Game of Week #9: Duke 10 -- Vandy 7

I gotta pick this one as my game of the week. Normally, one might think the only time these teams would be given that distinction is when Dick Vitale is calling the game on tv and Coach K is walking the sidelines. But the times are changing. These academic schools have always been known as the weaklings of their respective powerhouse football conferences. However, two good coaches are trying to change that. Vanderbilt's Coach Bobby Johnson and Duke's Coach David Cutcliffe are battling recruitment obstacles and trying to build good teams.

This was an ugly game in many ways, filled with sacks, turnovers, and missed field goals. But we can also choose to look at that score and pretend both sides played stellar defense. Either way, it's a great for Duke to get a victory on the road against an SEC team. And for Vanderbilt, at least it's nice that they've come far enough that we can call this an upset.

Duke is now 4-3 and on the verge of a non-losing season. That would be an amazing feat that even former coach Steve Spurrier would have to admire. As for Vandy, with the loss they fall to 5-3, including 3 losses in a row after opening up 5-0. Vanderbilt has not been to a bowl game in 25 years. Can they get one more win?

JBCS Rankings II

No change in my top 2 this week. But I'm bumping Georgia and Penn State up one spot each after impressive wins. I moved Texas Tech up to #5 after watching them actually play some good defense on the road against Kansas, while still bringing their usual offense showcase. With a home game against Texas this Saturday, their fate is truly in their own hands and I'd love to see them win. Also I'm putting Oklahoma State ahead of Oklahoma because they played Texas much tighter and they also did it on the road. It's amazing how good that Big 12 South is this year.

LSU drops off the list after losing at home to Georgia. In their place is non-BCS conference Boise State. They're undefeated and actually have a track record of belonging in elite company after their shocking 2006 Fiesta Bowl win. Finally, watch for the Florida Gators at #9. This is a make-or-break week. A win over Georgia moves them way up. But if they lose, they're likely gone from my top 10.

1. ALABAMA
2. TEXAS
3. GEORGIA
4. PENN STATE
5. TEXAS TECH
6. OKLAHOMA STATE
7. OKLAHOMA
8. SOUTHERN CAL
9. FLORIDA
10. BOISE STATE

Heisman Watch II

A couple of weeks ago I listed my Heisman contenders as Missouri QB Chase Daniel, Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford, BYU QB Max Hall, and Michigan State RB Javon Ringer.

Things sure do change fast in college football. Max Hall is definitely out of the mix and Chase Daniel now needs a big finish to get back in it. And how can you not respect the QB-WR duo putting up incredible numbers for Texas Tech?

So my list as of right now looks like this:

Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell
Texas QB Colt McCoy
Michigan State RB Javon Ringer
Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford
Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree

High School Football: Barron Collier 28 -- East Lee County 18

We live very close to East Lee County High School, which is located in Lehigh Acres, FL. In fact, on a home game Friday night, we can hear the Jaguars' PA announcer loud and clear from our driveway. That's pretty cool. But I thought it'd be even better to take the kids to a game before the season ended. I waited until 6:30pm (one hour before kickoff) to make the call about this game. Though it had been rainy here all day, the rain had stopped by now and the late afternoon sky had even turned colorful as some sun started to peek through the clouds. Why not? So I packed some necessities and we headed to the game.


I could see the weather (or perhaps lack of interest by the students on a day off from school) had kept most fans away. The crowd was small. Visiting Barron Collier High School from Naples actually appeared to bring more fans and supplied the game's only band.



By kickoff the rain had unfortunately returned and weather would dominate the game. Jaguar junior RB James Holland's 70 yard touchdown kickoff return on a sloppy field was the highlight of the night for the home team. However, Barron's offense was far superior and senior RB Quin Thornton was the best player on the field rushing for 200 yards with both a rushing and a receiving TD. East Lee did keep the game competitive and used turnovers and special teams to hang around to the end.



The same could not be said of us. We finally left halfway through the 4th quarter thoroughly soaked. I figured the outcome was decided and we'd gotten our $8 worth for parking and admission. I think the kids actually more enjoyed the game because of the added element of playing in the rain -- both on and off the field! And thankfully being wet to the bones in SW Florida on a muggy October night is not a problem. In fact, it felt pretty good. I bet even the players agreed last night.

Week #9

Another sub-par week last week at 2-3. George Washington is steadily catching up as I continue to slide. I think as we get into the meat of the season, I'm making the class amateur mistake by picking with my heart. So with that lesson in mind, here goes as I look to get back in the win column with 5 games from week 9.

Illinois (-2.5) at Wisconsin -- MY PICK: ILLINOIS, GEORGE'S: ILLINOIS; The Badgers season is sinking fast after losses to Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State. I expect it to continue, even at home. Look for a big game from Illini QB Juice Williams.

Ole Miss(-6.5) at Arkansas -- MY PICK: OLE MISS, GEORGE'S: ARKANSAS; I wish the line wasn't so high here. Though I have every reason to go with the Rebels, it is a road game afterall. Ole Miss is coming off a close loss to Alabama. Coach Houston Nutt will make sure his boys win this one.

Alabama (-5) at Tennessee -- MY PICK: ALABAMA, GEORGE'S: TENNESSEE; The oddsmakers are giving too much respect to the home field edge at famed Neyland Stadium. Coach Phil Fulmer may be fighting to keep his job. But Alabama is just too good. This one could be a blowout.

Texas Tech (+1) at Kansas -- MY PICK: KANSAS, GEORGE'S: TEXAS TECH; Looks like I've taken an attachment to this Kansas team. They are very flawed, especially on defense. But I am impressed by the way they can put up points. So too can Texas Tech. This will be a shootout. I'll take the home team.

Notre Dame (-10) at Washington -- MY PICK: WASHINGTON, GEORGE'S: WASHINGTON; I could see the Fighting Irish finding a way to win this one. Washington is very young and not that good. They haven't even won a game yet. But it's a home game and a long road trip for Notre Dame. If there is justice, Coach Ty Willingham gets revenge for his unjust firing. I think that's reason enough to think this one will be close.

JTB YEARLY RECORD: 24-15-1
GW YEARLY RECORD: 17-22-1

JBCS Rankings I

With the official release of the year's first BCS standings, this week I release my own top 10 positions in the race for the National Championship. I'll call it the JBCS. Original, I know. But I will differ in one regard. I'm putting Alabama at the top of my list. As long as they're undefeated and they play in the SEC, the Crimson Tide is #1 to me. Winning on national TV at Georgia might just be the best win any team has had this year. As for Texas, I don't mean any disrespect. Wins over Oklahoma State and Texas Tech in the next two weeks will more than prove their worth. In fact, though I think everyone will have 1 loss in the end, but the Longhorns have the best chance at running the table.

1. ALABAMA
2. TEXAS
3. OKLAHOMA STATE
4. GEORGIA
5. PENN STATE
6. OKLAHOMA
7. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
8. TEXAS TECH
9. FLORIDA
10. LOUISIANA STATE

Game of Week #8: Tulsa 77 -- UTEP 35

Man I wish I had seen this game! It's not everyday that you get to watch a game that features 112 points of scoring. And the loser usually doesn't score 5 TD's and also get blown out in the same game. Tulsa amassed an incredibly 791 yards of offense, including 434 yards passing from QB David Johnson. Amazingly, this game was actually tied 28-28 after the 1st quarter before the onslaught began.

Week #8

I'm coming off my first losing week of the season. The difference maker was Florida winning over LSU, however, so I'm ok with that. But it's time to make up for it this week big time.

So here's a look at my 5 games from week 8.

Missouri (+4) at Texas -- MY PICK: MIZZOU, GEORGE'S: MIZZOU; I say Texas chokes with the pressure of being #1. Mizzou is coming off a loss and QB Chase Daniel will love playing before a homestate Texas crowd. Everyone is going to have a loss by the time this thing is over with.

Kansas(+20) at Oklahoma -- MY PICK: KANSAS, GEORGE'S: KANSAS; I think Oklahoma wins in a shootout. Kansas can score, especially if they get the ball to WR Dezmon Briscoe! Give me the 20 points, even in Norman.

Ohio State (-3.5) at Michigan State -- MY PICK: MICH STATE, GEORGE'S: OHIO STATE; Please let the Spartans hand Ohio State a second loss so we are spared any nightmare scenario of seeing them in the Championship game once again. Look for a lot of RB Javon Ringer who could emerge as a Heisman hopeful with this gamn.

Miami (-3) at Duke -- MY PICK: MIAMI, GEORGE'S: MIAMI; Coach David Cutcliffe will make Duke a better team. He's already seen them win a conference game for the first time in 2 years. But I expect Miami to bounce back from a bitter loss to Florida State. It's time for much-heralded Miami QB Robert Marve to emerge as something other than mediocre.

Virginia Tech (+2.5) at Boston College -- MY PICK: VA TECH, GEORGE'S: BOSTON COLLEGE; Look for the Hokies to get revenge for last year's heartbreaking loss to Matt Ryan and BC. I don't trust their offense and unsettling QB situation but Va Tech's defense and special teams can win games on their own.

JTB YEARLY RECORD: 22-12-1
GW YEARLY RECORD: 13-21-1

Game of Week #7: Florida 51 -- LSU 21

I can't resist. I know CBS Sports was hoping for better when they made this their annual Saturday night game. But the blowout was sweet for me.

If not for a stupid 1 point, missed extra-point loss to Ole Miss, Florida may very well be the #1 team in the nation right now. I'm not sure they'd deserve that distinction. But if Coach Urban Meyer turns the ship around, this will be the game that did it.

The Gators dominated in every facet of the game. QB Tim Tebow looked sharp, especially with his right arm. WR/RB Percy Harvin showed why he is the most explosive player in college football. And the Florida defense finally looked they have a chance to compete for the SEC title this year.

With apologies to Texas-Oklahoma....chomp, chomp, chomp!

Week #7

Going with all big games this week. That sometimes makes playing against the spread a little tougher. But I think I'm up for it. Should be a good week. I hope my brother Russ has fun at the Cotton Bowl for this year's version of the Red River Shootout.

So here's a look at my 5 games from week 7. Notice the coin decided to have George Washington piggy-back my every move!

Oklahoma (-6.5) vs Texas -- MY PICK: OKLAHOMA, GEORGE'S: OKLAHOMA; Assuming a neutral crowd, I think the Sooners have the better team. This game could really be a shootout with the outstanding QB play for both Big 12 powerhouses. But the Oklahoma running game will be the difference. They win by 10 points or so.

Tennessee (+12.5) at Georgia -- MY PICK: GEORGIA, GEORGE'S: GEORGIA; This could be coach Phil Fullmer's worst season ever in Knoxville. I have no faith in QB Jonathan Crompton. UGA is coming off a bitter loss and is home. This looks like a blowout to me.

Arizona State (+28.5) at USC -- MY PICK: ARIZONA STATE, GEORGE'S: ARIZONA STATE; Arizona State was my upset special to win the Pac 10. USC just lost to a weak Oregon State team. Why is the spread so high? I'll take the points and hope Sun Devil QB Rudy Carpenter can score TD's to keep this one close.

Penn State (-6.5) at Wisconsin -- MY PICK: PENN STATE, GEORGE'S: PENN STATE; I have no faith in the Badgers, even at home, after crushing losses to Michigan and Ohio State. They blew leads in each case and showed no toughness. They complete the trifecta by losing big at home to a far superior Penn State team.

LSU (+6.5) at Florida -- MY PICK: LSU, GEORGE'S: LSU; I know Florida is home but this spread has it all wrong. I think the Gators have a real shot of pulling off the upset. But if so, it'd be just that -- an upset. This game should be close.

JTB YEARLY RECORD: 20-9-1
GW YEARLY RECORD: 11-18-1

Game of Week #6: Florida State 41 -- Miami 39

This game lacked the talent that made this annual matchup one of the best in all of college football throughout the 1990s and early part of this decade. However, although it was sloppy, I really enjoyed watching this Florida battle. It came down to the very end and it looked like neither school really wanted to win. As usual special teams played a big factor and so too did the pouring rain in which much of this game was played. Also it was the first time this rivalry has been played at Dolphins Stadium in place of the now imploded Orange Bowl.

Seminole QB Christian Ponder won the battle of first year starting QBs and outplayed Miami's Robert Marve. Neither QB looked very good, however.

And FSU coach Bobby Bowden must be grateful that PK Graham Gano actually played well, including hitting a 53 yard kick. Fate mercifully spared the legendary coach another "wide right" type loss!

Prime Time SEC Alert!

One time a year, CBS gets to move an SEC game into the Saturday night prime time slot. For the third year in a row, tv has chosen that the game will feature my Florida Gators. This Saturday night 10/11/08 the Gators will host the LSU Tigers before a national audience on CBS. The game will be a rematch of last year's exciting matchup in Baton Rouge, which was also the annual prime time game for CBS.

With tough games against Georgia, Vanderbilt, and other still remaining, I'm hoping a signature win against LSU could be the start of Florida's march to an SEC championship!

Ball State

Don't expect it to last, but it's nice to note that Dave Letterman's alma mater, little old Ball State University from Muncie, Indiana makes it first appearance in the AP Top 25 poll ever! The Cardinals are sitting atop the MAC and ranked 25 in the nation.

Heisman Watch

As we approach the mid-point of the season, it looks like the Heisman contenders are Missouri QB Chase Daniel, Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford, BYU QB Max Hall, and Michigan State RB Javon Ringer. My guess is still Chase Daniel, but if Ringer can stay healthy, he will have incredible numbers as he gets the ball a lot!

Week #6

The 2008 picture is getting a little more clear. I know better than to write off any of the powerhouses with 1 loss such as Georgia, Florida, and USC. However, the teams sitting undefeated do have a clear path to the national championship if they take care of business on the field. And the top 5 reflects this. You got LSU and Alabama in the SEC. And Oklahoma, Texas, or Missouri in the Big 12. The great thing is that these debates will be settled on the field. Not this week, however.

So here's a look at my 5 games from week 6.

Florida State(+2) at Miami -- MY PICK: MIAMI, GEORGE'S: MIAMI; These two former powerhouses are still struggling and so this game has lost much of its luster. Plus for the first time it won't be played in the old Orange Bowl. 2 pts is not enough to make me trust FSU's offense. Miami's Robert Marve looks like the better player of the two first year QB's and the Hurricane's should have a slight home advantage. This one could be ugly but I'll take Miami.

Florida(-24.5) at Arkansas -- MY PICK: FLORIDA, GEORGE'S: FLORIDA; This looks like an easy one. We'll see. After losing at home last week to Ole Miss, the Gators have to be pissed. If they aren't or don't play like it this week, Coach Urban Meyer isn't doing his job. And I don't believe that. The Razorbacks already took a whupping this year at home to Alabama. Expect another one to QB Tim Tebow tomorrow. 25 points isn't nearly enough.

Kentucky (+15) at Alabama -- MY PICK: KENTUCKY, GEORGE'S: ALABAMA; This is one of those famous SEC trap games. And Kentucky coach Rich Brooks knows all about that after winning a trap game last year against future National Champion LSU. When you're sitting pretty in the SEC as Alabama currently is, it's so easy to look ahead to big games against the top teams. But in the SEC, even the bottom feeders like Kentucky can show up to play. They simply have superior talent than other such schools in other conferences. Alabama wins but Kentucky keeps it within 2 TD's.

Oklahoma (-24.5) at Baylor -- MY PICK: OKLAHOMA, GEORGE'S: BAYLOR; Sometimes I just don't understand these lines. And that's why I know that there are so many complicated factors that go into the numbers. This spread is simply too low. I know this is a road game. And I recognize that Oklahoma outright lost a similar road game last year at Colorado. But I don't think that happens here. And I don't see Baylor as building a program like Dan Hawkins is doing in Colorado. This is a good example of where the talent pool on weaker Big 12 teams is not the same as the SEC like I discussed above. Look for Oklahoma to win by 30 points even on the road.

Texas (-12.5) at Colorado -- MY PICK: COLORADO, GEORGE'S: COLORADO; I'll stay in the Big 12 for my brother Russ. This is a trap game. Texas must have its eyes on an undefeated Oklahoma in forthcoming the Red River Shootout. But here's the problem. Colorado is not Baylor. So while I expect the Sooners to take care of business in Waco, I could see the Longhorns stumbling in Boulder. The Buffs are coming off a bad loss last week to Florida State. They can redeem themselves in conference by keeping this one close. I liked QB Cody Hawkins when I saw him earlier in the year in a home win against West Virginia. I'll take the points here in a close game.

JTB YEARLY RECORD: 17-7-1
GW YEARLY RECORD: 10-14-1

Game of Week #5: Alabama 41 -- Georgia 30

I usually go with a game where the score is closer for the game of the week. And I briefly considered Ole Miss' stunning 31-30 upset of Florida that fits that definition well. However, no game of last week was more exciting than the Crimson Tide's upset victory over the Georgia Bulldogs on the road on Saturday night.

Alabama came out on fire. They put up 31 unanswered points and led 31-0 at halftime. QB John Parker Wilson was connecting with freshman star WR Julio Jones at will. Power RB Glen Coffee was dominating at the line of scrimmage. Georgia had no answer on defense and was anemic on offense.

Then Georgia coach Mark Richt must have said something really good at halftime because UGA came out like a new team in the 2nd half. And you just knew they were going to make history with an amazing comeback for a quarter and a half. QB Matthew Stafford showed why he is a future NFL star. And RB Knowshon Moreno finally got it going and looked like the best player in the ballgame. It was like a different game entirely.

But the clock was still the one thing the Dogs couldn't overcome. And as UGA threatened to make it a 1 TD game late in the 4th quarter, Alabama finally stopped them. And with this year's new clock rules, that was all she wrote.

Game over. But ya gotta love the SEC!