vikings (2-12) at Washington Redskins (5-9)
Pick: Washington 27, Minnesota 3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-10) at Carolina Panthers (5-9)
The Bucs have lost eight straight and Raheem Morris is on his way out the door.
Pick: Carolina 33, Tampa Bay 7
San Diego Chargers (7-7) at Detroit Lions (9-5)
Pick: Detroit 34, San Diego 31
San Francisco 49ers (11-3) at Seattle Seahawks (7-7)
Pick: San Francisco 21, Seattle 10
Philadelphia Eagles (6-8] at Dallas Cowboys [8-6)
This is do-or-die time for the Eagles. A Cowboy win (teamed with a Giant loss) could wrap up the NFC East.
Pick: Dallas 38, Philadelphia 31
CHRISTMAS NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Chicago Bears (7-7) at Green Bay Packers (13-1)
The surviving members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins raised their glasses high after the Packers lost at Arrowhead to the Chiefs last week. Luke McCown is starting for the Bears after Caleb Hanie proved ineffectiveness through four starts, all embarrassing losses.
Pick: Green Bay 37, Chicago 3
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SEASON FINALE:
Atlanta Falcons (9-5) at New Orleans Saints (11-3)
Pick: New Orleans 31, Atlanta 17
Saturday, December 17, 2011
2011 Bowl Games: Part 1
Bowl Season is Here! Could this be the last Bowl Season ever? I hope not. I love Bowl Games, because they are the tradition of college football.
NEW MEXICO BOWL at University (of New Mexico) Stadium (Earlier Today):
Temple Owls vs. Wyoming Cowboys
Result: Temple won 37-15
FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO BOWL at Boise State Bronco Stadium (In Progress):
Ohio Bobcats vs. Utah State Aggies
R&L CARRIERS NEW ORLEANS BOWL at Mercedes Benz Superdome (Tonight):
San Diego State Aztecs vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Rajin' Cajuns
Pick: San Diego State 27, LL 19
BEEF O'BRADY'S ST. PETERSBURG BOWL at Tropicana Field (Tuesday):
Florida International Owls vs. Marshall Thundering Herd
Pick: FIU 30, Marshall 22
SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION POINSETTIA BOWL at Snapdragon Stadium (Wednesday):
TCU Horned Frogs vs. Louisiana Tech Techsters
Pick: TCU 33, La Tech 8
MAACO LAS VEGAS BOWL at Sam Boyd Stadium (Thursday):
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Boise State Broncos
Pick: Boise State 39, Arizona State 16
NEW MEXICO BOWL at University (of New Mexico) Stadium (Earlier Today):
Temple Owls vs. Wyoming Cowboys
Result: Temple won 37-15
FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO BOWL at Boise State Bronco Stadium (In Progress):
Ohio Bobcats vs. Utah State Aggies
R&L CARRIERS NEW ORLEANS BOWL at Mercedes Benz Superdome (Tonight):
San Diego State Aztecs vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Rajin' Cajuns
Pick: San Diego State 27, LL 19
BEEF O'BRADY'S ST. PETERSBURG BOWL at Tropicana Field (Tuesday):
Florida International Owls vs. Marshall Thundering Herd
Pick: FIU 30, Marshall 22
SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION POINSETTIA BOWL at Snapdragon Stadium (Wednesday):
TCU Horned Frogs vs. Louisiana Tech Techsters
Pick: TCU 33, La Tech 8
MAACO LAS VEGAS BOWL at Sam Boyd Stadium (Thursday):
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. Boise State Broncos
Pick: Boise State 39, Arizona State 16
Thursday, December 15, 2011
NFL Week 15 Predictions
What a beginning to the week. A controversial playmaker slapped with a one-game suspension for a flagrant hit, and not one, but TWO coach firings on Monday.
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9) at Atlanta Falcons [8-5)
Pick: Atlanta 28, Jacksonville 17
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Dallas Cowboys (7-6) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-9)
The Bucs gave up 41 unanswered points last week, while the Dallas Cowboys suffered yet another December collapse. Can the Boys get it back on track and keep up with the Giants?
Pick: Dallas 27, Tampa Bay 13
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK/MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers (both 10-3)
The 1920 Decatur Staleys are the only team not to allow a rushing touchdown through 13 games. That is a fact.
Pick: San Francisco 23, Pittsburgh 13
COULD BE "FLIRTING WITH DISASTER" GAME OF THE WEEK:
Cincinnati Bengals (7-6) at St. Louis Rams (2-11)
This has "trap game" all over it. The Bengals are 0-3 in the Arch City, having lost the two most recent trips to the Rams (1996- 26-16 and 2003- 27-10; the other trip was in 1985, a loss to the then-St. Louis Cardinals). The Bengals gave up a game-winning touchdown with two seconds left to a third-string rookie quarterback, and after a 6-2 start, have lost four of their last five. The Bengals need to win out, in order to make the playoffs, otherwise Marvin Lewis will be out of a job come January 2. Did I say "trap game"? Ah, yes. One of the Rams' two wins this year, and their only one at the Edward Jones Dome, was against the New Orleans Saints (who are a measly 10-3). The Rams could play spoiler here, and a St. Louis win could spell the end of the Marvin Lewis era in Cincinnati.
Pick: St. Louis 28, Cincinnati 20
OTHER BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
New England Patriots (10-3) at Denver Broncos [8-5)
Tebow Time. Those are the two words in the latter quarter of the game that puts opposing players and coaches on edge. Last Sunday, with no Bronco timeouts left, and the Chicago Bears up 10-7 with two minutes left in the 4th quarter, all the Bears had to do was stay inbounds and let the clock run out. However, enough time was left on the clock for a 59-yard Matt Prater field goal to send the game into overtime. After Bears running back Marion Barber III fumbled, Prater kicked the game-winner from 51 yards out to cap off another Tebow comeback. This week will be a different story. The New England Patriots have played all four quarters of football for all of about the last 11 seasons, and will continue to be among the elite teams. With that said, there won't be any Tebow Time this Sunday, because the Patriots will have put this one away, because they play all four quarters, and just not the fourth quarter.
Pick: New England 34, Denver 7
SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES:
Washington Redskins (4-9) at New York Giants (7-6)
Pick: NY Giants 27, Washington 20
Carolina Panthers (4-9) at Houston Texans (10-3)
The Texans, for the first time in their ten year history, are playoff bound, as they clinched their first-ever AFC South title with a come from behind win in Cincinnati, paired up with a Tennessee loss to New Orleans. TJ Yates can go 3-0 as a third-string rookie starter.
Pick: Houston 31, Carolina 21
Miami Dolphins (4-9) at Buffalo Bills (5-8]
On Monday, the Miami Dolphins fired head football coach Tony Sparano, and so that kills all of the Miami muster right about there. The Bills will snap their six-game losing streak by spoiling interim Fins coach Todd Bowles' debut.
Pick: Buffalo 34, Miami 14
Seattle Seahawks (6-7) at Chicago Bears (7-6)
It looks like Seattle is fighting their way back into the wildcard race, and with Caleb Hanie struggling, and the Bears being Tim Tebow's most recent victim, the Seahawks will pull their way to .500.
Pick: Seattle 21, Chicago 10
New Orleans Saints (10-3) at Minnesota Vikings (2-11)
Pick: New Orleans 38, Minnesota 14
Green Bay Packers (13-0) at Kansas City Chiefs (5-8]
On Monday, the Chiefs fired Todd Haley, and placed Romeo Crennel as the interim coach. Can the Chiefs knock down the Pack? Or will the Packers be the first defending champs to start 14-0?
Pick: Green Bay 37, Kansas City 7
Tennessee Titans (7-6) at Indianapolis Colts (0-13)
Pick: Tennessee 31, Indianapolis 24
New York Jets [8-5) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-8]
Pick: NY Jets 28, Philadelphia 23
Cleveland Browns (4-9) at Arizona Cardinals (6-7)
Pick: Arizona 31, Cleveland 13
Detroit Lions [8-5) at Oakland Raiders (7-6)
Can the Lions find their way to the Playoffs? Can Carson Palmer throw more touchdowns than interceptions? Find out, now...
Pick: Oakland 34, Detroit 27
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Baltimore Ravens (10-3) at San Diego Chargers (6-7)
Pick: Baltimore 24, San Diego 21
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9) at Atlanta Falcons [8-5)
Pick: Atlanta 28, Jacksonville 17
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Dallas Cowboys (7-6) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-9)
The Bucs gave up 41 unanswered points last week, while the Dallas Cowboys suffered yet another December collapse. Can the Boys get it back on track and keep up with the Giants?
Pick: Dallas 27, Tampa Bay 13
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK/MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers (both 10-3)
The 1920 Decatur Staleys are the only team not to allow a rushing touchdown through 13 games. That is a fact.
Pick: San Francisco 23, Pittsburgh 13
COULD BE "FLIRTING WITH DISASTER" GAME OF THE WEEK:
Cincinnati Bengals (7-6) at St. Louis Rams (2-11)
This has "trap game" all over it. The Bengals are 0-3 in the Arch City, having lost the two most recent trips to the Rams (1996- 26-16 and 2003- 27-10; the other trip was in 1985, a loss to the then-St. Louis Cardinals). The Bengals gave up a game-winning touchdown with two seconds left to a third-string rookie quarterback, and after a 6-2 start, have lost four of their last five. The Bengals need to win out, in order to make the playoffs, otherwise Marvin Lewis will be out of a job come January 2. Did I say "trap game"? Ah, yes. One of the Rams' two wins this year, and their only one at the Edward Jones Dome, was against the New Orleans Saints (who are a measly 10-3). The Rams could play spoiler here, and a St. Louis win could spell the end of the Marvin Lewis era in Cincinnati.
Pick: St. Louis 28, Cincinnati 20
OTHER BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
New England Patriots (10-3) at Denver Broncos [8-5)
Tebow Time. Those are the two words in the latter quarter of the game that puts opposing players and coaches on edge. Last Sunday, with no Bronco timeouts left, and the Chicago Bears up 10-7 with two minutes left in the 4th quarter, all the Bears had to do was stay inbounds and let the clock run out. However, enough time was left on the clock for a 59-yard Matt Prater field goal to send the game into overtime. After Bears running back Marion Barber III fumbled, Prater kicked the game-winner from 51 yards out to cap off another Tebow comeback. This week will be a different story. The New England Patriots have played all four quarters of football for all of about the last 11 seasons, and will continue to be among the elite teams. With that said, there won't be any Tebow Time this Sunday, because the Patriots will have put this one away, because they play all four quarters, and just not the fourth quarter.
Pick: New England 34, Denver 7
SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES:
Washington Redskins (4-9) at New York Giants (7-6)
Pick: NY Giants 27, Washington 20
Carolina Panthers (4-9) at Houston Texans (10-3)
The Texans, for the first time in their ten year history, are playoff bound, as they clinched their first-ever AFC South title with a come from behind win in Cincinnati, paired up with a Tennessee loss to New Orleans. TJ Yates can go 3-0 as a third-string rookie starter.
Pick: Houston 31, Carolina 21
Miami Dolphins (4-9) at Buffalo Bills (5-8]
On Monday, the Miami Dolphins fired head football coach Tony Sparano, and so that kills all of the Miami muster right about there. The Bills will snap their six-game losing streak by spoiling interim Fins coach Todd Bowles' debut.
Pick: Buffalo 34, Miami 14
Seattle Seahawks (6-7) at Chicago Bears (7-6)
It looks like Seattle is fighting their way back into the wildcard race, and with Caleb Hanie struggling, and the Bears being Tim Tebow's most recent victim, the Seahawks will pull their way to .500.
Pick: Seattle 21, Chicago 10
New Orleans Saints (10-3) at Minnesota Vikings (2-11)
Pick: New Orleans 38, Minnesota 14
Green Bay Packers (13-0) at Kansas City Chiefs (5-8]
On Monday, the Chiefs fired Todd Haley, and placed Romeo Crennel as the interim coach. Can the Chiefs knock down the Pack? Or will the Packers be the first defending champs to start 14-0?
Pick: Green Bay 37, Kansas City 7
Tennessee Titans (7-6) at Indianapolis Colts (0-13)
Pick: Tennessee 31, Indianapolis 24
New York Jets [8-5) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-8]
Pick: NY Jets 28, Philadelphia 23
Cleveland Browns (4-9) at Arizona Cardinals (6-7)
Pick: Arizona 31, Cleveland 13
Detroit Lions [8-5) at Oakland Raiders (7-6)
Can the Lions find their way to the Playoffs? Can Carson Palmer throw more touchdowns than interceptions? Find out, now...
Pick: Oakland 34, Detroit 27
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Baltimore Ravens (10-3) at San Diego Chargers (6-7)
Pick: Baltimore 24, San Diego 21
Thursday, December 8, 2011
NFL: 2011 Week 14 Predix + Army/Navy and Heisman
The 14th week of the NFL season kicks off tonight from Heinz Field as the Pittsburgh Steelers look to stay afloat in the AFC North Division race, as they host the Cleveland Browns, who have only had two winning seasons since their return to the NFL 13 years ago. The week ends with a rematch of last season's NFC West Division Title game of Week 17 as the Rams visit the Seattle Seahawks.
TONIGHT'S GAME:
Cleveland Browns (4-8] at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)
The Steelers have the top-ranked defense in the NFL, and on Sunday, they had their way with the Cincinnati Bengals. Tonight, they get the other Ohio team, and the Browns better get ready for a long night.
Pick: Pittsburgh 47, Cleveland 0
UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
Houston Texans (9-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-5)
On paper, the Texans should have this. On paper, the Bengals look like they are in for another long Sunday. But, wait. The temperature on Sunday should be about 40 degrees (at best), and the game is in Cincinnati (the ninth blacked out home game out of the last ten for Cincy), and warm weather teams don't usually do well in cold weather climates (San Diego lost at Paul Brown Stadium last year), and the Texans are without Andre Johnson once again, and are down to third-stringer T.J. Yates at quarterback. How's that paper holding up? It's true that Arian Foster is a beast at running back, and their defense is solid, but that's why they play the game. Oh, yeah, isn't Andy Dalton from Houston? But, the Bengals will top the Texans in an upset special (despite the fact the Bengals are a three-point favorite, after a 28-point shellacking by Ben Roethlisberger, c'mon folks)
Pick: Cincinnati 23, Houston 17 (OT)
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK- SUNDAY NIGHT GAME:
New York Giants (6-6) at Dallas Cowboys (7-5)
This is a must-win game for both teams in a battle for the NFC East. Must-win. Only problem is who wants this more? The Cowboys, or the slumping Giants?
Pick: Dallas 31, NY Giants 24
St. Louis Rams (2-10) at Seattle Seahawks (5-7)
Pick: Seattle 26, St. Louis 6
PLAYOFF PICTURE:
- Green Bay (12-0) clinched a playoff berth and the NFC North Division
- San Francisco (10-2) clinched the NFC West Division
TONIGHT'S GAME:
Cleveland Browns (4-8] at Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)
The Steelers have the top-ranked defense in the NFL, and on Sunday, they had their way with the Cincinnati Bengals. Tonight, they get the other Ohio team, and the Browns better get ready for a long night.
Pick: Pittsburgh 47, Cleveland 0
UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
Houston Texans (9-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-5)
On paper, the Texans should have this. On paper, the Bengals look like they are in for another long Sunday. But, wait. The temperature on Sunday should be about 40 degrees (at best), and the game is in Cincinnati (the ninth blacked out home game out of the last ten for Cincy), and warm weather teams don't usually do well in cold weather climates (San Diego lost at Paul Brown Stadium last year), and the Texans are without Andre Johnson once again, and are down to third-stringer T.J. Yates at quarterback. How's that paper holding up? It's true that Arian Foster is a beast at running back, and their defense is solid, but that's why they play the game. Oh, yeah, isn't Andy Dalton from Houston? But, the Bengals will top the Texans in an upset special (despite the fact the Bengals are a three-point favorite, after a 28-point shellacking by Ben Roethlisberger, c'mon folks)
Pick: Cincinnati 23, Houston 17 (OT)
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK- SUNDAY NIGHT GAME:
New York Giants (6-6) at Dallas Cowboys (7-5)
This is a must-win game for both teams in a battle for the NFC East. Must-win. Only problem is who wants this more? The Cowboys, or the slumping Giants?
Pick: Dallas 31, NY Giants 24
SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES:
Atlanta Falcons (7-5) at Carolina Panthers (4-8]
Pick: Atlanta 41, Carolina 37
Indianapolis Colts (0-12) at Baltimore Ravens (9-3)
Colts owner Robert Irsay said in an interview that he did not expect to see Peyton Manning play "at all this season". Um, where have you been the last 14 weeks?
Pick: Baltimore 28, Indianapolis 18
Minnesota Vikings (2-10) at Detroit Lions (7-5)
Pick: Detroit 34, Minnesota 14
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-8] at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-9)
Pick: Tampa Bay 31, Jacksonville 13
Philadelphia Eagles at Miami Dolphins (both 4-8]
Pick: Miami 28, Philadelphia 24
Kansas City Chiefs (5-7) at New York Jets (7-5)
Pick: NY Jets 34, Kansas City 7
New Orleans Saints (9-3) at Tennessee Titans (7-5)
Pick: New Orleans 42, Tennessee 21
New England Patriots (9-3) at Washington Redskins (4-8]
Pick: New England 33, Washington 6
Chicago Bears at Denver Broncos (both 7-5)
Pick: Denver 27, Chicago 9
San Francisco 49ers (10-2) at Arizona Cardinals (5-7)
Pick: San Francisco 23, Arizona 20
Oakland Raiders (7-5) at Green Bay Packers (12-0)
Pick: Green Bay 35, Oakland 3
Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers (both 5-7)
Pick: San Diego 38, Buffalo 17
The Army-Navy Game (at FedEx Field- Landover, MD):
Pick: Navy 35, Army 14
Heisman Trophy:
Prediction: Robert Griffin III (QB, Baylor)
Look Out for: Tyrann Mathieu (DB, LSU)
St. Louis Rams (2-10) at Seattle Seahawks (5-7)
Pick: Seattle 26, St. Louis 6
PLAYOFF PICTURE:
- Green Bay (12-0) clinched a playoff berth and the NFC North Division
- San Francisco (10-2) clinched the NFC West Division
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
2011 High School Football: The End
After 15 weeks of Friday (and Saturday) night lights, the stadium lights have now gone dark for the winter. Six new State Champions were crowned last Friday and Saturday in Massillon and Canton (none are from Central Ohio).
Best Local Team of the Year: Pickerington Central
2010: (Tie) Bishop Hartley and Bishop Watterson (the Hawks host the Eagles in Week 6 next season)
Most Disappointing Team of the Year: (Tie) Westerville North and Bishop Watterson
2010: Westerville North
Most Improved Team of the Year: Reynoldsburg
2010: Mifflin
Breakout Team of the Year: Westerville Central
2010: Northland
Upset of the Year: Pickerington North over Watterson (Week 1)
2010: Gahanna over Groveport (Week 10)
2011 State Champions:
Division I- Cleveland St. Ignatius
Division II- Trotwood-Madison
Division III- Youngstown Cardinal Mooney
Division IV- Creston Norwayne
Division V- Kirtland
Division VI- Maria Stein Marion Local
Best Local Team of the Year: Pickerington Central
2010: (Tie) Bishop Hartley and Bishop Watterson (the Hawks host the Eagles in Week 6 next season)
Most Disappointing Team of the Year: (Tie) Westerville North and Bishop Watterson
2010: Westerville North
Most Improved Team of the Year: Reynoldsburg
2010: Mifflin
Breakout Team of the Year: Westerville Central
2010: Northland
Upset of the Year: Pickerington North over Watterson (Week 1)
2010: Gahanna over Groveport (Week 10)
2011 State Champions:
Division I- Cleveland St. Ignatius
Division II- Trotwood-Madison
Division III- Youngstown Cardinal Mooney
Division IV- Creston Norwayne
Division V- Kirtland
Division VI- Maria Stein Marion Local
Thursday, December 1, 2011
NFL Week 13 Predictions & College Football Week 14 Picks
Tonight, Week 13 of the NFL kicks off in Seattle as the Seahawks host the Philadelphia Eagles, and ends on Monday, as the San Diego Chargers try to snap their six-game skid in Jacksonville, who will coach their first game under interim head coach Mel Tucker, who replaced nine-year coach Jack Del Rio, who was fired this week.
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Philadelphia Eagles (4-7) at Seattle Seahawks (3-8]
Michael Vick and Jeremy Maclin are both expected to be out for tonight's game, so this could be an upset special.
Pick: Seattle 20, Philadelphia 16
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers [8-3)
In an ESPN interview, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger praised the talent of young rookie Bengals QB Andy Dalton. With that said, look for the Steelers to win this one.
Pick: Pittsburgh 28, Cincinnati 7
SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES:
Indianapolis Colts (0-11) at New England Patriots [8-3)
This was the Sunday Night Game (until it got flexed out), but it will be a one-sided laugher.
Pick: New England 48, Indianapolis 3
Atlanta Falcons (7-4) at Houston Texans [8-3)
Houston, they've got a problem. The Texans are now on their third different quarterback this season after losing QB Matt Leinart for the season as well.
Pick: Atlanta 31, Houston 10
Kansas City Chiefs (4-7) at Chicago Bears (7-4)
Pick: Chicago 27, Kansas City 7
Tennessee Titans (6-5) at Buffalo Bills (5-6)
Pick: Tennessee 21, Buffalo 13
Oakland Raiders (7-4) at Miami Dolphins (3-8]
Pick: Oakland 24, Miami 21
Denver Broncos (6-5) at Minnesota Vikings (2-9)
The Vikings cut Donovan McNabb on Thursday. Does that matter at this point?
Pick: Denver 30, Minnesota 6
Carolina Panthers (3-8] at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7)
Pick: Carolina 35, Tampa Bay 21
New York Jets (6-5) at Washington Redskins (4-7)
Pick: NY Jets 35, Washington 7
Baltimore Ravens [8-3) at Cleveland Browns (4-7)
Pick: Baltimore 34, Cleveland 14
Dallas Cowboys (7-4) at Arizona Cardinals (4-7)
Pick: Dallas 37, Arizona 13
St. Louis Rams (2-9) at San Francisco 49ers (9-2)
Pick: San Francisco 28, St. Louis 10
Green Bay Packers (11-0) at New York Giants (6-5)
Pick: Green Bay 24, NY Giants 20
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Detroit Lions (7-4) at New Orleans Saints [8-3)
Pick: New Orleans 38, Detroit 7
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
San Diego Chargers (4-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-8]
A busy week in Jacksonville. The team was bought, and coach Jack Del Rio was pinkslipped. The Chargers come to town, losers of six straight.
Pick: San Diego 16, Jacksonville 13
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS:
(Pac-12 Championship): UCLA Bruins vs. Oregon Ducks (at Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR)- Oregon 56, UCLA 7
(Big 10 Championship): Wisconsin Badgers vs. Michigan State Spartans (at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis)- Wisconsin 38, Michigan State 35
(SEC Championship): # 14 Georgia Bulldogs vs. # 1 LSU Tigers (at Georgia Dome, Atlanta)- LSU 42, Georgia 17
(ACC Championship): # 5 Virginia Tech Hokies vs. # 21 Clemson Tigers- Virginia Tech 34, Clemson 21
(Conference USA Championship): # 24 Southern Mississippi Eagles vs. # 7 Houston Cougars- Houston 49, Southern Miss 24
Texas Longhorns at # 19 Baylor Bears- Baylor 31, Texas 28
# 13 Oklahoma Sooners at # 3 Oklahoma State Cowboys- Oklahoma 37, Oklahoma State 27
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Philadelphia Eagles (4-7) at Seattle Seahawks (3-8]
Michael Vick and Jeremy Maclin are both expected to be out for tonight's game, so this could be an upset special.
Pick: Seattle 20, Philadelphia 16
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers [8-3)
In an ESPN interview, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger praised the talent of young rookie Bengals QB Andy Dalton. With that said, look for the Steelers to win this one.
Pick: Pittsburgh 28, Cincinnati 7
SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES:
Indianapolis Colts (0-11) at New England Patriots [8-3)
This was the Sunday Night Game (until it got flexed out), but it will be a one-sided laugher.
Pick: New England 48, Indianapolis 3
Atlanta Falcons (7-4) at Houston Texans [8-3)
Houston, they've got a problem. The Texans are now on their third different quarterback this season after losing QB Matt Leinart for the season as well.
Pick: Atlanta 31, Houston 10
Kansas City Chiefs (4-7) at Chicago Bears (7-4)
Pick: Chicago 27, Kansas City 7
Tennessee Titans (6-5) at Buffalo Bills (5-6)
Pick: Tennessee 21, Buffalo 13
Oakland Raiders (7-4) at Miami Dolphins (3-8]
Pick: Oakland 24, Miami 21
Denver Broncos (6-5) at Minnesota Vikings (2-9)
The Vikings cut Donovan McNabb on Thursday. Does that matter at this point?
Pick: Denver 30, Minnesota 6
Carolina Panthers (3-8] at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7)
Pick: Carolina 35, Tampa Bay 21
New York Jets (6-5) at Washington Redskins (4-7)
Pick: NY Jets 35, Washington 7
Baltimore Ravens [8-3) at Cleveland Browns (4-7)
Pick: Baltimore 34, Cleveland 14
Dallas Cowboys (7-4) at Arizona Cardinals (4-7)
Pick: Dallas 37, Arizona 13
St. Louis Rams (2-9) at San Francisco 49ers (9-2)
Pick: San Francisco 28, St. Louis 10
Green Bay Packers (11-0) at New York Giants (6-5)
Pick: Green Bay 24, NY Giants 20
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Detroit Lions (7-4) at New Orleans Saints [8-3)
Pick: New Orleans 38, Detroit 7
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
San Diego Chargers (4-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-8]
A busy week in Jacksonville. The team was bought, and coach Jack Del Rio was pinkslipped. The Chargers come to town, losers of six straight.
Pick: San Diego 16, Jacksonville 13
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS:
(Pac-12 Championship): UCLA Bruins vs. Oregon Ducks (at Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR)- Oregon 56, UCLA 7
(Big 10 Championship): Wisconsin Badgers vs. Michigan State Spartans (at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis)- Wisconsin 38, Michigan State 35
(SEC Championship): # 14 Georgia Bulldogs vs. # 1 LSU Tigers (at Georgia Dome, Atlanta)- LSU 42, Georgia 17
(ACC Championship): # 5 Virginia Tech Hokies vs. # 21 Clemson Tigers- Virginia Tech 34, Clemson 21
(Conference USA Championship): # 24 Southern Mississippi Eagles vs. # 7 Houston Cougars- Houston 49, Southern Miss 24
Texas Longhorns at # 19 Baylor Bears- Baylor 31, Texas 28
# 13 Oklahoma Sooners at # 3 Oklahoma State Cowboys- Oklahoma 37, Oklahoma State 27
Friday, November 25, 2011
Twas the Night Before The Game
Twas the Night Before THE Game, and all through the house
All of the creatures were stirring, including a mouse
Why start with this poem? It seems like the Ohio State Buckeyes have had distraction after distraction in the last twelve months. This time a year ago, it seemed like the Buckeyes were invincible after a convincing 37-7 romp over Michigan at Ohio Stadium, a record seventh consecutive win (which the Bucks later vacated of course, along with their 12 other games), one that spelled doom for then-Michigan Head Coach Rich Rodriguez, and guaranteed that then-Buckeye Head Coach Jim Tressel would coach the Buckeyes either for life, or until he got sick and tired of it.
Then a few weeks later, the rug came from underneath the Buckeye football program as reports of high-profile Buckeye football players selling gold pants, jerseys, and other memorabilia in exchange for things such as cars, cash, and tattoos. Five Ohio State football players (Terrelle Pryor, Daniel "Boom" Herron, DeVier Posey, Mike Adams, and Solomon Thomas) were suspended for five games, along with Tressel subsequently.
Think that this was the end of it? Hardly. Apparently, Terrelle Pryor's mentor, a man by the name of Ted Sarniak e-mailed the Tressel camp, and then Tressel got word that the aforementioned players were selling aforementioned items in exchange for aforementioned tattoos and cash. Tressel's reputation as an upstanding pillar in the NCAA community was tarnished, and as the spring progressed, it seemed that Tressel was not long for the Buckeyes. On May 30, Tressel was forced to resign, and Luke Fickell became the interim head coach for the season (more on Fickell later). Eight days later, it was announced that Pryor would not return for his senior season.
Still with us? Posey's suspension was doubled, and Pryor was taken in the supplemental draft by the Oakland Raiders, only to have to serve the five game suspension, and then be expendable (by the acquisition for Carson Palmer- another song for another dance). Tressel took a consulting job for the Indianapolis Colts, where he served a six-game suspension. The Buckeyes vacated all of their wins from last season, and are still awaiting word on the NCAA, in terms of sanctions.
Meanwhile, news is heating up that ex-Florida Head Coach Urban Meyer will be announced as the new Head Coach at next Tuesday's OSU-Duke Men's Basketball Game. This is not what the current crop of Buckeyes need as they head up north to play their biggest rival right now, another distraction. When asked about the Meyer situation on Wednesday, Fickell responded, "All I know is that there is a game at Noon on Saturday, and my ass will be there."
On the other side of the ball, Michigan fired trainwreck Rich Rodriguez after a 15-22 mark at Michigan, and hired San Diego State coach and former Michigan assistant Brady Hoke, whom from Day One, has only referred to Ohio State as "OHIO", and implemented a whole new attitude and look.
This year, there was a countdown clock, counting down the days and minutes until kickoff for the Ohio State and Michigan State games, as well as a clock counting the number of days it has been since Michigan beat the aforementioned schools in football. Never in the 133 years of Wolverine football has a senior class gone 0-8 against the top two rivals (sorry Notre Dame, you don't count, ditto for Minnesota). Can these Michigan seniors knock off the Scarlet and Gray? The answer is...find out at about Noon tomorrow in the Big House.
Last week, Michigan put out a show against a really good Nebraska team, capitalizing on turnovers and special teams mistakes (which a couple of them were also turnovers) to put away the Cornhuskers 45-17. In Columbus, an emotional Penn State team held off the Buckeyes 20-14 in the Horseshoe, as DeVier Posey made his 2011 debut. The Buckeyes made some big plays, but not enough big plays (like against Wisconsin).
Tomorrow, expect the Buckeyes to make some big plays on offense, and a couple of big plays will keep them in the game for a while, but the Buckeyes did not finish last week against Penn State. This Ohio State team is better than their 6-5 record.
Michigan, an eight and a half point favorite, they will be ready. They are starving for a win against a Buckeye team in a recession. They are wanting to end the Tressel-era of domination. They are wanting to usher in the Brady Hoke era with a "W" over their hated rivals.
1929 was the last time that both Ohio State and Michigan entered "THE Game" with first-year head coached. The Buckeyes won that game. Hoke is Michigan's own Woody Hayes. Hoke only likes to refer to the Buckeyes as "OHIO", and the hungry Michigan players are looking to feast on the Buckeyes tomorrow in the Big House. Look for Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson to be let loose on the field, like Desmond Howard, Tshimanga "Tim" Biakabutuka, Charles Woodson, and Chris Perry before him against the Buckeyes. Look for Robinson to have a BIG day, as the Michigan receivers will try to outsmart the strong Buckeye defense.
The outcome will be closer than you think. Michigan has only beaten Ohio State by more than 20 points only twice in the last 30 years (1991- 31-3 and 1993- 28-0, both in the Big House). The Buckeyes will show up, but not when the going gets tough, and the Maize and Blue tough get going.
Prediction: Michigan 38, Ohio State 34
All of the creatures were stirring, including a mouse
Why start with this poem? It seems like the Ohio State Buckeyes have had distraction after distraction in the last twelve months. This time a year ago, it seemed like the Buckeyes were invincible after a convincing 37-7 romp over Michigan at Ohio Stadium, a record seventh consecutive win (which the Bucks later vacated of course, along with their 12 other games), one that spelled doom for then-Michigan Head Coach Rich Rodriguez, and guaranteed that then-Buckeye Head Coach Jim Tressel would coach the Buckeyes either for life, or until he got sick and tired of it.
Then a few weeks later, the rug came from underneath the Buckeye football program as reports of high-profile Buckeye football players selling gold pants, jerseys, and other memorabilia in exchange for things such as cars, cash, and tattoos. Five Ohio State football players (Terrelle Pryor, Daniel "Boom" Herron, DeVier Posey, Mike Adams, and Solomon Thomas) were suspended for five games, along with Tressel subsequently.
Think that this was the end of it? Hardly. Apparently, Terrelle Pryor's mentor, a man by the name of Ted Sarniak e-mailed the Tressel camp, and then Tressel got word that the aforementioned players were selling aforementioned items in exchange for aforementioned tattoos and cash. Tressel's reputation as an upstanding pillar in the NCAA community was tarnished, and as the spring progressed, it seemed that Tressel was not long for the Buckeyes. On May 30, Tressel was forced to resign, and Luke Fickell became the interim head coach for the season (more on Fickell later). Eight days later, it was announced that Pryor would not return for his senior season.
Still with us? Posey's suspension was doubled, and Pryor was taken in the supplemental draft by the Oakland Raiders, only to have to serve the five game suspension, and then be expendable (by the acquisition for Carson Palmer- another song for another dance). Tressel took a consulting job for the Indianapolis Colts, where he served a six-game suspension. The Buckeyes vacated all of their wins from last season, and are still awaiting word on the NCAA, in terms of sanctions.
Meanwhile, news is heating up that ex-Florida Head Coach Urban Meyer will be announced as the new Head Coach at next Tuesday's OSU-Duke Men's Basketball Game. This is not what the current crop of Buckeyes need as they head up north to play their biggest rival right now, another distraction. When asked about the Meyer situation on Wednesday, Fickell responded, "All I know is that there is a game at Noon on Saturday, and my ass will be there."
On the other side of the ball, Michigan fired trainwreck Rich Rodriguez after a 15-22 mark at Michigan, and hired San Diego State coach and former Michigan assistant Brady Hoke, whom from Day One, has only referred to Ohio State as "OHIO", and implemented a whole new attitude and look.
This year, there was a countdown clock, counting down the days and minutes until kickoff for the Ohio State and Michigan State games, as well as a clock counting the number of days it has been since Michigan beat the aforementioned schools in football. Never in the 133 years of Wolverine football has a senior class gone 0-8 against the top two rivals (sorry Notre Dame, you don't count, ditto for Minnesota). Can these Michigan seniors knock off the Scarlet and Gray? The answer is...find out at about Noon tomorrow in the Big House.
Last week, Michigan put out a show against a really good Nebraska team, capitalizing on turnovers and special teams mistakes (which a couple of them were also turnovers) to put away the Cornhuskers 45-17. In Columbus, an emotional Penn State team held off the Buckeyes 20-14 in the Horseshoe, as DeVier Posey made his 2011 debut. The Buckeyes made some big plays, but not enough big plays (like against Wisconsin).
Tomorrow, expect the Buckeyes to make some big plays on offense, and a couple of big plays will keep them in the game for a while, but the Buckeyes did not finish last week against Penn State. This Ohio State team is better than their 6-5 record.
Michigan, an eight and a half point favorite, they will be ready. They are starving for a win against a Buckeye team in a recession. They are wanting to end the Tressel-era of domination. They are wanting to usher in the Brady Hoke era with a "W" over their hated rivals.
1929 was the last time that both Ohio State and Michigan entered "THE Game" with first-year head coached. The Buckeyes won that game. Hoke is Michigan's own Woody Hayes. Hoke only likes to refer to the Buckeyes as "OHIO", and the hungry Michigan players are looking to feast on the Buckeyes tomorrow in the Big House. Look for Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson to be let loose on the field, like Desmond Howard, Tshimanga "Tim" Biakabutuka, Charles Woodson, and Chris Perry before him against the Buckeyes. Look for Robinson to have a BIG day, as the Michigan receivers will try to outsmart the strong Buckeye defense.
The outcome will be closer than you think. Michigan has only beaten Ohio State by more than 20 points only twice in the last 30 years (1991- 31-3 and 1993- 28-0, both in the Big House). The Buckeyes will show up, but not when the going gets tough, and the Maize and Blue tough get going.
Prediction: Michigan 38, Ohio State 34
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
College Football 2011: Week 13
Stakes are high this weekend in the Pac-12, Big Ten, and SEC, as big games will help shape up the BCS landscape in Palo Alto, Eugene, Ann Arbor, Madison, Baton Rouge, and Auburn among cities.
THANKSGIVING NIGHT GAME:
Texas Longhorns (6-4, 3-4) at Texas A&M Aggies (6-5, 4-4)
Tomorrow night in College Station, Texas is one of the biggest rivalries in all of college sports as the Aggies of Texas A&M (6-5, 4-4) play the Texas Longhorns (6-4, 3-4) in what is the final scheduled game between these two schools, one of the longest rivals in college football history, having played 117 times since 1894. The Aggies move to the Southeastern Conference next year, thus ending one of the historic rivalries in all of college football.
Pick: Texas 17, Texas A&M 13
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Ohio State Buckeyes (6-5, 3-4) at # 17 Michigan Wolverines (9-2, 5-2)
Pick: In the "Ohio"-Michigan Post
BIGGER GAME OF THE WEEK:
# 3 Arkansas Razorbacks (10-1, 6-1) at # 1 LSU Tigers (11-0, 7-0)
For the first time in 40 years, and only the second time in NCAA FBS history, an athletic conference has the top three teams in the country, and the # 1 and # 3 teams square off in Baton Rouge. Nothing can stop the Tigers, not even Alabama, and it is possible that LSU and Alabama meet again in the National Championship. Until then, the winner of this game will play Georgia in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta next weekend.
Pick: LSU 27, Arkansas 7
BIG RIVALRY GAMES THIS WEEKEND:
Iowa Hawkeyes (7-4, 4-3) at # 22 Nebraska Cornhuskers [8-3, 4-3)
Pick: Nebraska 31, Iowa 13
Boston College Golden Eagles (3-8, 2-5) at Miami Hurricanes (6-5, 3-4)
Last week, Miami announced that it was not going to a Bowl game (given the Nevin Shapiro scandal), so this is the Hurricanes' bowl game. Ditto for BC, whom 27 years ago this weekend shocked the Canes with a "Hail Mary" from a quarterback named Douglas Richard Flutie- Doug for short, who would have a long, successful career in both the Canadian Football League and the National Football League.
Pick: Miami 24, BC 7
# 13 Georgia Bulldogs (9-2) at # 25 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets [8-3)
Pick: Georgia 27, Georgia Tech 20
Florida State Seminoles (7-4) at Florida Gators (6-5)
Pick: Florida State 31, Florida 20
# 18 Clemson Tigers at # 14 South Carolina Gamecocks (both 9-2)
Pick: Clemson 21, South Carolina 14
Washington State Cougars (4-7) at Washington Huskies (6-5)
Pick: Washington 28, Wazzu 17
# 22 Notre Dame Fighting Irish [8-3) at # 4 Stanford Cardinal (10-1)
Pick: Stanford 41, Notre Dame 14
UCLA Bruins (6-5) at USC Trojans (9-2)This is USC's Bowl Game for the second straight year, due to their two-year bowl ban. This could also be the final game for Matt Barkley at quarterback for the Trojans as well.
Pick: USC 35, UCLA 10
# 6 Virginia Tech Hokies (10-1, 6-1) at # 24 Virginia Cavaliers [8-3, 5-2)
Pick: Virginia Tech 38, Virginia 24
Purdue Boilermakers (5-6, 3-4) at Indiana Hoosiers (1-10, 0-7)
Why am I picking this game? Because, Purdue upset both Illinois and Ohio State, that's why.
Pick: Purdue 37, Indiana 27
(38th Annual State Farm Bayou Classic)- Grambling Tigers (6-4, 5-3) vs. Southern Jaguars (4-6, 4-4)- at the Superdome
Pick: Grambling 30, Southern 21
and
(The Civil War)- Oregon State Beavers (3-8, 3-5) at # 9 Oregon Ducks (9-2, 7-1)
Pick: Oregon 55, Oregon State 6
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEKEND:
# 20 Penn State Nittany Lions (9-2, 6-1) at # 15 Wisconsin Badgers (9-2, 5-2)
This is probably the most important game of this weekend (not OSU-Michigan, LSU-Arkansas, or the Iron Bowl), because this is the first-ever Big Ten Leaders Championship game, as the winner of this game will play Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium next weekend.
Pick: Wisconsin 42, Penn State 14
Vanderbilt Commodores (5-6) at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (6-5)
This is Vanderbilt's bowl game, because the Commodores need a win to be bowl eligible. Only problem is they are 0-4 outside of Nashville this year.
Pick: Wake 35, Vandy 13
Iowa State Cyclones (6-4, 3-4) at # 12 Oklahoma Sooners [8-2, 5-2)
Last week, the Cyclones knocked off the then-# 2 Oklahoma State Cowboys in a thriller, and this week, the Cyclones travel to Norman to face an Oklahoma team that was upset by Baylor.
Pick: Oklahoma 41, Iowa State 13
# 11 Michigan State Spartans (9-2, 6-1) at Northwestern Wildcats (6-5, 3-4)
Pick: Michigan State 52, Northwestern 14
Pitt Panthers (5-5, 3-2) at Syracuse Orangemen (7-3, 3-2)
Pick: Syracuse 31, Pitt 24
Colorado Buffaloes (2-10, 1-7) at Utah Utes (7-4, 4-4)
Pick: Utah 48, Colorado 6
# 8 Houston Cougars (11-0, 7-0) at Tulsa Golden Hurricane [8-3, 7-0)
Pick: Houston 65, Tulsa 21
Wyoming Cowboys (7-3, 4-1) at # 9 Boise State Broncos (9-1, 4-1)
Pick: Boise State 49, Wyoming 7
CENTRAL OHIO HIGH SCHOOL STATE SEMI-FINALS:
Division I- Pickerington Central Tigers (10-2) vs. Cincinnati St. Xavier Blue Bombers (11-2)- at University of Dayton Welcome Stadium
Division II- Columbus Marion-Franklin Red Devils vs. Trotwood-Madison Rams (both 13-0)- at Clayton Northmont H.S.
Division IV- Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (13-0) vs. Creston Norwayne Bobcats (12-1)- at New Philadelphia H.S.
Picks: St. X, Trotwood-Madison, and Norwayne
THANKSGIVING NIGHT GAME:
Texas Longhorns (6-4, 3-4) at Texas A&M Aggies (6-5, 4-4)
Tomorrow night in College Station, Texas is one of the biggest rivalries in all of college sports as the Aggies of Texas A&M (6-5, 4-4) play the Texas Longhorns (6-4, 3-4) in what is the final scheduled game between these two schools, one of the longest rivals in college football history, having played 117 times since 1894. The Aggies move to the Southeastern Conference next year, thus ending one of the historic rivalries in all of college football.
Pick: Texas 17, Texas A&M 13
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Ohio State Buckeyes (6-5, 3-4) at # 17 Michigan Wolverines (9-2, 5-2)
Pick: In the "Ohio"-Michigan Post
BIGGER GAME OF THE WEEK:
# 3 Arkansas Razorbacks (10-1, 6-1) at # 1 LSU Tigers (11-0, 7-0)
For the first time in 40 years, and only the second time in NCAA FBS history, an athletic conference has the top three teams in the country, and the # 1 and # 3 teams square off in Baton Rouge. Nothing can stop the Tigers, not even Alabama, and it is possible that LSU and Alabama meet again in the National Championship. Until then, the winner of this game will play Georgia in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta next weekend.
Pick: LSU 27, Arkansas 7
BIG RIVALRY GAMES THIS WEEKEND:
Iowa Hawkeyes (7-4, 4-3) at # 22 Nebraska Cornhuskers [8-3, 4-3)
Pick: Nebraska 31, Iowa 13
Boston College Golden Eagles (3-8, 2-5) at Miami Hurricanes (6-5, 3-4)
Last week, Miami announced that it was not going to a Bowl game (given the Nevin Shapiro scandal), so this is the Hurricanes' bowl game. Ditto for BC, whom 27 years ago this weekend shocked the Canes with a "Hail Mary" from a quarterback named Douglas Richard Flutie- Doug for short, who would have a long, successful career in both the Canadian Football League and the National Football League.
Pick: Miami 24, BC 7
# 13 Georgia Bulldogs (9-2) at # 25 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets [8-3)
Pick: Georgia 27, Georgia Tech 20
Florida State Seminoles (7-4) at Florida Gators (6-5)
Pick: Florida State 31, Florida 20
# 18 Clemson Tigers at # 14 South Carolina Gamecocks (both 9-2)
Pick: Clemson 21, South Carolina 14
Washington State Cougars (4-7) at Washington Huskies (6-5)
Pick: Washington 28, Wazzu 17
# 22 Notre Dame Fighting Irish [8-3) at # 4 Stanford Cardinal (10-1)
Pick: Stanford 41, Notre Dame 14
UCLA Bruins (6-5) at USC Trojans (9-2)This is USC's Bowl Game for the second straight year, due to their two-year bowl ban. This could also be the final game for Matt Barkley at quarterback for the Trojans as well.
Pick: USC 35, UCLA 10
# 6 Virginia Tech Hokies (10-1, 6-1) at # 24 Virginia Cavaliers [8-3, 5-2)
Pick: Virginia Tech 38, Virginia 24
Purdue Boilermakers (5-6, 3-4) at Indiana Hoosiers (1-10, 0-7)
Why am I picking this game? Because, Purdue upset both Illinois and Ohio State, that's why.
Pick: Purdue 37, Indiana 27
(38th Annual State Farm Bayou Classic)- Grambling Tigers (6-4, 5-3) vs. Southern Jaguars (4-6, 4-4)- at the Superdome
Pick: Grambling 30, Southern 21
and
(The Civil War)- Oregon State Beavers (3-8, 3-5) at # 9 Oregon Ducks (9-2, 7-1)
Pick: Oregon 55, Oregon State 6
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEKEND:
# 20 Penn State Nittany Lions (9-2, 6-1) at # 15 Wisconsin Badgers (9-2, 5-2)
This is probably the most important game of this weekend (not OSU-Michigan, LSU-Arkansas, or the Iron Bowl), because this is the first-ever Big Ten Leaders Championship game, as the winner of this game will play Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium next weekend.
Pick: Wisconsin 42, Penn State 14
Vanderbilt Commodores (5-6) at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (6-5)
This is Vanderbilt's bowl game, because the Commodores need a win to be bowl eligible. Only problem is they are 0-4 outside of Nashville this year.
Pick: Wake 35, Vandy 13
Iowa State Cyclones (6-4, 3-4) at # 12 Oklahoma Sooners [8-2, 5-2)
Last week, the Cyclones knocked off the then-# 2 Oklahoma State Cowboys in a thriller, and this week, the Cyclones travel to Norman to face an Oklahoma team that was upset by Baylor.
Pick: Oklahoma 41, Iowa State 13
# 11 Michigan State Spartans (9-2, 6-1) at Northwestern Wildcats (6-5, 3-4)
Pick: Michigan State 52, Northwestern 14
Pitt Panthers (5-5, 3-2) at Syracuse Orangemen (7-3, 3-2)
Pick: Syracuse 31, Pitt 24
Colorado Buffaloes (2-10, 1-7) at Utah Utes (7-4, 4-4)
Pick: Utah 48, Colorado 6
# 8 Houston Cougars (11-0, 7-0) at Tulsa Golden Hurricane [8-3, 7-0)
Pick: Houston 65, Tulsa 21
Wyoming Cowboys (7-3, 4-1) at # 9 Boise State Broncos (9-1, 4-1)
Pick: Boise State 49, Wyoming 7
CENTRAL OHIO HIGH SCHOOL STATE SEMI-FINALS:
Division I- Pickerington Central Tigers (10-2) vs. Cincinnati St. Xavier Blue Bombers (11-2)- at University of Dayton Welcome Stadium
Division II- Columbus Marion-Franklin Red Devils vs. Trotwood-Madison Rams (both 13-0)- at Clayton Northmont H.S.
Division IV- Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (13-0) vs. Creston Norwayne Bobcats (12-1)- at New Philadelphia H.S.
Picks: St. X, Trotwood-Madison, and Norwayne
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
NFL 2011- Thanksgiving Week 12 Picks
Gobble...gobble...gobble...Week 12 of the NFL season kicks off on Thanksgiving Day with not one, not two, but three games on Thursday. The Detroit Lions have hosted a game on Thanksgiving Day every year (with the exception of World War II) since 1934, and the Dallas Cowboys since 1966. The Lions are a surprising 7-3 as they host the undefeated defending Super Bowl champs Green Bay in the early game. The Cowboys, at 6-4 are tied for first place in the NFC East with the New York Giants, and the Cowboys host the Miami Dolphins, winners of three straight after an 0-7 start, in the late afternoon/early evening game. The Thanksgiving Night game is an NFL first, as the first-ever game featuring two brothers as Head Coaches (Jim and John Harbaugh- or Harbaugh Bowl I) takes place at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, as the 9-1 San Francisco 49ers, winners of eight straight visit the Baltimore Ravens, tied for first in the AFC North at 7-3.
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
HARBAUGH BOWL I
San Francisco 49ers (9-1) at Baltimore Ravens (7-3)
The Ravens put on a show against the Bengals, as the Ravens made big plays to stay afloat in the AFC North division. The 49ers, at 9-1, have all-but won the NFC West, as they are six games ahead of anyone else in the NFC West, and if the 49ers win, they could be the first team to clinch a playoff spot as early as Sunday.
Pick: Baltimore 24, San Francisco 17
THANKSGIVING DAY CLASSICS:
Green Bay Packers (10-0) at Detroit Lions (7-3)
and
Miami Dolphins (3-7) at Dallas Cowboys (6-4)
**Do I need to repeat myself?**
Can anybody stop the Green Bay Packers? Can anybody beat the Green Bay Packers? The Detroit Lions would love to answer that question. The Lions, after a slow start, overcame Carolina with big play after big play on Sunday, and are looking to give the defending Super Bowl Champs their first loss of the 2011 season.
In the later game, the Dolphins, winners of three straight, head into Big D to play America's Team, and the Cowboys find themselves tied for first in the NFC East, after a sluggish start, due to big wins and the Giants Sunday night loss to the Eagles. This game is probably a mismatch, because Miami's wins were against Kansas City, Washington, and Buffalo.
Picks: Green Bay (45-7) and Dallas (35-10)
SUNDAY GAMES:
Cleveland Browns (4-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (6-4)
Can I say "trap game"? No matter the records, these games tend to be close, but the Bengals cannot afford a close game, if they want to keep up with Baltimore and Pittsburgh in the AFC North, whilst the Browns still have to play the aforementioned Ravens and Steelers not once, but twice.
Pick: Cincinnati 31, Cleveland 17
Carolina Panthers (2-8] at Indianapolis Colts (0-10)
Can the Colts finally win one? Can the Panthers finally win one? Find out...
Pick: Carolina 17, Indianapolis 10
Arizona Cardinals (3-7) at St. Louis Rams (2-8]
The Rams would like to avenge an early overtime loss to the Cardinals.
Pick: St. Louis 21, Arizona 16
Houston Texans (7-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7)
Pick: Houston 34, Jacksonville 7
Buffalo Bills (5-5) at New York Jets (6-4)
Pick: NY Jets 35, Buffalo 0
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) at Tennessee Titans (5-5)
Pick: Tampa Bay 20, Tennessee 17 (OT)
Minnesota Vikings (2-8] at Atlanta Falcons (6-4)
Pick: Atlanta 33, Minnesota 13
Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks (both 3-7)
Pick: Seattle 27, Washington 13
Chicago Bears (7-3) at Oakland Raiders (6-4)
Pick: Chicago 24, Oakland 21
New England Patriots (7-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)
Pick: New England 42, Philadelphia 21
Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers (both 4-6)
Pick: San Diego 28, Denver 24
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (5-5)
Pick: Pittsburgh 38, Kansas City 0
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
New York Giants (6-4) at New Orleans Saints (7-3)
Pick: New Orleans 31, NY Giants 20
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
HARBAUGH BOWL I
San Francisco 49ers (9-1) at Baltimore Ravens (7-3)
The Ravens put on a show against the Bengals, as the Ravens made big plays to stay afloat in the AFC North division. The 49ers, at 9-1, have all-but won the NFC West, as they are six games ahead of anyone else in the NFC West, and if the 49ers win, they could be the first team to clinch a playoff spot as early as Sunday.
Pick: Baltimore 24, San Francisco 17
THANKSGIVING DAY CLASSICS:
Green Bay Packers (10-0) at Detroit Lions (7-3)
and
Miami Dolphins (3-7) at Dallas Cowboys (6-4)
**Do I need to repeat myself?**
Can anybody stop the Green Bay Packers? Can anybody beat the Green Bay Packers? The Detroit Lions would love to answer that question. The Lions, after a slow start, overcame Carolina with big play after big play on Sunday, and are looking to give the defending Super Bowl Champs their first loss of the 2011 season.
In the later game, the Dolphins, winners of three straight, head into Big D to play America's Team, and the Cowboys find themselves tied for first in the NFC East, after a sluggish start, due to big wins and the Giants Sunday night loss to the Eagles. This game is probably a mismatch, because Miami's wins were against Kansas City, Washington, and Buffalo.
Picks: Green Bay (45-7) and Dallas (35-10)
SUNDAY GAMES:
Cleveland Browns (4-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (6-4)
Can I say "trap game"? No matter the records, these games tend to be close, but the Bengals cannot afford a close game, if they want to keep up with Baltimore and Pittsburgh in the AFC North, whilst the Browns still have to play the aforementioned Ravens and Steelers not once, but twice.
Pick: Cincinnati 31, Cleveland 17
Carolina Panthers (2-8] at Indianapolis Colts (0-10)
Can the Colts finally win one? Can the Panthers finally win one? Find out...
Pick: Carolina 17, Indianapolis 10
Arizona Cardinals (3-7) at St. Louis Rams (2-8]
The Rams would like to avenge an early overtime loss to the Cardinals.
Pick: St. Louis 21, Arizona 16
Houston Texans (7-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7)
Pick: Houston 34, Jacksonville 7
Buffalo Bills (5-5) at New York Jets (6-4)
Pick: NY Jets 35, Buffalo 0
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) at Tennessee Titans (5-5)
Pick: Tampa Bay 20, Tennessee 17 (OT)
Minnesota Vikings (2-8] at Atlanta Falcons (6-4)
Pick: Atlanta 33, Minnesota 13
Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks (both 3-7)
Pick: Seattle 27, Washington 13
Chicago Bears (7-3) at Oakland Raiders (6-4)
Pick: Chicago 24, Oakland 21
New England Patriots (7-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)
Pick: New England 42, Philadelphia 21
Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers (both 4-6)
Pick: San Diego 28, Denver 24
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (5-5)
Pick: Pittsburgh 38, Kansas City 0
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
New York Giants (6-4) at New Orleans Saints (7-3)
Pick: New Orleans 31, NY Giants 20
Friday, November 18, 2011
College Football: Week 12 of 2011
Where has this season gone? Next week is Thanksgiving, and there will be a lot of exciting rivalry matchups in New Orleans (Southern-Grambling), College Station (Texas-Texas A&M), Baton Rouge (Arkansas-LSU), Lincoln (Iowa-Nebraska), South Beach (BC-Miami), Atlanta (Georgia-Georgia Tech), Eugene (The Civil War- Oregon State-Oregon), Auburn (The Iron Bowl- Alabama-Auburn), Columbia (Clemson-South Carolina), Gainesville (Florida State-Florida), Palo Alto (Notre Dame-Stanford), Pasadena (UCLA-Southern Cal), and Ann Arbor (THE Game- Ohio State-Michigan). This week, there are a lot of big games in the Big Ten, Pac-12, SEC, Big 12, and of course, THE Game, in New Haven, Connecticut between Harvard and Yale.
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY SCORES (I-FBS):
Ohio 29, Bowling Green 28
Western Michigan 24, Miami of Ohio 21
# 8 Virginia Tech 24, North Carolina 21
UAB 34, # 20 Southern Mississippi 31
Marshall 23, Memphis 22
RIVALRY GAME & BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Harvard Crimson (8-1, 6-0) at Yale Bulldogs (5-4, 4-2)
This is Harvard's playoff game, because it is against the Ivy League's "religion" to compete in the I-FCS football tournament.
Pick: Harvard 23, Yale 19
I-BCS RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK:
California Golden Bears (6-4, 3-4) at # 9 Stanford Cardinal (9-1, 7-1)
Pick: Stanford 48, Cal 18
BIG TOP 25 MATCHUP THIS WEEK:
# 16 Nebraska Cornhuskers at # 18 Michigan Wolverines (both 8-2, 4-2)
1962 was the last time that these two met in the regular season, but the Huskers topped Michigan in the 2005 Alamo Bowl 32-28. Michigan needs a win because they have another Red storm coming to the Big House next week.
Pick: Nebraska 31, Michigan 17
# 21 Penn State Nittany Lions [8-2, 5-1) at Ohio State Buckeyes (6-4, 3-3)- UPSET PICK
The Buckeyes sent out a Public Service Announcement this week that will be played during the game tomorrow telling their fans to show some respect to the Penn State fans, given the shaky situation in State College.
Pick: Ohio State 35, Penn State 10
# 17 Wisconsin Badgers [8-2, 4-2) at Illinois Fighting Illini (6-4, 2-4)
Pick: Wisconsin 56, Illinois 13
Indiana Hoosiers (1-9, 0-6) at # 15 Michigan State Spartans [8-2, 5-1)
Pick: Michigan State 52, Indiana 14
# 1 LSU Tigers (10-0, 6-0) at Ole Miss Rebels (2-8, 0-6)
Pick: LSU 49, Ole Miss 0
# 5 Oklahoma Sooners [8-1, 5-1) at # 22 Baylor Bears (6-3, 3-3)
Pick: Oklahoma 48, Baylor 12
USC Trojans [8-2, 4-2) at # 4 Oregon Ducks (9-1, 7-0)
Pick: Oregon 44, USC 21
# 10 Boise State Broncos [8-1, 3-1) at San Diego State Aztecs (6-3, 3-2)
Pick: Boise State 54, San Diego State 19
# 13 Kansas State Wildcats [8-2, 5-2) at # 23 Texas Longhorns (6-3, 3-3)
Pick: Texas 41, Kansas State 20
Kentucky Wildcats (4-6, 1-5) at # 14 Georgia Bulldogs [8-2, 6-1)
Pick: Georgia 41, Kentucky 6
Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-5, 1-5) at # 6 Arkansas Razorbacks (9-1, 5-1)
Pick: Arkansas 34, Mississippi State 7
Southern Methodist Mustangs (6-4, 4-2) at # 11 Houston Cougars (10-0, 6-0)
Pick: Houston 76, SMU 28
OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK:
(Catholics vs. Jesuits)
Boston College Golden Eagles (3-7) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-3)
I hate to see this rivalry go, don't you?
Pick: Notre Dame 41, BC 14
OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK:
Vanderbilt Commodores (5-5, 2-5) at Tennessee Volunteers (4-6, 0-6)
Pick: Vanderbilt 28, Tennessee 27
Arizona Wildcats (2-8, 1-7) at Arizona State Sun Devils (6-4, 4-3)
Pick: Arizona State 31, Arizona 3
Texas Tech Red Raiders (5-5, 2-5) at Missouri Tigers (5-5, 3-4)
Pick: Missouri 38, Texas Tech 24
Colorado State Rams (3-6, 1-3) at # 19 TCU Horned Frogs [8-2, 5-0)
Pick: TCU 47, Colorado State 0
Iowa Hawkeyes (6-4, 3-3) at Purdue Boilermakers (5-5, 3-3)
Pick: Iowa 30, Purdue 20
Miami Hurricanes (5-5) at South Florida Bulls (5-4)
Pick: Miami 27, South Florida 21
Cincinnati Bearcats (7-2, 3-1) at Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-3, 3-2)
The Cats lost on a blocked field goal try last week at Paul Brown Stadium. They travel to Piscataway to play Rutgers in a tight Big East matchup.
Pick: Rutgers 31, Cincinnati 24
and TONIGHT:
# 2 Oklahoma State Cowboys (10-0, 7-0) at Iowa State Cyclones (5-4, 2-4)
Pick: OSU 63, Iowa State 3
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY SCORES (I-FBS):
Ohio 29, Bowling Green 28
Western Michigan 24, Miami of Ohio 21
# 8 Virginia Tech 24, North Carolina 21
UAB 34, # 20 Southern Mississippi 31
Marshall 23, Memphis 22
RIVALRY GAME & BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Harvard Crimson (8-1, 6-0) at Yale Bulldogs (5-4, 4-2)
This is Harvard's playoff game, because it is against the Ivy League's "religion" to compete in the I-FCS football tournament.
Pick: Harvard 23, Yale 19
I-BCS RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK:
California Golden Bears (6-4, 3-4) at # 9 Stanford Cardinal (9-1, 7-1)
Pick: Stanford 48, Cal 18
BIG TOP 25 MATCHUP THIS WEEK:
# 16 Nebraska Cornhuskers at # 18 Michigan Wolverines (both 8-2, 4-2)
1962 was the last time that these two met in the regular season, but the Huskers topped Michigan in the 2005 Alamo Bowl 32-28. Michigan needs a win because they have another Red storm coming to the Big House next week.
Pick: Nebraska 31, Michigan 17
# 21 Penn State Nittany Lions [8-2, 5-1) at Ohio State Buckeyes (6-4, 3-3)- UPSET PICK
The Buckeyes sent out a Public Service Announcement this week that will be played during the game tomorrow telling their fans to show some respect to the Penn State fans, given the shaky situation in State College.
Pick: Ohio State 35, Penn State 10
# 17 Wisconsin Badgers [8-2, 4-2) at Illinois Fighting Illini (6-4, 2-4)
Pick: Wisconsin 56, Illinois 13
Indiana Hoosiers (1-9, 0-6) at # 15 Michigan State Spartans [8-2, 5-1)
Pick: Michigan State 52, Indiana 14
# 1 LSU Tigers (10-0, 6-0) at Ole Miss Rebels (2-8, 0-6)
Pick: LSU 49, Ole Miss 0
# 5 Oklahoma Sooners [8-1, 5-1) at # 22 Baylor Bears (6-3, 3-3)
Pick: Oklahoma 48, Baylor 12
USC Trojans [8-2, 4-2) at # 4 Oregon Ducks (9-1, 7-0)
Pick: Oregon 44, USC 21
# 10 Boise State Broncos [8-1, 3-1) at San Diego State Aztecs (6-3, 3-2)
Pick: Boise State 54, San Diego State 19
# 13 Kansas State Wildcats [8-2, 5-2) at # 23 Texas Longhorns (6-3, 3-3)
Pick: Texas 41, Kansas State 20
Kentucky Wildcats (4-6, 1-5) at # 14 Georgia Bulldogs [8-2, 6-1)
Pick: Georgia 41, Kentucky 6
Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-5, 1-5) at # 6 Arkansas Razorbacks (9-1, 5-1)
Pick: Arkansas 34, Mississippi State 7
Southern Methodist Mustangs (6-4, 4-2) at # 11 Houston Cougars (10-0, 6-0)
Pick: Houston 76, SMU 28
OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK:
(Catholics vs. Jesuits)
Boston College Golden Eagles (3-7) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-3)
I hate to see this rivalry go, don't you?
Pick: Notre Dame 41, BC 14
OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK:
Vanderbilt Commodores (5-5, 2-5) at Tennessee Volunteers (4-6, 0-6)
Pick: Vanderbilt 28, Tennessee 27
Arizona Wildcats (2-8, 1-7) at Arizona State Sun Devils (6-4, 4-3)
Pick: Arizona State 31, Arizona 3
Texas Tech Red Raiders (5-5, 2-5) at Missouri Tigers (5-5, 3-4)
Pick: Missouri 38, Texas Tech 24
Colorado State Rams (3-6, 1-3) at # 19 TCU Horned Frogs [8-2, 5-0)
Pick: TCU 47, Colorado State 0
Iowa Hawkeyes (6-4, 3-3) at Purdue Boilermakers (5-5, 3-3)
Pick: Iowa 30, Purdue 20
Miami Hurricanes (5-5) at South Florida Bulls (5-4)
Pick: Miami 27, South Florida 21
Cincinnati Bearcats (7-2, 3-1) at Rutgers Scarlet Knights (7-3, 3-2)
The Cats lost on a blocked field goal try last week at Paul Brown Stadium. They travel to Piscataway to play Rutgers in a tight Big East matchup.
Pick: Rutgers 31, Cincinnati 24
and TONIGHT:
# 2 Oklahoma State Cowboys (10-0, 7-0) at Iowa State Cyclones (5-4, 2-4)
Pick: OSU 63, Iowa State 3
2011 Central Ohio High School Football: Week 13
Only eight Central Ohio teams remain (out of 48 statewide). Tonight and tomorrow night, these eight, plus the forty other schools will fight to be among the 24 teams that make it to the State Semi-Finals next weekend. Only two of last year's State Champions- Bishop Hartley (in Division IV) and Delphos St. John (in Division VI) remain.
BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
(Division I, Region 3)
# 2 Pickerington Central Tigers (9-2) vs. # 1 Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (11-0)- at Ohio Wesleyan University Selby Field
and
(Division IV, Region 14)
# 3 Columbus Bishop Hartley Hawks (11-0) vs. # 1 Kenton Wildcats (12-0)- at Mansfield Senior Arlin Field
The Clash of the Titans. Tomorrow night in Delaware and in Mansfield, it won't get any better as three of Central Ohio's best teams in 2011 fight for the right to compete in the State Semi-Finals next weekend. At least one of those three (the winner of the Davidson-Pick Central game) will.
In Division IV, the Hawks have soared over the competition all season long. Last week, against Pemberville Eastwood, the Hawks ran out the final 7:27 of the game to set themselves up with a date with perhaps the best quarterback in Ohio- Maty Mauk and the Kenton Wildcats. Mauk's older brother Ben was Mr. Ohio Football in 2001 and 2002, when Kenton won State Titles in both years. The Hawks have won 18 straight games, dating back to last season's Championship run. Despite losing some key players, the Hawks did not miss a beat, capping off the school's first-ever undefeated regular season.
In Division I, this will be the fourth consecutive year that these two have met in the playoffs. Davidson bested Pick Central the last two years, to go on to State, having won the State Title again in 2009. Pickerington Central, was written off after an 0-2 start (they lost to Cincinnati catholic powerhouses Moeller and St. X, who will square off in the Region 4 final tomorrow night at the University of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium), but has won nine straight. The two best teams in Division I in Central Ohio will meet again for a date, more than likely with the winner of the Moeller-St. X game. Pick Central is hoping to win tomorrow night for a rematch with the winner of that game.
Picks: Hilliard Davidson and Kenton
OTHER CENTRAL OHIO GAMES THIS WEEKEND:
(Division II, Region 7)
# 2 Dresden Tri-Valley Scotties (11-1) vs. # 1 Columbus Marion-Franklin Red Devils (12-0)- at Gahanna Lincoln H.S. Stadium
Pick: Tri-Valley
(Division III, Region 10)
# 5 Elida Bulldogs (9-3) vs. # 3 Columbus Eastmoor Academy Warriors (10-2)- at Wapakoneta H.S. Harmon Field
Pick: Elida
(Division III, Region 12)
# 3 Plain City Jonathan Alder Pioneers vs. # 1 Springfield Shawnee Braves (both 12-0)- at Hilliard Bradley H.S. Athletic Complex
Pick: Jonathan Alder
(Division IV, Region 15)
# 5 Coshocton Redskins (10-2) vs. # 2 Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (12-0)- at Zanesville H.S. Sulsberger Stadium
Pick: Coshocton
(Division IV, Region 16)
# 5 Dayton Chaminade-Julienne Eagles (9-3) vs. # 3 Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (10-2)- at Mason H.S. Dwire Field at Atrium Stadium
Pick: C-J
(Division V, Region 20)
# 6 West Jefferson Roughriders (10-2) vs. # 5 Coldwater Cavaliers (9-3)- at Piqua H.S. Alexander Stadium
Pick: Coldwater
For more on the playoffs and this week's matchups, go to http://www.ohsaa.org.
BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
(Division I, Region 3)
# 2 Pickerington Central Tigers (9-2) vs. # 1 Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (11-0)- at Ohio Wesleyan University Selby Field
and
(Division IV, Region 14)
# 3 Columbus Bishop Hartley Hawks (11-0) vs. # 1 Kenton Wildcats (12-0)- at Mansfield Senior Arlin Field
The Clash of the Titans. Tomorrow night in Delaware and in Mansfield, it won't get any better as three of Central Ohio's best teams in 2011 fight for the right to compete in the State Semi-Finals next weekend. At least one of those three (the winner of the Davidson-Pick Central game) will.
In Division IV, the Hawks have soared over the competition all season long. Last week, against Pemberville Eastwood, the Hawks ran out the final 7:27 of the game to set themselves up with a date with perhaps the best quarterback in Ohio- Maty Mauk and the Kenton Wildcats. Mauk's older brother Ben was Mr. Ohio Football in 2001 and 2002, when Kenton won State Titles in both years. The Hawks have won 18 straight games, dating back to last season's Championship run. Despite losing some key players, the Hawks did not miss a beat, capping off the school's first-ever undefeated regular season.
In Division I, this will be the fourth consecutive year that these two have met in the playoffs. Davidson bested Pick Central the last two years, to go on to State, having won the State Title again in 2009. Pickerington Central, was written off after an 0-2 start (they lost to Cincinnati catholic powerhouses Moeller and St. X, who will square off in the Region 4 final tomorrow night at the University of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium), but has won nine straight. The two best teams in Division I in Central Ohio will meet again for a date, more than likely with the winner of the Moeller-St. X game. Pick Central is hoping to win tomorrow night for a rematch with the winner of that game.
Picks: Hilliard Davidson and Kenton
OTHER CENTRAL OHIO GAMES THIS WEEKEND:
(Division II, Region 7)
# 2 Dresden Tri-Valley Scotties (11-1) vs. # 1 Columbus Marion-Franklin Red Devils (12-0)- at Gahanna Lincoln H.S. Stadium
Pick: Tri-Valley
(Division III, Region 10)
# 5 Elida Bulldogs (9-3) vs. # 3 Columbus Eastmoor Academy Warriors (10-2)- at Wapakoneta H.S. Harmon Field
Pick: Elida
(Division III, Region 12)
# 3 Plain City Jonathan Alder Pioneers vs. # 1 Springfield Shawnee Braves (both 12-0)- at Hilliard Bradley H.S. Athletic Complex
Pick: Jonathan Alder
(Division IV, Region 15)
# 5 Coshocton Redskins (10-2) vs. # 2 Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (12-0)- at Zanesville H.S. Sulsberger Stadium
Pick: Coshocton
(Division IV, Region 16)
# 5 Dayton Chaminade-Julienne Eagles (9-3) vs. # 3 Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (10-2)- at Mason H.S. Dwire Field at Atrium Stadium
Pick: C-J
(Division V, Region 20)
# 6 West Jefferson Roughriders (10-2) vs. # 5 Coldwater Cavaliers (9-3)- at Piqua H.S. Alexander Stadium
Pick: Coldwater
For more on the playoffs and this week's matchups, go to http://www.ohsaa.org.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
NFL 2011: Week 11 Picks
Tonight, Week 11 of the NFL football season commences at Sports Authority Field at Mile High as the Broncos host the New York Jets. This is one of 14 games this weekend, capping off with Matt Cassel's return to Foxboro on Monday night as the Kansas City Chiefs visit the New England Patriots. The 4 teams that are off this week are a combined 21-19 (21-9 if you don't count the Peyton-less Colts), and three of them (New Orleans, Houston, and Pittsburgh) lead their divisions heading into the Thanksgiving weekend.
TONIGHT'S GAME:
New York Jets (5-4) at Denver Broncos (4-5)
Pick: Denver 31, NY Jets 14
BIG GAME THIS WEEKEND:
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens (both 6-3, and tied for 2nd in AFC North)
This game is probably the most important game of the week, having big playoff implications, as well as chasing idle Pittsburgh in the AFC North.
Pick: Baltimore 35, Cincinnati 21
SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) at Green Bay Packers (9-0)
Pick: Green Bay 42, Tampa Bay 3
Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns (both 3-6)
Pick: Jacksonville 17, Cleveland 10
Oakland Raiders (5-4) at Minnesota Vikings (2-7)
Pick: Oakland 24, Minnesota 14
Dallas Cowboys (5-4) at Washington Redskins (3-6)
Pick: Dallas 35, Washington 13
Buffalo Bills (5-4) at Miami Dolphins (2-7)
I remember when the Bills were 3-0 and as hot as they were in the 1990s. Since then, they've lost four of six, including last Sunday's shipwreck in Big D. Miami has reeled off back-to-back wins after an 0-7 start.
Pick: Miami 27, Buffalo 10
Carolina Panthers (2-7) at Detroit Lions (6-3)
The Lions need this win to get back on track before hosting the Green Bay Packers for their annual Thanksgiving date.
Pick: Detroit 31, Carolina 27
LATE SUNDAY GAMES:
Arizona Cardinals (2-7) at San Francisco 49ers [8-1)
Pick: San Francisco 34, Arizona 0
Seattle Seahawks (3-6) at St. Louis Rams (2-7)
Pick: Seattle 14, St. Louis 12
Tennessee Titans (5-4) at Atlanta Falcons (6-3)
Pick: Atlanta 31, Tennessee 17
San Diego Chargers (4-5) at Chicago Bears (5-4)
Pick: San Diego 38, Chicago 33
SUNDAY NIGHT GAME:
Philadelphia Eagles (3-6) at New York Giants (7-2)
Pick: NY Giants 31, Philadelphia 20
MONDAY NIGHT GAME:
Kansas City Chiefs (4-5) at New England Patriots (6-3)
These two know each other well. Chiefs QB Matt Cassel was the starter in 2008 after Tom Brady was lost to a knee injury at Arrowhead Stadium. Chiefs GM Scott Pioli and Defensive Coordinator Romeo Crennel both used to work for the Patriots. Familiarity breeds contempt.
Pick: New England 38, Kansas City 10
TONIGHT'S GAME:
New York Jets (5-4) at Denver Broncos (4-5)
Pick: Denver 31, NY Jets 14
BIG GAME THIS WEEKEND:
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens (both 6-3, and tied for 2nd in AFC North)
This game is probably the most important game of the week, having big playoff implications, as well as chasing idle Pittsburgh in the AFC North.
Pick: Baltimore 35, Cincinnati 21
SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) at Green Bay Packers (9-0)
Pick: Green Bay 42, Tampa Bay 3
Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns (both 3-6)
Pick: Jacksonville 17, Cleveland 10
Oakland Raiders (5-4) at Minnesota Vikings (2-7)
Pick: Oakland 24, Minnesota 14
Dallas Cowboys (5-4) at Washington Redskins (3-6)
Pick: Dallas 35, Washington 13
Buffalo Bills (5-4) at Miami Dolphins (2-7)
I remember when the Bills were 3-0 and as hot as they were in the 1990s. Since then, they've lost four of six, including last Sunday's shipwreck in Big D. Miami has reeled off back-to-back wins after an 0-7 start.
Pick: Miami 27, Buffalo 10
Carolina Panthers (2-7) at Detroit Lions (6-3)
The Lions need this win to get back on track before hosting the Green Bay Packers for their annual Thanksgiving date.
Pick: Detroit 31, Carolina 27
LATE SUNDAY GAMES:
Arizona Cardinals (2-7) at San Francisco 49ers [8-1)
Pick: San Francisco 34, Arizona 0
Seattle Seahawks (3-6) at St. Louis Rams (2-7)
Pick: Seattle 14, St. Louis 12
Tennessee Titans (5-4) at Atlanta Falcons (6-3)
Pick: Atlanta 31, Tennessee 17
San Diego Chargers (4-5) at Chicago Bears (5-4)
Pick: San Diego 38, Chicago 33
SUNDAY NIGHT GAME:
Philadelphia Eagles (3-6) at New York Giants (7-2)
Pick: NY Giants 31, Philadelphia 20
MONDAY NIGHT GAME:
Kansas City Chiefs (4-5) at New England Patriots (6-3)
These two know each other well. Chiefs QB Matt Cassel was the starter in 2008 after Tom Brady was lost to a knee injury at Arrowhead Stadium. Chiefs GM Scott Pioli and Defensive Coordinator Romeo Crennel both used to work for the Patriots. Familiarity breeds contempt.
Pick: New England 38, Kansas City 10
Friday, November 11, 2011
2011 College Football- Week 11 Picks
This past week, the whole college football nation grativated towards State College, PA and the firing of legendary Penn State coach Joe Paterno. In Happy Valley, the Nittany Lions are adjusting to life without their leader for the first time in decades.
UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
# 19 Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-2, 3-2) at # 12 Penn State Nittany Lions [8-1, 5-0)
The last time that Joseph Vincent Paterno was not on the sidelines of Beaver Stadium was 1949. Harry S. Truman was President, there were 48 U.S. States, and All the Kings Men was the Best Picture of the year...oh yeah, television was in its infancy. But, tomorrow, the Tom Bradley era begins in what was once Happy Valley, but only a university campus rocked by a sexual abuse scandal. The last time that there was a home game at Beaver Stadium without Paterno as coach was December 1965. The long-time defensive coordinator for Penn State begins his run as the interim head coach as the Nittany Lions, fresh off a bye last week (when the scandal escalated), host the Cornhuskers. The Nittany Lions are very distracted by the events of the past week, and Nebraska, after getting upset by Northwestern, can take their frustration out on a very distracted Penn State team.
Pick: Nebraska 35, Penn State 0
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
# 7 Oregon Ducks at # 4 Stanford Cardinal (9-0, 6-0)
This will be the Pac-12 game of the year, and the winner will more than likely win the Pac-12 North Division and play in the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Pick: Stanford 47, Oregon 34
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
# 24 Michigan Wolverines (7-2, 3-2) at Illinois Fighting Illini (6-3, 2-3)
"That's basketball."- Michigan Head Football Coach Brady Hoke about last year's 67-65 triple overtime win over Illinois last year
Last year, the Wolverines won a wild one in triple overtime over Illinois, in what seemed like a basketball score. This year, both schools and their respective quarterbacks- Denard Robinson (Michigan) and Nathan Scheelhaase (Illinois) need to have big games to help their teams stay afloat in their respective divisions.
The Wolverines need a win to stay afloat the Big Ten Legends Division, while the host Illini need a win to snap their three-game slide after their first 6-0 start in 60 years. Michigan needs to step off offensively against this Illinois team, a complete 180 from their loss last week at Iowa.
Pick: Michigan 27, Illinois 24
Ohio State Buckeyes (6-3, 3-2) at Purdue Boilermakers (4-5, 2-3)
The last time the Bucks were in West Lafayette, Purdue upset the Bucks 26-18, so the Buckeyes are preparing not to be upset by the Boilermakers this go around, in what is a crucial game for OSU.
Pick: Ohio State 38, Purdue 17
Maryland Terrapins (2-7) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-3)- at FedEx Field
Pick: Notre Dame 31, Maryland 13
West Virginia Mountaineers (6-3, 2-2) at Cincinnati Bearcats (7-1, 3-0)- at Paul Brown Stadium
Pick: Cincinnati 31, West Virginia 27
# 18 Wisconsin Badgers [8-2, 3-2) at Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-7)
The Gophers upset Iowa two weeks ago, and almost upset Michigan State last week. Tomorrow, Wisconsin will show them who's the cream of the Big Ten crop.
Pick: Wisconsin 48, Minnesota 10
# 20 Auburn Tigers at # 15 Georgia Bulldogs
Pick: Georgia 27, Auburn 16
Miami Hurricanes at Florida State Seminoles
Pick: Florida State 34, Miami 7
Texas A&M Aggies at # 14 Kansas State Wildcats
Pick: Kansas State 26, Texas A&M 10
TCU Horned Frogs at # 5 Boise State Broncos
Pick: Boise State 42, TCU 9
# 25 Baylor Bears at Kansas Jayhawks
Pick: Baylor 31, Kansas 0
# 17 Michigan State Spartans (7-2, 4-1) at Iowa Hawkeyes (6-3, 3-2)
Pick: Michigan State 30, Iowa 27 (OT)
# 16 Texas Longhorns at Missouri Tigers
Pick: Texas 51, Missouri 6
Wake Forest Demon Deacons at # 9 Clemson Tigers [8-1, 5-1)
Pick: Clemson 42, Wake 17
Florida Gators (5-4, 3-4) at # 13 South Carolina Gamecocks
Pick: South Carolina 27, Florida 10
# 2 Oklahoma State Cowboys (9-0, 6-0) at Texas Tech Red Raiders (5-4, 2-4)
For the first time ever, OSU has a big bullseye on their back, watch out, here come the Cowboys.
Pick: OSU 41, Texas Tech 20
UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
# 19 Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-2, 3-2) at # 12 Penn State Nittany Lions [8-1, 5-0)
The last time that Joseph Vincent Paterno was not on the sidelines of Beaver Stadium was 1949. Harry S. Truman was President, there were 48 U.S. States, and All the Kings Men was the Best Picture of the year...oh yeah, television was in its infancy. But, tomorrow, the Tom Bradley era begins in what was once Happy Valley, but only a university campus rocked by a sexual abuse scandal. The last time that there was a home game at Beaver Stadium without Paterno as coach was December 1965. The long-time defensive coordinator for Penn State begins his run as the interim head coach as the Nittany Lions, fresh off a bye last week (when the scandal escalated), host the Cornhuskers. The Nittany Lions are very distracted by the events of the past week, and Nebraska, after getting upset by Northwestern, can take their frustration out on a very distracted Penn State team.
Pick: Nebraska 35, Penn State 0
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
# 7 Oregon Ducks at # 4 Stanford Cardinal (9-0, 6-0)
This will be the Pac-12 game of the year, and the winner will more than likely win the Pac-12 North Division and play in the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Pick: Stanford 47, Oregon 34
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
# 24 Michigan Wolverines (7-2, 3-2) at Illinois Fighting Illini (6-3, 2-3)
"That's basketball."- Michigan Head Football Coach Brady Hoke about last year's 67-65 triple overtime win over Illinois last year
Last year, the Wolverines won a wild one in triple overtime over Illinois, in what seemed like a basketball score. This year, both schools and their respective quarterbacks- Denard Robinson (Michigan) and Nathan Scheelhaase (Illinois) need to have big games to help their teams stay afloat in their respective divisions.
The Wolverines need a win to stay afloat the Big Ten Legends Division, while the host Illini need a win to snap their three-game slide after their first 6-0 start in 60 years. Michigan needs to step off offensively against this Illinois team, a complete 180 from their loss last week at Iowa.
Pick: Michigan 27, Illinois 24
Ohio State Buckeyes (6-3, 3-2) at Purdue Boilermakers (4-5, 2-3)
The last time the Bucks were in West Lafayette, Purdue upset the Bucks 26-18, so the Buckeyes are preparing not to be upset by the Boilermakers this go around, in what is a crucial game for OSU.
Pick: Ohio State 38, Purdue 17
Maryland Terrapins (2-7) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-3)- at FedEx Field
Pick: Notre Dame 31, Maryland 13
West Virginia Mountaineers (6-3, 2-2) at Cincinnati Bearcats (7-1, 3-0)- at Paul Brown Stadium
Pick: Cincinnati 31, West Virginia 27
# 18 Wisconsin Badgers [8-2, 3-2) at Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-7)
The Gophers upset Iowa two weeks ago, and almost upset Michigan State last week. Tomorrow, Wisconsin will show them who's the cream of the Big Ten crop.
Pick: Wisconsin 48, Minnesota 10
# 20 Auburn Tigers at # 15 Georgia Bulldogs
Pick: Georgia 27, Auburn 16
Miami Hurricanes at Florida State Seminoles
Pick: Florida State 34, Miami 7
Texas A&M Aggies at # 14 Kansas State Wildcats
Pick: Kansas State 26, Texas A&M 10
TCU Horned Frogs at # 5 Boise State Broncos
Pick: Boise State 42, TCU 9
# 25 Baylor Bears at Kansas Jayhawks
Pick: Baylor 31, Kansas 0
# 17 Michigan State Spartans (7-2, 4-1) at Iowa Hawkeyes (6-3, 3-2)
Pick: Michigan State 30, Iowa 27 (OT)
# 16 Texas Longhorns at Missouri Tigers
Pick: Texas 51, Missouri 6
Wake Forest Demon Deacons at # 9 Clemson Tigers [8-1, 5-1)
Pick: Clemson 42, Wake 17
Florida Gators (5-4, 3-4) at # 13 South Carolina Gamecocks
Pick: South Carolina 27, Florida 10
# 2 Oklahoma State Cowboys (9-0, 6-0) at Texas Tech Red Raiders (5-4, 2-4)
For the first time ever, OSU has a big bullseye on their back, watch out, here come the Cowboys.
Pick: OSU 41, Texas Tech 20
Thursday, November 10, 2011
2011 Central Ohio H.S. Football: Week 12
The second week of the Ohio High School Playoffs take place tonight and tomorrow night, as the 96 surviving playoff teams square off in 48 exciting matchups played at neutral sites all across the Buckeye State.
Here are the 10 games against area teams this weekend.
DIVISION I (Saturday @ 7PM)
(Region 3)- both rematches of OCC division games
# 4 Upper Arlington Golden Bears (9-2) vs. # 1 Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (10-0)- at St. Francis DeSales H.S.
# 6 Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (9-2) vs. # 2 Pickerington Central Tigers [8-2)- at Ohio Wesleyan University's Selby Field
The # 1 and # 2 teams won the regular season matchups against their Saturday opponents pretty handily, and are expected to do so again.
Picks: Hilliard Davidson and Pick Central, to set up that exciting rematch next Saturday
DIVISION II (Friday @ 7:30PM)
(Region 7)
# 4 Big Walnut Golden Eagles (9-2) vs. # 1 Marion-Franklin Red Devils (11-0)- at Ohio Wesleyan University's Selby Field
# 3 Dresden Tri-Valley Scotties vs. # 2 New Albany Eagles (both 9-2)- at Gahanna Lincoln H.S.
Marion-Franklin is at a disadvantage against Big Walnut, having learned that first-hand last year in this round. Marion-Franklin barely beat Brookhaven (twice), Canal Winchester, and Dublin Scioto; while Big Walnut played Olentangy Orange, New Albany, Westerville Central, and Hilliard Bradley- all good quality teams in 2011.
Picks: Big Walnut and Tri-Valley
DIVISION III (Friday @ 7:30PM)
(Region 10)
Elida Bulldogs (8-3) vs. # 1 St. Francis DeSales Stallions (7-3)- at Clayton Northmont H.S.
# 3 Eastmoor Academy Warriors vs. # 2 Clyde Fliers (both 9-2)- at Mansfield Senior H.S.
Picks: DeSales and Clyde
(Region 12)
# 7 Jackson Ironmen vs. # 3 Jonathan Alder Pioneers (both 11-0)- at Logan H.S.
This will be as good as it gets, and probably Alder's toughest test (in a year where they beat Clinton-Massie and Watterson, you can only get tougher, right?) this year in an unbeaten Jackson team that will never give up.
Pick: Jonathan Alder
DIVISION IV (Saturday at 7PM)
(Region 14)
# 3 Bishop Hartley Hawks (10-0) vs. # 2 Pemberville Eastwood Eagles (11-0)- at Ashland H.S.
The defending D-IV State Champs Hawks take their offensive and defensive attack on the road to Ashland to play against unbeaten Eastwood, from the Toledo area, in what could be the Hawks' toughest test since Kettering Alter in the D-IV State Semifinals last year. The winner of this game may face off against the explosive offensive attack of Kenton.
Pick: Eastwood
(Region 15)
# 6 Ironton Tigers (7-4) vs. # 2 Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (11-0)- at Hamilton Township H.S.
This could have upset pick all over it, as the Tigers could claw their way to the Regional Finals.
Pick: Ironton
DIVISION V (Friday @ 7:30PM)
(Region 20)
# 6 West Jefferson Roughriders (9-2) vs. # 2 Marion Pleasant Trojans (11-0)- at Hilliard Bradley H.S.
The Trojans hung almost 80 on Cincinnati Summit Country Day last week, things will get tough for them in what is practically a home game for West Jeff, which is only minutes away from where the game will be played.
Pick: West Jefferson
For a complete listing of matchups and for results from last week, go to http://www.ohsaa.org.
Here are the 10 games against area teams this weekend.
DIVISION I (Saturday @ 7PM)
(Region 3)- both rematches of OCC division games
# 4 Upper Arlington Golden Bears (9-2) vs. # 1 Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (10-0)- at St. Francis DeSales H.S.
# 6 Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (9-2) vs. # 2 Pickerington Central Tigers [8-2)- at Ohio Wesleyan University's Selby Field
The # 1 and # 2 teams won the regular season matchups against their Saturday opponents pretty handily, and are expected to do so again.
Picks: Hilliard Davidson and Pick Central, to set up that exciting rematch next Saturday
DIVISION II (Friday @ 7:30PM)
(Region 7)
# 4 Big Walnut Golden Eagles (9-2) vs. # 1 Marion-Franklin Red Devils (11-0)- at Ohio Wesleyan University's Selby Field
# 3 Dresden Tri-Valley Scotties vs. # 2 New Albany Eagles (both 9-2)- at Gahanna Lincoln H.S.
Marion-Franklin is at a disadvantage against Big Walnut, having learned that first-hand last year in this round. Marion-Franklin barely beat Brookhaven (twice), Canal Winchester, and Dublin Scioto; while Big Walnut played Olentangy Orange, New Albany, Westerville Central, and Hilliard Bradley- all good quality teams in 2011.
Picks: Big Walnut and Tri-Valley
DIVISION III (Friday @ 7:30PM)
(Region 10)
Elida Bulldogs (8-3) vs. # 1 St. Francis DeSales Stallions (7-3)- at Clayton Northmont H.S.
# 3 Eastmoor Academy Warriors vs. # 2 Clyde Fliers (both 9-2)- at Mansfield Senior H.S.
Picks: DeSales and Clyde
(Region 12)
# 7 Jackson Ironmen vs. # 3 Jonathan Alder Pioneers (both 11-0)- at Logan H.S.
This will be as good as it gets, and probably Alder's toughest test (in a year where they beat Clinton-Massie and Watterson, you can only get tougher, right?) this year in an unbeaten Jackson team that will never give up.
Pick: Jonathan Alder
DIVISION IV (Saturday at 7PM)
(Region 14)
# 3 Bishop Hartley Hawks (10-0) vs. # 2 Pemberville Eastwood Eagles (11-0)- at Ashland H.S.
The defending D-IV State Champs Hawks take their offensive and defensive attack on the road to Ashland to play against unbeaten Eastwood, from the Toledo area, in what could be the Hawks' toughest test since Kettering Alter in the D-IV State Semifinals last year. The winner of this game may face off against the explosive offensive attack of Kenton.
Pick: Eastwood
(Region 15)
# 6 Ironton Tigers (7-4) vs. # 2 Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (11-0)- at Hamilton Township H.S.
This could have upset pick all over it, as the Tigers could claw their way to the Regional Finals.
Pick: Ironton
DIVISION V (Friday @ 7:30PM)
(Region 20)
# 6 West Jefferson Roughriders (9-2) vs. # 2 Marion Pleasant Trojans (11-0)- at Hilliard Bradley H.S.
The Trojans hung almost 80 on Cincinnati Summit Country Day last week, things will get tough for them in what is practically a home game for West Jeff, which is only minutes away from where the game will be played.
Pick: West Jefferson
For a complete listing of matchups and for results from last week, go to http://www.ohsaa.org.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
NFL 2011- Week 10 Predictions
Tomorrow night, Week 10 begins pretty early as the first Thursday night game since the Kickoff Classic takes place as the Oakland Raiders travel down the California coast to play AFC West Rival San Diego in a battle for first-place in the AFC West, which for the second week in a row is a three-way tie for first place, as both the Raiders and Chargers, along with the Kansas City Chiefs all lost on Sunday. The winner will be guaranteed sole possession of first in the AFC West. There are 14 games on Sunday, capped off with the Minnesota Vikings visiting chilly Lambeau Field and the unbeaten Packers on Monday night.
BIG GAME THIS WEEK:
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals (both 6-2)
The bad news is that this is not the National Game on CBS. Can the Bengals actually beat a top-notch team? They failed to do so in Week 3 against San Francisco, but this will be Andy Dalton's biggest test to date as a young rookie as the Red Rifle goes to action against a Pittsburgh defense that LOVES to play the Bengals. Ben Roethlisberger has only lost twice in his home state of Ohio. On a sidebar, the rematch on December 4 at Heinz Field could be flexed into the Sunday Night slot, now that the Colts-Patriots game previously scheduled as the Sunday night game, has since been flexed out of it.
Pick: Pittsburgh 35, Cincinnati 13
GAME THAT NOBODY GIVES A **** ABOUT THIS WEEK:
St. Louis Rams (1-7) at Cleveland Browns (3-5)
Pick: Cleveland 14, St. Louis 6
THURSDAY NIGHT LIGHTS/DIVISION RACE:
Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers (both 4-4)
"Pick-Six" Palmer will be struck again...and again...and again...
Pick: San Diego 41, Oakland 3
MONDAY NIGHT LIGHTS:
Minnesota Vikings (2-6) at Green Bay Packers [8-0)
Pick: Green Bay 37, Minnesota 12
OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK:
Denver Broncos (3-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-4)
Pick: Denver 28, Kansas City 6
Tennessee Titans (4-4) at Carolina Panthers (2-6)
Pick: Carolina 17, Tennessee 10
Buffalo Bills (5-3) at Dallas Cowboys (4-4)
Pick: Dallas 27, Buffalo 13
New Orleans Saints (6-2) at Atlanta Falcons (5-3)
Pick: New Orleans 31, Atlanta 26
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) at Indianapolis Colts (0-9)
One man's golden arm impacts the lives of others.- Clarence, the probationary angel
Pick: Jacksonville 20, Indianapolis 14
Washington Redskins (3-5) at Miami Dolphins (1-7)
Pick: Miami 26, Washington 7
Arizona Cardinals (2-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (3-5)
Patrick Peterson's 99-yard punt return for the go-ahead score in OT was the first of its kind in 16 years, and only the second in NFL history. This week, the Cards travel out to Philly for an early game. Can the Cards step up their game, since the Eagles are a 3-quarter team?
Pick: Philadelphia 27, Arizona 3
Houston Texans (6-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3)
The Texans are three games above .500 for the first time in their ten-year history, and they travel to Tampa to keep their streak going.
Pick: Houston 17, Tampa Bay 13
Baltimore Ravens (6-2) at Seattle Seahawks (2-6)
Pick: Baltimore 35, Seattle 7
Detroit Lions (6-2) at Chicago Bears (5-3)
Pick: Detroit 31, Chicago 27
New York Giants (6-2) at San Francisco 49ers (7-1)
The 49ers have won seven straight for the first time since the Spanish-American War, and seem to be on a streak. The Giants ended the Patriots' long home-winning streak last week with a 24-20 win in a rematch of Super Bowl XLII. Can the Giants snap another streak on the road this week?
Pick: San Francisco 24, NY Giants 17
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
New England Patriots at New York Jets (both 5-3)
Pick: NY Jets 28, New England 24
Notes: The Titans-Falcons game will be at 4:15PM next Sunday, and the Week 13 Colts-Patriots game has been flexed out of the Sunday Night slot and moved to 1PM. The Week 13 game will be either the Bengals-Steelers or Lions-Saints game. The Week 13 Packers-Giants game will remain on Fox.
BIG GAME THIS WEEK:
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals (both 6-2)
The bad news is that this is not the National Game on CBS. Can the Bengals actually beat a top-notch team? They failed to do so in Week 3 against San Francisco, but this will be Andy Dalton's biggest test to date as a young rookie as the Red Rifle goes to action against a Pittsburgh defense that LOVES to play the Bengals. Ben Roethlisberger has only lost twice in his home state of Ohio. On a sidebar, the rematch on December 4 at Heinz Field could be flexed into the Sunday Night slot, now that the Colts-Patriots game previously scheduled as the Sunday night game, has since been flexed out of it.
Pick: Pittsburgh 35, Cincinnati 13
GAME THAT NOBODY GIVES A **** ABOUT THIS WEEK:
St. Louis Rams (1-7) at Cleveland Browns (3-5)
Pick: Cleveland 14, St. Louis 6
THURSDAY NIGHT LIGHTS/DIVISION RACE:
Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers (both 4-4)
"Pick-Six" Palmer will be struck again...and again...and again...
Pick: San Diego 41, Oakland 3
MONDAY NIGHT LIGHTS:
Minnesota Vikings (2-6) at Green Bay Packers [8-0)
Pick: Green Bay 37, Minnesota 12
OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK:
Denver Broncos (3-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-4)
Pick: Denver 28, Kansas City 6
Tennessee Titans (4-4) at Carolina Panthers (2-6)
Pick: Carolina 17, Tennessee 10
Buffalo Bills (5-3) at Dallas Cowboys (4-4)
Pick: Dallas 27, Buffalo 13
New Orleans Saints (6-2) at Atlanta Falcons (5-3)
Pick: New Orleans 31, Atlanta 26
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) at Indianapolis Colts (0-9)
One man's golden arm impacts the lives of others.- Clarence, the probationary angel
Pick: Jacksonville 20, Indianapolis 14
Washington Redskins (3-5) at Miami Dolphins (1-7)
Pick: Miami 26, Washington 7
Arizona Cardinals (2-6) at Philadelphia Eagles (3-5)
Patrick Peterson's 99-yard punt return for the go-ahead score in OT was the first of its kind in 16 years, and only the second in NFL history. This week, the Cards travel out to Philly for an early game. Can the Cards step up their game, since the Eagles are a 3-quarter team?
Pick: Philadelphia 27, Arizona 3
Houston Texans (6-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3)
The Texans are three games above .500 for the first time in their ten-year history, and they travel to Tampa to keep their streak going.
Pick: Houston 17, Tampa Bay 13
Baltimore Ravens (6-2) at Seattle Seahawks (2-6)
Pick: Baltimore 35, Seattle 7
Detroit Lions (6-2) at Chicago Bears (5-3)
Pick: Detroit 31, Chicago 27
New York Giants (6-2) at San Francisco 49ers (7-1)
The 49ers have won seven straight for the first time since the Spanish-American War, and seem to be on a streak. The Giants ended the Patriots' long home-winning streak last week with a 24-20 win in a rematch of Super Bowl XLII. Can the Giants snap another streak on the road this week?
Pick: San Francisco 24, NY Giants 17
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
New England Patriots at New York Jets (both 5-3)
Pick: NY Jets 28, New England 24
Notes: The Titans-Falcons game will be at 4:15PM next Sunday, and the Week 13 Colts-Patriots game has been flexed out of the Sunday Night slot and moved to 1PM. The Week 13 game will be either the Bengals-Steelers or Lions-Saints game. The Week 13 Packers-Giants game will remain on Fox.
BREAKING NEWS: Penn State Trustees Fire Joe Paterno EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
LATE BREAKING NEWS:
The Penn State University Trustees fired both Penn State University President Graham Spanier and legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, effective immediately tonight. All of this is in the wake of a scandal that is rocking the Big Ten school.
In a year of scandals that rocked the Ohio State University, University of Miami, and University of North Carolina football programs and led to the departures of OSU and UNC coaches Jim Tressel and Butch Davis, respectively, all of the scandals in college football now pale in comparison to the sex abuse cover-up that is currently rocking the campus of quaint little Pennsylvania State University in College Station, Pennsylvania.
It was just reported that the trustees of Penn State have fired both the school's president Graham Spanier and all-time winningest Division I football coach Joe Paterno in the wake of this scandal which has already led to the resignations of other top officials at Penn State, in a cover-up that has lasted for years.
Who is to blame? Joe Pa? Penn State Administration? All of the above? While it is an unfortunate end to a long, illustrious career for Paterno, but first things come first. It is the responsibility for a person in a TRUSTED position to REPORT any wrongdoings, including things that can be considered serious crimes.
What went wrong is that Paterno and the now-receivers coach, Mike McCreary did not do enough. Paterno should have called the police and put this sick, perverted man (Jerry Sandusky, a once heir-apparent to Paterno) away for life. He didn't. That action has now forever tarnished the rich legacy that Paterno has had at State College, a reputation that will never be the same, and that will bury the Penn State football program for years to come.
But one thing is for certain, it is the end of an era in Happy Valley, but Joe Paterno's coaching career will not go gentle into that good night. Eddie Robinson, Lloyd Carr, Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel, and (in Indiana) Bob Knight were all forced out in one way or another, and now the all-time winningest college football coach will not be allowed to go out on his own terms. There will be no grand finale for Joseph Vincent Paterno. We will never see a college coach lead the same sideline for 46 seasons ever again.
Tom Bradley has been named the interim head football coach, and the Tom Bradley era, as short as it probably will be, begins on Senior Day on Saturday as Penn State hosts Nebraska.
Tomorrow, DJBC Sports Corner will release its weekly predictions.
The Penn State University Trustees fired both Penn State University President Graham Spanier and legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno, effective immediately tonight. All of this is in the wake of a scandal that is rocking the Big Ten school.
In a year of scandals that rocked the Ohio State University, University of Miami, and University of North Carolina football programs and led to the departures of OSU and UNC coaches Jim Tressel and Butch Davis, respectively, all of the scandals in college football now pale in comparison to the sex abuse cover-up that is currently rocking the campus of quaint little Pennsylvania State University in College Station, Pennsylvania.
It was just reported that the trustees of Penn State have fired both the school's president Graham Spanier and all-time winningest Division I football coach Joe Paterno in the wake of this scandal which has already led to the resignations of other top officials at Penn State, in a cover-up that has lasted for years.
Who is to blame? Joe Pa? Penn State Administration? All of the above? While it is an unfortunate end to a long, illustrious career for Paterno, but first things come first. It is the responsibility for a person in a TRUSTED position to REPORT any wrongdoings, including things that can be considered serious crimes.
What went wrong is that Paterno and the now-receivers coach, Mike McCreary did not do enough. Paterno should have called the police and put this sick, perverted man (Jerry Sandusky, a once heir-apparent to Paterno) away for life. He didn't. That action has now forever tarnished the rich legacy that Paterno has had at State College, a reputation that will never be the same, and that will bury the Penn State football program for years to come.
But one thing is for certain, it is the end of an era in Happy Valley, but Joe Paterno's coaching career will not go gentle into that good night. Eddie Robinson, Lloyd Carr, Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel, and (in Indiana) Bob Knight were all forced out in one way or another, and now the all-time winningest college football coach will not be allowed to go out on his own terms. There will be no grand finale for Joseph Vincent Paterno. We will never see a college coach lead the same sideline for 46 seasons ever again.
Tom Bradley has been named the interim head football coach, and the Tom Bradley era, as short as it probably will be, begins on Senior Day on Saturday as Penn State hosts Nebraska.
Tomorrow, DJBC Sports Corner will release its weekly predictions.
Friday, November 4, 2011
2011 NFL- Week 9
Coming Later
Big Game of the Week:
Baltimore Ravens (5-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
Pick: Pittsburgh 17, Baltimore 10
Early Games this Week:
Miami Dolphins (0-7) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)
Pick: Kansas City 35, Miami 10
Atlanta Falcons at Indianapolis Colts (soon to be 0-9)
Pick: Atlanta 31, Indianapolis 14
Tampa Bay Bucs at New Orleans Saints
Pick: New Orleans 28, Tampa Bay 24
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
Pick: Buffalo 34, NY Jets 20
Cleveland Browns (3-4) at Houston Texans (5-3)
Pick: Houston 35, Cleveland 7
San Francisco 49ers (6-1) at Washington Redskins (3-4)
Pick: San Francisco 28, Washington 0
Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys
Pick: Dallas 33, Seattle 15
LATE GAMES:
Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) at Tennessee Titans (4-3)
The Bengals are turning heads. 5-2 for the fourth time in 22 years, the previous three times the Bengals won their division and made the AFC Playoffs. The Bengals put the Seattle Seahawks away in the fourth quarter, courtesy of a 56-yard punt return by Brandon Tate and a 75-yard interception return by Reggie Nelson, both for touchdowns. This week, the Bengals head down to Music City for their fifth straight win, before they get snowballed with four straight AFC North matchups. Can the Bengals knock off the Titans, or will Chris Johnson have a productive game against the Tiger Stripes?
Pick: Tennessee 20, Cincinnati 17 (OT)
Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders
A tale of two quarterbacks. Tim Tebow was pummeled, embarrassed, and criticized after last week's blowout loss to Detroit, while two weeks ago, Carson Palmer laid an egg (plus three picks) in a 28-0 shutout loss to Kansas City. Who will win this one is the most important question?
Pick: Oakland 13, Denver 9
New York Giants at New England Patriots (5-2)
Pick: New England 31, NY Giants 27
St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals (both 1-6)
Pick: St. Louis 17, Arizona 14
Green Bay Packers (7-0) at San Diego Chargers (4-3)
Pick: Green Bay 38, San Diego 27
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Philadelphia 37, Chicago 13
BYE WEEKS: Detroit Lions (6-2), Minnesota Vikings (2-6), Carolina Panthers (2-6), Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
Big Game of the Week:
Baltimore Ravens (5-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
Pick: Pittsburgh 17, Baltimore 10
Early Games this Week:
Miami Dolphins (0-7) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)
Pick: Kansas City 35, Miami 10
Atlanta Falcons at Indianapolis Colts (soon to be 0-9)
Pick: Atlanta 31, Indianapolis 14
Tampa Bay Bucs at New Orleans Saints
Pick: New Orleans 28, Tampa Bay 24
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
Pick: Buffalo 34, NY Jets 20
Cleveland Browns (3-4) at Houston Texans (5-3)
Pick: Houston 35, Cleveland 7
San Francisco 49ers (6-1) at Washington Redskins (3-4)
Pick: San Francisco 28, Washington 0
Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys
Pick: Dallas 33, Seattle 15
LATE GAMES:
Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) at Tennessee Titans (4-3)
The Bengals are turning heads. 5-2 for the fourth time in 22 years, the previous three times the Bengals won their division and made the AFC Playoffs. The Bengals put the Seattle Seahawks away in the fourth quarter, courtesy of a 56-yard punt return by Brandon Tate and a 75-yard interception return by Reggie Nelson, both for touchdowns. This week, the Bengals head down to Music City for their fifth straight win, before they get snowballed with four straight AFC North matchups. Can the Bengals knock off the Titans, or will Chris Johnson have a productive game against the Tiger Stripes?
Pick: Tennessee 20, Cincinnati 17 (OT)
Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders
A tale of two quarterbacks. Tim Tebow was pummeled, embarrassed, and criticized after last week's blowout loss to Detroit, while two weeks ago, Carson Palmer laid an egg (plus three picks) in a 28-0 shutout loss to Kansas City. Who will win this one is the most important question?
Pick: Oakland 13, Denver 9
New York Giants at New England Patriots (5-2)
Pick: New England 31, NY Giants 27
St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals (both 1-6)
Pick: St. Louis 17, Arizona 14
Green Bay Packers (7-0) at San Diego Chargers (4-3)
Pick: Green Bay 38, San Diego 27
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Philadelphia 37, Chicago 13
BYE WEEKS: Detroit Lions (6-2), Minnesota Vikings (2-6), Carolina Panthers (2-6), Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
2011 College Football- Week 10
The 10th week of the 2011 College Football Season is underway...
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
# 1 LSU Tigers at # 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (Not on ESPN, but on CBS)
Coming later
In the meantime...
Pick: Alabama 37, LSU 24 (Alabama becomes the new # 1 on Sunday- Roll Tide!)
OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK:
USC Trojans at Colorado Buffaloes (Tonight)
Tonight, the Trojans will pound Colorado after losing a heartbreaker to Stanford.
Pick: USC 41, Colorado 5
Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio State Buckeyes
Why am I even picking this game? We already will know that the game will be over after the opening kickoff. Expect Braxton Miller to rip the weak Indiana defense to shreds.
Pick: Ohio State 76, Indiana 0
# 15 Michigan Wolverines at Iowa Hawkeyes
Last year (or the last two years), Michigan's downward spiral continued in November. This year will be different, as the Michigan defense will put Iowa away early. Iowa is on its downward spiral, after losing to Minnesota last week.
Pick: Michigan 31, Iowa 24
Minnesota Golden Gophers at # 17 Michigan State Spartans
Last week, Minnesota upset Iowa, while Michigan State got thumped in Lincoln. This week, the Gophers will be seeing GanGreen as Sparty buries the Gophers.
Pick: Michigan State 43, Minnesota 13
Vanderbilt Commodores at Florida Gators
Vanderbilt was a missed field goal away from almost upsetting Arkansas last week, after blowing a big lead in that game. This week, they travel down to Gainesville, where the Gators are in a rebuilding year of their own.
Pick: Florida 16, Vanderbilt 14
Duke Blue Devils at Miami Hurricanes
Duke has lost some close games (to Wake Forest and Virginia Tech). They are better than their record suggests.
Pick: Miami 33, Duke 13
# 4 Stanford Cardinal at Oregon State Beavers
Pick: Stanford 68, OSU 10
Purdue Boilermakers at # 20 Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin tries to get back on track after back-to-back heartbreaking losses to Michigan State and Ohio State.
Pick: Wisconsin 63, Purdue 6
Texas A&M Aggies at # 6 Oklahoma Sooners
Pick: Oklahoma 42, Texas A&M 10
# 13 Houston Cougars at UAB Blazers
If Andrew Luck had elected to go pro after last season, Case Keenum would definitely have a clear shot at the Heisman. Most touchdown passes of all-time for the Cougars.
Pick: Houston 73, UAB 13
# 9 South Carolina Gamecocks at # 7 Arkansas Razorbacks
If it weren't for a certain # 1 vs. # 2 matchup, this would be the SEC's biggest game of the week.
Pick: Arkansas 24, South Carolina 21
# 19 Arizona State Sun Devils at UCLA Bruins
Pick: Arizona State 27, UCLA 16
# 14 Kansas State Wildcats at # 3 Oklahoma State Cowboys
How long can OSU stay unbeaten? The Cowboys still have a huge target on their backs, even if they pull it out against K State, because dates with Oklahoma and Texas loom.
Pick: OSU 38, K State 31
Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Pick: Notre Dame 35, Wake 20
# 8 Oregon Ducks at Washington Huskies
Pick: Oregon 52, Washington 24
Marietta Pioneers at Otterbein Cardinals
Two year ago, the then 7th-ranked (and 7-0) Cardinals traveled down I-70 (and 77) to Marietta, where they got bit by the injury bug, and got upset by the 1-6 Pioneers, costing the Cardinals a shot of a return to the playoffs. The Cards, expected to place 4th in the OAC back in August, fell way short of expectations, losing six of their first seven OAC games.
Pick: Marietta 28, Otterbein 20
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
# 1 LSU Tigers at # 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (Not on ESPN, but on CBS)
Coming later
In the meantime...
Pick: Alabama 37, LSU 24 (Alabama becomes the new # 1 on Sunday- Roll Tide!)
OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK:
USC Trojans at Colorado Buffaloes (Tonight)
Tonight, the Trojans will pound Colorado after losing a heartbreaker to Stanford.
Pick: USC 41, Colorado 5
Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio State Buckeyes
Why am I even picking this game? We already will know that the game will be over after the opening kickoff. Expect Braxton Miller to rip the weak Indiana defense to shreds.
Pick: Ohio State 76, Indiana 0
# 15 Michigan Wolverines at Iowa Hawkeyes
Last year (or the last two years), Michigan's downward spiral continued in November. This year will be different, as the Michigan defense will put Iowa away early. Iowa is on its downward spiral, after losing to Minnesota last week.
Pick: Michigan 31, Iowa 24
Minnesota Golden Gophers at # 17 Michigan State Spartans
Last week, Minnesota upset Iowa, while Michigan State got thumped in Lincoln. This week, the Gophers will be seeing GanGreen as Sparty buries the Gophers.
Pick: Michigan State 43, Minnesota 13
Vanderbilt Commodores at Florida Gators
Vanderbilt was a missed field goal away from almost upsetting Arkansas last week, after blowing a big lead in that game. This week, they travel down to Gainesville, where the Gators are in a rebuilding year of their own.
Pick: Florida 16, Vanderbilt 14
Duke Blue Devils at Miami Hurricanes
Duke has lost some close games (to Wake Forest and Virginia Tech). They are better than their record suggests.
Pick: Miami 33, Duke 13
# 4 Stanford Cardinal at Oregon State Beavers
Pick: Stanford 68, OSU 10
Purdue Boilermakers at # 20 Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin tries to get back on track after back-to-back heartbreaking losses to Michigan State and Ohio State.
Pick: Wisconsin 63, Purdue 6
Texas A&M Aggies at # 6 Oklahoma Sooners
Pick: Oklahoma 42, Texas A&M 10
# 13 Houston Cougars at UAB Blazers
If Andrew Luck had elected to go pro after last season, Case Keenum would definitely have a clear shot at the Heisman. Most touchdown passes of all-time for the Cougars.
Pick: Houston 73, UAB 13
# 9 South Carolina Gamecocks at # 7 Arkansas Razorbacks
If it weren't for a certain # 1 vs. # 2 matchup, this would be the SEC's biggest game of the week.
Pick: Arkansas 24, South Carolina 21
# 19 Arizona State Sun Devils at UCLA Bruins
Pick: Arizona State 27, UCLA 16
# 14 Kansas State Wildcats at # 3 Oklahoma State Cowboys
How long can OSU stay unbeaten? The Cowboys still have a huge target on their backs, even if they pull it out against K State, because dates with Oklahoma and Texas loom.
Pick: OSU 38, K State 31
Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Pick: Notre Dame 35, Wake 20
# 8 Oregon Ducks at Washington Huskies
Pick: Oregon 52, Washington 24
Marietta Pioneers at Otterbein Cardinals
Two year ago, the then 7th-ranked (and 7-0) Cardinals traveled down I-70 (and 77) to Marietta, where they got bit by the injury bug, and got upset by the 1-6 Pioneers, costing the Cardinals a shot of a return to the playoffs. The Cards, expected to place 4th in the OAC back in August, fell way short of expectations, losing six of their first seven OAC games.
Pick: Marietta 28, Otterbein 20
Thursday, November 3, 2011
2011 Central Ohio High School Football: Week 11- The Second Season
After ten weeks of football, the dust cleared last weekend, as 192 Ohio football teams were left standing.
Tomorrow night, the playoffs begin statewide, as 96 teams will play at their home field for the final time this year.
There will be a lot of great matchups statewide, but DJBC Sports Corner is going to focus on the ones in the Columbus area.
UPSET SPECIAL: Gahanna Lincoln over Westerville Central
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK: Beechcroft Cougars at Big Walnut Eagles (Friday) and Dublin Coffman Shamrocks at Pickerington Central Tigers (Saturday)
DIVISION I (all games Saturday)
# 8 Olentangy Orange Pioneers [8-2) at # 1 Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (9-0)
The Pioneers are making their second appearance to the playoffs in the last three years, and in their fourth year of school history. Unfortunately, the Orangemen have to travel from their Polaris confines down the outerbelt to play a Davidson team that has allowed only 28 points through nine regular season games.
Pick: They are blue and white, and have the letter "H" on their helmets
# 7 Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-2) at # 2 Pickerington Central Tigers (7-2)
Pick: Pickerington Central
# 6 Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions at # 3 Westerville Central Warhawks (both 8-2)
The Warhawks are making their maiden voyage into the playoffs, and the only Central Ohio team to do so this year. Westerville Central turned a lot of heads this season. But, so did Gahanna.
Pick: Gahanna
# 5 Troy Trojans at # 4 Upper Arlington Golden Bears (both 8-2)
Pick: Upper Arlington
DIVISION II (all games on Friday)
# 8 Brookhaven Bearcats (7-3) at # 1 Marion-Franklin Red Devils (10-0)
This was a rematch of a Week 1 game, which saw the Red Devils nip the Cats 28-27. The Bearcats had an emotional rout of Mifflin last week, and jumped to the eighth and final seed for the playoffs. Brookhaven High School is on the short list of schools to close in the Columbus City School district, and the Bearcats don't want their season to end, because Brookhaven won't be guaranteed a next year.
Pick: Brookhaven
# 6 Ashland Arrows (6-4) at # 3 New Albany Eagles [8-2)
Pick: New Albany
# 5 Beechcroft Cougars (9-1) at # 4 Big Walnut Golden Eagles [8-2)
The Cougars are making their 14th postseason appearance in many years, but have only won three postseason games out of sixteen. The Eagles are making their seventh trip, and have a .700 postseason record (and a State Title in 2007) to prove it.
Pick: Big Walnut
DIVISION III (all games on Friday):
All we know is this- there will be a new State Champion as last year's champs, the Eagles of Watterson limped to a 3-7 record this year.
# 8 River Valley Vikings (7-3) at # 1 St. Francis DeSales Stallions (6-3)
Pick: DeSales
# 6 Urbana Hillclimbers at # 3 Eastmoor Academy Warriors (both 8-2)
Pick: Urbana
# 6 Logan Elm Braves (9-1) at # 3 Jonathan Alder Pioneers (10-0)
Logan Elm dropped their finale to Amanda-Clearcreek last week, and now they have to travel to Plain City? Eeek.
Pick: Jonathan Alder
DIVISION IV (all games on Saturday):
# 6 North Union Wildcats (9-1) at # 3 Bishop Hartley Hawks (9-0)
Pick: Hartley
# 7 Gnadenhutten Indian Valley Braves (7-3) at # 2 Johnstown Monroe Johnnies (10-0)
Nobody knows much about Gnadenhutten Indian Valley High School, except that it is the alma mater of the University of West Virginia hoops coach Bob Huggins. The football Braves are making their maiden playoff voyage.
Pick: Johnstown
# 6 Ironton Tigers (6-4) at # 3 Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (8-2)
Pick: Amanda-Clearcreek
DIVISION V (all games on Friday):
# 6 Ashland Crestview Cougars at # 3 Grandview Heights Bobcats (both 10-0)
If the Bobcats want to go to 11-0 after their emotional win over Liberty Union and the school's first 10-0 season, they may have to do it without their star running back.
Pick: Crestview
# 5 Portsmouth West Senators at # 4 Nelsonville-York Buckeyes (both 9-1)
Pick: Nelsonville-York
DIVISION VI (all games on Saturday):
# 6 Zanesville Bishop Rosecrans Bishops (6-4) at # 3 Danville Blue Devils (7-3)
Pick: Danville
Other Big Matches Around Ohio:
(Division I, Region 1 on Saturday)- # 6 Lakewood St. Edward Eagles (7-3) at # 3 Cleveland Heights (9-0)
This will probably be the classic trap game, because St. Ed's is better than their 7-3 record, and really has the upper hand, not only because they won the Division I State Title last year, but because Cleveland Heights, at 9-0, is making their first-ever playoff appearance.
(Division I, Region 4 on Saturday)- # 6 Mason Comets at # 3 Cincinnati St. Xavier Musketeers (both 7-3)
(Division III, Region 11 on Friday)- # 7 Thornville Sheridan Generals at # 2 Dover Tornadoes (both 9-1)
(Division III, Region 12 on Friday)- # 7 Jackson Ironmen at # 2 The Plains Athens Bulldogs (both 10-0)
(Division III, Region 12 on Friday)- # 5 Kettering Archbishop Alter Knights (10-0) at # 4 Dayton Thurgood Marshall Cougars (9-1)
For a complete listing of pairings, go to http://www.ohsaa.org/sports/ft/boys/TrmtInfo.htm.
Tomorrow night, the playoffs begin statewide, as 96 teams will play at their home field for the final time this year.
There will be a lot of great matchups statewide, but DJBC Sports Corner is going to focus on the ones in the Columbus area.
UPSET SPECIAL: Gahanna Lincoln over Westerville Central
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK: Beechcroft Cougars at Big Walnut Eagles (Friday) and Dublin Coffman Shamrocks at Pickerington Central Tigers (Saturday)
DIVISION I (all games Saturday)
# 8 Olentangy Orange Pioneers [8-2) at # 1 Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (9-0)
The Pioneers are making their second appearance to the playoffs in the last three years, and in their fourth year of school history. Unfortunately, the Orangemen have to travel from their Polaris confines down the outerbelt to play a Davidson team that has allowed only 28 points through nine regular season games.
Pick: They are blue and white, and have the letter "H" on their helmets
# 7 Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-2) at # 2 Pickerington Central Tigers (7-2)
Pick: Pickerington Central
# 6 Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions at # 3 Westerville Central Warhawks (both 8-2)
The Warhawks are making their maiden voyage into the playoffs, and the only Central Ohio team to do so this year. Westerville Central turned a lot of heads this season. But, so did Gahanna.
Pick: Gahanna
# 5 Troy Trojans at # 4 Upper Arlington Golden Bears (both 8-2)
Pick: Upper Arlington
DIVISION II (all games on Friday)
# 8 Brookhaven Bearcats (7-3) at # 1 Marion-Franklin Red Devils (10-0)
This was a rematch of a Week 1 game, which saw the Red Devils nip the Cats 28-27. The Bearcats had an emotional rout of Mifflin last week, and jumped to the eighth and final seed for the playoffs. Brookhaven High School is on the short list of schools to close in the Columbus City School district, and the Bearcats don't want their season to end, because Brookhaven won't be guaranteed a next year.
Pick: Brookhaven
# 6 Ashland Arrows (6-4) at # 3 New Albany Eagles [8-2)
Pick: New Albany
# 5 Beechcroft Cougars (9-1) at # 4 Big Walnut Golden Eagles [8-2)
The Cougars are making their 14th postseason appearance in many years, but have only won three postseason games out of sixteen. The Eagles are making their seventh trip, and have a .700 postseason record (and a State Title in 2007) to prove it.
Pick: Big Walnut
DIVISION III (all games on Friday):
All we know is this- there will be a new State Champion as last year's champs, the Eagles of Watterson limped to a 3-7 record this year.
# 8 River Valley Vikings (7-3) at # 1 St. Francis DeSales Stallions (6-3)
Pick: DeSales
# 6 Urbana Hillclimbers at # 3 Eastmoor Academy Warriors (both 8-2)
Pick: Urbana
# 6 Logan Elm Braves (9-1) at # 3 Jonathan Alder Pioneers (10-0)
Logan Elm dropped their finale to Amanda-Clearcreek last week, and now they have to travel to Plain City? Eeek.
Pick: Jonathan Alder
DIVISION IV (all games on Saturday):
# 6 North Union Wildcats (9-1) at # 3 Bishop Hartley Hawks (9-0)
Pick: Hartley
# 7 Gnadenhutten Indian Valley Braves (7-3) at # 2 Johnstown Monroe Johnnies (10-0)
Nobody knows much about Gnadenhutten Indian Valley High School, except that it is the alma mater of the University of West Virginia hoops coach Bob Huggins. The football Braves are making their maiden playoff voyage.
Pick: Johnstown
# 6 Ironton Tigers (6-4) at # 3 Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (8-2)
Pick: Amanda-Clearcreek
DIVISION V (all games on Friday):
# 6 Ashland Crestview Cougars at # 3 Grandview Heights Bobcats (both 10-0)
If the Bobcats want to go to 11-0 after their emotional win over Liberty Union and the school's first 10-0 season, they may have to do it without their star running back.
Pick: Crestview
# 5 Portsmouth West Senators at # 4 Nelsonville-York Buckeyes (both 9-1)
Pick: Nelsonville-York
DIVISION VI (all games on Saturday):
# 6 Zanesville Bishop Rosecrans Bishops (6-4) at # 3 Danville Blue Devils (7-3)
Pick: Danville
Other Big Matches Around Ohio:
(Division I, Region 1 on Saturday)- # 6 Lakewood St. Edward Eagles (7-3) at # 3 Cleveland Heights (9-0)
This will probably be the classic trap game, because St. Ed's is better than their 7-3 record, and really has the upper hand, not only because they won the Division I State Title last year, but because Cleveland Heights, at 9-0, is making their first-ever playoff appearance.
(Division I, Region 4 on Saturday)- # 6 Mason Comets at # 3 Cincinnati St. Xavier Musketeers (both 7-3)
(Division III, Region 11 on Friday)- # 7 Thornville Sheridan Generals at # 2 Dover Tornadoes (both 9-1)
(Division III, Region 12 on Friday)- # 7 Jackson Ironmen at # 2 The Plains Athens Bulldogs (both 10-0)
(Division III, Region 12 on Friday)- # 5 Kettering Archbishop Alter Knights (10-0) at # 4 Dayton Thurgood Marshall Cougars (9-1)
For a complete listing of pairings, go to http://www.ohsaa.org/sports/ft/boys/TrmtInfo.htm.
Friday, October 28, 2011
NFL 2011- Week 8 Schedule
The eighth week of the 2011 NFL Season takes place this weekend with 13 exciting games.
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
New England Patriots (5-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
Pick: New England 31, Pittsburgh 21
UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
Cincinnati Bengals (4-2) at Seattle Seahawks (2-4)
The Bengals have not done well after the bye week, historically. To add insult to this flesh wound, they are playing at Qwest Field. The Bengals have the edge with rookie receiver A.J. Green and second-year tight end Jermaine Gresham, over Seattle's unknown secondary, who have not had many big plays, except for Brandon Browner, who victimized Eli Manning for a 94-yard interception return for a touchdown in New York a few weeks back. Last week, the Seahawks failed to show up in a snoozefest of a game in Cleveland. If the Seahawks play like that against the Bengals, look for Andy Dalton to have a BIG day, and if the game was in Cincinnati instead of Seattle, the game would be blacked out, but the Seahawks secondary would be shredded. This could be a riveting trap game for the Bengals, who have the Titans, Steelers, Ravens, Browns, Steelers, and Texans, up next- in that order.
Pick: Seattle 24, Cincinnati 21
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK:
Dallas Cowboys (3-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)
Pick: Philadelphia 27, Dallas 19
OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK:
Arizona Cardinals (1-5) at Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are reunited, but on opposite sidelines.
Pick: Baltimore 33, Arizona 13
Minnesota Vikings (1-6) at Carolina Panthers (2-5)
Pick: Carolina 35, Minnesota 3
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5) at Houston Texans (4-3)
Pick: Houston 38, Jacksonville 10
Miami Dolphins (0-6) at New York Giants (4-2)
Pick: NY Giants 31, Miami 6
Indianapolis Colts (0-7) at Tennessee Titans (3-3)
Don't worry, Colts fans. After that 62-7 bloodbath in the Bayou on Sunday Night Football, it's only six months until the Colts draft Andrew Luck.
Pick: Tennessee 30, Indianapolis 3
New Orleans Saints (5-2) at St. Louis Rams (0-6)
Rams took a giant leap backwards from last year's almost-run to the playoffs. The Saints, pounded the Colts in the most lopsided game since the NFL-AFL merger 42 years ago. Drew Brees will not show the Rams any mercy. Someone get Steve Spagnuolo a drink.
Pick: New Orleans 41, St. Louis 0
Washington Redskins (3-3) at Buffalo Bills (4-2)- at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
Pick: Buffalo 34, Washington 17
Detroit Lions (5-2) at Denver Broncos (2-4)
Last week, Tim Tebow became a hero, leading the Broncos back from a 15-0 deficit, as the Broncos scored 18 unanswered points to win over Miami in overtime. This week, he has a tougher test with an improved Detroit team.
Pick: Detroit 27, Denver 23
Cleveland Browns (3-3) at San Francisco 49ers (5-1)
A long flight back to Lake Erie for the Browns.
Pick: San Francisco 37, Cleveland 14
Monday Night Football:
San Diego Chargers (4-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)
Pick: San Diego 30, Kansas City 16
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
New England Patriots (5-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
Pick: New England 31, Pittsburgh 21
UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
Cincinnati Bengals (4-2) at Seattle Seahawks (2-4)
The Bengals have not done well after the bye week, historically. To add insult to this flesh wound, they are playing at Qwest Field. The Bengals have the edge with rookie receiver A.J. Green and second-year tight end Jermaine Gresham, over Seattle's unknown secondary, who have not had many big plays, except for Brandon Browner, who victimized Eli Manning for a 94-yard interception return for a touchdown in New York a few weeks back. Last week, the Seahawks failed to show up in a snoozefest of a game in Cleveland. If the Seahawks play like that against the Bengals, look for Andy Dalton to have a BIG day, and if the game was in Cincinnati instead of Seattle, the game would be blacked out, but the Seahawks secondary would be shredded. This could be a riveting trap game for the Bengals, who have the Titans, Steelers, Ravens, Browns, Steelers, and Texans, up next- in that order.
Pick: Seattle 24, Cincinnati 21
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK:
Dallas Cowboys (3-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)
Pick: Philadelphia 27, Dallas 19
OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK:
Arizona Cardinals (1-5) at Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are reunited, but on opposite sidelines.
Pick: Baltimore 33, Arizona 13
Minnesota Vikings (1-6) at Carolina Panthers (2-5)
Pick: Carolina 35, Minnesota 3
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5) at Houston Texans (4-3)
Pick: Houston 38, Jacksonville 10
Miami Dolphins (0-6) at New York Giants (4-2)
Pick: NY Giants 31, Miami 6
Indianapolis Colts (0-7) at Tennessee Titans (3-3)
Don't worry, Colts fans. After that 62-7 bloodbath in the Bayou on Sunday Night Football, it's only six months until the Colts draft Andrew Luck.
Pick: Tennessee 30, Indianapolis 3
New Orleans Saints (5-2) at St. Louis Rams (0-6)
Rams took a giant leap backwards from last year's almost-run to the playoffs. The Saints, pounded the Colts in the most lopsided game since the NFL-AFL merger 42 years ago. Drew Brees will not show the Rams any mercy. Someone get Steve Spagnuolo a drink.
Pick: New Orleans 41, St. Louis 0
Washington Redskins (3-3) at Buffalo Bills (4-2)- at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
Pick: Buffalo 34, Washington 17
Detroit Lions (5-2) at Denver Broncos (2-4)
Last week, Tim Tebow became a hero, leading the Broncos back from a 15-0 deficit, as the Broncos scored 18 unanswered points to win over Miami in overtime. This week, he has a tougher test with an improved Detroit team.
Pick: Detroit 27, Denver 23
Cleveland Browns (3-3) at San Francisco 49ers (5-1)
A long flight back to Lake Erie for the Browns.
Pick: San Francisco 37, Cleveland 14
Monday Night Football:
San Diego Chargers (4-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)
Pick: San Diego 30, Kansas City 16
Thursday, October 27, 2011
2011 Central Ohio H.S. Football- This is It- Week # 10
I can't believe that this is the end of the high school football season. Where have the last ten weeks gone? On Sunday, 192 high schools from across the state will receive their Golden Tickets, courtesy of the OHSAA when the playoff pairings are officially announced.
According to Joe Eitel of JoeEitel.com, these area schools have already received their tickets in.
(Division I- Region 3)
Hilliard Davidson Wildcats [8-0; plays Hilliard Darby tomorrow night)
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-1; plays Upper Arlington tomorrow night)
(Division II- Region 7)
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (9-0; locked up # 1 seed; plays Columbus South tomorrow night)
New Albany Eagles (7-2; plays Mount Vernon tomorrow night)
Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2; plays Franklin Heights tomorrow night)
Beechcroft Cougars [8-1; plays Northland tomorrow night)
(Division III- Region 10)
St. Francis DeSales Stallions (5-3; currently # 1; plays Cleveland Benedictine tomorrow night)
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (7-2; plays Africentric Early College tomorrow night)
(Division III- Region 12)
Jonathan Alder Pioneers (9-0; currently # 1; plays defending D-III State Champ Bishop Watterson tomorrow night)
Logan Elm Braves (9-0; plays Amanda-Clearcreek tomorrow night)
(Division IV- Region 14)
Bishop Hartley Hawks [8-0; defending D-IV State Champs & # 1 in Region 14, plays Bishop Ready tomorrow night)
North Union Wildcats [8-1; plays Ridgedale tomorrow night)
(Division IV- Region 15)
Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (9-0; plays Northridge tomorrow night)
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (7-2; plays Logan Elm tomorrow night)
(Division V- Region 20)
Marion Pleasant Trojans (9-0; plays Galion Northmor tomorrow night)
Fighting for their Playoff Lives:
(Division I)
- Region 3:
# 4 Westerville Central Warhawks (7-2; plays Dublin Jerome tomorrow night)
# 5 Pickerington Central Tigers (6-2; plays Reynoldsburg tomorrow night)
# 6 Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (7-2; plays Groveport Madison tomorrow night)
# 7 Olentangy Orange Pioneers (7-2; plays Delaware Hayes tomorrow night)
# 8 Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-2; plays Dublin Coffman tomorrow night)
# 9 Pickerington North Panthers (7-2; plays Grove City tomorrow night)
# 10 Westerville South Wildcats (6-3; plays Olentangy Liberty tomorrow night)
# 12 Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3; plays Pickerington Central tomorrow night)
# 13 Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4; plays Westerville South tomorrow night)
# 14 Hilliard Darby Panthers (7-2; plays Hilliard Davidson tomorrow night)
(Division II)
- Region 7:
# 8 Mifflin Punchers [8-1; plays Brookhaven tomorrow night)
# 10 Canal Winchester Indians (6-3; plays Circleville tomorrow night)
# 13 Zanesville Blue Devils (5-4; plays Marietta tomorrow night)
# 14 Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3; plays Mifflin tomorrow night)
# 15 West Cowboys (6-3; plays Briggs tomorrow night)
(Division III)
- Region 10:
# 8 River Valley Vikings (6-3; plays Sparta Highland tomorrow night)
# 11 Independence 76ers (5-4; plays Walnut Ridge tomorrow night)
# 12 Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (3-6; plays Jonathan Alder tomorrow night)
# 13 Whitehall-Yearling Rams (5-4; plays Bexley tomorrow night)
# 14 Bexley Lions (5-4; plays Whitehall tomorrow night)
# 16 Buckeye Valley Barons (5-4; plays Elgin tomorrow night)
- Region 11:
# 10 Granville Blue Aces [8-1; plays Columbus Academy tomorrow night)
- Region 12:
# 7 Jackson Ironmen (9-0; plays Gallia Academy tomorrow night)
(Division IV)
- Region 14:
# 11 Galion Tigers (7-2; plays Ontario tomorrow night)
(Division V)
- Region 19:
# 4 Grandview Heights Bobcats (9-0; plays Liberty Union tomorrow night)
# 9 Jeromesville Hillsdale Falcons (9-0; plays Creston Norwayne tomorrow night)
# 10 Centerburg Trojans (7-2; plays Utica tomorrow night)
# 11 Liberty Union Lions [8-1; plays Grandview Heights tomorrow night)
- Region 20:
# 6 West Jefferson Roughriders (7-2; plays Berne Union tomorrow night)
# 8 Triad Cardinals (7-2; plays West Liberty Salem tomorrow night)
# 11 Fairbanks Panthers (6-3; plays DeGraff Riverside tomorrow night)
(Division VI)
- Region 23:
# 3 Danville Blue Devils (6-3; plays East Knox Saturday night)
# 11 Newark Catholic Green Wave (4-5; plays Hebron Lakewood tomorrow night)
# 13 Fairfield Christian Knights (6-3; plays Grove City Christian tomorrow night)
The other area schools not mentioned have all been Mathematically Eliminated from the playoffs.
Coming up later tonight...Picks. Who will get in? Who will win big games in Grandview, Upper Arlington, Pickerington, Gahanna, Easton, and others? Who will be disappointed? Can Hillsdale be 10-0 and miss the playoffs? Which 9-1 teams will fail to make the cut- Grandview Heights? Granville? Mifflin? Can Newark Catholic do what DeSales has done twice and make it in at 5-5? Can Watterson get in at 4-6? Can Hartley wrap up their first perfect regular season and a # 1 seed? Find out....later.
Sports Corner Top 10 (+ 15) for Week 10:
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats [8-0)
2) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (9-0)
3) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (9-0)
4) Grandview Heights Bobcats (9-0)
5) Bishop Hartley Hawks [8-0)
6) Johnstown Johnnies (9-0)
7) Logan Elm Braves (9-0)
8] Marion Pleasant Trojans (9-0)
9) Granville Blue Aces [8-1)
10) Beechcroft Cougars [8-1)
---------------------------------------------------------------
11) Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-1)
12) Pickerington North Panthers (7-2)
13) Pickerington Central Tigers (6-2)
14) Liberty Union Lions [8-1)
15) Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (7-2)
16) New Albany Eagles (7-2)
17) Eastmoor Academy Warriors (7-2)
18] North Union Wildcats [8-1)
19) Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-2)
20) Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2)
21) Mifflin Punchers [8-1)
22) Westerville Central Warhawks (7-2)
23) Olentangy Orange Pioneers (7-2)
24) Hilliard Darby Panthers (7-2)
25) Westerville South Wildcats (6-3)
Dropped Out: Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3), Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3)
Honorable Mention: Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3), Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3), West Cowboys (6-3), Centerburg Trojans (7-2), Independence 76ers (5-4), St. Francis DeSales Stallions (5-3), Whitehall-Yearling Rams (5-4), Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (6-3), Danville Blue Devils (6-3)
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Liberty Union Lions (8-1, 6-0) at Grandview Heights Bobcats (9-0, 6-0)
You can't script this any better. Winner takes all. Loser calls it a season. Winner gets in the playoffs. Loser calls it a season. Region 19 is so packed with talent, that there could be two 9-1 schools not make the final cut on Sunday. Grandview is looking for their first 10-0 season in School History, while Liberty Union is looking to win and hopefully get into the playoffs. This will be an interesting match.
Pick: Find out at Anderson Field in Grandview tomorrow night....
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 1 (The Battle of the Bishops):
Bishop Hartley Hawks [8-0) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (4-5)- at Dublin Scioto
This is the South Columbus version of the Watterson-DeSales rivalry. The Hawks are looking for their first-ever perfect regular season, just one year after winning it all. The Knights, who are already out of the playoff hunt, are looking to play spoiler. But, they'll have issues stopping the Hawks' run, which has been non-stoppable all year.
Pick: Hartley
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 2 (The Battle of Main Street):
Bexley Lions (5-4, 2-4) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (5-4, 3-3)
Pick: Whitehall
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 3 (Devil-Dog Night- SATURDAY):
East Knox Bulldogs (3-6, 3-3) at Danville Blue Devils (6-3, 3-3)
Pick: Danville
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 4 (The Battle of 256):
Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3, 4-2) at Pickerington Central Tigers (6-2, 6-0)
Last week, the playoffs began for the Raiders, and will end against Pick Central in the battle of these East Side suburbs connected by State Route 256.
Pick: Pick Central
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 5 (The Battle of Hilliard):
(Hilliard) Davidson Wildcats [8-0, 6-0) at (Hilliard) Darby Panthers (7-2, 4-2)
The staunch Davidson defense will make the Panthers pay for their cake schedule by knocking them out of the playoffs in the 4th Annual Battle of Hilliard.
Pick: Davidson
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 6 (The Battle of Worthington):
Thomas (Worthington) Cardinals at (Worthington) Kilbourne Wolves (both 3-6, 2-4)
Kilbourne has won all three meetings against Thomas, whose football program never recovered from the arrival of Kilbourne in 1991.
Pick: Kilbourne
OTHER "WIN OR GO HOME" GAMES THIS WEEK:
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-1, 5-1) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-2, 5-1)
Last week, the Golden Bears seven-game win streak was snapped as they ran into a "brick wall" known as the Hilliard Davidson defense. It doesn't get any better as they host Coffman.
Pick: Dublin Coffman
Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3, 5-1) at Mifflin Punchers [8-1, 5-1)
The Punchers hold on to the eighth and final slot in Region 7, which has a few teams waiting in the wings, including the team that Punchers coach Gregg Miller coached for 17 years- the Brookhaven Bearcats. Could this be the final Brookhaven game ever? Can the Bearcats go all the way to Easton and punch Mifflin out of the playoffs? Can Mifflin beat a team above .500 for the first time this season?
Pick: Brookhaven (Upset Special)
Westerville Central Warhawks (7-2, 4-2) at Dublin Jerome Celtics (4-5, 4-2)
The Warhawks were upset by Olentangy Liberty last week, and need to win at Jerome to make their first-ever playoff appearance in the school's nine-year history. The Celtics have already upset another Westerville school (South, 34-31 in overtime) this season, and would like to complete a season sweep of the Westerville City School district.
Pick: Dublin Jerome (Upset Pick)
Groveport Madison Cruisers (3-6, 1-5) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (7-2, 5-1)
Last year, Gahanna knocked Groveport out of the playoffs in Week 10. This year, the Cruisers are looking for a little deja vu. However, Gahanna is a stronger team, having quality wins over Pickerington North, Reynoldsburg, and playoff-bound DeSales.
Pick: Gahanna
Granville Blue Aces [8-1, 6-0) at Columbus Academy Vikings (5-4, 3-3)
The Blue Aces, currently 10th in Region 11, are looking for a win, plus a little help to get into the playoff race. The Blue Aces will keep up their part of the bargain, but will need fate to intervene.
Pick: Granville
West Jefferson Roughriders (7-2, 4-2) at Berne Union Rockets (2-7, 2-4)
Pick: West Jefferson
Circleville Tigers (2-7, 2-4) at Canal Winchester Indians (6-3, 4-2)
The Indians need a win badly to get into the playoffs, plus help from the Mifflin-Brookhaven game, among contests.
Pick: Canal Winchester
Utica Redskins (2-7, 1-5) at Centerburg Trojans (7-2, 4-2)
Pick: Centerburg
Westerville South Wildcats (6-3, 5-1) at Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4, 4-2)
Last year, Liberty upset playoff-bound South at South, and last week, Liberty upset Westerville Central. The Patriots (like Dublin Jerome) are looking to go 3-0 against the city of Westerville this season. But, the Wildcats have too much power on their side.
Pick: Westerville South
Grove City Greyhounds (3-6, 2-4) at Pickerington North Panthers (7-2, 4-2)
Pick: Pickerington North
Independence 76ers (5-4, 3-3) at Walnut Ridge Scots (4-5, 4-2)
It is a miracle that the Sixers are still in the playoff hunt, but they are, ranked 11th in Region 10, ahead of last year's D-III champs, Watterson.
Pick: Independence
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (3-6) at Jonathan Alder Pioneers (9-0)
There will be a new Division III State Champion, because the Eagles will be officially grounded by Alder. Flashback to last week, when the Eagles lost to St. Charles for the first time in 11 years, putting another nail in the Eagles' disappointing season. The playoff-bound Pioneers will give the Eagles the final knockout punch.
Pick: Jonathan Alder
ALL GAMES THIS WEEKEND:
(Central Catholic League)
Bishop Hartley Hawks [8-0) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (4-5)
(OCC Capital)
Olentangy Orange Pioneers (7-2, 5-1) at Delaware Hayes Pacers (2-7, 1-5)
Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2, 5-1) at Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (1-8, 0-6)
New Albany Eagles (7-2, 5-1) at Mount Vernon Yellowjackets (3-6, 3-3)
Watkins Memorial Warriors (4-5) at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (6-3, 3-3)
(OCC Cardinal)
Westerville Central Warhawks (7-2, 4-2) at Dublin Jerome Celtics (4-5, 4-2)
Westerville North Warriors (0-9, 0-6) at Olentangy Braves (4-5, 3-3)
Westerville South Wildcats (6-3, 5-1) at Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4, 4-2)
Dublin Scioto Irish (2-7, 1-5) at Marysville Monarchs (4-5, 2-4)
(OCC Central)
Thomas Worthington Cardinals at Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (both 3-6, 2-4)
Hilliard Davidson Wildcats [8-0, 6-0) at Hilliard Darby Panthers (7-2, 4-2)
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-1, 5-1) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-2, 5-1)
Westland Cougars (1-8, 0-6) at Central Crossing Comets (0-9, 0-6)
(OCC Ohio)
Grove City Greyhounds (3-6, 2-4) at Pickerington North Panthers (7-2, 4-2)
Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3, 4-2) at Pickerington Central Tigers (6-2, 6-0)
Newark Wildcats (0-9, 0-6) at Lancaster Golden Gales (4-5, 2-4)
Groveport Madison Cruisers (3-6, 2-4) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (7-2, 5-1)
(City League South)
Independence 76ers (5-4, 3-3) at Walnut Ridge Scots (4-5, 4-2)
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (9-0, 6-0) at Columbus South Bulldogs (0-9, 0-6)
West Cowboys (6-3, 3-3) at Briggs Bruins (4-5, 2-4)
Africentric Early College Nubians (2-7, 1-5) at Eastmoor Academy Warriors (7-2, 5-1)
(City League North)
Linden McKinley Panthers (2-7, 2-4) at East Tigers (1-8, 0-6)
Centennial Stars (2-7, 1-5) at Whetstone Braves (1-8, 1-5)
Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3, 5-1) at Mifflin Punchers [8-1, 5-1)
Northland Vikings (4-5, 4-2) at Beechcroft Cougars [8-1, 6-0)
(Mid State League Buckeye)
Teays Valley Vikings (4-5, 3-3) at Fairfield Union Falcons (0-9, 0-6)
Hamilton Township Rangers (4-5, 2-4) at Bloom-Carroll Bruins (3-6, 2-4)
Circleville Tigers (2-7, 2-4) at Canal Winchester Indians (6-3, 4-2)
Logan Elm Braves (9-0, 6-0) at Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (7-2, 5-1)
(Mid State League Cardinal)
Liberty Union Lions [8-1, 6-0) at Grandview Heights Bobcats (9-0, 6-0)
West Jefferson Roughriders (7-2, 4-2) at Berne Union Rockets (2-7, 2-4)
Harvest Prep Warriors (5-4, 2-4) at Millersport Lakers (0-9, 0-6)
Saturday- Licking Heights Hornets (4-5, 3-3) at Lancaster Fisher Catholic Irish (1-8, 1-5)- at Lancaster H.S.
(Mid State League Ohio)
Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1-8, 0-6) at Newark Catholic Green Wave (4-5, 3-3)- at Newark H.S.
Bexley Lions (5-4, 2-4) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (5-4, 3-3)
Granville Blue Aces [8-1, 6-0) at Columbus Academy Vikings (5-4, 3-3)
Heath Bulldogs (3-6, 2-4) at Licking Valley Panthers (6-3, 5-1)
(Mid Buckeye Conference)
Fredericktown Freddies (5-4, 4-2) at Loudonville Redbirds (3-6, 2-4)
Northridge Vikings (3-6, 0-6) at Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (9-0, 6-0)
Utica Redskins (2-7, 2-4) at Centerburg Trojans (7-2, 4-2)
Saturday- East Knox Bulldogs (2-7, 2-4) at Danville Blue Devils (6-3, 3-3)
(Mid Ohio Athletic Conference)
Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (5-4, 5-3) at Mount Gilead Indians (4-5, 3-5)
Buckeye Valley Barons (5-4, 4-4) at Elgin Comets (4-5, 3-5)
Morral Ridgedale Rockets (1-8, 1-7) at North Union Wildcats [8-1, 7-1)
Galion Northmor Golden Knights (0-9, 0-8] at Marion Pleasant Trojans (9-0, 8-0)
Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (3-6, 3-5) at River Valley Vikings (6-3, 6-2)
(South Central Ohio League)
Washington Court House Blue Lions (4-5, 3-2) at Miami Trace Panthers (5-4, 4-1)
Hillsboro Indians (1-8, 1-4) at Greenfield McClain Tigers (1-8, 0-5)
Madison Plains Golden Eagles (3-6, 1-4) at London Red Raiders (3-6, 3-2)
(Others)
Marion Harding Presidents at St. Charles Cardinals (both 3-6)
Westfall Mustangs (7-2, 4-2) at Huntington Huntsmen (0-9, 0-6)
Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (6-3) at Grove City Christian Eagles (4-5)
DeGraff Riverside Pirates (1-8) at Fairbanks Panthers (6-3)
According to Joe Eitel of JoeEitel.com, these area schools have already received their tickets in.
(Division I- Region 3)
Hilliard Davidson Wildcats [8-0; plays Hilliard Darby tomorrow night)
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-1; plays Upper Arlington tomorrow night)
(Division II- Region 7)
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (9-0; locked up # 1 seed; plays Columbus South tomorrow night)
New Albany Eagles (7-2; plays Mount Vernon tomorrow night)
Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2; plays Franklin Heights tomorrow night)
Beechcroft Cougars [8-1; plays Northland tomorrow night)
(Division III- Region 10)
St. Francis DeSales Stallions (5-3; currently # 1; plays Cleveland Benedictine tomorrow night)
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (7-2; plays Africentric Early College tomorrow night)
(Division III- Region 12)
Jonathan Alder Pioneers (9-0; currently # 1; plays defending D-III State Champ Bishop Watterson tomorrow night)
Logan Elm Braves (9-0; plays Amanda-Clearcreek tomorrow night)
(Division IV- Region 14)
Bishop Hartley Hawks [8-0; defending D-IV State Champs & # 1 in Region 14, plays Bishop Ready tomorrow night)
North Union Wildcats [8-1; plays Ridgedale tomorrow night)
(Division IV- Region 15)
Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (9-0; plays Northridge tomorrow night)
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (7-2; plays Logan Elm tomorrow night)
(Division V- Region 20)
Marion Pleasant Trojans (9-0; plays Galion Northmor tomorrow night)
Fighting for their Playoff Lives:
(Division I)
- Region 3:
# 4 Westerville Central Warhawks (7-2; plays Dublin Jerome tomorrow night)
# 5 Pickerington Central Tigers (6-2; plays Reynoldsburg tomorrow night)
# 6 Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (7-2; plays Groveport Madison tomorrow night)
# 7 Olentangy Orange Pioneers (7-2; plays Delaware Hayes tomorrow night)
# 8 Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-2; plays Dublin Coffman tomorrow night)
# 9 Pickerington North Panthers (7-2; plays Grove City tomorrow night)
# 10 Westerville South Wildcats (6-3; plays Olentangy Liberty tomorrow night)
# 12 Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3; plays Pickerington Central tomorrow night)
# 13 Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4; plays Westerville South tomorrow night)
# 14 Hilliard Darby Panthers (7-2; plays Hilliard Davidson tomorrow night)
(Division II)
- Region 7:
# 8 Mifflin Punchers [8-1; plays Brookhaven tomorrow night)
# 10 Canal Winchester Indians (6-3; plays Circleville tomorrow night)
# 13 Zanesville Blue Devils (5-4; plays Marietta tomorrow night)
# 14 Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3; plays Mifflin tomorrow night)
# 15 West Cowboys (6-3; plays Briggs tomorrow night)
(Division III)
- Region 10:
# 8 River Valley Vikings (6-3; plays Sparta Highland tomorrow night)
# 11 Independence 76ers (5-4; plays Walnut Ridge tomorrow night)
# 12 Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (3-6; plays Jonathan Alder tomorrow night)
# 13 Whitehall-Yearling Rams (5-4; plays Bexley tomorrow night)
# 14 Bexley Lions (5-4; plays Whitehall tomorrow night)
# 16 Buckeye Valley Barons (5-4; plays Elgin tomorrow night)
- Region 11:
# 10 Granville Blue Aces [8-1; plays Columbus Academy tomorrow night)
- Region 12:
# 7 Jackson Ironmen (9-0; plays Gallia Academy tomorrow night)
(Division IV)
- Region 14:
# 11 Galion Tigers (7-2; plays Ontario tomorrow night)
(Division V)
- Region 19:
# 4 Grandview Heights Bobcats (9-0; plays Liberty Union tomorrow night)
# 9 Jeromesville Hillsdale Falcons (9-0; plays Creston Norwayne tomorrow night)
# 10 Centerburg Trojans (7-2; plays Utica tomorrow night)
# 11 Liberty Union Lions [8-1; plays Grandview Heights tomorrow night)
- Region 20:
# 6 West Jefferson Roughriders (7-2; plays Berne Union tomorrow night)
# 8 Triad Cardinals (7-2; plays West Liberty Salem tomorrow night)
# 11 Fairbanks Panthers (6-3; plays DeGraff Riverside tomorrow night)
(Division VI)
- Region 23:
# 3 Danville Blue Devils (6-3; plays East Knox Saturday night)
# 11 Newark Catholic Green Wave (4-5; plays Hebron Lakewood tomorrow night)
# 13 Fairfield Christian Knights (6-3; plays Grove City Christian tomorrow night)
The other area schools not mentioned have all been Mathematically Eliminated from the playoffs.
Coming up later tonight...Picks. Who will get in? Who will win big games in Grandview, Upper Arlington, Pickerington, Gahanna, Easton, and others? Who will be disappointed? Can Hillsdale be 10-0 and miss the playoffs? Which 9-1 teams will fail to make the cut- Grandview Heights? Granville? Mifflin? Can Newark Catholic do what DeSales has done twice and make it in at 5-5? Can Watterson get in at 4-6? Can Hartley wrap up their first perfect regular season and a # 1 seed? Find out....later.
Sports Corner Top 10 (+ 15) for Week 10:
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats [8-0)
2) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (9-0)
3) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (9-0)
4) Grandview Heights Bobcats (9-0)
5) Bishop Hartley Hawks [8-0)
6) Johnstown Johnnies (9-0)
7) Logan Elm Braves (9-0)
8] Marion Pleasant Trojans (9-0)
9) Granville Blue Aces [8-1)
10) Beechcroft Cougars [8-1)
---------------------------------------------------------------
11) Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-1)
12) Pickerington North Panthers (7-2)
13) Pickerington Central Tigers (6-2)
14) Liberty Union Lions [8-1)
15) Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (7-2)
16) New Albany Eagles (7-2)
17) Eastmoor Academy Warriors (7-2)
18] North Union Wildcats [8-1)
19) Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-2)
20) Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2)
21) Mifflin Punchers [8-1)
22) Westerville Central Warhawks (7-2)
23) Olentangy Orange Pioneers (7-2)
24) Hilliard Darby Panthers (7-2)
25) Westerville South Wildcats (6-3)
Dropped Out: Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3), Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3)
Honorable Mention: Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3), Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3), West Cowboys (6-3), Centerburg Trojans (7-2), Independence 76ers (5-4), St. Francis DeSales Stallions (5-3), Whitehall-Yearling Rams (5-4), Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (6-3), Danville Blue Devils (6-3)
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Liberty Union Lions (8-1, 6-0) at Grandview Heights Bobcats (9-0, 6-0)
You can't script this any better. Winner takes all. Loser calls it a season. Winner gets in the playoffs. Loser calls it a season. Region 19 is so packed with talent, that there could be two 9-1 schools not make the final cut on Sunday. Grandview is looking for their first 10-0 season in School History, while Liberty Union is looking to win and hopefully get into the playoffs. This will be an interesting match.
Pick: Find out at Anderson Field in Grandview tomorrow night....
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 1 (The Battle of the Bishops):
Bishop Hartley Hawks [8-0) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (4-5)- at Dublin Scioto
This is the South Columbus version of the Watterson-DeSales rivalry. The Hawks are looking for their first-ever perfect regular season, just one year after winning it all. The Knights, who are already out of the playoff hunt, are looking to play spoiler. But, they'll have issues stopping the Hawks' run, which has been non-stoppable all year.
Pick: Hartley
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 2 (The Battle of Main Street):
Bexley Lions (5-4, 2-4) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (5-4, 3-3)
Pick: Whitehall
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 3 (Devil-Dog Night- SATURDAY):
East Knox Bulldogs (3-6, 3-3) at Danville Blue Devils (6-3, 3-3)
Pick: Danville
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 4 (The Battle of 256):
Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3, 4-2) at Pickerington Central Tigers (6-2, 6-0)
Last week, the playoffs began for the Raiders, and will end against Pick Central in the battle of these East Side suburbs connected by State Route 256.
Pick: Pick Central
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 5 (The Battle of Hilliard):
(Hilliard) Davidson Wildcats [8-0, 6-0) at (Hilliard) Darby Panthers (7-2, 4-2)
The staunch Davidson defense will make the Panthers pay for their cake schedule by knocking them out of the playoffs in the 4th Annual Battle of Hilliard.
Pick: Davidson
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 6 (The Battle of Worthington):
Thomas (Worthington) Cardinals at (Worthington) Kilbourne Wolves (both 3-6, 2-4)
Kilbourne has won all three meetings against Thomas, whose football program never recovered from the arrival of Kilbourne in 1991.
Pick: Kilbourne
OTHER "WIN OR GO HOME" GAMES THIS WEEK:
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-1, 5-1) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-2, 5-1)
Last week, the Golden Bears seven-game win streak was snapped as they ran into a "brick wall" known as the Hilliard Davidson defense. It doesn't get any better as they host Coffman.
Pick: Dublin Coffman
Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3, 5-1) at Mifflin Punchers [8-1, 5-1)
The Punchers hold on to the eighth and final slot in Region 7, which has a few teams waiting in the wings, including the team that Punchers coach Gregg Miller coached for 17 years- the Brookhaven Bearcats. Could this be the final Brookhaven game ever? Can the Bearcats go all the way to Easton and punch Mifflin out of the playoffs? Can Mifflin beat a team above .500 for the first time this season?
Pick: Brookhaven (Upset Special)
Westerville Central Warhawks (7-2, 4-2) at Dublin Jerome Celtics (4-5, 4-2)
The Warhawks were upset by Olentangy Liberty last week, and need to win at Jerome to make their first-ever playoff appearance in the school's nine-year history. The Celtics have already upset another Westerville school (South, 34-31 in overtime) this season, and would like to complete a season sweep of the Westerville City School district.
Pick: Dublin Jerome (Upset Pick)
Groveport Madison Cruisers (3-6, 1-5) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (7-2, 5-1)
Last year, Gahanna knocked Groveport out of the playoffs in Week 10. This year, the Cruisers are looking for a little deja vu. However, Gahanna is a stronger team, having quality wins over Pickerington North, Reynoldsburg, and playoff-bound DeSales.
Pick: Gahanna
Granville Blue Aces [8-1, 6-0) at Columbus Academy Vikings (5-4, 3-3)
The Blue Aces, currently 10th in Region 11, are looking for a win, plus a little help to get into the playoff race. The Blue Aces will keep up their part of the bargain, but will need fate to intervene.
Pick: Granville
West Jefferson Roughriders (7-2, 4-2) at Berne Union Rockets (2-7, 2-4)
Pick: West Jefferson
Circleville Tigers (2-7, 2-4) at Canal Winchester Indians (6-3, 4-2)
The Indians need a win badly to get into the playoffs, plus help from the Mifflin-Brookhaven game, among contests.
Pick: Canal Winchester
Utica Redskins (2-7, 1-5) at Centerburg Trojans (7-2, 4-2)
Pick: Centerburg
Westerville South Wildcats (6-3, 5-1) at Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4, 4-2)
Last year, Liberty upset playoff-bound South at South, and last week, Liberty upset Westerville Central. The Patriots (like Dublin Jerome) are looking to go 3-0 against the city of Westerville this season. But, the Wildcats have too much power on their side.
Pick: Westerville South
Grove City Greyhounds (3-6, 2-4) at Pickerington North Panthers (7-2, 4-2)
Pick: Pickerington North
Independence 76ers (5-4, 3-3) at Walnut Ridge Scots (4-5, 4-2)
It is a miracle that the Sixers are still in the playoff hunt, but they are, ranked 11th in Region 10, ahead of last year's D-III champs, Watterson.
Pick: Independence
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (3-6) at Jonathan Alder Pioneers (9-0)
There will be a new Division III State Champion, because the Eagles will be officially grounded by Alder. Flashback to last week, when the Eagles lost to St. Charles for the first time in 11 years, putting another nail in the Eagles' disappointing season. The playoff-bound Pioneers will give the Eagles the final knockout punch.
Pick: Jonathan Alder
ALL GAMES THIS WEEKEND:
(Central Catholic League)
Bishop Hartley Hawks [8-0) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (4-5)
(OCC Capital)
Olentangy Orange Pioneers (7-2, 5-1) at Delaware Hayes Pacers (2-7, 1-5)
Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2, 5-1) at Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (1-8, 0-6)
New Albany Eagles (7-2, 5-1) at Mount Vernon Yellowjackets (3-6, 3-3)
Watkins Memorial Warriors (4-5) at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (6-3, 3-3)
(OCC Cardinal)
Westerville Central Warhawks (7-2, 4-2) at Dublin Jerome Celtics (4-5, 4-2)
Westerville North Warriors (0-9, 0-6) at Olentangy Braves (4-5, 3-3)
Westerville South Wildcats (6-3, 5-1) at Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4, 4-2)
Dublin Scioto Irish (2-7, 1-5) at Marysville Monarchs (4-5, 2-4)
(OCC Central)
Thomas Worthington Cardinals at Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (both 3-6, 2-4)
Hilliard Davidson Wildcats [8-0, 6-0) at Hilliard Darby Panthers (7-2, 4-2)
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-1, 5-1) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-2, 5-1)
Westland Cougars (1-8, 0-6) at Central Crossing Comets (0-9, 0-6)
(OCC Ohio)
Grove City Greyhounds (3-6, 2-4) at Pickerington North Panthers (7-2, 4-2)
Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3, 4-2) at Pickerington Central Tigers (6-2, 6-0)
Newark Wildcats (0-9, 0-6) at Lancaster Golden Gales (4-5, 2-4)
Groveport Madison Cruisers (3-6, 2-4) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (7-2, 5-1)
(City League South)
Independence 76ers (5-4, 3-3) at Walnut Ridge Scots (4-5, 4-2)
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (9-0, 6-0) at Columbus South Bulldogs (0-9, 0-6)
West Cowboys (6-3, 3-3) at Briggs Bruins (4-5, 2-4)
Africentric Early College Nubians (2-7, 1-5) at Eastmoor Academy Warriors (7-2, 5-1)
(City League North)
Linden McKinley Panthers (2-7, 2-4) at East Tigers (1-8, 0-6)
Centennial Stars (2-7, 1-5) at Whetstone Braves (1-8, 1-5)
Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3, 5-1) at Mifflin Punchers [8-1, 5-1)
Northland Vikings (4-5, 4-2) at Beechcroft Cougars [8-1, 6-0)
(Mid State League Buckeye)
Teays Valley Vikings (4-5, 3-3) at Fairfield Union Falcons (0-9, 0-6)
Hamilton Township Rangers (4-5, 2-4) at Bloom-Carroll Bruins (3-6, 2-4)
Circleville Tigers (2-7, 2-4) at Canal Winchester Indians (6-3, 4-2)
Logan Elm Braves (9-0, 6-0) at Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (7-2, 5-1)
(Mid State League Cardinal)
Liberty Union Lions [8-1, 6-0) at Grandview Heights Bobcats (9-0, 6-0)
West Jefferson Roughriders (7-2, 4-2) at Berne Union Rockets (2-7, 2-4)
Harvest Prep Warriors (5-4, 2-4) at Millersport Lakers (0-9, 0-6)
Saturday- Licking Heights Hornets (4-5, 3-3) at Lancaster Fisher Catholic Irish (1-8, 1-5)- at Lancaster H.S.
(Mid State League Ohio)
Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1-8, 0-6) at Newark Catholic Green Wave (4-5, 3-3)- at Newark H.S.
Bexley Lions (5-4, 2-4) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (5-4, 3-3)
Granville Blue Aces [8-1, 6-0) at Columbus Academy Vikings (5-4, 3-3)
Heath Bulldogs (3-6, 2-4) at Licking Valley Panthers (6-3, 5-1)
(Mid Buckeye Conference)
Fredericktown Freddies (5-4, 4-2) at Loudonville Redbirds (3-6, 2-4)
Northridge Vikings (3-6, 0-6) at Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (9-0, 6-0)
Utica Redskins (2-7, 2-4) at Centerburg Trojans (7-2, 4-2)
Saturday- East Knox Bulldogs (2-7, 2-4) at Danville Blue Devils (6-3, 3-3)
(Mid Ohio Athletic Conference)
Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (5-4, 5-3) at Mount Gilead Indians (4-5, 3-5)
Buckeye Valley Barons (5-4, 4-4) at Elgin Comets (4-5, 3-5)
Morral Ridgedale Rockets (1-8, 1-7) at North Union Wildcats [8-1, 7-1)
Galion Northmor Golden Knights (0-9, 0-8] at Marion Pleasant Trojans (9-0, 8-0)
Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (3-6, 3-5) at River Valley Vikings (6-3, 6-2)
(South Central Ohio League)
Washington Court House Blue Lions (4-5, 3-2) at Miami Trace Panthers (5-4, 4-1)
Hillsboro Indians (1-8, 1-4) at Greenfield McClain Tigers (1-8, 0-5)
Madison Plains Golden Eagles (3-6, 1-4) at London Red Raiders (3-6, 3-2)
(Others)
Marion Harding Presidents at St. Charles Cardinals (both 3-6)
Westfall Mustangs (7-2, 4-2) at Huntington Huntsmen (0-9, 0-6)
Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (6-3) at Grove City Christian Eagles (4-5)
DeGraff Riverside Pirates (1-8) at Fairbanks Panthers (6-3)
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