CFB Week 13 Recap

So I decided for the next two weeks, I would change my recap format. First off, do it after I hear about the BCS standings since those are obviously the talk of the college football town. And secondly, I'm just gonna talk about things I truly care about instead of forcing myself to come up with 11 topics. And with three weeks left and some controversial BCS rankings, I've got plenty to talk about.

First off, the SEC is not the same powerhouse it used to be and we need to remember that. As of now, there are 4 teams from the SEC in the AP Top 25. Bama, FLA, UGA and Ole Miss at #25. Yeah, that's it. No Auburn. No LSU. No South Carolina. The SEC is weak this season. So before people go crazy about how these two teams play in a conference where they get tested each week, let's be frank. Not this season. The Big Ten and ACC both have 4 in the Top 25 and they're perceived as weaker. If you say so...

Oh, and speaking of that, what makes Florida so much better than teams like Texas, Okla, Tech and PSU? I really thought about this and honestly, can't figure out why the Gators are gettin so much cred? They have one, yes, ONE win over a currently ranked team in UGA, and they haven't exactly played amazing this season. Meanwhile, the 3 Big 12 teams all beat each other and more. Oklahoma has 2 (Cincy, TCU), Texas has 2 (OKST, Mizzou) and Tech has 1 (OKST). And PSU has 3 (OSU, MSU, ORST).

And more on PSU. There's no love for the Nittany Lions. Only two games (in which they won) have they scored less than 34 pts. Same can be said for Florida. Both are giving up 12 pts a game so defenses are about equal. And again, PSU is playing better competition. Compare the losses too. PSU and FLA both lost by one point, both in agonizing fashion. But PSU lost on the road to bowl-bound Iowa (8-4). FLA lost at home to bowl-bound Ole Miss (7-4) team. So why no love for the Nittany Lions? Apparently, because they don't have Tim Tebow. Absolute joke.

On a different note, how about the fact that the OSU-Michigan rivalry isn't fun anymore. I mean, it was cool when OSU won 2 or 3 times in a row. And it was fun when it was #1 vs. #2 with the winner destined to get beaten down by the Gators. But now, it's just not fun. OSU has won 7 of 8 and it looks like it could 9 of 10 since Richie Rod is gonna need time to get his people for his system. Plus, when you're in Georgia and no one here cares, it kinda dampens the excitement. I don't know about you but maybe it's time we make Penn State a rival too.

And how about ESPN showing a MAC game that deserved the national attention. It was a great moment for the conference. An undefeated Ball State team taking on a very good Central Michigan squad. And the teams did not disappoint, putting on a good show especially in the second half. This makes up for all the meaningless games they have shown (my Bobcats included). Hopefully now, Ball State can get some love.

Oh, and do you find yourself rooting for Oregon State? Just think, a USC team being shut out of the Rose Bowl and sent to play a team like Utah in the Fiesta Bowl. Oh, how happy I would be. I'm not a Trojan fan at all. The only downside of seeing Oregon State keep the Trojans from Pasadena is the impending rematch of ORST and PSU. I'd much rather see PSU vs. USC but beggars can;t be choosers.

And finally, time to play Devil's advocate. Still a good chance that the following things happen in the next two weeks. (They happened last season to different teams). Oklahoma loses to OKST in Stillwater. Florida falls at Florida State. Tech loses to Mizzou and Florida beats Bama in conference championships. What happens? And don't forget two other rivalry games off the radar but recent history says they should most definitely be on. Auburn @ Bama (Tigers have won the past 6 games) and Texas @ Texas A&M (Aggies have have won the past 2 games). USC should roll over Notre Dame and Tech should beat Baylor (PSU is done). Let's hope some of these "upsets" happen, just so we can have more things to talk about and maybe move a college football playoff near the top of Barack Obama's to-do list.

That's all folks. Enjoy the Turkey Day. Preview post will be up Wednesday as usual, from Columbus, OH!

Week 12 NFL Picks

Week 12 of the NFL season already. I love it. The playoffs are closing in and that means games are really starting to get meaningful. Plus, in fantasy, it means I'm watching games closer than ever, hoping my team of star players has enough to take down my opponent.

Alright, here are the week 12 picks. For the season, I'm a respectable 88-57-1, though I would love to be better than that. My good friend Jake, is 10 games back, at 78-67-1. As usual, you can see his week 12 picks in his blog here. He's even got comments!

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20TH

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh - PIT

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 23RD

Carolina @ Atlanta - ATL
Philadelphia @ Baltimore - PHI
Houston @ Cleveland - CLE
San Francisco @ Dallas - DAL
Tampa Bay @ Detroit - TB
Minnesota @ Jacksonville - JAX
Buffalo @ Kansas City - KC
New England @ Miami - MIA
Chicago @ St. Louis - CHI
New York Jets @ Tennessee - TEN
Oakland @ Denver - DEN
New York Giants @ Arizona - NYG
Washington @ Seattle - WAS
Indianapolis @ San Diego - IND

MONDAY NOVEMBER 24TH

Green Bay @ New Orleans - NO

Why It's Great To Be An OSU Fan

Notice the title. I'm strictly talking about being a fan. I'm not talking about being an Ohio State Buckeye or OSU alum. Just strictly being a fan. And really, it is great to be a fan of the Buckeyes.

But why? Well, as you know, I am here in Augusta, GA for 2 years and that means, I am stuck in SEC/ACC country. And while some may say that's great for college football (SEC) and college basketball (ACC), it's really not. Because I am a Big Ten guy, born and bred. I like the football and basketball tough, defensive and low-scoring.

So initially, I thought the move to Augusta meant the end of Big Ten sports for me for awhile, including my Buckeyes. Well guess again. Because OSU is well, OSU, I haven't missed a Buckeye game yet. Because OSU football is always good and well respected, you can count on them being on one of the many ESPN networks.

And what if the Big Ten Network televises them? Not a problem. Unlike any other conference, I can catch the Bucks on that because the Big Ten has their own network. I find it ironic how once I moved to GA, I went from hating the BTN to loving it because it allows me to see my Bucks. And if I happen to miss a game, Hakuna Matata. Comcast has the BTN On Demand, meaning I can catch extended game highlights at any time, in HD no less.

And the same goes for basketball. I just took a look at the schedule and yep, every OSU game will be on either ESPN, CBS or BTN. That's right. No Fox Sports Ohio or STO. Just networks where Matt in GA can see OSU anytime. What a life.

But what else makes it fun to be an OSU fan? Wel how about just how good their two big programs are? Not many programs in the nation have a great basketball AND football program. Schools like Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma are some that do but OSU is one of those who just seem to always have both. It's nice knowing that both programs are gonna be good every season. 10 wins or so from the football team. 20 wins or so from the bball team. And even in a year like last year when OSU bball barely if at all cracked the Top 25, they go on to win the NIT.

And let's not forget that no other college program has been in 3 national title games in 2 years lately. I'm strictly talking about football and bball here. Yeah, OSU went 0-3 but think about all those schools that would just go crazy to have ONE chance in a title game. And besides the fact that we went winless in those title games, the great season and great run to get to those games makes being an OSU fan that much more fun.

But what else? Well how about the fact even here in GA, I see Buckeye fever. Of course, I have been inundated with South Carolina and Georgia license plates, bumper stickers, car flags etc... and don't forget about the occasional Clemson, Georgia Tech, and Georgia Southern paraphenalia as well. But after those 5 schools, what school have I seen the most represented down here? None other than Ohio State. Whether it's just a simple hat at the baseball game or the basketball shorts at the gym, it's refreshing to know I'm not the only Buckeye in the Peach State.

So say what you want about how obnoxious OSU fans are (I agree) and how annoying the OH-IO cheer is (no doubt), but I can't think of another school that is more fun to follow year-round and from anywhere in the USA. GO BUCKS!

College Football: Week 13

Well, I don't know about you but I am really excited for this week in college football. There are a couple rivalries, some great conference showdowns, and one game that really impacts the BCS title game picture. And for mid-November, the temperatures may be getting colder but trust me, the college football season is just heating up.

It was a great prediction week for me, going 13-2. But it was such a bad week of games so picking them wasn't all that hard. But this week is going to be tougher. And it all starts with the obvious game of the week.

TOP 15 GAMES

GAME OF THE WEEK
1. #2 Texas Tech @ #5 Oklahoma - Doesn't get much better than this. Two of the best offenses in the nation taking on each other in a game with huge BCS title implications. If Tech wins, they clinch the Big 12 South. If the Sooners pull off the "upset", they turn the title picture upside down. Both teams average more than 47 PPG and both defenses give up more than 21 PPG, so expect a bunch points to be scored. I'm really torn on this one. I just can't wait to see it. It's in Norman and that may be the difference. I'll pick OKLAHOMA but don't care either way.

REST OF THE BEST
2. #16 BYU @ #8 Utah - Another game with big implications. If Utah wins, they will have pretty much punched their ticket to a BCS bowl game. A BYU upset brings in Ball State and Boise State into the discussion. Both teams have had this one circled since day one. Both are great teams and have shown that all season. I really think BYU is the more talented team but Utah has been winning the close games as of late. I see the same happening this week. UTAH wins and will be bowling in January.

3. #14 Ball State @ Central Michigan (WED) - Yes, this deserves to be talked about. Both team unbeaten in the MAC, and the winner probably heading to the MAC Championship. Obviously, stakes are higher for the Cardinals, who at 10-0 are 3 wins away from a possible BCS game, which would be the first for the MAC. The fun matchup for this game is the QB matchup. Nate Davis of BSU vs. Dan LeFevour of CMU. These QBs alone may begin a second wave of great MAC QBs in the NFL. Another toss-up pick for me but I'll go with BALL STATE to stay perfect.

4. #17 Michigan State @ #7 Penn State - Big game in the Big Ten. MSU has snuck under the radar all season. Only two losses are a 7-pt loss to Cal in Week 1 and the 45-7 stomping to OSU. But they are still 9-2 and capable of beating PSU. Lot on the line for the Nittany Lions. A win clinches the Rose Bowl and keeps slim national title hopes alive. A loss sends them to the Capital One or Outback Bowl, which would be a big disappointment. I like MSU to play better than they did against OSU but PENN STATE wins the game and will head to Pasadena.

5. #20 Pittsburgh @ #19 Cincinnati - Yet another matchup of two ranked teams and this one may decide who will represent the Big East in the BCS. If Cincy wins, all they have to do is beat lowly Syracuse and they are Big East champs. Pitt still has WVU on the schedule but a road win over Cincy at least lets them control their destiny. Cincy is perfect at home but this is by far their toughest test yet. I picked Pitt to win the Big East in the preseason but things change. I'm going with CINCINNATI and mad props to Brian Kelly for getting his team this far.

6. #21 Oregon State @ Arizona - The big storyline in this game is that an Oregon State win here and against rival Oregon next week gives them the Pac-10 title and possibly depriving USC of a BCS bowl game. A loss though just takes them out of the ntaional spotlight. Arizona has been a disappointment this season, unable to win the close game. If there were ever a time to win a big one, this is it. But I like OREGON STATE to get the job done on the road.

7. Michigan @ #10 Ohio State - It's been a few years since this game really wasn't a big deal. And while it is always important in Columbus and Ann Arbor, anywhere else it's just a rivalry game that doesn't deserve its hype this season. Michigan has been downright awful in Richie Rod's first season but we all saw it coming. Maybe not this bad, but bad. Meanwhile for OSU, this should be another satisfying win over the boys up North and the first of hopefully 3 wins over Michigan for Terrelle Pryor. OHIO STATE wins on senior day and all but clinches their BCS bowl game via at-large. Buckeyes 41-13

8. #23 Miami (FL) @ Georgia Tech (THU) - Not a bad Thursday nighter this week. Randy Shannon has done a great job with this Miami squad and has them oh so close to a ACC Coastal Division championship. But GT and 3 others are still in the hunt, just one game back. That's right, 4 teams. The ACC's best overall record is 7-3 and the worst is 4-6. Talk about mediocre. Anyways, Josh Nesbitt's health is a key factor in whether or not GT wins. If he is healthy and plays, then in my APPY pick, GEORGIA TECH wins., If Nesbitt is hurt, then this becomes a toss-up.

9. West Virginia @ Louisville - Neither are ranked but for the Big East, this is big because a WVU wins keeps them tied with Cincy and Pitt. WVU is rooting for Pitt to win because WVU has already lost to Cincy, giving them the tiebreaker. But WVU better take care of business themselves. L'Ville has lost 3 in a row but hung tough with Cincy last week. I'm picking WEST VIRGINIA.

10. Florida State @ #22 Maryland - Another ACC matchup of two teams that have been jumping in and out of the Top 25. FSU looked to be firmly in but have dropped two of the last 3. Meanwhile, MD is fresh off an upset of UNC. But MD has been terrible when they've been ranked while FSU has been better when unranked. Gimme FLORIDA STATE to nab the win.

11. #9 Boise State @ Nevada - This may not look like a big game but it is. A Utah loss but BSU in the driver's seat for a BCS bowl. Not to mention also last year, these two teams took part in a 59-57 thriller in Boise with the Broncos prevailing. So despite the fact that Boise State is the overwhelming favorite, expect this one to be close. BOISE STATE will probably win though.

12. Boston College @ Wake Forest - Just another ACC matchup and like the others, impacts the division race. Both need a Maryland loss to get back in the race but a loss knocks both out of it. I don't like how Wake has looked this season so I'll go with BOSTON COLLEGE.

13. Stanford @ California - Yes, neither are ranked and neither is going for a conference championship. But Stanford is one win away from bowl eligibility and considering just two years ago, they went 1-11, it's pretty darn impressive. And you know what, with a bowl game on the line, I'm going with STANFORD.

14. Iowa @ Minnesota - A couple of 7-4 teams hoping to end their season on a good note. Iowa has won 4 of 5, including the huge upset of PSU. Meanwhile, after a 7-1 start, Minny has lost 3 in a row and gone from New Year's Day bowl to possibly the Motor City bowl. Yikes. I know they are on the road but IOWA should win this game.

15. Washington @ Washington State - It's been bad in the state of Washington lately. The Sonics moved out. The Mariners lost 100 games despite a $100 million payroll (first time ever). The Seahawks have just 2 wins. And their two D-1 schools have combined for one win this season. But if there is a bright side, it's that they will double that total after this week. Washington comes into this one winless and this is Ty Willingham's last chance to win before he heads out. Meanwhile, Washington State has just been horrendous since the Ryan Leaf days. Thankfully, they have a good basketball team. They call this rivalry game the "Apple Cup". Well, this year, it's rotten. NO ONE wins in the end but WASHINGTON wins the game for their coach.

TEAMS I LOVE (OR ACT LIKE I LOVE)
Akron @ Ohio - It's senior day for the Bobcats so the emotions will be high for the players. But they won't be high for the fans that are seniors. They won't even be there. The last day of the quarter is Friday and something tells me, not many are gonna stay to watch a 2-8 team try to win the final game in Peden. It doesn't help either that Akron is a pretty good team too. I hate to say it but AKRON wins and OU hopes to get win #3 in Oxford. Zips 30-14

BONUS PREDICTION!
MLS CUP 2008: Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls - It's not football but it's futbol! The Crew have been the bets team in the MLS all season. The Red Bulls barely made the playoffs but may be the hottest team right now. I'm not gonna act like an expert on soccer here. I just wanna throw some hometown love to the Crew. COLUMBUS WINS 3-1

A BCS Rant

I know, I know, you've heard it before. The BCS is terrible and we need a playoff. Heck, even our President-Elect Barack Obama said it would be the one thing he would like to see changed in sports. That's right. Not steroids. Not the LPGA English-only rule. Not even banning Jay Mariotti from covering sports.

And why is creating a playoff system so important to the sports world right now? Because it's just the right thing to do. Think about it. The Big 12 South has easily 3 of the best teams in college football this year. But in this dumb system we have now, only one will even get a shot for a national title. And if Oklahoma beats Texas Tech, then who should go? Yeah, you can bring up schedule strength, point differential, most players in the NFL, etc... but in the end, it wouldn't be right to deny any of them a shot.

What if Florida State upsets Florida? And what if Florida beats Alabama? And what if Oregon State wins out and USC doesn't even win the Pac-10? Seriously, how does a sport that may have the largest following in the United States have the most flawed system?

Some say a playoff system would devalue the regular season? But how? Just like in every other sport, a loss hurts. Granted, in MLB, a loss does not hurt as much as one in the NFL but no matter what, it hurts. If people think an 11-0 teams is gonna not play hard in game #12 because they think they've clinched their playoff spot, they're ridiculous. This is college football, not pros. These guys come to play every week.

And I don't see anyone in any other Division of college football complaining about how the playoff system is making the regular season less entertaining. Instead, they get to see the best teams settle it the way it should be settled: on the field, not by the votes of coaches who don't watch the games, media members biased towards their region and inanimate computers that have not one clue what the heck is going on.

So what do I propose? Keep the bowl system. Let as many 6-6 teams feel great about their mediocre seasons by sending them to Boise or Mobile for a meaningless bowl game that will probably cost them more money than what they will earn for playing. All I ask is the cotton Bowl and Capital One (Citrus) Bowl be taken out of the mix.

That leaves those two and the BCS 4 for an 8-game playoff. Who is included? Well, it can get tricky here. For the past two years, I proposed the champion of the BCS conferences and two at-large. But as this season continues, I want to rescind that proposal and go with a new one and it's pretty simple.

As much as I hate the BCS standings, keep them for the sake of playoff seeding/qualification. Of course, I would change the criteria for the BCS standings (as in get rid of the 5-computer system). But anyways, the top 8 in the BCS standings make the playoffs. However, if there is a non-BCS school that finishes the season undefeated (ex. Utah, Boise State, Ball State), they automatically qualify. I mean, who is to deny an undefeated team a chance at a national title. Especially with the parody in college athletics these days.

Seed the teams 1-8. And just like the NCAA BBall tourney, the higher seed gets to play at the site closest to their home. So in the first round, we have the Cotton (Dallas), Capital One (Orlando) and 2 of the 4 BCS bowls (Pasadena, Tempe, New Orleans, Miami). Now for teams like Ohio State and Notre Dame, none of those are close, but who we kidding, the best football is down south so this would work out fine.

The semis would be held at the remaining two sites and of course, the championship held at one of the sites in the first round, just like it is now.

Game times go Noon, 3:15, 6:30 and 9:45pm, working our way from East to West. And if that means getting these college games to move faster, then so be it. One idea: stop reviewing every tick-tack play.

So what are the problems with my system? Well, travel could be. Not just for the fans to follow their teams but for the teams as well. Money is tight these days and fuel prices are volatile. Also, what about season's like this year where we could have 3 undefeated non-BCS schools, 3 Big 12 teams and 2 SEC teams? Well, it would look bad but just like March Madness, you can't control who gets there. Just let it happen.

I'm just tired of a system that makes no real sense. Is the BCS better than what we had? Absolutely. But let's continue to make progress. Just like they added instant replay, we can add the playoffs. The TV ratings would skyrocket and the money would still be rolling in. And the best thing, the national champion will have earned it. And that's all I want.