The eighth week of the 2011 NFL Season takes place this weekend with 13 exciting games.
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
New England Patriots (5-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
Pick: New England 31, Pittsburgh 21
UPSET PICK OF THE WEEK:
Cincinnati Bengals (4-2) at Seattle Seahawks (2-4)
The Bengals have not done well after the bye week, historically. To add insult to this flesh wound, they are playing at Qwest Field. The Bengals have the edge with rookie receiver A.J. Green and second-year tight end Jermaine Gresham, over Seattle's unknown secondary, who have not had many big plays, except for Brandon Browner, who victimized Eli Manning for a 94-yard interception return for a touchdown in New York a few weeks back. Last week, the Seahawks failed to show up in a snoozefest of a game in Cleveland. If the Seahawks play like that against the Bengals, look for Andy Dalton to have a BIG day, and if the game was in Cincinnati instead of Seattle, the game would be blacked out, but the Seahawks secondary would be shredded. This could be a riveting trap game for the Bengals, who have the Titans, Steelers, Ravens, Browns, Steelers, and Texans, up next- in that order.
Pick: Seattle 24, Cincinnati 21
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK:
Dallas Cowboys (3-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)
Pick: Philadelphia 27, Dallas 19
OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK:
Arizona Cardinals (1-5) at Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are reunited, but on opposite sidelines.
Pick: Baltimore 33, Arizona 13
Minnesota Vikings (1-6) at Carolina Panthers (2-5)
Pick: Carolina 35, Minnesota 3
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5) at Houston Texans (4-3)
Pick: Houston 38, Jacksonville 10
Miami Dolphins (0-6) at New York Giants (4-2)
Pick: NY Giants 31, Miami 6
Indianapolis Colts (0-7) at Tennessee Titans (3-3)
Don't worry, Colts fans. After that 62-7 bloodbath in the Bayou on Sunday Night Football, it's only six months until the Colts draft Andrew Luck.
Pick: Tennessee 30, Indianapolis 3
New Orleans Saints (5-2) at St. Louis Rams (0-6)
Rams took a giant leap backwards from last year's almost-run to the playoffs. The Saints, pounded the Colts in the most lopsided game since the NFL-AFL merger 42 years ago. Drew Brees will not show the Rams any mercy. Someone get Steve Spagnuolo a drink.
Pick: New Orleans 41, St. Louis 0
Washington Redskins (3-3) at Buffalo Bills (4-2)- at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
Pick: Buffalo 34, Washington 17
Detroit Lions (5-2) at Denver Broncos (2-4)
Last week, Tim Tebow became a hero, leading the Broncos back from a 15-0 deficit, as the Broncos scored 18 unanswered points to win over Miami in overtime. This week, he has a tougher test with an improved Detroit team.
Pick: Detroit 27, Denver 23
Cleveland Browns (3-3) at San Francisco 49ers (5-1)
A long flight back to Lake Erie for the Browns.
Pick: San Francisco 37, Cleveland 14
Monday Night Football:
San Diego Chargers (4-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)
Pick: San Diego 30, Kansas City 16
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.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
2011 Central Ohio H.S. Football- This is It- Week # 10
I can't believe that this is the end of the high school football season. Where have the last ten weeks gone? On Sunday, 192 high schools from across the state will receive their Golden Tickets, courtesy of the OHSAA when the playoff pairings are officially announced.
According to Joe Eitel of JoeEitel.com, these area schools have already received their tickets in.
(Division I- Region 3)
Hilliard Davidson Wildcats [8-0; plays Hilliard Darby tomorrow night)
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-1; plays Upper Arlington tomorrow night)
(Division II- Region 7)
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (9-0; locked up # 1 seed; plays Columbus South tomorrow night)
New Albany Eagles (7-2; plays Mount Vernon tomorrow night)
Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2; plays Franklin Heights tomorrow night)
Beechcroft Cougars [8-1; plays Northland tomorrow night)
(Division III- Region 10)
St. Francis DeSales Stallions (5-3; currently # 1; plays Cleveland Benedictine tomorrow night)
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (7-2; plays Africentric Early College tomorrow night)
(Division III- Region 12)
Jonathan Alder Pioneers (9-0; currently # 1; plays defending D-III State Champ Bishop Watterson tomorrow night)
Logan Elm Braves (9-0; plays Amanda-Clearcreek tomorrow night)
(Division IV- Region 14)
Bishop Hartley Hawks [8-0; defending D-IV State Champs & # 1 in Region 14, plays Bishop Ready tomorrow night)
North Union Wildcats [8-1; plays Ridgedale tomorrow night)
(Division IV- Region 15)
Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (9-0; plays Northridge tomorrow night)
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (7-2; plays Logan Elm tomorrow night)
(Division V- Region 20)
Marion Pleasant Trojans (9-0; plays Galion Northmor tomorrow night)
Fighting for their Playoff Lives:
(Division I)
- Region 3:
# 4 Westerville Central Warhawks (7-2; plays Dublin Jerome tomorrow night)
# 5 Pickerington Central Tigers (6-2; plays Reynoldsburg tomorrow night)
# 6 Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (7-2; plays Groveport Madison tomorrow night)
# 7 Olentangy Orange Pioneers (7-2; plays Delaware Hayes tomorrow night)
# 8 Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-2; plays Dublin Coffman tomorrow night)
# 9 Pickerington North Panthers (7-2; plays Grove City tomorrow night)
# 10 Westerville South Wildcats (6-3; plays Olentangy Liberty tomorrow night)
# 12 Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3; plays Pickerington Central tomorrow night)
# 13 Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4; plays Westerville South tomorrow night)
# 14 Hilliard Darby Panthers (7-2; plays Hilliard Davidson tomorrow night)
(Division II)
- Region 7:
# 8 Mifflin Punchers [8-1; plays Brookhaven tomorrow night)
# 10 Canal Winchester Indians (6-3; plays Circleville tomorrow night)
# 13 Zanesville Blue Devils (5-4; plays Marietta tomorrow night)
# 14 Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3; plays Mifflin tomorrow night)
# 15 West Cowboys (6-3; plays Briggs tomorrow night)
(Division III)
- Region 10:
# 8 River Valley Vikings (6-3; plays Sparta Highland tomorrow night)
# 11 Independence 76ers (5-4; plays Walnut Ridge tomorrow night)
# 12 Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (3-6; plays Jonathan Alder tomorrow night)
# 13 Whitehall-Yearling Rams (5-4; plays Bexley tomorrow night)
# 14 Bexley Lions (5-4; plays Whitehall tomorrow night)
# 16 Buckeye Valley Barons (5-4; plays Elgin tomorrow night)
- Region 11:
# 10 Granville Blue Aces [8-1; plays Columbus Academy tomorrow night)
- Region 12:
# 7 Jackson Ironmen (9-0; plays Gallia Academy tomorrow night)
(Division IV)
- Region 14:
# 11 Galion Tigers (7-2; plays Ontario tomorrow night)
(Division V)
- Region 19:
# 4 Grandview Heights Bobcats (9-0; plays Liberty Union tomorrow night)
# 9 Jeromesville Hillsdale Falcons (9-0; plays Creston Norwayne tomorrow night)
# 10 Centerburg Trojans (7-2; plays Utica tomorrow night)
# 11 Liberty Union Lions [8-1; plays Grandview Heights tomorrow night)
- Region 20:
# 6 West Jefferson Roughriders (7-2; plays Berne Union tomorrow night)
# 8 Triad Cardinals (7-2; plays West Liberty Salem tomorrow night)
# 11 Fairbanks Panthers (6-3; plays DeGraff Riverside tomorrow night)
(Division VI)
- Region 23:
# 3 Danville Blue Devils (6-3; plays East Knox Saturday night)
# 11 Newark Catholic Green Wave (4-5; plays Hebron Lakewood tomorrow night)
# 13 Fairfield Christian Knights (6-3; plays Grove City Christian tomorrow night)
The other area schools not mentioned have all been Mathematically Eliminated from the playoffs.
Coming up later tonight...Picks. Who will get in? Who will win big games in Grandview, Upper Arlington, Pickerington, Gahanna, Easton, and others? Who will be disappointed? Can Hillsdale be 10-0 and miss the playoffs? Which 9-1 teams will fail to make the cut- Grandview Heights? Granville? Mifflin? Can Newark Catholic do what DeSales has done twice and make it in at 5-5? Can Watterson get in at 4-6? Can Hartley wrap up their first perfect regular season and a # 1 seed? Find out....later.
Sports Corner Top 10 (+ 15) for Week 10:
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats [8-0)
2) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (9-0)
3) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (9-0)
4) Grandview Heights Bobcats (9-0)
5) Bishop Hartley Hawks [8-0)
6) Johnstown Johnnies (9-0)
7) Logan Elm Braves (9-0)
8] Marion Pleasant Trojans (9-0)
9) Granville Blue Aces [8-1)
10) Beechcroft Cougars [8-1)
---------------------------------------------------------------
11) Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-1)
12) Pickerington North Panthers (7-2)
13) Pickerington Central Tigers (6-2)
14) Liberty Union Lions [8-1)
15) Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (7-2)
16) New Albany Eagles (7-2)
17) Eastmoor Academy Warriors (7-2)
18] North Union Wildcats [8-1)
19) Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-2)
20) Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2)
21) Mifflin Punchers [8-1)
22) Westerville Central Warhawks (7-2)
23) Olentangy Orange Pioneers (7-2)
24) Hilliard Darby Panthers (7-2)
25) Westerville South Wildcats (6-3)
Dropped Out: Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3), Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3)
Honorable Mention: Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3), Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3), West Cowboys (6-3), Centerburg Trojans (7-2), Independence 76ers (5-4), St. Francis DeSales Stallions (5-3), Whitehall-Yearling Rams (5-4), Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (6-3), Danville Blue Devils (6-3)
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Liberty Union Lions (8-1, 6-0) at Grandview Heights Bobcats (9-0, 6-0)
You can't script this any better. Winner takes all. Loser calls it a season. Winner gets in the playoffs. Loser calls it a season. Region 19 is so packed with talent, that there could be two 9-1 schools not make the final cut on Sunday. Grandview is looking for their first 10-0 season in School History, while Liberty Union is looking to win and hopefully get into the playoffs. This will be an interesting match.
Pick: Find out at Anderson Field in Grandview tomorrow night....
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 1 (The Battle of the Bishops):
Bishop Hartley Hawks [8-0) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (4-5)- at Dublin Scioto
This is the South Columbus version of the Watterson-DeSales rivalry. The Hawks are looking for their first-ever perfect regular season, just one year after winning it all. The Knights, who are already out of the playoff hunt, are looking to play spoiler. But, they'll have issues stopping the Hawks' run, which has been non-stoppable all year.
Pick: Hartley
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 2 (The Battle of Main Street):
Bexley Lions (5-4, 2-4) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (5-4, 3-3)
Pick: Whitehall
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 3 (Devil-Dog Night- SATURDAY):
East Knox Bulldogs (3-6, 3-3) at Danville Blue Devils (6-3, 3-3)
Pick: Danville
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 4 (The Battle of 256):
Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3, 4-2) at Pickerington Central Tigers (6-2, 6-0)
Last week, the playoffs began for the Raiders, and will end against Pick Central in the battle of these East Side suburbs connected by State Route 256.
Pick: Pick Central
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 5 (The Battle of Hilliard):
(Hilliard) Davidson Wildcats [8-0, 6-0) at (Hilliard) Darby Panthers (7-2, 4-2)
The staunch Davidson defense will make the Panthers pay for their cake schedule by knocking them out of the playoffs in the 4th Annual Battle of Hilliard.
Pick: Davidson
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 6 (The Battle of Worthington):
Thomas (Worthington) Cardinals at (Worthington) Kilbourne Wolves (both 3-6, 2-4)
Kilbourne has won all three meetings against Thomas, whose football program never recovered from the arrival of Kilbourne in 1991.
Pick: Kilbourne
OTHER "WIN OR GO HOME" GAMES THIS WEEK:
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-1, 5-1) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-2, 5-1)
Last week, the Golden Bears seven-game win streak was snapped as they ran into a "brick wall" known as the Hilliard Davidson defense. It doesn't get any better as they host Coffman.
Pick: Dublin Coffman
Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3, 5-1) at Mifflin Punchers [8-1, 5-1)
The Punchers hold on to the eighth and final slot in Region 7, which has a few teams waiting in the wings, including the team that Punchers coach Gregg Miller coached for 17 years- the Brookhaven Bearcats. Could this be the final Brookhaven game ever? Can the Bearcats go all the way to Easton and punch Mifflin out of the playoffs? Can Mifflin beat a team above .500 for the first time this season?
Pick: Brookhaven (Upset Special)
Westerville Central Warhawks (7-2, 4-2) at Dublin Jerome Celtics (4-5, 4-2)
The Warhawks were upset by Olentangy Liberty last week, and need to win at Jerome to make their first-ever playoff appearance in the school's nine-year history. The Celtics have already upset another Westerville school (South, 34-31 in overtime) this season, and would like to complete a season sweep of the Westerville City School district.
Pick: Dublin Jerome (Upset Pick)
Groveport Madison Cruisers (3-6, 1-5) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (7-2, 5-1)
Last year, Gahanna knocked Groveport out of the playoffs in Week 10. This year, the Cruisers are looking for a little deja vu. However, Gahanna is a stronger team, having quality wins over Pickerington North, Reynoldsburg, and playoff-bound DeSales.
Pick: Gahanna
Granville Blue Aces [8-1, 6-0) at Columbus Academy Vikings (5-4, 3-3)
The Blue Aces, currently 10th in Region 11, are looking for a win, plus a little help to get into the playoff race. The Blue Aces will keep up their part of the bargain, but will need fate to intervene.
Pick: Granville
West Jefferson Roughriders (7-2, 4-2) at Berne Union Rockets (2-7, 2-4)
Pick: West Jefferson
Circleville Tigers (2-7, 2-4) at Canal Winchester Indians (6-3, 4-2)
The Indians need a win badly to get into the playoffs, plus help from the Mifflin-Brookhaven game, among contests.
Pick: Canal Winchester
Utica Redskins (2-7, 1-5) at Centerburg Trojans (7-2, 4-2)
Pick: Centerburg
Westerville South Wildcats (6-3, 5-1) at Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4, 4-2)
Last year, Liberty upset playoff-bound South at South, and last week, Liberty upset Westerville Central. The Patriots (like Dublin Jerome) are looking to go 3-0 against the city of Westerville this season. But, the Wildcats have too much power on their side.
Pick: Westerville South
Grove City Greyhounds (3-6, 2-4) at Pickerington North Panthers (7-2, 4-2)
Pick: Pickerington North
Independence 76ers (5-4, 3-3) at Walnut Ridge Scots (4-5, 4-2)
It is a miracle that the Sixers are still in the playoff hunt, but they are, ranked 11th in Region 10, ahead of last year's D-III champs, Watterson.
Pick: Independence
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (3-6) at Jonathan Alder Pioneers (9-0)
There will be a new Division III State Champion, because the Eagles will be officially grounded by Alder. Flashback to last week, when the Eagles lost to St. Charles for the first time in 11 years, putting another nail in the Eagles' disappointing season. The playoff-bound Pioneers will give the Eagles the final knockout punch.
Pick: Jonathan Alder
ALL GAMES THIS WEEKEND:
(Central Catholic League)
Bishop Hartley Hawks [8-0) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (4-5)
(OCC Capital)
Olentangy Orange Pioneers (7-2, 5-1) at Delaware Hayes Pacers (2-7, 1-5)
Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2, 5-1) at Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (1-8, 0-6)
New Albany Eagles (7-2, 5-1) at Mount Vernon Yellowjackets (3-6, 3-3)
Watkins Memorial Warriors (4-5) at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (6-3, 3-3)
(OCC Cardinal)
Westerville Central Warhawks (7-2, 4-2) at Dublin Jerome Celtics (4-5, 4-2)
Westerville North Warriors (0-9, 0-6) at Olentangy Braves (4-5, 3-3)
Westerville South Wildcats (6-3, 5-1) at Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4, 4-2)
Dublin Scioto Irish (2-7, 1-5) at Marysville Monarchs (4-5, 2-4)
(OCC Central)
Thomas Worthington Cardinals at Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (both 3-6, 2-4)
Hilliard Davidson Wildcats [8-0, 6-0) at Hilliard Darby Panthers (7-2, 4-2)
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-1, 5-1) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-2, 5-1)
Westland Cougars (1-8, 0-6) at Central Crossing Comets (0-9, 0-6)
(OCC Ohio)
Grove City Greyhounds (3-6, 2-4) at Pickerington North Panthers (7-2, 4-2)
Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3, 4-2) at Pickerington Central Tigers (6-2, 6-0)
Newark Wildcats (0-9, 0-6) at Lancaster Golden Gales (4-5, 2-4)
Groveport Madison Cruisers (3-6, 2-4) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (7-2, 5-1)
(City League South)
Independence 76ers (5-4, 3-3) at Walnut Ridge Scots (4-5, 4-2)
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (9-0, 6-0) at Columbus South Bulldogs (0-9, 0-6)
West Cowboys (6-3, 3-3) at Briggs Bruins (4-5, 2-4)
Africentric Early College Nubians (2-7, 1-5) at Eastmoor Academy Warriors (7-2, 5-1)
(City League North)
Linden McKinley Panthers (2-7, 2-4) at East Tigers (1-8, 0-6)
Centennial Stars (2-7, 1-5) at Whetstone Braves (1-8, 1-5)
Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3, 5-1) at Mifflin Punchers [8-1, 5-1)
Northland Vikings (4-5, 4-2) at Beechcroft Cougars [8-1, 6-0)
(Mid State League Buckeye)
Teays Valley Vikings (4-5, 3-3) at Fairfield Union Falcons (0-9, 0-6)
Hamilton Township Rangers (4-5, 2-4) at Bloom-Carroll Bruins (3-6, 2-4)
Circleville Tigers (2-7, 2-4) at Canal Winchester Indians (6-3, 4-2)
Logan Elm Braves (9-0, 6-0) at Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (7-2, 5-1)
(Mid State League Cardinal)
Liberty Union Lions [8-1, 6-0) at Grandview Heights Bobcats (9-0, 6-0)
West Jefferson Roughriders (7-2, 4-2) at Berne Union Rockets (2-7, 2-4)
Harvest Prep Warriors (5-4, 2-4) at Millersport Lakers (0-9, 0-6)
Saturday- Licking Heights Hornets (4-5, 3-3) at Lancaster Fisher Catholic Irish (1-8, 1-5)- at Lancaster H.S.
(Mid State League Ohio)
Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1-8, 0-6) at Newark Catholic Green Wave (4-5, 3-3)- at Newark H.S.
Bexley Lions (5-4, 2-4) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (5-4, 3-3)
Granville Blue Aces [8-1, 6-0) at Columbus Academy Vikings (5-4, 3-3)
Heath Bulldogs (3-6, 2-4) at Licking Valley Panthers (6-3, 5-1)
(Mid Buckeye Conference)
Fredericktown Freddies (5-4, 4-2) at Loudonville Redbirds (3-6, 2-4)
Northridge Vikings (3-6, 0-6) at Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (9-0, 6-0)
Utica Redskins (2-7, 2-4) at Centerburg Trojans (7-2, 4-2)
Saturday- East Knox Bulldogs (2-7, 2-4) at Danville Blue Devils (6-3, 3-3)
(Mid Ohio Athletic Conference)
Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (5-4, 5-3) at Mount Gilead Indians (4-5, 3-5)
Buckeye Valley Barons (5-4, 4-4) at Elgin Comets (4-5, 3-5)
Morral Ridgedale Rockets (1-8, 1-7) at North Union Wildcats [8-1, 7-1)
Galion Northmor Golden Knights (0-9, 0-8] at Marion Pleasant Trojans (9-0, 8-0)
Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (3-6, 3-5) at River Valley Vikings (6-3, 6-2)
(South Central Ohio League)
Washington Court House Blue Lions (4-5, 3-2) at Miami Trace Panthers (5-4, 4-1)
Hillsboro Indians (1-8, 1-4) at Greenfield McClain Tigers (1-8, 0-5)
Madison Plains Golden Eagles (3-6, 1-4) at London Red Raiders (3-6, 3-2)
(Others)
Marion Harding Presidents at St. Charles Cardinals (both 3-6)
Westfall Mustangs (7-2, 4-2) at Huntington Huntsmen (0-9, 0-6)
Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (6-3) at Grove City Christian Eagles (4-5)
DeGraff Riverside Pirates (1-8) at Fairbanks Panthers (6-3)
According to Joe Eitel of JoeEitel.com, these area schools have already received their tickets in.
(Division I- Region 3)
Hilliard Davidson Wildcats [8-0; plays Hilliard Darby tomorrow night)
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-1; plays Upper Arlington tomorrow night)
(Division II- Region 7)
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (9-0; locked up # 1 seed; plays Columbus South tomorrow night)
New Albany Eagles (7-2; plays Mount Vernon tomorrow night)
Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2; plays Franklin Heights tomorrow night)
Beechcroft Cougars [8-1; plays Northland tomorrow night)
(Division III- Region 10)
St. Francis DeSales Stallions (5-3; currently # 1; plays Cleveland Benedictine tomorrow night)
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (7-2; plays Africentric Early College tomorrow night)
(Division III- Region 12)
Jonathan Alder Pioneers (9-0; currently # 1; plays defending D-III State Champ Bishop Watterson tomorrow night)
Logan Elm Braves (9-0; plays Amanda-Clearcreek tomorrow night)
(Division IV- Region 14)
Bishop Hartley Hawks [8-0; defending D-IV State Champs & # 1 in Region 14, plays Bishop Ready tomorrow night)
North Union Wildcats [8-1; plays Ridgedale tomorrow night)
(Division IV- Region 15)
Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (9-0; plays Northridge tomorrow night)
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (7-2; plays Logan Elm tomorrow night)
(Division V- Region 20)
Marion Pleasant Trojans (9-0; plays Galion Northmor tomorrow night)
Fighting for their Playoff Lives:
(Division I)
- Region 3:
# 4 Westerville Central Warhawks (7-2; plays Dublin Jerome tomorrow night)
# 5 Pickerington Central Tigers (6-2; plays Reynoldsburg tomorrow night)
# 6 Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (7-2; plays Groveport Madison tomorrow night)
# 7 Olentangy Orange Pioneers (7-2; plays Delaware Hayes tomorrow night)
# 8 Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-2; plays Dublin Coffman tomorrow night)
# 9 Pickerington North Panthers (7-2; plays Grove City tomorrow night)
# 10 Westerville South Wildcats (6-3; plays Olentangy Liberty tomorrow night)
# 12 Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3; plays Pickerington Central tomorrow night)
# 13 Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4; plays Westerville South tomorrow night)
# 14 Hilliard Darby Panthers (7-2; plays Hilliard Davidson tomorrow night)
(Division II)
- Region 7:
# 8 Mifflin Punchers [8-1; plays Brookhaven tomorrow night)
# 10 Canal Winchester Indians (6-3; plays Circleville tomorrow night)
# 13 Zanesville Blue Devils (5-4; plays Marietta tomorrow night)
# 14 Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3; plays Mifflin tomorrow night)
# 15 West Cowboys (6-3; plays Briggs tomorrow night)
(Division III)
- Region 10:
# 8 River Valley Vikings (6-3; plays Sparta Highland tomorrow night)
# 11 Independence 76ers (5-4; plays Walnut Ridge tomorrow night)
# 12 Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (3-6; plays Jonathan Alder tomorrow night)
# 13 Whitehall-Yearling Rams (5-4; plays Bexley tomorrow night)
# 14 Bexley Lions (5-4; plays Whitehall tomorrow night)
# 16 Buckeye Valley Barons (5-4; plays Elgin tomorrow night)
- Region 11:
# 10 Granville Blue Aces [8-1; plays Columbus Academy tomorrow night)
- Region 12:
# 7 Jackson Ironmen (9-0; plays Gallia Academy tomorrow night)
(Division IV)
- Region 14:
# 11 Galion Tigers (7-2; plays Ontario tomorrow night)
(Division V)
- Region 19:
# 4 Grandview Heights Bobcats (9-0; plays Liberty Union tomorrow night)
# 9 Jeromesville Hillsdale Falcons (9-0; plays Creston Norwayne tomorrow night)
# 10 Centerburg Trojans (7-2; plays Utica tomorrow night)
# 11 Liberty Union Lions [8-1; plays Grandview Heights tomorrow night)
- Region 20:
# 6 West Jefferson Roughriders (7-2; plays Berne Union tomorrow night)
# 8 Triad Cardinals (7-2; plays West Liberty Salem tomorrow night)
# 11 Fairbanks Panthers (6-3; plays DeGraff Riverside tomorrow night)
(Division VI)
- Region 23:
# 3 Danville Blue Devils (6-3; plays East Knox Saturday night)
# 11 Newark Catholic Green Wave (4-5; plays Hebron Lakewood tomorrow night)
# 13 Fairfield Christian Knights (6-3; plays Grove City Christian tomorrow night)
The other area schools not mentioned have all been Mathematically Eliminated from the playoffs.
Coming up later tonight...Picks. Who will get in? Who will win big games in Grandview, Upper Arlington, Pickerington, Gahanna, Easton, and others? Who will be disappointed? Can Hillsdale be 10-0 and miss the playoffs? Which 9-1 teams will fail to make the cut- Grandview Heights? Granville? Mifflin? Can Newark Catholic do what DeSales has done twice and make it in at 5-5? Can Watterson get in at 4-6? Can Hartley wrap up their first perfect regular season and a # 1 seed? Find out....later.
Sports Corner Top 10 (+ 15) for Week 10:
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats [8-0)
2) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (9-0)
3) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (9-0)
4) Grandview Heights Bobcats (9-0)
5) Bishop Hartley Hawks [8-0)
6) Johnstown Johnnies (9-0)
7) Logan Elm Braves (9-0)
8] Marion Pleasant Trojans (9-0)
9) Granville Blue Aces [8-1)
10) Beechcroft Cougars [8-1)
---------------------------------------------------------------
11) Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-1)
12) Pickerington North Panthers (7-2)
13) Pickerington Central Tigers (6-2)
14) Liberty Union Lions [8-1)
15) Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (7-2)
16) New Albany Eagles (7-2)
17) Eastmoor Academy Warriors (7-2)
18] North Union Wildcats [8-1)
19) Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-2)
20) Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2)
21) Mifflin Punchers [8-1)
22) Westerville Central Warhawks (7-2)
23) Olentangy Orange Pioneers (7-2)
24) Hilliard Darby Panthers (7-2)
25) Westerville South Wildcats (6-3)
Dropped Out: Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3), Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3)
Honorable Mention: Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3), Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3), West Cowboys (6-3), Centerburg Trojans (7-2), Independence 76ers (5-4), St. Francis DeSales Stallions (5-3), Whitehall-Yearling Rams (5-4), Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (6-3), Danville Blue Devils (6-3)
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Liberty Union Lions (8-1, 6-0) at Grandview Heights Bobcats (9-0, 6-0)
You can't script this any better. Winner takes all. Loser calls it a season. Winner gets in the playoffs. Loser calls it a season. Region 19 is so packed with talent, that there could be two 9-1 schools not make the final cut on Sunday. Grandview is looking for their first 10-0 season in School History, while Liberty Union is looking to win and hopefully get into the playoffs. This will be an interesting match.
Pick: Find out at Anderson Field in Grandview tomorrow night....
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 1 (The Battle of the Bishops):
Bishop Hartley Hawks [8-0) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (4-5)- at Dublin Scioto
This is the South Columbus version of the Watterson-DeSales rivalry. The Hawks are looking for their first-ever perfect regular season, just one year after winning it all. The Knights, who are already out of the playoff hunt, are looking to play spoiler. But, they'll have issues stopping the Hawks' run, which has been non-stoppable all year.
Pick: Hartley
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 2 (The Battle of Main Street):
Bexley Lions (5-4, 2-4) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (5-4, 3-3)
Pick: Whitehall
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 3 (Devil-Dog Night- SATURDAY):
East Knox Bulldogs (3-6, 3-3) at Danville Blue Devils (6-3, 3-3)
Pick: Danville
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 4 (The Battle of 256):
Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3, 4-2) at Pickerington Central Tigers (6-2, 6-0)
Last week, the playoffs began for the Raiders, and will end against Pick Central in the battle of these East Side suburbs connected by State Route 256.
Pick: Pick Central
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 5 (The Battle of Hilliard):
(Hilliard) Davidson Wildcats [8-0, 6-0) at (Hilliard) Darby Panthers (7-2, 4-2)
The staunch Davidson defense will make the Panthers pay for their cake schedule by knocking them out of the playoffs in the 4th Annual Battle of Hilliard.
Pick: Davidson
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK # 6 (The Battle of Worthington):
Thomas (Worthington) Cardinals at (Worthington) Kilbourne Wolves (both 3-6, 2-4)
Kilbourne has won all three meetings against Thomas, whose football program never recovered from the arrival of Kilbourne in 1991.
Pick: Kilbourne
OTHER "WIN OR GO HOME" GAMES THIS WEEK:
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-1, 5-1) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-2, 5-1)
Last week, the Golden Bears seven-game win streak was snapped as they ran into a "brick wall" known as the Hilliard Davidson defense. It doesn't get any better as they host Coffman.
Pick: Dublin Coffman
Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3, 5-1) at Mifflin Punchers [8-1, 5-1)
The Punchers hold on to the eighth and final slot in Region 7, which has a few teams waiting in the wings, including the team that Punchers coach Gregg Miller coached for 17 years- the Brookhaven Bearcats. Could this be the final Brookhaven game ever? Can the Bearcats go all the way to Easton and punch Mifflin out of the playoffs? Can Mifflin beat a team above .500 for the first time this season?
Pick: Brookhaven (Upset Special)
Westerville Central Warhawks (7-2, 4-2) at Dublin Jerome Celtics (4-5, 4-2)
The Warhawks were upset by Olentangy Liberty last week, and need to win at Jerome to make their first-ever playoff appearance in the school's nine-year history. The Celtics have already upset another Westerville school (South, 34-31 in overtime) this season, and would like to complete a season sweep of the Westerville City School district.
Pick: Dublin Jerome (Upset Pick)
Groveport Madison Cruisers (3-6, 1-5) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (7-2, 5-1)
Last year, Gahanna knocked Groveport out of the playoffs in Week 10. This year, the Cruisers are looking for a little deja vu. However, Gahanna is a stronger team, having quality wins over Pickerington North, Reynoldsburg, and playoff-bound DeSales.
Pick: Gahanna
Granville Blue Aces [8-1, 6-0) at Columbus Academy Vikings (5-4, 3-3)
The Blue Aces, currently 10th in Region 11, are looking for a win, plus a little help to get into the playoff race. The Blue Aces will keep up their part of the bargain, but will need fate to intervene.
Pick: Granville
West Jefferson Roughriders (7-2, 4-2) at Berne Union Rockets (2-7, 2-4)
Pick: West Jefferson
Circleville Tigers (2-7, 2-4) at Canal Winchester Indians (6-3, 4-2)
The Indians need a win badly to get into the playoffs, plus help from the Mifflin-Brookhaven game, among contests.
Pick: Canal Winchester
Utica Redskins (2-7, 1-5) at Centerburg Trojans (7-2, 4-2)
Pick: Centerburg
Westerville South Wildcats (6-3, 5-1) at Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4, 4-2)
Last year, Liberty upset playoff-bound South at South, and last week, Liberty upset Westerville Central. The Patriots (like Dublin Jerome) are looking to go 3-0 against the city of Westerville this season. But, the Wildcats have too much power on their side.
Pick: Westerville South
Grove City Greyhounds (3-6, 2-4) at Pickerington North Panthers (7-2, 4-2)
Pick: Pickerington North
Independence 76ers (5-4, 3-3) at Walnut Ridge Scots (4-5, 4-2)
It is a miracle that the Sixers are still in the playoff hunt, but they are, ranked 11th in Region 10, ahead of last year's D-III champs, Watterson.
Pick: Independence
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (3-6) at Jonathan Alder Pioneers (9-0)
There will be a new Division III State Champion, because the Eagles will be officially grounded by Alder. Flashback to last week, when the Eagles lost to St. Charles for the first time in 11 years, putting another nail in the Eagles' disappointing season. The playoff-bound Pioneers will give the Eagles the final knockout punch.
Pick: Jonathan Alder
ALL GAMES THIS WEEKEND:
(Central Catholic League)
Bishop Hartley Hawks [8-0) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (4-5)
(OCC Capital)
Olentangy Orange Pioneers (7-2, 5-1) at Delaware Hayes Pacers (2-7, 1-5)
Big Walnut Golden Eagles (7-2, 5-1) at Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (1-8, 0-6)
New Albany Eagles (7-2, 5-1) at Mount Vernon Yellowjackets (3-6, 3-3)
Watkins Memorial Warriors (4-5) at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (6-3, 3-3)
(OCC Cardinal)
Westerville Central Warhawks (7-2, 4-2) at Dublin Jerome Celtics (4-5, 4-2)
Westerville North Warriors (0-9, 0-6) at Olentangy Braves (4-5, 3-3)
Westerville South Wildcats (6-3, 5-1) at Olentangy Liberty Patriots (5-4, 4-2)
Dublin Scioto Irish (2-7, 1-5) at Marysville Monarchs (4-5, 2-4)
(OCC Central)
Thomas Worthington Cardinals at Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (both 3-6, 2-4)
Hilliard Davidson Wildcats [8-0, 6-0) at Hilliard Darby Panthers (7-2, 4-2)
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks [8-1, 5-1) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-2, 5-1)
Westland Cougars (1-8, 0-6) at Central Crossing Comets (0-9, 0-6)
(OCC Ohio)
Grove City Greyhounds (3-6, 2-4) at Pickerington North Panthers (7-2, 4-2)
Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-3, 4-2) at Pickerington Central Tigers (6-2, 6-0)
Newark Wildcats (0-9, 0-6) at Lancaster Golden Gales (4-5, 2-4)
Groveport Madison Cruisers (3-6, 2-4) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (7-2, 5-1)
(City League South)
Independence 76ers (5-4, 3-3) at Walnut Ridge Scots (4-5, 4-2)
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (9-0, 6-0) at Columbus South Bulldogs (0-9, 0-6)
West Cowboys (6-3, 3-3) at Briggs Bruins (4-5, 2-4)
Africentric Early College Nubians (2-7, 1-5) at Eastmoor Academy Warriors (7-2, 5-1)
(City League North)
Linden McKinley Panthers (2-7, 2-4) at East Tigers (1-8, 0-6)
Centennial Stars (2-7, 1-5) at Whetstone Braves (1-8, 1-5)
Brookhaven Bearcats (6-3, 5-1) at Mifflin Punchers [8-1, 5-1)
Northland Vikings (4-5, 4-2) at Beechcroft Cougars [8-1, 6-0)
(Mid State League Buckeye)
Teays Valley Vikings (4-5, 3-3) at Fairfield Union Falcons (0-9, 0-6)
Hamilton Township Rangers (4-5, 2-4) at Bloom-Carroll Bruins (3-6, 2-4)
Circleville Tigers (2-7, 2-4) at Canal Winchester Indians (6-3, 4-2)
Logan Elm Braves (9-0, 6-0) at Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (7-2, 5-1)
(Mid State League Cardinal)
Liberty Union Lions [8-1, 6-0) at Grandview Heights Bobcats (9-0, 6-0)
West Jefferson Roughriders (7-2, 4-2) at Berne Union Rockets (2-7, 2-4)
Harvest Prep Warriors (5-4, 2-4) at Millersport Lakers (0-9, 0-6)
Saturday- Licking Heights Hornets (4-5, 3-3) at Lancaster Fisher Catholic Irish (1-8, 1-5)- at Lancaster H.S.
(Mid State League Ohio)
Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1-8, 0-6) at Newark Catholic Green Wave (4-5, 3-3)- at Newark H.S.
Bexley Lions (5-4, 2-4) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (5-4, 3-3)
Granville Blue Aces [8-1, 6-0) at Columbus Academy Vikings (5-4, 3-3)
Heath Bulldogs (3-6, 2-4) at Licking Valley Panthers (6-3, 5-1)
(Mid Buckeye Conference)
Fredericktown Freddies (5-4, 4-2) at Loudonville Redbirds (3-6, 2-4)
Northridge Vikings (3-6, 0-6) at Johnstown-Monroe Johnnies (9-0, 6-0)
Utica Redskins (2-7, 2-4) at Centerburg Trojans (7-2, 4-2)
Saturday- East Knox Bulldogs (2-7, 2-4) at Danville Blue Devils (6-3, 3-3)
(Mid Ohio Athletic Conference)
Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (5-4, 5-3) at Mount Gilead Indians (4-5, 3-5)
Buckeye Valley Barons (5-4, 4-4) at Elgin Comets (4-5, 3-5)
Morral Ridgedale Rockets (1-8, 1-7) at North Union Wildcats [8-1, 7-1)
Galion Northmor Golden Knights (0-9, 0-8] at Marion Pleasant Trojans (9-0, 8-0)
Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (3-6, 3-5) at River Valley Vikings (6-3, 6-2)
(South Central Ohio League)
Washington Court House Blue Lions (4-5, 3-2) at Miami Trace Panthers (5-4, 4-1)
Hillsboro Indians (1-8, 1-4) at Greenfield McClain Tigers (1-8, 0-5)
Madison Plains Golden Eagles (3-6, 1-4) at London Red Raiders (3-6, 3-2)
(Others)
Marion Harding Presidents at St. Charles Cardinals (both 3-6)
Westfall Mustangs (7-2, 4-2) at Huntington Huntsmen (0-9, 0-6)
Fairfield Christian Academy Knights (6-3) at Grove City Christian Eagles (4-5)
DeGraff Riverside Pirates (1-8) at Fairbanks Panthers (6-3)
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
2011 College Football- Week 9
Where has this season gone by? October is winding down, but that doesn't mean that the collegiate gridiron action will be cooling down. Contrary, things will be heating up, as the race for Conference Titles and the BCS begins in Division I-FBS.
Big Game of the Week & Upset Pick of the Week:
# 15 Wisconsin Badgers (6-1, 2-1) at Ohio State Buckeyes (4-3, 1-2)
GO BUCKEYES: Can the Buckeyes take Wisconsin to the Cleaners on Saturday night? Recent history has proven otherwise.
Can the Buckeyes beat Wisconsin? It seems like in recent years, that the Badgers have had the Buckeyes number. Last year, the then-undefeated Buckeyes got behind early at Camp Randall, and never recovered from a 21-3 hole, losing 31-18, their only loss of the season before the Buckeyes vacated it (last season), due to Tattoogate (and other indiscretions).
The Badgers were heartbroken on the final play of the game last week against Michigan State as Kirk Cousins heaved a 44-yard Hail Mary to Keith Nichol to upend the Badgers 37-31, after the Badgers came from behind to tie the game up at 31 even.
Two weeks ago, the Buckeyes gave Illinois their first loss of the year, upending the Illini 17-7. Illinois since dropped out of the Top 25 after losing at Purdue last Saturday.
The Buckeyes are looking to make spoiler for the Badgers, in this nationally-televised game. Can Braxton Miller use his magic to pull off another big upset? Or will, the run of the Badgers be just too much? Or will the underrated Bucks shock the world once again?
Pick: Ohio State 20, Wisconsin 17
A teaser for next week, next week's Big Game is # 1 vs. # 2 (LSU vs. Alabama), both of whom are idle this week, and that game will be on CBS next Saturday night.
Rivalry Game of the Week- "The Largest Cocktail Party in the World":
# 22 Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators (at EverBank Field)
This game is oft-referred to as "The Largest Cocktail Party in the World", and with that, earns DJBC Sports Corner's status as the Rivalry Game of this week.
Pick: Georgia 24, Florida 19
The Other Rivalry Game of the Week:
Navy Midshipmen at Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Irish won 43 straight against Navy. Since then, the Midshipmen have won three of the last four meetings. Can Notre Dame turn back momentum their way in this historic rivalry?
Pick: Notre Dame 38, Navy 21
Other Big Games This Week:
# 11 Michigan State Spartans (6-1, 3-0) at # 14 Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-1, 3-1)
Last week, Kirk Cousins found magic out of a hat, and Keith Nichol wide open as time expired, as Michigan State knocked off Wisconsin. Can the Spartans find some magic in Lincoln?
Pick: Michigan State 33, Nebraska 27
Purdue Boilermakers at # 18 Michigan Wolverines (6-1, 2-1)
Last week, Purdue upset then-ranked Illinois 21-14 after jumping out to a 21-0 lead. Two weeks ago, Michigan State proved that Michigan is anything but invincible. The last two years, the Michigan State game proved to be a downward spiral for the Maize and Blue. But, that was when Rich Rodriguez was coaching Michigan. One of Michigan's two wins late in the season was against Purdue (27-16, after back-to-back losses in 2008 and 2009 for the first time since 1966 & 1967). Can the Wolverines get back on track at home against the Boilermakers, or will Purdue spoil this Happy Homecoming?
Pick: Michigan 31, Purdue 27
Missouri Tigers at # 16 Texas A&M Aggies
Pick: Texas A&M 41, Missouri 21
Northwestern Wildcats at Indiana Hoosiers
Pick: Northwestern 16, Indiana 13 (OT)
# 12 Virginia Tech Hokies at Duke Blue Devils
Pick: Virginia Tech 35, Duke 0
# 10 Arkansas Razorbacks at Vanderbilt Commodores
Pick: Arkansas 37, Vandy 3
Otterbein Cardinals (2-5, 1-5) at Mount Union Purple Raiders (7-0, 6-0)
The last time that Otterbein beat Mount Union was in 1977. This game will be more lopsided than the Rhine River Cup. The Purple Parrots hand Otterbein their first losing season since 2006.
Pick: Mount Union 76, Otterbein 0
Washington State Cougars at # 7 Oregon Ducks
Pick: Oregon 67, Washington State 7
Baylor Bears at # 3 Oklahoma State Cowboys
The Cowboys (the real OSU) are ranked as high as their are for the first time in 27 years. The Cowboys will probably lasso these Bears out of Stillwater.
Pick: OSU 45, Baylor 7
# 9 Oklahoma Sooners (6-1, 3-1) at # 8 Kansas State Wildcats (7-0, 3-0)
The Sooners, after a surprising loss to Texas Tech, took a small hit in the polls, but face a Kansas State team ranked in the Top 10 for the first time in 11 years.
Pick: Oklahoma 32, Kansas State 29
Illinois Fighting Illini (6-2, 2-2) at # 19 Penn State Nittany Lions
Tic-tac-toe, three in a row (losses) for Illinois...
Pick: Penn State 30, Illinois 13
Colorado Buffaloes (1-7, 0-4) at # 21 Arizona State Sun Devils (5-2, 3-1)
Colorado is mathematically eliminated from Bowl Eligibility after mustering only a safety against Oregon in a 45-2 shellacking. The Buffs will wish that Rashaan Salaam and Kordell "Slash" Stewart had some eligibility left in them.
Pick: Arizona State 38, Colorado 3
# 5 Clemson Tigers [8-0, 4-0) at Georgia Tech Yellowjackets (6-2, 2-2)
After their first 6-0 start in 45 years, the Jackets dropped two and dropped out of the Top 25. Can the Jackets give # 5 Clemson their first loss of the year, or will they drop their third in a row?
Pick: Clemson 21, Georgia Tech 14
# 6 Stanford Cardinal at USC Trojans
Pick: Stanford 52, USC 20
Rice Owls at # 19 Houston Cougars
Pick: Houston 66, Rice 14
Virginia Cavaliers at Miami Hurricanes
Pick: Miami 27, Virginia 13
BYU Cougars at TCU Horned Frogs
Pick: TCU 28, BYU 22
Boston College Golden Eagles at Maryland Terrapins (2-5)
Pick: Maryland 20, BC 10
NC State Wolfpack at Florida State Seminoles
Pick: Florida State 49, NC State 14
Arizona Wildcats at Washington Huskies
Pick: Washington 27, Arizona 3
Cal Golden Bears at UCLA Bruins
Pick: Cal 20, UCLA 14
Kansas Jayhawks at # 24 Texas Longhorns
Pick: Texas 40, Kansas 10
Wake Forest Demon Deacons at North Carolina Tar Heels
Pick: Wake 23, UNC 21
Capital Crusaders (3-4, 3-3) at John Carroll Blue Streaks (4-3, 4-2)
Pick: John Carroll 21, Capital 14
Big Game of the Week & Upset Pick of the Week:
# 15 Wisconsin Badgers (6-1, 2-1) at Ohio State Buckeyes (4-3, 1-2)
GO BUCKEYES: Can the Buckeyes take Wisconsin to the Cleaners on Saturday night? Recent history has proven otherwise.Can the Buckeyes beat Wisconsin? It seems like in recent years, that the Badgers have had the Buckeyes number. Last year, the then-undefeated Buckeyes got behind early at Camp Randall, and never recovered from a 21-3 hole, losing 31-18, their only loss of the season before the Buckeyes vacated it (last season), due to Tattoogate (and other indiscretions).
The Badgers were heartbroken on the final play of the game last week against Michigan State as Kirk Cousins heaved a 44-yard Hail Mary to Keith Nichol to upend the Badgers 37-31, after the Badgers came from behind to tie the game up at 31 even.
Two weeks ago, the Buckeyes gave Illinois their first loss of the year, upending the Illini 17-7. Illinois since dropped out of the Top 25 after losing at Purdue last Saturday.
The Buckeyes are looking to make spoiler for the Badgers, in this nationally-televised game. Can Braxton Miller use his magic to pull off another big upset? Or will, the run of the Badgers be just too much? Or will the underrated Bucks shock the world once again?
Pick: Ohio State 20, Wisconsin 17
A teaser for next week, next week's Big Game is # 1 vs. # 2 (LSU vs. Alabama), both of whom are idle this week, and that game will be on CBS next Saturday night.
Rivalry Game of the Week- "The Largest Cocktail Party in the World":
# 22 Georgia Bulldogs vs. Florida Gators (at EverBank Field)
This game is oft-referred to as "The Largest Cocktail Party in the World", and with that, earns DJBC Sports Corner's status as the Rivalry Game of this week.
Pick: Georgia 24, Florida 19
The Other Rivalry Game of the Week:
Navy Midshipmen at Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Irish won 43 straight against Navy. Since then, the Midshipmen have won three of the last four meetings. Can Notre Dame turn back momentum their way in this historic rivalry?
Pick: Notre Dame 38, Navy 21
Other Big Games This Week:
# 11 Michigan State Spartans (6-1, 3-0) at # 14 Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-1, 3-1)
Last week, Kirk Cousins found magic out of a hat, and Keith Nichol wide open as time expired, as Michigan State knocked off Wisconsin. Can the Spartans find some magic in Lincoln?
Pick: Michigan State 33, Nebraska 27
Purdue Boilermakers at # 18 Michigan Wolverines (6-1, 2-1)
Last week, Purdue upset then-ranked Illinois 21-14 after jumping out to a 21-0 lead. Two weeks ago, Michigan State proved that Michigan is anything but invincible. The last two years, the Michigan State game proved to be a downward spiral for the Maize and Blue. But, that was when Rich Rodriguez was coaching Michigan. One of Michigan's two wins late in the season was against Purdue (27-16, after back-to-back losses in 2008 and 2009 for the first time since 1966 & 1967). Can the Wolverines get back on track at home against the Boilermakers, or will Purdue spoil this Happy Homecoming?
Pick: Michigan 31, Purdue 27
Missouri Tigers at # 16 Texas A&M Aggies
Pick: Texas A&M 41, Missouri 21
Northwestern Wildcats at Indiana Hoosiers
Pick: Northwestern 16, Indiana 13 (OT)
# 12 Virginia Tech Hokies at Duke Blue Devils
Pick: Virginia Tech 35, Duke 0
# 10 Arkansas Razorbacks at Vanderbilt Commodores
Pick: Arkansas 37, Vandy 3
Otterbein Cardinals (2-5, 1-5) at Mount Union Purple Raiders (7-0, 6-0)
The last time that Otterbein beat Mount Union was in 1977. This game will be more lopsided than the Rhine River Cup. The Purple Parrots hand Otterbein their first losing season since 2006.
Pick: Mount Union 76, Otterbein 0
Washington State Cougars at # 7 Oregon Ducks
Pick: Oregon 67, Washington State 7
Baylor Bears at # 3 Oklahoma State Cowboys
The Cowboys (the real OSU) are ranked as high as their are for the first time in 27 years. The Cowboys will probably lasso these Bears out of Stillwater.
Pick: OSU 45, Baylor 7
# 9 Oklahoma Sooners (6-1, 3-1) at # 8 Kansas State Wildcats (7-0, 3-0)
The Sooners, after a surprising loss to Texas Tech, took a small hit in the polls, but face a Kansas State team ranked in the Top 10 for the first time in 11 years.
Pick: Oklahoma 32, Kansas State 29
Illinois Fighting Illini (6-2, 2-2) at # 19 Penn State Nittany Lions
Tic-tac-toe, three in a row (losses) for Illinois...
Pick: Penn State 30, Illinois 13
Colorado Buffaloes (1-7, 0-4) at # 21 Arizona State Sun Devils (5-2, 3-1)
Colorado is mathematically eliminated from Bowl Eligibility after mustering only a safety against Oregon in a 45-2 shellacking. The Buffs will wish that Rashaan Salaam and Kordell "Slash" Stewart had some eligibility left in them.
Pick: Arizona State 38, Colorado 3
# 5 Clemson Tigers [8-0, 4-0) at Georgia Tech Yellowjackets (6-2, 2-2)
After their first 6-0 start in 45 years, the Jackets dropped two and dropped out of the Top 25. Can the Jackets give # 5 Clemson their first loss of the year, or will they drop their third in a row?
Pick: Clemson 21, Georgia Tech 14
# 6 Stanford Cardinal at USC Trojans
Pick: Stanford 52, USC 20
Rice Owls at # 19 Houston Cougars
Pick: Houston 66, Rice 14
Virginia Cavaliers at Miami Hurricanes
Pick: Miami 27, Virginia 13
BYU Cougars at TCU Horned Frogs
Pick: TCU 28, BYU 22
Boston College Golden Eagles at Maryland Terrapins (2-5)
Pick: Maryland 20, BC 10
NC State Wolfpack at Florida State Seminoles
Pick: Florida State 49, NC State 14
Arizona Wildcats at Washington Huskies
Pick: Washington 27, Arizona 3
Cal Golden Bears at UCLA Bruins
Pick: Cal 20, UCLA 14
Kansas Jayhawks at # 24 Texas Longhorns
Pick: Texas 40, Kansas 10
Wake Forest Demon Deacons at North Carolina Tar Heels
Pick: Wake 23, UNC 21
Capital Crusaders (3-4, 3-3) at John Carroll Blue Streaks (4-3, 4-2)
Pick: John Carroll 21, Capital 14
Saturday, October 22, 2011
NFL 2011: Week 7
In less than 12 hours, the early games for Week 7 will have already kicked off. Among those early bird games is the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Wembley Stadium (The Glazers, who own the Bucs, also own Manchester United- one of soccer's big dynasties).
Among the later games is the Oakland Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs. Why this is a game of note is, on Tuesday, Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown finally listened to Carson Palmer and Bengals fans everywhere by trading the disgruntled quarterback to the Oakland Raiders, in exchange for a few high draft picks in 2012 and 2013, which could give Cincinnati as many as nine first-round picks the next two drafts (with the added picks from the Chad Ochocinco trade as well). Palmer is the starting QB in Oakland, after Jason Campbell broke his collarbone in Oakland's win over the Cleveland Browns, where they used special teams to help them beat the Brownies. Even WKYC in Cincinnati will be airing this game. It's that big of a deal, and with that, is DJBC Sports Corner's "Big Game of the Week".
Another big late game is an NFC North rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. One would not have to ponder on why this is an important match, because rookie QB Christian Ponder will make his first NFL start against the NFL's lone unbeaten team.
Speaking of unbeatens, the Detroit Lions fell to the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday, but that's not what the game will be remembered for. It's what happened at the END of the game, when the two coaches were shaking hands, which will now be know as "Handshakegate".
In other games of note, Tim Tebow returns to his home state of Florida to play the Miami Dolphins as he will start as quarterback for the Denver Broncos. The Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Arizona for a rematch of Super Bowl XLIII against the Cardinals. The winless (and Peyton-less) Colts travel to the Superdome for a rematch of Super Bowl XLIV against the Saints on Sunday night.
And now, Today (and tomorrow's) games:
Early Games:
Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)- at Wembley Stadium
Pick: Tampa Bay 27, Chicago 17
Seattle Seahawks at Cleveland Browns (both 2-3)
Pick: Cleveland 23, Seattle 13
Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions (5-1)
Pick: Atlanta 28, Detroit 24
Washington Redskins (3-2) at Carolina Panthers (1-5)
Pick: Washington 27, Carolina 20
Denver Broncos (1-4) at Miami Dolphins (0-5)
Pick: Denver 31, Miami 6
San Diego Chargers (4-1) at New York Jets (3-3)- LT Bowl
Pick: San Diego 30, NY Jets 20
Houston Texans (3-3) at Tennessee Titans (3-2)
Pick: Tennessee 31, Houston 14
Late Games:
Big Game of the Week: Kansas City Chiefs (2-3) at Oakland Raiders (4-2)
Pick: Oakland 27, Kansas City 16
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) at Arizona Cardinals (1-4)
Pick: Pittsburgh 35, Arizona 10
St. Louis Rams (0-5) at Dallas Cowboys (2-3)
Pick: Dallas 35, St. Louis 3
Green Bay Packers (6-0) at Minnesota Vikings (1-5)
Pick: Green Bay 31, Minnesota 0
Sunday Night Football:
Indianapolis Colts (0-6) at New Orleans Saints (4-2)
Pick: New Orleans 30, Indianapolis 3
Monday Night Football:
Baltimore Ravens (4-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5)
Pick: Baltimore 33, Jacksonville 8
Bye Weeks: Buffalo Bills (4-2), Cincinnati Bengals (4-2), New York Giants (4-2), New England Patriots (5-1), Philadelphia Eagles (2-4), and San Francisco 49ers (5-1)
Among the later games is the Oakland Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs. Why this is a game of note is, on Tuesday, Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown finally listened to Carson Palmer and Bengals fans everywhere by trading the disgruntled quarterback to the Oakland Raiders, in exchange for a few high draft picks in 2012 and 2013, which could give Cincinnati as many as nine first-round picks the next two drafts (with the added picks from the Chad Ochocinco trade as well). Palmer is the starting QB in Oakland, after Jason Campbell broke his collarbone in Oakland's win over the Cleveland Browns, where they used special teams to help them beat the Brownies. Even WKYC in Cincinnati will be airing this game. It's that big of a deal, and with that, is DJBC Sports Corner's "Big Game of the Week".
Another big late game is an NFC North rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings. One would not have to ponder on why this is an important match, because rookie QB Christian Ponder will make his first NFL start against the NFL's lone unbeaten team.
Speaking of unbeatens, the Detroit Lions fell to the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday, but that's not what the game will be remembered for. It's what happened at the END of the game, when the two coaches were shaking hands, which will now be know as "Handshakegate".
In other games of note, Tim Tebow returns to his home state of Florida to play the Miami Dolphins as he will start as quarterback for the Denver Broncos. The Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Arizona for a rematch of Super Bowl XLIII against the Cardinals. The winless (and Peyton-less) Colts travel to the Superdome for a rematch of Super Bowl XLIV against the Saints on Sunday night.
And now, Today (and tomorrow's) games:
Early Games:
Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)- at Wembley Stadium
Pick: Tampa Bay 27, Chicago 17
Seattle Seahawks at Cleveland Browns (both 2-3)
Pick: Cleveland 23, Seattle 13
Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions (5-1)
Pick: Atlanta 28, Detroit 24
Washington Redskins (3-2) at Carolina Panthers (1-5)
Pick: Washington 27, Carolina 20
Denver Broncos (1-4) at Miami Dolphins (0-5)
Pick: Denver 31, Miami 6
San Diego Chargers (4-1) at New York Jets (3-3)- LT Bowl
Pick: San Diego 30, NY Jets 20
Houston Texans (3-3) at Tennessee Titans (3-2)
Pick: Tennessee 31, Houston 14
Late Games:
Big Game of the Week: Kansas City Chiefs (2-3) at Oakland Raiders (4-2)
Pick: Oakland 27, Kansas City 16
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) at Arizona Cardinals (1-4)
Pick: Pittsburgh 35, Arizona 10
St. Louis Rams (0-5) at Dallas Cowboys (2-3)
Pick: Dallas 35, St. Louis 3
Green Bay Packers (6-0) at Minnesota Vikings (1-5)
Pick: Green Bay 31, Minnesota 0
Sunday Night Football:
Indianapolis Colts (0-6) at New Orleans Saints (4-2)
Pick: New Orleans 30, Indianapolis 3
Monday Night Football:
Baltimore Ravens (4-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5)
Pick: Baltimore 33, Jacksonville 8
Bye Weeks: Buffalo Bills (4-2), Cincinnati Bengals (4-2), New York Giants (4-2), New England Patriots (5-1), Philadelphia Eagles (2-4), and San Francisco 49ers (5-1)
Thursday, October 20, 2011
2011 Central Ohio High School Football: Week 9
Tomorrow night, the penultimate week of high school football takes place for all but 192 football programs in Central Ohio. Teams that are above .500 are inching towards playoff contention, while other schools are winding down seasons were teams fell so short.
Big Games of the Week/Rivalry Games of the Week: Eastmoor Academy Warriors (7-1, 5-0) at Marion-Franklin Red Devils (8-0, 5-0) and Brookhaven Bearcats (6-2, 5-0) at Beechcroft Cougars (7-1, 5-0)
Could this be the final Haven-Croft match? On Tuesday, it was reported that Columbus City Schools is considering closing Brookhaven High School, which would put an end to one of the state's inner-city sports dynasties, winning State Titles in Football, and Boys and Girls Basketball. The Bearcats, in fact, are the ONLY high school in the Columbus City School District to do all that, and win a State Title in Football. This could be a huge loss in the City League, but could other schools (Beechcroft, Mifflin, Northland, Whetstone, East, Linden) in the City League North benefit?
Picks: Marion-Franklin and Brookhaven
Rivalry Game of the Week: Brookhaven at Beechcroft & Eastmoor Academy at Marion-Franklin
Upset Pick: Brookhaven over Beechcroft (See Above)
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Coshocton Redskins (7-1) at Bishop Hartley Hawks (7-0)
If the Hawks hadn't moved to Region 14, these two could might as well meet again, but that's not going to happen, because the Hawks would eventually have to get past those pesky Kenton Wildcats in the playoffs in order to do that.
Pick: Coshocton
St. Charles Cardinals (2-6, 0-1) at Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (3-5, 0-1)
This is do-or-die time for the Eagles, who need to win both of their final games for a slim sliver of a shot to get into the playoffs. This season has been disappointing for the defending Division III state champs, who lost all but four starters to greener pastures (graduation). But, the Eagles get it done in their home finale.
Pick: Watterson
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-1, 5-0) at Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (7-0, 5-0)
This could be a long trek across the Scioto for the Bears, because Davidson has pitched four consecutive shutouts, including a defensive game last week against Coffman.
Pick: Hilliard Davidson
Licking Valley Panthers (5-3, 4-1) at Bexley Lions (5-3, 2-3)
The only Bexley win in recent history against the Panthers was by forfeit, so that means the Panthers will claw past Bexley in the Lions' home finale.
Pick: Licking Valley
Fredericktown Freddies (4-4, 3-2) at Centerburg Trojans (6-2, 3-2)
Pick: Centerburg
Dublin Jerome Celtics at Dublin Scioto Irish
Pick: Dublin Jerome
West Cowboys (5-3, 2-3) at Independence 76ers (5-3, 3-2)
Remember that 74-71 shootout a couple years ago? That was fun.
Pick: Independence
St. Francis DeSales Stallions (4-3) at Cincinnati LaSalle Lancers (6-2)
Do or die time for DeSales, who holds the longest-active playoff appearance streak in the state with 16 straight trips in the postseason. Not a good time to travel down Interstate 71.
Pick: LaSalle
Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions at Reynoldsburg Raiders (both 6-2, 4-1)
These two East Side suburban rivals are only minutes apart, but both need this win to get in. The host Raiders desperately need it, because they close out the year with Pick Central.
Pick: Gahanna
Liberty Union Lions (7-1, 5-0) at West Jefferson Roughriders (7-1, 4-1)
Can the Lions do what Grandview did in Week 4, and that is go out into West Jefferson and come out with a "W"? NO. But the Lions do play Grandview next week, coincidentally.
Pick: West Jefferson
Olentangy Braves (4-4, 2-3) at Westerville South Wildcats (5-3, 3-2)
Pick: Westerville South
Columbus Academy Vikings (5-3, 3-2) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (4-4, 2-3)
Pick: Columbus Academy
The Greatest Pumpkin Show on Earth: Logan Elm Braves (8-0, 5-0) at Circleville Tigers (2-6, 2-3)
Pick: Logan Elm
"We're Playing for Pride Games":
East Tigers at Centennial Stars (both 1-7, 0-5)
Pick: Whomever scores the most points (Centennial)
Marysville Monarchs (4-4, 2-3) at Westerville North Warriors (0-8, 0-5)
Pick: North makes it 34 straight (Marysville)
Hilliard Darby Panthers (6-2, 3-2) at Westland Cougars (1-7, 0-5)
Pick: Westland gets swept by the City of Hilliard (Hilliard Darby)
Central Crossing Comets (0-8, 0-5) at Thomas Worthington Cardinals (2-6, 1-4)
Pick: Thomas Worthington
SPORTS CORNER TOP 10 (plus 5) for Week 9:
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (7-0)
2) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (8-0)
3) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (8-0)
4) Grandview Heights Bobcats (8-0)
5) Bishop Hartley Hawks (7-0)
6) Johnstown Johnnies (8-0)
7) Eastmoor Academy Warriors (7-1)
8] Westerville Central Warhawks (7-1)
9) Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-1)
10) Logan Elm Braves (8-0)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
11) Marion Pleasant Trojans (8-0)
12) Granville Blue Aces (7-1)
13) Beechcroft Cougars (7-1)
14) West Jefferson Roughriders (7-1)
T-15) Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (7-1)
T-15) Pickerington North Panthers (6-2)
17) Pickerington Central Tigers (5-2)
18] Liberty Union Lions (7-1)
19) New Albany Eagles (6-2)
20) North Union Wildcats (6-2)
21) Brookhaven Bearcats (6-2)
22) Mifflin Punchers (7-1)
23) Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-2)
24) Big Walnut Golden Eagles (6-2)
25) Olentangy Orange Pioneers (6-2)
PLAYOFF PICTURE:
Who Is In?: Only Marion-Franklin (8-0) at this point, according to Joe Eitel (http://www.joeeitel.com) has clinched from all the Central Ohio schools
Who's Basically Done Based on Schedule: Watterson (3-5), DeSales (4-3), Olentangy (4-4), Marysville (4-4), Reynoldsburg (6-2), Hilliard Darby (6-2), West (5-3), Independence (5-3), Bexley (5-3), Liberty Union (7-1), Upper Arlington (7-1), the Brookhaven (6-2)/Beechcroft (7-1) loser, Mifflin (7-1), and due to sanctions- Harvest Prep (5-3)
Who Can Clinch This Week With A Win: Westerville Central (7-1), Hartley (7-0), Hilliard Davidson (7-0), Eastmoor Academy (7-1)
Who Will Eventually Get In: New Albany (6-2), Pickerington North (6-2), Pickerington Central (5-2), Grandview Heights (8-0), West Jefferson (7-1), Dublin Coffman (7-1), Eastmoor Academy (7-1), Hilliard Davidson (7-0), Westerville Central (7-1), Hartley (7-0), Gahanna Lincoln (6-2), Johnstown (8-0), Olentangy Orange (6-2)
Big Games of the Week/Rivalry Games of the Week: Eastmoor Academy Warriors (7-1, 5-0) at Marion-Franklin Red Devils (8-0, 5-0) and Brookhaven Bearcats (6-2, 5-0) at Beechcroft Cougars (7-1, 5-0)
Could this be the final Haven-Croft match? On Tuesday, it was reported that Columbus City Schools is considering closing Brookhaven High School, which would put an end to one of the state's inner-city sports dynasties, winning State Titles in Football, and Boys and Girls Basketball. The Bearcats, in fact, are the ONLY high school in the Columbus City School District to do all that, and win a State Title in Football. This could be a huge loss in the City League, but could other schools (Beechcroft, Mifflin, Northland, Whetstone, East, Linden) in the City League North benefit?
Picks: Marion-Franklin and Brookhaven
Rivalry Game of the Week: Brookhaven at Beechcroft & Eastmoor Academy at Marion-Franklin
Upset Pick: Brookhaven over Beechcroft (See Above)
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Coshocton Redskins (7-1) at Bishop Hartley Hawks (7-0)
If the Hawks hadn't moved to Region 14, these two could might as well meet again, but that's not going to happen, because the Hawks would eventually have to get past those pesky Kenton Wildcats in the playoffs in order to do that.
Pick: Coshocton
St. Charles Cardinals (2-6, 0-1) at Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (3-5, 0-1)
This is do-or-die time for the Eagles, who need to win both of their final games for a slim sliver of a shot to get into the playoffs. This season has been disappointing for the defending Division III state champs, who lost all but four starters to greener pastures (graduation). But, the Eagles get it done in their home finale.
Pick: Watterson
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-1, 5-0) at Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (7-0, 5-0)
This could be a long trek across the Scioto for the Bears, because Davidson has pitched four consecutive shutouts, including a defensive game last week against Coffman.
Pick: Hilliard Davidson
Licking Valley Panthers (5-3, 4-1) at Bexley Lions (5-3, 2-3)
The only Bexley win in recent history against the Panthers was by forfeit, so that means the Panthers will claw past Bexley in the Lions' home finale.
Pick: Licking Valley
Fredericktown Freddies (4-4, 3-2) at Centerburg Trojans (6-2, 3-2)
Pick: Centerburg
Dublin Jerome Celtics at Dublin Scioto Irish
Pick: Dublin Jerome
West Cowboys (5-3, 2-3) at Independence 76ers (5-3, 3-2)
Remember that 74-71 shootout a couple years ago? That was fun.
Pick: Independence
St. Francis DeSales Stallions (4-3) at Cincinnati LaSalle Lancers (6-2)
Do or die time for DeSales, who holds the longest-active playoff appearance streak in the state with 16 straight trips in the postseason. Not a good time to travel down Interstate 71.
Pick: LaSalle
Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions at Reynoldsburg Raiders (both 6-2, 4-1)
These two East Side suburban rivals are only minutes apart, but both need this win to get in. The host Raiders desperately need it, because they close out the year with Pick Central.
Pick: Gahanna
Liberty Union Lions (7-1, 5-0) at West Jefferson Roughriders (7-1, 4-1)
Can the Lions do what Grandview did in Week 4, and that is go out into West Jefferson and come out with a "W"? NO. But the Lions do play Grandview next week, coincidentally.
Pick: West Jefferson
Olentangy Braves (4-4, 2-3) at Westerville South Wildcats (5-3, 3-2)
Pick: Westerville South
Columbus Academy Vikings (5-3, 3-2) at Whitehall-Yearling Rams (4-4, 2-3)
Pick: Columbus Academy
The Greatest Pumpkin Show on Earth: Logan Elm Braves (8-0, 5-0) at Circleville Tigers (2-6, 2-3)
Pick: Logan Elm
"We're Playing for Pride Games":
East Tigers at Centennial Stars (both 1-7, 0-5)
Pick: Whomever scores the most points (Centennial)
Marysville Monarchs (4-4, 2-3) at Westerville North Warriors (0-8, 0-5)
Pick: North makes it 34 straight (Marysville)
Hilliard Darby Panthers (6-2, 3-2) at Westland Cougars (1-7, 0-5)
Pick: Westland gets swept by the City of Hilliard (Hilliard Darby)
Central Crossing Comets (0-8, 0-5) at Thomas Worthington Cardinals (2-6, 1-4)
Pick: Thomas Worthington
SPORTS CORNER TOP 10 (plus 5) for Week 9:
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (7-0)
2) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (8-0)
3) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (8-0)
4) Grandview Heights Bobcats (8-0)
5) Bishop Hartley Hawks (7-0)
6) Johnstown Johnnies (8-0)
7) Eastmoor Academy Warriors (7-1)
8] Westerville Central Warhawks (7-1)
9) Upper Arlington Golden Bears (7-1)
10) Logan Elm Braves (8-0)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
11) Marion Pleasant Trojans (8-0)
12) Granville Blue Aces (7-1)
13) Beechcroft Cougars (7-1)
14) West Jefferson Roughriders (7-1)
T-15) Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (7-1)
T-15) Pickerington North Panthers (6-2)
17) Pickerington Central Tigers (5-2)
18] Liberty Union Lions (7-1)
19) New Albany Eagles (6-2)
20) North Union Wildcats (6-2)
21) Brookhaven Bearcats (6-2)
22) Mifflin Punchers (7-1)
23) Reynoldsburg Raiders (6-2)
24) Big Walnut Golden Eagles (6-2)
25) Olentangy Orange Pioneers (6-2)
PLAYOFF PICTURE:
Who Is In?: Only Marion-Franklin (8-0) at this point, according to Joe Eitel (http://www.joeeitel.com) has clinched from all the Central Ohio schools
Who's Basically Done Based on Schedule: Watterson (3-5), DeSales (4-3), Olentangy (4-4), Marysville (4-4), Reynoldsburg (6-2), Hilliard Darby (6-2), West (5-3), Independence (5-3), Bexley (5-3), Liberty Union (7-1), Upper Arlington (7-1), the Brookhaven (6-2)/Beechcroft (7-1) loser, Mifflin (7-1), and due to sanctions- Harvest Prep (5-3)
Who Can Clinch This Week With A Win: Westerville Central (7-1), Hartley (7-0), Hilliard Davidson (7-0), Eastmoor Academy (7-1)
Who Will Eventually Get In: New Albany (6-2), Pickerington North (6-2), Pickerington Central (5-2), Grandview Heights (8-0), West Jefferson (7-1), Dublin Coffman (7-1), Eastmoor Academy (7-1), Hilliard Davidson (7-0), Westerville Central (7-1), Hartley (7-0), Gahanna Lincoln (6-2), Johnstown (8-0), Olentangy Orange (6-2)
College Football 2011: Week 8
Big Game of the Week: # 6 Wisconsin Badgers (6-0, 3-0) at # 16 Michigan State Spartans (5-1, 2-0)- Which could be a preview of the inaugural Big Ten Championship on Dec. 3 in Indianapolis
Rivalry Game of the Week: "The Third Saturday in October"- Tennessee Volunteers (3-3, 0-3) at # 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (7-0, 4-0)
Big Games This Weekend In Division I:
# 15 West Virginia Mountaineers (5-1, 1-0) at Syracuse Orangemen (4-2, 0-1)
Pick: West Virginia 31-21
# 20 Auburn Tigers (5-2, 3-1) at # 1 LSU Tigers (7-0, 4-0)
Pick: LSU 33-7
Tennessee Volunteers (3-3, 0-3) at # 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (7-0, 4-0)
Pick: Alabama 45-7
Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-2, 1-2) at # 3 Oklahoma Sooners (6-0, 3-0)
Pick: Oklahoma 56-7
# 4 Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-0, 3-0) at Missouri Tigers (3-3, 1-2)
Pick: Oklahoma State 42-13
Air Force Falcons (3-3, 0-2) at # 5 Boise State Broncos (6-0, 3-0)
Pick: Boise State 31-0
# 6 Wisconsin Badgers (6-0, 3-0) at # 16 Michigan State Spartans (5-1, 2-0)
Pick: Wisconsin 27-21
# 25 Washington (5-1, 3-0) at # 8 Stanford (6-0, 4-0)
Pick: Stanford 49-21
North Carolina (5-2, 1-2) at # 7 Clemson (7-0, 4-0)
Pick: Clemson 37-14
# 10 Oregon (5-1, 3-0) at Colorado (1-6, 0-3)
Pick: Oregon 59-0
# 9 Arkansas (5-1, 1-1) at Ole Miss (2-4, 0-3)
Pick: Arkansas 41-6
# 13 Nebraska (5-1, 1-1) at Minnesota (1-5, 0-2)
Pick: Nebraska 55-7
# 17 Texas A&M (4-2, 2-1) at Iowa State (3-3, 0-3)
Pick: Texas A&M 28-10
# 21 Penn State (6-1, 3-0) at Northwestern (2-4, 0-3)
Pick: Penn State 31-10
Marshall (3-4, 2-1) at # 19 Houston (6-0, 2-0)
Pick: Houston 52-17
# 22 Georgia Tech (6-1, 3-0) at Miami (3-3, 1-2)
Pick: Georgia Tech 35-14
# 23 Illinois (6-1, 2-1) at Purdue (3-3, 1-1)
Pick: Illinois 34-21
Rutgers (5-1, 2-0) at Louisville (2-4, 0-1)
Pick: Rutgers 27-19
Cincinnati (5-1, 1-0) at South Florida (4-2, 0-2)
Pick: Cincinnati 32-25
Maryland (2-4, 1-2) at Florida State (3-3, 1-2)
Pick: Florida State 24-3
Ohio (4-3, 1-2) at Akron (1-5, 0-2)
Pick: Ohio 34-6
Temple (5-2, 3-1) at Bowling Green (3-4, 1-2)
Pick: Temple 30-20
Miami of Ohio (2-4, 1-1) at Toledo (4-3, 3-0)
Pick: Toledo 28-26
Army (2-4) at Vanderbilt (3-3)
Pick: Vanderbilt 31-13
New Mexico State at Hawaii (both 3-3, 1-1)
Pick: Hawaii 27-10
Rivalry Game of the Week: "The Third Saturday in October"- Tennessee Volunteers (3-3, 0-3) at # 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (7-0, 4-0)
Big Games This Weekend In Division I:
# 15 West Virginia Mountaineers (5-1, 1-0) at Syracuse Orangemen (4-2, 0-1)
Pick: West Virginia 31-21
# 20 Auburn Tigers (5-2, 3-1) at # 1 LSU Tigers (7-0, 4-0)
Pick: LSU 33-7
Tennessee Volunteers (3-3, 0-3) at # 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (7-0, 4-0)
Pick: Alabama 45-7
Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-2, 1-2) at # 3 Oklahoma Sooners (6-0, 3-0)
Pick: Oklahoma 56-7
# 4 Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-0, 3-0) at Missouri Tigers (3-3, 1-2)
Pick: Oklahoma State 42-13
Air Force Falcons (3-3, 0-2) at # 5 Boise State Broncos (6-0, 3-0)
Pick: Boise State 31-0
# 6 Wisconsin Badgers (6-0, 3-0) at # 16 Michigan State Spartans (5-1, 2-0)
Pick: Wisconsin 27-21
# 25 Washington (5-1, 3-0) at # 8 Stanford (6-0, 4-0)
Pick: Stanford 49-21
North Carolina (5-2, 1-2) at # 7 Clemson (7-0, 4-0)
Pick: Clemson 37-14
# 10 Oregon (5-1, 3-0) at Colorado (1-6, 0-3)
Pick: Oregon 59-0
# 9 Arkansas (5-1, 1-1) at Ole Miss (2-4, 0-3)
Pick: Arkansas 41-6
# 13 Nebraska (5-1, 1-1) at Minnesota (1-5, 0-2)
Pick: Nebraska 55-7
# 17 Texas A&M (4-2, 2-1) at Iowa State (3-3, 0-3)
Pick: Texas A&M 28-10
# 21 Penn State (6-1, 3-0) at Northwestern (2-4, 0-3)
Pick: Penn State 31-10
Marshall (3-4, 2-1) at # 19 Houston (6-0, 2-0)
Pick: Houston 52-17
# 22 Georgia Tech (6-1, 3-0) at Miami (3-3, 1-2)
Pick: Georgia Tech 35-14
# 23 Illinois (6-1, 2-1) at Purdue (3-3, 1-1)
Pick: Illinois 34-21
Rutgers (5-1, 2-0) at Louisville (2-4, 0-1)
Pick: Rutgers 27-19
Cincinnati (5-1, 1-0) at South Florida (4-2, 0-2)
Pick: Cincinnati 32-25
Maryland (2-4, 1-2) at Florida State (3-3, 1-2)
Pick: Florida State 24-3
Ohio (4-3, 1-2) at Akron (1-5, 0-2)
Pick: Ohio 34-6
Temple (5-2, 3-1) at Bowling Green (3-4, 1-2)
Pick: Temple 30-20
Miami of Ohio (2-4, 1-1) at Toledo (4-3, 3-0)
Pick: Toledo 28-26
Army (2-4) at Vanderbilt (3-3)
Pick: Vanderbilt 31-13
New Mexico State at Hawaii (both 3-3, 1-1)
Pick: Hawaii 27-10
Friday, October 14, 2011
2011 NFL Predictions: Week 6
Big Game of the Week:
Philadelphia Eagles (1-4) at Washington Redskins (3-1)
Pick: Philadelphia 27, Washington 21
Upset Pick of the Week # 1:
Indianapolis Colts (0-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-2)
Curtis Painter is playing like a seasoned veteran, and eventually he might get his due. Unfortunately, only people in the Indianapolis market will get to see this game.
Pick: Indianapolis 28, Cincinnati 20
Biggest Game of the Week/Upset Pick of the Week # 2:
San Francisco 49ers (4-1) at Detroit Lions (5-0)
The Lions are 5-0 for the first time since 1956, and in 1956, they got to 6-0 by beating the San Francisco 49ers? Can karma strike 55 years later? Um, after the whipping the 49ers gave Tampa Bay- their most lopsided win since Super Bowl XXIV, it's apparent that the 49ers of old have been resurrected from the dead.
Pick: San Francisco 38, Detroit 28
Sunday Early Games:
Carolina Panthers (1-4) at Atlanta Falcons (2-3)
Pick: Atlanta 31, Carolina 27
St. Louis Rams (0-4) at Green Bay Packers (5-0)
Pick: Green Bay 42, St. Louis 0
Buffalo Bills (4-1) at New York Giants (3-2)- "Super Bowl XXV: 20 Years Later"
Both of their games were decided by deflected interceptions (NYG: Eli Manning's pass intended for Victor Cruz was tipped into the hands of Canadian football player and Seahawk Brandon Browner for a 94-yard touchdown return). The Bills are the surprise of the NFL (other than the Lions). Can they keep it up?
Pick: Buffalo 35, NY Giants 31
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)
The Jags, after catching the Bengals secondary nap, took a 20-16 lead, only to surrender that lead, following a 22-yard punt, which led to a Bernard Scott 3-yard run and a 23-20 lead. Then rookie Jags QB Blaine Gabbert looked away from the football, causing a fumbled snap, which Bengals corner Nate Clements recovered. Bengals defensive lineman Geno Atkins put the final nail in the coffin, recovering a lateral fumble for a touchdown at time expired. In other words, expect Ben Roethlisberger to pick up where he left off against the Tennessee Titans, as the Steelers face their fourth (and final) AFC South opponent in a row.
Pick: Pittsburgh 35, Jacksonville 3
Late Games:
Cleveland Browns (2-2) at Oakland Raiders (3-2)
The Raiders, won an emotional game at the end in Houston, one day after the death of team owner Al Davis, one of the most influential leaders in professional sports history. The Raiders have an easier task this week, as the well-rested Browns fly into the Bay Area...to get beat. WBNS 10TV in Columbus, Ohio will be wishing that they picked the Colts-Bengals game instead of this snoozefest.
Pick: Oakland 35, Cleveland 17
Houston Texans (3-2) at Baltimore Ravens (4-1)
Pick: Baltimore 41, Houston 14
Dallas Cowboys (3-1) at New England Patriots (4-1)
Pick: New England 31, Dallas 16
New Orleans Saints (4-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
Last week, the 49ers schooled the Bucs. It gets worse as Drew Brees comes to town.
Pick: New Orleans 37, Tampa Bay 17
Sunday Night Football:
Minnesota Vikings (1-4) at Chicago Bears (2-3)
Pick: Chicago 20, Minnesota 10
Monday Night Football (or Tony Sparano: The End?):
Miami Dolphins (0-4) at New York Jets (2-3)
Tony Sparano's job seems safe, but will it be on Tuesday morning? Jets end their three-game schneid.
Pick: NY Jets 33, Miami 14
Bye Weeks: Arizona Cardinals (1-4), Seattle Seahawks (2-3), Tennessee Titans (3-2), San Diego Chargers (4-1), Denver Broncos (1-4), and Kansas City Chiefs (2-3)
Philadelphia Eagles (1-4) at Washington Redskins (3-1)
Pick: Philadelphia 27, Washington 21
Upset Pick of the Week # 1:
Indianapolis Colts (0-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-2)
Curtis Painter is playing like a seasoned veteran, and eventually he might get his due. Unfortunately, only people in the Indianapolis market will get to see this game.
Pick: Indianapolis 28, Cincinnati 20
Biggest Game of the Week/Upset Pick of the Week # 2:
San Francisco 49ers (4-1) at Detroit Lions (5-0)
The Lions are 5-0 for the first time since 1956, and in 1956, they got to 6-0 by beating the San Francisco 49ers? Can karma strike 55 years later? Um, after the whipping the 49ers gave Tampa Bay- their most lopsided win since Super Bowl XXIV, it's apparent that the 49ers of old have been resurrected from the dead.
Pick: San Francisco 38, Detroit 28
Sunday Early Games:
Carolina Panthers (1-4) at Atlanta Falcons (2-3)
Pick: Atlanta 31, Carolina 27
St. Louis Rams (0-4) at Green Bay Packers (5-0)
Pick: Green Bay 42, St. Louis 0
Buffalo Bills (4-1) at New York Giants (3-2)- "Super Bowl XXV: 20 Years Later"
Both of their games were decided by deflected interceptions (NYG: Eli Manning's pass intended for Victor Cruz was tipped into the hands of Canadian football player and Seahawk Brandon Browner for a 94-yard touchdown return). The Bills are the surprise of the NFL (other than the Lions). Can they keep it up?
Pick: Buffalo 35, NY Giants 31
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)
The Jags, after catching the Bengals secondary nap, took a 20-16 lead, only to surrender that lead, following a 22-yard punt, which led to a Bernard Scott 3-yard run and a 23-20 lead. Then rookie Jags QB Blaine Gabbert looked away from the football, causing a fumbled snap, which Bengals corner Nate Clements recovered. Bengals defensive lineman Geno Atkins put the final nail in the coffin, recovering a lateral fumble for a touchdown at time expired. In other words, expect Ben Roethlisberger to pick up where he left off against the Tennessee Titans, as the Steelers face their fourth (and final) AFC South opponent in a row.
Pick: Pittsburgh 35, Jacksonville 3
Late Games:
Cleveland Browns (2-2) at Oakland Raiders (3-2)
The Raiders, won an emotional game at the end in Houston, one day after the death of team owner Al Davis, one of the most influential leaders in professional sports history. The Raiders have an easier task this week, as the well-rested Browns fly into the Bay Area...to get beat. WBNS 10TV in Columbus, Ohio will be wishing that they picked the Colts-Bengals game instead of this snoozefest.
Pick: Oakland 35, Cleveland 17
Houston Texans (3-2) at Baltimore Ravens (4-1)
Pick: Baltimore 41, Houston 14
Dallas Cowboys (3-1) at New England Patriots (4-1)
Pick: New England 31, Dallas 16
New Orleans Saints (4-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
Last week, the 49ers schooled the Bucs. It gets worse as Drew Brees comes to town.
Pick: New Orleans 37, Tampa Bay 17
Sunday Night Football:
Minnesota Vikings (1-4) at Chicago Bears (2-3)
Pick: Chicago 20, Minnesota 10
Monday Night Football (or Tony Sparano: The End?):
Miami Dolphins (0-4) at New York Jets (2-3)
Tony Sparano's job seems safe, but will it be on Tuesday morning? Jets end their three-game schneid.
Pick: NY Jets 33, Miami 14
Bye Weeks: Arizona Cardinals (1-4), Seattle Seahawks (2-3), Tennessee Titans (3-2), San Diego Chargers (4-1), Denver Broncos (1-4), and Kansas City Chiefs (2-3)
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Central Ohio High School Football: Week 8
Preview & Predictions Coming Later
Big Game of the Week ("Thing Two" at "Thing One"):
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (7-0, 4-0) at Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (6-0, 4-0)
This is a battle between two neighboring northwest Columbus suburbs. 20 years ago, this match would have been just "Dublin vs. Hilliard", as it was years and years ago. Once again this year, both teams enter this race with a perfect record. However, the loser of this game will need to step up their game in the final two weeks to make it, and both of these schools still have to match up against Upper Arlington in those weeks. This is why Sports Corner dubbed this match "Thing One" vs. "Thing Two", because these two are a one-two punch in the OCC Central Division.
Pick: Hilliard Davidson
Rivalry Game of the Week:
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (3-4, 0-0) at St. Francis DeSales Stallions (3-3, 1-0)
This is the "Holy War" of rivalries. For the last 50 years, these two North side Catholic schools have battled it out on the field. Tomorrow night, the loser of this game will see their season end in two weeks after a disappointing season. Both teams need this win desperately. The Stallions have the edge, not just because of the home field advantage, but because Watterson's not the same team that went 13-1 and won the State Title up in Massillon last December (due to graduation).
Pick: DeSales
Upset Game of the Week:
Westerville North Warriors (0-7, 0-4) at Westerville South Wildcats (4-3, 3-1)
The last time the Warriors won a game was in the city of Westerville (against Central in 2008). Since then, it's been 32 consecutive Friday nights of agonizing defeat. It is possible that the Warriors losing streak will end in Westerville, where it began, as the Warriors could pull off an upset against a South team that has already lost to struggling teams in Grove City and Dublin Jerome already. Plus, this game has been a rivalry for the last 35 years, so an upset is bound to happen, don't you think?
Pick: Westerville North (in an upset)
Bonus Game:
Bexley Girls Soccer vs. Bishop Hartley Girls Soccer
Sports Corner doesn't do anything outside of H.S. football, due to time constraints, but on Saturday, Sports Corner cites this game because of the off-the-field controversy and the rivalry between the two. In the spring, former Bexley (and now Hartley) girls soccer coach Scott Dempsey's contract was not renewed by the Bexley School District, and so therefore he headed down the street to Hartley. Dempsey's daughter is a senior on the Bexley girls team, which won a State Title two years ago, so this game will be a family affair as well.
OTHER RIVALRY GAMES THIS WEEK:
Walnut Ridge Scots (3-4, 3-1) at Eastmoor Academy Warriors (6-1, 4-0)
The Scots have been in all of their City League games, upsetting West last week, and coming up short against Marion-Franklin the week before. Tomorrow, they head to Eastmoor Academy to play the Warriors in a game with big implications in the City League South, and for the Warriors, a win could clinch them a playoff spot (they are ranked # 1 in Region 10 in Division III).
Pick: Eastmoor Academy
New Albany Eagles (5-2, 3-1) at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (6-1, 4-0)
This is a MUST-win for New Albany in this "Battle of the Eagles", as a win over Big Walnut boosts their chances of playing in November after last season's disappointing exit from the playoffs. There is a 100 percent chance that the Eagles win this game, but which Eagles?
Pick: Big Walnut
Delaware Hayes Pacers (2-5, 1-3) at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (5-2, 2-2)- The Mike LoParo Bowl
Last year at this game, Bradley coach Mike LoParo was the head coach on the opposite side of the field for Delaware Hayes, where he was the head coach for three seasons. Tomorrow night, LoParo is reunited with his former Pacers, on the opposite side of the field, as the Jaguars head coach.
Pick: Hilliard Bradley
Marysville Monarchs (4-3, 2-2) at Dublin Jerome Celtics (2-5, 2-2)
This will be an interesting OCC Union County rivalry, and probably the last meeting for a while, because of re-alignment in the OCC (Jerome will remain in the Cardinal Division, while Marysville's season next year will get brutal against the three-headed monster- Dublin Coffman, Hilliard Davidson, and Upper Arlington- in the OCC Central).
Pick: Marysville
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Canal Winchester Indians (5-2, 3-1) at Logan Elm Braves (7-0, 4-0)
This could have been the Upset pick of the week, and could possibly still be an upset. However, the Braves are in a very competitive computer region (12).
Pick: Canal Winchester
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (7-0, 4-0) at West Cowboys (5-2, 2-2)
An upset loss to Walnut Ridge officially proved that the Cowboys were playoff pretenders, and not playoff contenders. Region 7 is very competitive, and the Cowboys missed the lasso. The Red Devils will lasso the Cowboys out of the playoff hunt and the City League South race with a win at Magley Field.
Pick: Marion-Franklin
Groveport Madison Cruisers (3-4, 1-3) at Reynoldsburg Raiders (5-2, 3-1)
Pick: Reynoldsburg
Westland Cougars (1-7, 0-4) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (6-1, 4-0)
Why is this game even being cited? Both of these schools were on opposite ends of blowout shutouts last week (Westland losing 55-0 at Thomas Worthington; UA romped Central Crossing 76-0, outscoring the Comets 160-6 in their last 2 meetings now). This will be an easy win for the Bears, and they'll need it, because with Thing One (Hilliard Davidson) next week and Thing Two (Dublin Coffman) the week after, that loss to Tri-Valley might come back to haunt UA on Oct. 30.
Pick: Upper Arlington
Westerville Central (6-1, 3-1) at Olentangy Braves (4-3, 2-2)
Another Upset Pick of the Week? The Braves are hungry for the playoffs (ranked 11th in Region 3 this week), and would like a big upset over Central (tied with Dublin Coffman for 2nd in Region 3 this week) to make a statement.
Pick: Olentangy
Danville Blue Devils (5-2, 2-2) at Johnstown Johnnies (7-0, 4-0)
Pick: Johnstown
Licking Valley Panthers (4-3, 3-1) at Columbus Academy Vikings (5-2, 3-1)
Pick: Licking Valley
Ironton Tigers (4-3) at Bishop Hartley Hawks (6-0)
Could this be upset week? The Tigers beat the Hawks down in the Deep South of Ohio last season, before Hawks got their revenge in the playoffs en route to a State Title. Can the Tigers give the Hawks their first loss of the season, or will the Hawks stay perfect before a date with Coshocton next week?
Pick: Ironton
Grove City Greyhounds (3-4, 2-2) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (5-2, 3-1)
Pick: Gahanna
Harvest Prep Warriors (5-2, 2-2) at Liberty Union Lions (6-1, 4-0)
Before the OHSAA came down on Harvest Prep like a hammer last Wednesday, this game had playoff implications all around. But now, only Liberty Union has playoff implications in this game, and could use a win before big dates with Grandview and West Jeff to close out the season, and this will be a much needed win for the Lions.
Pick: Liberty Union
Portsmouth Sciotoville Tartans at Grove City Christian Eagles (both 4-3)
Sciotoville needs a win to keep afloat in the Division VI playoff race, as does Grove City Christian.
Pick: Sciotoville
Northland Vikings (3-4, 3-1) at Mifflin Punchers (6-1, 3-1)
Another upset pick? Well, after Beechcroft bossed Mifflin around, Northland (who made the playoffs for the first time last year) may get its shot to win at Mifflin this week.
Pick: Northland
Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (5-2, 3-0) at Washington Court House Blue Lions (4-3, 3-0)
Pick: Clinton-Massie
ALL CENTRAL OHIO GAMES:
(South Central Ohio League)
Hillsboro Indians at London Red Raiders (both 1-6, 1-2)
Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (5-2, 4-0) at Washington Court House Blue Lions (4-3, 3-0)
Miami Trace Panthers (3-4, 1-2) at Greenfield McClain Tigers (1-5, 0-4)
(Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference)
Marion Pleasant Trojans (7-0, 6-0) at River Valley Vikings (5-2, 5-1)
Marion Elgin Comets (2-5, 1-5) at Galion Northmor Golden Knights (1-6, 1-5)
Morral Ridgedale Rockets (0-7, 0-6) at Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (1-6, 1-5)
Mount Gilead Indians (4-3, 4-2) at Buckeye Valley Barons (4-3, 3-3)
Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (4-3, 4-2) at North Union Wildcats (6-1, 5-1)
(OCC Capital)
Delaware Hayes Pacers (2-5, 1-3) at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (5-2, 2-2)
Watkins Memorial Warriors (3-4, 1-3) at Mount Vernon Yellowjackets (2-5, 2-2)
New Albany Eagles (5-2, 3-1) at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (6-1, 4-0)
Olentangy Orange Pioneers (5-2, 3-1) at Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (1-6, 0-4)
(OCC Cardinal)
Westerville North Warriors (0-7, 0-4) at Westerville South Wildcats (4-3, 3-1)
Westerville Central Warhawks (6-1, 3-1) at Olentangy Braves (4-3, 3-1)
Dublin Scioto Irish (2-5, 2-2) at Olentangy Liberty Patriots (3-4, 2-2)
Marysville Monarchs (4-3, 2-2) at Dublin Jerome Celtics (2-5, 2-2)
(OCC Central)
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (7-0, 4-0) at Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (6-0, 4-0)
Westland Cougars (1-6, 0-3) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (6-1, 4-0)
Thomas Worthington Cardinals (2-5, 1-3) at Hilliard Darby Panthers (5-2, 2-2)
Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (2-5, 1-3) at Central Crossing Comets (0-7, 0-4)
(OCC Ohio)
Grove City Greyhounds (3-4, 2-2) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (5-2, 3-1)
Newark Wildcats (0-7, 0-4) at Pickerington Central Tigers (4-2, 4-0)
Lancaster Golden Gales (3-4, 1-3) at Pickerington North Panthers (5-2, 2-2)
Groveport Madison Cruisers (3-4, 1-3) at Reynoldsburg Raiders (5-2, 3-1)
(Central Catholic League)
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (3-4, 0-0) at St. Francis DeSales Stallions (3-3, 1-0)
(City League South)
Walnut Ridge Scots (3-4, 3-1) at Eastmoor Academy Warriors (6-1, 4-0)
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (7-0, 4-0) at West Cowboys (5-2, 2-2)
Briggs Bruins (3-4, 1-3) at South Bulldogs (0-7, 0-4)
Africentric Early College Nubians (1-6, 0-4) at Independence 76ers (4-3, 2-2)
(City League North)
Beechcroft Cougars (6-1, 4-0) at East Tigers (1-6, 0-4)
Northland Vikings (3-4, 3-1) at Mifflin Punchers (6-1, 3-1)
Centennial Stars (1-6, 0-3) at Brookhaven Bearcats (5-2, 4-0)
Whetstone Braves at Linden McKinley Panthers (both 1-6, 1-3)
(Mid State League Buckeye)
Canal Winchester Indians (5-2, 3-1) at Logan Elm Braves (7-0, 4-0)
Teays Valley Vikings at Hamilton Township Rangers (both 3-4, 1-3)
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (5-2, 3-1) at Fairfield Union Falcons (0-7, 0-4)
Circleville Tigers (2-5, 2-2) at Bloom-Carroll Bruins (1-6, 1-3)
(Mid State League Cardinal)
Fisher Catholic Irish (1-6, 1-3) at Grandview Heights Bobcats (7-0, 4-0)
Harvest Prep Warriors (5-2, 2-2) at Liberty Union Lions (6-1, 4-0)
Berne Union Rockets (1-6, 1-3) at Millersport Lakers (0-7, 0-4)
Licking Heights Hornets (3-4, 2-2) at West Jefferson Roughriders (6-1, 3-1)
(Mid State League Ohio)
Bexley Lions (4-3, 1-3) at Heath Bulldogs (2-5, 1-3)
Granville Blue Aces (6-1, 4-0) at Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1-6, 0-3)
Whitehall Yearling Rams (4-3, 2-2) at Newark Catholic Green Wave (3-4, 2-2)
Licking Valley Panthers (4-3, 3-1) at Columbus Academy Vikings (5-2, 3-1)
(Mid Buckeye Conference)
Danville Blue Devils (5-2, 2-2) at Johnstown Blue Devils (7-0, 4-0)
Utica Redskins (1-6, 0-4) at Fredericktown Freddies (4-3, 3-1)
East Knox Bulldogs (1-6, 1-3) at Loudonville Redbirds (2-5, 2-2)
Centerburg Trojans (5-2, 2-2) at Northridge Vikings (3-4, 0-4)
(Non-League Matches)
Ironton Tigers (4-3) at Bishop Hartley Hawks (6-0)
St. Charles Cardinals (2-5) at Jackson Ironmen (7-0)
Portsmouth Sciotoville Tartans at Grove City Christian Eagles (both 4-3)
Jonathan Alder Pioneers (7-0) at Logan Chieftains (1-6)
Marion Harding Presidents (3-4) at Grafton Midview Middies (6-1)
Greenville Green Wave (2-5) at Fairbanks Panthers (4-3)
Dayton Meadowdale Lions (4-3) at Madison Plains Golden Eagles (2-5)
Dayton Ponitz Career Tech Golden Panthers (1-5) at Columbus Crusaders (2-5)- at Thomas Worthington H.S.
Westfall Mustangs (5-2) at Chillicothe Zane Trace Pioneers (3-4)
Bishop Ready Silver Knights (3-4) at Montpelier Locomotives (0-7)
Top 10 (plus 15) for Week 8:
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (6-0)
2) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (7-0)
3) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (7-0)
4) Grandview Heights Bobcats (7-0)
T-5) Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (7-0)
T-5) Bishop Hartley Hawks (7-0)
7) Johnstown Johnnies (7-0)
8] Eastmoor Academy Warriors (6-1)
9) Westerville Central Warhawks (6-1)
10) Upper Arlington Golden Bears (6-1)
------------------------------------------------------
11) Logan Elm Braves (7-0)
12) Marion Pleasant Trojans (7-0)
13) Granville Blue Aces (6-1)
14) Beechcroft Cougars (6-1)
15) West Jefferson Roughriders (6-1)
16) Big Walnut Golden Eagles (6-1)
17) Pickerington Central Tigers (4-2)
18] Pickerington North Panthers (5-2)
19) Liberty Union Lions (6-1)
20) New Albany Eagles (5-2)
21) North Union Wildcats (6-1)
22) Brookhaven Bearcats (5-2)
23) Mifflin Punchers (6-1)
24) Reynoldsburg Raiders (5-2)
25) Columbus Academy Vikings (5-2)
Dropped Out: West (5-2, previously # 22), Hilliard Darby (5-2, previously # 19)
Honorable Mention: West Cowboys (5-2), Hilliard Darby Panthers (5-2), Westfall Mustangs (5-2), Centerburg Trojans (5-2), Canal Winchester Indians (5-2), Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (5-2), Olentangy Braves (4-3), Marysville Monarchs (4-3), Independence 76ers (4-3), Westerville South Wildcats (4-3), Whitehall-Yearling Rams (4-3), Walnut Ridge Scots (3-4), Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (5-2), Olentangy Orange Pioneers (5-2), River Valley Vikings (5-2), Buckeye Valley Barons (4-3)
+ 15 Busters for Week 8: Hilliard Darby, Olentangy, Walnut Ridge, Olentangy Orange, River Valley, Hilliard Bradley, Canal Winchester, Amanda-Clearcreek
Top 10 Busters for Week 8: Logan Elm, Pleasant, Big Walnut, Beechcroft
Big Game of the Week ("Thing Two" at "Thing One"):
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (7-0, 4-0) at Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (6-0, 4-0)
This is a battle between two neighboring northwest Columbus suburbs. 20 years ago, this match would have been just "Dublin vs. Hilliard", as it was years and years ago. Once again this year, both teams enter this race with a perfect record. However, the loser of this game will need to step up their game in the final two weeks to make it, and both of these schools still have to match up against Upper Arlington in those weeks. This is why Sports Corner dubbed this match "Thing One" vs. "Thing Two", because these two are a one-two punch in the OCC Central Division.
Pick: Hilliard Davidson
Rivalry Game of the Week:
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (3-4, 0-0) at St. Francis DeSales Stallions (3-3, 1-0)
This is the "Holy War" of rivalries. For the last 50 years, these two North side Catholic schools have battled it out on the field. Tomorrow night, the loser of this game will see their season end in two weeks after a disappointing season. Both teams need this win desperately. The Stallions have the edge, not just because of the home field advantage, but because Watterson's not the same team that went 13-1 and won the State Title up in Massillon last December (due to graduation).
Pick: DeSales
Upset Game of the Week:
Westerville North Warriors (0-7, 0-4) at Westerville South Wildcats (4-3, 3-1)
The last time the Warriors won a game was in the city of Westerville (against Central in 2008). Since then, it's been 32 consecutive Friday nights of agonizing defeat. It is possible that the Warriors losing streak will end in Westerville, where it began, as the Warriors could pull off an upset against a South team that has already lost to struggling teams in Grove City and Dublin Jerome already. Plus, this game has been a rivalry for the last 35 years, so an upset is bound to happen, don't you think?
Pick: Westerville North (in an upset)
Bonus Game:
Bexley Girls Soccer vs. Bishop Hartley Girls Soccer
Sports Corner doesn't do anything outside of H.S. football, due to time constraints, but on Saturday, Sports Corner cites this game because of the off-the-field controversy and the rivalry between the two. In the spring, former Bexley (and now Hartley) girls soccer coach Scott Dempsey's contract was not renewed by the Bexley School District, and so therefore he headed down the street to Hartley. Dempsey's daughter is a senior on the Bexley girls team, which won a State Title two years ago, so this game will be a family affair as well.
OTHER RIVALRY GAMES THIS WEEK:
Walnut Ridge Scots (3-4, 3-1) at Eastmoor Academy Warriors (6-1, 4-0)
The Scots have been in all of their City League games, upsetting West last week, and coming up short against Marion-Franklin the week before. Tomorrow, they head to Eastmoor Academy to play the Warriors in a game with big implications in the City League South, and for the Warriors, a win could clinch them a playoff spot (they are ranked # 1 in Region 10 in Division III).
Pick: Eastmoor Academy
New Albany Eagles (5-2, 3-1) at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (6-1, 4-0)
This is a MUST-win for New Albany in this "Battle of the Eagles", as a win over Big Walnut boosts their chances of playing in November after last season's disappointing exit from the playoffs. There is a 100 percent chance that the Eagles win this game, but which Eagles?
Pick: Big Walnut
Delaware Hayes Pacers (2-5, 1-3) at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (5-2, 2-2)- The Mike LoParo Bowl
Last year at this game, Bradley coach Mike LoParo was the head coach on the opposite side of the field for Delaware Hayes, where he was the head coach for three seasons. Tomorrow night, LoParo is reunited with his former Pacers, on the opposite side of the field, as the Jaguars head coach.
Pick: Hilliard Bradley
Marysville Monarchs (4-3, 2-2) at Dublin Jerome Celtics (2-5, 2-2)
This will be an interesting OCC Union County rivalry, and probably the last meeting for a while, because of re-alignment in the OCC (Jerome will remain in the Cardinal Division, while Marysville's season next year will get brutal against the three-headed monster- Dublin Coffman, Hilliard Davidson, and Upper Arlington- in the OCC Central).
Pick: Marysville
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Canal Winchester Indians (5-2, 3-1) at Logan Elm Braves (7-0, 4-0)
This could have been the Upset pick of the week, and could possibly still be an upset. However, the Braves are in a very competitive computer region (12).
Pick: Canal Winchester
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (7-0, 4-0) at West Cowboys (5-2, 2-2)
An upset loss to Walnut Ridge officially proved that the Cowboys were playoff pretenders, and not playoff contenders. Region 7 is very competitive, and the Cowboys missed the lasso. The Red Devils will lasso the Cowboys out of the playoff hunt and the City League South race with a win at Magley Field.
Pick: Marion-Franklin
Groveport Madison Cruisers (3-4, 1-3) at Reynoldsburg Raiders (5-2, 3-1)
Pick: Reynoldsburg
Westland Cougars (1-7, 0-4) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (6-1, 4-0)
Why is this game even being cited? Both of these schools were on opposite ends of blowout shutouts last week (Westland losing 55-0 at Thomas Worthington; UA romped Central Crossing 76-0, outscoring the Comets 160-6 in their last 2 meetings now). This will be an easy win for the Bears, and they'll need it, because with Thing One (Hilliard Davidson) next week and Thing Two (Dublin Coffman) the week after, that loss to Tri-Valley might come back to haunt UA on Oct. 30.
Pick: Upper Arlington
Westerville Central (6-1, 3-1) at Olentangy Braves (4-3, 2-2)
Another Upset Pick of the Week? The Braves are hungry for the playoffs (ranked 11th in Region 3 this week), and would like a big upset over Central (tied with Dublin Coffman for 2nd in Region 3 this week) to make a statement.
Pick: Olentangy
Danville Blue Devils (5-2, 2-2) at Johnstown Johnnies (7-0, 4-0)
Pick: Johnstown
Licking Valley Panthers (4-3, 3-1) at Columbus Academy Vikings (5-2, 3-1)
Pick: Licking Valley
Ironton Tigers (4-3) at Bishop Hartley Hawks (6-0)
Could this be upset week? The Tigers beat the Hawks down in the Deep South of Ohio last season, before Hawks got their revenge in the playoffs en route to a State Title. Can the Tigers give the Hawks their first loss of the season, or will the Hawks stay perfect before a date with Coshocton next week?
Pick: Ironton
Grove City Greyhounds (3-4, 2-2) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (5-2, 3-1)
Pick: Gahanna
Harvest Prep Warriors (5-2, 2-2) at Liberty Union Lions (6-1, 4-0)
Before the OHSAA came down on Harvest Prep like a hammer last Wednesday, this game had playoff implications all around. But now, only Liberty Union has playoff implications in this game, and could use a win before big dates with Grandview and West Jeff to close out the season, and this will be a much needed win for the Lions.
Pick: Liberty Union
Portsmouth Sciotoville Tartans at Grove City Christian Eagles (both 4-3)
Sciotoville needs a win to keep afloat in the Division VI playoff race, as does Grove City Christian.
Pick: Sciotoville
Northland Vikings (3-4, 3-1) at Mifflin Punchers (6-1, 3-1)
Another upset pick? Well, after Beechcroft bossed Mifflin around, Northland (who made the playoffs for the first time last year) may get its shot to win at Mifflin this week.
Pick: Northland
Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (5-2, 3-0) at Washington Court House Blue Lions (4-3, 3-0)
Pick: Clinton-Massie
ALL CENTRAL OHIO GAMES:
(South Central Ohio League)
Hillsboro Indians at London Red Raiders (both 1-6, 1-2)
Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (5-2, 4-0) at Washington Court House Blue Lions (4-3, 3-0)
Miami Trace Panthers (3-4, 1-2) at Greenfield McClain Tigers (1-5, 0-4)
(Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference)
Marion Pleasant Trojans (7-0, 6-0) at River Valley Vikings (5-2, 5-1)
Marion Elgin Comets (2-5, 1-5) at Galion Northmor Golden Knights (1-6, 1-5)
Morral Ridgedale Rockets (0-7, 0-6) at Sparta Highland Fighting Scots (1-6, 1-5)
Mount Gilead Indians (4-3, 4-2) at Buckeye Valley Barons (4-3, 3-3)
Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (4-3, 4-2) at North Union Wildcats (6-1, 5-1)
(OCC Capital)
Delaware Hayes Pacers (2-5, 1-3) at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (5-2, 2-2)
Watkins Memorial Warriors (3-4, 1-3) at Mount Vernon Yellowjackets (2-5, 2-2)
New Albany Eagles (5-2, 3-1) at Big Walnut Golden Eagles (6-1, 4-0)
Olentangy Orange Pioneers (5-2, 3-1) at Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (1-6, 0-4)
(OCC Cardinal)
Westerville North Warriors (0-7, 0-4) at Westerville South Wildcats (4-3, 3-1)
Westerville Central Warhawks (6-1, 3-1) at Olentangy Braves (4-3, 3-1)
Dublin Scioto Irish (2-5, 2-2) at Olentangy Liberty Patriots (3-4, 2-2)
Marysville Monarchs (4-3, 2-2) at Dublin Jerome Celtics (2-5, 2-2)
(OCC Central)
Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (7-0, 4-0) at Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (6-0, 4-0)
Westland Cougars (1-6, 0-3) at Upper Arlington Golden Bears (6-1, 4-0)
Thomas Worthington Cardinals (2-5, 1-3) at Hilliard Darby Panthers (5-2, 2-2)
Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (2-5, 1-3) at Central Crossing Comets (0-7, 0-4)
(OCC Ohio)
Grove City Greyhounds (3-4, 2-2) at Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (5-2, 3-1)
Newark Wildcats (0-7, 0-4) at Pickerington Central Tigers (4-2, 4-0)
Lancaster Golden Gales (3-4, 1-3) at Pickerington North Panthers (5-2, 2-2)
Groveport Madison Cruisers (3-4, 1-3) at Reynoldsburg Raiders (5-2, 3-1)
(Central Catholic League)
Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (3-4, 0-0) at St. Francis DeSales Stallions (3-3, 1-0)
(City League South)
Walnut Ridge Scots (3-4, 3-1) at Eastmoor Academy Warriors (6-1, 4-0)
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (7-0, 4-0) at West Cowboys (5-2, 2-2)
Briggs Bruins (3-4, 1-3) at South Bulldogs (0-7, 0-4)
Africentric Early College Nubians (1-6, 0-4) at Independence 76ers (4-3, 2-2)
(City League North)
Beechcroft Cougars (6-1, 4-0) at East Tigers (1-6, 0-4)
Northland Vikings (3-4, 3-1) at Mifflin Punchers (6-1, 3-1)
Centennial Stars (1-6, 0-3) at Brookhaven Bearcats (5-2, 4-0)
Whetstone Braves at Linden McKinley Panthers (both 1-6, 1-3)
(Mid State League Buckeye)
Canal Winchester Indians (5-2, 3-1) at Logan Elm Braves (7-0, 4-0)
Teays Valley Vikings at Hamilton Township Rangers (both 3-4, 1-3)
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (5-2, 3-1) at Fairfield Union Falcons (0-7, 0-4)
Circleville Tigers (2-5, 2-2) at Bloom-Carroll Bruins (1-6, 1-3)
(Mid State League Cardinal)
Fisher Catholic Irish (1-6, 1-3) at Grandview Heights Bobcats (7-0, 4-0)
Harvest Prep Warriors (5-2, 2-2) at Liberty Union Lions (6-1, 4-0)
Berne Union Rockets (1-6, 1-3) at Millersport Lakers (0-7, 0-4)
Licking Heights Hornets (3-4, 2-2) at West Jefferson Roughriders (6-1, 3-1)
(Mid State League Ohio)
Bexley Lions (4-3, 1-3) at Heath Bulldogs (2-5, 1-3)
Granville Blue Aces (6-1, 4-0) at Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1-6, 0-3)
Whitehall Yearling Rams (4-3, 2-2) at Newark Catholic Green Wave (3-4, 2-2)
Licking Valley Panthers (4-3, 3-1) at Columbus Academy Vikings (5-2, 3-1)
(Mid Buckeye Conference)
Danville Blue Devils (5-2, 2-2) at Johnstown Blue Devils (7-0, 4-0)
Utica Redskins (1-6, 0-4) at Fredericktown Freddies (4-3, 3-1)
East Knox Bulldogs (1-6, 1-3) at Loudonville Redbirds (2-5, 2-2)
Centerburg Trojans (5-2, 2-2) at Northridge Vikings (3-4, 0-4)
(Non-League Matches)
Ironton Tigers (4-3) at Bishop Hartley Hawks (6-0)
St. Charles Cardinals (2-5) at Jackson Ironmen (7-0)
Portsmouth Sciotoville Tartans at Grove City Christian Eagles (both 4-3)
Jonathan Alder Pioneers (7-0) at Logan Chieftains (1-6)
Marion Harding Presidents (3-4) at Grafton Midview Middies (6-1)
Greenville Green Wave (2-5) at Fairbanks Panthers (4-3)
Dayton Meadowdale Lions (4-3) at Madison Plains Golden Eagles (2-5)
Dayton Ponitz Career Tech Golden Panthers (1-5) at Columbus Crusaders (2-5)- at Thomas Worthington H.S.
Westfall Mustangs (5-2) at Chillicothe Zane Trace Pioneers (3-4)
Bishop Ready Silver Knights (3-4) at Montpelier Locomotives (0-7)
Top 10 (plus 15) for Week 8:
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (6-0)
2) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (7-0)
3) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (7-0)
4) Grandview Heights Bobcats (7-0)
T-5) Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (7-0)
T-5) Bishop Hartley Hawks (7-0)
7) Johnstown Johnnies (7-0)
8] Eastmoor Academy Warriors (6-1)
9) Westerville Central Warhawks (6-1)
10) Upper Arlington Golden Bears (6-1)
------------------------------------------------------
11) Logan Elm Braves (7-0)
12) Marion Pleasant Trojans (7-0)
13) Granville Blue Aces (6-1)
14) Beechcroft Cougars (6-1)
15) West Jefferson Roughriders (6-1)
16) Big Walnut Golden Eagles (6-1)
17) Pickerington Central Tigers (4-2)
18] Pickerington North Panthers (5-2)
19) Liberty Union Lions (6-1)
20) New Albany Eagles (5-2)
21) North Union Wildcats (6-1)
22) Brookhaven Bearcats (5-2)
23) Mifflin Punchers (6-1)
24) Reynoldsburg Raiders (5-2)
25) Columbus Academy Vikings (5-2)
Dropped Out: West (5-2, previously # 22), Hilliard Darby (5-2, previously # 19)
Honorable Mention: West Cowboys (5-2), Hilliard Darby Panthers (5-2), Westfall Mustangs (5-2), Centerburg Trojans (5-2), Canal Winchester Indians (5-2), Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (5-2), Olentangy Braves (4-3), Marysville Monarchs (4-3), Independence 76ers (4-3), Westerville South Wildcats (4-3), Whitehall-Yearling Rams (4-3), Walnut Ridge Scots (3-4), Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (5-2), Olentangy Orange Pioneers (5-2), River Valley Vikings (5-2), Buckeye Valley Barons (4-3)
+ 15 Busters for Week 8: Hilliard Darby, Olentangy, Walnut Ridge, Olentangy Orange, River Valley, Hilliard Bradley, Canal Winchester, Amanda-Clearcreek
Top 10 Busters for Week 8: Logan Elm, Pleasant, Big Walnut, Beechcroft
2011 College Football: Week 7
This weekend is the midway point of the College Football regular season, and in the Big Ten, two unbeatens could possibly fall, as # 12 Michigan (6-0 for the first time since 2006) and # 16 Illinois (6-0 for the first time since 1951) face Michigan State (4-1) and Ohio State (3-3), respectively, in the Paul Bunyan and IlliBuck Trophy Games, respectively, in East Lansing and Champaign, respectively.
THURSDAY NIGHT LIGHTS:
USC Trojans (4-1, 2-1) at Cal Golden Bears (3-2, 0-2)- at AT&T Park in San Francisco
The Golden Bears, after a 3-0 start, have dropped their first two Pac-12 contests, and things don't get easier, as USC travels up from LA to the Bay Area to play those Golden Bears. Tonight is also the 35th Annual Joe Roth Football Classic, played whenever Cal hosts UCLA or USC since 1977, to honor the memory of quarterback Joe Roth, who was the starting quarterback at Cal in 1975 and 1976, who died of melanoma in February 1977 at the young age of 21. Roth's jersey number (12) is the only number to be retired at the University of California-Berkeley.
Pick: USC 23, Cal 19
Other Games Coming Later
Big Game of the Week:
The Paul Bunyan Trophy- # 12 Michigan Wolverines (6-0, 2-0) at Michigan State Spartans (4-1, 1-0)
"When you come to Michigan to play football, your legacy is left by Big Ten Championships, Rose Bowls and how you did against your rivals."- Ryan Van Bergen
The last time that the Wolverines won in East Lansing was 2007- the 100th battle between those in-state rivals. The Paul Bunyan Trophy has called East Lansing home the last three years. Now that the Wolverines have a new Commander-in-Chief, the Wolverines look to dominate this rivalry once again. The Spartans, fresh off a bye after beating Ohio State for the first time since 1999, is looking to beat the Boys in (Maize and) Blue for a fourth straight year. Can they do it? Can Michigan finally play 60 minutes and not play catch-up finally? We'll see...
Pick: Michigan State 34, Michigan 24
Rivalry Game of the Week:
Capital Crusaders (2-3, 2-2) at Otterbein Cardinals (1-4, 0-4)
Boy, have the mighty fallen. Three years ago, the Cardinals skyrocketed to an 8-0 start, and went to the playoffs for the first (and only) time. Now, the Cardinals are struggling, losing four straight, not being able to stay in close games, and their quarterback Austin Schlosser turns the ball over frequently. This would not be a good time to head into Capital week, but here the Cardinals are, hosting their bitter crosstown rivals. The Cards have won four of the last six meetings, including three straight in Westerville. The Crusaders have had more heart than the Cardinals have, and the Cardinals are on the same sinking ship as the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Pick: Capital 35, Otterbein 12
Upset Pick of the Week:
# 15 South Carolina Gamecocks (5-1, 3-1) at Mississippi State Bulldogs (3-3, 0-3)
Stephen Garcia, we hardly knew ye. The Gamecocks' quarterback was dismissed from the team for failing an alcohol test. Connor Shaw will be the QB the rest of the way for the Gamecocks who head to Mississippi State.
Pick: Mississippi State 24, South Carolina 21
Other Big Games This Week:
The IlliBuck Trophy- Ohio State Buckeyes (3-3, 0-2) at # 16 Illinois Fighting Illini (6-0, 2-0)
The last time that the Illini were 6-0, Harry Truman was President, John Wayne was Hollywood's Biggest Star, and I Love Lucy debuted, and gas probably cost 50 cents too (1951). The Buckeyes have only gone 0-3 in the Big Ten twice in the last 40 years (that being 2004, remember the upset loss at Northwestern, then back-to-back spankings from Iowa and Wisconsin to start the Big Ten season), and another Buckeye loss would basically be another nail in Luke Fickell's head coaching coffin at OSU. But, Nathan Scheelhaase has been solid for the Illini, while the Buckeyes blew a 21-point lead in Lincoln by surrendering 28 unanswered points to Nebraska, while losing QB Braxton Miller to an ankle injury. Good news for OSU is that Miller is listed as the starter. The bad news for them will be if they can't contain Scheelhaase.
Pick: Illinois 38, Ohio State 23
# 1 LSU Tigers (6-0, 3-0) at Tennessee Volunteers (3-2, 0-2)
LSU picked away and clawed Florida last week, and expect the Bayou Bengals to do the same to the Vols at Neyland Stadium.
Pick: LSU 48, Tennessee 7
Oklahoma State Cowboys (5-0, 2-0) at # 17 Texas Longhorns (4-1, 1-1)
The Longhorns were stampeded out of the Cotton Bowl by Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout last week. Can the Horns recover?
Pick: OSU 35, Texas 21
Virginia Tech Hokies (5-1, 1-1) at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-1, 3-0)
Pick: Virginia Tech 38, Wake 24
Florida State Seminoles (2-3, 0-2) at Duke Blue Devils (3-2, 1-0)
Can this be right? FSU 2-3? Duke 3-2? Huh? Nobody thought that the football Blue Devils would start off decently. But appearances can be deceiving.
Pick: Florida State 45, Duke 10
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-0, 3-0) at Virginia Cavaliers (3-2, 0-1)
The Jackets are 6-0 for the first time since 1966. Can they keep it going?
Pick: Georgia Tech 41, Virginia 10
Arizona State Sun Devils (5-1, 3-0) at Oregon Ducks (4-1, 2-0)
Pick: Oregon 35, Arizona State 8
Stanford Cardinal (5-0, 3-0) at Washington State Cougars (3-2, 1-1)
Pick: Stanford 51, Washington State 6
Auburn Tigers (4-2, 2-1) at Florida Gators (4-2, 2-2)
Pick: Florida 23, Auburn 16
Colorado Buffaloes (1-5, 0-2) at Washington Huskies (4-1, 2-0)
Colorado is wishing it were still in the Big 12, instead of the Pac-12.
Pick: Washington 31, Colorado 10
Northwestern Wildcats (2-3, 0-2) at Iowa Hawkeyes (3-2, 0-1)
Northwestern blew its chance for an upset, surrendering a 24-14 halftime lead at Ryan Field against Michigan, and being shut out 28-0 in the second half. This week, they head to Iowa City to play the Hawkeyes, who are also looking for their first Big Ten win of 2011.
Pick: Iowa 27, Northwestern 17
Indiana Hoosiers (1-5, 0-2) at Wisconsin Badgers (5-0, 1-0)
This one will be over after the opening kickoff. Remember last year's 83-20 drubbing?
Pick: Wisconsin 72, Indiana 0
# 3 Oklahoma Sooners (5-0, 2-0) at Kansas Jayhawks (2-3, 0-2)
If you saw the Red River Shootout, Oklahoma is for real this year.
Pick: Oklahoma 66, Kansas 6
Iowa State Cyclones (3-2, 0-2) at Missouri Tigers (2-3, 0-2)
Pick: Missouri 28, Iowa State 21
Clemson Tigers (6-0, 3-0) at Maryland Terrapins (2-3, 1-1)
Pick: Clemson 31, Maryland 3
Miami Hurricanes (2-3, 0-2) at North Carolina Tar Heels (5-1, 1-1)
Pick: North Carolina 34, Miami 7
Louisville Cardinals (2-3) at Cincinnati Bearcats (4-1)- at Paul Brown Stadium
Pick: Cincinnati 41, Louisville 13
Toledo Rockets (3-3, 2-0) at Bowling Green Falcons (3-3, 1-1)
Pick: Toledo 37, Bowling Green 34
# 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (6-0, 3-0) at Ole Miss Rebels (2-3, 0-2)
Pick: Alabama 42, Ole Miss 0
Georgia Bulldogs (4-2, 3-1) at Vanderbilt Commodores (3-2, 0-2)
Pick: Georgia 34, Vanderbilt 14
OAC Games (besides Otterbein-Capital):
Muskingum Muskies (4-1, 3-1) at John Carroll Blue Streaks (3-2, 3-1)
Wilmington Quakers (0-5, 0-4) at Marietta Pioneers (1-4, 0-4)
Mount Union Purple Raiders (5-0, 4-0) at Heidelberg Student Princes (4-1, 3-1)
Ohio Northern Polar Bears (3-2, 2-2) at Baldwin-Wallace Yellow Jackets (4-1, 3-1)
Picks: Muskingum, Marietta, Mount Union, and Baldwin-Wallace (and of course, Capital)
Other Central Ohio Schools:
Wittenberg Tigers (5-1, 3-0) at Kenyon Lords (0-5, 0-2)
Denison Big Red (3-3, 2-0) at Allegheny Gators (3-3, 1-1)
Ohio Dominican Panthers (3-3, 2-3) at Findlay Oilers (3-3, 3-2)
Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops have a bye this week
Picks: Wittenberg, Denison, and Ohio Dominican
THURSDAY NIGHT LIGHTS:
USC Trojans (4-1, 2-1) at Cal Golden Bears (3-2, 0-2)- at AT&T Park in San Francisco
The Golden Bears, after a 3-0 start, have dropped their first two Pac-12 contests, and things don't get easier, as USC travels up from LA to the Bay Area to play those Golden Bears. Tonight is also the 35th Annual Joe Roth Football Classic, played whenever Cal hosts UCLA or USC since 1977, to honor the memory of quarterback Joe Roth, who was the starting quarterback at Cal in 1975 and 1976, who died of melanoma in February 1977 at the young age of 21. Roth's jersey number (12) is the only number to be retired at the University of California-Berkeley.
Pick: USC 23, Cal 19
Other Games Coming Later
Big Game of the Week:
The Paul Bunyan Trophy- # 12 Michigan Wolverines (6-0, 2-0) at Michigan State Spartans (4-1, 1-0)
"When you come to Michigan to play football, your legacy is left by Big Ten Championships, Rose Bowls and how you did against your rivals."- Ryan Van Bergen
The last time that the Wolverines won in East Lansing was 2007- the 100th battle between those in-state rivals. The Paul Bunyan Trophy has called East Lansing home the last three years. Now that the Wolverines have a new Commander-in-Chief, the Wolverines look to dominate this rivalry once again. The Spartans, fresh off a bye after beating Ohio State for the first time since 1999, is looking to beat the Boys in (Maize and) Blue for a fourth straight year. Can they do it? Can Michigan finally play 60 minutes and not play catch-up finally? We'll see...
Pick: Michigan State 34, Michigan 24
Rivalry Game of the Week:
Capital Crusaders (2-3, 2-2) at Otterbein Cardinals (1-4, 0-4)
Boy, have the mighty fallen. Three years ago, the Cardinals skyrocketed to an 8-0 start, and went to the playoffs for the first (and only) time. Now, the Cardinals are struggling, losing four straight, not being able to stay in close games, and their quarterback Austin Schlosser turns the ball over frequently. This would not be a good time to head into Capital week, but here the Cardinals are, hosting their bitter crosstown rivals. The Cards have won four of the last six meetings, including three straight in Westerville. The Crusaders have had more heart than the Cardinals have, and the Cardinals are on the same sinking ship as the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Pick: Capital 35, Otterbein 12
Upset Pick of the Week:
# 15 South Carolina Gamecocks (5-1, 3-1) at Mississippi State Bulldogs (3-3, 0-3)
Stephen Garcia, we hardly knew ye. The Gamecocks' quarterback was dismissed from the team for failing an alcohol test. Connor Shaw will be the QB the rest of the way for the Gamecocks who head to Mississippi State.
Pick: Mississippi State 24, South Carolina 21
Other Big Games This Week:
The IlliBuck Trophy- Ohio State Buckeyes (3-3, 0-2) at # 16 Illinois Fighting Illini (6-0, 2-0)
The last time that the Illini were 6-0, Harry Truman was President, John Wayne was Hollywood's Biggest Star, and I Love Lucy debuted, and gas probably cost 50 cents too (1951). The Buckeyes have only gone 0-3 in the Big Ten twice in the last 40 years (that being 2004, remember the upset loss at Northwestern, then back-to-back spankings from Iowa and Wisconsin to start the Big Ten season), and another Buckeye loss would basically be another nail in Luke Fickell's head coaching coffin at OSU. But, Nathan Scheelhaase has been solid for the Illini, while the Buckeyes blew a 21-point lead in Lincoln by surrendering 28 unanswered points to Nebraska, while losing QB Braxton Miller to an ankle injury. Good news for OSU is that Miller is listed as the starter. The bad news for them will be if they can't contain Scheelhaase.
Pick: Illinois 38, Ohio State 23
# 1 LSU Tigers (6-0, 3-0) at Tennessee Volunteers (3-2, 0-2)
LSU picked away and clawed Florida last week, and expect the Bayou Bengals to do the same to the Vols at Neyland Stadium.
Pick: LSU 48, Tennessee 7
Oklahoma State Cowboys (5-0, 2-0) at # 17 Texas Longhorns (4-1, 1-1)
The Longhorns were stampeded out of the Cotton Bowl by Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout last week. Can the Horns recover?
Pick: OSU 35, Texas 21
Virginia Tech Hokies (5-1, 1-1) at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-1, 3-0)
Pick: Virginia Tech 38, Wake 24
Florida State Seminoles (2-3, 0-2) at Duke Blue Devils (3-2, 1-0)
Can this be right? FSU 2-3? Duke 3-2? Huh? Nobody thought that the football Blue Devils would start off decently. But appearances can be deceiving.
Pick: Florida State 45, Duke 10
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-0, 3-0) at Virginia Cavaliers (3-2, 0-1)
The Jackets are 6-0 for the first time since 1966. Can they keep it going?
Pick: Georgia Tech 41, Virginia 10
Arizona State Sun Devils (5-1, 3-0) at Oregon Ducks (4-1, 2-0)
Pick: Oregon 35, Arizona State 8
Stanford Cardinal (5-0, 3-0) at Washington State Cougars (3-2, 1-1)
Pick: Stanford 51, Washington State 6
Auburn Tigers (4-2, 2-1) at Florida Gators (4-2, 2-2)
Pick: Florida 23, Auburn 16
Colorado Buffaloes (1-5, 0-2) at Washington Huskies (4-1, 2-0)
Colorado is wishing it were still in the Big 12, instead of the Pac-12.
Pick: Washington 31, Colorado 10
Northwestern Wildcats (2-3, 0-2) at Iowa Hawkeyes (3-2, 0-1)
Northwestern blew its chance for an upset, surrendering a 24-14 halftime lead at Ryan Field against Michigan, and being shut out 28-0 in the second half. This week, they head to Iowa City to play the Hawkeyes, who are also looking for their first Big Ten win of 2011.
Pick: Iowa 27, Northwestern 17
Indiana Hoosiers (1-5, 0-2) at Wisconsin Badgers (5-0, 1-0)
This one will be over after the opening kickoff. Remember last year's 83-20 drubbing?
Pick: Wisconsin 72, Indiana 0
# 3 Oklahoma Sooners (5-0, 2-0) at Kansas Jayhawks (2-3, 0-2)
If you saw the Red River Shootout, Oklahoma is for real this year.
Pick: Oklahoma 66, Kansas 6
Iowa State Cyclones (3-2, 0-2) at Missouri Tigers (2-3, 0-2)
Pick: Missouri 28, Iowa State 21
Clemson Tigers (6-0, 3-0) at Maryland Terrapins (2-3, 1-1)
Pick: Clemson 31, Maryland 3
Miami Hurricanes (2-3, 0-2) at North Carolina Tar Heels (5-1, 1-1)
Pick: North Carolina 34, Miami 7
Louisville Cardinals (2-3) at Cincinnati Bearcats (4-1)- at Paul Brown Stadium
Pick: Cincinnati 41, Louisville 13
Toledo Rockets (3-3, 2-0) at Bowling Green Falcons (3-3, 1-1)
Pick: Toledo 37, Bowling Green 34
# 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (6-0, 3-0) at Ole Miss Rebels (2-3, 0-2)
Pick: Alabama 42, Ole Miss 0
Georgia Bulldogs (4-2, 3-1) at Vanderbilt Commodores (3-2, 0-2)
Pick: Georgia 34, Vanderbilt 14
OAC Games (besides Otterbein-Capital):
Muskingum Muskies (4-1, 3-1) at John Carroll Blue Streaks (3-2, 3-1)
Wilmington Quakers (0-5, 0-4) at Marietta Pioneers (1-4, 0-4)
Mount Union Purple Raiders (5-0, 4-0) at Heidelberg Student Princes (4-1, 3-1)
Ohio Northern Polar Bears (3-2, 2-2) at Baldwin-Wallace Yellow Jackets (4-1, 3-1)
Picks: Muskingum, Marietta, Mount Union, and Baldwin-Wallace (and of course, Capital)
Other Central Ohio Schools:
Wittenberg Tigers (5-1, 3-0) at Kenyon Lords (0-5, 0-2)
Denison Big Red (3-3, 2-0) at Allegheny Gators (3-3, 1-1)
Ohio Dominican Panthers (3-3, 2-3) at Findlay Oilers (3-3, 3-2)
Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops have a bye this week
Picks: Wittenberg, Denison, and Ohio Dominican
Friday, October 7, 2011
NFL 2011: Week 5 Picks
The 2011 NFL season is 25 percent over for all 32 teams, as there are thirteen games this weekend, culminating with DJBC Sports Corner's pick for the Big Game of the Week- the Monday Night Game between the Monsters of the Midway, the Chicago Bears visiting the unbeaten Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK/MONDAY NIGHT LIGHTS:
Chicago Bears (2-2) at Detroit Lions (4-0)
Before I start with this week's prediction- the last time that "All My Rowdy Friends" was not heard on Monday Night Football prior to this past Monday was 1988. After over 22 years, ESPN has severed its ties to Hank Williams Jr. and the Monday Night theme, due to comments that Williams made on Fox News's morning show Fox and Friends on Monday morning, comparing President Obama to Adolf Hitler. ESPN announced yesterday that it was permanently dropping the familiar open to Monday Night Football.
And now, the Monday Night Game itself...
The Detroit Lions are for real. 4-0 for the first time since 1980. Who would think that the Lions would be legit? Nobody. On Sunday, the Lions were down 27-3 at halftime in Dallas in the "Battle of the Thanksgiving Day NFL Hosts" (both the Lions and Cowboys host games on Thanksgiving Day). The Lions roared a mighty comeback to win 34-30 in Dallas, outscoring America's Team 31-3 in the second half. The Lions have another big test as Da Bears come to Ford Field on Monday night. Can the Lions handle the Monsters of the Midway, or will the Lions lose their "Undefeated" card?
Pick: Detroit 30, Chicago 22
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Green Bay Packers (4-0) at Atlanta Falcons (2-2)- SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
The last time these two met (also at the Georgia Dome), the Falcons had Home Field Advantage throughout the NFC Playoffs, and the Packers grounded these birds en route to the Pack's Super Bowl road last season. The Falcons are looking for revenge against one of the two undefeated teams left this season.
Pick: Green Bay 35, Atlanta 27
New York Jets (2-2) at New England Patriots (3-1)
Pick: New England 38, NY Jets 20
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers (both 3-1)
Both of these teams find ways to win. The Bucs haven't missed a beat since last season, and the 49ers, down 23-3 , scored 21 unanswered points in the City of Brotherly Love last weekend. The 49ers are for real this year.
Pick: San Francisco 27, Tampa Bay 17
Tennessee Titans (3-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)
Pick: Pittsburgh 23, Tennessee 17 (OT)
Philadelphia Eagles (1-3) at Buffalo Bills (3-1)
Pick: Buffalo 28, Philadelphia 19
THE OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK:
Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3)
The Bengals, down 17-3 last week, found a way to win against unbeaten Buffalo, by kicking a 43-yard field goal at the gun. This week, it gets easier as the Bengals have the edge against a Jacksonville team with more questions than they have answers.
Pick: Cincinnati 24, Jacksonville 17
New Orleans Saints (3-1) at Carolina Panthers (1-3)
Pick: New Orleans 33, Carolina 25
Oakland Raiders (2-2) at Houston Texans (3-1)
Raiders Coach Hue Jackson guaranteed a Super Bowl win. How about "too soon"? Meanwhile, the Texans lost All-Pro receiver Andre Johnson in their win over the Steelers.
Pick: Houston 26, Oakland 14
Kansas City Chiefs (1-3) at Indianapolis Colts (0-4)
Who wants to win this game? Maybe the Manning-less Colts can finally get into the "W" column.
Pick: Indianapolis 17, Kansas City 13
Arizona Cardinals (1-3) at Minnesota Vikings (0-5)
Pick: Minnesota 20, Arizona 14
San Diego Chargers (3-1) at Denver Broncos (1-3)
Pick: San Diego 35, Denver 21
BYE WEEKS: Baltimore Ravens (3-1), Cleveland Browns (2-2), Dallas Cowboys (2-2), Miami Dolphins (0-4), St. Louis Rams (0-4), Washington Redskins (3-1)
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK/MONDAY NIGHT LIGHTS:
Chicago Bears (2-2) at Detroit Lions (4-0)
Before I start with this week's prediction- the last time that "All My Rowdy Friends" was not heard on Monday Night Football prior to this past Monday was 1988. After over 22 years, ESPN has severed its ties to Hank Williams Jr. and the Monday Night theme, due to comments that Williams made on Fox News's morning show Fox and Friends on Monday morning, comparing President Obama to Adolf Hitler. ESPN announced yesterday that it was permanently dropping the familiar open to Monday Night Football.
And now, the Monday Night Game itself...
The Detroit Lions are for real. 4-0 for the first time since 1980. Who would think that the Lions would be legit? Nobody. On Sunday, the Lions were down 27-3 at halftime in Dallas in the "Battle of the Thanksgiving Day NFL Hosts" (both the Lions and Cowboys host games on Thanksgiving Day). The Lions roared a mighty comeback to win 34-30 in Dallas, outscoring America's Team 31-3 in the second half. The Lions have another big test as Da Bears come to Ford Field on Monday night. Can the Lions handle the Monsters of the Midway, or will the Lions lose their "Undefeated" card?
Pick: Detroit 30, Chicago 22
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Green Bay Packers (4-0) at Atlanta Falcons (2-2)- SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
The last time these two met (also at the Georgia Dome), the Falcons had Home Field Advantage throughout the NFC Playoffs, and the Packers grounded these birds en route to the Pack's Super Bowl road last season. The Falcons are looking for revenge against one of the two undefeated teams left this season.
Pick: Green Bay 35, Atlanta 27
New York Jets (2-2) at New England Patriots (3-1)
Pick: New England 38, NY Jets 20
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers (both 3-1)
Both of these teams find ways to win. The Bucs haven't missed a beat since last season, and the 49ers, down 23-3 , scored 21 unanswered points in the City of Brotherly Love last weekend. The 49ers are for real this year.
Pick: San Francisco 27, Tampa Bay 17
Tennessee Titans (3-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)
Pick: Pittsburgh 23, Tennessee 17 (OT)
Philadelphia Eagles (1-3) at Buffalo Bills (3-1)
Pick: Buffalo 28, Philadelphia 19
THE OTHER GAMES THIS WEEK:
Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3)
The Bengals, down 17-3 last week, found a way to win against unbeaten Buffalo, by kicking a 43-yard field goal at the gun. This week, it gets easier as the Bengals have the edge against a Jacksonville team with more questions than they have answers.
Pick: Cincinnati 24, Jacksonville 17
New Orleans Saints (3-1) at Carolina Panthers (1-3)
Pick: New Orleans 33, Carolina 25
Oakland Raiders (2-2) at Houston Texans (3-1)
Raiders Coach Hue Jackson guaranteed a Super Bowl win. How about "too soon"? Meanwhile, the Texans lost All-Pro receiver Andre Johnson in their win over the Steelers.
Pick: Houston 26, Oakland 14
Kansas City Chiefs (1-3) at Indianapolis Colts (0-4)
Who wants to win this game? Maybe the Manning-less Colts can finally get into the "W" column.
Pick: Indianapolis 17, Kansas City 13
Arizona Cardinals (1-3) at Minnesota Vikings (0-5)
Pick: Minnesota 20, Arizona 14
San Diego Chargers (3-1) at Denver Broncos (1-3)
Pick: San Diego 35, Denver 21
BYE WEEKS: Baltimore Ravens (3-1), Cleveland Browns (2-2), Dallas Cowboys (2-2), Miami Dolphins (0-4), St. Louis Rams (0-4), Washington Redskins (3-1)
Thursday, October 6, 2011
College Football Week 6: 2011
Things are warming up on the gridiron as big conference matchups take place week after week from here on out.
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK:
The RED RIVER Shootout:
# 3 Oklahoma Sooners vs. # 11 Texas Longhorns (both 4-0, at Cowboys Stadium)
This is the first of two matchups on Saturday between two programs with more than 800 wins each (the other one is right below this one directly). These two meet up in Dallas for their annual "Red River Shootout".
Pick: Oklahoma 41, Texas 23
THE BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Ohio State Buckeyes (3-2, 0-1) at # 14 Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-1, 0-1)
The second of two matchups on Saturday between two programs with 800 all-time wins or more, this was going to be billed as the "Return of the Tattoo Five", but by now, we all know that that's not going to happen. Last week, both teams disappointed their faithful. Wisconsin welcomed Nebraska to the Big Ten with a 48-17 butt spanking, while Ohio State failed to show up in a 10-7 loss to Michigan State, that probably was more one-sided than the scoreboard. Only of two of Ohio State's "Tattoo Four" players- defensive end Solomon Thomas and offensive lineman Mike Adams will suit up against the Huskers, who are 34-5 at Memorial Stadium under the lights since 1986. The Buckeyes have not lost back-to-back games since their three-game losing streak to start Big Ten play in 2004 (remember that loss to Northwestern out of nowhere? THAT three-game losing streak). This is a battle of two former Buckeye football players under legendary Buckeye coach John Cooper- Bo Pellini (1987-90) and Luke Fickell (1992-96). Fickell is at a disadvantage, because he's only been a head coach for five games, while Pellini has been around the block for quite a while.
Pick: Nebraska 49, Ohio State 6
BIG TOP 25 GAMES THIS WEEK:
# 15 Auburn Tigers (4-1, 2-0) at # 10 Arkansas Razorbacks (4-1, 0-1)
Coming Later
Miami Hurricanes (2-2, 0-1) at # 21 Virginia Tech Hokies (4-1, 0-1)
Coming Later
# 12 Michigan Wolverines (5-0, 1-0) at Northwestern Wildcats (2-2, 0-1)
With a win, the Wolverines will become Bowl Eligible, and off to their best start since 2006. Last week, Michigan football returned as the Boys in (Maize and) Blue ran a clinic on Minnesota as The Little Brown Jug remains in Ann Arbor. This week, they play Northwestern, who has a history of knocking off unbeaten teams at home (most notably Ohio State in 2004).
Pick: Michigan 38, Northwestern 21
# 17 Florida Gators (4-1, 2-1) at # 1 LSU Tigers (5-0, 2-0)
Coming Later
Missouri Tigers (2-2, 0-1) at # 20 Kansas State Wildcats (4-0, 1-0)
Coming Later
Maryland Terrapins (2-2, 1-0) at # 13 Georgia Tech Yellowjackets (5-0, 1-0)
Georgia Tech is off to their best start in 21 years and welcomes in the Ugliest Football Jerseys in Town this week.
Pick: Georgia Tech 37, Maryland 19
OTHER DIVISION I GAMES OF NOTE:
# 23 Florida State Seminoles (2-2, 0-1) at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (3-1, 2-0)
Pick: Florida State 31, Wake Forest 26
# 19 Illinois Fighting Illini (5-0, 1-0) at Indiana Hoosiers (1-4, 0-1)
The Illini are off to their best start in 60 years and have the first of two easy games in a row with Indiana this weekend (and Ohio State the next).
Pick: Illinois 45, Indiana 10
Colorado Buffaloes (1-4, 0-1) at # 7 Stanford Cardinal (4-0, 2-0)
Pick: Stanford 55, Colorado 3
Vanderbilt Commodores (3-1, 1-1) at # 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0, 2-0)
Pick: Alabama 42, Vanderbilt 0
Air Force Falcons (3-1) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-2)
Pick: Notre Dame 28, Air Force 24
Eastern Michigan Eagles (3-2, 1-0) at Toledo Rockets (2-3, 1-0)
Toledo should be 4-1 right now, and are better than their 2-3 record.
Pick: Toledo 44, Eastern Michigan 27
Boston College Golden Eagles (1-4, 0-2) at # 8 Clemson Tigers (5-0, 2-0)
Pick: Clemson 52, BC 7
Iowa Hawkeyes (3-1, 0-0) at Penn State Nittany Lions (4-1, 1-0)
Pick: Iowa 29, Penn State 23
Georgia Bulldogs (3-2, 1-1) at Tennessee Volunteers (3-1, 0-1)
Pick: Tennessee 31, Georgia 22
TCU Horned Frogs (3-2, 1-0) at San Diego State Aztecs (3-1, 0-0)
Pick: TCU 27, San Diego State 20
OAC Football:
Heidelberg Student Princes (3-1, 2-1) at Muskingum Muskies (4-0, 3-0)
Marietta Pioneers (1-3, 0-3) at Mount Union Purple Raiders (4-0, 3-0)
John Carroll Blue Streaks (2-2, 2-1) at Wilmington Quakers (0-4, 0-3)
Ohio Northern Polar Bears (2-2, 1-2) at Capital Crusaders (2-2, 2-1)
and
Baldwin-Wallace Yellowjackets (3-1, 2-1) at Otterbein Cardinals (1-3, 0-3)
Picks: Muskingum, Mount Union, John Carroll, Ohio Northern, and Baldwin-Wallace
Other Central Ohio Football:
Ohio Dominican Panthers (2-3, 1-3) at Hillsdale Chargers (4-1, 4-0)
Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops (1-4) at Carnegie-Mellon Tartans (3-2)
Chicago Maroons at Denison Big Red (both 3-2)
Allegheny Gators (2-3, 1-1) at Kenyon Lords (0-4, 0-1)
Wittenberg Tigers (5-0) at Huntingdon Hawks (4-1)
Picks: Hillsdale, Carnegie-Mellon, Chicago, Allegheny, and Huntingdon
RIVALRY GAME OF THE WEEK:
The RED RIVER Shootout:
# 3 Oklahoma Sooners vs. # 11 Texas Longhorns (both 4-0, at Cowboys Stadium)
This is the first of two matchups on Saturday between two programs with more than 800 wins each (the other one is right below this one directly). These two meet up in Dallas for their annual "Red River Shootout".
Pick: Oklahoma 41, Texas 23
THE BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Ohio State Buckeyes (3-2, 0-1) at # 14 Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-1, 0-1)
The second of two matchups on Saturday between two programs with 800 all-time wins or more, this was going to be billed as the "Return of the Tattoo Five", but by now, we all know that that's not going to happen. Last week, both teams disappointed their faithful. Wisconsin welcomed Nebraska to the Big Ten with a 48-17 butt spanking, while Ohio State failed to show up in a 10-7 loss to Michigan State, that probably was more one-sided than the scoreboard. Only of two of Ohio State's "Tattoo Four" players- defensive end Solomon Thomas and offensive lineman Mike Adams will suit up against the Huskers, who are 34-5 at Memorial Stadium under the lights since 1986. The Buckeyes have not lost back-to-back games since their three-game losing streak to start Big Ten play in 2004 (remember that loss to Northwestern out of nowhere? THAT three-game losing streak). This is a battle of two former Buckeye football players under legendary Buckeye coach John Cooper- Bo Pellini (1987-90) and Luke Fickell (1992-96). Fickell is at a disadvantage, because he's only been a head coach for five games, while Pellini has been around the block for quite a while.
Pick: Nebraska 49, Ohio State 6
BIG TOP 25 GAMES THIS WEEK:
# 15 Auburn Tigers (4-1, 2-0) at # 10 Arkansas Razorbacks (4-1, 0-1)
Coming Later
Miami Hurricanes (2-2, 0-1) at # 21 Virginia Tech Hokies (4-1, 0-1)
Coming Later
# 12 Michigan Wolverines (5-0, 1-0) at Northwestern Wildcats (2-2, 0-1)
With a win, the Wolverines will become Bowl Eligible, and off to their best start since 2006. Last week, Michigan football returned as the Boys in (Maize and) Blue ran a clinic on Minnesota as The Little Brown Jug remains in Ann Arbor. This week, they play Northwestern, who has a history of knocking off unbeaten teams at home (most notably Ohio State in 2004).
Pick: Michigan 38, Northwestern 21
# 17 Florida Gators (4-1, 2-1) at # 1 LSU Tigers (5-0, 2-0)
Coming Later
Missouri Tigers (2-2, 0-1) at # 20 Kansas State Wildcats (4-0, 1-0)
Coming Later
Maryland Terrapins (2-2, 1-0) at # 13 Georgia Tech Yellowjackets (5-0, 1-0)
Georgia Tech is off to their best start in 21 years and welcomes in the Ugliest Football Jerseys in Town this week.
Pick: Georgia Tech 37, Maryland 19
OTHER DIVISION I GAMES OF NOTE:
# 23 Florida State Seminoles (2-2, 0-1) at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (3-1, 2-0)
Pick: Florida State 31, Wake Forest 26
# 19 Illinois Fighting Illini (5-0, 1-0) at Indiana Hoosiers (1-4, 0-1)
The Illini are off to their best start in 60 years and have the first of two easy games in a row with Indiana this weekend (and Ohio State the next).
Pick: Illinois 45, Indiana 10
Colorado Buffaloes (1-4, 0-1) at # 7 Stanford Cardinal (4-0, 2-0)
Pick: Stanford 55, Colorado 3
Vanderbilt Commodores (3-1, 1-1) at # 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0, 2-0)
Pick: Alabama 42, Vanderbilt 0
Air Force Falcons (3-1) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-2)
Pick: Notre Dame 28, Air Force 24
Eastern Michigan Eagles (3-2, 1-0) at Toledo Rockets (2-3, 1-0)
Toledo should be 4-1 right now, and are better than their 2-3 record.
Pick: Toledo 44, Eastern Michigan 27
Boston College Golden Eagles (1-4, 0-2) at # 8 Clemson Tigers (5-0, 2-0)
Pick: Clemson 52, BC 7
Iowa Hawkeyes (3-1, 0-0) at Penn State Nittany Lions (4-1, 1-0)
Pick: Iowa 29, Penn State 23
Georgia Bulldogs (3-2, 1-1) at Tennessee Volunteers (3-1, 0-1)
Pick: Tennessee 31, Georgia 22
TCU Horned Frogs (3-2, 1-0) at San Diego State Aztecs (3-1, 0-0)
Pick: TCU 27, San Diego State 20
OAC Football:
Heidelberg Student Princes (3-1, 2-1) at Muskingum Muskies (4-0, 3-0)
Marietta Pioneers (1-3, 0-3) at Mount Union Purple Raiders (4-0, 3-0)
John Carroll Blue Streaks (2-2, 2-1) at Wilmington Quakers (0-4, 0-3)
Ohio Northern Polar Bears (2-2, 1-2) at Capital Crusaders (2-2, 2-1)
and
Baldwin-Wallace Yellowjackets (3-1, 2-1) at Otterbein Cardinals (1-3, 0-3)
Picks: Muskingum, Mount Union, John Carroll, Ohio Northern, and Baldwin-Wallace
Other Central Ohio Football:
Ohio Dominican Panthers (2-3, 1-3) at Hillsdale Chargers (4-1, 4-0)
Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops (1-4) at Carnegie-Mellon Tartans (3-2)
Chicago Maroons at Denison Big Red (both 3-2)
Allegheny Gators (2-3, 1-1) at Kenyon Lords (0-4, 0-1)
Wittenberg Tigers (5-0) at Huntingdon Hawks (4-1)
Picks: Hillsdale, Carnegie-Mellon, Chicago, Allegheny, and Huntingdon
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Central Ohio High School Football 2011- Week 7
This week is getting bigger, as there are High School Football Matches from Thursday to Saturday this week.
THURSDAY NIGHT GAME:
The Mayor/Headmaster Trophy
Columbus Academy Vikings (4-2, 2-1) at Bexley Lions (4-2, 1-2)
Because of Yom Kippur, this game is being played on Thursday.
This is a big rivalry between these two schools, as they compete for the Mayor (Bexley)/Headmaster (Academy) Trophy. Before moving up to Gahanna in 1968, Columbus Academy was located on the other side of Alum Creek from Bexley on Nelson Road.
Pick: Columbus Academy
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Beechcroft Cougars (5-1, 3-0) at Mifflin Punchers (6-0, 3-0)
Mifflin has had pretty much an easy schedule, playing no one with more than three wins (Watkins Memorial), and off to a 6-0 start. Reality will set in for the Punchers, because the Cougars (Beechcroft) will prey on the undefeated Punchers.
Pick: Beechcroft
UPSET PICKS OF THE WEEK:
Westerville South Wildcats (3-3, 2-1) at Marysville Monarchs (4-2, 2-1)
South still owns the OCC Cardinal, despite competition this year, having already beaten crosstown rival Westerville Central. Look for Marysville to struggle against a Westerville school for the second straight week.
West Cowboys (5-1, 2-1) at Walnut Ridge Scots (2-4, 2-1)
The Cowboys have had a fairly easy ride in the City League, while Walnut Ridge has won three straight- all City League matches, after an 0-3 start. The Cowboys haven't been to the playoffs ever, and it's not going to happen this year, because of their easy wins.
Picks: Westerville South and Walnut Ridge
STREAKBUSTER ALERT:
Olentangy Liberty Patriots (2-4, 1-2) at Westerville North Warriors (0-6, 0-3)
The Warriors have lost 31 in a row, and are looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. Can they find it this week before a date with crosstown rival Westerville South next week?
Pick: Westerville North
MISMATCH OF THE WEEK:
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (5-1, 3-0) at Central Crossing Comets (0-6, 0-3)
Last year, the Bears blew the Comets off the galaxy, 84-6. The Golden Bears will inch closer to playoff contention, before they end the regular season with Thing One (Hilliard Davidson) and Thing Two (Dublin Coffman).
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (5-1, 3-0) at Columbus South Bulldogs (0-6, 0-3)
South hasn't had a winning season since 1994, and it doesn't help that they play Eastmoor this week, a team that mauled the Bulldogs 82-3 not too long ago.
Picks: Upper Arlington and Eastmoor Academy
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Elyria Catholic Panthers (2-4) at Bishop Hartley Hawks (5-0)
The Hawks, well rested after a bye, are looking to avenge a loss to Elyria Catholic last year in overtime. The Panthers are riding a four-game losing streak after a 2-0 start, and they make the long two and a half hour drive to the east side of Columbus to play the unbeaten Hawks. Can the Hawks get it done at Jack Ryan Field?
Pick: Hartley
Hilliard Darby Panthers (5-1, 2-1) at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (6-0, 3-0)
Reality set in for Hilliard Darby as they got thumped at Upper Arlington last week, and this week doesn't get any better as they head up the road to play Dublin Coffman.
Pick: Dublin Coffman
Lima Central Catholic Thunderbirds (6-0) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (3-3) (at Franklin Heights H.S.)
Pick: Lima Central Catholic
Washington Court House Blue Lions (4-2) at Jonathan Alder Pioneers (6-0)
Pick: Jonathan Alder
Heath Bulldogs (2-4, 1-2) at Granville Blue Aces (5-1, 3-0)
Pick: Granville
Pickerington Central Tigers (3-2, 3-0) at Groveport Madison Cruisers (3-3, 1-2)
Pick: Pickerington Central
Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (4-2, 2-1) at Pickerington North Panthers (5-1, 2-1)
Pick: Pickerington North
Newark Catholic Green Wave (3-3, 2-1) at Licking Valley Panthers (3-3, 2-1)
Pick: Licking Valley
SPORTS CORNER TOP 10 (+ 15) for Week 7:
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (5-0)
2) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (6-0)
3) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (6-0)
4) Grandview Heights Bobcats (6-0)
5) Bishop Hartley Hawks (5-0)
6) Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (6-0)
7) Mifflin Punchers (6-0)
8] Johnstown Johnnies (6-0)
9) Pickerington North Panthers (5-1)
10) Eastmoor Academy Warriors (5-1)
------------------------------------------------------
11) Westerville Central Warhawks (5-1)
12) Logan Elm Braves (6-0)
13) Upper Arlington Golden Bears (5-1)
14) Marion Pleasant Trojans (6-0)
15) Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (4-2)
16) Granville Blue Aces (5-1)
17) West Jefferson Roughriders (5-1)
18] Big Walnut Golden Eagles (5-1)
19) Hilliard Darby Panthers (5-1)
20) West Cowboys (5-1)
21) Beechcroft Cougars (5-1)
22) Pickerington Central Tigers (3-2)
23) Liberty Union Lions (5-1)
24) New Albany Eagles (4-2)
25) North Union Wildcats (5-1)
Dropped Out: Bexley (15th last week; 4-2), Hilliard Bradley (21st last week; 4-2), Reynoldsburg (24th last week; 4-2), Marysville (25th last week; 4-2)
Honorable Mention: Marysville Monarchs (4-2), Bexley Lions (4-2), Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (4-2), Columbus Academy Vikings (4-2), Reynoldsburg Raiders (4-2), Brookhaven Bearcats (4-2), St. Francis DeSales Stallions (3-3), Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (4-2), Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (4-2), Harvest Prep Warriors (4-2), Westerville South Wildcats (3-3), Olentangy Orange Pioneers (4-2), Danville Blue Devils (4-2), Fairfield Christian Knights (5-1)
Next Week- Rivalry Week
Four Big Games of the Week Next Week: St. Francis DeSales Stallions vs. Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles, Hilliard Davidson Wildcats vs. Dublin Coffman Shamrocks, Westerville North Warriors vs. Westerville South Wildcats, and Eastmoor Academy Warriors vs. Walnut Ridge Scots
Central Ohio Games This Week:
ALL Games are on Friday, unless noted
(Mid Buckeye Conference)
Fredericktown Freddies (3-3, 2-1) at East Knox Bulldogs (1-5, 1-2)
Loudonville Redbirds (2-4, 2-1) at Centerburg Trojans (4-2, 1-2)
Northridge Vikings (3-3, 0-3) at Danville Blue Devils (4-2, 1-2)
Utica Redskins (1-5, 0-3) at Johnstown Johnnies (6-0, 3-0)
(Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference)
Marion Pleasant Trojans (6-0, 5-0) at Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (4-2, 4-1)
Morral Ridgedale Rockets at Galion Northmor Golden Knights (both 0-6, 0-5)
River Valley Vikings (4-2, 4-1) at Mount Gilead Indians (4-2, 3-2)
North Union Wildcats (5-1, 4-1) at Elgin Comets (2-4, 1-4)
Buckeye Valley Barons (3-3, 2-3) at Sparta Highland Fighting Scots
(South Central Ohio League)
Hillsboro Indians (0-6, 0-2) at Madison Plains Golden Eagles
London Red Raiders at Miami Trace Panthers (2-4, 1-1)
Greenfield McClain Tigers (1-5, 0-3) at Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (4-2, 3-0)
(OCC Ohio)
Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (4-2, 2-1) at Pickerington North Panthers (5-1, 2-1)
Pickerington Central Tigers (3-2, 3-0) at Groveport Madison Cruisers (3-3, 1-2)
Reynoldsburg Raiders (4-2, 2-1) at Lancaster Golden Gales (3-3, 1-2)
Grove City Greyhounds (2-4, 1-2) at Newark Wildcats (0-6, 0-3)
(OCC Central)
Hilliard Darby Panthers (5-1, 2-1) at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (6-0, 3-0)
Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (5-0, 3-0) at Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (2-4, 1-2)
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (5-1, 3-0) at Central Crossing Comets (0-6, 0-3)
Westland Cougars at Thomas Worthington Cardinals (both 1-5, 0-3)
(OCC Cardinal)
Westerville South Wildcats (3-3, 2-1) at Marysville Monarchs (4-2, 2-1)
Olentangy Braves (3-3, 2-1) at Dublin Jerome Celtics (2-4, 2-1)
Westerville Central Warhawks (5-1, 2-1) at Dublin Scioto Irish (2-4, 1-2)
Olentangy Liberty Patriots (2-4, 1-2) at Westerville North Warriors (0-6, 0-3)
(OCC Capital)
Big Walnut Golden Eagles (5-1, 3-0) at Delaware Hayes Pacers (2-4, 1-2)
Watkins Memorial Warriors (3-3, 1-2) at Olentangy Orange Pioneers (4-2, 2-1)
Mount Vernon Yellowjackets (2-4, 2-1) at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (4-2, 1-2)
Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (1-5, 0-3) at New Albany Eagles (4-2, 2-1)
(City League North)
Beechcroft Cougars (5-1, 3-0) at Mifflin Punchers (6-0, 3-0)
East Tigers (1-5, 0-3) at Whetstone Braves (0-6, 0-3)
Brookhaven Bearcats (4-2, 3-0) at Linden McKinley Panthers (1-5, 1-2)
Centennial Stars (1-5, 0-3) at Northland Vikings (2-4, 2-1)
(City League South)
Independence 76ers at Briggs Bruins (both 3-3, 1-2)
West Cowboys (5-1, 2-1) at Walnut Ridge Scots (2-4, 2-1)
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (6-0, 3-0) at Africentric Early College Nubians (1-5, 0-3)
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (5-1, 3-0) at Columbus South Bulldogs (0-6, 0-3)
(Mid State League Cardinal)
West Jefferson Roughriders (5-1, 2-1) at Harvest Prep Warriors (4-2, 1-2)
Lancaster Fisher Catholic Irish (1-5, 1-2) at Liberty Union Lions (5-1, 3-0)
Millersport Lakers (0-6, 0-3) at Licking Heights Hornets (2-4, 1-2)
Grandview Heights Bobcats (6-0, 3-0) at Berne Union Rockets
(Mid State League Ohio)
Columbus Academy Vikings (4-2, 2-1) at Bexley Lions (4-2, 1-2)- THURSDAY
Heath Bulldogs (2-4, 1-2) at Granville Blue Aces (5-1, 3-0)
Whitehall-Yearling Rams (3-3, 1-2) at Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1-5, 0-3)
Newark Catholic Green Wave at Licking Valley Panthers (both 3-3, 2-1)
(Mid State League Buckeye)
Hamilton Township Rangers (3-3, 1-2) at Canal Winchester Indians (4-2, 2-1)
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (5-1, 3-0) at Teays Valley Vikings
Bloom-Carroll Bruins (1-5, 1-2) at Logan Elm Braves (6-0, 3-0)
Fairfield Union Falcons at Circleville Tigers
(Independents and Non-League Games)
St. Charles Cardinals (2-4) at Canal Fulton Northwest (4-2)
Elyria Catholic Panthers (2-4) at Bishop Hartley Hawks (5-0)
Lima Central Catholic Thunderbirds (6-0) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (3-3) at Franklin Heights H.S.
Washington Court House Blue Lions (4-2) at Jonathan Alder Pioneers (6-0)
Fairbanks Panthers (5-1) at Upper Scioto Valley Rams (1-5)
Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary Fighting Irish (6-0) at Marion Harding Presidents (2-4)
Fayetteville-Perry Rockets (1-5) at Fairfield Christian Knights (5-1)
King City Villanova (Ontario) at Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (2-4)- SATURDAY
BREAKING NEWS: Harvest Prep is INELIGIBLE for Postseason Play for both this season and next season for football and both boys and girls basketball, after the Ohio High School Athletic Association ruled on its verdict this year for failing to meet OHSAA bylaws and regulations, especially in the four areas of academics, transfers, recruiting, and administration. ALL of Harvest Prep's teams are ineligible for postseason play this year, and the Boys Basketball Team will forfeit ALL of its wins from last season. From the 2013-14 to 2015-16 school years, Harvest Prep will be on probation.
THURSDAY NIGHT GAME:
The Mayor/Headmaster Trophy
Columbus Academy Vikings (4-2, 2-1) at Bexley Lions (4-2, 1-2)
Because of Yom Kippur, this game is being played on Thursday.
This is a big rivalry between these two schools, as they compete for the Mayor (Bexley)/Headmaster (Academy) Trophy. Before moving up to Gahanna in 1968, Columbus Academy was located on the other side of Alum Creek from Bexley on Nelson Road.
Pick: Columbus Academy
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
Beechcroft Cougars (5-1, 3-0) at Mifflin Punchers (6-0, 3-0)
Mifflin has had pretty much an easy schedule, playing no one with more than three wins (Watkins Memorial), and off to a 6-0 start. Reality will set in for the Punchers, because the Cougars (Beechcroft) will prey on the undefeated Punchers.
Pick: Beechcroft
UPSET PICKS OF THE WEEK:
Westerville South Wildcats (3-3, 2-1) at Marysville Monarchs (4-2, 2-1)
South still owns the OCC Cardinal, despite competition this year, having already beaten crosstown rival Westerville Central. Look for Marysville to struggle against a Westerville school for the second straight week.
West Cowboys (5-1, 2-1) at Walnut Ridge Scots (2-4, 2-1)
The Cowboys have had a fairly easy ride in the City League, while Walnut Ridge has won three straight- all City League matches, after an 0-3 start. The Cowboys haven't been to the playoffs ever, and it's not going to happen this year, because of their easy wins.
Picks: Westerville South and Walnut Ridge
STREAKBUSTER ALERT:
Olentangy Liberty Patriots (2-4, 1-2) at Westerville North Warriors (0-6, 0-3)
The Warriors have lost 31 in a row, and are looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. Can they find it this week before a date with crosstown rival Westerville South next week?
Pick: Westerville North
MISMATCH OF THE WEEK:
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (5-1, 3-0) at Central Crossing Comets (0-6, 0-3)
Last year, the Bears blew the Comets off the galaxy, 84-6. The Golden Bears will inch closer to playoff contention, before they end the regular season with Thing One (Hilliard Davidson) and Thing Two (Dublin Coffman).
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (5-1, 3-0) at Columbus South Bulldogs (0-6, 0-3)
South hasn't had a winning season since 1994, and it doesn't help that they play Eastmoor this week, a team that mauled the Bulldogs 82-3 not too long ago.
Picks: Upper Arlington and Eastmoor Academy
OTHER BIG GAMES THIS WEEK:
Elyria Catholic Panthers (2-4) at Bishop Hartley Hawks (5-0)
The Hawks, well rested after a bye, are looking to avenge a loss to Elyria Catholic last year in overtime. The Panthers are riding a four-game losing streak after a 2-0 start, and they make the long two and a half hour drive to the east side of Columbus to play the unbeaten Hawks. Can the Hawks get it done at Jack Ryan Field?
Pick: Hartley
Hilliard Darby Panthers (5-1, 2-1) at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (6-0, 3-0)
Reality set in for Hilliard Darby as they got thumped at Upper Arlington last week, and this week doesn't get any better as they head up the road to play Dublin Coffman.
Pick: Dublin Coffman
Lima Central Catholic Thunderbirds (6-0) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (3-3) (at Franklin Heights H.S.)
Pick: Lima Central Catholic
Washington Court House Blue Lions (4-2) at Jonathan Alder Pioneers (6-0)
Pick: Jonathan Alder
Heath Bulldogs (2-4, 1-2) at Granville Blue Aces (5-1, 3-0)
Pick: Granville
Pickerington Central Tigers (3-2, 3-0) at Groveport Madison Cruisers (3-3, 1-2)
Pick: Pickerington Central
Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (4-2, 2-1) at Pickerington North Panthers (5-1, 2-1)
Pick: Pickerington North
Newark Catholic Green Wave (3-3, 2-1) at Licking Valley Panthers (3-3, 2-1)
Pick: Licking Valley
SPORTS CORNER TOP 10 (+ 15) for Week 7:
1) Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (5-0)
2) Marion-Franklin Red Devils (6-0)
3) Jonathan Alder Pioneers (6-0)
4) Grandview Heights Bobcats (6-0)
5) Bishop Hartley Hawks (5-0)
6) Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (6-0)
7) Mifflin Punchers (6-0)
8] Johnstown Johnnies (6-0)
9) Pickerington North Panthers (5-1)
10) Eastmoor Academy Warriors (5-1)
------------------------------------------------------
11) Westerville Central Warhawks (5-1)
12) Logan Elm Braves (6-0)
13) Upper Arlington Golden Bears (5-1)
14) Marion Pleasant Trojans (6-0)
15) Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (4-2)
16) Granville Blue Aces (5-1)
17) West Jefferson Roughriders (5-1)
18] Big Walnut Golden Eagles (5-1)
19) Hilliard Darby Panthers (5-1)
20) West Cowboys (5-1)
21) Beechcroft Cougars (5-1)
22) Pickerington Central Tigers (3-2)
23) Liberty Union Lions (5-1)
24) New Albany Eagles (4-2)
25) North Union Wildcats (5-1)
Dropped Out: Bexley (15th last week; 4-2), Hilliard Bradley (21st last week; 4-2), Reynoldsburg (24th last week; 4-2), Marysville (25th last week; 4-2)
Honorable Mention: Marysville Monarchs (4-2), Bexley Lions (4-2), Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (4-2), Columbus Academy Vikings (4-2), Reynoldsburg Raiders (4-2), Brookhaven Bearcats (4-2), St. Francis DeSales Stallions (3-3), Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (4-2), Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (4-2), Harvest Prep Warriors (4-2), Westerville South Wildcats (3-3), Olentangy Orange Pioneers (4-2), Danville Blue Devils (4-2), Fairfield Christian Knights (5-1)
Next Week- Rivalry Week
Four Big Games of the Week Next Week: St. Francis DeSales Stallions vs. Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles, Hilliard Davidson Wildcats vs. Dublin Coffman Shamrocks, Westerville North Warriors vs. Westerville South Wildcats, and Eastmoor Academy Warriors vs. Walnut Ridge Scots
Central Ohio Games This Week:
ALL Games are on Friday, unless noted
(Mid Buckeye Conference)
Fredericktown Freddies (3-3, 2-1) at East Knox Bulldogs (1-5, 1-2)
Loudonville Redbirds (2-4, 2-1) at Centerburg Trojans (4-2, 1-2)
Northridge Vikings (3-3, 0-3) at Danville Blue Devils (4-2, 1-2)
Utica Redskins (1-5, 0-3) at Johnstown Johnnies (6-0, 3-0)
(Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference)
Marion Pleasant Trojans (6-0, 5-0) at Cardington-Lincoln Pirates (4-2, 4-1)
Morral Ridgedale Rockets at Galion Northmor Golden Knights (both 0-6, 0-5)
River Valley Vikings (4-2, 4-1) at Mount Gilead Indians (4-2, 3-2)
North Union Wildcats (5-1, 4-1) at Elgin Comets (2-4, 1-4)
Buckeye Valley Barons (3-3, 2-3) at Sparta Highland Fighting Scots
(South Central Ohio League)
Hillsboro Indians (0-6, 0-2) at Madison Plains Golden Eagles
London Red Raiders at Miami Trace Panthers (2-4, 1-1)
Greenfield McClain Tigers (1-5, 0-3) at Clarksville Clinton-Massie Falcons (4-2, 3-0)
(OCC Ohio)
Gahanna Lincoln Golden Lions (4-2, 2-1) at Pickerington North Panthers (5-1, 2-1)
Pickerington Central Tigers (3-2, 3-0) at Groveport Madison Cruisers (3-3, 1-2)
Reynoldsburg Raiders (4-2, 2-1) at Lancaster Golden Gales (3-3, 1-2)
Grove City Greyhounds (2-4, 1-2) at Newark Wildcats (0-6, 0-3)
(OCC Central)
Hilliard Darby Panthers (5-1, 2-1) at Dublin Coffman Shamrocks (6-0, 3-0)
Hilliard Davidson Wildcats (5-0, 3-0) at Worthington Kilbourne Wolves (2-4, 1-2)
Upper Arlington Golden Bears (5-1, 3-0) at Central Crossing Comets (0-6, 0-3)
Westland Cougars at Thomas Worthington Cardinals (both 1-5, 0-3)
(OCC Cardinal)
Westerville South Wildcats (3-3, 2-1) at Marysville Monarchs (4-2, 2-1)
Olentangy Braves (3-3, 2-1) at Dublin Jerome Celtics (2-4, 2-1)
Westerville Central Warhawks (5-1, 2-1) at Dublin Scioto Irish (2-4, 1-2)
Olentangy Liberty Patriots (2-4, 1-2) at Westerville North Warriors (0-6, 0-3)
(OCC Capital)
Big Walnut Golden Eagles (5-1, 3-0) at Delaware Hayes Pacers (2-4, 1-2)
Watkins Memorial Warriors (3-3, 1-2) at Olentangy Orange Pioneers (4-2, 2-1)
Mount Vernon Yellowjackets (2-4, 2-1) at Hilliard Bradley Jaguars (4-2, 1-2)
Franklin Heights Golden Falcons (1-5, 0-3) at New Albany Eagles (4-2, 2-1)
(City League North)
Beechcroft Cougars (5-1, 3-0) at Mifflin Punchers (6-0, 3-0)
East Tigers (1-5, 0-3) at Whetstone Braves (0-6, 0-3)
Brookhaven Bearcats (4-2, 3-0) at Linden McKinley Panthers (1-5, 1-2)
Centennial Stars (1-5, 0-3) at Northland Vikings (2-4, 2-1)
(City League South)
Independence 76ers at Briggs Bruins (both 3-3, 1-2)
West Cowboys (5-1, 2-1) at Walnut Ridge Scots (2-4, 2-1)
Marion-Franklin Red Devils (6-0, 3-0) at Africentric Early College Nubians (1-5, 0-3)
Eastmoor Academy Warriors (5-1, 3-0) at Columbus South Bulldogs (0-6, 0-3)
(Mid State League Cardinal)
West Jefferson Roughriders (5-1, 2-1) at Harvest Prep Warriors (4-2, 1-2)
Lancaster Fisher Catholic Irish (1-5, 1-2) at Liberty Union Lions (5-1, 3-0)
Millersport Lakers (0-6, 0-3) at Licking Heights Hornets (2-4, 1-2)
Grandview Heights Bobcats (6-0, 3-0) at Berne Union Rockets
(Mid State League Ohio)
Columbus Academy Vikings (4-2, 2-1) at Bexley Lions (4-2, 1-2)- THURSDAY
Heath Bulldogs (2-4, 1-2) at Granville Blue Aces (5-1, 3-0)
Whitehall-Yearling Rams (3-3, 1-2) at Hebron Lakewood Lancers (1-5, 0-3)
Newark Catholic Green Wave at Licking Valley Panthers (both 3-3, 2-1)
(Mid State League Buckeye)
Hamilton Township Rangers (3-3, 1-2) at Canal Winchester Indians (4-2, 2-1)
Amanda-Clearcreek Aces (5-1, 3-0) at Teays Valley Vikings
Bloom-Carroll Bruins (1-5, 1-2) at Logan Elm Braves (6-0, 3-0)
Fairfield Union Falcons at Circleville Tigers
(Independents and Non-League Games)
St. Charles Cardinals (2-4) at Canal Fulton Northwest (4-2)
Elyria Catholic Panthers (2-4) at Bishop Hartley Hawks (5-0)
Lima Central Catholic Thunderbirds (6-0) at Bishop Ready Silver Knights (3-3) at Franklin Heights H.S.
Washington Court House Blue Lions (4-2) at Jonathan Alder Pioneers (6-0)
Fairbanks Panthers (5-1) at Upper Scioto Valley Rams (1-5)
Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary Fighting Irish (6-0) at Marion Harding Presidents (2-4)
Fayetteville-Perry Rockets (1-5) at Fairfield Christian Knights (5-1)
King City Villanova (Ontario) at Bishop Watterson Golden Eagles (2-4)- SATURDAY
BREAKING NEWS: Harvest Prep is INELIGIBLE for Postseason Play for both this season and next season for football and both boys and girls basketball, after the Ohio High School Athletic Association ruled on its verdict this year for failing to meet OHSAA bylaws and regulations, especially in the four areas of academics, transfers, recruiting, and administration. ALL of Harvest Prep's teams are ineligible for postseason play this year, and the Boys Basketball Team will forfeit ALL of its wins from last season. From the 2013-14 to 2015-16 school years, Harvest Prep will be on probation.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
NFL 2011: Week 4
The fourth week of the NFL commences tomorrow, and this will be the last week that all 32 teams will play until mid-November.
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens (both 2-1) or Rex Ryan Bowl II
The Jets travel down I-95 to play the Ravens, a defense that Jets head coach Rex Ryan coached for years. This will be a great game.
Pick: Ravens 31, Jets 10
BIG EARLY GAME OF THE WEEK:
Detroit Lions (3-0) at Dallas Cowboys (2-1) or The Battle of the Thanksgiving Hosts
The last time the Detroit Lions were 3-0, disco was fading off into the past, Dallas was the # 1 show on television (and we were still wondering who shot J.R.), Ronald Reagan was challenging incumbent Jimmy Carter, and the Rubik's Cube was born. Yup, 1980 was the last time the Detroit Lions started this good. Can they make it 4-0 as they play Dallas in the battle of the Thanksgiving Day NFL Hosts? Um, no. The Cowboys both gave San Francisco and Washington their only losses of the year. It's hard not to root against Big D at their home field.
Pick: Cowboys 27, Lions 13
MISMATCH OF THE WEEK:
Buffalo Bills (3-0) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-2)
The last time the Bengals beat the Bills was the 1988 AFC Championship. The last time the Bengals played the Bills, the game was blacked out (as is tomorrow's- the only place to see the game will be in Buffalo, as Columbus is showing the Clowns), and the Bengals jumped out to an early 31-14 lead, only to be outscored 35-0 after that. Former Bengals receiver Terrell Owens said in a postgame press conference that the Bills "embarrassed us". The Bills are 3-0 for the first time since the 1990s, and are surprisingly the lone AFC unbeaten team remaining after snapping a 15-game losing streak to the New England Patriots last week. Chan Gailey has the Bills believing in themselves, a la the Jim Kelly/Thurman Thomas/Bruce Smith/Marv Levy days of the team. The Bengals, are a complete mess, from off-the-field distractions (Cedric Benson and Jerome Simpson), to not completing 3rd Down Conversions (2-for-21 in last three games on 3rd Down conversions). They need to improve, but fortunately for the Bengal Stripes, they have shitty Jacksonville and really bad Indianapolis in the next two weeks. They'll win those two for sure, but the Bills will bring another can of whoopass tomorrow.
Pick: Bills 41, Bengals 0
UPSET PICKS:
New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders (both 2-1)
The Raiders 2-1? The Patriots (and Raiders both) losing to Buffalo? Whodathunkit? Nobody. But, the Raiders have not been red hot since their last Super Bowl appearance. Last year, they got on the right track finishing 8-8, but that wasn't enough to save Tom Cable his job. The Patriots, heavily favored (surprise, surprise) again in the AFC, struggled last week against Buffalo as Tom Brady threw four passes to Buffalo defenders, including a 27-yard pick six by Drayton Florence, which helped fuel the Bills comeback, as the Pats blew a 21-0 lead, and the Bills (is this a surprise) came clawing back to win. This will be a great game.
Pick: Raiders 19, Patriots 17
Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans (both 2-1)
Arian Foster may be back for the Texans, but that may not be enough to stop Pittsburgh or Big Ben.
Pick: Steelers 31, Texans 20
EARLY GAMES:
Carolina Panthers (1-2) at Chicago Bears (2-1)
Pick: Bears 21, Panthers 17
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns (both 2-1)
Pick: Clowns 34, Titans 13
Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs (both 0-3)
Pick: Vikings 20, Chiefs 13
Washington Redskins (2-1) at St. Louis Rams (0-3)
Pick: Redskins 28, Rams 19
San Francisco 49ers (2-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-2)
49ers kicker David Akers returns to the stadium where he kicked for 13 years, but that's not the headline here, as the Eagles are experiencing "Overhypeness", because of their all-star cast.
Pick: 49ers 17, Eagles 13
New Orleans Saints (2-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)
Pick: Saints 35, Jaguars 6
LATE GAMES:
New York Giants (2-1) at Arizona Cardinals (1-2)
Pick: Giants 37, Cardinals 17
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks (both 1-2)
Pick: Falcons 30, Seahawks 15
Denver Broncos (1-2) at Green Bay Packers (3-0)
Pick: Packers 38, Broncos 17
Miami Dolphins (0-3) at San Diego Chargers (2-1)
Is this the end for Tony Sparano? This could be, as Sparano has a big target on his back, because the once-mighty Dolphins (yes, the Dolphins of old) are now a joke of themselves. The team that gave us Don Shula, Dan Marino, Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, Nick Buonticonti, and the NFL's only perfect record at 17-0, that team is a shell of its former selves. If the Dolphins get shocked by the Chargers, Tony Sparano, we hardly knew ye...
Pick: Chargers 35, Dolphins 13
MONDAY NIGHT LIGHTS:
Indianapolis Colts (0-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
The last time the Colts started 0-3, Peyton Manning was a senior at the University of Tennessee, and the Colts stumbled to 3-13. Of the last 10 times the Colts started 0-3, they failed to win more than three games in at least seven of those occasions. As mentioned before, "One man's impact touches the lives of many others". With that said, Curtis Painter is making his first-ever NFL start on Monday night.
Pick: Buccaneers 31, Colts 0
BIG GAME OF THE WEEK:
New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens (both 2-1) or Rex Ryan Bowl II
The Jets travel down I-95 to play the Ravens, a defense that Jets head coach Rex Ryan coached for years. This will be a great game.
Pick: Ravens 31, Jets 10
BIG EARLY GAME OF THE WEEK:
Detroit Lions (3-0) at Dallas Cowboys (2-1) or The Battle of the Thanksgiving Hosts
The last time the Detroit Lions were 3-0, disco was fading off into the past, Dallas was the # 1 show on television (and we were still wondering who shot J.R.), Ronald Reagan was challenging incumbent Jimmy Carter, and the Rubik's Cube was born. Yup, 1980 was the last time the Detroit Lions started this good. Can they make it 4-0 as they play Dallas in the battle of the Thanksgiving Day NFL Hosts? Um, no. The Cowboys both gave San Francisco and Washington their only losses of the year. It's hard not to root against Big D at their home field.
Pick: Cowboys 27, Lions 13
MISMATCH OF THE WEEK:
Buffalo Bills (3-0) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-2)
The last time the Bengals beat the Bills was the 1988 AFC Championship. The last time the Bengals played the Bills, the game was blacked out (as is tomorrow's- the only place to see the game will be in Buffalo, as Columbus is showing the Clowns), and the Bengals jumped out to an early 31-14 lead, only to be outscored 35-0 after that. Former Bengals receiver Terrell Owens said in a postgame press conference that the Bills "embarrassed us". The Bills are 3-0 for the first time since the 1990s, and are surprisingly the lone AFC unbeaten team remaining after snapping a 15-game losing streak to the New England Patriots last week. Chan Gailey has the Bills believing in themselves, a la the Jim Kelly/Thurman Thomas/Bruce Smith/Marv Levy days of the team. The Bengals, are a complete mess, from off-the-field distractions (Cedric Benson and Jerome Simpson), to not completing 3rd Down Conversions (2-for-21 in last three games on 3rd Down conversions). They need to improve, but fortunately for the Bengal Stripes, they have shitty Jacksonville and really bad Indianapolis in the next two weeks. They'll win those two for sure, but the Bills will bring another can of whoopass tomorrow.
Pick: Bills 41, Bengals 0
UPSET PICKS:
New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders (both 2-1)
The Raiders 2-1? The Patriots (and Raiders both) losing to Buffalo? Whodathunkit? Nobody. But, the Raiders have not been red hot since their last Super Bowl appearance. Last year, they got on the right track finishing 8-8, but that wasn't enough to save Tom Cable his job. The Patriots, heavily favored (surprise, surprise) again in the AFC, struggled last week against Buffalo as Tom Brady threw four passes to Buffalo defenders, including a 27-yard pick six by Drayton Florence, which helped fuel the Bills comeback, as the Pats blew a 21-0 lead, and the Bills (is this a surprise) came clawing back to win. This will be a great game.
Pick: Raiders 19, Patriots 17
Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans (both 2-1)
Arian Foster may be back for the Texans, but that may not be enough to stop Pittsburgh or Big Ben.
Pick: Steelers 31, Texans 20
EARLY GAMES:
Carolina Panthers (1-2) at Chicago Bears (2-1)
Pick: Bears 21, Panthers 17
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns (both 2-1)
Pick: Clowns 34, Titans 13
Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs (both 0-3)
Pick: Vikings 20, Chiefs 13
Washington Redskins (2-1) at St. Louis Rams (0-3)
Pick: Redskins 28, Rams 19
San Francisco 49ers (2-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-2)
49ers kicker David Akers returns to the stadium where he kicked for 13 years, but that's not the headline here, as the Eagles are experiencing "Overhypeness", because of their all-star cast.
Pick: 49ers 17, Eagles 13
New Orleans Saints (2-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)
Pick: Saints 35, Jaguars 6
LATE GAMES:
New York Giants (2-1) at Arizona Cardinals (1-2)
Pick: Giants 37, Cardinals 17
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks (both 1-2)
Pick: Falcons 30, Seahawks 15
Denver Broncos (1-2) at Green Bay Packers (3-0)
Pick: Packers 38, Broncos 17
Miami Dolphins (0-3) at San Diego Chargers (2-1)
Is this the end for Tony Sparano? This could be, as Sparano has a big target on his back, because the once-mighty Dolphins (yes, the Dolphins of old) are now a joke of themselves. The team that gave us Don Shula, Dan Marino, Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, Nick Buonticonti, and the NFL's only perfect record at 17-0, that team is a shell of its former selves. If the Dolphins get shocked by the Chargers, Tony Sparano, we hardly knew ye...
Pick: Chargers 35, Dolphins 13
MONDAY NIGHT LIGHTS:
Indianapolis Colts (0-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
The last time the Colts started 0-3, Peyton Manning was a senior at the University of Tennessee, and the Colts stumbled to 3-13. Of the last 10 times the Colts started 0-3, they failed to win more than three games in at least seven of those occasions. As mentioned before, "One man's impact touches the lives of many others". With that said, Curtis Painter is making his first-ever NFL start on Monday night.
Pick: Buccaneers 31, Colts 0
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