And the Envelope please....
On Sunday, 192 Ohio high schools received their invitations to compete for six State Championships. In Central Ohio, Fairfield Christian Academy and Columbus Northland are in the playoffs for the first time ever. (Complete Story from the Columbus Dispatch) The Vikings of Northland will play defending Division I state champ Hilliard Davidson in Division I, while unbeaten Fairfield Christian visits eight-time State Champion Newark Catholic in Division VI.
DIVISION I
REGION 1 (ALL GAMES on SATURDAY):
8) Brecksville-Broadview Heights Bees (7-3) @ 1) Solon Comets (10-0)
7) Warren G. Harding Raiders (8-2) @ 2) Cleveland Glenville Tarblooders (10-0)
6) Mentor Cardinals (7-3) @ 3) Lakewood St. Edward Eagles (10-0)
5) Willoughby South Rebels (9-1) @ 4) Austintown-Fitch Falcons (9-1)
MISSING OUT- North Royalton Bears (9-1, 9th Place), Strongsville Mustangs (6-4, 10th Place), Mayfield Wildcats (6-4, 11th Place), Youngstown Boardman Spartans (6-4, 12th Place), Parma Redmen (8-2, 13th Place), Cleveland St. Ignatius Wildcats (4-6, 14th Place), East Cleveland Shaw Cardinals (7-3, 15th Place)
REGION 2 (ALL GAMES on SATURDAY):
8) Medina Battling Bees (7-3) @ 1) Canton McKinley Bulldogs (8-2)
7) Twinsburg Tigers (9-1) @ 2) Sylvania Southview Cougars (10-0)
6) Massillon Washington Tigers (7-3) @ 3) Toledo Whitmer Panthers (9-1)
5) Fremont Ross Little Giants (9-1) @ 4) Toledo St. John Jesuit Titans (9-1)
MISSING OUT- Massillon Perry Panthers (7-3, 9th Place), Amherst Steele Comets (8-2, 10th Place), Perrysburg Yellow Jackets (8-2, 11th Place), Brunswick Blue Devils (5-5, 12th Place), Whitehouse Anthony Wayne Generals (7-3, 13th Place), Findlay Trojans (5-5, 14th Place), North Canton Hoover Vikings (3-7, 15th Place)
REGION 3 (ALL GAMES on SATURDAY):
8) Troy Trojans (8-2) @ 1) Pickerington Central Tigers (9-0)
7) Columbus Northland Vikings (8-2) @ 2) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (10-0)
6) Hilliard Darby Panthers (8-2) @ 3) Springfield Wildcats (8-2)
5) Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (8-2) @ 4) Westerville South Wildcats (8-2)
MISSING OUT- Pickerington North Panthers (6-4, 9th Place), Lancaster Golden Gales (7-3, 10th Place), Groveport Madison Cruisers (6-4, 11th Place), Olentangy Liberty Patriots (6-4, 12th Place), Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets (6-4, 13th Place), Upper Arlington Golden Bears (6-4, 14th Place), Marysville Monarchs (5-5, 15th Place), Gahanna Lincoln Lions (5-5, 16th Place), Grove City Greyhounds (4-6, 17th Place), Columbus West Cowboys (4-6, 18th Place)
REGION 4 (ALL GAMES on SATURDAY):
8) Huber Heights Wayne Warriors (7-3) @ 1) Middletown Middies (10-0)
7) Hamilton Big Blue (7-3) @ 2) Cincinnati Colerain Cardinals (10-0)
6) St. X Blue Bombers (5-4) @ 3) LaSalle Lancers (9-1)
5) Centerville Elks (8-2) @ 4) Archbishop Moeller Crusaders (7-3)
MISSING OUT- Elder Panthers (4-5, 9th Place), Anderson Redskins (8-2, 10th Place), Cincinnati Sycamore Aviators (6-4, 11th Place), Cincinnati Withrow Tigers (6-4, 12th Place), Springboro Panthers (7-3, 13th Place), Cincinnati Western Hills Mustangs (7-3, 14th Place), Clayton Northmont Thunderbolts (6-4, 15th Place)
DIVISION II
REGION 5 (ALL GAMES on FRIDAY):
8) Kent Roosevelt Rough Riders (8-2) @ 1) Tallmadge Blue Devils (10-0)
7) Chagrin Falls Kenston Bombers (8-2) @ 2) Mentor Lake Catholic Cougars (9-1)
6) Warren Howland Tigers (10-0) @ 3) Copley Indians (9-1)
5) Aurora Greenmen (8-2) @ 4) Ashland Arrows (8-2)
MISSING OUT- Ravenna Ravens (8-2, 9th Place), Walsh Jesuit Warriors (7-3, 10th Place), West Geauga Wolverines (7-3, 11th Place), Wooster Generals (7-3, 12th Place), Madison Blue Streaks (7-3, 13th Place), Akron Firestone Falcons (6-4, 14th Place), Geneva Eagles (6-4, 15th Place)
REGION 6 (ALL GAMES on FRIDAY):
8) Sandusky Blue Streaks (6-4) @ 1) Avon Eagles (10-0)
7) Maumee Panthers (7-3) @ 2) Avon Lake Shoremen (8-2)
6) Cleveland JFK Fighting Eagles (7-3) @ 3) Olmsted Falls Bulldogs (7-3)
5) Maple Heights Mustangs (10-0) @ 4) Toledo Central Catholic Fighting Irish (8-2)
MISSING OUT- Rocky River Pirates (7-3, 9th Place), Westlake Demons (6-4, 10th Place), North Ridgeville Rangers (7-3, 11th Place), Lexington Minutemen (5-5, 12th Place), Toledo St. Francis DeSales Knights (4-6, 18th Place)
REGION 7 (ALL GAMES on FRIDAY):
8) Zanesville Blue Devils (9-1) @ 1) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (10-0)
7) Dresden Tri-Valley Scotties (8-2) @ 2) New Albany Eagles (10-0)
6) St. Charles Cardinals (5-4) @ 3) Uniontown Lake Blue Streaks (7-3)
5) Sunbury Big Walnut Golden Eagles (8-2) @ 4) Canal Winchester Indians (9-1)
MISSING OUT- Louisville Leopards (7-3, 9th Place), Hamilton Township Rangers (8-2, 10th Place), Olentangy Braves (6-4, 11th Place), Dublin Jerome Celtics (6-4, 12th Place), Beechcroft Cougars (7-3, 13th Place), Walnut Ridge Scots (8-2, 14th Place), Dublin Scioto Irish (6-4, 15th Place), Olentangy Orange Pioneers (6-4, 16th Place), Watkins Memorial Warriors (6-4, 17th Place), Brookhaven Bearcats (5-5, 18th Place), Athens Bulldogs (5-5, 19th Place), Vincent Warren Warriors (5-5, 20th Place), Briggs Bruins (6-4, 21st Place), Mifflin Punchers (5-5, 22nd Place)
REGION 8 (ALL GAMES ON FRIDAY):
8) Dayton Carroll Patriots (7-3) @ 1) Winton Woods Warriors (9-1)
7) New Carlisle Tecumseh Arrows (7-3) @ 2) Kings Mills Kings Knights (9-1)
6) Mount Healthy Fighting Owls (8-2) @ 3) Cincinnati Turpin Spartans (9-1)
5) Harrison Wildcats (5-5) @ 4) Trotwood-Madison Rams (8-2)
MISSING OUT- Wapakoneta Redskins (7-3, 9th Place), Wilmington Hurricane (7-3, 10th Place), Hamilton Ross Rams (7-3, 11th Place), Piqua Indians (5-5, 12th Place), Teays Valley Vikings (5-5, 13th Place), Mount Orab Western Brown Broncos (6-4, 14th Place)
DIVISION III
REGION 9 (ALL GAMES ON SATURDAY):
8) University School Preppers (7-3) @ 1) Parma Padua Franciscan Bruins (7-3)
7) St. Vincent-St. Mary Irish (6-4) @ 2) Hubbard Eagles (8-2)
6) Cardinal Mooney Cardinals (5-4) @ 3) Mogadore Field Falcons (7-3)
5) Poland Seminary Bulldogs (7-3) @ 4) Buchtel Griffins (7-3)
MISSING OUT- These eight schools were the only schools in that region above .500.
REGION 10 (ALL GAMES on SATURDAY):
8) Columbus St. Francis DeSales Stallions (5-5) @ 1) Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (8-1)
7) Shelby Whippets (8-2) @ 2) Clyde Fliers (9-1)
6) Eastmoor Academy Warriors (6-3) @ 3) Tiffin Columbian Tornadoes (9-1)
5) Elida Bulldogs (8-2) @ 4) Tipp City Tippecanoe Red Devils (9-1)
MISSING OUT- Oak Harbor Rockets (7-3, 9th Place), Toledo Rogers Rams (6-3, 10th Place), Benjamin Logan Raiders (7-3, 11th Place), Urbana Hillclimbers (7-3, 12th Place), Celina Bulldogs (6-4, 13th Place), Napoleon Wildcats (6-4, 14th Place), Bryan Golden Bears (6-4, 15th Place), Bellevue Redmen (6-4, 16th Place)
REGION 11 (ALL GAMES on SATURDAY):
8) Minerva Lions (8-2) @ 1) Alliance Marlington Dukes (10-0)
7) Dover Tornadoes (8-2) @ 2) Steubenville Big Red (8-2)
6) Salem Quakers (8-2) @ 3) Thornville Sheridan Generals (10-0)
5) Licking Valley Panthers (8-2) @ 4) East Liverpool Potters (8-2)
MISSING OUT- Richmond Edison Wildcats (8-2, 9th Place), Granville Blue Aces (7-3, 10th Place), Licking Heights Hornets (7-3, 11th Place), Wintersville Indian Creek Redskins (6-4, 12th Place), Philo Electrics (6-4, 13th Place)
REGION 12 (ALL GAMES on SATURDAY):
8) Washington Court House Blue Lions (8-2) @ 1) Springfield Shawnee Braves (9-1)
7) Dayton Dunbar Wolverines (7-3) @ 2) Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas Rockets (8-2)
6) Cincinnati Wyoming Cowboys (9-1) @ 3) St. Bernard Roger Bacon Spartans (7-3)
5) Jackson Ironmen (9-1) @ 4) Eaton Eagles (10-0)
MISSING OUT- Gallia Academy Blue Devils (7-3, 9th Place), New Richmond Lions (7-3, 10th Place), Kenton Ridge Cougars (6-4, 13th Place), Greenfield McClain Tigers (6-4, T-14th Place), Chillicothe Cavaliers (4-6, T-14th Place), Lemon-Monroe Hornets (6-4, 17th Place)
DIVISION IV
REGION 13 (ALL GAMES on FRIDAY):
8) Perry Pirates (6-4) @ 1) Akron Manchester Panthers (10-0)
7) Garretsville Garfield G-Men (8-2) @ 2) Chagrin Falls Tigers (9-1)
6) Cortland Lakeview Bulldogs (8-2) @ 3) Saint Clairsville Red Devils (8-2)
5) Campbell Memorial Red Devils (9-1) @ 4) Martins Ferry Purple Raiders (7-2)
MISSING OUT- Canton Central Catholic Crusaders (8-2, 9th Place), Girard Indians (6-4, 10th Place), Cleveland Central Catholic Ironmen (6-4, 11th Place), Warren Champion Golden Flashes (6-4, 12th Place), Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Royals (6-4, 13th Place), Cleveland John Hay Hornets (6-4, 15th Place), Bellaire Big Reds (6-4, 16th Place), Peninsula Woodridge Bulldogs (7-3, 17th Place), Gnadenhutten Indian Valley Braves (6-4, 18th Place), Andover Pymatuning Valley Lakers (6-4, 20th Place)
REGION 14 (ALL GAMES on FRIDAY):
8) Ontario Warriors (7-3) @ 1) Bellville Clear Fork Colts (9-1)
7) Huron Tigers (7-3) @ 2) Elyria Catholic Panthers (9-1)
6) Wooster Triway Titans (8-2) @ 3) Orrville Red Riders (7-3)
5) Ottawa-Glandorf Titans (8-2) @ 4) Genoa Area Comets (10-0)
MISSING OUT- Lorain Clearview Clippers (7-3, 9th Place), Metamora Evergreen Vikings (7-3, 10th Place), Van Wert Cougars (5-5, 11th Place), Sullivan Black River Pirates (6-4, 12th Place), Milan Edison Chargers (5-5, 13th Place), Pemberville Eastwood Eagles (6-4, 14th Place), Galion Tigers (5-5, 15th Place), Bucyrus Redmen (6-4, 16th Place)
REGION 15 (ALL GAMES on FRIDAY):
8) Coshocton Redskins (8-2) @ 1) Ironton Tigers (8-2)
7) Albany Alexander Spartans (8-2) @ 2) Heath Bulldogs (9-1)
6) Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (7-3) @ 3) Bishop Hartley Hawks (8-2)
5) West Portsmouth West Senators (8-2) @ 4) Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (8-2)
MISSING OUT- Utica Redskins (6-4, 9th Place), Johnstown Johnnies (7-3, 10th Place), Marion Pleasant Spartans (7-3, 11th Place), Westfall Mustangs (6-4, 12th Place), Piketon Redstreaks (7-3)
REGION 16 (ALL GAMES on FRIDAY):
8) Cincinnati Taft Senators (7-3) @ 1) Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (10-0)
7) Waynesville Spartans (8-2) @ 2) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (9-1)
6) Kettering Alter Knights (8-2) @ 3) Cincinnati North College Hill Trojans (10-0)
5) Kenton Wildcats (9-1) @ 4) Carlisle Indians (10-0)
MISSING OUT- Franklin Bishop Fenwick Falcons (7-3, 9th Place), Thurgood Marshall Cougars (8-2, 10th Place), Cincinnati Madeira Mustangs (8-2, 11th Place), Germantown Valleyview Spartans (6-4, 12th Place), London Red Raiders (5-5, 13th Place), Reading Blue Devils (7-3, 14th Place), Springfield Northeastern Jets (6-4, 15th Place), Cincinnati Shroder Jaguars (6-4, 16th Place)
DIVISION V
REGION 17 (ALL GAMES on SATURDAY):
8) North Lima South Range Raiders (7-3) @ 1) Youngstown Ursuline Fighting Irish (10-0)
7) Independence Blue Devils (8-2) @ 2) Kirtland Hornets (10-0)
6) Hanoverton United Golden Eagles (7-3) @ 3) Cuyahoga Heights Redskins (9-1)
5) Creston Norwayne Bobcats (8-2) @ 4) Columbiana Crestview Rebels (9-1)
MISSING OUT- Orwell Grand Valley Mustangs (8-2, 9th Place), Sugarcreek Garaway Pirates (7-3, 10th Place), Mineral Ridge Rams (6-4, 11th Place)
REGION 18 (ALL GAMES on SATURDAY):
8) Northwood Rangers (7-3) @ 1) Archbold Blue Streaks (10-0)
7) Jeromesville Hillsdale Falcons (9-1) @ 2) Collins Western Reserve Roughriders (10-0)
6) Columbia Station Raiders (9-1) @ 3) Hamler Patrick Henry Patriots (9-1)
5) Defiance Tinora Rams (10-0) @ 4) Lima Central Catholic Thunderbirds (9-1)
MISSING OUT- Liberty-Benton Eagles (7-3, 9th Place), Sherwood Fairview Apaches (6-4, 10th Place), Castalia Margaretta Polar Bears (6-4, 11th Place), Ashland Crestview Cougars (6-4, 13th Place)
REGION 19 (ALL GAMES on SATURDAY):
8) Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant Hornets (8-2) @ 1) Oak Hill Oaks (9-1)
7) Woodsfield Monroe Central Seminoles (8-2) @ 2) Fredericktown Freddies (10-0)
6) West Lafayette Ridgewood Generals (10-0) @ 3) Wheelersburg Pirates (8-2)
5) Nelsonville-York Buckeyes (8-2) @ 4) Minford Falcons (8-2)
MISSING OUT- Caldwell Redskins (9-1, 9th Place), Lucasville Valley (8-2, 10th Place), Frankfort Adena Warriors (7-3, 11th Place), Chillicothe Ross Southeastern Panthers (7-3, 12th Place), Chesapeake (5-5, 13th Place), Beverly Fort Frye Cadets (7-3, 14th Place), Crooksville (6-4, 15th Place), Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (6-4, 16th Place), Liberty Union Lions (6-4, 17th Place), Barnesville Shamrocks (6-4, 18th Place)
REGION 20 (ALL GAMES on SATURDAY):
8) Hamilton Badin Rams (5-5) @ 1) North Union Wildcats (10-0)
7) Cincinnati Summit Country Day Silver Knights (7-3) @ 2) West Jefferson Roughriders (10-0)
6) Lees Creek East Clinton Astros (8-2) @ 3) Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy Eagles (7-3)
5) Coldwater Cavaliers (7-3) @ 4) Anna Rockets (8-2)
MISSING OUT- Fairbanks Panthers (7-2, 9th Place), North Lewisburg Triad Cardinals (7-3, 10th Place), West Liberty Salem Tigers (8-2, 11th Place), Cincinnati Clark Montessori Cougars (6-4, 12th Place), Versailles Tigers (6-4, T-13th Place), New Lebanon Dixie Greyhounds (7-3, T-13th Place), Williamsburg Wildcats (8-2, 15th Place), Tipp City Bethel Bees (7-3, 16th Place), Grandview Heights Bobcats (6-4, 17th Place), Casstown Miami East Vikings (6-4, 18th Place), Lewisburg Tri-County North Panthers (6-4, 19th Place), Dayton Christian Warriors (6-4, 20th Place), Columbus Academy Vikings (5-5, 23rd Place)
DIVISION VI
REGION 21 (ALL GAMES on FRIDAY):
8) Dalton Bulldogs (7-3) @ 1) Bucyrus Wynford Royals (10-0)
7) Buckeye Central Bucks (9-1) @ 2) Mogadore Wildcats (10-0)
6) Monroeville Eagles (8-2) @ 3) Thompson Ledgemont Redskins (10-0)
5) McDonald Blue Devils (8-2) @ 4) Berlin Center Western Reserve Devils (9-1)
MISSING OUT- Bascom Hopewell-Loudon Chieftains (6-4, T-9th Place), Norwalk St. Paul Flyers (7-3, T-9th Place), Warren JFK Eagles (4-6, 11th Place), Tiffin Calvert Senecas (4-6, 12th Place), Vienna Mathews Mustangs (6-4, 13th Place)
REGION 22 (ALL GAMES on FRIDAY):
8) Edgerton Bulldogs (7-3) @ 1) Delphos St. John's Blue Jays (10-0)
7) Fremont St. John Central Catholic Crimson Streaks (9-1) @ 2) McComb Panthers (10-0)
6) Toledo Christian Eagles (8-2) @ 3) Sycamore Mohawk Warriors (9-1)
5) Leipsic Vikings (9-1) @ 4) Ada Bulldogs (9-1)
MISSING OUT- Edon Bombers (7-3, 9th Place), Columbus Grove Bulldogs (7-3, 10th Place), Carey Blue Devils (6-4, 11th Place), Arlington Red Devils (6-4, 12th Place)
NOTE- Ada and Leipsic were actually tied for fourth place, but Ada wins a Level 3 Divisor tiebreaker, placing Leipsic at the fifth seed
REGION 23 (ALL GAMES on FRIDAY):
8) Glouster Trimble Tomcats (7-3) @ 1) Shadyside Tigers (9-1)
7) Salineville Southern Indians (8-2) @ 2) Bridgeport Bulldogs (10-0)
6) Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (9-0) @ 3) Newark Catholic Green Wave (7-3)
5) Malvern Hornets (7-3) @ 4) Willow Wood Symmes Valley Vikings (9-1)
MISSING OUT- Strasburg-Franklin Tigers (7-3, 9th Place), Reedsville Eastern Eagles (7-3, 10th Place), Canal Winchester Harvest Prep Warriors (6-4, 11th Place), New Matamoras Frontier Cougars (5-5, 12th Place), Danville Blue Devils (6-4, 13th Place), Waterford Wildcats (6-4, 14th Place)
REGION 24 (ALL GAMES on FRIDAY):
8) Minster Wildcats (5-5) at 1) Springfield Catholic Central Irish (9-1)
7) Lockland Panthers (6-4) at 2) Sidney Lehman Catholic Cavaliers (9-1)
6) Ansonia Tigers (9-1) at 3) Covington Buccs (10-0)
5) Maria Stein Marion Local Flyers (8-2) at 4) Fort Loramie Redskins (8-2)
MISSING OUT- there were only seven teams this region that finished with winning records; Portsmouth Notre Dame Titans (9th place), Dayton Jefferson Broncos (10th place), and Waynesfield-Goshen Tigers (11th place) all finished 5-5, like 8th place Minster.
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.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
NFL Predictions: Week 8 (Cleveland Clowns-free NFL Weekend)
It's Halloween and this weekend, there will be lots of tricks and treats in the thirteen NFL games that will take place on Sunday and Monday.
BYE WEEKS: Atlanta Falcons (5-2), Baltimore Ravens (5-2), Chicago Bears (4-3), Cleveland Browns (2-5), New York Giants (5-2), Philadelphia Eagles (4-3)
GAME OF THE WEEK: Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1) at New Orleans Saints (4-3)- 8:20PM ET on NBC
Last week, the Steelers won, thanks to a controversial call on 4th down, while the Saints imploded against the Browns. The last two teams to win the Super Bowl face off in the Superdome.
Pick: Pittsburgh 31-17
SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES:
Denver Broncos (2-5) vs. San Francisco 49ers (1-5)- 1PM ET at Wembley Stadium (London, England) on CBS- REGIONAL GAME OF THE WEEK
Mike Singletary still thinks that the 49ers, at 1-5 can still make the playoffs. Truth is, only the 1970 Cincinnati Bengals have come back from 1-5 and made the playoffs. The Broncos, after a 6-0 start last year, have lost 9 of their last 11, after allowing a club-record 59 points in a 59-14 bloodbath loss to Oakland last week. The 49ers have not been able to close games, losing 4th quarter leads to Atlanta and Carolina, and losing close ones to those two aforementioned teams, plus New Orleans and Philadelphia. 2006 Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith will start for the 49ers. Hopefully, Denver puts in Tim Tebow. However, Troy Smith may get the upper hand this time, as opposed to the last time he squared off against Tebow.
Pick: San Francisco 24-14
Miami Dolphins (3-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)- 1PM ET at Paul Brown Stadium; Cincinnati, OH on CBS
Miami is 3-0 on the road and 0-3 at home. The Bengals can't finish games, losing to Cleveland, Tampa Bay, and Atlanta in the fourth quarter. Last week, after trailing 24-3 at halftime to the Atlanta Falcons, it looked like Cincinnati imploded. However, in the 3rd quarter, the Bengals came back to life, with two scoring drives to cut Atlanta's lead to 24-13. After Matt Ryan was picked off by Leon Hall, Carson Palmer connected to rookie receiver Jordan Shipley for a 62-yard strike to cut the Atlanta lead to five. And then, Falcon receiver Roddy White, who was solid all day, fumbled the ball on the next drive and Adam (formerly nicknamed Pacman) Jones returned it 59 yards to put the Bengals on top 25-24. Jones' season ended on Atlanta's next scoring drive, when White caught a two-point pass.
Back to this week. The Bengals won the last two meetings against Miami, after not beating the Dolphins since 1977. Since the Bengals' last meeting against the Dolphins (a 38-25 Bengal win) in the final game of 2007, the Dolphins have had a complete 360, bringing in the Wildcat. Expect Tony Sparano and Dan Henning (Miami offensive coordinator) to jam Ricky Williams and Ronnie White down the throats of the Bengal defense, and of course, the Wildcat.
Pick: Miami 31-20
Washington Redskins (4-3) at Detroit Lions (2-4)- 1:00PM at Ford Field; Detroit on Fox
The Redskins won 18 straight meetings between 1966 and 2004. Look for the youthful Lions to stop McNabb and crew in Motown. Last week, Washington corner D'Angelo Hall had a big game with an NFL-record four picks in Chicago, including a 92-yard return for what would be the game-winning score.
Pick: Detroit 17-15
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4) at Dallas Cowboys (1-5)- 1:00PM at Cowboys Stadium; Arlington, TX on CBS
If Tony Romo were healthy, this wouldn't be close. But, look for Jacksonville to have a big day in Big D, as Jon Kitna starts for the Cowboys.
Pick: Jacksonville 27-17
Green Bay Packers (4-3) at New York Jets (5-1)- "The Brett Favre Bowl"- 1:00PM at New Meadowlands Stadium; East Rutherford, NJ on Fox
The two teams that Brett Favre used to play for square off in the (New) Meadowlands. Aaron Rodgers had a big night against Favre last week in a 28-24 Green Bay victory. This week, the Jets are well-rested after a bye week, and will look to continue their winning ways.
Pick: NY Jets 27-21
Carolina Panthers (1-5) at St. Louis Rams (3-3)- 1:00PM at Edward Jones Dome; St. Louis, MO on Fox
Pick: St. Louis 21-14
Buffalo Bills (0-6) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-2)- 1:00PM at Arrowhead Stadium; Kansas City, MO on CBS
The Bills are a mess right now, despite almost beating Baltimore last week. This week, they go to Arrowhead to attempt to win a game. The Bills will win a game, but we don't know when, just yet.
Pick: Kansas City 31-27
Tennessee Titans (5-2) at San Diego Chargers (2-5)- 4:05PM at Qualcomm Stadium; San Diego, CA on CBS
Last week, San Diego literally gave away the game to New England, with four turnovers, and a missed field goal try. Also last week, Tennessee receiver Kenny Britt continued his breakout season, emerging with three TD's (after being benched in the first quarter for a bar fight) in a 37-19 win over Philadelphia.
Pick: Tennessee 28-21
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) at Arizona Cardinals (4-3)- 4:15PM at Univ. of Phoenix Stadium; Glendale, AZ on Fox
Josh Freeman is this year's Comeback Hero, leading Tampa Bay to yet another comeback win, topping St. Louis 18-17 on a game-winning pass to Carnell/Cadillac Williams with only 11 seconds left. Look for Freeman to have a big afternoon in the desert.
Pick: Tampa Bay 24-13
Seattle Seahawks (4-2) at Oakland Raiders (3-4)- 4:15PM at Oakland Coliseum; Oakland, CA on Fox
Last week, Oakland scored a club-record 59 points in a 59-14 "Mile High" annihilation of Denver that was over well into the first quarter. While Oakland won't score 60 points this week, the Raiders of old are slowly coming back.
Pick: Oakland 31-20
Minnesota Vikings (2-4) at New England Patriots (4-2)- 4:15PM at Gillette Stadium; Foxborough, MA on Fox
Randy Moss was on the New England sideline at the beginning of the season. However, during the Patriots bye week, the Pats shipped Moss back to where his career began- the Twin Cities. Now, Moss makes a return to Gillette Stadium, albeit on the opposite sideline as where he began the season. That's not the only story entering this game. Will Brett Favre's 291-game streak continue? Last week, after Favre injured his ankle in last Sunday's loss to Green Bay, there were concerns that Favre would be sidelined, but Favre insists that he will play. No matter what, the Viking ship will hit an iceberg somewhere in Massachusetts.
Pick: New England 27-20
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Houston Texans (4-2) at Indianapolis Colts (4-2)- 8:30PM at Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis on ESPN
The last time these two teams faced off, Arian Foster became Indy's worst nightmare, rushing for three TD's in the season opener, a 34-24 Texans win, only the second time that Houston has topped the Colts in their nine year history. However, these two teams are tied for first, and Houston would love to have their first ever sweep of the Colts, but Peyton Manning won't let that happen.
Pick: Indy 35-21
BYE WEEKS: Atlanta Falcons (5-2), Baltimore Ravens (5-2), Chicago Bears (4-3), Cleveland Browns (2-5), New York Giants (5-2), Philadelphia Eagles (4-3)
GAME OF THE WEEK: Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1) at New Orleans Saints (4-3)- 8:20PM ET on NBC
Last week, the Steelers won, thanks to a controversial call on 4th down, while the Saints imploded against the Browns. The last two teams to win the Super Bowl face off in the Superdome.
Pick: Pittsburgh 31-17
SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES:
Denver Broncos (2-5) vs. San Francisco 49ers (1-5)- 1PM ET at Wembley Stadium (London, England) on CBS- REGIONAL GAME OF THE WEEK
Mike Singletary still thinks that the 49ers, at 1-5 can still make the playoffs. Truth is, only the 1970 Cincinnati Bengals have come back from 1-5 and made the playoffs. The Broncos, after a 6-0 start last year, have lost 9 of their last 11, after allowing a club-record 59 points in a 59-14 bloodbath loss to Oakland last week. The 49ers have not been able to close games, losing 4th quarter leads to Atlanta and Carolina, and losing close ones to those two aforementioned teams, plus New Orleans and Philadelphia. 2006 Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith will start for the 49ers. Hopefully, Denver puts in Tim Tebow. However, Troy Smith may get the upper hand this time, as opposed to the last time he squared off against Tebow.
Pick: San Francisco 24-14
Miami Dolphins (3-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)- 1PM ET at Paul Brown Stadium; Cincinnati, OH on CBS
Miami is 3-0 on the road and 0-3 at home. The Bengals can't finish games, losing to Cleveland, Tampa Bay, and Atlanta in the fourth quarter. Last week, after trailing 24-3 at halftime to the Atlanta Falcons, it looked like Cincinnati imploded. However, in the 3rd quarter, the Bengals came back to life, with two scoring drives to cut Atlanta's lead to 24-13. After Matt Ryan was picked off by Leon Hall, Carson Palmer connected to rookie receiver Jordan Shipley for a 62-yard strike to cut the Atlanta lead to five. And then, Falcon receiver Roddy White, who was solid all day, fumbled the ball on the next drive and Adam (formerly nicknamed Pacman) Jones returned it 59 yards to put the Bengals on top 25-24. Jones' season ended on Atlanta's next scoring drive, when White caught a two-point pass.
Back to this week. The Bengals won the last two meetings against Miami, after not beating the Dolphins since 1977. Since the Bengals' last meeting against the Dolphins (a 38-25 Bengal win) in the final game of 2007, the Dolphins have had a complete 360, bringing in the Wildcat. Expect Tony Sparano and Dan Henning (Miami offensive coordinator) to jam Ricky Williams and Ronnie White down the throats of the Bengal defense, and of course, the Wildcat.
Pick: Miami 31-20
Washington Redskins (4-3) at Detroit Lions (2-4)- 1:00PM at Ford Field; Detroit on Fox
The Redskins won 18 straight meetings between 1966 and 2004. Look for the youthful Lions to stop McNabb and crew in Motown. Last week, Washington corner D'Angelo Hall had a big game with an NFL-record four picks in Chicago, including a 92-yard return for what would be the game-winning score.
Pick: Detroit 17-15
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4) at Dallas Cowboys (1-5)- 1:00PM at Cowboys Stadium; Arlington, TX on CBS
If Tony Romo were healthy, this wouldn't be close. But, look for Jacksonville to have a big day in Big D, as Jon Kitna starts for the Cowboys.
Pick: Jacksonville 27-17
Green Bay Packers (4-3) at New York Jets (5-1)- "The Brett Favre Bowl"- 1:00PM at New Meadowlands Stadium; East Rutherford, NJ on Fox
The two teams that Brett Favre used to play for square off in the (New) Meadowlands. Aaron Rodgers had a big night against Favre last week in a 28-24 Green Bay victory. This week, the Jets are well-rested after a bye week, and will look to continue their winning ways.
Pick: NY Jets 27-21
Carolina Panthers (1-5) at St. Louis Rams (3-3)- 1:00PM at Edward Jones Dome; St. Louis, MO on Fox
Pick: St. Louis 21-14
Buffalo Bills (0-6) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-2)- 1:00PM at Arrowhead Stadium; Kansas City, MO on CBS
The Bills are a mess right now, despite almost beating Baltimore last week. This week, they go to Arrowhead to attempt to win a game. The Bills will win a game, but we don't know when, just yet.
Pick: Kansas City 31-27
Tennessee Titans (5-2) at San Diego Chargers (2-5)- 4:05PM at Qualcomm Stadium; San Diego, CA on CBS
Last week, San Diego literally gave away the game to New England, with four turnovers, and a missed field goal try. Also last week, Tennessee receiver Kenny Britt continued his breakout season, emerging with three TD's (after being benched in the first quarter for a bar fight) in a 37-19 win over Philadelphia.
Pick: Tennessee 28-21
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) at Arizona Cardinals (4-3)- 4:15PM at Univ. of Phoenix Stadium; Glendale, AZ on Fox
Josh Freeman is this year's Comeback Hero, leading Tampa Bay to yet another comeback win, topping St. Louis 18-17 on a game-winning pass to Carnell/Cadillac Williams with only 11 seconds left. Look for Freeman to have a big afternoon in the desert.
Pick: Tampa Bay 24-13
Seattle Seahawks (4-2) at Oakland Raiders (3-4)- 4:15PM at Oakland Coliseum; Oakland, CA on Fox
Last week, Oakland scored a club-record 59 points in a 59-14 "Mile High" annihilation of Denver that was over well into the first quarter. While Oakland won't score 60 points this week, the Raiders of old are slowly coming back.
Pick: Oakland 31-20
Minnesota Vikings (2-4) at New England Patriots (4-2)- 4:15PM at Gillette Stadium; Foxborough, MA on Fox
Randy Moss was on the New England sideline at the beginning of the season. However, during the Patriots bye week, the Pats shipped Moss back to where his career began- the Twin Cities. Now, Moss makes a return to Gillette Stadium, albeit on the opposite sideline as where he began the season. That's not the only story entering this game. Will Brett Favre's 291-game streak continue? Last week, after Favre injured his ankle in last Sunday's loss to Green Bay, there were concerns that Favre would be sidelined, but Favre insists that he will play. No matter what, the Viking ship will hit an iceberg somewhere in Massachusetts.
Pick: New England 27-20
MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:
Houston Texans (4-2) at Indianapolis Colts (4-2)- 8:30PM at Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis on ESPN
The last time these two teams faced off, Arian Foster became Indy's worst nightmare, rushing for three TD's in the season opener, a 34-24 Texans win, only the second time that Houston has topped the Colts in their nine year history. However, these two teams are tied for first, and Houston would love to have their first ever sweep of the Colts, but Peyton Manning won't let that happen.
Pick: Indy 35-21
College Football- Week 9
Before we get started, here is what has happened so far this week in College Football.
FINALS:
North Carolina State Wolfpack 28, Florida State Seminoles 24 (NCST: 6-2, 3-1; FSU: 6-2, 4-1)
Boise State Broncos 49, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 20 (BOISE: 7-0, 3-0; LTECH: 3-5, 2-2)
GAMES OF THE WEEK:
# 5 Michigan State Spartans (8-0, 4-0) at # 18 Iowa Hawkeyes (5-2, 2-1)- 3:30PM at Kinnick Stadium; Iowa City, Iowa on ABC/ESPN
Michigan State is 8-0 for the first time since 1966, and is looking to win the Big Ten outright with a Buckeye-free schedule. However, this is the last big test for Michigan State. This is the one game that could trip the Spartans up. Iowa was a missed extra point and an inbound stop with seconds left away from a win over Wisconsin. Iowa has been solid the past few years, and the Hawkeyes would love to play spoiler for the Spartans.
Pick: Iowa 27-24
# 6 Missouri Tigers (7-0, 3-0) at # 14 Nebraska Cornhuskers (6-1, 2-1)- 3:30PM ; Lincoln, Nebraska on ABC/ESPN
For only the third time in school history, and the first time since 1960, Missouri is 7-0, after holding off Oklahoma 36-27. Nebraska, is going to end Missouri's lucky run in Lincoln on Saturday afternoon.
Pick: Nebraska 28-17
OTHER BIG DIVISION I-FBS TOP 25 GAMES:
# 13 Stanford Cardinal (6-1, 3-1) at Washington Huskies (3-4, 2-2)- 7PM
Washington loves to play spoiler, most recently against USC. Stanford comes up to Seattle on Saturday night, and might get upset by the upset-hungry Huskies, led by Jake Locker.
Pick: Stanford 31-29
# 2 Oregon Ducks (7-0, 4-0) at USC Trojans (5-2, 2-2)- 8PM
The Ducks swim into the Coliseum on Saturday night, and could get upset by USC, who in a normal year, would have been bowl eligible with a win.
Pick: USC 34-27
# 4 TCU Horned Frogs (8-0, 4-0) at UNLV Rebels (1-6, 1-2)- 11PM
Pick: TCU 52-0
Colorado Buffaloes (3-4, 0-3) at # 9 Oklahoma Sooners (6-1, 3-1)- 9:15PM
Last week, Oklahoma got beat by a good Missouri team, and this Saturday night, the Sooners will forget all that by making the Buffaloes extinct in the Big 12.
Pick: Oklahoma 47-8
# 11 Ohio State Buckeyes (7-1, 3-1) at Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-7, 0-4)- 8PM
The last time the Buckeyes played outdoors at night, the Buckeyes were exposed for the imposters that they were, down 21-0 against Wisconsin real early in the game, before a failed attempt at a comeback in a 31-18 loss to the Badgers. The last time the Bucks played at Minnesota in the outdoors was 1981 (Reagan was President, Rubik's Cube was the latest fad, MTV was born and only aired music videos, NBC was still in third place, the 49ers were up and coming), in which the Gophers beat the Buckeyes before spending the next 27 years in the Metrodome. However, the Buckeyes won't have a problem tomorrow night, because Minnesota is so awful, and Ohio State forgot about the fact that they are overrated by pasting Purdue 49-0 last week. The Buckeyes will forget that they are overrated for one more week.
Pick: Ohio State 27-0
# 8 Utah Utes (7-0, 4-0) at Air Force Academy Falcons (5-3, 3-2)- 7:30PM ET
Pick: Utah 37-17
# 25 Baylor Bears (6-2, 3-1) at Texas Longhorns (4-3, 2-2)- 7PM ET
This is a role-reversal, because Baylor isn't usually known for anything, and Texas is. However, Baylor is ranked in this matchup for the first time in years, and Texas isn't. However, Texas needs a win to salvage their season and reputation.
Pick: Texas 38-21
Kentucky Wildcats (4-4, 1-4) at # 21 Mississippi State Bulldogs (6-2, 2-2)- 7PM ET
Pick: Mississippi State 28-6
Vanderbilt Commodores (2-5, 1-3) at # 19 Arkansas Razorbacks (5-2, 2-2)- 7PM ET
Pick: Arkansas 42-0
# 1 Auburn Tigers (8-0, 5-0) at Ole Miss Rebels (3-4, 1-3)- 6PM ET
Auburn is the new # 1 in the ESPN/BCS poll after Oklahoma's fall from the top last week. The Tigers will more than likely stay there with Heisman hopeful Cam Newton leading the way.
Pick: Auburn 34-13
# 15 Arizona Wildcats (6-1, 3-1) at UCLA Bruins (3-4, 1-3)- 3:30PM ET
Pick: Arizona 20-17
Tennessee Volunteers (2-5, 0-4) at # 20 South Carolina Gamecocks (5-2, 3-2)- 12:20PM ET
Pick: South Carolina 35-7
# 22 Miami Hurricanes (5-2, 3-1) at Virginia Cavaliers (3-4, 0-3)- Noon ET
Pick: Miami 45-17
# 17 Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-1, 2-1) at Kansas State Wildcats (5-2, 2-2)- Noon ET
Pick: Oklahoma State 26-22
Utah State Aggies (2-5, 1-3) at # 24 Nevada Wolf Pack (6-1, 1-1)- 10:30PM ET
Pick: Nevada 35-0
OHIO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE:
Mount Union Purple Raiders (7-0, 6-0) at Otterbein Cardinals (4-3, 3-3)- 1:30PM ET
The last time the Purple Raiders were in Westerville, both Otterbein and Mount Union faced off in a battle of the unbeatens at 8-0. It almost happened last year, as well, but Otterbein lost a week before the game at Marietta. The Purple Raiders have won the last 30 meetings, dating back to 1980. The last time Otterbein played Mount Union close was 1991, as all but a few of the last 30 Mount Union wins over Otterbein were by more than a touchdown. Last year, the Purple Raiders jetted off to a 41-0 halftime lead on their way to a 58-7 win. Anyway, back to 2008. The last time Mount Union was here, they took over the game, from the opening kickoff, literally, as Otterbein kick returner John Wahler fumbled the ball away to Mount Union, which set the tone for that game, a 49-20 Purple Raider victory, in what was a packed house at Memorial Stadium. That was a banner year for the host Cardinals, who made the playoffs for the only time in 2008. While they won't make the playoffs this year, the Cardinals will be playing for pride (and later a third consecutive winning season) in their home swan song of 2010, before finishing with Marietta and Wilmington, who are a combined 2-14. As usual, this one will be over by the end of the first quarter.
Pick: Mount Union 64-0
John Carroll Blue Streaks at Capital Crusaders (both 3-4, 3-3)- 1:30PM ET
Pick: John Carroll 33-20
Baldwin-Wallace Yellow Jackets (6-1, 5-1) at Muskingum Muskies (3-4, 2-4)- 1:30PM ET
Muskingum was 3-1, right? Well, Muskingum is now paying the price for their cakewalk start, after being buried in a 49-14 avalanche in Westerville last week against Otterbein. Expect the Muskies to be stung hard by B-W.
Pick: Baldwin-Wallace 42-7
Ohio Northern Polar Bears (6-1, 5-1) at Marietta Pioneers (2-5, 1-5)- 1:30PM ET
Pick: Ohio Northern 56-0
Heidelberg Student Princes (3-4, 2-4) at Wilmington Quakers (0-7, 0-6)- 6PM ET
Pick: Heidelberg 13-6
OTHER DIVISION I FBS GAMES OF NOTE:
Michigan Wolverines (5-2, 1-2) at Penn State Nittany Lions (4-3, 1-2)- 8PM ET
Sophomore Matt McGloin will start for the Nittany Lions after Rob Bolden was injured in last Saturday's win over Minnesota. However, after a bye week, Michigan returns in an attempt to salvage what mess they have under Rich Rodriguez. This is usually the part where Michigan slides down the black hole of despair. This is an iffy game to pick, because Bolden is hurt (a) and (b) the game is in Happy Valley.
Pick: Find out Saturday at 8PM on ESPN (Michigan 28-27)
Florida Gators (4-3, 2-3) vs. Georgia Bulldogs (4-4, 3-3) at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL- 3:30PM ET on CBS
These two SEC rivals meet again, and look for the Bulldogs to overpower Florida, which has been hurt by the graduation of one Timothy R. Tebow.
Pick: Georgia 41-14
Clemson Tigers (4-3, 2-2) at Boston College Eagles (2-5, 0-4)- Noon ET
Pick: Clemson 37-7
Tulsa Golden Hurricane (4-3) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-4)- 2:30PM ET on NBC
Fox Sports Commentator Jason Whitlock has commentary on the tragedy that took place on Wednesday at Notre Dame's practice, and the aftermath.
Pick: Notre Dame 38-10
Duke Blue Devils (1-6) at Navy Midshipmen (5-2)- 3:30PM
Don't worry, Duke fans. Basketball season is almost here.
Pick: Navy 43-13
NORTH COAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE:
Allegheny Gators (5-2, 3-1) at Wabash Little Giants (6-1, 4-0)
Pick: Wabash 28-20
Denison Big Red (3-5, 1-3) at Oberlin Yeomen (2-5, 1-3)
Remember when Denison was 3-0? I surely forgot, but Denison has a good shot at winning and snapping their five-game losing streak against the Yeomen.
Pick: Denison 24-13
Hiram Terriers (1-6, 1-2) at Wooster Fighting Scots (3-4, 2-1)
Pick: Wooster 28-3
Kenyon Lords at Ohio Dominican Battling Bishops (both 0-7, 0-3)
Pick: I'm not touching this one with a 40-foot pole
The Wittenberg Tigers (8-0, 4-0) are off this week after a 27-21 overtime win at Carnegie-Mellon.
OTHER CENTRAL OHIO COLLEGES:
Ohio Dominican Panthers (2-5 both overall and in GLIAC play) at Lake Erie College Storm (1-7, 1-6)
Ohio Dominican, after an 0-5 start have won back-to-back games, besting Findlay 20-10 and Tiffin 41-21, and now head up to the Cleveland area for a third straight win against the struggling Storm of Lake Erie College. The Panthers look like they will weather this Storm, who also picked up their first win of the year against Findlay, last week in a 48-45 shootout.
Pick: Ohio Dominican 28-9
FINALS:
North Carolina State Wolfpack 28, Florida State Seminoles 24 (NCST: 6-2, 3-1; FSU: 6-2, 4-1)
Boise State Broncos 49, Louisiana Tech Bulldogs 20 (BOISE: 7-0, 3-0; LTECH: 3-5, 2-2)
GAMES OF THE WEEK:
# 5 Michigan State Spartans (8-0, 4-0) at # 18 Iowa Hawkeyes (5-2, 2-1)- 3:30PM at Kinnick Stadium; Iowa City, Iowa on ABC/ESPN
Michigan State is 8-0 for the first time since 1966, and is looking to win the Big Ten outright with a Buckeye-free schedule. However, this is the last big test for Michigan State. This is the one game that could trip the Spartans up. Iowa was a missed extra point and an inbound stop with seconds left away from a win over Wisconsin. Iowa has been solid the past few years, and the Hawkeyes would love to play spoiler for the Spartans.
Pick: Iowa 27-24
# 6 Missouri Tigers (7-0, 3-0) at # 14 Nebraska Cornhuskers (6-1, 2-1)- 3:30PM ; Lincoln, Nebraska on ABC/ESPN
For only the third time in school history, and the first time since 1960, Missouri is 7-0, after holding off Oklahoma 36-27. Nebraska, is going to end Missouri's lucky run in Lincoln on Saturday afternoon.
Pick: Nebraska 28-17
OTHER BIG DIVISION I-FBS TOP 25 GAMES:
# 13 Stanford Cardinal (6-1, 3-1) at Washington Huskies (3-4, 2-2)- 7PM
Washington loves to play spoiler, most recently against USC. Stanford comes up to Seattle on Saturday night, and might get upset by the upset-hungry Huskies, led by Jake Locker.
Pick: Stanford 31-29
# 2 Oregon Ducks (7-0, 4-0) at USC Trojans (5-2, 2-2)- 8PM
The Ducks swim into the Coliseum on Saturday night, and could get upset by USC, who in a normal year, would have been bowl eligible with a win.
Pick: USC 34-27
# 4 TCU Horned Frogs (8-0, 4-0) at UNLV Rebels (1-6, 1-2)- 11PM
Pick: TCU 52-0
Colorado Buffaloes (3-4, 0-3) at # 9 Oklahoma Sooners (6-1, 3-1)- 9:15PM
Last week, Oklahoma got beat by a good Missouri team, and this Saturday night, the Sooners will forget all that by making the Buffaloes extinct in the Big 12.
Pick: Oklahoma 47-8
# 11 Ohio State Buckeyes (7-1, 3-1) at Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-7, 0-4)- 8PM
The last time the Buckeyes played outdoors at night, the Buckeyes were exposed for the imposters that they were, down 21-0 against Wisconsin real early in the game, before a failed attempt at a comeback in a 31-18 loss to the Badgers. The last time the Bucks played at Minnesota in the outdoors was 1981 (Reagan was President, Rubik's Cube was the latest fad, MTV was born and only aired music videos, NBC was still in third place, the 49ers were up and coming), in which the Gophers beat the Buckeyes before spending the next 27 years in the Metrodome. However, the Buckeyes won't have a problem tomorrow night, because Minnesota is so awful, and Ohio State forgot about the fact that they are overrated by pasting Purdue 49-0 last week. The Buckeyes will forget that they are overrated for one more week.
Pick: Ohio State 27-0
# 8 Utah Utes (7-0, 4-0) at Air Force Academy Falcons (5-3, 3-2)- 7:30PM ET
Pick: Utah 37-17
# 25 Baylor Bears (6-2, 3-1) at Texas Longhorns (4-3, 2-2)- 7PM ET
This is a role-reversal, because Baylor isn't usually known for anything, and Texas is. However, Baylor is ranked in this matchup for the first time in years, and Texas isn't. However, Texas needs a win to salvage their season and reputation.
Pick: Texas 38-21
Kentucky Wildcats (4-4, 1-4) at # 21 Mississippi State Bulldogs (6-2, 2-2)- 7PM ET
Pick: Mississippi State 28-6
Vanderbilt Commodores (2-5, 1-3) at # 19 Arkansas Razorbacks (5-2, 2-2)- 7PM ET
Pick: Arkansas 42-0
# 1 Auburn Tigers (8-0, 5-0) at Ole Miss Rebels (3-4, 1-3)- 6PM ET
Auburn is the new # 1 in the ESPN/BCS poll after Oklahoma's fall from the top last week. The Tigers will more than likely stay there with Heisman hopeful Cam Newton leading the way.
Pick: Auburn 34-13
# 15 Arizona Wildcats (6-1, 3-1) at UCLA Bruins (3-4, 1-3)- 3:30PM ET
Pick: Arizona 20-17
Tennessee Volunteers (2-5, 0-4) at # 20 South Carolina Gamecocks (5-2, 3-2)- 12:20PM ET
Pick: South Carolina 35-7
# 22 Miami Hurricanes (5-2, 3-1) at Virginia Cavaliers (3-4, 0-3)- Noon ET
Pick: Miami 45-17
# 17 Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-1, 2-1) at Kansas State Wildcats (5-2, 2-2)- Noon ET
Pick: Oklahoma State 26-22
Utah State Aggies (2-5, 1-3) at # 24 Nevada Wolf Pack (6-1, 1-1)- 10:30PM ET
Pick: Nevada 35-0
OHIO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE:
Mount Union Purple Raiders (7-0, 6-0) at Otterbein Cardinals (4-3, 3-3)- 1:30PM ET
The last time the Purple Raiders were in Westerville, both Otterbein and Mount Union faced off in a battle of the unbeatens at 8-0. It almost happened last year, as well, but Otterbein lost a week before the game at Marietta. The Purple Raiders have won the last 30 meetings, dating back to 1980. The last time Otterbein played Mount Union close was 1991, as all but a few of the last 30 Mount Union wins over Otterbein were by more than a touchdown. Last year, the Purple Raiders jetted off to a 41-0 halftime lead on their way to a 58-7 win. Anyway, back to 2008. The last time Mount Union was here, they took over the game, from the opening kickoff, literally, as Otterbein kick returner John Wahler fumbled the ball away to Mount Union, which set the tone for that game, a 49-20 Purple Raider victory, in what was a packed house at Memorial Stadium. That was a banner year for the host Cardinals, who made the playoffs for the only time in 2008. While they won't make the playoffs this year, the Cardinals will be playing for pride (and later a third consecutive winning season) in their home swan song of 2010, before finishing with Marietta and Wilmington, who are a combined 2-14. As usual, this one will be over by the end of the first quarter.
Pick: Mount Union 64-0
John Carroll Blue Streaks at Capital Crusaders (both 3-4, 3-3)- 1:30PM ET
Pick: John Carroll 33-20
Baldwin-Wallace Yellow Jackets (6-1, 5-1) at Muskingum Muskies (3-4, 2-4)- 1:30PM ET
Muskingum was 3-1, right? Well, Muskingum is now paying the price for their cakewalk start, after being buried in a 49-14 avalanche in Westerville last week against Otterbein. Expect the Muskies to be stung hard by B-W.
Pick: Baldwin-Wallace 42-7
Ohio Northern Polar Bears (6-1, 5-1) at Marietta Pioneers (2-5, 1-5)- 1:30PM ET
Pick: Ohio Northern 56-0
Heidelberg Student Princes (3-4, 2-4) at Wilmington Quakers (0-7, 0-6)- 6PM ET
Pick: Heidelberg 13-6
OTHER DIVISION I FBS GAMES OF NOTE:
Michigan Wolverines (5-2, 1-2) at Penn State Nittany Lions (4-3, 1-2)- 8PM ET
Sophomore Matt McGloin will start for the Nittany Lions after Rob Bolden was injured in last Saturday's win over Minnesota. However, after a bye week, Michigan returns in an attempt to salvage what mess they have under Rich Rodriguez. This is usually the part where Michigan slides down the black hole of despair. This is an iffy game to pick, because Bolden is hurt (a) and (b) the game is in Happy Valley.
Pick: Find out Saturday at 8PM on ESPN (Michigan 28-27)
Florida Gators (4-3, 2-3) vs. Georgia Bulldogs (4-4, 3-3) at EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL- 3:30PM ET on CBS
These two SEC rivals meet again, and look for the Bulldogs to overpower Florida, which has been hurt by the graduation of one Timothy R. Tebow.
Pick: Georgia 41-14
Clemson Tigers (4-3, 2-2) at Boston College Eagles (2-5, 0-4)- Noon ET
Pick: Clemson 37-7
Tulsa Golden Hurricane (4-3) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-4)- 2:30PM ET on NBC
Fox Sports Commentator Jason Whitlock has commentary on the tragedy that took place on Wednesday at Notre Dame's practice, and the aftermath.
Pick: Notre Dame 38-10
Duke Blue Devils (1-6) at Navy Midshipmen (5-2)- 3:30PM
Don't worry, Duke fans. Basketball season is almost here.
Pick: Navy 43-13
NORTH COAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE:
Allegheny Gators (5-2, 3-1) at Wabash Little Giants (6-1, 4-0)
Pick: Wabash 28-20
Denison Big Red (3-5, 1-3) at Oberlin Yeomen (2-5, 1-3)
Remember when Denison was 3-0? I surely forgot, but Denison has a good shot at winning and snapping their five-game losing streak against the Yeomen.
Pick: Denison 24-13
Hiram Terriers (1-6, 1-2) at Wooster Fighting Scots (3-4, 2-1)
Pick: Wooster 28-3
Kenyon Lords at Ohio Dominican Battling Bishops (both 0-7, 0-3)
Pick: I'm not touching this one with a 40-foot pole
The Wittenberg Tigers (8-0, 4-0) are off this week after a 27-21 overtime win at Carnegie-Mellon.
OTHER CENTRAL OHIO COLLEGES:
Ohio Dominican Panthers (2-5 both overall and in GLIAC play) at Lake Erie College Storm (1-7, 1-6)
Ohio Dominican, after an 0-5 start have won back-to-back games, besting Findlay 20-10 and Tiffin 41-21, and now head up to the Cleveland area for a third straight win against the struggling Storm of Lake Erie College. The Panthers look like they will weather this Storm, who also picked up their first win of the year against Findlay, last week in a 48-45 shootout.
Pick: Ohio Dominican 28-9
High School Football- Week 10 (Part 3)- Postseason Rehashing
Here is a re-hashing of Central Ohio Playoff Hopefuls
DIVISION I: (Region 3)
(Already In) Pickerington Central Tigers (8-0), Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (9-0), Westerville South Wildcats (8-1)
(Win and In) Springfield Wildcats (7-2), Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (7-2), Hilliard Darby Panthers (8-1), Troy Trojans (7-2), Pickerington North Panthers (6-3)
(Win and Get Help) Groveport Madison Cruisers (6-3), Lancaster Golden Gales (6-3), Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets (6-3), Upper Arlington Golden Bears (6-3), Northland Vikings (7-2), Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4)
(Not Gonna Happen) Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets (6-3), Upper Arlington Golden Bears (6-3), Northland Vikings (7-2), Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4)
(Already a Non-Factor) Marysville Monarchs (5-4), Gahanna Lincoln Lions, West Cowboys (both 4-5)
DIVISION II: (Region 7)
(Already In) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (9-0), New Albany Eagles (9-0)
(Win and In) St. Charles Cardinals (5-3), Canal Winchester Indians (8-1), Zanesville Blue Devils (7-2), Hamilton Township Rangers (7-2)
(Win and Get Help) Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2), Zanesville Blue Devils (7-2), Hamilton Township Rangers (7-2), Beechcroft Cougars (7-2)
(Not Gonna Happen) Olentangy Braves (5-4), Dublin Jerome Celtics (5-4), Walnut Ridge Scots (7-2), Dublin Scioto Irish (5-4)
(Already a Non-Factor) Olentangy Orange Pioneers, Brookhaven Bearcats, Briggs Bruins, and Watkins Memorial Warriors (all 5-4), Centennial Stars and Mifflin Punchers (both 4-5)
DIVISION III: (Regions 10, 11, and 12)
(Already In) Bishop Watterson Eagles (7-1), Thornville Sheridan Generals (9-0)
(Win and In) Licking Valley Panthers (7-2), Eastmoor Academy Warriors (5-3)
(Win and Get Help) St. Francis DeSales Stallions (4-5), Granville Blue Aces (6-3), Eastmoor Academy Warriors (5-3), Washington Court House Blue Lions (7-2), Springfield Kenton Ridge Cougars (6-3)
(Not Gonna Happen) St. Francis DeSales Stallions (4-5), Urbana Hillclimbers (6-3)
(Already a Non-Factor) Licking Heights Hornets (6-3), New Concord John Glenn Little Muskies (5-4), Greenfield McClain Tigers (5-4), Circleville Tigers (4-5)
DIVISION IV: (Regions 15 and 16)
(Already In) Heath Bulldogs (8-1), Bishop Hartley Hawks (7-2), Jonathan Alder Pioneers (8-1)
(Win and In) Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (6-3), Coshocton Redskins (7-2), Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (7-2)
(Win and Get Help) Johnstown Johnnies (6-3), Marion Pleasant Spartans (6-3), Utica Redskins (5-4)
(Not Gonna Happen) Johnstown Johnnies (6-3), Marion Pleasant Spartans (6-3), Utica Redskins (5-4), Westfall Mustangs (6-3)
(Already a Non-Factor) Piketon Redstreaks (6-3)
DIVISION V: (Regions 19 and 20)
(Already In) Fredericktown Freddies (9-0), West Jefferson Roughriders (9-0), North Union Wildcats (9-0)
(Win and Get Help) Frankfort Adena Warriors (6-3), Triad Cardinals (6-3), Grandview Heights Bobcats (6-3)
(Not Gonna Happen) Grandview Heights Bobcats (6-3), Bishop Ready Silver Knights (4-5)
(Already a Non-Factor) Liberty Union Lions (6-3), Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (5-4), Columbus Academy Vikings (4-5)
DIVISION VI: (Region 23)
(Already In) Newark Catholic Green Wave (7-2)
(Win and In) Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (8-0)
(Win and Get Help) Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (8-0)
(Not Gonna Happen/Already a Non-Factor) Danville Blue Devils and Harvest Prep Warriors (both 5-4)
On Sunday, the official Playoff Pairings will be announced.
DIVISION I: (Region 3)
(Already In) Pickerington Central Tigers (8-0), Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (9-0), Westerville South Wildcats (8-1)
(Win and In) Springfield Wildcats (7-2), Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (7-2), Hilliard Darby Panthers (8-1), Troy Trojans (7-2), Pickerington North Panthers (6-3)
(Win and Get Help) Groveport Madison Cruisers (6-3), Lancaster Golden Gales (6-3), Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets (6-3), Upper Arlington Golden Bears (6-3), Northland Vikings (7-2), Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4)
(Not Gonna Happen) Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets (6-3), Upper Arlington Golden Bears (6-3), Northland Vikings (7-2), Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4)
(Already a Non-Factor) Marysville Monarchs (5-4), Gahanna Lincoln Lions, West Cowboys (both 4-5)
DIVISION II: (Region 7)
(Already In) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (9-0), New Albany Eagles (9-0)
(Win and In) St. Charles Cardinals (5-3), Canal Winchester Indians (8-1), Zanesville Blue Devils (7-2), Hamilton Township Rangers (7-2)
(Win and Get Help) Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2), Zanesville Blue Devils (7-2), Hamilton Township Rangers (7-2), Beechcroft Cougars (7-2)
(Not Gonna Happen) Olentangy Braves (5-4), Dublin Jerome Celtics (5-4), Walnut Ridge Scots (7-2), Dublin Scioto Irish (5-4)
(Already a Non-Factor) Olentangy Orange Pioneers, Brookhaven Bearcats, Briggs Bruins, and Watkins Memorial Warriors (all 5-4), Centennial Stars and Mifflin Punchers (both 4-5)
DIVISION III: (Regions 10, 11, and 12)
(Already In) Bishop Watterson Eagles (7-1), Thornville Sheridan Generals (9-0)
(Win and In) Licking Valley Panthers (7-2), Eastmoor Academy Warriors (5-3)
(Win and Get Help) St. Francis DeSales Stallions (4-5), Granville Blue Aces (6-3), Eastmoor Academy Warriors (5-3), Washington Court House Blue Lions (7-2), Springfield Kenton Ridge Cougars (6-3)
(Not Gonna Happen) St. Francis DeSales Stallions (4-5), Urbana Hillclimbers (6-3)
(Already a Non-Factor) Licking Heights Hornets (6-3), New Concord John Glenn Little Muskies (5-4), Greenfield McClain Tigers (5-4), Circleville Tigers (4-5)
DIVISION IV: (Regions 15 and 16)
(Already In) Heath Bulldogs (8-1), Bishop Hartley Hawks (7-2), Jonathan Alder Pioneers (8-1)
(Win and In) Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (6-3), Coshocton Redskins (7-2), Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (7-2)
(Win and Get Help) Johnstown Johnnies (6-3), Marion Pleasant Spartans (6-3), Utica Redskins (5-4)
(Not Gonna Happen) Johnstown Johnnies (6-3), Marion Pleasant Spartans (6-3), Utica Redskins (5-4), Westfall Mustangs (6-3)
(Already a Non-Factor) Piketon Redstreaks (6-3)
DIVISION V: (Regions 19 and 20)
(Already In) Fredericktown Freddies (9-0), West Jefferson Roughriders (9-0), North Union Wildcats (9-0)
(Win and Get Help) Frankfort Adena Warriors (6-3), Triad Cardinals (6-3), Grandview Heights Bobcats (6-3)
(Not Gonna Happen) Grandview Heights Bobcats (6-3), Bishop Ready Silver Knights (4-5)
(Already a Non-Factor) Liberty Union Lions (6-3), Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (5-4), Columbus Academy Vikings (4-5)
DIVISION VI: (Region 23)
(Already In) Newark Catholic Green Wave (7-2)
(Win and In) Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (8-0)
(Win and Get Help) Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (8-0)
(Not Gonna Happen/Already a Non-Factor) Danville Blue Devils and Harvest Prep Warriors (both 5-4)
On Sunday, the official Playoff Pairings will be announced.
High School Football: The Regular Season Finale (Week 10- Part 2)- PICKS
It's hard to believe that it has been two months since the start of the 2010 Football Season in Ohio, and the tenth and final week of play for all but 192 schools has arrived. Eventhough the playoffs begin next week, several schools across the state have already received their invites to the 2010 Ohio High School Football Playoffs. These schools include, but are not limited to: Pickerington Central, Cleveland Glenville, Solon, Bishop Watterson, Marion-Franklin, Bishop Hartley, New Albany, Canton McKinley, Lakewood St. Ed, Cincinnati Winton Woods, Cincinnati LaSalle, Cincinnati Colerain, Youngstown Ursuline, Ada, Delphos St. John's, Jonathan Alder, and Heath.
However, one Columbus school, known for its tough scheduling year-in, year-out, is in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in 17 years. Of course, we're talking about the Purple People Eaters of the Central Catholic League- the St. Francis DeSales Stallions. DeSales, at 4-5, has made 16 straight postseason appearances, the current longest streak for any Central Ohio school. However, with the OHSAA computer rankings, the Stallions are 8th in Region 10 (a Division III region with schools in Franklin and Delaware Counties and Northwest Ohio), and barely clinging to life, with a Saturday night date in Cleveland against 2-7 Benedictine, that could end DeSales' streak- win or lose, perhaps.
DeSales isn't the only area school clinging to life, as Upper Arlington, Beechcroft, Groveport Madison, Lancaster, Northland, Walnut Ridge, Big Walnut, Zanesville, Hamilton Township, Hilliard Darby, Dublin Coffman, Mount Vernon, St. Charles, Canal Winchester, Olentangy, Dublin Jerome, Triad, Fairbanks, Johnstown, Utica, Westfall, Coshocton, Sparta Highland, Amanda-Clearcreek, Marion Pleasant, Licking Valley, and Granville all need wins, and might need some of those aforementioned schools need other aforementioned schools to lose to seal their playoff invites. Even lower-ranked Dublin Scioto, Grandview Heights, and Bishop Ready, according to JoeEitel.com, still have a glimmer of hope. Even 8-0 Fairfield Christian Academy needs a win (over last year's Division VI State Semifinalist, 3-6 Grove City Christian) to get in, or their breakout season could end.
So, with that said....
GAME OF THE WEEK: The Battle of Hilliard- Darby Panthers (8-1, 5-1) at Davidson Wildcats (9-0, 6-0)
This has turned out to be the most important game of the year. Forget the Battle of Broad Street, the Battle of Main Street, the Battle of Hard Road, the Battle of 256 (which is also this Friday), the Battle of the Bishops (also this Friday), the Battle of Pickerington, the Battle of Westerville, the Holy War, all of those pale in comparison to the Battle of Hilliard- because a Davidson win could possibly eliminate Darby. Yes, Davidson Coach Brian White feels at home, wearing shorts on the sidelines in the chilly month of November (the defending Division I state champs already clinched a playoff spot), but Darby Coach John Santangela has gone under the radar to turn a Darby program around that felt the sting of redistricting (Hilliard Bradley), and bounced back to a 6-0 start this year. Davidson has too many weapons on offense, and have not played a close game since Grove City's return to the field (after last year's absence) in Week 1.
Pick: Hilliard Da....vidson
GAMES WITH HUGE PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS OF THE WEEK:
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (6-3, 4-2) at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (7-2, 5-1)
Somewhere, along the banks of Interstate 270, a playoff atmosphere will be discovered. Tomorrow night will be an atmosphere at Coffman, where the Rocks- ranked fifth in Region 3, host Upper Arlington, ranked 12th in Region 3. The only problem for Arlington is, is the Golden Bears have not beaten anyone with a winning record since Week 1, and after a 156-6 romp of Westland/Central Crossing, Hilliard Davidson brought the Golden Bears back to reality in a 34-7 Davidson romp of UA last week. The only playoff game at Upper Arlington could be two teams playing in the second or third rounds.
Pick: Dublin Coffman
Beechcroft Cougars (7-2, 6-0) at Northland Vikings (7-2, 5-1)
This game will determine the outcome of the City League North, as the winner of this game will be the City League North champion. A Northland win would be huge, because the Vikings would be the first school that doesn't have a "B" in their name to win the City League North. The Vikings, ranked below Upper Arlington at 13th would need a lot of schools (Troy, Pickerington North, Groveport, Lancaster, Mount Vernon, and UA) to lose to get in to the Division I playoffs. A Beechcroft win would give the Cougars the City League North outright, and the Cougars, ranked 10th in Region 7, could move into the Division II Playoffs. It will be a tough one, but Northland's 3-0 loss to Brookhaven in Week 4 could hurt them here.
Pick: Your 2010 City League North champion...Beechcroft
Jonathan Alder Pioneers (8-1) at St. Charles Cardinals (5-3)
The Cardinals, at 5-3, would probably be ranked 12th or 13th, and possibly be already mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. However, the record of the teams St. Charles has beaten, so far, is 27-17 (take away Marion Harding, and you'd have 26-9), which could possibly be 30-19 or 38-21 after Friday night. If you are 5-3 and the teams you beat are 27-17, get ready to play in November. However, the Cardinals could lose their fourth straight in the process, because everyone scored on Jonathan Alder's team last week in a 77-7 rout of Greenfield McClain.
Pick: Jonathan Alder
Grove City Christian Eagles (3-6) at Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (8-0)- UPSET ALERT of the Week
Remember when Grove City Christian went 9-1 in the Regular Season, and ultimately finished 12-2 on a deep Division VI playoff run? Well, most of the kids on that miracle run (who were Grove City players that transferred after losing fall sports last year) transferred back to Grove City after sports were restored to the Southwestern City School District. Fairfield Christian is this year's Grove City Christian. Don't let the Eagles hear you say that as the Eagles look to clip Fairfield Christian's wings, and possibly spoil the Knights hopes for a deep playoff run like the one Grove City Christian had last year.
Pick: Grove City Christian
The Battle of the Bishops- Ready Silver Knights (4-4, 4-5*) at Hartley Hawks (8-1)- RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK
Like it is with every Week 10 in Central Ohio, this is the Rivalry of the week. This is the working class version of their northern neighbors- Watterson and DeSales, but the Battle of the Bishops has had huge playoff implications in the past, such as last year, when a 7-2 Hartley needed to beat Ready to get into the playoffs. However, the Silver Knights ended the Hawks' season with a big win at Hilliard Bradley. At 4-4 (according to the OHSAA, because last week's blunder against the Columbus Crusaders doesn't count as a real football game according to OHSAA guidelines), and ranked 18th in Division V, Region 20, the Silver Knights are the lowest-ranked school still alive in Ohio, as teams ranked 10th, 11th, and 12th in other regions (i.e. 6-3 Licking Heights, 7-2 Cincinnati Madeira) have already been mathematically eliminated, the Knights have a slim hope of getting that 8th and final spot in Division V by knocking off the Hawks at Jack Ryan Field. The Hawks, ranked third in Region 15, will already be playing next Friday night, and would like to play one more game at Jack Ryan Field next week. Expect the unexpected.
Pick: Hartley (in a close one, as Ready struggles to stop Hartley's ground game)
Walnut Ridge Scots (7-2, 4-2) at Independence 76ers (3-6, 3-3)
The Scots, ranked 14th in Division II, Region 7, are still in it, and need both a help help from a lot of teams in that region (St. Charles, Canal Winchester, Zanesville, Beechcroft, Hamilton Township, Olentangy, Louisville, Dublin Jerome, Big Walnut, and Dresden Tri-Valley- ranked 4th to 13th in no particular order) to even get in. The Scots, have only beaten one school with a winning record (5-4 Briggs), and lost to two schools that are a combined 14-3 (Marion-Franklin and Eastmoor Academy). The 76ers would love to play spoiler in this East Side City League Rivalry. However, no pizza summit will help the 76ers against the Scots this go around.
Pick: Walnut Ridge
Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4, 3-3) at Westerville South Wildcats (8-1, 6-0)
Olentangy Liberty has a slim shot of getting in to the playoffs, and this could only be the second time that Olentangy Liberty misses the playoffs in their short history, as the Patriots travel to Otterbein...Avenue that is, to play the red, hot Westerville South Wildcats, who have already clinched both a playoff spot and the OCC Cardinal Crown. Look for the Wildcats to win their ninth straight and to host a playoff game next Saturday night.
Pick: Westerville South
Teays Valley Vikings (5-4, 3-3) at Canal Winchester Indians (8-1, 6-0)
Pick: Canal Winchester
Lancaster Golden Gales (6-3, 4-2) at Newark Wildcats (1-8, 0-6)
Pick: Lancaster
Bexley Lions (3-6, 1-5) at Licking Valley Panthers (7-2, 6-0)
After Week 2, Bexley was 2-0 and Licking Valley, 0-2. Since then, Licking Valley is 7-0 and Bexley 1-6. Look at which ship is still up, and which ship has hit the bottom of the ocean?
Pick: Licking Valley
Harvest Prep Warriors (5-4, 3-3) at Grandview Heights Bobcats (6-3, 5-2)
This is a huge game for both schools, as a Harvest Prep win would give the Warriors their first ever winning season in the program's history, and a Grandview win, plus help (in the terms of losses from other schools) could launch the Bobcats back to the playoffs. In a close one, the Bobcats will ring the victory bell one more time at Anderson Field.
Pick: Grandview
Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (0-9, 0-6) at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2, 4-2)
Big Walnut- 8-2 and out of the playoffs? It is highly possible, after a 7-0 start for the 2007 Division III State Champs, after being upset by a resurgent Mount Vernon team last week, the Eagles aren't helping themselves out by hosting winless Franklin Heights in the season finale of 2010. Yes, Big Walnut will win, but the Eagles may be hanging up their cleats for good once the pairing are announced on Sunday.
Pick: Big Walnut
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (6-3, 4-2) at Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs (1-8, 0-6)
Even with a win, the Aces could ace their way out if lower ranked schools win big.
Pick: Amanda-Clearcreek
Gahanna Lincoln Lions (4-5, 3-3) at Groveport Madison Cruisers (6-3, 3-3) in The Battle of Hamilton Road- UPSET WATCH ALERT
Groveport is fighting for its playoff life right now. A win, plus help from other schools (i.e. Hilliard Darby, Troy, Pickerington North, Dublin Coffman) could give the Cruisers a playoff spot. At the beginning of the year, the Cruisers wanted to return to the playoffs, but after a 4-0 start, the Cruisers lost three of their last five- an upset by Grove City, plus blowout losses to Pickerington Central and (last week) Lancaster knocked the Cruisers out of the coveted top eight. However, Gahanna Lincoln loves playing spoiler. Seven months ago, their boys basketball team knocked off the then-# 1 boys basketball team in the Nation- Northland in the Division I Regional Finals. Gahanna, like Grove City (and even winless Westerville North), could give Groveport everything they've got, but these postseason-determined Cruisers have only one goal: to play next Saturday.
Pick: Groveport
speaking of Grove City....
Pickerington North Panthers (6-3, 4-2) at Grove City Greyhounds (3-6, 3-3)
Pick North, ranked above Groveport at # 8 in Region 3 travels to upset-minded Grove City to play the Greyhounds, who didn't live up to expectations this year, struggling to a 3-6 mark right now. Like Groveport, Pickerington North needs a win to return to the playoffs. They shouldn't have a problem running over these hounds.
Pick: Pickerington North
Johnstown Johnnies (6-3, 4-2) at Northridge Vikings (1-8, 0-6)
Pick: Johnstown
Hamilton Township Rangers (7-2, 5-1) at Fairfield Union Falcons (3-6, 2-4)
The Rangers, winless last year, underwent a major transformation from last year, to this year, with a new coach, and a breakout running back in Josh Frakes. The Rangers could possibly play their last game of the year. They need a win, plus help from other schools to play next Friday night. Frakes and crew will get the job done.
Pick: Hamilton Township
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (5-3, 5-1) at Africentric Nubians (3-6, 2-4)
Eastmoor, like St. Charles is 5-3 and clinging on in the Top Eight in their computer region. Eastmoor, like Walnut Ridge lost to teams with winning records (12-5: Northland and St. Charles). Eastmoor will have no problem winning in Downtown Columbus tomorrow night, but need a little help to stay in the top eight.
Pick: Eastmoor Academy
Mount Vernon Yellowjackets (6-3, 5-1) at New Albany Eagles (9-0, 6-0)
New Albany has already gotten their playoff invite, and Mount Vernon would like one two, after winning only a few games the past few seasons. But, the best Division II team in the OCC will prevent that from happening.
Pick: New Albany
SATURDAY NIGHT GAMES:
DeSales Stallions (4-5) at Cleveland Benedictine Bengals (2-7)
Who Dey? (Wrong Bengals) The Stallions play a brutal schedule, year-in, year-out, having lost to New Albany, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (out of the Detroit area), Lakewood St. Ed's, rival Watterson, and Cincinnati LaSalle. All four of the Ohio schools DeSales lost to are a combined 43-1 and have already locked up playoff berths. Even teams they beat (St. Charles and Youngstown Cardinal Mooney) are good, others (Gahanna) fairly decent. The Stallions travel up to Cleveland to play the Bengals (I know what you're thinking, but not T.O. and Ochocinco), the Bengals of Cleveland Benedictine that is. The Stallions have one more chance to save their season before the playoff pairings are revealed to the world on Sunday. (FYI- The last time DeSales made it in at 5-5- in 2001, the Stallions lost to Mentor Lake Catholic in the Division III State Championship)
Pick: Benedictine
Granville Blue Aces (6-3, 4-2) at Newark Catholic Green Wave (7-2, 4-2)- at Newark High's White Field
Newark Catholic is already in, so they have nothing to worry about. However, Granville is one of only two schools outside the top eight in their computer region (the other being Salem, who knocked out the Blue Aces last year in Round 1 of the playoffs). There is no stopping of the Green Wave, especially at home.
Pick: Newark Catholic
OTHER AREA GAMES FOR WEEK 10:
Columbus East Tigers (0-9, 0-6) at Linden McKinley Panthers (1-8, 0-6)- CELLAR DWELLER GAME OF THE WEEK
TBDBITCL (The Best Darn Band In The City League) and the football team they play for (East High School) travel up to the Linden area to play rivals Linden McKinley. East will also end what has been a complete and utter disaster this season for the Tigers, whom at 5-5 in 2009, completely crashed and burned with mental mistakes in 2010, allowing over 40 points a game, while scoring only about eight points a game. If Linden didn't beat Westland in Week 3, this would be one of two "Battles of the 0-9's" in the area on Friday night. Ironically, the last team East beat was Linden McKinley (Week 10 of last year). There are only five winless teams left in Central Ohio (East, Fisher Catholic, Franklin Heights, Millersport, and boasting the longest losing streak in the area at 24 games- Westerville North), and there will be as many as four after tomorrow night, and sadly, the Tigers, with 113 years of tradition in the Near East Side of Columbus, dating back to the days of Chic Harley in the 1910s, to a Division II playoff appearance in 1999, will be one of those few 0-10 schools as Linden will do to East what they did in Galloway in Week 3.
Pick: Linden McKinley
William V. Fisher Catholic Irish at Millersport Lakers (both 0-9, 0-6)- CELLAR DWELLER GAME OF THE WEEK
The bad news: there will be at least one 0-10 school (and as many as four) in the area. The good news is that one of these 0-9 schools will get their one and only win this year. The edge is on the Lakers, who aren't in complete disarray as Fisher Catholic, who beat every school to the punch by making a coaching change by firing Head Coach Mike Hensley two and a half weeks ago.
Pick: Millersport
Mifflin Punchers (4-5, 2-4) at Brookhaven Bearcats (5-4, 5-1)
Remember when Gregg Miller was the coach of the Brookhaven Bearcats in the 1990s? Well, for one night, those memories will be renewed. Ironically, Miller is now the coach of the Mifflin Punchers, after a 2-0 start, have lost five of their last seven and have bowed out of playoff contention. Last week, the Brookhaven Bearcats of old returned, as they crushed mistake-prone East High 56-0 down at Harley Field. This week, the Bearcats try to spoil the homecoming of their former coach.
Pick: Brookhaven
Briggs Bruins (5-4, 2-4) at West Cowboys (3-6, 1-5)
Remember when Briggs was 3-0? Fuhgeddaboutit. However, Briggs could stop West's high-flying offense, led by West QB Chris Rhodes, the area's leading passer who is 153/291 passing with 2,206 yards.
Pick: Briggs
Whetstone Braves (3-6, 3-3) at Centennial Stars (4-5, 3-3)
The Braves may still have some bite in this North side City League rivalry, but Centennial came back from the dead this year.
Pick: Centennial
Columbus South Bulldogs (1-8, 0-6) at Marion-Franklin Red Devils (9-0, 6-0)
Marion-Franklin, with a win clinches the City League South outright, and the Red Hot Red Devils will make a seventh consecutive playoff trip as well, already clinching a berth. And they should have no problem scaring the devil out of South.
Pick: Marion-Franklin
Delaware Hayes Pacers (3-6, 2-4) at Olentangy Orange Pioneers (5-4, 4-2)
Olentangy Orange, one of last year's playoff surprises in Division II, Region 7, will be sitting this playoffs out, having already been eliminated. Delaware Hayes, who made their first ever playoff appearance two years ago, have taken one big step back. The Pioneers will push their Delaware County neighbors back further.
Pick: Olentangy Orange
The Battle of 256- Pickerington Central Tigers (8-0, 6-0) at Reynoldsburg Raiders (3-6, 3-3)
This Battle of 256 may be misleading, as Pickerington Central, already wrapped up the OCC Ohio Title and the # 1 seed in the Division I, Region 3 Bracket, so expect to see less of the usual suspects, such as highly-touted college recruits Eilar Hardy and Tyler "Speedy" Hammond, as Pick Central will rest up for the playoffs. Reynoldsburg could take advantage of the most perfect team in Central Ohio this year and could win the Battle of 256 for the first time in nine years.
Pick: Reynoldsburg (in an upset over the Pick Central reserves)
The Battle of Worthington- Worthington Kilbourne Wolves at Thomas Worthington Cardinals (both 3-6, 2-4)
This is only the third time in the 20 years since Worthington High split into two schools that Kilbourne and Thomas have met. However, Thomas could have the upper hand against their brother school, as Kilbourne was a walking M*A*S*H unit this year, plagued by injury after injury, and winning against teams that are a combined 2-25 (Westerville North, Westland, Central Crossing). Thomas Worthington, has only had two winning seasons since Kilbourne opened in 1991 (the last one being in 1999), and after a 5-5 season last year, the Cardinals took a step back this year.
Pick: Thomas Worthington (in a squeaker)
Central Crossing Comets at Westland Cougars (both 1-8, 0-6)
Central Crossing is a win over Franklin Heights away from being 0-10, and Westland is a win over Toledo Scott from being 0-10, or a Linden McKinley comeback away from being 2-7. Westland is better than the Comets by a centimeter, based on longevity and experience.
Pick: Westland
Marysville Monarchs (5-4, 3-3) at Dublin Scioto Irish (5-4, 3-3)
The Monarchs are only playing for pride as they travel down Route 33 to Dublin to play rival Scioto. The Irish, are the second-lowest ranked school (behind Bishop Ready) NOT to be mathematically eliminated. That could change, win or lose.
Pick: Dublin Scioto
Olentangy Braves (5-4, 3-3) at Westerville North Warriors (0-9, 0-6)
Last year, Olentangy suffered their first losing season in 19 years. Ed Terwilliger and his players would love to get back to the playoffs. However, that won't happen, because like with Big Walnut, a win over a winless team will hurt the Braves, than help. The Warriors have the longest losing streak in the area at 24 games, and Olentangy will make it 25.
Pick: Olentangy
Dublin Jerome Celtics (5-4, 4-2) at Westerville Central Warhawks (2-7, 2-4)
Pick: Dublin Jerome
Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (3-6, 2-4) at Watkins Memorial Warriors (5-4, 2-4)
Remember when Watkins was 2-0? The Warriors will be watching the playoffs instead of taking part in them, but they will end on a high note.
Pick: Watkins Memorial
The Battle of Circleville- Circleville Tigers (4-5, 2-4) at Logan Elm Braves (2-7, 1-5)
Pick: Circleville win the Battle of the Pumpkin Festival Hosts
Whitehall-Yearling Rams (3-6, 2-4) at Columbus Academy Vikings (4-5, 2-4)
Pick: Columbus Academy
Heath Bulldogs (8-1, 5-1) at Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1-8, 0-6)
Pick: Heath
Licking Heights Hornets (6-3, 4-2) at Berne Union Rockets (3-6, 3-3)
Even with a win, Licking Heights will hang up their cleats after tomorrow night.
Pick: Licking Heights
West Jefferson Roughriders (9-0, 6-0) at Liberty Union Lions (6-3, 4-2)
West Jeff still has a home game to play for, while Liberty Union has already been eliminated from the playoffs.
Pick: West Jefferson
Centerburg Trojans (3-6, 2-4) at Utica Redskins (5-4, 4-2)
Pick: Utica
Loudonville Redbirds (3-6, 3-3) at Fredericktown Freddies (9-0, 6-0)
Pick: Fredericktown
Danville Blue Devils (5-4, 2-4) at East Knox Bulldogs (3-6, 3-3)
Pick: Danville
Mount Gilead Indians (3-6, 3-5) at Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (5-4, 4-4)
Pick: Cardington
Marion Pleasant Spartans (6-3, 6-2) at Galion Northmor Golden Knights (1-8, 0-8)
Pick: Marion Pleasant
North Union Wildcats (9-0, 8-0) at Morral Ridgedale Rockets (2-7, 1-7)
Pick: North Union
River Valley Vikings (5-4, 4-4) at Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (7-2, 6-2)
Pick: Sparta Highland
Marion Elgin Comets at Buckeye Valley Barons (both 3-6, 3-5)
Pick: Buckeye Valley
London Red Raiders (4-5, 2-3) at Madison Plains Golden Eagles (1-8, 0-5)
Pick: London
The Battle of Fayette County- Miami Trace Panthers (2-7, 2-3) at Washington Court House Blue Lions (7-2, 4-1)
The Lions need a win to get into the playoffs, and they need to beat fellow Fayette County and South Central Ohio League school Miami Trace to do it. The last time the Blue Lions beat the Panthers was in 1989. Trace hung on to win last year, 19-14. This will be an eventful night at Gardner Park.
Pick: Washington Court House
Greenfield McClain Tigers (5-4, 2-3) at Hillsboro Indians (2-7, 1-4)
Last year, Hillsboro was 8-2, and just missed the playoffs. This year, they will be the reciprocal of last year's mark, as McClain gets over their 77-7 Jonathan Alder hangover.
Pick: Greenfield McClain
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (7-1) at Uniontown Lake Blue Streaks (7-2)
Both of these teams have nothing else to play for, having already wrapped up playoff games, but Lake also would like to spend next weekend at home.
Pick: Uniontown Lake
Westfall Mustangs (6-3, 5-1) at Piketon Redstreaks (6-3, 4-2)
Pick: Westfall
Lima Senior Spartans (2-7, 1-3) at Marion Harding Presidents (1-8, 0-4)
Pick: Lima Senior
Fairbanks Panthers (6-2) at Waynesfield-Goshen Tigers (5-4)
Pick: Fairbanks
Things That Were Heard First on Sports Corner:
- DeSales will NOT make the playoffs
- Beechcroft will make the playoffs
- Big Walnut and Hamilton Township will be 8-2 and MISS the playoffs
- St. Charles will make the playoffs
- Groveport will MISS the playoffs after a 4-0 start
- Hilliard Darby will MISS the playoffs after a 6-0 start
- Eastmoor will make the playoffs
- Pickerington Central and Hilliard Davidson will meet for the Region 3 championship
Things We Already Said Earlier This Season:
- Walnut Ridge, Briggs, and Mifflin will NOT make the playoffs
- Watkins Memorial, Licking Heights, Cardington-Lincoln, and Bexley will also MISS the playoffs
- East, Fisher Catholic, and Westerville North will all finish 0-10.
- Marion-Franklin will be the lone City League representative in the playoffs.
However, one Columbus school, known for its tough scheduling year-in, year-out, is in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in 17 years. Of course, we're talking about the Purple People Eaters of the Central Catholic League- the St. Francis DeSales Stallions. DeSales, at 4-5, has made 16 straight postseason appearances, the current longest streak for any Central Ohio school. However, with the OHSAA computer rankings, the Stallions are 8th in Region 10 (a Division III region with schools in Franklin and Delaware Counties and Northwest Ohio), and barely clinging to life, with a Saturday night date in Cleveland against 2-7 Benedictine, that could end DeSales' streak- win or lose, perhaps.
DeSales isn't the only area school clinging to life, as Upper Arlington, Beechcroft, Groveport Madison, Lancaster, Northland, Walnut Ridge, Big Walnut, Zanesville, Hamilton Township, Hilliard Darby, Dublin Coffman, Mount Vernon, St. Charles, Canal Winchester, Olentangy, Dublin Jerome, Triad, Fairbanks, Johnstown, Utica, Westfall, Coshocton, Sparta Highland, Amanda-Clearcreek, Marion Pleasant, Licking Valley, and Granville all need wins, and might need some of those aforementioned schools need other aforementioned schools to lose to seal their playoff invites. Even lower-ranked Dublin Scioto, Grandview Heights, and Bishop Ready, according to JoeEitel.com, still have a glimmer of hope. Even 8-0 Fairfield Christian Academy needs a win (over last year's Division VI State Semifinalist, 3-6 Grove City Christian) to get in, or their breakout season could end.
So, with that said....
GAME OF THE WEEK: The Battle of Hilliard- Darby Panthers (8-1, 5-1) at Davidson Wildcats (9-0, 6-0)
This has turned out to be the most important game of the year. Forget the Battle of Broad Street, the Battle of Main Street, the Battle of Hard Road, the Battle of 256 (which is also this Friday), the Battle of the Bishops (also this Friday), the Battle of Pickerington, the Battle of Westerville, the Holy War, all of those pale in comparison to the Battle of Hilliard- because a Davidson win could possibly eliminate Darby. Yes, Davidson Coach Brian White feels at home, wearing shorts on the sidelines in the chilly month of November (the defending Division I state champs already clinched a playoff spot), but Darby Coach John Santangela has gone under the radar to turn a Darby program around that felt the sting of redistricting (Hilliard Bradley), and bounced back to a 6-0 start this year. Davidson has too many weapons on offense, and have not played a close game since Grove City's return to the field (after last year's absence) in Week 1.
Pick: Hilliard Da....vidson
GAMES WITH HUGE PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS OF THE WEEK:
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (6-3, 4-2) at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (7-2, 5-1)
Somewhere, along the banks of Interstate 270, a playoff atmosphere will be discovered. Tomorrow night will be an atmosphere at Coffman, where the Rocks- ranked fifth in Region 3, host Upper Arlington, ranked 12th in Region 3. The only problem for Arlington is, is the Golden Bears have not beaten anyone with a winning record since Week 1, and after a 156-6 romp of Westland/Central Crossing, Hilliard Davidson brought the Golden Bears back to reality in a 34-7 Davidson romp of UA last week. The only playoff game at Upper Arlington could be two teams playing in the second or third rounds.
Pick: Dublin Coffman
Beechcroft Cougars (7-2, 6-0) at Northland Vikings (7-2, 5-1)
This game will determine the outcome of the City League North, as the winner of this game will be the City League North champion. A Northland win would be huge, because the Vikings would be the first school that doesn't have a "B" in their name to win the City League North. The Vikings, ranked below Upper Arlington at 13th would need a lot of schools (Troy, Pickerington North, Groveport, Lancaster, Mount Vernon, and UA) to lose to get in to the Division I playoffs. A Beechcroft win would give the Cougars the City League North outright, and the Cougars, ranked 10th in Region 7, could move into the Division II Playoffs. It will be a tough one, but Northland's 3-0 loss to Brookhaven in Week 4 could hurt them here.
Pick: Your 2010 City League North champion...Beechcroft
Jonathan Alder Pioneers (8-1) at St. Charles Cardinals (5-3)
The Cardinals, at 5-3, would probably be ranked 12th or 13th, and possibly be already mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. However, the record of the teams St. Charles has beaten, so far, is 27-17 (take away Marion Harding, and you'd have 26-9), which could possibly be 30-19 or 38-21 after Friday night. If you are 5-3 and the teams you beat are 27-17, get ready to play in November. However, the Cardinals could lose their fourth straight in the process, because everyone scored on Jonathan Alder's team last week in a 77-7 rout of Greenfield McClain.
Pick: Jonathan Alder
Grove City Christian Eagles (3-6) at Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (8-0)- UPSET ALERT of the Week
Remember when Grove City Christian went 9-1 in the Regular Season, and ultimately finished 12-2 on a deep Division VI playoff run? Well, most of the kids on that miracle run (who were Grove City players that transferred after losing fall sports last year) transferred back to Grove City after sports were restored to the Southwestern City School District. Fairfield Christian is this year's Grove City Christian. Don't let the Eagles hear you say that as the Eagles look to clip Fairfield Christian's wings, and possibly spoil the Knights hopes for a deep playoff run like the one Grove City Christian had last year.
Pick: Grove City Christian
The Battle of the Bishops- Ready Silver Knights (4-4, 4-5*) at Hartley Hawks (8-1)- RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK
Like it is with every Week 10 in Central Ohio, this is the Rivalry of the week. This is the working class version of their northern neighbors- Watterson and DeSales, but the Battle of the Bishops has had huge playoff implications in the past, such as last year, when a 7-2 Hartley needed to beat Ready to get into the playoffs. However, the Silver Knights ended the Hawks' season with a big win at Hilliard Bradley. At 4-4 (according to the OHSAA, because last week's blunder against the Columbus Crusaders doesn't count as a real football game according to OHSAA guidelines), and ranked 18th in Division V, Region 20, the Silver Knights are the lowest-ranked school still alive in Ohio, as teams ranked 10th, 11th, and 12th in other regions (i.e. 6-3 Licking Heights, 7-2 Cincinnati Madeira) have already been mathematically eliminated, the Knights have a slim hope of getting that 8th and final spot in Division V by knocking off the Hawks at Jack Ryan Field. The Hawks, ranked third in Region 15, will already be playing next Friday night, and would like to play one more game at Jack Ryan Field next week. Expect the unexpected.
Pick: Hartley (in a close one, as Ready struggles to stop Hartley's ground game)
Walnut Ridge Scots (7-2, 4-2) at Independence 76ers (3-6, 3-3)
The Scots, ranked 14th in Division II, Region 7, are still in it, and need both a help help from a lot of teams in that region (St. Charles, Canal Winchester, Zanesville, Beechcroft, Hamilton Township, Olentangy, Louisville, Dublin Jerome, Big Walnut, and Dresden Tri-Valley- ranked 4th to 13th in no particular order) to even get in. The Scots, have only beaten one school with a winning record (5-4 Briggs), and lost to two schools that are a combined 14-3 (Marion-Franklin and Eastmoor Academy). The 76ers would love to play spoiler in this East Side City League Rivalry. However, no pizza summit will help the 76ers against the Scots this go around.
Pick: Walnut Ridge
Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4, 3-3) at Westerville South Wildcats (8-1, 6-0)
Olentangy Liberty has a slim shot of getting in to the playoffs, and this could only be the second time that Olentangy Liberty misses the playoffs in their short history, as the Patriots travel to Otterbein...Avenue that is, to play the red, hot Westerville South Wildcats, who have already clinched both a playoff spot and the OCC Cardinal Crown. Look for the Wildcats to win their ninth straight and to host a playoff game next Saturday night.
Pick: Westerville South
Teays Valley Vikings (5-4, 3-3) at Canal Winchester Indians (8-1, 6-0)
Pick: Canal Winchester
Lancaster Golden Gales (6-3, 4-2) at Newark Wildcats (1-8, 0-6)
Pick: Lancaster
Bexley Lions (3-6, 1-5) at Licking Valley Panthers (7-2, 6-0)
After Week 2, Bexley was 2-0 and Licking Valley, 0-2. Since then, Licking Valley is 7-0 and Bexley 1-6. Look at which ship is still up, and which ship has hit the bottom of the ocean?
Pick: Licking Valley
Harvest Prep Warriors (5-4, 3-3) at Grandview Heights Bobcats (6-3, 5-2)
This is a huge game for both schools, as a Harvest Prep win would give the Warriors their first ever winning season in the program's history, and a Grandview win, plus help (in the terms of losses from other schools) could launch the Bobcats back to the playoffs. In a close one, the Bobcats will ring the victory bell one more time at Anderson Field.
Pick: Grandview
Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (0-9, 0-6) at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2, 4-2)
Big Walnut- 8-2 and out of the playoffs? It is highly possible, after a 7-0 start for the 2007 Division III State Champs, after being upset by a resurgent Mount Vernon team last week, the Eagles aren't helping themselves out by hosting winless Franklin Heights in the season finale of 2010. Yes, Big Walnut will win, but the Eagles may be hanging up their cleats for good once the pairing are announced on Sunday.
Pick: Big Walnut
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (6-3, 4-2) at Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs (1-8, 0-6)
Even with a win, the Aces could ace their way out if lower ranked schools win big.
Pick: Amanda-Clearcreek
Gahanna Lincoln Lions (4-5, 3-3) at Groveport Madison Cruisers (6-3, 3-3) in The Battle of Hamilton Road- UPSET WATCH ALERT
Groveport is fighting for its playoff life right now. A win, plus help from other schools (i.e. Hilliard Darby, Troy, Pickerington North, Dublin Coffman) could give the Cruisers a playoff spot. At the beginning of the year, the Cruisers wanted to return to the playoffs, but after a 4-0 start, the Cruisers lost three of their last five- an upset by Grove City, plus blowout losses to Pickerington Central and (last week) Lancaster knocked the Cruisers out of the coveted top eight. However, Gahanna Lincoln loves playing spoiler. Seven months ago, their boys basketball team knocked off the then-# 1 boys basketball team in the Nation- Northland in the Division I Regional Finals. Gahanna, like Grove City (and even winless Westerville North), could give Groveport everything they've got, but these postseason-determined Cruisers have only one goal: to play next Saturday.
Pick: Groveport
speaking of Grove City....
Pickerington North Panthers (6-3, 4-2) at Grove City Greyhounds (3-6, 3-3)
Pick North, ranked above Groveport at # 8 in Region 3 travels to upset-minded Grove City to play the Greyhounds, who didn't live up to expectations this year, struggling to a 3-6 mark right now. Like Groveport, Pickerington North needs a win to return to the playoffs. They shouldn't have a problem running over these hounds.
Pick: Pickerington North
Johnstown Johnnies (6-3, 4-2) at Northridge Vikings (1-8, 0-6)
Pick: Johnstown
Hamilton Township Rangers (7-2, 5-1) at Fairfield Union Falcons (3-6, 2-4)
The Rangers, winless last year, underwent a major transformation from last year, to this year, with a new coach, and a breakout running back in Josh Frakes. The Rangers could possibly play their last game of the year. They need a win, plus help from other schools to play next Friday night. Frakes and crew will get the job done.
Pick: Hamilton Township
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (5-3, 5-1) at Africentric Nubians (3-6, 2-4)
Eastmoor, like St. Charles is 5-3 and clinging on in the Top Eight in their computer region. Eastmoor, like Walnut Ridge lost to teams with winning records (12-5: Northland and St. Charles). Eastmoor will have no problem winning in Downtown Columbus tomorrow night, but need a little help to stay in the top eight.
Pick: Eastmoor Academy
Mount Vernon Yellowjackets (6-3, 5-1) at New Albany Eagles (9-0, 6-0)
New Albany has already gotten their playoff invite, and Mount Vernon would like one two, after winning only a few games the past few seasons. But, the best Division II team in the OCC will prevent that from happening.
Pick: New Albany
SATURDAY NIGHT GAMES:
DeSales Stallions (4-5) at Cleveland Benedictine Bengals (2-7)
Who Dey? (Wrong Bengals) The Stallions play a brutal schedule, year-in, year-out, having lost to New Albany, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (out of the Detroit area), Lakewood St. Ed's, rival Watterson, and Cincinnati LaSalle. All four of the Ohio schools DeSales lost to are a combined 43-1 and have already locked up playoff berths. Even teams they beat (St. Charles and Youngstown Cardinal Mooney) are good, others (Gahanna) fairly decent. The Stallions travel up to Cleveland to play the Bengals (I know what you're thinking, but not T.O. and Ochocinco), the Bengals of Cleveland Benedictine that is. The Stallions have one more chance to save their season before the playoff pairings are revealed to the world on Sunday. (FYI- The last time DeSales made it in at 5-5- in 2001, the Stallions lost to Mentor Lake Catholic in the Division III State Championship)
Pick: Benedictine
Granville Blue Aces (6-3, 4-2) at Newark Catholic Green Wave (7-2, 4-2)- at Newark High's White Field
Newark Catholic is already in, so they have nothing to worry about. However, Granville is one of only two schools outside the top eight in their computer region (the other being Salem, who knocked out the Blue Aces last year in Round 1 of the playoffs). There is no stopping of the Green Wave, especially at home.
Pick: Newark Catholic
OTHER AREA GAMES FOR WEEK 10:
Columbus East Tigers (0-9, 0-6) at Linden McKinley Panthers (1-8, 0-6)- CELLAR DWELLER GAME OF THE WEEK
TBDBITCL (The Best Darn Band In The City League) and the football team they play for (East High School) travel up to the Linden area to play rivals Linden McKinley. East will also end what has been a complete and utter disaster this season for the Tigers, whom at 5-5 in 2009, completely crashed and burned with mental mistakes in 2010, allowing over 40 points a game, while scoring only about eight points a game. If Linden didn't beat Westland in Week 3, this would be one of two "Battles of the 0-9's" in the area on Friday night. Ironically, the last team East beat was Linden McKinley (Week 10 of last year). There are only five winless teams left in Central Ohio (East, Fisher Catholic, Franklin Heights, Millersport, and boasting the longest losing streak in the area at 24 games- Westerville North), and there will be as many as four after tomorrow night, and sadly, the Tigers, with 113 years of tradition in the Near East Side of Columbus, dating back to the days of Chic Harley in the 1910s, to a Division II playoff appearance in 1999, will be one of those few 0-10 schools as Linden will do to East what they did in Galloway in Week 3.
Pick: Linden McKinley
William V. Fisher Catholic Irish at Millersport Lakers (both 0-9, 0-6)- CELLAR DWELLER GAME OF THE WEEK
The bad news: there will be at least one 0-10 school (and as many as four) in the area. The good news is that one of these 0-9 schools will get their one and only win this year. The edge is on the Lakers, who aren't in complete disarray as Fisher Catholic, who beat every school to the punch by making a coaching change by firing Head Coach Mike Hensley two and a half weeks ago.
Pick: Millersport
Mifflin Punchers (4-5, 2-4) at Brookhaven Bearcats (5-4, 5-1)
Remember when Gregg Miller was the coach of the Brookhaven Bearcats in the 1990s? Well, for one night, those memories will be renewed. Ironically, Miller is now the coach of the Mifflin Punchers, after a 2-0 start, have lost five of their last seven and have bowed out of playoff contention. Last week, the Brookhaven Bearcats of old returned, as they crushed mistake-prone East High 56-0 down at Harley Field. This week, the Bearcats try to spoil the homecoming of their former coach.
Pick: Brookhaven
Briggs Bruins (5-4, 2-4) at West Cowboys (3-6, 1-5)
Remember when Briggs was 3-0? Fuhgeddaboutit. However, Briggs could stop West's high-flying offense, led by West QB Chris Rhodes, the area's leading passer who is 153/291 passing with 2,206 yards.
Pick: Briggs
Whetstone Braves (3-6, 3-3) at Centennial Stars (4-5, 3-3)
The Braves may still have some bite in this North side City League rivalry, but Centennial came back from the dead this year.
Pick: Centennial
Columbus South Bulldogs (1-8, 0-6) at Marion-Franklin Red Devils (9-0, 6-0)
Marion-Franklin, with a win clinches the City League South outright, and the Red Hot Red Devils will make a seventh consecutive playoff trip as well, already clinching a berth. And they should have no problem scaring the devil out of South.
Pick: Marion-Franklin
Delaware Hayes Pacers (3-6, 2-4) at Olentangy Orange Pioneers (5-4, 4-2)
Olentangy Orange, one of last year's playoff surprises in Division II, Region 7, will be sitting this playoffs out, having already been eliminated. Delaware Hayes, who made their first ever playoff appearance two years ago, have taken one big step back. The Pioneers will push their Delaware County neighbors back further.
Pick: Olentangy Orange
The Battle of 256- Pickerington Central Tigers (8-0, 6-0) at Reynoldsburg Raiders (3-6, 3-3)
This Battle of 256 may be misleading, as Pickerington Central, already wrapped up the OCC Ohio Title and the # 1 seed in the Division I, Region 3 Bracket, so expect to see less of the usual suspects, such as highly-touted college recruits Eilar Hardy and Tyler "Speedy" Hammond, as Pick Central will rest up for the playoffs. Reynoldsburg could take advantage of the most perfect team in Central Ohio this year and could win the Battle of 256 for the first time in nine years.
Pick: Reynoldsburg (in an upset over the Pick Central reserves)
The Battle of Worthington- Worthington Kilbourne Wolves at Thomas Worthington Cardinals (both 3-6, 2-4)
This is only the third time in the 20 years since Worthington High split into two schools that Kilbourne and Thomas have met. However, Thomas could have the upper hand against their brother school, as Kilbourne was a walking M*A*S*H unit this year, plagued by injury after injury, and winning against teams that are a combined 2-25 (Westerville North, Westland, Central Crossing). Thomas Worthington, has only had two winning seasons since Kilbourne opened in 1991 (the last one being in 1999), and after a 5-5 season last year, the Cardinals took a step back this year.
Pick: Thomas Worthington (in a squeaker)
Central Crossing Comets at Westland Cougars (both 1-8, 0-6)
Central Crossing is a win over Franklin Heights away from being 0-10, and Westland is a win over Toledo Scott from being 0-10, or a Linden McKinley comeback away from being 2-7. Westland is better than the Comets by a centimeter, based on longevity and experience.
Pick: Westland
Marysville Monarchs (5-4, 3-3) at Dublin Scioto Irish (5-4, 3-3)
The Monarchs are only playing for pride as they travel down Route 33 to Dublin to play rival Scioto. The Irish, are the second-lowest ranked school (behind Bishop Ready) NOT to be mathematically eliminated. That could change, win or lose.
Pick: Dublin Scioto
Olentangy Braves (5-4, 3-3) at Westerville North Warriors (0-9, 0-6)
Last year, Olentangy suffered their first losing season in 19 years. Ed Terwilliger and his players would love to get back to the playoffs. However, that won't happen, because like with Big Walnut, a win over a winless team will hurt the Braves, than help. The Warriors have the longest losing streak in the area at 24 games, and Olentangy will make it 25.
Pick: Olentangy
Dublin Jerome Celtics (5-4, 4-2) at Westerville Central Warhawks (2-7, 2-4)
Pick: Dublin Jerome
Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (3-6, 2-4) at Watkins Memorial Warriors (5-4, 2-4)
Remember when Watkins was 2-0? The Warriors will be watching the playoffs instead of taking part in them, but they will end on a high note.
Pick: Watkins Memorial
The Battle of Circleville- Circleville Tigers (4-5, 2-4) at Logan Elm Braves (2-7, 1-5)
Pick: Circleville win the Battle of the Pumpkin Festival Hosts
Whitehall-Yearling Rams (3-6, 2-4) at Columbus Academy Vikings (4-5, 2-4)
Pick: Columbus Academy
Heath Bulldogs (8-1, 5-1) at Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1-8, 0-6)
Pick: Heath
Licking Heights Hornets (6-3, 4-2) at Berne Union Rockets (3-6, 3-3)
Even with a win, Licking Heights will hang up their cleats after tomorrow night.
Pick: Licking Heights
West Jefferson Roughriders (9-0, 6-0) at Liberty Union Lions (6-3, 4-2)
West Jeff still has a home game to play for, while Liberty Union has already been eliminated from the playoffs.
Pick: West Jefferson
Centerburg Trojans (3-6, 2-4) at Utica Redskins (5-4, 4-2)
Pick: Utica
Loudonville Redbirds (3-6, 3-3) at Fredericktown Freddies (9-0, 6-0)
Pick: Fredericktown
Danville Blue Devils (5-4, 2-4) at East Knox Bulldogs (3-6, 3-3)
Pick: Danville
Mount Gilead Indians (3-6, 3-5) at Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (5-4, 4-4)
Pick: Cardington
Marion Pleasant Spartans (6-3, 6-2) at Galion Northmor Golden Knights (1-8, 0-8)
Pick: Marion Pleasant
North Union Wildcats (9-0, 8-0) at Morral Ridgedale Rockets (2-7, 1-7)
Pick: North Union
River Valley Vikings (5-4, 4-4) at Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (7-2, 6-2)
Pick: Sparta Highland
Marion Elgin Comets at Buckeye Valley Barons (both 3-6, 3-5)
Pick: Buckeye Valley
London Red Raiders (4-5, 2-3) at Madison Plains Golden Eagles (1-8, 0-5)
Pick: London
The Battle of Fayette County- Miami Trace Panthers (2-7, 2-3) at Washington Court House Blue Lions (7-2, 4-1)
The Lions need a win to get into the playoffs, and they need to beat fellow Fayette County and South Central Ohio League school Miami Trace to do it. The last time the Blue Lions beat the Panthers was in 1989. Trace hung on to win last year, 19-14. This will be an eventful night at Gardner Park.
Pick: Washington Court House
Greenfield McClain Tigers (5-4, 2-3) at Hillsboro Indians (2-7, 1-4)
Last year, Hillsboro was 8-2, and just missed the playoffs. This year, they will be the reciprocal of last year's mark, as McClain gets over their 77-7 Jonathan Alder hangover.
Pick: Greenfield McClain
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (7-1) at Uniontown Lake Blue Streaks (7-2)
Both of these teams have nothing else to play for, having already wrapped up playoff games, but Lake also would like to spend next weekend at home.
Pick: Uniontown Lake
Westfall Mustangs (6-3, 5-1) at Piketon Redstreaks (6-3, 4-2)
Pick: Westfall
Lima Senior Spartans (2-7, 1-3) at Marion Harding Presidents (1-8, 0-4)
Pick: Lima Senior
Fairbanks Panthers (6-2) at Waynesfield-Goshen Tigers (5-4)
Pick: Fairbanks
Things That Were Heard First on Sports Corner:
- DeSales will NOT make the playoffs
- Beechcroft will make the playoffs
- Big Walnut and Hamilton Township will be 8-2 and MISS the playoffs
- St. Charles will make the playoffs
- Groveport will MISS the playoffs after a 4-0 start
- Hilliard Darby will MISS the playoffs after a 6-0 start
- Eastmoor will make the playoffs
- Pickerington Central and Hilliard Davidson will meet for the Region 3 championship
Things We Already Said Earlier This Season:
- Walnut Ridge, Briggs, and Mifflin will NOT make the playoffs
- Watkins Memorial, Licking Heights, Cardington-Lincoln, and Bexley will also MISS the playoffs
- East, Fisher Catholic, and Westerville North will all finish 0-10.
- Marion-Franklin will be the lone City League representative in the playoffs.
Monday, October 25, 2010
High School Football: Week 10, Part 1 (Who's In, and Who's Out)
The final week of the Ohio high school football regular season is this week, and only 192 schools will get invited to play beyond this weekend, when the pairings are announced on Sunday afternoon.
According to Joe Eitel (joeeitel.com), the following area schools are in:
- Pickerington Central (8-0) and North Union (9-0) are locked up the # 1 seeds in their regions
- Marion-Franklin (9-0), Bishop Watterson (7-1), New Albany (9-0), and Heath (8-1) will all be playing at home next Friday or Saturday night.
- Bishop Hartley (7-2), Newark Catholic (7-2), West Jefferson (9-0), Fredericktown (9-0), Clinton-Massie (9-0), Jonathan Alder (8-1), Thornville Sheridan (9-0), Hilliard Davidson (9-0), and Westerville South (8-1) have all clinched playoff spots.
Across the State:
In Region 1, perennial playoff power St. Ignatius will be hanging up their cleats after this weekend, as will North Canton Hoover in Region 2. In Region 23, last year's State Semifinalist, Grove City Christian will be done after this weekend as well, but will Grove City Christian's opponent (8-0 Fairfield Christian) be done as well?
LOCAL GAMES WITH HUGE PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS:
(Predictions will be later on in the week)
Bishop Ready Silver Knights (4-5) at Bishop Hartley Hawks* (7-2)
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (6-3) at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (7-2)
Hilliard Darby Panthers (8-1) at Hilliard Davidson Wildcats* (9-0)
Gahanna Lincoln Lions+ (4-5) at Groveport Madison Cruisers (6-3)
Pickerington North Panthers (6-3) at Grove City Greyhounds+ (3-6)
Beechcroft Cougars at Northland Vikings (both 7-2)
Franklin Heights Golden Falcons+ (0-9) at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2)
Grove City Christian Eagles+ (3-6) at Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (8-0)
Johnstown Johnnies (6-3) at Northridge Vikings+ (1-8)
Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4) at Westerville South Wildcats (8-1)
Lancaster Golden Gales (6-3) at Newark Wildcats+ (1-8)
Teays Valley Vikings (5-4) at Canal Winchester Indians (8-1)
Walnut Ridge Scots (7-2) at Independence 76ers+ (3-6)
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (5-3) at Africentric Nubians+ (3-6)
Jonathan Alder Pioneers (8-1) at St. Charles Cardinals (5-3)
Bexley Lions (3-6)+ at Licking Valley Panthers (7-2)
Hamilton Township Rangers (7-2) at Fairfield Union Falcons+ (3-6)
Harvest Prep Warriors (5-4)+ at Grandview Heights Bobcats (6-3)
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (6-3) at Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs+ (1-8)
Saturday Night:
Granville Blue Aces (6-3) at Newark Catholic Green Wave* (7-2)
DeSales Stallions (4-5) at Cleveland Benedictine Bengals+ (2-7)
*- Already Clinched Playoff Spot
+- Already Mathematically Eliminated
This is what the predictions for 2010 were (before the start of the season) by Bruce Monnin- http://www.nktelco.net/bdmonnin/project-2010.html. On Sunday, the actual 2010 pairings will be announced.
According to Joe Eitel (joeeitel.com), the following area schools are in:
- Pickerington Central (8-0) and North Union (9-0) are locked up the # 1 seeds in their regions
- Marion-Franklin (9-0), Bishop Watterson (7-1), New Albany (9-0), and Heath (8-1) will all be playing at home next Friday or Saturday night.
- Bishop Hartley (7-2), Newark Catholic (7-2), West Jefferson (9-0), Fredericktown (9-0), Clinton-Massie (9-0), Jonathan Alder (8-1), Thornville Sheridan (9-0), Hilliard Davidson (9-0), and Westerville South (8-1) have all clinched playoff spots.
Across the State:
In Region 1, perennial playoff power St. Ignatius will be hanging up their cleats after this weekend, as will North Canton Hoover in Region 2. In Region 23, last year's State Semifinalist, Grove City Christian will be done after this weekend as well, but will Grove City Christian's opponent (8-0 Fairfield Christian) be done as well?
LOCAL GAMES WITH HUGE PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS:
(Predictions will be later on in the week)
Bishop Ready Silver Knights (4-5) at Bishop Hartley Hawks* (7-2)
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (6-3) at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (7-2)
Hilliard Darby Panthers (8-1) at Hilliard Davidson Wildcats* (9-0)
Gahanna Lincoln Lions+ (4-5) at Groveport Madison Cruisers (6-3)
Pickerington North Panthers (6-3) at Grove City Greyhounds+ (3-6)
Beechcroft Cougars at Northland Vikings (both 7-2)
Franklin Heights Golden Falcons+ (0-9) at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2)
Grove City Christian Eagles+ (3-6) at Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (8-0)
Johnstown Johnnies (6-3) at Northridge Vikings+ (1-8)
Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4) at Westerville South Wildcats (8-1)
Lancaster Golden Gales (6-3) at Newark Wildcats+ (1-8)
Teays Valley Vikings (5-4) at Canal Winchester Indians (8-1)
Walnut Ridge Scots (7-2) at Independence 76ers+ (3-6)
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (5-3) at Africentric Nubians+ (3-6)
Jonathan Alder Pioneers (8-1) at St. Charles Cardinals (5-3)
Bexley Lions (3-6)+ at Licking Valley Panthers (7-2)
Hamilton Township Rangers (7-2) at Fairfield Union Falcons+ (3-6)
Harvest Prep Warriors (5-4)+ at Grandview Heights Bobcats (6-3)
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (6-3) at Bloom-Carroll Bulldogs+ (1-8)
Saturday Night:
Granville Blue Aces (6-3) at Newark Catholic Green Wave* (7-2)
DeSales Stallions (4-5) at Cleveland Benedictine Bengals+ (2-7)
*- Already Clinched Playoff Spot
+- Already Mathematically Eliminated
This is what the predictions for 2010 were (before the start of the season) by Bruce Monnin- http://www.nktelco.net/bdmonnin/project-2010.html. On Sunday, the actual 2010 pairings will be announced.
Friday, October 22, 2010
NFL Predix: Week 7 (2010)
It is the seventh week of NFL action on Sunday.
CBS has the Doubleheader this weekend.
BYE WEEKS: Detroit Lions (1-5), Houston Texans (4-2), Indianapolis Colts (4-2), and New York Jets (5-1)
GAME OF THE WEEK: Minnesota Vikings (2-3) at Green Bay Packers (3-2)- 8:20PM at Lambeau Field; Green Bay, WI on NBC
Last year, this game made big news as Brett Favre was making his return to the place he called home for 16 seasons, as the Vikings beat the Packers. This year, Favre returns once again to the aforementioned place he called home for 16 seasons, as the Vikings face the Green Bay P*A*C*K-ers, fresh off of back-to-back overtime losses to Washington and Miami.
Pick: Minnesota 20-10
SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES:
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) at Miami Dolphins (3-2)- 1:00PM on CBS
This would have been a game of the week in the 1970s or 1990s. But, we'll just settle for the fanfare it will bring as the Miami Wildcat Offense and Pittsburgh Defense do the Football Fandango for 60 minutes.
Pick: Pittsburgh 21-14
Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) at Atlanta Falcons (4-2)- 1:00PM on CBS
The Bengals were off last week after losing back-to-back games they couldn't afford to lose. The Falcons lost last week in Philly, a homecoming for Matt Ryan. TO is wishing that he could get away from the Bungles.
Pick: Atlanta 31-14
Cleveland Browns (1-5) at New Orleans Saints (4-2)- 1:00PM on CBS
Last week, Colt McCoy was revealed to the NFL world in a 28-10 loss to rival Pittsburgh. This week, the Clowns take their bumbling show down to the Big Easy, where Drew Brees will have an easy day against the Cleveland Clowns.
Pick: New Orleans 34-0
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (3-2)- 1:00PM on CBS
This is a toss-up, as the Chiefs after a 3-0 start are going down, and the Jaguars got pummeled on Monday night by Tennessee (30-3, Titans).
Pick: Kansas City 28-18
Buffalo Bills (0-5) at Baltimore Ravens (4-2)- 1:00PM on CBS- 1st Shutout of 2010? Pick
Through six weeks of the 2010 NFL season, there has not been a shutout by any of the 32 teams. Baltimore's defense and Buffalo's offense might put an end to that on Sunday, because the Bills are destined to be the NFL's 2nd 0-16 team.
Pick: Baltimore 35-0
Washington Redskins (3-2) at Chicago Bears (4-2)- 1:00PM on Fox- Upset of the Week
Fact- Donovan McNabb grew up in the Windy City. This will be the second homecoming McNabb wins this year, as the Bears are on a slippy slope right now.
Pick: Washington 30-13
San Francisco 49ers (1-5) at Carolina Panthers (0-5)- 1:00PM on Fox- "The Firing Line with John Fox"
The 49ers picked up their first win of the year as they topped their neighbors, Oakland. The Niners will make it two straight, because Carolina is in a hot mess right now, that will give coach John Fox his walking papers real soon.
Pick: San Francisco 17-13
Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) at Tennessee Titans (4-2)- 1:00PM on Fox
The Titans are on a roll after knocking off rival Jacksonville on Monday Night. The short week, however gives Tennessee a disadvantage as Philly comes to town.
Pick: Tennessee 23-13
St. Louis Rams (3-3) at Tampa Bay Bucs (3-2)- 1:00PM on Fox
Remember what I said about Tampa? That was BEFORE the Bucs got embarrassed the defending Super Bowl Champs, New Orleans. Look for Sam Bradford and company to add to the Tampa misery.
Pick: St. Louis 24-21 (OT)
Arizona Cardinals (3-3) at Seattle Seahawks (3-2)- 4:00PM on Fox
This could be a misleading game, but someone has to win it.
Pick: Seattle 28-7
Oakland Raiders (2-4) at Denver Broncos (2-4)- 4:15PM on CBS
Pick: Denver 21-10
New England Patriots (4-2) at San Diego Chargers (2-4)- 4:15PM on CBS
San Diego was 2-3 last year and then won ten of its last eleven and won the AFC West. The Patriots could send San Diego into a deeper hole.
Pick: New England 27-24
SUNDAY NIGHT GAME:
See Game of the Week
MONDAY NIGHT GAME:
New York Giants (4-2) at Dallas Cowboys (1-4)- 8:30PM on ESPN
Is that hot seat warm enough for Wade Phillips?
Pick: NY Giants 24-22
CBS has the Doubleheader this weekend.
BYE WEEKS: Detroit Lions (1-5), Houston Texans (4-2), Indianapolis Colts (4-2), and New York Jets (5-1)
GAME OF THE WEEK: Minnesota Vikings (2-3) at Green Bay Packers (3-2)- 8:20PM at Lambeau Field; Green Bay, WI on NBC
Last year, this game made big news as Brett Favre was making his return to the place he called home for 16 seasons, as the Vikings beat the Packers. This year, Favre returns once again to the aforementioned place he called home for 16 seasons, as the Vikings face the Green Bay P*A*C*K-ers, fresh off of back-to-back overtime losses to Washington and Miami.
Pick: Minnesota 20-10
SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES:
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) at Miami Dolphins (3-2)- 1:00PM on CBS
This would have been a game of the week in the 1970s or 1990s. But, we'll just settle for the fanfare it will bring as the Miami Wildcat Offense and Pittsburgh Defense do the Football Fandango for 60 minutes.
Pick: Pittsburgh 21-14
Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) at Atlanta Falcons (4-2)- 1:00PM on CBS
The Bengals were off last week after losing back-to-back games they couldn't afford to lose. The Falcons lost last week in Philly, a homecoming for Matt Ryan. TO is wishing that he could get away from the Bungles.
Pick: Atlanta 31-14
Cleveland Browns (1-5) at New Orleans Saints (4-2)- 1:00PM on CBS
Last week, Colt McCoy was revealed to the NFL world in a 28-10 loss to rival Pittsburgh. This week, the Clowns take their bumbling show down to the Big Easy, where Drew Brees will have an easy day against the Cleveland Clowns.
Pick: New Orleans 34-0
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (3-2)- 1:00PM on CBS
This is a toss-up, as the Chiefs after a 3-0 start are going down, and the Jaguars got pummeled on Monday night by Tennessee (30-3, Titans).
Pick: Kansas City 28-18
Buffalo Bills (0-5) at Baltimore Ravens (4-2)- 1:00PM on CBS- 1st Shutout of 2010? Pick
Through six weeks of the 2010 NFL season, there has not been a shutout by any of the 32 teams. Baltimore's defense and Buffalo's offense might put an end to that on Sunday, because the Bills are destined to be the NFL's 2nd 0-16 team.
Pick: Baltimore 35-0
Washington Redskins (3-2) at Chicago Bears (4-2)- 1:00PM on Fox- Upset of the Week
Fact- Donovan McNabb grew up in the Windy City. This will be the second homecoming McNabb wins this year, as the Bears are on a slippy slope right now.
Pick: Washington 30-13
San Francisco 49ers (1-5) at Carolina Panthers (0-5)- 1:00PM on Fox- "The Firing Line with John Fox"
The 49ers picked up their first win of the year as they topped their neighbors, Oakland. The Niners will make it two straight, because Carolina is in a hot mess right now, that will give coach John Fox his walking papers real soon.
Pick: San Francisco 17-13
Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) at Tennessee Titans (4-2)- 1:00PM on Fox
The Titans are on a roll after knocking off rival Jacksonville on Monday Night. The short week, however gives Tennessee a disadvantage as Philly comes to town.
Pick: Tennessee 23-13
St. Louis Rams (3-3) at Tampa Bay Bucs (3-2)- 1:00PM on Fox
Remember what I said about Tampa? That was BEFORE the Bucs got embarrassed the defending Super Bowl Champs, New Orleans. Look for Sam Bradford and company to add to the Tampa misery.
Pick: St. Louis 24-21 (OT)
Arizona Cardinals (3-3) at Seattle Seahawks (3-2)- 4:00PM on Fox
This could be a misleading game, but someone has to win it.
Pick: Seattle 28-7
Oakland Raiders (2-4) at Denver Broncos (2-4)- 4:15PM on CBS
Pick: Denver 21-10
New England Patriots (4-2) at San Diego Chargers (2-4)- 4:15PM on CBS
San Diego was 2-3 last year and then won ten of its last eleven and won the AFC West. The Patriots could send San Diego into a deeper hole.
Pick: New England 27-24
SUNDAY NIGHT GAME:
See Game of the Week
MONDAY NIGHT GAME:
New York Giants (4-2) at Dallas Cowboys (1-4)- 8:30PM on ESPN
Is that hot seat warm enough for Wade Phillips?
Pick: NY Giants 24-22
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
College Football Picks- Wolverine-Free Week 8
There are only ten undefeated teams left in Division I- Bowl Subdivision. After this weekend's games, there may be as many as eight, because there are two matchups of the undefeateds.
GAMES OF THE WEEK: # 6 LSU Tigers at # 4 Auburn Tigers (both 7-0, 4-0) (SEC Tiger Bowl)- 3:30PM ET at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL on CBS
Something has got to give down in Auburn, Alabama on Saturday afternoon. Both LSU and Auburn are 7-0 overall, and 4-0 in SEC play. This will be a great showdown of the unbeatens. Last week, Auburn poured 65 points down on Arkansas (who scored 43).
Pick: Watch on Saturday at 3:30 ET on CBS (Auburn 48-30)
# 3 Oklahoma Sooners at # 18 Missouri Tigers (both 6-0, 2-0)- 8:00PM ET at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium in Columbia, MO on ABC
Behind LSU and Auburn, this is the second-biggest game of the week. You have the Missouri Tigers at 6-0, it's homecoming for Mizzou, ESPN College Football GameDay is camping up in Columbia, and the game is sold out at Faurot Field. All the makings for a big showdown in the Big 12. The Tigers last beat the Sooners in 1998, winning the last seven meetings, including the two Big 12 Championship meetings. The Sooners lead the first BCS poll of the season, which has the Tigers ranked 11th. Missouri, on it's fifth 6-0 start in school history, is looking to go 7-0 for the first time in 50 years. The only thing getting in the way is the Sooners, of course, who have been in the BCS go-round on-and-off for the last ten years. And Oklahoma is good.
Pick: Watch at 8PM ET on ABC (Oklahoma 38-14)
THURSDAY NIGHT MATCHUP: UCLA Bruins (3-3, 1-2) at # 1 Oregon Ducks (6-0, 3-0)
Oregon assumes the top spot in the Associated Press Poll for the first time in school history, and it looks like they will be there another week as UCLA hasn't beaten a # 1 team in 35 years. Quack, quack, quack...
Pick: Oregon 58-0
OTHER BIG GAMES OF THE WEEK:
Purdue Boilermakers (4-2, 2-0) at # 11 Ohio State Buckeyes (6-1, 2-1)- Noon at Ohio Stadium in Columbus
The last time the Bucks played Purdue, Terrelle Pryor turned the ball over four times for the Buckeyes in a 26-18 Purdue win. The Bucks will be without three of their defensive starters against Purdue, and the Boilermakers could take advantage of that (Purdue is unbeaten in Big Ten Play), but the Buckeyes will not disappoint their alumni this Saturday after the Buckeyes crashed and burned early last Saturday night up at Camp Randall against Wisconsin.
Pick: Ohio State 27-13
# 13 Wisconsin Badgers (6-1, 2-1) at # 15 Iowa Hawkeyes (5-1, 2-0)- Noon at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, IA
Last week, Ricky Stanzi was on fire in Ann Arbor as he exposed the shortcomings of Michigan's defense. However, Wisconsin's two-headed running back of John Clay and James White brought down the # 1 team in the nation, by yanking the pants off of the Buckeyes under the lights of Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin is looking for respect, and a decent bowl. While Iowa is trying not to disintegrate.
Pick: Wisconsin 31-28
# 16 Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-1, 1-1) at # 14 Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-0, 2-0)
Last week, Nebraska fell to earth as Texas beat them 20-13. This could be the second week in a row that an OSU loses its first game of the season.
Pick: Nebraska 31-16
# 8 Alabama Crimson Tide (6-1, 3-1) at Tennessee Volunteers (2-4, 0-3)- "The Third/Fourth Saturday in ROCK-tober"
They have met on the third Saturday in October for years (hey, it's the fourth Saturday, but who's keeping count?), but Alabama will roll tide over Tennessee, who will volunteer themselves to lose this game, because there is no way that they'll be able to stop Alabama.
Pick: Alabama 31-3
Penn Quakers (4-1, 2-0) at Yale Bulldogs (4-1, 2-0)
This is going to be a great matchup against two more of the Ivy League's elite programs.
Pick: Penn 20-16
RIVALRY MATCHUPS OF THE WEEK:
Harvard Crimson (3-2, 1-1) at Princeton Tigers (1-4, 0-2)
Last week, Princeton blew a 13-0 lead, and lost their quarterback in the process in a 17-13 loss to Brown. This week, the Tigers welcome rival Harvard in a matchup of two of the most prestigious colleges in the nation (or at least the Ivy League). Harvard has won the last three meetings (and 12 out of the last 14), including a 37-3 Harvard romp last season in Cambridge, Mass. Like Princeton last week, Harvard also blew a big lead (17-0) in a loss to Lehigh (21-19). This will be a good old-fashioned Jersey showdown (ok, not really, see Notre Dame/Navy below), and a tradition continued 130-plus years in the making.
Pick: Harvard 23-12
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-3) vs. Navy Midshipmen (4-2) (at New Meadowlands Stadium- East Rutherford, NJ)- Saturday @ Noon This is one of the premier non-conference rivalries, year-in, year-out...NOT! It's more one of the one-sided (Notre Dame) rivalries of college football. However, the Midshipmen have won two of the last three meetings after the Irish won 43 straight meetings from 1964 to 2006. Despite a close-call from Wake Forest, Navy is starting to slowly sink back as Notre Dame will win their fourth straight game this season. Sidenote: the 2012 matchup between these two will take place in Dublin...Ireland, that is.
Pick: Notre Dame 31-17
OAC/CENTRAL OHIO NCAC & GLIAC GAMES THIS WEEKEND:
Capital Crusaders (3-3, 3-2) at Mount Union Purple Raiders (6-0, 5-0) - "OAC Purple People Eaters Bowl"
Last week, Capital got lucky by shutting down the Magical Otterbein Gridiron Tour that has been riding waves for the last two years. Kory Hartlinger will not have an encore performance up in Alliance in a "Battle of the OAC Purple".
Pick: Mount Union 59-0
Wilmington Quakers (0-6, 0-5) at Baldwin-Wallace Yellowjackets (5-1, 4-1)
Baldwin-Wallace got knocked from the ranks of the unbeatens by a physical and tough Ohio Northern team. B-W, which finished 3-7 last year, has now won more games than they did last year, and will easily double last year's win total by pounding up the winless Quakers.
Pick: Baldwin-Wallace 41-0
Marietta Pioneers (2-4, 1-4) at Heidelberg Student Princes (2-4, 1-4)
Eenie-meeny-miney-mo...catch a tiger by it's toe, if it hollers, let 'em go. Eenie-meenie-miney-mo
Pick: Heidelberg 23-17 (OT)
Muskingum Muskies (3-3, 2-3) at Otterbein Cardinals (3-3, 2-3)
Last week, Otterbein came down flat in Bexley, as their three-game win streak against their hated cross-town rivals Capital came crashing down. This weekend, it is Homecoming in Westerville, and the Cardinals host an improved Muskingum team, whom Otterbein has beaten six straight times. Things won't get easy for the Muskies, as they are in the hardest part of their schedule, while Otterbein, who knocked theirselves out of the playoffs with back-to-back losses to Baldwin-Wallace and Capital, needs to win one more game in front of their home crowd before their home finale next week against Mount Union. Expect Austin Schlosser and Colton Coy to have big days for the Tan and Cardinal, and everything will be coming up roses- or Tan and Cardinal- for Otterbein, and the alumni will go home happy and forever Tan and Cardinal.
Pick: Otterbein 41-21
Ohio Northern Polar Bears (5-1, 4-1) at John Carroll Blue Streaks (3-3, 3-2)
This is either a great matchup, or a blowout waiting to happen. More likely, the latter, as Ohio Northern froze Otterbein, Capital, and last week, knocked out Baldwin-Wallace from the ranks of the unbeatens. Ohio Northern is just too strong for these Blue Streaks.
Pick: Ohio Northern 47-17
Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops (0-6, 0-2) at Allegheny Gators (4-2, 3-2)
Pick: Allegheny 29-0
Chicago Maroons (4-2) at Kenyon Lords (0-6)
Pick: Chicago 33-6
Wittenberg Tigers (7-0) at Carnegie-Mellon Tartans (4-2)
Wittenberg takes their perfect record on the road to Pittsburgh to visit Carnegie-Mellon. The Tigers will stay perfect in a sea of Pittsburgh Scottish Tartan.
Pick: Wittenberg 28-25
Wabash Little Giants (5-0, 3-1) at Denison Big Red (3-4, 1-2)
The Big Red are on a four-game slide after their first 3-0 start in 20 years, following a close 17-16 loss last week to Allegheny. The Little Giants will attempt to make it five in a row.
Pick: Wabash 37-14
Wooster Fighting Scots (3-3) at Case Western Reserve Spartans (6-0)
Case Western has won 40 regular season games in a row. Make it 41.
Pick: Case 31-6
Oberlin Yeomen (2-4) at Washington (MO) Bears (4-2)
Pick: Washington 27-11
OTHER BIG DIVISION I-FBS GAMES:
Iowa State Cyclones (3-4, 1-2) at # 19 Texas Longhorns (4-2, 1-1)
Texas roared back into the Top 25, after two weeks out of the Top 25, by handing Nebraska their first loss of the year. Iowa State will provide nothing but a scrimmage for the Horns, after Missouri's cyclone blew away the Cyclones 52-0 last week.
Pick: Texas 45-6
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-2, 1-0) at Pitt Panthers (3-3, 1-0)
Pick: Pitt 31-20
Duke Blue Devils (1-5, 0-3) at # 25 Virginia Tech Hokies (5-2, 3-0)
Dont worry, Duke. Basketball season is just around the bend.
Pick: Virginia Tech 56-0
Penn State Nittany Lions (3-3, 0-2) at Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-6, 0-3)
On Sunday, Gophers Athletic Director Joel Maturi fired Head Coach Tim Brewster. Offensive Coordinator Tim Horton will take over as interim coach for the remainder of the season. Joe Pa and the Nittany Lions will spoil Horton's debut as the interim head coach for the Gophers as the Nittany Lions pick up their first Big Ten win of 2010.
Pick: Penn State 26-14
Ole Miss Rebels (3-3, 1-2) at # 23 Arkansas Razorbacks (4-2, 1-2)
Last week, Arkansas scored 43 points, but gave up 65. This week, the Razorbacks get back on track against Ole Miss.
Pick: Arkansas 31-10
# 22 Kansas State Wildcats (5-1, 2-1) at Baylor Bears (5-2, 2-1)
Baylor bowl eligible? Are you kidding me? Kansas State is not fooling around either.
Pick: Kansas State 49-14
Georgia Tech Yellowjackets (5-2, 3-1) at Clemson Tigers (3-3, 1-2)
Pick: Georgia Tech 26-10
Washington State Cougars (1-6, 0-4) at # 12 Stanford Cardinal (5-1, 2-1)
Pick: Stanford 64-0
Colorado State Rams (2-5, 1-2) at # 9 Utah Utes (6-0, 3-0)
Pick: Utah 55-0
# 21 South Carolina Gamecocks (4-2, 2-2) at Vanderbilt Commodores (2-4, 1-2)
Last week, a week removed after knocking off the # 1 team in the country, South Carolina blew an 18-point halftime lead, to lose to Kentucky 31-28. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt laid an egg (or 43 of them) against Georgia in a 43-0 loss. This week, Gamecock fans won't be singing any blues after they leave Nashville, because they are on a mission in the Music City. That mission: Beat Vanderbilt.
Pick: South Carolina 38-7
Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) Blazers at # 24 Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-2)
Last week, Mississippi State's defense shut down Florida in a 10-7 trap win over the once-mighty Gators.
Air Force Falcons (5-2, 3-1) at # 5 TCU Horned Frogs (7-0, 3-0)
Pick: TCU 41-7
Washington Huskies (3-3, 2-1) at # 18 Arizona Wildcats (5-1, 2-1)
This has the makings of a trap game, because Jake Locker is trying to prove something to all of the doubters of the Huskies.
Pick: Washington 28-25
Georgia Bulldogs (3-4, 2-3) at Kentucky Wildcats (4-3, 1-3)
Many in Georgia have been calling for the head of Mark Richt. Last week, those talks subsided as Georgia pummeled Vandy 43-0. Last week, Kentucky snapped a three-game slide with a 31-28 comeback win over South Carolina, after trailing 28-10 at halftime. Will the Wildcats get it back together, or will Red Lobster come back to bite again?
Pick: Georgia 23-20
Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-3, 1-3) at Colorado Buffaloes (3-3, 0-2)
Pick: Texas Tech 28-7
Indiana Hoosiers (4-2, 0-2) at Illinois Fighting Illini (3-3, 1-2)
Indiana proved the critics right. They don't have what it takes to compete with the rest of the Big Ten. Illinois will also prove that right to Indiana.
Pick: Illinois 34-0
WEEK 7 Victory of the Week: Wisconsin (6-1, 2-1; Big Ten) defeating then-# 1 Ohio State 31-18. The last time Wisconsin knocked off a # 1 team, it was Michigan (21-14 on Sept. 12, 1981). The Badgers jumped out to a 21-0 lead, courtesy of their two-headed running game of John Clay and James White. Terrelle Pryor and Daniel/Boom Herron tried to spice things up for the Buckeyes by cutting the Badger lead to three in the beginning of the 4th Quarter, but Clay slammed the door shut for the Scarlet and Gray, as the Buckeyes downward spiral looms near with Purdue, Iowa, and Michigan coming near.
Headline of the Week: University of Minnesota (1-6, 0-3; Big Ten) firing Head Coach Tim Brewster on Sunday; Offensive Coordinator Tim Horton will take over as the interim Gopher Head Coach
GAMES OF THE WEEK: # 6 LSU Tigers at # 4 Auburn Tigers (both 7-0, 4-0) (SEC Tiger Bowl)- 3:30PM ET at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL on CBS
Something has got to give down in Auburn, Alabama on Saturday afternoon. Both LSU and Auburn are 7-0 overall, and 4-0 in SEC play. This will be a great showdown of the unbeatens. Last week, Auburn poured 65 points down on Arkansas (who scored 43).
Pick: Watch on Saturday at 3:30 ET on CBS (Auburn 48-30)
# 3 Oklahoma Sooners at # 18 Missouri Tigers (both 6-0, 2-0)- 8:00PM ET at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium in Columbia, MO on ABC
Behind LSU and Auburn, this is the second-biggest game of the week. You have the Missouri Tigers at 6-0, it's homecoming for Mizzou, ESPN College Football GameDay is camping up in Columbia, and the game is sold out at Faurot Field. All the makings for a big showdown in the Big 12. The Tigers last beat the Sooners in 1998, winning the last seven meetings, including the two Big 12 Championship meetings. The Sooners lead the first BCS poll of the season, which has the Tigers ranked 11th. Missouri, on it's fifth 6-0 start in school history, is looking to go 7-0 for the first time in 50 years. The only thing getting in the way is the Sooners, of course, who have been in the BCS go-round on-and-off for the last ten years. And Oklahoma is good.
Pick: Watch at 8PM ET on ABC (Oklahoma 38-14)
THURSDAY NIGHT MATCHUP: UCLA Bruins (3-3, 1-2) at # 1 Oregon Ducks (6-0, 3-0)
Oregon assumes the top spot in the Associated Press Poll for the first time in school history, and it looks like they will be there another week as UCLA hasn't beaten a # 1 team in 35 years. Quack, quack, quack...
Pick: Oregon 58-0
OTHER BIG GAMES OF THE WEEK:
Purdue Boilermakers (4-2, 2-0) at # 11 Ohio State Buckeyes (6-1, 2-1)- Noon at Ohio Stadium in Columbus
The last time the Bucks played Purdue, Terrelle Pryor turned the ball over four times for the Buckeyes in a 26-18 Purdue win. The Bucks will be without three of their defensive starters against Purdue, and the Boilermakers could take advantage of that (Purdue is unbeaten in Big Ten Play), but the Buckeyes will not disappoint their alumni this Saturday after the Buckeyes crashed and burned early last Saturday night up at Camp Randall against Wisconsin.
Pick: Ohio State 27-13
# 13 Wisconsin Badgers (6-1, 2-1) at # 15 Iowa Hawkeyes (5-1, 2-0)- Noon at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, IA
Last week, Ricky Stanzi was on fire in Ann Arbor as he exposed the shortcomings of Michigan's defense. However, Wisconsin's two-headed running back of John Clay and James White brought down the # 1 team in the nation, by yanking the pants off of the Buckeyes under the lights of Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin is looking for respect, and a decent bowl. While Iowa is trying not to disintegrate.
Pick: Wisconsin 31-28
# 16 Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-1, 1-1) at # 14 Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-0, 2-0)
Last week, Nebraska fell to earth as Texas beat them 20-13. This could be the second week in a row that an OSU loses its first game of the season.
Pick: Nebraska 31-16
# 8 Alabama Crimson Tide (6-1, 3-1) at Tennessee Volunteers (2-4, 0-3)- "The Third/Fourth Saturday in ROCK-tober"
They have met on the third Saturday in October for years (hey, it's the fourth Saturday, but who's keeping count?), but Alabama will roll tide over Tennessee, who will volunteer themselves to lose this game, because there is no way that they'll be able to stop Alabama.
Pick: Alabama 31-3
Penn Quakers (4-1, 2-0) at Yale Bulldogs (4-1, 2-0)
This is going to be a great matchup against two more of the Ivy League's elite programs.
Pick: Penn 20-16
RIVALRY MATCHUPS OF THE WEEK:
Harvard Crimson (3-2, 1-1) at Princeton Tigers (1-4, 0-2)
Last week, Princeton blew a 13-0 lead, and lost their quarterback in the process in a 17-13 loss to Brown. This week, the Tigers welcome rival Harvard in a matchup of two of the most prestigious colleges in the nation (or at least the Ivy League). Harvard has won the last three meetings (and 12 out of the last 14), including a 37-3 Harvard romp last season in Cambridge, Mass. Like Princeton last week, Harvard also blew a big lead (17-0) in a loss to Lehigh (21-19). This will be a good old-fashioned Jersey showdown (ok, not really, see Notre Dame/Navy below), and a tradition continued 130-plus years in the making.
Pick: Harvard 23-12
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-3) vs. Navy Midshipmen (4-2) (at New Meadowlands Stadium- East Rutherford, NJ)- Saturday @ Noon This is one of the premier non-conference rivalries, year-in, year-out...NOT! It's more one of the one-sided (Notre Dame) rivalries of college football. However, the Midshipmen have won two of the last three meetings after the Irish won 43 straight meetings from 1964 to 2006. Despite a close-call from Wake Forest, Navy is starting to slowly sink back as Notre Dame will win their fourth straight game this season. Sidenote: the 2012 matchup between these two will take place in Dublin...Ireland, that is.
Pick: Notre Dame 31-17
OAC/CENTRAL OHIO NCAC & GLIAC GAMES THIS WEEKEND:
Capital Crusaders (3-3, 3-2) at Mount Union Purple Raiders (6-0, 5-0) - "OAC Purple People Eaters Bowl"
Last week, Capital got lucky by shutting down the Magical Otterbein Gridiron Tour that has been riding waves for the last two years. Kory Hartlinger will not have an encore performance up in Alliance in a "Battle of the OAC Purple".
Pick: Mount Union 59-0
Wilmington Quakers (0-6, 0-5) at Baldwin-Wallace Yellowjackets (5-1, 4-1)
Baldwin-Wallace got knocked from the ranks of the unbeatens by a physical and tough Ohio Northern team. B-W, which finished 3-7 last year, has now won more games than they did last year, and will easily double last year's win total by pounding up the winless Quakers.
Pick: Baldwin-Wallace 41-0
Marietta Pioneers (2-4, 1-4) at Heidelberg Student Princes (2-4, 1-4)
Eenie-meeny-miney-mo...catch a tiger by it's toe, if it hollers, let 'em go. Eenie-meenie-miney-mo
Pick: Heidelberg 23-17 (OT)
Muskingum Muskies (3-3, 2-3) at Otterbein Cardinals (3-3, 2-3)
Last week, Otterbein came down flat in Bexley, as their three-game win streak against their hated cross-town rivals Capital came crashing down. This weekend, it is Homecoming in Westerville, and the Cardinals host an improved Muskingum team, whom Otterbein has beaten six straight times. Things won't get easy for the Muskies, as they are in the hardest part of their schedule, while Otterbein, who knocked theirselves out of the playoffs with back-to-back losses to Baldwin-Wallace and Capital, needs to win one more game in front of their home crowd before their home finale next week against Mount Union. Expect Austin Schlosser and Colton Coy to have big days for the Tan and Cardinal, and everything will be coming up roses- or Tan and Cardinal- for Otterbein, and the alumni will go home happy and forever Tan and Cardinal.
Pick: Otterbein 41-21
Ohio Northern Polar Bears (5-1, 4-1) at John Carroll Blue Streaks (3-3, 3-2)
This is either a great matchup, or a blowout waiting to happen. More likely, the latter, as Ohio Northern froze Otterbein, Capital, and last week, knocked out Baldwin-Wallace from the ranks of the unbeatens. Ohio Northern is just too strong for these Blue Streaks.
Pick: Ohio Northern 47-17
Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops (0-6, 0-2) at Allegheny Gators (4-2, 3-2)
Pick: Allegheny 29-0
Chicago Maroons (4-2) at Kenyon Lords (0-6)
Pick: Chicago 33-6
Wittenberg Tigers (7-0) at Carnegie-Mellon Tartans (4-2)
Wittenberg takes their perfect record on the road to Pittsburgh to visit Carnegie-Mellon. The Tigers will stay perfect in a sea of Pittsburgh Scottish Tartan.
Pick: Wittenberg 28-25
Wabash Little Giants (5-0, 3-1) at Denison Big Red (3-4, 1-2)
The Big Red are on a four-game slide after their first 3-0 start in 20 years, following a close 17-16 loss last week to Allegheny. The Little Giants will attempt to make it five in a row.
Pick: Wabash 37-14
Wooster Fighting Scots (3-3) at Case Western Reserve Spartans (6-0)
Case Western has won 40 regular season games in a row. Make it 41.
Pick: Case 31-6
Oberlin Yeomen (2-4) at Washington (MO) Bears (4-2)
Pick: Washington 27-11
OTHER BIG DIVISION I-FBS GAMES:
Iowa State Cyclones (3-4, 1-2) at # 19 Texas Longhorns (4-2, 1-1)
Texas roared back into the Top 25, after two weeks out of the Top 25, by handing Nebraska their first loss of the year. Iowa State will provide nothing but a scrimmage for the Horns, after Missouri's cyclone blew away the Cyclones 52-0 last week.
Pick: Texas 45-6
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-2, 1-0) at Pitt Panthers (3-3, 1-0)
Pick: Pitt 31-20
Duke Blue Devils (1-5, 0-3) at # 25 Virginia Tech Hokies (5-2, 3-0)
Dont worry, Duke. Basketball season is just around the bend.
Pick: Virginia Tech 56-0
Penn State Nittany Lions (3-3, 0-2) at Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-6, 0-3)
On Sunday, Gophers Athletic Director Joel Maturi fired Head Coach Tim Brewster. Offensive Coordinator Tim Horton will take over as interim coach for the remainder of the season. Joe Pa and the Nittany Lions will spoil Horton's debut as the interim head coach for the Gophers as the Nittany Lions pick up their first Big Ten win of 2010.
Pick: Penn State 26-14
Ole Miss Rebels (3-3, 1-2) at # 23 Arkansas Razorbacks (4-2, 1-2)
Last week, Arkansas scored 43 points, but gave up 65. This week, the Razorbacks get back on track against Ole Miss.
Pick: Arkansas 31-10
# 22 Kansas State Wildcats (5-1, 2-1) at Baylor Bears (5-2, 2-1)
Baylor bowl eligible? Are you kidding me? Kansas State is not fooling around either.
Pick: Kansas State 49-14
Georgia Tech Yellowjackets (5-2, 3-1) at Clemson Tigers (3-3, 1-2)
Pick: Georgia Tech 26-10
Washington State Cougars (1-6, 0-4) at # 12 Stanford Cardinal (5-1, 2-1)
Pick: Stanford 64-0
Colorado State Rams (2-5, 1-2) at # 9 Utah Utes (6-0, 3-0)
Pick: Utah 55-0
# 21 South Carolina Gamecocks (4-2, 2-2) at Vanderbilt Commodores (2-4, 1-2)
Last week, a week removed after knocking off the # 1 team in the country, South Carolina blew an 18-point halftime lead, to lose to Kentucky 31-28. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt laid an egg (or 43 of them) against Georgia in a 43-0 loss. This week, Gamecock fans won't be singing any blues after they leave Nashville, because they are on a mission in the Music City. That mission: Beat Vanderbilt.
Pick: South Carolina 38-7
Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) Blazers at # 24 Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-2)
Last week, Mississippi State's defense shut down Florida in a 10-7 trap win over the once-mighty Gators.
Air Force Falcons (5-2, 3-1) at # 5 TCU Horned Frogs (7-0, 3-0)
Pick: TCU 41-7
Washington Huskies (3-3, 2-1) at # 18 Arizona Wildcats (5-1, 2-1)
This has the makings of a trap game, because Jake Locker is trying to prove something to all of the doubters of the Huskies.
Pick: Washington 28-25
Georgia Bulldogs (3-4, 2-3) at Kentucky Wildcats (4-3, 1-3)
Many in Georgia have been calling for the head of Mark Richt. Last week, those talks subsided as Georgia pummeled Vandy 43-0. Last week, Kentucky snapped a three-game slide with a 31-28 comeback win over South Carolina, after trailing 28-10 at halftime. Will the Wildcats get it back together, or will Red Lobster come back to bite again?
Pick: Georgia 23-20
Texas Tech Red Raiders (3-3, 1-3) at Colorado Buffaloes (3-3, 0-2)
Pick: Texas Tech 28-7
Indiana Hoosiers (4-2, 0-2) at Illinois Fighting Illini (3-3, 1-2)
Indiana proved the critics right. They don't have what it takes to compete with the rest of the Big Ten. Illinois will also prove that right to Indiana.
Pick: Illinois 34-0
WEEK 7 Victory of the Week: Wisconsin (6-1, 2-1; Big Ten) defeating then-# 1 Ohio State 31-18. The last time Wisconsin knocked off a # 1 team, it was Michigan (21-14 on Sept. 12, 1981). The Badgers jumped out to a 21-0 lead, courtesy of their two-headed running game of John Clay and James White. Terrelle Pryor and Daniel/Boom Herron tried to spice things up for the Buckeyes by cutting the Badger lead to three in the beginning of the 4th Quarter, but Clay slammed the door shut for the Scarlet and Gray, as the Buckeyes downward spiral looms near with Purdue, Iowa, and Michigan coming near.
Headline of the Week: University of Minnesota (1-6, 0-3; Big Ten) firing Head Coach Tim Brewster on Sunday; Offensive Coordinator Tim Horton will take over as the interim Gopher Head Coach
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)