The 2011 College Football season is now upon us and once again I have a round of predictions to post. Here are some of my predictions for the 2011 season.
ACC Atlantic Division Champion:Florida State 9-3 (6-2)
ACC Coastal Division Champion:Virginia Tech 12-0 (8-0)
Florida State has a tough road but will have a very talented team. I see them getting by Oklahoma but that Clemson game a week later is a slippery slope. I see them dropping one to Clemson but about a month later, they have to play 2 games in 5 days at home against N.C. State on October 29th and Boston College in Chestnut Hill 5 days later on a Thursday night. I feel they'll drop to B.C. and lose again to Florida on Thanksgiving weekend, before the ACC Title Game.
As for Va. Tech, they have a really easy schedule. The only challenges I see on it are the first two weeks with Appalachian State and East Carolina at Greensville. In the case of both games its breaking in a new offense that could be the issue. I think, however, that Va. Tech gets by both and cruises through the regular season unbeaten. However, I'd also look out for that mid-November Thursday night game against Georgia Tech in Atlanta that has a trap game written all over it. In my opinion though, Va. Tech goes unbeaten in the regular season but loses to a much-seasoned Florida State squad in the ACC Title Game.
ACC Champion:Florida State 10-3 (7-2)
Big XII:
I expect a 2008-esqe season with the Big XII involving a three-horse race between Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Texas A&M with Baylor on the outside looking in. The Sooners may have a tough start with Tulsa but I believe they get by in that game. As mentioned earlier, they will fall to Florida State at Tallahassee. I see them getting by Missouri and Ball State but may hit trouble when they play Texas in the Red River Rivalry. The next two weeks are easy with Kansas on the road, and Texas Tech at home, but I wouldn't put the Kansas game exactly past them as it is coming off the Red River Rivalry.
I see K-State being a tough one as well in Little Manhattan. I believe the Sooners will beat A&M but Baylor is going to be a tough one in Waco. I believe they enter Bedlam 10-1 but fall to Oklahoma State in that game. As for the Cowboys, I see them getting by the first two weeks easily with Arizona being a non-threat with their lackluster defense and Louisiana-Lafeyette being an easy win. I do see them, however struggling with Tulsa and falling to Texas A&M in College Station.
In October the Cowboys have a pretty rough stretch where they play @Texas, @Missouri, and Baylor. I see them getting out of that with some bumps and bruises, however and running the table the rest of the way. Will it win them the Big XII Championship, however? Texas A&M has a great squad returning with Tannehill leading the way at Quarterback. The Aggies have a tough start against an upstart SMU squad that's riding a new kind of Pony Express.
They get a break with Idaho the next week but have to play Oklahoma State at home and Arkansas in Arlington. I believe this is the year A&M beats Arky and so they start out 4-0. Texas Tech may give them issues at Lubbock but I think they'll get by. A&M will enter November 8-0 but I believe falls to Oklahoma in Norman. The rest of the way I believe the Aggies should be fine and finish 11-1. The toughest part about this is who gets the bid?
Just like in 2008, theres a three way tie for first place. The rules for the Big XII state whoever is first in the BCS standings out of Big XII teams would get the bid. I think in that case, it would go to Texas A&M, who I believe will get in because of the "within 1 rank" rule.
Big XII Champions: Oklahoma State 11-1 (8-1), Texas A&M 11-1 (8-1), and Oklahoma 10-2 (8-1). Texas A&M gets BCS bid.
Big East:
I have West Virginia winning it this year. Pittsburgh and USF are other contenders in my opinion, but WVU regains the Big East title. The Mountaineers start it off against Marshall, which should be a win (sorry Murphy). After that they get Norfolk State before they play a difficult two weeks against Maryland and LSU. I think WVU falls to both squads to go 2-2 entering October.
October should be a rather easy month and the Mountaineers go 6-2. The final month of the year I see them going 3-1 with their sole loss being to USF in Tampa. That is enough, however to win the Big East.
Big East Champion: West Virginia 9-3 (6-1)
Big Ten Legends: Iowa 11-1 (7-1)
Big Ten Leaders: Wisconsin 11-1 (7-1)
The Hawkeyes have what can be said to be a very easy schedule. They start off with Tennessee Tech, @Iowa State, Pitt, and Louisiana-Monroe. They open Big Ten play on October 8th with Penn State in Happy Valley but that comes off a bye week against a non-existent PSU offense. Northwestern at home should be a challenge but I believe they'll get by and enter November 8-0.
To start November, they play both Michigan teams at home, which should be wins, before going to Purdue at West Lafeyette. That said, Iowa will enter the final game 11-0 before falling to Nebraska in Lincoln giving a spark to a rivalry that needed one. As for the Huskers, for clarification purposes, I have Nebraska losing two games to Wisconsin at Camp Randall and Michigan in Ann Arbor, before they upset Iowa. It won't be enough, however to win the Big Ten Legends division.
The Badgers have a manageable schedule with UNLV, Oregon State, an odd Neutral site game against Northern Illinois, and South Dakota to start before they face and beat Nebraska at home. They'll be 6-0 until they face and, in my opinion fall to Michigan State again in East Lansing. I believe they'll turn around and handle Ohio State a week later in Columbus and run the table the rest of the way. I think they could struggle against Illinois, however late in the season. In the Big Ten title game, I see Wisconsin defeating Iowa and advancing to the BCS.
Big Ten Champions: Wisconsin 12-1 (8-1)
Pac-12 North: Oregon 10-2 (8-1)
Pac-12 South: Arizona State 9-3 (7-2)
The Ducks return a strong squad amidst controversy from last season. But they don't get off to a good start. I have them falling to LSU in the opener in Arlington. After that they have a slight challenge against an adjusting Nevada team and an easy one against Missouri...State. I can see them possibly struggling against Arizona, if the Wildcats defense isn't fatigued from Stanford and Oklahoma State.
October is rather easy with the only real challenges (Cal and Arizona State) being at home. Entering November at 7-1 I see Oregon dropping one to Stanford, although I wouldn't count out Washington the week before in Seattle either. Oregon finishes off the season with USC and Oregon State which will both be wins, in my opinion. Arizona State, meanwhile has a really great shot of winning a weak Pac-12 South. They return 19 starters and have a favorable schedule.
There first big challenge will be next Friday night against Missouri, but that game will be at Sun Devil Stadium. They'll win that but fall a week later to Illinois in Champagne. They play at home the next two weeks and should take wins against USC and Oregon State to go 4-1 entering a rough stretch on the road against Utah and Oregon. I see them losing both to fall to 4-3. The rest of the way, however I see the Sun Devils running the table against a schedule consisting of Colorado, UCLA, Wazzu, Arizona, and Cal (with the latter two at home).
With that set, I see Oregon winning the rematch and taking the first ever Pac-12 Championship.
Pac-12 Champion: Oregon 11-2 (9-1)
SEC East: South Carolina 9-3 (5-3)
SEC West: Mississippi State 11-1 (7-1)
The Gamecocks won't have an easy start. They have a neutral site game in Charlotte against a prolific East Carolina offense and a road challenge against Georgia. I think they get by both, however. Navy will be a real challenge at home due to the option. If Carolina cannot figure out that Navy option attack, it can be a long day for the Gamecocks.
The next 3 games should be relatively easy at home against a rebuilding Vandy, Auburn, and Kentucky, placing them at 6-0 as they prepare for Mississippi State. I see the Gamecocks falling to Mississippi State, Tennessee, and Arkansas on a 3 game road trip that follows, before bouncing back to beat Florida, The Citadel, and Clemson to end the season. With a prolific attack and a good enough defense, the Gamecocks will win the SEC East. Mississippi State will end up being the product of a very tough SEC West. The Bulldogs will get by Memphis and should get by Auburn on the road against a rebuilding Tigers team.
After Auburn though is a very tough LSU team on a Thursday night. I think the Bulldogs will get by LSU and come into Georgia at 4-0. Georgia could give them issues but I see them getting by the Dawgs. UAB should be a breeze and I believe they'll get by Carolina at home. The Bulldogs should be 10-0 after beating Bama at home on November 12th but will fall to Arkansas on the road before closing out the SEC with a win over Ole Miss.
The Razorbacks being the only loss for MSU will have three losses of it's own against Alabama, A&M, and LSU giving the Bulldogs the division. I believe in the case of Bama that the Tide will lose to Florida coming off the Arkansas game as well. It's a shock but I see MSU vs South Carolina in the SEC Title Game. As for the result...I have the Gamecocks winning the rematch due to that returning experience coming back.
SEC Champions: South Carolina 10-3 (6-3)
BCS Busters: Boise State 12-0 and Houston 13-0
The Broncos have a tough start to the year with Georgia at the Joey Dome. After that it's a pretty easy slate of Toledo, Tulsa, Nevada, Fresno, Colorado State, but Air Force could give them trouble. UNLV should be a breeze but they have TCU on November 12th on the Blue Turf. I don't see SDSU posing much of a threat this year, nor will Wyoming and/or New Mexico. Boise will finish 12-0.
As for the Cougars, Case Keenum coming back will give them a huge lift. The schedule is rather easy with out of conference games against UCLA, North Texas, Louisiana Tech, and Georgia State. Their biggest challenges come in late-November with SMU at home and Tulsa in the final game of the year. From there I see the Cougars winning the Conference USA championship and finishing 13-0.
Notre Dame will finish 10-2
The Irish schedule is pretty favorable but their are some challenges. USF will be determined to come into South Bend and pull out the upset. Michigan in Ann Arbor will be a loss because I see the Wolverines crowd and players coming in more motivated. The Irish have a tough match against Michigan State but should get by. After that it's road games against Pitt and Purdue, which I believe they'll win both (although that Pitt game could be a trap).
October features a home stretch of Air Force, USC, and Navy. 3 difficult games to prepare for. I think its very possible that the Irish lose one of these but I don't believe they will. In November they go on an ACC tour with Wake, Maryland, and Boston College. I see them coming out with a 3-0 record to be 10-1 entering the Stanford game in Palo Alto, where they will lose to the Cardinal in a close one.
BCS Rankings:
1.Wisconsin 12-1
2.Boise State 12-0
3.Oklahoma State 11-1
4.Texas A&M 11-1
5.Houston 13-0
6.Virginia Tech 12-1
7.Oregon 11-2
8.Stanford 10-2
9.Florida State 10-3
10.Oklahoma 10-2
11.Alabama 10-2
12.LSU 10-2
BCS Bowl Games:
BCS National Title Game: Boise State over Wisconsin
With Wiscy at 1 and Boise at 2, I see both facing off for the National Championship. Behind a tough defense and good QB play from Kellen Moore, the Broncos win the BCS National Title, becoming the first mid-major in 27 years to do so.
Rose Bowl:Oregon over Oklahoma State
With the loss of the Wisconsin Badgers, the Rose Bowl will get the 1st pick. I see them taking Oklahoma State because of their high BCS ranking and Big XII's history with the Rose Bowl. Chip Kelly and Company earn their first BCS Bowl win over a talented Okie State team in a shootout.
Fiesta Bowl:Stanford over Texas A&M
The Fiesta Bowl gets the first pick of the bowls after the Rose makes their selection. They pick an at-large Stanford squad, who behind Andrew Luck defeats Texas A&M.
Sugar Bowl: Houston over South Carolina
The Cougars after surviving a daunting C-USA schedule plays South Carolina in the Sugar Bowl and defeats the Gamecocks in a close offensive battle.
Orange Bowl:Florida State over West Virginia
The Orange Bowl takes WVU with the last pick. The Noles and the Mountaineers battle it out but FSU's defense overwhelms Geno Davis and company as the Seminoles prevail.
Heisman Trophy Winner: Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M
Behind great QB play and a 11-1 season, Tannehill wins the Heisman for the Aggies.
Misc Predictions:
Michigan will beat Ohio State:
I'm calling it right here, right now. Brady Hoke's going to have this team playing well and I wouldn't be surprised if they could sneak up on a lot of teams in the Big Ten. With Ohio State facing issues left and right, and a home game in Ann Arbor, Michigan will beat Ohio State in 2011.
Penn State will finish 4-8:
The Nittany Lion offense, in my opinion isn't what it used to be and it'll show this year in the Big Ten. Aside from Bama, they have an easy OOC slate, which should give them 3 wins. In conference, I see them only gaining one win against Purdue at home. Indiana has a real shot of beating them in Hoosierville, Iowa's defense will play up and their offense should get them by in Happy Valley.
5 straight games against @Northwestern, Illinois, Nebraska, @Ohio State, and @Wisconsin could spell doom for the Nittany Lions. Each team has a prolific offense and a defense that can shut down PSU.
The Mountain West will earn an autobid:
With Boise State running the table again and the Mountain West placing in all the right categories, I see the Mountain West being granted a BCS bid at the end of this season.
Florida will bounce back:
The Gators struggled mightily last year but with Charlie Weis' offensive attack and Will Muschamp's defense, I see the Gators winning 9 games and contending for the SEC East. A possible darkhorse in the SEC.
Unlikely Teams to Watch:
Baylor
Illinois
Northwestern
With that said, here is the first y25. A quick note, the previous National Champion begins the year Number 1 each season.
1.Auburn (SEC)
2.Oklahoma (Big XII)
3.Alabama (SEC)
4.Oregon (Pac-12)
5.LSU (SEC)
6.Florida State (ACC)
7.Boise State (Mountain West)
8.Stanford (Pac-12)
9.Texas A&M (Big XII)
10.Oklahoma State (Big XII)
11.Wisconsin (Big Ten)
12.Nebraska (Big Ten)
13.South Carolina (SEC)
14.Virginia Tech (ACC)
15.Arkansas (SEC)
16.TCU (Mountain West)
17.Notre Dame
18.Ohio State (Big Ten)
19.Michigan State (Big Ten)
20.Mississippi State (SEC)
21.Georgia (SEC)
22.Missouri (Big XII)
23.Florida (SEC)
24.Texas (Big XII)
25.West Virginia (Big East)
Well that is all for now. Enjoy this season.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
NBA Playoffs Predictions
The 2010-2011 NBA season is over on terms of the regular season. Here are my playoff predictions.
Eastern Conference:
First Round:
(1) Chicago over (8) Indiana
(4) Orlando over (5) Atlanta
(3) Boston over (6) New York
(2) Miami over (7) Philadelphia
Semi-Finals:
(1) Chicago over (4) Orlando
(2) Miami over (3) Boston
Finals:
(1) Chicago over (2) Miami
Western Conference:
First Round:
(1) San Antonio over (8) Memphis
(4) Oklahoma City over (5) Denver
(3) Dallas over (6) Portland
(2) L.A. Lakers over (7) New Orleans
Semi-Finals:
(4) Oklahoma City over (1) San Antonio
(2) L.A. Lakers over (3) Dallas
Finals:
(4) Oklahoma City over (2) L.A. Lakers
NBA Finals:
(1) Chicago over (4) Oklahoma City
Eastern Conference:
First Round:
(1) Chicago over (8) Indiana
(4) Orlando over (5) Atlanta
(3) Boston over (6) New York
(2) Miami over (7) Philadelphia
Semi-Finals:
(1) Chicago over (4) Orlando
(2) Miami over (3) Boston
Finals:
(1) Chicago over (2) Miami
Western Conference:
First Round:
(1) San Antonio over (8) Memphis
(4) Oklahoma City over (5) Denver
(3) Dallas over (6) Portland
(2) L.A. Lakers over (7) New Orleans
Semi-Finals:
(4) Oklahoma City over (1) San Antonio
(2) L.A. Lakers over (3) Dallas
Finals:
(4) Oklahoma City over (2) L.A. Lakers
NBA Finals:
(1) Chicago over (4) Oklahoma City
Monday, February 7, 2011
2010 NFL Season Wrap-Up
The 2010 NFL Season is officially over as the Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 in Super Bowl XLV. Here are my awards for the season.
Game of the Year:Philadelphia vs New York Giants(Week 15)
Previous Years:
2009:Patriots vs Colts(Week 9)
2008:Eagles vs Cowboys(Week 2)
Offensive MVP:Tom Brady(New England Patriots)
Previous Years:
2009:Drew Brees(New Orleans Saints)
2008:Kurt Warner(Arizona Cardinals)
Defensive MVP:Jerrod Mayo(New England Patriots)
Previous Years:
2009:Darrelle Revis(New York Jets)
2008:DeMarcus Ware(Dallas Cowboys)
Offensive Rookie of the Year:Sam Bradford(St. Louis Rams)
Previous Years:
2009:Mark Sanchez(New York Jets)
2008:Joe Flacco(Baltimore Ravens)
Defensive Rookie of the Year:Ndamoukong Suh(Detroit Lions)
Previous Years:
2009:Brian Cushing(Houston Texans)
2008:Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie(Arizona Cardinals)
Surprise Team of the Year:Chicago Bears
Previous Years:
2009:New York Jets
2008:Arizona Cardinals
Disappointing Team of the Year:Minnesota Vikings
Previous Years:
2009:New York Giants
2008:Dallas Cowboys
Coach of the Year:Steve Spagnuola(St. Louis Rams)
Previous Years:
2009:Rex Ryan(New York Jets)
2008:Tony Sparano(Miami Dolphins)
Team of Next Year:Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Previous Years:
2009:Miami Dolphins(Missed Playoffs)
2008:Green Bay Packers(Lost in Divisional Round against Arizona Cardinals)
Way-To-Early Predictions:
AFC East:New York Jets
AFC North:Baltimore Ravens
AFC South:Indianapolis Colts
AFC West:Kansas City Chiefs
Wild Card 1:New England Patriots
Wild Card 2:Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC East:New York Giants
NFC North:Green Bay Packers
NFC South:Atlanta Falcons
NFC West:St. Louis Rams
Wild Card 1:Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Wild Card 2:Detroit Lions
Wild Card Round:
Colts over Steelers
Chiefs over Patriots
Rams over Buccaneers
Giants over Lions
Divisional Round:
Jets over Chiefs
Colts over Ravens
Packers over Rams
Falcons over Lions
AFC Title Game:Jets over Colts
NFC Title Game:Packers over Falcons
Super Bowl XLVI:Jets over Packers
That's all for the 2010 NFL season. I don't know when my next NFL blog will be. It all depends on the CBA. Hopefully we'll be back soon though.
Game of the Year:Philadelphia vs New York Giants(Week 15)
Previous Years:
2009:Patriots vs Colts(Week 9)
2008:Eagles vs Cowboys(Week 2)
Offensive MVP:Tom Brady(New England Patriots)
Previous Years:
2009:Drew Brees(New Orleans Saints)
2008:Kurt Warner(Arizona Cardinals)
Defensive MVP:Jerrod Mayo(New England Patriots)
Previous Years:
2009:Darrelle Revis(New York Jets)
2008:DeMarcus Ware(Dallas Cowboys)
Offensive Rookie of the Year:Sam Bradford(St. Louis Rams)
Previous Years:
2009:Mark Sanchez(New York Jets)
2008:Joe Flacco(Baltimore Ravens)
Defensive Rookie of the Year:Ndamoukong Suh(Detroit Lions)
Previous Years:
2009:Brian Cushing(Houston Texans)
2008:Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie(Arizona Cardinals)
Surprise Team of the Year:Chicago Bears
Previous Years:
2009:New York Jets
2008:Arizona Cardinals
Disappointing Team of the Year:Minnesota Vikings
Previous Years:
2009:New York Giants
2008:Dallas Cowboys
Coach of the Year:Steve Spagnuola(St. Louis Rams)
Previous Years:
2009:Rex Ryan(New York Jets)
2008:Tony Sparano(Miami Dolphins)
Team of Next Year:Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Previous Years:
2009:Miami Dolphins(Missed Playoffs)
2008:Green Bay Packers(Lost in Divisional Round against Arizona Cardinals)
Way-To-Early Predictions:
AFC East:New York Jets
AFC North:Baltimore Ravens
AFC South:Indianapolis Colts
AFC West:Kansas City Chiefs
Wild Card 1:New England Patriots
Wild Card 2:Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC East:New York Giants
NFC North:Green Bay Packers
NFC South:Atlanta Falcons
NFC West:St. Louis Rams
Wild Card 1:Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Wild Card 2:Detroit Lions
Wild Card Round:
Colts over Steelers
Chiefs over Patriots
Rams over Buccaneers
Giants over Lions
Divisional Round:
Jets over Chiefs
Colts over Ravens
Packers over Rams
Falcons over Lions
AFC Title Game:Jets over Colts
NFC Title Game:Packers over Falcons
Super Bowl XLVI:Jets over Packers
That's all for the 2010 NFL season. I don't know when my next NFL blog will be. It all depends on the CBA. Hopefully we'll be back soon though.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Super Bowl XLV Prediction
Well Super Bowl XLV is upon us. The match-up will feature the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's nice to see a battle between two classic NFL teams, something we haven't had in a long time. I'm going to breakdown the match-up for you.
Quarterbacks:Aaron Rodgers vs Ben Roethlisberger
Opinion:How ironic, my Number 1 QB entering the 2005 NFL draft and my number 1 QB entering the 2004 NFL draft. This is proof I know SOMETHING, right? What you have here are two QB's that got the job done in different ways throughout their careers. Big Ben was named starter in the Steelers 3rd game in 2004 and went 13-0 in the regular season before losing his first ever game to the Patriots in the 2005 AFC Title Game. The next season Big Ben lead the Steelers to the Super Bowl where they'd beat the Seahawks 21-10.
Since then, Big Ben has had some up and down years. 2006 began with tragedy as he crashed his motorcycle on a PA highway leading to a season where Pittsburgh finished 8-8 and Big Ben finished with 18 TDs and 23 INTs. In 2007 he bounced back and had his best season to date finishing with 3,154 yards, 32 TDs and 11 INTs. However, Pittsburgh stumbled in the first round with a lost to Jacksonville at home. 2008 came and so did another Super Bowl for Big Ben and the Steelers as they defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 in a season where Roethlisberger experienced mixed results but came up big on the last drive for Pittsburgh.
2009 would be a disappointing follow-up for Big Ben and the Steelers as they fell to 9-7 and failed to make the playoffs. Big Ben however improved his play that year with 26 TDs and 12 INTs. 2010, however was a roller coaster ride for Roethlisberger. In the Spring he was accused of another sexual assault case and was nearly traded by Pittsburgh. The result of it all was a 12-4 season and 17 TDs and 5 INTs for Roethlisberger.
The one thing I like about Roethlisberger is that he has great mobility and escapability. He is very Favre-like in that aspect, but a better overall passer than Favre. He can take shots and always comes up in the clutch. I'm not a fan off the field and I have a disdain for him(he's so lucky). However I do say that he's a Top 5 QB in this league.
Aaron Rodgers' journey is something vastly different. He was drafted in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by Green Bay to replace Brett Favre, who was believed to be retiring soon(HA!). I liked Aaron when he came out of Cal in 2004. He's always been a great leader that just seems to fall short due to things beyond his control(his 04 Cal team would've been National Champions if not for a great USC team in 2004). Rodgers sat behind Favre for 3 seasons and I believe that really helped him because he learned how not to throw dumb passes and how not to show your penis to a female over cell phone(ok I'll stop).
The first real glimpse I had of Rodgers in the NFL was against the Dallas Cowboys in 2007. Favre was hurt early in the game and Rodgers came in and rallied Green Bay back from a 17-point deficit only to fall short 37-27. After the 2008 NFC Title Game, Brett Favre "retired" and Rodgers looked set to new starting QB for the Green Bay Packers. He immediately made a huge impact on the field as he finished his first full season with 28 TDs and 13 INTs in 2008. However, Green Bay fell short of the playoffs.
In 2009, Rodgers posted career numbers with 30 TDs and 7 INTs. The end result however was a wild card outing by the Arizona Cardinals where Rodgers dueled against Kurt Warner in a 51-45 loss in overtime. The 11-5 campaign sparked Green Bay's momentum entering the 2010 season. Rodgers 2010 season was not as good as his 2009(he posted lower numbers in every QB category) and Green Bay's record in 2010 was not as good as it was in 2009(they finished 10-6). To show Rodgers' leadership on this team, they had lost to Detroit 7-3 in a game where Rodgers' got hurt and followed up the next week with a loss to the Patriots.
So the Packers entered Week 16 against the Giants(a team that was a blown lead away from having the NFC East won) and Rodgers lit them up for 404 yards and 4 TDs as Green Bay defeated New York 45-17. A win over the Bears the next week and playoff wins over Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Chicago have launched Green Bay and Rodgers to the big game. One of the things I like about Rodgers is that he, to me is a Tom Brady-like QB in the sense that he is a field general that can dictate the game and manipulate a defense into submission. He is up there with Roethlisberger as a Top 5 QB. However if I were to chose a QB entering this game, I would go with Roethlisberger simply for his experience, luck, and skill in clutch situations.
Winner:Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers
Score:Pittsburgh 1 Green Bay 0
Running Backs:James Starks vs Rashard Mendenhall
Talk about your clash of backs here. Starks was a lowly player from Buffalo who wasn't even expected to make a roster, whereas Mendenhall was a highly touted prospect from Illinois and one of my top backs in the 2008 NFL Draft. Mendenhall in his third year is having a lights out season with 1,681 yards and 17 TDs while Starks was just named starter 3 weeks ago for the game against Atlanta. Despite the inexperience he's been a good back for Green Bay. I prefer Mendenhall in this case, he's taken some heat from Big Ben and has been easily Pittsburgh's best back since Bettis.
Score:Pittsburgh 2 Green Bay 0
Wide Receivers:Donald Driver and Greg Jennings vs Mike Wallace and Hines Ward
I think Driver vs Ward is a more suitable match-up of receivers in general. Both are experienced leaders on this team and both have been key aspects on their respective teams for years. I prefer Ward in this situation over Driver because Hines has been key to the Steelers offense over the years and has been in a situation where a play called for him to win the game. That was the case in Super Bowl XL. I believe this is his last game and thus you're going to see Hines go all out and be key for the Steelers.
As for Jennings vs Wallace, I'd give the advantage to Jennings. Greg has been the main man on this Packers team particularly this year. Wallace has come in handy at times and had a good year but I'd take Jennings over him. To break this tie when looking at the other receivers(Jordy Nelson and James Jones for Green Bay against Antwaan Randel-El and Arnaz Battle) I'd have to take Green Bay's core. I think Randel-El isn't exactly the receiver he was in Super Bowl XL but I look for him to get to run that play again that clinched the game for Pittsburgh that year.
I've never been a fan of Arnaz Battle on terms of his play. For that, I feel Nelson and Jones, both of whom have played well are the superior talent.
Score:Pittsburgh 2 Green Bay 1
Offensive Lines:Pittsburgh vs Green Bay
Green Bay's line has held up well this year which is key to their success. Pittsburgh's however, I've never been a fan of, especially now that Pouncey's out. If Big Ben was a lighter person, he'd be the same as Marc Bulger is these days. His thickness coupled with his elusiveness has been very helpful. Otherwise, I don't think that Pittsburgh would be here.
Score:Green Bay 2 Pittsburgh 2
Defense:Pittsburgh vs Green Bay
You'll be seeing two teams that mirror each other defensively. They both run a 3-4 defense with great blitz packages. They're Number 1 and 2 on defense this season and they're equally matched. However, I think what gives an advantage to Pittsburgh is that they're a more experienced group with better coaching from Dick LeBeau. I think that will factor into whether or not Pittsburgh wins.
Score:Pittsburgh 3 Green Bay 2
Special Teams:Pittsburgh vs Green Bay
I still don't trust Shaun Suisham. Sure he's done a good job this year but I still see the same Redskins kicker that blew the Saints game in 09 and just flat out has been bad his whole career. Crosby has been very reliable for Green Bay in his career and I'd put more confidence in him. Masthay, in my opinion has been the better punter of the two between him and Kapinos and for that I'd trust him more due to his experience. I would go over the return teams but seeing as how Green Bay is up 2-0 with this as the only comparison left, they've already clinched it(I'm not lazy, I just think theirs no point and they're about even anyways).
Green Bay 3 Pittsburgh 3
Matchups
Green Bay's offense vs Pittsburgh's defense
That 2009 game between these two featured Green Bay's offense dominating Pittsburgh's defense. I don't believe, however that Troy Palamalu was playing in that one. I think while Green Bay's offensive line can hold Pittsburgh back, I also believe that Pittsburgh's defense can get enough pressure and their secondary can create turnovers on Rodgers.
Pittsburgh 4 Green Bay 3
Pittsburgh's offense vs Green Bay's defense
It's similar to the match-up above. Like I said the 09 game showed Pittsburgh moving at will on Green Bay. I see something similar to it. I think Pittsburgh's balance coupled with their match-ups(receivers vs secondarys and RB's vs LB's) gives them the advantage they need. However if Green Bay can get to Big Ben, they can win this. However for the moment, I'm going with Pittsburgh's offense.
Pittsburgh 5 Green Bay 3
Coaching:Mike Tomlin, Bruce Arians, and Dick LeBeau vs Mike McCarthy, Joe Philbin, and Dom Capers
The defensive coordinator match-ups intrigues me the most. These two are easily the best in the league. I, however take Dick LeBeau mainly because his experience in Super Bowl games(this will be his 5th Super Bowl; 4th with the Steelers) as a DC and the fact his defenses are better than Capers' defenses. On terms of offensive coordinators, I will give Pittsburgh credit for a great balanced offense and not the Air Coryell Steelers we've seen over the last few years.
Joe Philbin does call a great high-powered offense in Green Bay as well, but I feel that the balanced playcalling gives Pittsburgh the advantage here. Green Bay will win one match and thats the Head Coach battle. I feel that McCarthy is a better coach than Tomlin. I like Mike Tomlin and all but if they were to switch coordinators I don't think that Tomlin would have the success he's had. McCarthy may be unproven in Super Bowls but if you look at the turn around Green Bay has made since 2005, you have to give him all the credit in the world.
Final Score:Pittsburgh 6 Green Bay 3
Analysis:It's very odd, to me at least. When I put together the match-ups, it favors Pittsburgh, in my opinion. However my instinct(which is pretty reliable) tells me Green Bay. Logic dictates use your head, not your heart when making estimates. I'm going with Pittsburgh 27-17.
Facts, Theories, and Other Pointless Stuff:
*The team wearing road white has won every Super Bowl since Super Bowl XL.
*The team that won the prime time conference championship game has won every Super Bowl since Super Bowl XLI.
*Pittsburgh is making their 8th appearance in the Super Bowl, they're 6-1 entering this game.
*Green Bay is making their 5th appearance in the Super Bowl, they're 3-1 entering this game.
*Pittsburgh is 3-0 in Super Bowls when wearing white.
*Green Bay is 2-0 in Super Bowls when wearing green.
*Pittsburgh is making their first Super Bowl appearance since Super Bowl XLIII.
*Green Bay is making their first Super Bowl appearance since Super Bowl XXXVII.
*Aaron Rodgers is the third Green Bay QB to start a Super Bowl(Bart Starr in I and II, Brett Favre in XXXI and XXXII).
*Aaron Rodgers is also the third QB from UC-Berkeley to start a Super Bowl(Joe Kapp in IV and Craig Morton in XII). Cal QB's are 0-2 entering this game.
*Ben Roethlisberger is the only QB from Miami University to ever play in a Super Bowl and because of that they're 2-0.
*Mike McCarthy was born in Pittsburgh and grew up as a Steelers fan.
*Green Bay enters the game with 13 NFL titles(most in the league).
*Neither Head Coach ever played in the NFL.
*Dick LeBeau was Green Bay's DB coach from 1976 to 1979.
*This is the first Super Bowl between two classic(pre-1958 NFL title game) teams since Super Bowl since Super Bowl XLI(Indianapolis vs Chicago). This is the 3rd such match(other being L.A. Rams vs Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XIV).
*This is the first time that the Dallas Cowboys have hosted the Super Bowl(on terms of stadium).
*This is the third Super Bowl played in the state of Texas(Super Bowls VIII and XXXVII).
*The NFC leads the AFC 23-21 in wins.
*The team I picked to win the Super Bowl holds a record of 5-8 in the Super Bowl. Be scared Pittsburgh fans, although it was the Steelers that killed the "Joey Basford Super Bowl Jinx(TM)" in Super Bowl XLIII.
That's all for now. Enjoy the big game on Sunday. It may be the last time we see the NFL for a while. Oh and with Pittsburgh winning I'm going with Ben Roethlisberger as the MVP. Enjoy the game Sunday night.
Quarterbacks:Aaron Rodgers vs Ben Roethlisberger
Opinion:How ironic, my Number 1 QB entering the 2005 NFL draft and my number 1 QB entering the 2004 NFL draft. This is proof I know SOMETHING, right? What you have here are two QB's that got the job done in different ways throughout their careers. Big Ben was named starter in the Steelers 3rd game in 2004 and went 13-0 in the regular season before losing his first ever game to the Patriots in the 2005 AFC Title Game. The next season Big Ben lead the Steelers to the Super Bowl where they'd beat the Seahawks 21-10.
Since then, Big Ben has had some up and down years. 2006 began with tragedy as he crashed his motorcycle on a PA highway leading to a season where Pittsburgh finished 8-8 and Big Ben finished with 18 TDs and 23 INTs. In 2007 he bounced back and had his best season to date finishing with 3,154 yards, 32 TDs and 11 INTs. However, Pittsburgh stumbled in the first round with a lost to Jacksonville at home. 2008 came and so did another Super Bowl for Big Ben and the Steelers as they defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 in a season where Roethlisberger experienced mixed results but came up big on the last drive for Pittsburgh.
2009 would be a disappointing follow-up for Big Ben and the Steelers as they fell to 9-7 and failed to make the playoffs. Big Ben however improved his play that year with 26 TDs and 12 INTs. 2010, however was a roller coaster ride for Roethlisberger. In the Spring he was accused of another sexual assault case and was nearly traded by Pittsburgh. The result of it all was a 12-4 season and 17 TDs and 5 INTs for Roethlisberger.
The one thing I like about Roethlisberger is that he has great mobility and escapability. He is very Favre-like in that aspect, but a better overall passer than Favre. He can take shots and always comes up in the clutch. I'm not a fan off the field and I have a disdain for him(he's so lucky). However I do say that he's a Top 5 QB in this league.
Aaron Rodgers' journey is something vastly different. He was drafted in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by Green Bay to replace Brett Favre, who was believed to be retiring soon(HA!). I liked Aaron when he came out of Cal in 2004. He's always been a great leader that just seems to fall short due to things beyond his control(his 04 Cal team would've been National Champions if not for a great USC team in 2004). Rodgers sat behind Favre for 3 seasons and I believe that really helped him because he learned how not to throw dumb passes and how not to show your penis to a female over cell phone(ok I'll stop).
The first real glimpse I had of Rodgers in the NFL was against the Dallas Cowboys in 2007. Favre was hurt early in the game and Rodgers came in and rallied Green Bay back from a 17-point deficit only to fall short 37-27. After the 2008 NFC Title Game, Brett Favre "retired" and Rodgers looked set to new starting QB for the Green Bay Packers. He immediately made a huge impact on the field as he finished his first full season with 28 TDs and 13 INTs in 2008. However, Green Bay fell short of the playoffs.
In 2009, Rodgers posted career numbers with 30 TDs and 7 INTs. The end result however was a wild card outing by the Arizona Cardinals where Rodgers dueled against Kurt Warner in a 51-45 loss in overtime. The 11-5 campaign sparked Green Bay's momentum entering the 2010 season. Rodgers 2010 season was not as good as his 2009(he posted lower numbers in every QB category) and Green Bay's record in 2010 was not as good as it was in 2009(they finished 10-6). To show Rodgers' leadership on this team, they had lost to Detroit 7-3 in a game where Rodgers' got hurt and followed up the next week with a loss to the Patriots.
So the Packers entered Week 16 against the Giants(a team that was a blown lead away from having the NFC East won) and Rodgers lit them up for 404 yards and 4 TDs as Green Bay defeated New York 45-17. A win over the Bears the next week and playoff wins over Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Chicago have launched Green Bay and Rodgers to the big game. One of the things I like about Rodgers is that he, to me is a Tom Brady-like QB in the sense that he is a field general that can dictate the game and manipulate a defense into submission. He is up there with Roethlisberger as a Top 5 QB. However if I were to chose a QB entering this game, I would go with Roethlisberger simply for his experience, luck, and skill in clutch situations.
Winner:Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers
Score:Pittsburgh 1 Green Bay 0
Running Backs:James Starks vs Rashard Mendenhall
Talk about your clash of backs here. Starks was a lowly player from Buffalo who wasn't even expected to make a roster, whereas Mendenhall was a highly touted prospect from Illinois and one of my top backs in the 2008 NFL Draft. Mendenhall in his third year is having a lights out season with 1,681 yards and 17 TDs while Starks was just named starter 3 weeks ago for the game against Atlanta. Despite the inexperience he's been a good back for Green Bay. I prefer Mendenhall in this case, he's taken some heat from Big Ben and has been easily Pittsburgh's best back since Bettis.
Score:Pittsburgh 2 Green Bay 0
Wide Receivers:Donald Driver and Greg Jennings vs Mike Wallace and Hines Ward
I think Driver vs Ward is a more suitable match-up of receivers in general. Both are experienced leaders on this team and both have been key aspects on their respective teams for years. I prefer Ward in this situation over Driver because Hines has been key to the Steelers offense over the years and has been in a situation where a play called for him to win the game. That was the case in Super Bowl XL. I believe this is his last game and thus you're going to see Hines go all out and be key for the Steelers.
As for Jennings vs Wallace, I'd give the advantage to Jennings. Greg has been the main man on this Packers team particularly this year. Wallace has come in handy at times and had a good year but I'd take Jennings over him. To break this tie when looking at the other receivers(Jordy Nelson and James Jones for Green Bay against Antwaan Randel-El and Arnaz Battle) I'd have to take Green Bay's core. I think Randel-El isn't exactly the receiver he was in Super Bowl XL but I look for him to get to run that play again that clinched the game for Pittsburgh that year.
I've never been a fan of Arnaz Battle on terms of his play. For that, I feel Nelson and Jones, both of whom have played well are the superior talent.
Score:Pittsburgh 2 Green Bay 1
Offensive Lines:Pittsburgh vs Green Bay
Green Bay's line has held up well this year which is key to their success. Pittsburgh's however, I've never been a fan of, especially now that Pouncey's out. If Big Ben was a lighter person, he'd be the same as Marc Bulger is these days. His thickness coupled with his elusiveness has been very helpful. Otherwise, I don't think that Pittsburgh would be here.
Score:Green Bay 2 Pittsburgh 2
Defense:Pittsburgh vs Green Bay
You'll be seeing two teams that mirror each other defensively. They both run a 3-4 defense with great blitz packages. They're Number 1 and 2 on defense this season and they're equally matched. However, I think what gives an advantage to Pittsburgh is that they're a more experienced group with better coaching from Dick LeBeau. I think that will factor into whether or not Pittsburgh wins.
Score:Pittsburgh 3 Green Bay 2
Special Teams:Pittsburgh vs Green Bay
I still don't trust Shaun Suisham. Sure he's done a good job this year but I still see the same Redskins kicker that blew the Saints game in 09 and just flat out has been bad his whole career. Crosby has been very reliable for Green Bay in his career and I'd put more confidence in him. Masthay, in my opinion has been the better punter of the two between him and Kapinos and for that I'd trust him more due to his experience. I would go over the return teams but seeing as how Green Bay is up 2-0 with this as the only comparison left, they've already clinched it(I'm not lazy, I just think theirs no point and they're about even anyways).
Green Bay 3 Pittsburgh 3
Matchups
Green Bay's offense vs Pittsburgh's defense
That 2009 game between these two featured Green Bay's offense dominating Pittsburgh's defense. I don't believe, however that Troy Palamalu was playing in that one. I think while Green Bay's offensive line can hold Pittsburgh back, I also believe that Pittsburgh's defense can get enough pressure and their secondary can create turnovers on Rodgers.
Pittsburgh 4 Green Bay 3
Pittsburgh's offense vs Green Bay's defense
It's similar to the match-up above. Like I said the 09 game showed Pittsburgh moving at will on Green Bay. I see something similar to it. I think Pittsburgh's balance coupled with their match-ups(receivers vs secondarys and RB's vs LB's) gives them the advantage they need. However if Green Bay can get to Big Ben, they can win this. However for the moment, I'm going with Pittsburgh's offense.
Pittsburgh 5 Green Bay 3
Coaching:Mike Tomlin, Bruce Arians, and Dick LeBeau vs Mike McCarthy, Joe Philbin, and Dom Capers
The defensive coordinator match-ups intrigues me the most. These two are easily the best in the league. I, however take Dick LeBeau mainly because his experience in Super Bowl games(this will be his 5th Super Bowl; 4th with the Steelers) as a DC and the fact his defenses are better than Capers' defenses. On terms of offensive coordinators, I will give Pittsburgh credit for a great balanced offense and not the Air Coryell Steelers we've seen over the last few years.
Joe Philbin does call a great high-powered offense in Green Bay as well, but I feel that the balanced playcalling gives Pittsburgh the advantage here. Green Bay will win one match and thats the Head Coach battle. I feel that McCarthy is a better coach than Tomlin. I like Mike Tomlin and all but if they were to switch coordinators I don't think that Tomlin would have the success he's had. McCarthy may be unproven in Super Bowls but if you look at the turn around Green Bay has made since 2005, you have to give him all the credit in the world.
Final Score:Pittsburgh 6 Green Bay 3
Analysis:It's very odd, to me at least. When I put together the match-ups, it favors Pittsburgh, in my opinion. However my instinct(which is pretty reliable) tells me Green Bay. Logic dictates use your head, not your heart when making estimates. I'm going with Pittsburgh 27-17.
Facts, Theories, and Other Pointless Stuff:
*The team wearing road white has won every Super Bowl since Super Bowl XL.
*The team that won the prime time conference championship game has won every Super Bowl since Super Bowl XLI.
*Pittsburgh is making their 8th appearance in the Super Bowl, they're 6-1 entering this game.
*Green Bay is making their 5th appearance in the Super Bowl, they're 3-1 entering this game.
*Pittsburgh is 3-0 in Super Bowls when wearing white.
*Green Bay is 2-0 in Super Bowls when wearing green.
*Pittsburgh is making their first Super Bowl appearance since Super Bowl XLIII.
*Green Bay is making their first Super Bowl appearance since Super Bowl XXXVII.
*Aaron Rodgers is the third Green Bay QB to start a Super Bowl(Bart Starr in I and II, Brett Favre in XXXI and XXXII).
*Aaron Rodgers is also the third QB from UC-Berkeley to start a Super Bowl(Joe Kapp in IV and Craig Morton in XII). Cal QB's are 0-2 entering this game.
*Ben Roethlisberger is the only QB from Miami University to ever play in a Super Bowl and because of that they're 2-0.
*Mike McCarthy was born in Pittsburgh and grew up as a Steelers fan.
*Green Bay enters the game with 13 NFL titles(most in the league).
*Neither Head Coach ever played in the NFL.
*Dick LeBeau was Green Bay's DB coach from 1976 to 1979.
*This is the first Super Bowl between two classic(pre-1958 NFL title game) teams since Super Bowl since Super Bowl XLI(Indianapolis vs Chicago). This is the 3rd such match(other being L.A. Rams vs Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XIV).
*This is the first time that the Dallas Cowboys have hosted the Super Bowl(on terms of stadium).
*This is the third Super Bowl played in the state of Texas(Super Bowls VIII and XXXVII).
*The NFC leads the AFC 23-21 in wins.
*The team I picked to win the Super Bowl holds a record of 5-8 in the Super Bowl. Be scared Pittsburgh fans, although it was the Steelers that killed the "Joey Basford Super Bowl Jinx(TM)" in Super Bowl XLIII.
That's all for now. Enjoy the big game on Sunday. It may be the last time we see the NFL for a while. Oh and with Pittsburgh winning I'm going with Ben Roethlisberger as the MVP. Enjoy the game Sunday night.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
College Football Final
The 2010 College Football season is over and usually I give out my awards and name my National Champion for the year along with a final y25. However due to my stupidity I neglected to save the status of my rankings and can only recall the Top 5. So here are the Top 5 teams in 2010.
1.Auburn 14-0(SEC)
2.TCU 13-0(Mountain West)
3.Ohio State 12-1(Big Ten)
4.Boise State 12-1(WAC)
5.Stanford 12-1(Pac 10)
I do recall some of the Final y25. The SEC did have the most teams ranked and thus is the 2010 conference champions along with holding the 2010 y25 Champs Auburn Tigers. Here are my awards for the season. Usually the Top 5 teams would be ranked entering 2011 but that is not the case. Auburn will begin the season Number 1 and teams 2-25 will be selected prior to the start of the 2011 season.
Conference of the Year:SEC(5)
Previous Champions:
2009:SEC
2008:Big XII
2007:Big XII
2006:SEC
2005:SEC
2004:SEC
2003:Big XII
Worst Team of the Year:San Jose State 1-12(WAC)
Previous Years:
2009:Eastern Michigan 0-12(MAC)
2008:Washington 0-12(Pac 10)
2007:Duke and Minnesota 1-11(ACC and Big Ten)
2006:Duke and Florida International 0-12(ACC and Sun Belt)
2005:New Mexico State 0-12(WAC)
2004:UCF 0-11(C-USA)
2003:SMU 0-11(C-USA)
Best Regular Season Game of the Year:Auburn vs Alabama
Previous Years:
2009:Oregon vs Arizona
2008:Texas vs Texas Tech
2007:Appalachian State vs Michigan
2006:Michigan vs Ohio State
2005:Fresno State vs USC
2004:Notre Dame vs Tennessee
2003:USC vs Cal
Best Bowl Game of the Year:Wisconsin vs TCU(Rose Bowl)
Previous Years:
2009:Bowling Green vs Idaho(Humanitarian Bowl)
2008:Ohio State vs Texas(Fiesta Bowl)
2007:Michigan vs Florida(Capital One Bowl)
2006:Boise State vs Oklahoma(Fiesta Bowl)
2005:Texas vs USC(Rose Bowl)
2004:Texas vs Michigan(Rose Bowl)
2003:TCU vs Boise State(Fort Worth Bowl)
Worst Game of the Year:Can't Give Out Award, no game qualifies
Previous Years:
2009:Oklahoma State vs Ole Miss
2008:Auburn vs Mississippi State
Player of the Year:Cam Newton QB Auburn
Previous Years:
2009:Kellen Moore QB Boise State
2008:Colt McCoy QB Texas
2007:Colt Brennan QB Hawaii
2006:Troy Smith QB Ohio State
2005:Reggie Bush HB USC
2004:Matt Leinart QB USC
2003:Matt Leinart QB USC
Disappointment of the Year:Florida and Texas
Previous Years:
2009:Ole Miss and Oklahoma State
2008:Wisconsin
2007:Michigan
2006:Notre Dame
2005:Tennessee
2004:Ohio State
2003:Pittsburgh
Looking Back(2010 Predictions)
ACC Championship:Miami over Boston College
Big East:UCONN
Big Ten:Iowa
Big XII Championship:Oklahoma over Nebraska
Pac 10:Oregon
SEC Championship:Florida over Arkansas
BCS Bowls:
BCS National Title Game:Florida(#1) over Oklahoma(#2)
Rose Bowl:Iowa(Big Ten Champ) over Oregon(Pac 10 Champ)
Fiesta Bowl:Texas(At-Large) over Virginia Tech(At-Large)
Sugar Bowl:Alabama(At-Large) over Ohio State(At-Large)
Orange Bowl:Miami(ACC Champ) over UCONN(Big East Champ)
Heisman Winner:Trent Richardson
...Ouch...I guess I should've done more homework. Although I did get it half right on terms of conferences. Miami was highly touted entering the year but Shannon just couldn't get over the proverbial ACC Coastal speed bump that plagued his run there. Boston College just had no athletes which cost them a lot of games offensively. Although not shown I got UCONN winning the Big East and their exact record correct.
Iowa was very close but couldn't finish out games. The OU/NU game was channeled to me from the very beginning and was the best possible ending to the Big XII. It was a foregone conclusion to me that Oregon would win the Pac 10 with USC down and having Stanford at home. Florida would've been killed by Arky had they played...like all other UF losses. I was very surprised by the emergence of Wisconsin and Auburn onto the scene this year as my y25 in August will show below.
1.Alabama(SEC) 10-3
2.Ohio State(Big Ten) 12-1
3.Florida(SEC) 8-5
4.Boise State(WAC) 12-1
5.Texas(Big XII) 5-7
6.TCU(MWC) 13-0
7.Oklahoma(Big XII) 11-2
8.Virginia Tech(ACC) 11-3
9.Nebraska(Big XII) 10-4
10.Iowa(Big Ten) 8-5
11.Oregon(Pac 10) 12-1
12.Wisconsin(Big Ten) 11-2
13.Miami(ACC) 7-6
14.Pittsburgh(Big East) 8-5
15.Georgia Tech(ACC)6-7
16.Penn State(Big Ten) 7-6
17.North Carolina(ACC) 8-5
18.Arkansas(SEC) 10-3
19.LSU(SEC) 11-2
20.Florida State(ACC) 10-4
21.Georgia(SEC) 6-7
22.Auburn(SEC) 14-0
23.Oregon State(Pac 10) 5-7
24.West Virginia(Big East) 9-4
25.Cincinnati(Big East) 4-8
Cincy is easily the worst team on there. Auburn being the most underrated and Texas being the most overrated. But thats the polling system for you. Uncertainty til October.
Here are My Way Too Early Predictions for 2011:
ACC:Florida State over North Carolina
Big XII:Oklahoma
Big East:Syracuse
Big Ten:Ohio State over Nebraska
Pac 12:Oregon over Utah
SEC:LSU over Tennessee
BCS Buster:Boise State
That's all for 2010, we'll see you in September.
1.Auburn 14-0(SEC)
2.TCU 13-0(Mountain West)
3.Ohio State 12-1(Big Ten)
4.Boise State 12-1(WAC)
5.Stanford 12-1(Pac 10)
I do recall some of the Final y25. The SEC did have the most teams ranked and thus is the 2010 conference champions along with holding the 2010 y25 Champs Auburn Tigers. Here are my awards for the season. Usually the Top 5 teams would be ranked entering 2011 but that is not the case. Auburn will begin the season Number 1 and teams 2-25 will be selected prior to the start of the 2011 season.
Conference of the Year:SEC(5)
Previous Champions:
2009:SEC
2008:Big XII
2007:Big XII
2006:SEC
2005:SEC
2004:SEC
2003:Big XII
Worst Team of the Year:San Jose State 1-12(WAC)
Previous Years:
2009:Eastern Michigan 0-12(MAC)
2008:Washington 0-12(Pac 10)
2007:Duke and Minnesota 1-11(ACC and Big Ten)
2006:Duke and Florida International 0-12(ACC and Sun Belt)
2005:New Mexico State 0-12(WAC)
2004:UCF 0-11(C-USA)
2003:SMU 0-11(C-USA)
Best Regular Season Game of the Year:Auburn vs Alabama
Previous Years:
2009:Oregon vs Arizona
2008:Texas vs Texas Tech
2007:Appalachian State vs Michigan
2006:Michigan vs Ohio State
2005:Fresno State vs USC
2004:Notre Dame vs Tennessee
2003:USC vs Cal
Best Bowl Game of the Year:Wisconsin vs TCU(Rose Bowl)
Previous Years:
2009:Bowling Green vs Idaho(Humanitarian Bowl)
2008:Ohio State vs Texas(Fiesta Bowl)
2007:Michigan vs Florida(Capital One Bowl)
2006:Boise State vs Oklahoma(Fiesta Bowl)
2005:Texas vs USC(Rose Bowl)
2004:Texas vs Michigan(Rose Bowl)
2003:TCU vs Boise State(Fort Worth Bowl)
Worst Game of the Year:Can't Give Out Award, no game qualifies
Previous Years:
2009:Oklahoma State vs Ole Miss
2008:Auburn vs Mississippi State
Player of the Year:Cam Newton QB Auburn
Previous Years:
2009:Kellen Moore QB Boise State
2008:Colt McCoy QB Texas
2007:Colt Brennan QB Hawaii
2006:Troy Smith QB Ohio State
2005:Reggie Bush HB USC
2004:Matt Leinart QB USC
2003:Matt Leinart QB USC
Disappointment of the Year:Florida and Texas
Previous Years:
2009:Ole Miss and Oklahoma State
2008:Wisconsin
2007:Michigan
2006:Notre Dame
2005:Tennessee
2004:Ohio State
2003:Pittsburgh
Looking Back(2010 Predictions)
ACC Championship:Miami over Boston College
Big East:UCONN
Big Ten:Iowa
Big XII Championship:Oklahoma over Nebraska
Pac 10:Oregon
SEC Championship:Florida over Arkansas
BCS Bowls:
BCS National Title Game:Florida(#1) over Oklahoma(#2)
Rose Bowl:Iowa(Big Ten Champ) over Oregon(Pac 10 Champ)
Fiesta Bowl:Texas(At-Large) over Virginia Tech(At-Large)
Sugar Bowl:Alabama(At-Large) over Ohio State(At-Large)
Orange Bowl:Miami(ACC Champ) over UCONN(Big East Champ)
Heisman Winner:Trent Richardson
...Ouch...I guess I should've done more homework. Although I did get it half right on terms of conferences. Miami was highly touted entering the year but Shannon just couldn't get over the proverbial ACC Coastal speed bump that plagued his run there. Boston College just had no athletes which cost them a lot of games offensively. Although not shown I got UCONN winning the Big East and their exact record correct.
Iowa was very close but couldn't finish out games. The OU/NU game was channeled to me from the very beginning and was the best possible ending to the Big XII. It was a foregone conclusion to me that Oregon would win the Pac 10 with USC down and having Stanford at home. Florida would've been killed by Arky had they played...like all other UF losses. I was very surprised by the emergence of Wisconsin and Auburn onto the scene this year as my y25 in August will show below.
1.Alabama(SEC) 10-3
2.Ohio State(Big Ten) 12-1
3.Florida(SEC) 8-5
4.Boise State(WAC) 12-1
5.Texas(Big XII) 5-7
6.TCU(MWC) 13-0
7.Oklahoma(Big XII) 11-2
8.Virginia Tech(ACC) 11-3
9.Nebraska(Big XII) 10-4
10.Iowa(Big Ten) 8-5
11.Oregon(Pac 10) 12-1
12.Wisconsin(Big Ten) 11-2
13.Miami(ACC) 7-6
14.Pittsburgh(Big East) 8-5
15.Georgia Tech(ACC)6-7
16.Penn State(Big Ten) 7-6
17.North Carolina(ACC) 8-5
18.Arkansas(SEC) 10-3
19.LSU(SEC) 11-2
20.Florida State(ACC) 10-4
21.Georgia(SEC) 6-7
22.Auburn(SEC) 14-0
23.Oregon State(Pac 10) 5-7
24.West Virginia(Big East) 9-4
25.Cincinnati(Big East) 4-8
Cincy is easily the worst team on there. Auburn being the most underrated and Texas being the most overrated. But thats the polling system for you. Uncertainty til October.
Here are My Way Too Early Predictions for 2011:
ACC:Florida State over North Carolina
Big XII:Oklahoma
Big East:Syracuse
Big Ten:Ohio State over Nebraska
Pac 12:Oregon over Utah
SEC:LSU over Tennessee
BCS Buster:Boise State
That's all for 2010, we'll see you in September.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
NFL Playoff Predictions
The 2010 regular season has wrapped up and we now begin the playoffs. Here are my predictions.
Wild Card Round:
AFC:
Jets over Colts
Ravens over Chiefs
NFC:
Saints over Seahawks
Eagles over Packers
Divisional Round:
AFC:
Patriots over Jets
Ravens over Steelers
NFC:
Falcons over Saints
Eagles over Bears
AFC Title Game:Patriots over Ravens
NFC Title Game:Eagles over Falcons
Super Bowl XLV:Patriots over Eagles
Wild Card Round:
AFC:
Jets over Colts
Ravens over Chiefs
NFC:
Saints over Seahawks
Eagles over Packers
Divisional Round:
AFC:
Patriots over Jets
Ravens over Steelers
NFC:
Falcons over Saints
Eagles over Bears
AFC Title Game:Patriots over Ravens
NFC Title Game:Eagles over Falcons
Super Bowl XLV:Patriots over Eagles
Sunday, December 5, 2010
y25 with expanded standings(38 teams remaining)
The Top 25 has new faces and now next to the record you can see how many points have been accumulated by each team.
1.Auburn 13-0 63
2.TCU 12-0 47
3.Oregon 12-0 31
4.Michigan State 11-1 48
5.Wisconsin 11-1 43
6.Ohio State 11-1 41
7.Boise State 11-1 41
8.Stanford 11-1 25
9.Nevada 11-1 21
10.Missouri 10-2 46
11.LSU 10-2 41
12.Arkansas 10-2 37
13.Oklahoma State 10-2 36
14.Virginia Tech 10-2 34
15.Utah 10-2 22
16.Texas A&M 9-3 33
17.Alabama 9-3 28
18.Nebraska 10-3 18
19.Hawaii 10-3 18
20.West Virginia 9-3 13
21.Tulsa 9-3 4
22.Navy 8-3 2
23.Northern Illinois 10-3 -1
24.UCF 10-3 -2
25.South Carolina 9-4 24
1.Auburn 13-0 63
2.TCU 12-0 47
3.Oregon 12-0 31
4.Michigan State 11-1 48
5.Wisconsin 11-1 43
6.Ohio State 11-1 41
7.Boise State 11-1 41
8.Stanford 11-1 25
9.Nevada 11-1 21
10.Missouri 10-2 46
11.LSU 10-2 41
12.Arkansas 10-2 37
13.Oklahoma State 10-2 36
14.Virginia Tech 10-2 34
15.Utah 10-2 22
16.Texas A&M 9-3 33
17.Alabama 9-3 28
18.Nebraska 10-3 18
19.Hawaii 10-3 18
20.West Virginia 9-3 13
21.Tulsa 9-3 4
22.Navy 8-3 2
23.Northern Illinois 10-3 -1
24.UCF 10-3 -2
25.South Carolina 9-4 24
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