COMPUTER RANKINGS (as of October 12):
If the playoffs began today, this is where Central Ohio league schools would be paired...
In reverse order-
Division VI, Region 23:
6) Fairfield Christian Academy (7-0) at 3) Malvern (4-3)
7) Glouster Trimble (4-3) at 2) Newark Catholic (6-1)
11th Place- Danville (5-2)
Division V, Region 20:
5) Versailles (5-2) at 4) West Jefferson (7-0)
8) Hamilton Badin (4-3) at 1) Richwood North Union (7-0)
9th Place- Fairbanks (5-1)
Division V, Region 19:
8) Caldwell (6-1) at 1) Fredericktown (7-0)
11th Place- Liberty Union (5-2)
Division IV, Region 16:
7) Carlisle (7-0) at 2) Clarksville Clinton-Massie (7-0)
5) Kenton (6-1) at 4) Jonathan Alder (6-1)
Division IV, Region 15:
8) Portsmouth (3-4) at 1) Ironton (5-2)
7) Albany Alexander (6-1) at 2) Bishop Hartley (6-1)
6) Sparta Highland (5-2) at 3) Heath (6-1)
5) Coshocton (6-1) at 4) Portsmouth West (7-0)
9th Place- Westfall (5-2), 10th Place- Amanda-Clearcreek (4-3), 11th Place- Marion Pleasant (4-3), 12th Place- Utica (4-3)
Division III, Region 12:
7) Washington Court House (6-1) at 2) Springfield Shawnee (6-1)
8) Gallipolis Gallia (5-2) at 1) Cincinnati St. Bernard Roger Bacon (5-2)
10th Place- Springfield Kenton Ridge (5-2), 11th Place- Chillicothe (3-4)
Division III, Region 11:
7) Licking Valley (5-2) at 2) Steubenville (6-1)
6) Thornville Sheridan (7-0) at 3) East Liverpool (6-1)
9th Place- Licking Heights (5-2), 10th Place- Granville (5-2)
Division III, Region 10:
6) Eastmoor Academy (4-2) at 3) Oak Harbor (6-1)
5) St. Francis DeSales (4-3) at 4) Bishop Watterson (5-1)- # 1 Rivalry Game of this week
Division II, Region 8:
9th Place- Teays Valley (5-2)
Division II, Region 7:
8) Zanesville (6-1) at 1) Marion-Franklin (7-0)
7) Canal Winchester (6-1) at 2) Big Walnut (7-0)
6) Dresden Tri-Valley (6-1) at 3) New Albany (7-0)
5) Uniontown Lake (5-2) at 4) St. Charles (5-2)
9th Place- Hamilton Township (6-1), 10th Place- Olentangy (4-3), 12th Place- Dublin Jerome (4-3)
Division I, Region 3:
8) Groveport Madison (5-2) at 1) Pickerington Central (6-0)- rematch of last week's 45-7 Pick Central blowout win
7) Troy (6-1) at 2) Springfield (6-1)
6) Hilliard Davidson (7-0) at 3) Westerville South (6-1)
5) Hilliard Darby (6-1) at 4) Dublin Coffman (6-1)- rematch of last week's thrilling 20-19 overtime win for Coffman over Darby
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORE PICKS:
Bishop Hartley Hawks (6-1) at Ironton Bulldogs (5-2)
# 2 vs. # 1- Yes, it is exactly the hype that it seems to be as Ironton and Bishop Hartley are the top two schools in their Division IV computer region. The key for # 1 Ironton to stop # 2 Bishop Hartley is to lock up Hartley's running game, led by Noah Key, who scored four touchdowns in last Saturday's spanking of Thurgood Marshall out in Dayton (Thurgood Marshall really succumbed to their easy schedule). This will be a great game down in Southern Ohio.
Pick: Ironton
Washington Court House Blue Lions (6-1, 3-0) at Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (7-0, 4-0)
Washington Court House was knocked off the ranks of the unbeatens as they were mauled by Jonathan Alder last week. This will either be a good showdown, or a Clinton-Massie blowout win.
Pick: Clinton-Massie
Centennial Stars (3-4, 2-2) at Columbus East Tigers (0-7, 0-4)
It's homecoming time at Harley Field as the East Tigers are looking to please their alumni with a "W". The last time Centennial was at East (in 2008), East jumped out to a 40-0 Halftime lead, en route to a 46-12 rout of the Tigers. Flash forward to this year--> If I predicted the outcome for this game in August, I would say that the Tigers would claw the Stars from the sky for the sixth straight year. However, not even the man whom Harley Field is named after (OSU great Chic Harley), or even Troy Bolton (an alumnus of another East High School) can save these Tigers from the Stars.
Pick: Centennial
Teays Valley Vikings (5-2, 4-0) at Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (4-3, 2-2)
The Vikes are on the out, looking in, in a region full of top Division II school from the Dayton and Cincinnati areas. A win over the Aces (plus help from aforementioned schools) could help steer the Viking ship towards the playoffs.
Pick: Amanda-Clearcreek
Gahanna Lincoln Lions (2-5, 1-3) at Grove City Greyhounds (3-4, 3-1)
Both of these schools are playing for pride at this point, but the Lions have lost close ones to Lancaster and Pickerington North. This one could be another close one, but the home team will prevail.
Pick: Grove City
Olentangy Braves (4-3, 2-2) at Westerville Central Warhawks (2-5, 2-2)
The Braves need a win and help to get closer to the playoffs, but will only get a win, but not the help they need to make it closer.
Pick: Olentangy
Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (0-7, 0-4) at Olentangy Orange Pioneers (4-3)
Last week, Orange Head Coach Brian Cross picked up his 200th win, with a spanking of Watkins Memorial. Cross will get his 201st over hapless Southwestern City School Franklin Heights.
Pick: Olentangy Orange
Briggs Bruins (5-2, 2-2) at Walnut Ridge Scots (5-2, 2-2)
Both teams are pretenders, not contenders. I'll repeat this again: both teams are pretenders, and not contenders. The equal 5-2 record for these schools is misleading, considering that neither the Bruins or Scots have beaten anyone with a winning record. However, Walnut Ridge blew their chance to do so last week, when a two-point conversion was nullified by an offensive penalty which cost Walnut Ridge the game against Eastmoor last week. The Scots should have no problem beating the Bruins.
Pick: Walnut Ridge
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (5-2, 3-1) at Westland Cougars (1-6, 0-4)
Last week, UA laid not one, not two, not even three, but a dozen TD's on Central Crossing. That's right, 84 points. The Bears might not set football back a few centuries in Galloway on Friday, they will be victorious on the bus ride back to UA.
Pick: Upper Arlington
Pickerington North Panthers (4-3, 2-2) at Lancaster Golden Gales (5-2, 3-1)
This is a must-win for both schools as Lancaster and Pick North are # 10 and # 11 in Region 3, respectively, entering Week 8. While North is up and coming and has the big offensive line, Lancaster could still knock off Pickerington North.
Pick: Lancaster
Reynoldsburg Raiders (3-4, 1-3) at Groveport Madison Cruisers (5-2, 2-2)
Last week, Groveport got flambasted by the top team in Central Ohio- Pickerington Central. This week, they will vent their frustrations out on Reynoldsburg.
Pick: Groveport
Fredericktown Freddies (7-0, 4-0) at Utica Redskins (4-3, 3-1)
Pick: Fredericktown
London Red Raiders (3-4, 2-1) at Hillsboro Indians (2-5, 1-2)
Pick: London
Johnstown Johnnies (4-3, 2-2) at Danville Blue Devils (5-2, 2-2)
Pick: Danville
In two weeks, a breakdown of the playoff scenarios....
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.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
NFL- Week 6 (ROCK-tober 17th & 18th)
OPEN DATES: Cincinnati Bungals (2-3), Carolina Panthers (0-5), Buffalo Bills (0-5), Arizona Cardinals (3-2)
UPSET OF THE WEEK: (TIE): Oakland def. San Diego 35-27 and Arizona def. New Orleans 30-20
COMEBACK OF THE WEEK: Tampa Bay def. Cincinnati 24-21
MILESTONE OF THE WEEK: Brett Favre's 500th, 501st, and 502nd touchdowns in a losing effort to the J-E-T-S, Jets- 29-20.
And now, Week 6 Picks:
GAME OF THE WEEK: Cleveland Browns (1-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) (or Cleveland Clowns at Pittsburgh Stealers)- 1:00PM EDT at Heinz Field (Pittsburgh, PA) on CBS
The band Kansas said this, Carry on My Wayward Son. That is what Browns Head Coach Eric Mangini is thinking as rookie Colt McCoy could be introduced to the NFL world on Sunday at Heinz Field. This is also a homecoming for Ben Roethlisberger, returning from a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy. That shouldn't mean much for the Browns, as last week, the Browns did not lead in the fourth quarter for the first time this year, losing 20-10 to Atlanta. This will be the second week in a row that the Browns will not lead in the fourth quarter as Roethlisberger will have a big day in his return to the Steelers.
Pick: Pittsburgh 27-0 (possibly the first shutout of the season)
SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES:
(Fox has the Doubleheader this Weekend)
Miami Dolphins (2-2) at Green Bay Packers (3-2)- 1:00PM EDT at Lambeau Field (Green Bay, WI) on CBS
It's official: The Packers are literally becoming a M*A*S*H unit full of injuries, as last week, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (with a concussion) succumbed to the injury bug that is infecting the Packers starters, having already lost running back Ryan Grant, and possibly, tight end Jermichael Finley for the season. The Dolphins fired their special teams coach after their Monday Night (Special Teams) Meltdown against New England, allowing a blocked field goal and kickoff return for touchdowns, and a blocked punt that set up another touchdown. The Dolphins (fresh off a bye) are looking to clean up their shortcomings against an injury-depleted Packers team, fresh off an overtime loss in our Nation's Capital.
Pick: Miami 21-13
Detroit Lions (1-4) at New York Giants (3-2)- 1:00PM EDT at New Meadowlands Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ) on Fox
Last week, Detroit poured on the points against St. Louis for the Lions' first win of the season. That may prove to be a fluke as the Lions march their way into the New Meadowlands Stadium on Sunday.
Pick: NY Giants 37-7
Seattle Seahawks (2-2) at Chicago Bears (4-1)- 1:00PM EDT at Soldier Field (Chicago, IL) on Fox
On paper, Seattle is screwed due to the fact it is a one o'clock kickoff on the East Coast (or in the case of this game, Noon), and Seattle is a West Coast team. The "Monsters of the Midway" crushed Carolina in DE Julius Peppers' homecoming to Carolina last week. These Monsters of the Midway will have no problem shutting down the Seahawks.
Pick: Chicago 31-3
New Orleans Saints (3-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)- 1:00PM EDT at Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL) on Fox
Last week, the Bucs proved that the Bengals are the same old Bungles by capitalizing on their mistakes, and Connor Barth kicked the game-winning field goal with five seconds left in a 24-21 Tampa Bay win. Then, the Saints went out to Arizona, and gave the ball away, in fact, Arizona's defense scored three times in a 30-20 win for Arizona. The Bucs can prove they are for real, by knocking off the defending Super Bowl Champs on (Tampa's) home field.
Pick: Tampa Bay 26-21
Atlanta Falcons (4-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)- 1:00PM EDT at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA) on Fox
Once upon a time, Michael Vick was the quarterback for the Falcons, and was their big star (until he went to prison). Now, Vick's former team visits his current team. For Atlanta, quarterback Matt Ryan grew up an Eagles fan, so this is a homecoming of sorts for the young quarterback, and he won't disappoint his hometown fans while the Eagles are still playing musical quarterbacks.
Pick: Atlanta 24-14
Kansas City Chiefs (3-1) at Houston Texans (3-2)- 1:00PM EDT at Reliant Stadium (Houston, TX) on CBS
Expect to see one, if not both of these teams playing an extra weekend (or two) in January. The Chiefs- the last unbeaten team fell in Indy last week, as the Colts forged a four-way tie in the AFC South (all four AFC teams were tied for first...and last in the division). This week, the tie is going to be broken, and the Texans might fall to .500 if they can't stop the dangerously explosive Chiefs.
Pick: Kansas City 20-14
San Diego Chargers (2-3) at St. Louis Rams (2-3)- 1:00PM EDT at Edward Jones Dome (St. Louis, MO) on CBS
The Chargers saw their 13-game stronghold on Oakland evaporate last week, due to a barrage of special teams (two blocked punts = 9 points for Oakland) mistakes and turnovers (including a 64-yard fumble return for a touchdown to seal the win for Oakland). The Chargers have an early start in St. Louis, which is coming off being embarrassed in the Motor City.
Pick: San Diego 19-16
Baltimore Ravens (4-1) at New England Patriots (3-1)- 1:00PM EDT at Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA) on CBS
The last time these two met, the Ravens defense outplayed New England, knocking the Pats out of the playoffs- 33 to 14. Since the Patriots last played two weeks ago, they traded Randy Moss to the Vikings and picked up Super Bowl XXXIX MVP Deion Branch via a trade from Seattle. Look for the Ravens D to dominate the Patriots front five.
Pick: Baltimore 27-17
New York Jets (4-1) at Denver Broncos (2-3)- 4:00PM EDT at Invesco Field @ Mile High (Denver, CO) on CBS
The Jets take their four-game win streak up a mile (literally) as the Jets fly into Denver to play the Broncos. The Jets defense has been real solid all year long, and they will expect to have a top-notch job in stopping Denver's offense from doing anything.
Pick: NY Jets 31-14
Oakland Raiders (2-3) at San Francisco 49ers (0-5)- 4:00PM EDT at Candlestick Park (San Francisco, CA) on CBS- Singletary's Last Stand?
The Battle of the Bay- the last time that Oakland and San Francisco were on edge in October for a sporting event, it was the 1989 World Series. 21 years later, the Raiders and 49ers converge in the place where the famous 1989 Earthquake brought the two sports towns together. Last week, the Raiders used special teams and defense to snap their 13-game skid to the San Diego Chargers. The Raiders could be seeing the light in San Francisco, while the 49ers are slipping into a black hole, in which they won't be able to recover. Is Jim Tressel available to coach the 49ers?
Pick: Oakland 27-17
Dallas Cowboys (1-3) at Minnesota Vikings (1-3)- 4:15PM EDT at Mall of America Field (Minneapolis, MN) on Fox
An interesting fact about this matchup is that wide receiver Randy Moss is 7-0 against the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys, favored to have a deep playoff run, are playing miserably, as their own mistakes have cost them games, while the Vikings may have a quarterback issue of their own, concerning Brett Favre- involving both an injury and allegations that Favre may have broken the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy by allegedly sending questionable texts to a sideline reporter. Favre will meet with an NFL official during the week on that matter. In the meantime, it will be all business on the field
Pick: Minnesota 28-20
SUNDAY NIGHT GAME:
Indianapolis Colts (3-2) at Washington Redskins (3-2)- 8:20PM EDT at FedEx Field (Landover, MD) on NBC
The Colts aren't the same Colts of the past, but as long as Peyton Manning is strong-bodied and healthy, there isn't a reason why the Colts should not win this game.
Pick: Indianapolis 28-21
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Tennessee Titans (3-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2)- 8:30PM EDT at EverBank Field (Jacksonville, FL) on ESPN
Both of these teams are half of the teams in the AFC South that are tied for first place in the AFC South. However, only the winner of this game will still be in first place in the division. Tennessee has the edge, when they are perfect. However, don't be surprised if Jacksonville pulls this one out.
Pick: Tennessee 24-20
SPORTS CORNER TOP EIGHT and BOTTOM FOUR:
1) NY Jets (4-1)
2) Baltimore (4-1)
3) Pittsburgh (3-1)
4) Atlanta (4-1)
5) Tampa Bay (3-1)
6) Kansas City (3-1)
7) Chicago (4-1)
8) New England (3-1)
and
29) Cleveland (1-4)
30) San Francisco (0-5)
31) Buffalo (0-5)
32) Carolina (0-5)
UPSET OF THE WEEK: (TIE): Oakland def. San Diego 35-27 and Arizona def. New Orleans 30-20
COMEBACK OF THE WEEK: Tampa Bay def. Cincinnati 24-21
MILESTONE OF THE WEEK: Brett Favre's 500th, 501st, and 502nd touchdowns in a losing effort to the J-E-T-S, Jets- 29-20.
And now, Week 6 Picks:
GAME OF THE WEEK: Cleveland Browns (1-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) (or Cleveland Clowns at Pittsburgh Stealers)- 1:00PM EDT at Heinz Field (Pittsburgh, PA) on CBS
The band Kansas said this, Carry on My Wayward Son. That is what Browns Head Coach Eric Mangini is thinking as rookie Colt McCoy could be introduced to the NFL world on Sunday at Heinz Field. This is also a homecoming for Ben Roethlisberger, returning from a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy. That shouldn't mean much for the Browns, as last week, the Browns did not lead in the fourth quarter for the first time this year, losing 20-10 to Atlanta. This will be the second week in a row that the Browns will not lead in the fourth quarter as Roethlisberger will have a big day in his return to the Steelers.
Pick: Pittsburgh 27-0 (possibly the first shutout of the season)
SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES:
(Fox has the Doubleheader this Weekend)
Miami Dolphins (2-2) at Green Bay Packers (3-2)- 1:00PM EDT at Lambeau Field (Green Bay, WI) on CBS
It's official: The Packers are literally becoming a M*A*S*H unit full of injuries, as last week, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (with a concussion) succumbed to the injury bug that is infecting the Packers starters, having already lost running back Ryan Grant, and possibly, tight end Jermichael Finley for the season. The Dolphins fired their special teams coach after their Monday Night (Special Teams) Meltdown against New England, allowing a blocked field goal and kickoff return for touchdowns, and a blocked punt that set up another touchdown. The Dolphins (fresh off a bye) are looking to clean up their shortcomings against an injury-depleted Packers team, fresh off an overtime loss in our Nation's Capital.
Pick: Miami 21-13
Detroit Lions (1-4) at New York Giants (3-2)- 1:00PM EDT at New Meadowlands Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ) on Fox
Last week, Detroit poured on the points against St. Louis for the Lions' first win of the season. That may prove to be a fluke as the Lions march their way into the New Meadowlands Stadium on Sunday.
Pick: NY Giants 37-7
Seattle Seahawks (2-2) at Chicago Bears (4-1)- 1:00PM EDT at Soldier Field (Chicago, IL) on Fox
On paper, Seattle is screwed due to the fact it is a one o'clock kickoff on the East Coast (or in the case of this game, Noon), and Seattle is a West Coast team. The "Monsters of the Midway" crushed Carolina in DE Julius Peppers' homecoming to Carolina last week. These Monsters of the Midway will have no problem shutting down the Seahawks.
Pick: Chicago 31-3
New Orleans Saints (3-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)- 1:00PM EDT at Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL) on Fox
Last week, the Bucs proved that the Bengals are the same old Bungles by capitalizing on their mistakes, and Connor Barth kicked the game-winning field goal with five seconds left in a 24-21 Tampa Bay win. Then, the Saints went out to Arizona, and gave the ball away, in fact, Arizona's defense scored three times in a 30-20 win for Arizona. The Bucs can prove they are for real, by knocking off the defending Super Bowl Champs on (Tampa's) home field.
Pick: Tampa Bay 26-21
Atlanta Falcons (4-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)- 1:00PM EDT at Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA) on Fox
Once upon a time, Michael Vick was the quarterback for the Falcons, and was their big star (until he went to prison). Now, Vick's former team visits his current team. For Atlanta, quarterback Matt Ryan grew up an Eagles fan, so this is a homecoming of sorts for the young quarterback, and he won't disappoint his hometown fans while the Eagles are still playing musical quarterbacks.
Pick: Atlanta 24-14
Kansas City Chiefs (3-1) at Houston Texans (3-2)- 1:00PM EDT at Reliant Stadium (Houston, TX) on CBS
Expect to see one, if not both of these teams playing an extra weekend (or two) in January. The Chiefs- the last unbeaten team fell in Indy last week, as the Colts forged a four-way tie in the AFC South (all four AFC teams were tied for first...and last in the division). This week, the tie is going to be broken, and the Texans might fall to .500 if they can't stop the dangerously explosive Chiefs.
Pick: Kansas City 20-14
San Diego Chargers (2-3) at St. Louis Rams (2-3)- 1:00PM EDT at Edward Jones Dome (St. Louis, MO) on CBS
The Chargers saw their 13-game stronghold on Oakland evaporate last week, due to a barrage of special teams (two blocked punts = 9 points for Oakland) mistakes and turnovers (including a 64-yard fumble return for a touchdown to seal the win for Oakland). The Chargers have an early start in St. Louis, which is coming off being embarrassed in the Motor City.
Pick: San Diego 19-16
Baltimore Ravens (4-1) at New England Patriots (3-1)- 1:00PM EDT at Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, MA) on CBS
The last time these two met, the Ravens defense outplayed New England, knocking the Pats out of the playoffs- 33 to 14. Since the Patriots last played two weeks ago, they traded Randy Moss to the Vikings and picked up Super Bowl XXXIX MVP Deion Branch via a trade from Seattle. Look for the Ravens D to dominate the Patriots front five.
Pick: Baltimore 27-17
New York Jets (4-1) at Denver Broncos (2-3)- 4:00PM EDT at Invesco Field @ Mile High (Denver, CO) on CBS
The Jets take their four-game win streak up a mile (literally) as the Jets fly into Denver to play the Broncos. The Jets defense has been real solid all year long, and they will expect to have a top-notch job in stopping Denver's offense from doing anything.
Pick: NY Jets 31-14
Oakland Raiders (2-3) at San Francisco 49ers (0-5)- 4:00PM EDT at Candlestick Park (San Francisco, CA) on CBS- Singletary's Last Stand?
The Battle of the Bay- the last time that Oakland and San Francisco were on edge in October for a sporting event, it was the 1989 World Series. 21 years later, the Raiders and 49ers converge in the place where the famous 1989 Earthquake brought the two sports towns together. Last week, the Raiders used special teams and defense to snap their 13-game skid to the San Diego Chargers. The Raiders could be seeing the light in San Francisco, while the 49ers are slipping into a black hole, in which they won't be able to recover. Is Jim Tressel available to coach the 49ers?
Pick: Oakland 27-17
Dallas Cowboys (1-3) at Minnesota Vikings (1-3)- 4:15PM EDT at Mall of America Field (Minneapolis, MN) on Fox
An interesting fact about this matchup is that wide receiver Randy Moss is 7-0 against the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys, favored to have a deep playoff run, are playing miserably, as their own mistakes have cost them games, while the Vikings may have a quarterback issue of their own, concerning Brett Favre- involving both an injury and allegations that Favre may have broken the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy by allegedly sending questionable texts to a sideline reporter. Favre will meet with an NFL official during the week on that matter. In the meantime, it will be all business on the field
Pick: Minnesota 28-20
SUNDAY NIGHT GAME:
Indianapolis Colts (3-2) at Washington Redskins (3-2)- 8:20PM EDT at FedEx Field (Landover, MD) on NBC
The Colts aren't the same Colts of the past, but as long as Peyton Manning is strong-bodied and healthy, there isn't a reason why the Colts should not win this game.
Pick: Indianapolis 28-21
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Tennessee Titans (3-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2)- 8:30PM EDT at EverBank Field (Jacksonville, FL) on ESPN
Both of these teams are half of the teams in the AFC South that are tied for first place in the AFC South. However, only the winner of this game will still be in first place in the division. Tennessee has the edge, when they are perfect. However, don't be surprised if Jacksonville pulls this one out.
Pick: Tennessee 24-20
SPORTS CORNER TOP EIGHT and BOTTOM FOUR:
1) NY Jets (4-1)
2) Baltimore (4-1)
3) Pittsburgh (3-1)
4) Atlanta (4-1)
5) Tampa Bay (3-1)
6) Kansas City (3-1)
7) Chicago (4-1)
8) New England (3-1)
and
29) Cleveland (1-4)
30) San Francisco (0-5)
31) Buffalo (0-5)
32) Carolina (0-5)
Monday, October 11, 2010
High School Football- Week 8: Rivalry Week Picks
It is "Rivalry Week" here at Sports Corner, and there are a lot of high school rivalries taking place this week (and more rivalries in Week 10). Later this week, there will be a special story on what makes rivalries, well, rivalries.
RIVALRY GAMES OF THE WEEK:
There will be 14 Games of the Week this week.
# 1- St. Francis DeSales Stallions (4-3, 1-0) vs. Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (5-1, 0-0) at Columbus Crew Stadium
The Stallions have won the last five years (in both the regular season and the playoffs), after Watterson won six of the last seven regular season meetings, dating from 1999 to 2005. Since 1978, the rivalry has been a rivalry, with both teams winning 19 games (DeSales has a 17-15 edge in the regular season) each- including the playoffs. The wind was at the Stallions back the last few years. But after losses to New Albany, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (from Michigan), and a 62-0 shellacking by one of the top schools in Ohio- Lakewood St. Ed's, the wind is in DeSales's face. And so will Bishop Watterson.
BONUS COVERAGE: A story on the rivalry from a Watterson alum.
Pick: Watterson
# 2- Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-0, 4-0) at New Albany Eagles (7-0, 4-0)
There is a 100 percent chance that the Eagles will win this game. There is also a 100 percent chance that they will also lose this game. Big Walnut looks vulnerable to lose this game, because their offense still hasn't scored more than 28 points this season, and last week, they struggled in putting away Delaware Hayes, despite not letting the Pacers score at all. New Albany, on the other hand, has only one quality win over DeSales, plus surviving a scare from Olentangy Orange. Big Walnut's defense could make New Albany look vulnerable.
Pick: New Albany
# 3- Beechcroft Cougars (5-2, 4-0) at Brookhaven Bearcats (4-3, 4-0)
This is the premier rivalry in the City League North. In order to win that division, teams have to go through these two schools, and nobody in the City League North has been able to accomplish that. With that said, the wind is still in Brookhaven's face, because of their tough non-league schedule, and that this could actually be Beechcroft's year to win one from their rivals.
Pick: Beechcroft
# 4- Marion-Franklin Red Devils (7-0, 4-0) at Eastmoor Academy Warriors (4-2, 4-0)
This is a must-win for the Warriors if they want to make it to the playoffs. The Red Devils have been unstoppable this season. This will be a great test for Marion-Franklin, as the Warriors are looking to extend their season into November.
Pick: Marion-Franklin
# 5- Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (7-0, 4-0) at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (6-1, 4-0)
The last time these two met, Davidson ended Coffman's season in the Region 3 Championship, en route to a Division I State Title. Coffman is eager to return the favor, because the last school that Davidson lost to...was Dublin Coffman.
Pick: Hilliard Davidson
# 6- Bexley Lions (3-4, 1-3) at Columbus Academy Vikings (3-4, 1-3)
These two schools play for an interesting trophy, which is called the "Mayor-Headmaster Trophy". The Lions haven't put up big numbers in the games that have mattered, and trying to stop Academy's running game will be a big task for Bexley.
Pick: Columbus Academy
# 7- Westerville South Wildcats (6-1, 4-0) at Westerville North Warriors (0-7, 0-4)
Westerville South is running all over its opponents, having won six straight. However, this all has the makings of a trap game up at Westerville North on Friday night, as their crosstown rivals, Westerville North- losers of 22 straight, are looking to upset their rivals. The last time South was at North (in 2008), the Wildcats escaped with a 30-24 double overtime win.
Pick: Westerville...South
# 8- Northland Vikings (5-2, 3-1) at Whetstone Braves (2-5, 2-2)
This was a big rivalry in the 1980s between these two North side City League schools. In 2010, the Vikings- ranked 11th in Region 3 in last week's Computer Rankings, are looking to inch up closer. The Braves are looking for an upset.
Pick: Northland
# 9- Canal Winchester Indians (6-1, 4-0) at Hamilton Township Rangers (6-1, 4-0)
This Mid-State League matchup features two of the largest schools in the Mid-State League Buckeye Division, as Canal Winchester visits Hamilton Township. This will be a great match-up between these two southern Franklin County schools. The winner of this game will more than likely win the Buckeye Division. Experienced Canal has the edge over resurging Hamilton.
Pick: Canal Winchester
# 10- Granville Blue Aces (5-2, 3-1) at Heath Bulldogs (6-1, 3-1)
The Blue Aces need a win over rival Heath to keep their playoff hopes alive, while Heath is looking to stay home the first weekend of November (a) and (b) eyeing the Mid State League Ohio Division crown.
Pick: Heath
# 11- Licking Valley Panthers (5-2, 4-0) at Newark Catholic Green Wave (6-1, 3-1)- SATURDAY NIGHT
Last week, Newark Catholic Head Coach Bill Franks picked up his 100th win as Newark Catholic's Head Coach by spoiling Bexley's homecoming. Licking Valley, winners of five straight after an 0-2 start, will try to prevent Coach Franks from picking up his 101st win on Saturday night.
Pick: Licking Valley
# 12- Olentangy Liberty Patriots (4-3, 2-2) at Dublin Scioto Irish (4-3, 2-2)
The Patriots try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive as they travel down the road to play Dublin Scioto.
Pick: Olentangy Liberty
# 13- Dublin Jerome Celtics (4-3, 2-2) at Marysville Monarchs (3-4, 1-3)
Both of these Union County OCC Cardinal schools have one thing in common- an upset win over Olentangy. This will be an interesting match up in Marysville.
Pick: Marysville
# 14- Independence 76ers (2-5, 2-2) at West Cowboys (3-4, 1-3)
The last time these two played, they forgot to bring their defenses, as the Cowboys finally lassoed the 76ers in a 74-71 shootout, making it the highest-scoring game in a long time, if not ever. It is possible that there may be another basketball score at Magley Field on Friday night, but West's offense is just too much for the 76ers to handle.
Pick: West
TO BE CONTINUED
In Part 2- If the Playoffs Began Today... plus more High School Predictions
RIVALRY GAMES OF THE WEEK:
There will be 14 Games of the Week this week.
# 1- St. Francis DeSales Stallions (4-3, 1-0) vs. Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (5-1, 0-0) at Columbus Crew Stadium
The Stallions have won the last five years (in both the regular season and the playoffs), after Watterson won six of the last seven regular season meetings, dating from 1999 to 2005. Since 1978, the rivalry has been a rivalry, with both teams winning 19 games (DeSales has a 17-15 edge in the regular season) each- including the playoffs. The wind was at the Stallions back the last few years. But after losses to New Albany, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (from Michigan), and a 62-0 shellacking by one of the top schools in Ohio- Lakewood St. Ed's, the wind is in DeSales's face. And so will Bishop Watterson.
BONUS COVERAGE: A story on the rivalry from a Watterson alum.
Pick: Watterson
# 2- Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-0, 4-0) at New Albany Eagles (7-0, 4-0)
There is a 100 percent chance that the Eagles will win this game. There is also a 100 percent chance that they will also lose this game. Big Walnut looks vulnerable to lose this game, because their offense still hasn't scored more than 28 points this season, and last week, they struggled in putting away Delaware Hayes, despite not letting the Pacers score at all. New Albany, on the other hand, has only one quality win over DeSales, plus surviving a scare from Olentangy Orange. Big Walnut's defense could make New Albany look vulnerable.
Pick: New Albany
# 3- Beechcroft Cougars (5-2, 4-0) at Brookhaven Bearcats (4-3, 4-0)
This is the premier rivalry in the City League North. In order to win that division, teams have to go through these two schools, and nobody in the City League North has been able to accomplish that. With that said, the wind is still in Brookhaven's face, because of their tough non-league schedule, and that this could actually be Beechcroft's year to win one from their rivals.
Pick: Beechcroft
# 4- Marion-Franklin Red Devils (7-0, 4-0) at Eastmoor Academy Warriors (4-2, 4-0)
This is a must-win for the Warriors if they want to make it to the playoffs. The Red Devils have been unstoppable this season. This will be a great test for Marion-Franklin, as the Warriors are looking to extend their season into November.
Pick: Marion-Franklin
# 5- Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (7-0, 4-0) at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (6-1, 4-0)
The last time these two met, Davidson ended Coffman's season in the Region 3 Championship, en route to a Division I State Title. Coffman is eager to return the favor, because the last school that Davidson lost to...was Dublin Coffman.
Pick: Hilliard Davidson
# 6- Bexley Lions (3-4, 1-3) at Columbus Academy Vikings (3-4, 1-3)
These two schools play for an interesting trophy, which is called the "Mayor-Headmaster Trophy". The Lions haven't put up big numbers in the games that have mattered, and trying to stop Academy's running game will be a big task for Bexley.
Pick: Columbus Academy
# 7- Westerville South Wildcats (6-1, 4-0) at Westerville North Warriors (0-7, 0-4)
Westerville South is running all over its opponents, having won six straight. However, this all has the makings of a trap game up at Westerville North on Friday night, as their crosstown rivals, Westerville North- losers of 22 straight, are looking to upset their rivals. The last time South was at North (in 2008), the Wildcats escaped with a 30-24 double overtime win.
Pick: Westerville...South
# 8- Northland Vikings (5-2, 3-1) at Whetstone Braves (2-5, 2-2)
This was a big rivalry in the 1980s between these two North side City League schools. In 2010, the Vikings- ranked 11th in Region 3 in last week's Computer Rankings, are looking to inch up closer. The Braves are looking for an upset.
Pick: Northland
# 9- Canal Winchester Indians (6-1, 4-0) at Hamilton Township Rangers (6-1, 4-0)
This Mid-State League matchup features two of the largest schools in the Mid-State League Buckeye Division, as Canal Winchester visits Hamilton Township. This will be a great match-up between these two southern Franklin County schools. The winner of this game will more than likely win the Buckeye Division. Experienced Canal has the edge over resurging Hamilton.
Pick: Canal Winchester
# 10- Granville Blue Aces (5-2, 3-1) at Heath Bulldogs (6-1, 3-1)
The Blue Aces need a win over rival Heath to keep their playoff hopes alive, while Heath is looking to stay home the first weekend of November (a) and (b) eyeing the Mid State League Ohio Division crown.
Pick: Heath
# 11- Licking Valley Panthers (5-2, 4-0) at Newark Catholic Green Wave (6-1, 3-1)- SATURDAY NIGHT
Last week, Newark Catholic Head Coach Bill Franks picked up his 100th win as Newark Catholic's Head Coach by spoiling Bexley's homecoming. Licking Valley, winners of five straight after an 0-2 start, will try to prevent Coach Franks from picking up his 101st win on Saturday night.
Pick: Licking Valley
# 12- Olentangy Liberty Patriots (4-3, 2-2) at Dublin Scioto Irish (4-3, 2-2)
The Patriots try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive as they travel down the road to play Dublin Scioto.
Pick: Olentangy Liberty
# 13- Dublin Jerome Celtics (4-3, 2-2) at Marysville Monarchs (3-4, 1-3)
Both of these Union County OCC Cardinal schools have one thing in common- an upset win over Olentangy. This will be an interesting match up in Marysville.
Pick: Marysville
# 14- Independence 76ers (2-5, 2-2) at West Cowboys (3-4, 1-3)
The last time these two played, they forgot to bring their defenses, as the Cowboys finally lassoed the 76ers in a 74-71 shootout, making it the highest-scoring game in a long time, if not ever. It is possible that there may be another basketball score at Magley Field on Friday night, but West's offense is just too much for the 76ers to handle.
Pick: West
TO BE CONTINUED
In Part 2- If the Playoffs Began Today... plus more High School Predictions
Thursday, October 7, 2010
National Football League- 2010 Season, Week 5
OPEN DATES: Miami Dolphins (2-2), New England Patriots (3-1), Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1), Seattle Seahawks (2-2)
It's another weekend of big NFL action as twelve games grace the NFL landscape on Sunday afternoon, with the marquee game being the Tennessee Titans and the Dallas Cowboys. On Sunday night, the Philadelphia Eagles fly to the city by the bay as the San Francisco 49ers are looking for their first win. The fifth week closes with the Minnesota Vikings and Brett Favre's return to the Meadowlands as the Vikes visit the J-E-T-S, Jets.
The biggest news of the week, so far, is that the idle New England Patriots traded wide receiver Randy Moss back to the team where his NFL career began, the Minnesota Vikings, on Wednesday.
The biggest upset of last week was Jacksonville's last-second win over Indianapolis (see below in my picks for Jacksonville-Buffalo and Kansas City-Indianapolis).
The oddest fact is that, after only four weeks, there is only one undefeated team left in the NFL (Kansas City, who was off last week; Pittsburgh and Chicago lost last week for the first time), considering there were not one, but TWO unbeaten teams still standing, deep into the regular season last year, and in 2007, who can forget New England's failed quest for a 19-0 record as the Patriots managed to survive Spygate to have the first perfect regular season since the 1972 Miami Dolphins, and then managed to lose Super Bowl XLII?
GAME OF THE WEEK: (or Pop out the corks, Nick Buonticonti and Bob Griese?)
Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) at Indianapolis Colts (2-2)- Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis, IN- 1:00PM on CBS
Last year, the Chiefs were a total and complete joke, as they stumbled to a 4-12 finish. Flash forward to 2010, the addition of ex-Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis as their Offensive Coordinator, and trading more players from New England. Right now, the Chiefs are the lone unbeaten left in the NFL. Indianapolis, if they lose, they will have lost more than they did all of last year (not including Super Bowl XLIV), when they rested their starters the last game and a half of the regular season. The Chiefs (New England 2.0) have a big target on their back with this game, because they have the opportunity to knock off the defending AFC Champs in their own home, as the Colts are being inflicted with injuries to some key assets. Last Sunday, the Colts hung around in Jacksonville, playing a back-and-forth game, which wasn't enough, as the Jags won on a last-second field goal for the upset. Add to that, they lost to a Houston Texans team that the Colts had a 15-1 record against going into this season. This will be a gooood, good game as the surviving members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins are chilling that champagne and rooting for the Chiefs to lose*.
Pick: Indianapolis 27-24
*- The surviving members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the last NFL team to finish with a perfect season (17-0, including Super Bowl VII), celebrate the loss of the final undefeated team, which may be on Sunday; but last year, there were two unbeaten teams (New Orleans and the aforementioned Colts) deep into December
SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES:
(CBS has the Doubleheader this weekend)
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2) at Buffalo Bills (0-4)- Ralph Wilson Stadium; Orchard Park, NY- 1:00PM on CBS
Last week, Jacksonville upset the rulers of their AFC South division, Indianapolis, courtesy of a 59-yard field goal by kicker Josh Scobee as time expired. This week, Jacksonville heads to Buffalo, where if it were December, the Jags would totally be screwed, but since it's going to be in the mid-to-upper 60s, nevermind. Jacksonville will pick up where they left off in Indy, no doubt. Pick: Jacksonville 23-14
Denver Broncos (2-2) at Baltimore Ravens (3-1)- M&T Bank Stadium; Baltimore, MD- 1:00PM on CBS
The Ravens knocked rival Pittsburgh from the ranks of the unbeatens as Joe Flacco found ex-Bengal T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the end zone with 32 seconds left. The Broncos held off the Tennessee Titans, courtesy of a couple of key Tennessee miscues late in the game. The Broncos are going to have a long Sunday in Baltimore, because the last time the Broncs went to Baltimore, they were a perfect 6-0, but the Ravens sent them into a 2-8 tailspin that they are trying to slowly recover from still.
Pick: Baltimore 28-13
Green Bay Packers (3-1) at Washington Redskins (2-2)- FedEx Field; Landover, MD- 1:00PM on Fox
The Redskins just got by Philadelphia last week in Donovan McNabb's return to Philly. However, Green Bay is going to give the Redskins a full 60 minutes.
Pick: Green Bay 27-13
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (2-2)- Paul Brown Stadium; Cincinnati, OH- 1:00PM
Until the Pittsburgh defense brought Tampa Bay back down to earth, the Buccaneers were invincible, led by Quarterback Josh Freeman. The Bucs head up to the banks of the O-hi-o, where they play a Cincinnati team whose shortcomings were exposed by one of the worst teams in all of professional sports- the Cleveland Browns. The Buccaneers have won the last five meetings against the Bengals, with two of the three games that took place in Cincinnati (1998 & 2002), by a combined score of 70-7, while the other three wins were decided by a total of seven points, including the last meeting, in which Bruce Gradkowski led the Bucs to a 14-13 win in 2006 down in Tampa. Look for the Bucs to bring their A-game to the Jungle.
Pick: Tampa Bay 28-21
St. Louis Rams (2-2) at Detroit Lions (0-4)- Ford Field; Detroit, MI- 1:00PM on Fox
Sam Bradford is apparently the man in St. Louis, as a Ram win would equal St. Louis's win total from the last two seasons combined (DET was St. Louis's only win last year). The Lions, who showed promise to improve this year, are still without Matthew Stafford, who was knocked out in the season opener.
Pick: St. Louis 27-10
Chicago Bears (3-1) at Carolina Panthers (0-4)- Bank of America Stadium; Charlotte, NC- 1:00PM on Fox
The Bears got knocked from the ranks of the unbeatens last Sunday night and lost Jay Cutler in the process. This week, Todd Collins will start as Quarterback for the Bears as they travel down south to a Carolina team that almost got their first win last week. The key word was almost. Look for Carolina to take advantage of Collins at Julius Peppers' homecoming to Charlotte.
Pick: Carolina 24-14 (UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK)
Atlanta Falcons (3-1) at Cleveland Browns (1-3)- Cleveland Browns Stadium; Cleveland, OH- 1:00PM on Fox
The Browns should be 0-4. But unfortunately, Peyton Hillis wasn't going to have any of it, as he rushed for over 100 yards and the Browns run defense shut the Cincinnati Bengals down. The Browns have led in the fourth quarter all four games so far, while the Falcons trailed last week against San Francisco, and alas, won on a last-second field goal by Matt Bryant, last week against the winless 49ers. The Browns could play them close again, but not close enough as the Falcons will win by the Lake for the first time since 1971.
Pick: Atlanta 20-13
New York Giants (2-2) at Houston Texans (3-1)- Reliant Stadium; Houston, TX- 1:00PM on Fox
The Giants defense gave the Monsters of the Midway a sobering reality check last week. On the flip side, Arian Foster is becoming a breakout star for the Texans, having big rushing numbers so far this year. This will be a good matchup.
Pick: Houston 31-28
New Orleans Saints (3-1) at Arizona Cardinals (2-2)- University of Phoenix Stadium; Glendale, AZ- 4:05PM on Fox
Arizona is just not the same without Kurt Warner. Plain and simple. The last time these two teams played, it was Kurt Warner's final NFL game as the Saints took flight over the Cardinals 45-14 in the NFC Divisional Playoffs. Oh, when the Saints go marching in, Oh when the Saints go marching in, Drew Brees will find his favorite receivers in the end zone, when the Saints go marching in. Oh, yeah, rookie quarterback Max Hall is starting for Arizona. Oh, when the Saints--
Pick: New Orleans 38-3
Tennessee Titans (2-2) at Dallas Cowboys (1-2)- Dallas Cowboys Stadium; Arlington, TX- 4:15PM on CBS
Remember when (the Titans were the Houston Oilers) this was The Battle of Texas? The Cowboys knocked off the Houston Texans for their first win of 2010, before their bye week last weekend. This week, they host the team that used to call Houston home- the Tennessee Titans. Last week, the Titans lost to Denver, courtesy of key miscues that occurred late in the game, including a muffed punt that the Broncos recovered. Tennessee can't have any mistakes if they want to win in Dallas, as the Cowboys attempt to get their season back on track.
Pick: Dallas 34-24
San Diego Chargers (2-2) at Oakland Raiders (1-3)- Oakland Coliseum; Oakland, CA- 4:15PM on CBS
The Chargers have won 13 straight games against their in-state rivals, Oakland. It seems like the Chargers, the past couple of years, have gotten theirselves into a rut in the first month of play. However, once October comes, the Chargers electrify their offense again. If the Raiders want to prevent the Chargers from making it 14 straight, they'll have to hang around the entire game, and even that might not be enough.
Pick: San Diego 38-15
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) at San Francisco 49ers (0-4)- Candlestick Park; San Francisco, CA- 8:20PM on NBC (This might not be Mike Singletary's last stand, but stranger things have happened in the NFL)
Blowout. Last-Second Loss. Blowout. Last-Second Loss. This is the pattern of how the San Francisco 49ers have lost their first four games, exchanging a blowout loss (Seattle, Kansas City) with a close game, decided on a last-second field goal (New Orleans, Atlanta). Last week, the Philadelphia Eagles lost both the game and (to a rib injury sustained in the 2nd quarter) quarterback Michael Vick. The 49ers could actually get over that hump (much like the Browns last week) and win.
Pick: San Francisco 21-10
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Minnesota Vikings (1-2) at New York Jets (3-1)- New Meadowlands Stadium; East Rutherford, NJ- 8:30PM on ESPN
The last time Brett Favre returned to a team he used to play for on Monday Night Football, he won that game. The J-E-T-S, Jets have since moved on from the 20-year vet, with second year QB Mark Sanchez, who is the complement to the Rex Ryan-coached Jets defense. Favre, Adrian Peterson, and "new" Viking Randy Moss will have a tough time in this Jumbo Jet, as Minnesota's offensive flight will be grounded by the Jets defense.
Pick: NY Jets 34-6
Next week, as part of Sports Corner Rivalry Week, the Browns visit the Steelers, and it's a battle in the Bay Area as the Raiders visit the 49ers.
It's another weekend of big NFL action as twelve games grace the NFL landscape on Sunday afternoon, with the marquee game being the Tennessee Titans and the Dallas Cowboys. On Sunday night, the Philadelphia Eagles fly to the city by the bay as the San Francisco 49ers are looking for their first win. The fifth week closes with the Minnesota Vikings and Brett Favre's return to the Meadowlands as the Vikes visit the J-E-T-S, Jets.
The biggest news of the week, so far, is that the idle New England Patriots traded wide receiver Randy Moss back to the team where his NFL career began, the Minnesota Vikings, on Wednesday.
The biggest upset of last week was Jacksonville's last-second win over Indianapolis (see below in my picks for Jacksonville-Buffalo and Kansas City-Indianapolis).
The oddest fact is that, after only four weeks, there is only one undefeated team left in the NFL (Kansas City, who was off last week; Pittsburgh and Chicago lost last week for the first time), considering there were not one, but TWO unbeaten teams still standing, deep into the regular season last year, and in 2007, who can forget New England's failed quest for a 19-0 record as the Patriots managed to survive Spygate to have the first perfect regular season since the 1972 Miami Dolphins, and then managed to lose Super Bowl XLII?
GAME OF THE WEEK: (or Pop out the corks, Nick Buonticonti and Bob Griese?)
Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) at Indianapolis Colts (2-2)- Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis, IN- 1:00PM on CBS
Last year, the Chiefs were a total and complete joke, as they stumbled to a 4-12 finish. Flash forward to 2010, the addition of ex-Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis as their Offensive Coordinator, and trading more players from New England. Right now, the Chiefs are the lone unbeaten left in the NFL. Indianapolis, if they lose, they will have lost more than they did all of last year (not including Super Bowl XLIV), when they rested their starters the last game and a half of the regular season. The Chiefs (New England 2.0) have a big target on their back with this game, because they have the opportunity to knock off the defending AFC Champs in their own home, as the Colts are being inflicted with injuries to some key assets. Last Sunday, the Colts hung around in Jacksonville, playing a back-and-forth game, which wasn't enough, as the Jags won on a last-second field goal for the upset. Add to that, they lost to a Houston Texans team that the Colts had a 15-1 record against going into this season. This will be a gooood, good game as the surviving members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins are chilling that champagne and rooting for the Chiefs to lose*.
Pick: Indianapolis 27-24
*- The surviving members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the last NFL team to finish with a perfect season (17-0, including Super Bowl VII), celebrate the loss of the final undefeated team, which may be on Sunday; but last year, there were two unbeaten teams (New Orleans and the aforementioned Colts) deep into December
SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES:
(CBS has the Doubleheader this weekend)
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2) at Buffalo Bills (0-4)- Ralph Wilson Stadium; Orchard Park, NY- 1:00PM on CBS
Last week, Jacksonville upset the rulers of their AFC South division, Indianapolis, courtesy of a 59-yard field goal by kicker Josh Scobee as time expired. This week, Jacksonville heads to Buffalo, where if it were December, the Jags would totally be screwed, but since it's going to be in the mid-to-upper 60s, nevermind. Jacksonville will pick up where they left off in Indy, no doubt. Pick: Jacksonville 23-14
Denver Broncos (2-2) at Baltimore Ravens (3-1)- M&T Bank Stadium; Baltimore, MD- 1:00PM on CBS
The Ravens knocked rival Pittsburgh from the ranks of the unbeatens as Joe Flacco found ex-Bengal T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the end zone with 32 seconds left. The Broncos held off the Tennessee Titans, courtesy of a couple of key Tennessee miscues late in the game. The Broncos are going to have a long Sunday in Baltimore, because the last time the Broncs went to Baltimore, they were a perfect 6-0, but the Ravens sent them into a 2-8 tailspin that they are trying to slowly recover from still.
Pick: Baltimore 28-13
Green Bay Packers (3-1) at Washington Redskins (2-2)- FedEx Field; Landover, MD- 1:00PM on Fox
The Redskins just got by Philadelphia last week in Donovan McNabb's return to Philly. However, Green Bay is going to give the Redskins a full 60 minutes.
Pick: Green Bay 27-13
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (2-2)- Paul Brown Stadium; Cincinnati, OH- 1:00PM
Until the Pittsburgh defense brought Tampa Bay back down to earth, the Buccaneers were invincible, led by Quarterback Josh Freeman. The Bucs head up to the banks of the O-hi-o, where they play a Cincinnati team whose shortcomings were exposed by one of the worst teams in all of professional sports- the Cleveland Browns. The Buccaneers have won the last five meetings against the Bengals, with two of the three games that took place in Cincinnati (1998 & 2002), by a combined score of 70-7, while the other three wins were decided by a total of seven points, including the last meeting, in which Bruce Gradkowski led the Bucs to a 14-13 win in 2006 down in Tampa. Look for the Bucs to bring their A-game to the Jungle.
Pick: Tampa Bay 28-21
St. Louis Rams (2-2) at Detroit Lions (0-4)- Ford Field; Detroit, MI- 1:00PM on Fox
Sam Bradford is apparently the man in St. Louis, as a Ram win would equal St. Louis's win total from the last two seasons combined (DET was St. Louis's only win last year). The Lions, who showed promise to improve this year, are still without Matthew Stafford, who was knocked out in the season opener.
Pick: St. Louis 27-10
Chicago Bears (3-1) at Carolina Panthers (0-4)- Bank of America Stadium; Charlotte, NC- 1:00PM on Fox
The Bears got knocked from the ranks of the unbeatens last Sunday night and lost Jay Cutler in the process. This week, Todd Collins will start as Quarterback for the Bears as they travel down south to a Carolina team that almost got their first win last week. The key word was almost. Look for Carolina to take advantage of Collins at Julius Peppers' homecoming to Charlotte.
Pick: Carolina 24-14 (UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK)
Atlanta Falcons (3-1) at Cleveland Browns (1-3)- Cleveland Browns Stadium; Cleveland, OH- 1:00PM on Fox
The Browns should be 0-4. But unfortunately, Peyton Hillis wasn't going to have any of it, as he rushed for over 100 yards and the Browns run defense shut the Cincinnati Bengals down. The Browns have led in the fourth quarter all four games so far, while the Falcons trailed last week against San Francisco, and alas, won on a last-second field goal by Matt Bryant, last week against the winless 49ers. The Browns could play them close again, but not close enough as the Falcons will win by the Lake for the first time since 1971.
Pick: Atlanta 20-13
New York Giants (2-2) at Houston Texans (3-1)- Reliant Stadium; Houston, TX- 1:00PM on Fox
The Giants defense gave the Monsters of the Midway a sobering reality check last week. On the flip side, Arian Foster is becoming a breakout star for the Texans, having big rushing numbers so far this year. This will be a good matchup.
Pick: Houston 31-28
New Orleans Saints (3-1) at Arizona Cardinals (2-2)- University of Phoenix Stadium; Glendale, AZ- 4:05PM on Fox
Arizona is just not the same without Kurt Warner. Plain and simple. The last time these two teams played, it was Kurt Warner's final NFL game as the Saints took flight over the Cardinals 45-14 in the NFC Divisional Playoffs. Oh, when the Saints go marching in, Oh when the Saints go marching in, Drew Brees will find his favorite receivers in the end zone, when the Saints go marching in. Oh, yeah, rookie quarterback Max Hall is starting for Arizona. Oh, when the Saints--
Pick: New Orleans 38-3
Tennessee Titans (2-2) at Dallas Cowboys (1-2)- Dallas Cowboys Stadium; Arlington, TX- 4:15PM on CBS
Remember when (the Titans were the Houston Oilers) this was The Battle of Texas? The Cowboys knocked off the Houston Texans for their first win of 2010, before their bye week last weekend. This week, they host the team that used to call Houston home- the Tennessee Titans. Last week, the Titans lost to Denver, courtesy of key miscues that occurred late in the game, including a muffed punt that the Broncos recovered. Tennessee can't have any mistakes if they want to win in Dallas, as the Cowboys attempt to get their season back on track.
Pick: Dallas 34-24
San Diego Chargers (2-2) at Oakland Raiders (1-3)- Oakland Coliseum; Oakland, CA- 4:15PM on CBS
The Chargers have won 13 straight games against their in-state rivals, Oakland. It seems like the Chargers, the past couple of years, have gotten theirselves into a rut in the first month of play. However, once October comes, the Chargers electrify their offense again. If the Raiders want to prevent the Chargers from making it 14 straight, they'll have to hang around the entire game, and even that might not be enough.
Pick: San Diego 38-15
SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) at San Francisco 49ers (0-4)- Candlestick Park; San Francisco, CA- 8:20PM on NBC (This might not be Mike Singletary's last stand, but stranger things have happened in the NFL)
Blowout. Last-Second Loss. Blowout. Last-Second Loss. This is the pattern of how the San Francisco 49ers have lost their first four games, exchanging a blowout loss (Seattle, Kansas City) with a close game, decided on a last-second field goal (New Orleans, Atlanta). Last week, the Philadelphia Eagles lost both the game and (to a rib injury sustained in the 2nd quarter) quarterback Michael Vick. The 49ers could actually get over that hump (much like the Browns last week) and win.
Pick: San Francisco 21-10
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Minnesota Vikings (1-2) at New York Jets (3-1)- New Meadowlands Stadium; East Rutherford, NJ- 8:30PM on ESPN
The last time Brett Favre returned to a team he used to play for on Monday Night Football, he won that game. The J-E-T-S, Jets have since moved on from the 20-year vet, with second year QB Mark Sanchez, who is the complement to the Rex Ryan-coached Jets defense. Favre, Adrian Peterson, and "new" Viking Randy Moss will have a tough time in this Jumbo Jet, as Minnesota's offensive flight will be grounded by the Jets defense.
Pick: NY Jets 34-6
Next week, as part of Sports Corner Rivalry Week, the Browns visit the Steelers, and it's a battle in the Bay Area as the Raiders visit the 49ers.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
High School Football- Week 7 (Part 2)- Let's Pick 'Em
...and now, the Games...
GAMES OF THE WEEK:
Groveport Madison Cruisers (5-1) at Pickerington Central Tigers (5-0)- This game was a (Groveport surrendering a 22-point lead to Grove City) loss away from being a battle of the unbeatens, similar to...
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (5-1) at Hilliard Darby Panthers (6-0)- Coffman is a loss at the Herbstreit Classic away from being 6-0 and playing Darby in this matchup.
All four of these teams are in the top eight of Region 3, one of the most competitive regions in the State (Pick Central- # 1, Darby- # 3, Groveport- # 5, and Coffman- # 8).
Darby is the most surprising of the teams, because nobody predicted that they would still be undefeated going into the seventh week, but they still are. Nobody thought that Groveport was serious about making a mark in Division I, but the Cruisers are. Everybody picked Coffman as a serious contender for the State Playoffs. If the Rocks win out, they still can be. With their first two games against out-of-state opponents, and then a bye week before heading into OCC Ohio play, nobody knew what to make of Pickerington Central. In the last three weeks, the Tigers have mauled and clawed through their last three opponents- rivals Lancaster, Pickerington North, and Gahanna Lincoln, winning by a combined score of 113-2. Yup, 113-2.
Darby, had a fairly easy stretch, playing only one team currently with a winning record (Upper Arlington), and another with a .500 record currently (Dublin Jerome).
Coffman, they've stacked perennial playoff contenders (Olentangy Liberty, Brookhaven, Westerville South) with lightweights (Westland, Thomas Worthington, Central Crossing), and next week, they play their neighbors to the south, Hilliard Davidson next week. This is Coffman's first big test since the Herbstreit Classic (Brookhaven was 0-2 and already out in Week 3).
Groveport, if they hadn't blown a big lead in Grove City, would still be unbeaten, but that still won't change things in Picktown.
Picks: Dublin Coffman and Pickerington Central
UNDERDOG GAMES OF THE WEEK:
Linden McKinley Panthers (1-5, 0-3) at Whetstone Braves (1-5, 1-2)- Last week, Whetstone finally got in the "W" column, by pillaging a really declining East team. This will be another easy one for the Braves.
Pick: Whetstone
Thomas Worthington Cardinals (1-5, 0-3) at Westland Cougars (1-5, 0-3)- There isn't much good news about the game, considering the limited success of these two football programs in recent years (TW- 19th non-winning season in the last 21, 11th non-winning season in a row; WL- made the playoffs four years ago, back to the basement ever since).
Pick: Westland
UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
Westerville North Warriors (0-6, 0-3) at Olentangy Liberty Patriots (3-3, 1-2)- It appears that Liberty's six-year playoff streak is on thin ice right now, as the Pats host Westerville North, losers of 21 straight. The Warriors will finally get back into the win column, and they might on Friday night in Powell.
Pick: Westerville North
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (3-2, 3-0) at Walnut Ridge Scots (5-1, 2-1)- If Walnut Ridge had a tougher schedule (East, Linden, and South are a combined 2-16), they'd be in the top eight in their computer region, same for Eastmoor, who mauled Columbus South 82-3 last Friday night. Eastmoor is hungry for a win, and hungry to return to the playoffs, even though they might not, after an 0-2 start.
Pick: Eastmoor Academy
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (5-1, 3-0) at Hamilton Township Rangers (5-1, 3-0)- This is a big game for both schools, as a Hamilton win will guarantee a winning mark, whilst an Amanda win will prove that there is life after Ron Hinton for the Aces.
Pick: Amanda-Clearcreek
Marysville Monarchs (3-3, 2-1) at Westerville South Wildcats (5-1, 3-0)- Two weeks ago, Marysville used its royal powers to upset Olentangy. This week, the Monarchs march their royal kingdom to Westerville South, where a King and Queen of their own will be crowned (it's Westerville South's Homecoming Game). However, South's running game will not be denied, and neither will South's Alumni, Homecoming King and Homecoming Queen.
Pick: Westerville South
Lancaster Golden Gales (4-2, 2-1) at Reynoldsburg Raiders (3-3, 1-2)- The force of the Gales is slowly coming back. Last week's win over Grove City was living proof of that.
Pick: Lancaster
Grandview Heights Bobcats (4-2, 2-1) at Licking Heights Hornets (4-2, 2-1)- Grandview has won four of their last five, while Licking Heights got stung by Liberty Union last week. The winner of this game will get a boost, in terms of computer points, because both teams are on the out, looking in, in their respective computer regions.
Pick: Licking Heights
Heath Bulldogs (5-1, 3-0) at Columbus Academy Vikings (3-3, 1-2)- Will the Academy running game be able to stop Heath? Um...no.
Pick: Heath
Utica Redskins (3-3, 1-2) at Johnstown Johnnies (4-2, 2-1)
Pick: Johnstown
Lakewood St. Edward Eagles (6-0) at St. Francis DeSales Stallions (4-2)
After their 34th consecutive win over St. Charles, DeSales has the treat of hosting one of the most prestigious powerhouses in Cuyahoga County, that being the Eagles of St. Ed, a member of Cleveland's all-male Catholic School Powerhouse Factory. To quote former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, "Let the Eagle Soar..."
Pick: St. Ed
Mifflin Punchers (3-3, 1-2) at Northland Vikings (4-2, 2-1)
After a 2-0 start, Mifflin is starting to drown, losing three (Watkins Memorial, Centennial, Beechcroft) of its last four (it's only win in the last four weeks was against winless East), while Northland is bouncing back from a two-game slide after its 2-0 start, by topping Whetstone and Centennial. Northland needs a prayer, if it wants to make the top eight in its already-crowded Region 3 (the Vikes are 11th, between Lancaster and a team that they lost to in Week 3- Pickerington North).
Pick: Northland
St. Charles Cardinals (5-1) at Youngstown Ursuline Fighting Irish (6-0)
After its 34th straight loss to DeSales, St. Charles takes their show and playoff hopes on the road to the Mahoning Valley to play unbeaten small Division V powerhouse, Youngstown Ursuline. A Cardinal win, with only two games left against two serious perennial playoff contenders (Bishop Watterson and Jonathan Alder) would give them some points, but not as much points as a Fighting Irish win over the Cards (Ursuline- Div. V and St. Charles- Div. II). EDITOR'S NOTE: St. Charles has a bye week next week, after the cancellation of their game against Hamilton (Ontario) National Arts College, because National Arts College did not field a team (source: This Week Bexley; Oct. 7, 2010).
Pick: Youngstown Ursuline
Lima Central Catholic Thunderbirds (5-1) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (3-3)- @ Hilliard Bradley H.S.
The Silver Knights have played a tough schedule against mostly really great teams, and the T-Birds of Lima Central Catholic are no exception. This is a must-win for the Knights, in order to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, because a loss will have their playoff hopes riding off in the T-Bird that Lima Central Catholic rode on to get to the west side of Columbus (or in this case, Hilliard Bradley).
Pick: Lima Central Catholic
Jonathan Alder Pioneers (5-1) at Washington Court House Blue Lions (6-0)
This is a blocked point-after try away from being a "war of the unbeatens". Jonathan Alder travels down to Fayette County to play unbeaten Washington Court House.
Pick: Jonathan Alder
Columbus West Cowboys (3-3, 1-2) at Marion-Franklin Red Devils (6-0, 3-0)- The Cowboys take their fast-flying offense to the south side of Columbus to play unbeaten, and unstoppable Marion-Franklin. But not even that will be enough to pull off an upset.
Pick: Marion-Franklin
OTHER GAMES OF INTEREST THROUGHOUT CENTRAL OHIO:
Newark Catholic Green Wave (5-1, 2-1) at Bexley Lions (3-3, 1-2)
Last week, Bexley snapped a three-game slide, with the help of their running game, as receiver, turned running back Elijah Scott ran for a record 381 yards, and scored six TD's against Hebron Lakewood last week. The Lions could get swept away at their homecoming by the Wave, Green Wave, that is.
Pick: Newark Catholic
Pickerington North Panthers (4-2, 2-1) at Gahanna Lincoln Lions (2-4, 1-2)- In this battle of the cats, it looks like the Lions will get overpowered in their kingdom, as they will fall short to a Pickerington team for the second-straight week.
Pick: Pickerington North
Delaware Hayes Pacers (2-4, 1-2) at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (6-0, 3-0)- Delaware Hayes loves playing their fellow Delaware County schools. The Pacers will play for pride as they go down Routes 36 & 37 to Sunbury and play unbeaten Big Walnut.
Pick: Big Walnut
New Albany Eagles (6-0, 3-0) at Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (0-6, 0-3)- Things aren't golden for Franklin Heights, but things will be golden for New Albany, as they look to stay perfect with a big showdown with Big Walnut looming near.
Pick: New Albany
Olentangy Orange Pioneers (2-4, 1-2) at Watkins Memorial Warriors (4-2, 1-2)- The Warriors and their black and gold-winged helmets host the Pioneers of Olentangy Orange, which could be a good game, given that Orange almost upset New Albany last week.
Pick: Olentangy Orange
BLOWOUT PICK OF THE WEEK: Beechcroft Cougars (4-2, 3-0) pouncing Columbus East (0-6, 0-3)- with the East High Tigers being outscored 46-12 on average, Sheldon Akin of Beechcroft will have no problem putting up big numbers against this weakening East team.
SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHTS:
Bishop Hartley Hawks (5-1) at Dayton Thurgood Marshall Cougars (5-1)- These two Division IV schools are a combined 10-2, but their computer rankings are two different stories, because if the playoffs began today, the Hawks would be in (3rd in Region 15), and the Cougars would not (11th in Region 16).
Pick: Thurgood Marshall
Complete Slate of Games in the Columbus Area
Next Week- RIVALRY WEEK
12 Area Rivalries will be chosen as the SportsCorner Games of the Week
What Makes a Rivalry a Rivalry?
What are the Greatest Rivalries in Sports?
These questions will be answered as part of Rivalry Week on DJBC Sports Corner.
GAMES OF THE WEEK:
Groveport Madison Cruisers (5-1) at Pickerington Central Tigers (5-0)- This game was a (Groveport surrendering a 22-point lead to Grove City) loss away from being a battle of the unbeatens, similar to...
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (5-1) at Hilliard Darby Panthers (6-0)- Coffman is a loss at the Herbstreit Classic away from being 6-0 and playing Darby in this matchup.
All four of these teams are in the top eight of Region 3, one of the most competitive regions in the State (Pick Central- # 1, Darby- # 3, Groveport- # 5, and Coffman- # 8).
Darby is the most surprising of the teams, because nobody predicted that they would still be undefeated going into the seventh week, but they still are. Nobody thought that Groveport was serious about making a mark in Division I, but the Cruisers are. Everybody picked Coffman as a serious contender for the State Playoffs. If the Rocks win out, they still can be. With their first two games against out-of-state opponents, and then a bye week before heading into OCC Ohio play, nobody knew what to make of Pickerington Central. In the last three weeks, the Tigers have mauled and clawed through their last three opponents- rivals Lancaster, Pickerington North, and Gahanna Lincoln, winning by a combined score of 113-2. Yup, 113-2.
Darby, had a fairly easy stretch, playing only one team currently with a winning record (Upper Arlington), and another with a .500 record currently (Dublin Jerome).
Coffman, they've stacked perennial playoff contenders (Olentangy Liberty, Brookhaven, Westerville South) with lightweights (Westland, Thomas Worthington, Central Crossing), and next week, they play their neighbors to the south, Hilliard Davidson next week. This is Coffman's first big test since the Herbstreit Classic (Brookhaven was 0-2 and already out in Week 3).
Groveport, if they hadn't blown a big lead in Grove City, would still be unbeaten, but that still won't change things in Picktown.
Picks: Dublin Coffman and Pickerington Central
UNDERDOG GAMES OF THE WEEK:
Linden McKinley Panthers (1-5, 0-3) at Whetstone Braves (1-5, 1-2)- Last week, Whetstone finally got in the "W" column, by pillaging a really declining East team. This will be another easy one for the Braves.
Pick: Whetstone
Thomas Worthington Cardinals (1-5, 0-3) at Westland Cougars (1-5, 0-3)- There isn't much good news about the game, considering the limited success of these two football programs in recent years (TW- 19th non-winning season in the last 21, 11th non-winning season in a row; WL- made the playoffs four years ago, back to the basement ever since).
Pick: Westland
UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
Westerville North Warriors (0-6, 0-3) at Olentangy Liberty Patriots (3-3, 1-2)- It appears that Liberty's six-year playoff streak is on thin ice right now, as the Pats host Westerville North, losers of 21 straight. The Warriors will finally get back into the win column, and they might on Friday night in Powell.
Pick: Westerville North
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (3-2, 3-0) at Walnut Ridge Scots (5-1, 2-1)- If Walnut Ridge had a tougher schedule (East, Linden, and South are a combined 2-16), they'd be in the top eight in their computer region, same for Eastmoor, who mauled Columbus South 82-3 last Friday night. Eastmoor is hungry for a win, and hungry to return to the playoffs, even though they might not, after an 0-2 start.
Pick: Eastmoor Academy
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (5-1, 3-0) at Hamilton Township Rangers (5-1, 3-0)- This is a big game for both schools, as a Hamilton win will guarantee a winning mark, whilst an Amanda win will prove that there is life after Ron Hinton for the Aces.
Pick: Amanda-Clearcreek
Marysville Monarchs (3-3, 2-1) at Westerville South Wildcats (5-1, 3-0)- Two weeks ago, Marysville used its royal powers to upset Olentangy. This week, the Monarchs march their royal kingdom to Westerville South, where a King and Queen of their own will be crowned (it's Westerville South's Homecoming Game). However, South's running game will not be denied, and neither will South's Alumni, Homecoming King and Homecoming Queen.
Pick: Westerville South
Lancaster Golden Gales (4-2, 2-1) at Reynoldsburg Raiders (3-3, 1-2)- The force of the Gales is slowly coming back. Last week's win over Grove City was living proof of that.
Pick: Lancaster
Grandview Heights Bobcats (4-2, 2-1) at Licking Heights Hornets (4-2, 2-1)- Grandview has won four of their last five, while Licking Heights got stung by Liberty Union last week. The winner of this game will get a boost, in terms of computer points, because both teams are on the out, looking in, in their respective computer regions.
Pick: Licking Heights
Heath Bulldogs (5-1, 3-0) at Columbus Academy Vikings (3-3, 1-2)- Will the Academy running game be able to stop Heath? Um...no.
Pick: Heath
Utica Redskins (3-3, 1-2) at Johnstown Johnnies (4-2, 2-1)
Pick: Johnstown
Lakewood St. Edward Eagles (6-0) at St. Francis DeSales Stallions (4-2)
After their 34th consecutive win over St. Charles, DeSales has the treat of hosting one of the most prestigious powerhouses in Cuyahoga County, that being the Eagles of St. Ed, a member of Cleveland's all-male Catholic School Powerhouse Factory. To quote former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, "Let the Eagle Soar..."
Pick: St. Ed
Mifflin Punchers (3-3, 1-2) at Northland Vikings (4-2, 2-1)
After a 2-0 start, Mifflin is starting to drown, losing three (Watkins Memorial, Centennial, Beechcroft) of its last four (it's only win in the last four weeks was against winless East), while Northland is bouncing back from a two-game slide after its 2-0 start, by topping Whetstone and Centennial. Northland needs a prayer, if it wants to make the top eight in its already-crowded Region 3 (the Vikes are 11th, between Lancaster and a team that they lost to in Week 3- Pickerington North).
Pick: Northland
St. Charles Cardinals (5-1) at Youngstown Ursuline Fighting Irish (6-0)
After its 34th straight loss to DeSales, St. Charles takes their show and playoff hopes on the road to the Mahoning Valley to play unbeaten small Division V powerhouse, Youngstown Ursuline. A Cardinal win, with only two games left against two serious perennial playoff contenders (Bishop Watterson and Jonathan Alder) would give them some points, but not as much points as a Fighting Irish win over the Cards (Ursuline- Div. V and St. Charles- Div. II). EDITOR'S NOTE: St. Charles has a bye week next week, after the cancellation of their game against Hamilton (Ontario) National Arts College, because National Arts College did not field a team (source: This Week Bexley; Oct. 7, 2010).
Pick: Youngstown Ursuline
Lima Central Catholic Thunderbirds (5-1) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (3-3)- @ Hilliard Bradley H.S.
The Silver Knights have played a tough schedule against mostly really great teams, and the T-Birds of Lima Central Catholic are no exception. This is a must-win for the Knights, in order to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, because a loss will have their playoff hopes riding off in the T-Bird that Lima Central Catholic rode on to get to the west side of Columbus (or in this case, Hilliard Bradley).
Pick: Lima Central Catholic
Jonathan Alder Pioneers (5-1) at Washington Court House Blue Lions (6-0)
This is a blocked point-after try away from being a "war of the unbeatens". Jonathan Alder travels down to Fayette County to play unbeaten Washington Court House.
Pick: Jonathan Alder
Columbus West Cowboys (3-3, 1-2) at Marion-Franklin Red Devils (6-0, 3-0)- The Cowboys take their fast-flying offense to the south side of Columbus to play unbeaten, and unstoppable Marion-Franklin. But not even that will be enough to pull off an upset.
Pick: Marion-Franklin
OTHER GAMES OF INTEREST THROUGHOUT CENTRAL OHIO:
Newark Catholic Green Wave (5-1, 2-1) at Bexley Lions (3-3, 1-2)
Last week, Bexley snapped a three-game slide, with the help of their running game, as receiver, turned running back Elijah Scott ran for a record 381 yards, and scored six TD's against Hebron Lakewood last week. The Lions could get swept away at their homecoming by the Wave, Green Wave, that is.
Pick: Newark Catholic
Pickerington North Panthers (4-2, 2-1) at Gahanna Lincoln Lions (2-4, 1-2)- In this battle of the cats, it looks like the Lions will get overpowered in their kingdom, as they will fall short to a Pickerington team for the second-straight week.
Pick: Pickerington North
Delaware Hayes Pacers (2-4, 1-2) at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (6-0, 3-0)- Delaware Hayes loves playing their fellow Delaware County schools. The Pacers will play for pride as they go down Routes 36 & 37 to Sunbury and play unbeaten Big Walnut.
Pick: Big Walnut
New Albany Eagles (6-0, 3-0) at Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (0-6, 0-3)- Things aren't golden for Franklin Heights, but things will be golden for New Albany, as they look to stay perfect with a big showdown with Big Walnut looming near.
Pick: New Albany
Olentangy Orange Pioneers (2-4, 1-2) at Watkins Memorial Warriors (4-2, 1-2)- The Warriors and their black and gold-winged helmets host the Pioneers of Olentangy Orange, which could be a good game, given that Orange almost upset New Albany last week.
Pick: Olentangy Orange
BLOWOUT PICK OF THE WEEK: Beechcroft Cougars (4-2, 3-0) pouncing Columbus East (0-6, 0-3)- with the East High Tigers being outscored 46-12 on average, Sheldon Akin of Beechcroft will have no problem putting up big numbers against this weakening East team.
SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHTS:
Bishop Hartley Hawks (5-1) at Dayton Thurgood Marshall Cougars (5-1)- These two Division IV schools are a combined 10-2, but their computer rankings are two different stories, because if the playoffs began today, the Hawks would be in (3rd in Region 15), and the Cougars would not (11th in Region 16).
Pick: Thurgood Marshall
Complete Slate of Games in the Columbus Area
Next Week- RIVALRY WEEK
12 Area Rivalries will be chosen as the SportsCorner Games of the Week
What Makes a Rivalry a Rivalry?
What are the Greatest Rivalries in Sports?
These questions will be answered as part of Rivalry Week on DJBC Sports Corner.
High School Football- Week 7 (Part 1)
Welcome to the seventh week of the 2010 High School Football Season.
Computer Rankings (as of October 5, 2010):
If the Playoffs began today in Central Ohio, here is where teams from Central Ohio Leagues would end up:
DIVISION I (Region 3):
8) Dublin Coffman (5-1) at 1) Pickerington Central (5-0)
7) Troy (5-1) at 2) Springfield (5-1)
6) Hilliard Davidson (6-0) at 3) Westerville South (5-1)
5) Groveport Madison (5-1) at 4) Hilliard Darby (6-0)
JUST MISSING OUT: 9th- Upper Arlington (5-1), 10th- Lancaster (4-2), 11th- Northland (4-2), 12th- Pickerington North (3-3)
DIVISION II (Region 7):
8) Olentangy (4-2) at 1) New Albany (6-0)
7) Dresden Tri-Valley (5-1) at 2) Marion-Franklin (6-0)
6) Canal Winchester (5-1) at 3) Big Walnut (6-0)
5) Uniontown Lake (4-2) at 4) St. Charles (5-1)
JUST MISSING OUT: 9th- Zanesville (5-1), 10th- Watkins Memorial (4-2), 11th- Walnut Ridge (5-1), 12th- Hamilton Township (5-1)
DIVISION II (Region 8):
JUST MISSING OUT: 11th- Teays Valley (4-2)
DIVISION III (Region 1o):
8) Celina (5-1) at 1) Clyde (6-0)
7) Shelby (5-1) at 2) Columbus St. Francis DeSales (4-2)
6) Oak Harbor (5-1) at 3) Tiffin Columbian (5-1)
5) Napoleon (6-0) at 4) Bishop Watterson (4-1)
JUST MISSING OUT: 11th- Eastmoor Academy (3-2)
DIVISION III (Region 11):
8) Granville (4-2) at 1) Steubenville (6-0)
7) Thornville Sheridan (6-0) at 2) Alliance Marlington (6-0)
6) Salem (5-1) at 3) East Liverpool (5-1)
5) Licking Valley (4-2) at 4) Minerva (5-1)
JUST MISSING OUT: 9th- Licking Heights (4-2)
DIVISION III (Region 12):
8) Springfield Kenton Ridge (5-1) at 1) Cincinnati St. Bernard Roger Bacon (5-1)
7) Jackson (5-1) at 2) Cincinnati Wyoming (5-1)
6) Gallipolis Gallia Academy (5-1) at 3) Eaton (6-0)
5) Springfield Shawnee (5-1) at 4) Washington Court House (6-0)
JUST MISSING OUT: 12th- Greenfield McClain (4-2)
DIVISION IV (Region 15):
8) Sparta Highland (4-2) at 1) Ironton (5-1)
7) Albany Alexander (5-1) at 2) Heath (5-1)
6) Amanda-Clearcreek (5-1) at 3) Bishop Hartley (5-1) **NOTE: This would be a rematch of the season opener between these schools, as Hartley's running game annihilated Amanda, 48-10**
5) Portsmouth West (6-0) at 4) Coshocton (5-1)
MISSING OUT: 10th- Portsmouth (2-4, YES, 2-4), 11th- Westfall (4-2), 12th- Johnstown (4-2)
DIVISION IV (Region 16):
8) Waynesville (4-2) at 1) Middletown Bishop Fenwick (6-0)
7) Kettering Archbishop Alter (5-1) at 2) Cincinnati North College Hill (6-0)
6) Jonathan Alder (5-1) at 3) Clarksville Clinton-Massie (6-0) **NOTE: This would be a rematch of the Week 3 matchup between these schools, as Clinton-Massie blocked an extra point try to hang on and beat Alder 28-27**
5) Kenton (5-1) at 4) Carlisle (6-0)
DIVISION V (Region 19):
8) Wheelersburg (4-2) at 1) Fredericktown (6-0)
7) Woodsfield Monroe Central (4-2) at 2) Minford (5-1)
6) Oak Hill (5-1) at 3) Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant (5-1)
5) West Lafayette Ridgewood (6-0) at 4) Lucasville Valley (6-0)
JUST MISSING OUT: 12th- Liberty Union (4-2)
DIVISION V (Region 20):
8) Cincinnati Clark Montessori (5-1) at 1) Richwood North Union (6-0)
7) Anna (4-2) at 2) West Jefferson (6-0)
6) Versailles (4-2) at 3) Cincinnati Summit Country Day (5-1)
5) Coldwater (4-2) at 4) Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (4-2)
JUST MISSING OUT: 10th- Grandview Heights (4-2), 12th- Fairbanks (5-1)
DIVISION VI (Region 23):
8) Salineville Southern (5-1) at 1) Shadyside (6-0)
7) Malvern (3-3) at 2) Bridgeport (6-0)
6) Fairfield Christian Academy (6-0) at 3) Newark Catholic (5-1)
5) Strasburg-Franklin (6-0) at 4) Willow Wood Symmes Valley (6-0)
Next week, Sports Corner will break down local rivalries in the area, as part of High School Rivalry Week.
SPORTS CORNER TOP 25 (regardless of Division):
1) Pickerington Central (5-0)
2) Hilliard Davidson (6-0)
3) Marion-Franklin (6-0)
4) Big Walnut (6-0)
5) New Albany (6-0)
6) West Jefferson (6-0)
7) Fredericktown (6-0)
8) Bishop Hartley (5-1)
9) Westerville South (5-1)
10) Groveport Madison (5-1)
(JUST OUT OF THE TOP 10)
11) Hilliard Darby (6-0)
12) St. Charles (5-1)
13) Newark Catholic (5-1)
14) Jonathan Alder (5-1)
15) Hamilton Township (5-1)
16) Bishop Watterson (4-1)
17) Licking Valley (4-2)
18) Upper Arlington (4-2)
19) Dublin Coffman (5-1)
20) Johnstown (4-2)
21) North Union (6-0)
22) DeSales (4-2)
23) Walnut Ridge (5-1)
24) Olentangy (4-2)
25) Washington Court House (6-0)
Dropped Out: Centennial (3-3, lost to Northland), Granville (4-2, lost to Licking Valley)
Computer Rankings (as of October 5, 2010):
If the Playoffs began today in Central Ohio, here is where teams from Central Ohio Leagues would end up:
DIVISION I (Region 3):
8) Dublin Coffman (5-1) at 1) Pickerington Central (5-0)
7) Troy (5-1) at 2) Springfield (5-1)
6) Hilliard Davidson (6-0) at 3) Westerville South (5-1)
5) Groveport Madison (5-1) at 4) Hilliard Darby (6-0)
JUST MISSING OUT: 9th- Upper Arlington (5-1), 10th- Lancaster (4-2), 11th- Northland (4-2), 12th- Pickerington North (3-3)
DIVISION II (Region 7):
8) Olentangy (4-2) at 1) New Albany (6-0)
7) Dresden Tri-Valley (5-1) at 2) Marion-Franklin (6-0)
6) Canal Winchester (5-1) at 3) Big Walnut (6-0)
5) Uniontown Lake (4-2) at 4) St. Charles (5-1)
JUST MISSING OUT: 9th- Zanesville (5-1), 10th- Watkins Memorial (4-2), 11th- Walnut Ridge (5-1), 12th- Hamilton Township (5-1)
DIVISION II (Region 8):
JUST MISSING OUT: 11th- Teays Valley (4-2)
DIVISION III (Region 1o):
8) Celina (5-1) at 1) Clyde (6-0)
7) Shelby (5-1) at 2) Columbus St. Francis DeSales (4-2)
6) Oak Harbor (5-1) at 3) Tiffin Columbian (5-1)
5) Napoleon (6-0) at 4) Bishop Watterson (4-1)
JUST MISSING OUT: 11th- Eastmoor Academy (3-2)
DIVISION III (Region 11):
8) Granville (4-2) at 1) Steubenville (6-0)
7) Thornville Sheridan (6-0) at 2) Alliance Marlington (6-0)
6) Salem (5-1) at 3) East Liverpool (5-1)
5) Licking Valley (4-2) at 4) Minerva (5-1)
JUST MISSING OUT: 9th- Licking Heights (4-2)
DIVISION III (Region 12):
8) Springfield Kenton Ridge (5-1) at 1) Cincinnati St. Bernard Roger Bacon (5-1)
7) Jackson (5-1) at 2) Cincinnati Wyoming (5-1)
6) Gallipolis Gallia Academy (5-1) at 3) Eaton (6-0)
5) Springfield Shawnee (5-1) at 4) Washington Court House (6-0)
JUST MISSING OUT: 12th- Greenfield McClain (4-2)
DIVISION IV (Region 15):
8) Sparta Highland (4-2) at 1) Ironton (5-1)
7) Albany Alexander (5-1) at 2) Heath (5-1)
6) Amanda-Clearcreek (5-1) at 3) Bishop Hartley (5-1) **NOTE: This would be a rematch of the season opener between these schools, as Hartley's running game annihilated Amanda, 48-10**
5) Portsmouth West (6-0) at 4) Coshocton (5-1)
MISSING OUT: 10th- Portsmouth (2-4, YES, 2-4), 11th- Westfall (4-2), 12th- Johnstown (4-2)
DIVISION IV (Region 16):
8) Waynesville (4-2) at 1) Middletown Bishop Fenwick (6-0)
7) Kettering Archbishop Alter (5-1) at 2) Cincinnati North College Hill (6-0)
6) Jonathan Alder (5-1) at 3) Clarksville Clinton-Massie (6-0) **NOTE: This would be a rematch of the Week 3 matchup between these schools, as Clinton-Massie blocked an extra point try to hang on and beat Alder 28-27**
5) Kenton (5-1) at 4) Carlisle (6-0)
DIVISION V (Region 19):
8) Wheelersburg (4-2) at 1) Fredericktown (6-0)
7) Woodsfield Monroe Central (4-2) at 2) Minford (5-1)
6) Oak Hill (5-1) at 3) Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant (5-1)
5) West Lafayette Ridgewood (6-0) at 4) Lucasville Valley (6-0)
JUST MISSING OUT: 12th- Liberty Union (4-2)
DIVISION V (Region 20):
8) Cincinnati Clark Montessori (5-1) at 1) Richwood North Union (6-0)
7) Anna (4-2) at 2) West Jefferson (6-0)
6) Versailles (4-2) at 3) Cincinnati Summit Country Day (5-1)
5) Coldwater (4-2) at 4) Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (4-2)
JUST MISSING OUT: 10th- Grandview Heights (4-2), 12th- Fairbanks (5-1)
DIVISION VI (Region 23):
8) Salineville Southern (5-1) at 1) Shadyside (6-0)
7) Malvern (3-3) at 2) Bridgeport (6-0)
6) Fairfield Christian Academy (6-0) at 3) Newark Catholic (5-1)
5) Strasburg-Franklin (6-0) at 4) Willow Wood Symmes Valley (6-0)
Next week, Sports Corner will break down local rivalries in the area, as part of High School Rivalry Week.
SPORTS CORNER TOP 25 (regardless of Division):
1) Pickerington Central (5-0)
2) Hilliard Davidson (6-0)
3) Marion-Franklin (6-0)
4) Big Walnut (6-0)
5) New Albany (6-0)
6) West Jefferson (6-0)
7) Fredericktown (6-0)
8) Bishop Hartley (5-1)
9) Westerville South (5-1)
10) Groveport Madison (5-1)
(JUST OUT OF THE TOP 10)
11) Hilliard Darby (6-0)
12) St. Charles (5-1)
13) Newark Catholic (5-1)
14) Jonathan Alder (5-1)
15) Hamilton Township (5-1)
16) Bishop Watterson (4-1)
17) Licking Valley (4-2)
18) Upper Arlington (4-2)
19) Dublin Coffman (5-1)
20) Johnstown (4-2)
21) North Union (6-0)
22) DeSales (4-2)
23) Walnut Ridge (5-1)
24) Olentangy (4-2)
25) Washington Court House (6-0)
Dropped Out: Centennial (3-3, lost to Northland), Granville (4-2, lost to Licking Valley)
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
College Football 2010: Week 6
The sixth week of College Football begins this week with a lot of big games. On Sunday, Oregon trumped Boise State to take hold of the # 3 spot in the Associated Press poll. This is because Boise State beat up New Mexico State really bad- 59 to 0 (1), and (2) Boise State is in a lesser conference that BCS voters are frowning down on, as opposed to Oregon (3), a member of the Pac-10, who outshot Stanford in a shootout, 52-31.
The # 2 team in the nation, the Ohio State Buckeyes narrowly escaped the upset bug by Illinois, winning 24-13, after trailing 10-7 in the first half. OSU running back Daniel "Boom" Herron put the game away with a rushing touchdown with less than two minutes left. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor got injured, and is still expected to play against the Hoosiers, but for how long is uncertain. However, the Buckeyes now have the longest-active streak in the AP and Coaches polls, with their 90th straight week in the polls, after Texas's 162-week poll streak came crashing down with their second straight loss, losing 28-20 to rival Oklahoma in the "Red River Shootout" last Saturday, knocking the Longhorns out of the Top 25.
Now, moving on to the week at head...
GAME OF THE WEEK:
# 17 Michigan State Spartans at # 18 Michigan Wolverines (both 5-0, 1-0)- 3:30PM in the Big House
Former UM running back Mike Hart said it best, Michigan playing Michigan State is like "playing with your little brother." Speaking of which, this Saturday, Michigan's "little brother" comes to the Big House to play. Both teams enter this race unbeaten for the first time in 11 years (1999), in which both teams finished 10-2 that year, both beat Ohio State (who finished 6-6 and didn't go to a bowl game), and both won very respectable bowl games (Michigan State- over Florida in the Citrus Bowl and Michigan- over Alabama in the Orange Bowl, a BCS bowl). Can Michigan put their little brothers back into place, or will the little green men from East Lansing keep a hold of the Paul Bunyan Trophy? Michigan State is on fire, and so is Michigan, but Michigan's defense hasn't been since RichRod came to town almost three years ago. And Rich Rodriguez is 0-2 against both MSU and "that team" he plays on Nov. 27 in Columbus. A Michigan win would steal some more possible Heisman votes for Denard Robinson.
Pick: Michigan...State 27-17
OTHER BIG GAMES ON SATURDAY:
Otterbein Cardinals (3-1, 2-1) at Baldwin-Wallace Yellow Jackets (4-0, 3-0)- 2:00PM at Tressel Field in Berea, OH
In August, Otterbein was picked to finish third in the OAC, and Baldwin-Wallace, seventh (by the coaches) and eighth (by the media). You can't really believe what the experts say, because Baldwin-Wallace is one of two unbeatens left in the OAC (after Mount Union's spanking of Ohio Northern last week). Can Otterbein spoil B Dub's homecoming in the house that Tressel (the elder) built?
Pick: Baldwin-Wallace 28-0
Capital Crusaders (2-2, 1-2) at Ohio Northern Polar Bears (3-1, 2-1)- 1:30PM at Ohio Northern University in Ada, OH
The Crusaders literally poured on the points last week in their homecoming dethroning of Heidelberg's Student Princes, in what would be considered a basketball score (60-50). Unfortunately for Bexley's Purple People Eaters, that's not going to happen tomorrow as their offense will be sent into hibernation by Ohio Northern, who is coming off a 27-0 loss to the Lords of OAC Football- Mount Union. Expect the Polar Bears to get back on track, and as for Capital, guess who's coming to Bexley next Saturday...
Pick: Ohio Northern 42-17
# 1 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0, 2-0) at # 19 South Carolina Gamecocks (3-1, 1-1)- 3:30PM in Columbia, SC
After Arkansas and Florida, you would think there would be any quit in the # 1 team in the nation. There is no quit in 'Bama, and the Tide will roll past the Gamecocks.
Pick: Alabama 28-3
# 12 LSU Tigers (5-0, 3-0) at # 14 Florida Gators (4-1, 2-1)- 7:30PM in Gainesville
Last week, Florida came down to earth, as Alabama proved that Florida is anything but invincible. LSU will second that motion. On a side note, starting LSU defensive end Sam Montgomery has been lost for the season with a torn ligament in his knee, suffered during last week's win over Tennessee.
Pick: LSU 27-20
USC Trojans (4-1, 1-1) at # 16 Stanford Cardinal (4-1, 2-1)- 8PM at Stanford
Last week's surprising loss to Washington knocked USC out of the Top 25 poll. This week, the Trojans have to travel up the California coast to play Stanford. Not easy.
Pick: Stanford 41-31
# 23 Florida State Seminoles (4-1) at # 13 Miami Hurricanes (3-1)- 8PM in Miami
Things are going to heat up in South Beach as Florida State comes to visit the Hurricanes. This will be an interesting matchup, between a surprising Florida State team and a resurging Miami team.
Pick: Miami 26-21
The # 2 team in the nation, the Ohio State Buckeyes narrowly escaped the upset bug by Illinois, winning 24-13, after trailing 10-7 in the first half. OSU running back Daniel "Boom" Herron put the game away with a rushing touchdown with less than two minutes left. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor got injured, and is still expected to play against the Hoosiers, but for how long is uncertain. However, the Buckeyes now have the longest-active streak in the AP and Coaches polls, with their 90th straight week in the polls, after Texas's 162-week poll streak came crashing down with their second straight loss, losing 28-20 to rival Oklahoma in the "Red River Shootout" last Saturday, knocking the Longhorns out of the Top 25.
Now, moving on to the week at head...
GAME OF THE WEEK:
# 17 Michigan State Spartans at # 18 Michigan Wolverines (both 5-0, 1-0)- 3:30PM in the Big House
Former UM running back Mike Hart said it best, Michigan playing Michigan State is like "playing with your little brother." Speaking of which, this Saturday, Michigan's "little brother" comes to the Big House to play. Both teams enter this race unbeaten for the first time in 11 years (1999), in which both teams finished 10-2 that year, both beat Ohio State (who finished 6-6 and didn't go to a bowl game), and both won very respectable bowl games (Michigan State- over Florida in the Citrus Bowl and Michigan- over Alabama in the Orange Bowl, a BCS bowl). Can Michigan put their little brothers back into place, or will the little green men from East Lansing keep a hold of the Paul Bunyan Trophy? Michigan State is on fire, and so is Michigan, but Michigan's defense hasn't been since RichRod came to town almost three years ago. And Rich Rodriguez is 0-2 against both MSU and "that team" he plays on Nov. 27 in Columbus. A Michigan win would steal some more possible Heisman votes for Denard Robinson.
Pick: Michigan...State 27-17
OTHER BIG GAMES ON SATURDAY:
Otterbein Cardinals (3-1, 2-1) at Baldwin-Wallace Yellow Jackets (4-0, 3-0)- 2:00PM at Tressel Field in Berea, OH
In August, Otterbein was picked to finish third in the OAC, and Baldwin-Wallace, seventh (by the coaches) and eighth (by the media). You can't really believe what the experts say, because Baldwin-Wallace is one of two unbeatens left in the OAC (after Mount Union's spanking of Ohio Northern last week). Can Otterbein spoil B Dub's homecoming in the house that Tressel (the elder) built?
Pick: Baldwin-Wallace 28-0
Capital Crusaders (2-2, 1-2) at Ohio Northern Polar Bears (3-1, 2-1)- 1:30PM at Ohio Northern University in Ada, OH
The Crusaders literally poured on the points last week in their homecoming dethroning of Heidelberg's Student Princes, in what would be considered a basketball score (60-50). Unfortunately for Bexley's Purple People Eaters, that's not going to happen tomorrow as their offense will be sent into hibernation by Ohio Northern, who is coming off a 27-0 loss to the Lords of OAC Football- Mount Union. Expect the Polar Bears to get back on track, and as for Capital, guess who's coming to Bexley next Saturday...
Pick: Ohio Northern 42-17
# 1 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0, 2-0) at # 19 South Carolina Gamecocks (3-1, 1-1)- 3:30PM in Columbia, SC
After Arkansas and Florida, you would think there would be any quit in the # 1 team in the nation. There is no quit in 'Bama, and the Tide will roll past the Gamecocks.
Pick: Alabama 28-3
# 12 LSU Tigers (5-0, 3-0) at # 14 Florida Gators (4-1, 2-1)- 7:30PM in Gainesville
Last week, Florida came down to earth, as Alabama proved that Florida is anything but invincible. LSU will second that motion. On a side note, starting LSU defensive end Sam Montgomery has been lost for the season with a torn ligament in his knee, suffered during last week's win over Tennessee.
Pick: LSU 27-20
USC Trojans (4-1, 1-1) at # 16 Stanford Cardinal (4-1, 2-1)- 8PM at Stanford
Last week's surprising loss to Washington knocked USC out of the Top 25 poll. This week, the Trojans have to travel up the California coast to play Stanford. Not easy.
Pick: Stanford 41-31
# 23 Florida State Seminoles (4-1) at # 13 Miami Hurricanes (3-1)- 8PM in Miami
Things are going to heat up in South Beach as Florida State comes to visit the Hurricanes. This will be an interesting matchup, between a surprising Florida State team and a resurging Miami team.
Pick: Miami 26-21
# 7 Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-0, 0-0) at Kansas State Wildcats (4-0, 1-0)- Thursday @ 7:30PM On Thursday night, these two unbeatens square off in Kansas, as the Cornhuskers open their final Big 12 season on the road. To be perfectly frank, this matchup could be misleading, because of Nebraska's ability to shut down opponents.
Pick: Nebraska 31-6
OTHER BIG DIVISION I-FBS GAMES:
Indiana Hoosiers (3-1, 0-1) at # 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0, 1-0)- Noon at Ohio Stadium, Columbus
As mentioned earlier, the Buckeyes are starting to get banged up, in spite of their success, and last week, Illinois gave the Buckeyes almost 60 minutes. The key word in the last sentence was almost. Ben Chappell is not going to have a career day against the Buckeyes, just the polar opposite.
Pick: Ohio State 37-0
Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-4, 0-1) at # 20 Wisconsin Badgers (4-1, 0-1)- Noon at Camp Randall, Madison, WI
Last week, Wisconsin got outplayed in East Lansing, and this week, the Badgers get an easier test, as they host the not-so Golden Gophers from Minnesota.
Pick: Wisconsin 47-0
Illinois Fighting Illini (2-2, 0-1) at Penn State Nittany Lions (3-2, 0-1)- Noon at Happy Valley, College Park, PA
Last week, Penn State QB Rob Bolden's youth showed against Iowa. Last week, Illinois gave a scare to Ohio State. This week, the Illini have to travel to central Pennsylvania to a place called "Happy Valley". Can the Illini scare Penn State like they did to the Buckeyes?
Pick: Illinois 27-20 (UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK)
Boston College Eagles (2-2, 0-1) at North Carolina State Wolf Pack (4-1, 0-1)- Noon
Last week, the once-mighty Wolf Pack was hunted down by Georgia Tech, who gave the Pack their first loss of the year, while BC is coming off an embarrassing loss to Notre Dame.
Pick: NC State 35-14
Wyoming Cowboys (2-3, 0-1) at # 5 TCU Horned Frogs (5-0, 2-0)- 3:30PM at TCU
TCU is going to go ribbit, ribbit, ribbit over Wyoming so much, that these Cowboys won't be able to lasso TCU.
Pick: TCU 28-0
UCLA Bruins (3-2, 1-1) at California Golden Bears (2-2, 0-1)- 3:30PM in Berkeley
UCLA was once 0-2, and considered dead. Now, UCLA has reeled off three straight wins, and the Bruins (like their cross-town rivals) traverse up the California coast, as the Bruins spend the afternoon in the Bay Area to play Cal, attempting to win their fourth in a row.
Pick: UCLA 24-20
Pitt Panthers (2-2) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-3)- 3:30PM in South Bend, IN
Notre Dame snapped a three-game losing streak by pounding BC last Saturday night. The Irish would love to win in front of the home crowd again, but Pitt has other plans.
Pick: Notre Dame 30-25
Oregon Ducks (5-0, 2-0) at Washington State Cougars (1-4, 0-2)- 5PM in Pullman, WA
This game is so easy, even a caveman can predict the outcome....Quack, Quack...watch Washington State's defense completely implode against Oregon's tenacious O.
Pick: Oregon 76-0 (BLOWOUT OF THE WEEK)
# 10 Utah Utes (4-0) at Iowa State Cyclones (3-2)- 7PM at Iowa State
Pick: Utah 41-17
# 8 Auburn Tigers (5-0, 2-0) at Kentucky Wildcats (3-2, 0-2)- 7:30PM in Lexington, KY
Kentucky has been on a slide since "Red Lobster", and the slide will continue as Auburn roars into Lexington.
Pick: Auburn 33-16
Purdue Boilermakers (2-2, 0-0) at Northwestern Wildcats (5-0, 1-0)- 7:30PM in Evanston, IL
Northwestern has been playing its opponents really close. One day (or night), it will eventually catch up with them. It is possible that the Boilermakers will steamroll their way through Northwestern, and at the rate Northwestern is letting the opposition hang around, it's possible.
Pick: Purdue 35-25 (UPSET OF THE WEEK PICK)
Toledo Rockets (3-2) at # 4 Boise State Broncos (4-0)- 8PM in Boise
Two years ago, this weekend, the Toledo Rockets shocked the world as they blasted into Ann Arbor and beat Michigan in the Big House 13-10. 728 days later, Toledo visits Boise State in their own house of blue. The chances for Toledo to shock the world and blast back to northwest Ohio on their rocket with an upset: ZILCH.
Pick: Boise State 55-0
San Jose State Spartans (1-4, 0-0) at # 21 Nevada Wolf Pack (5-0, 1-0)- 10:30PM in Reno
The last time that Nevada was ranked, television was in its infancy, Harry Truman was President, baby boomers were popping out everywhere, and times were simpler (1948). Nevada will continue to be ranked, as the Wolf Pack mauls the Spartans.
Pick: Nevada 48-0
OHIO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE:
(Otterbein @ Baldwin-Wallace and Capital @ Ohio Northern are with the Big Games of the Week)
Wilmington Quakers (0-4, 0-3) at John Carroll Blue Streaks (1-3, 1-2)- 1:30PM at Don Shula Stadium, University Heights, OH
Last week, Wilmington allowed only three points and still lost (final score: Muskingum 3, Wilmington 0), while John Carroll was out of their contest by halftime at Otterbein (Otterbein led 31-0, then 38-7 at halftime), losing 56-28. John Carroll's QB got knocked out in Westerville, however, their backup quarterback hooked up for two scores with receiver Frank Ross. Look for Ross to have a big day.
Pick: John Carroll 41-0
Mount Union Purple Raiders (4-0, 3-0) at Marietta Pioneers (1-3, 0-3)- 1:30PM in Marietta, OH
Last week, Mount Union froze the mighty Polar Bear, and now the defending D-III runners-up will attempt to set college football back 1,000 years as they attempt to sink Marietta.
Pick: Mount Union 88-0
Muskingum Muskies (3-1, 2-1) at Heidelberg Student Princes (1-3, 0-3)- 1:30PM in Tiffin, OH
Muskingum, like Baldwin-Wallace, is another surprise in the OAC. However, they've really haven't beaten anyone of interest, and their one loss- a 36-0 blanking by Ohio Northern. The Muskies could use another win here, because they have John Carroll next week, and Muskingum may get snowballed downhill as they close out with Otterbein, Baldwin-Wallace, Capital, and Mount Union, respectively, whom are all a combined 13-3 going into this weekend. The Muskies will send the Princes to the Tower this week.
Pick: Muskingum 13-10
OTHER CENTRAL OHIO COLLEGES:
Hillsdale (MI) Chargers (4-1, 3-1) at Ohio Dominican Panthers (0-4, 0-4)- Panther Field, 7:00PM in Columbus, OH
The Panthers return just in time for Homecoming, after a 45-6 trouncing by Michigan Tech last week in the Upper Peninsula. The Chargers are ranked nationally in Division II at # 9, and have won three straight. The Head Coach for the Chargers, interestingly enough is Keith Otterbein. This is the first meeting between these schools, and it will be interesting to see how this plays out, but I think that the Chargers will put a shock to the Panthers and crash the Homecoming festivities.
Pick: Hillsdale 38-0
Carnegie-Mellon Tartans (3-2) at Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops (0-5, 0-2)- Selby Field, 1:00PM in Delaware, OH
The Battling Bishops of OWU are a mess right now, coming off a 30-6 loss to former Big Ten school, Chicago, scoring a meaningless touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Tartans will make the most of their long drive from Pittsburgh. Last week, Carnegie-Mellon rushed for a record 585 yards in their 62-31 win over Hiram.
Pick: Carnegie-Mellon 41-0
Denison Big Red (3-2) at Chicago Maroons (3-2)- 2:00PM ET at Stagg Field in Chicago, IL
The Big Red, after a 3-0 start lost back-to-back contests against Case Western and Wooster. It will be three in a row as the Big Red visits the Windy City. The Maroons will not disappoint their alumni, because it's homecoming at Chicago.
Pick: Chicago 36-16
Hiram Terriers (1-4, 1-2) at Wittenberg Tigers (5-0, 3-0)- 1:30PM at Edwards-Maurer Field in Springfield, OH
It is Homecoming time for colleges across the country at this time, and at Wittenberg (ranked # 6 in Division III), it's no different. The Tigers are coming off close ones against Allegheny and Oberlin, and look for the Tigers to put more distance on the Terriers, especially after Hiram yielded almost 600 rushing yards to Carnegie-Mellon last week.
Pick: Wittenberg 42-6
Findlay Oilers (1-4, 1-3) at Ferris State Bulldogs (4-1, 4-0)- 2:00PM at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids, MI
The Oilers are leaking right now offensively, coming off a 20-3 Homecoming loss to the University of Indianapolis at Donnell Stadium. Ferris State will be oiled up on both sides of the ball.
Pick: Ferris State 40-0
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