College Football Week 9

#1 Oregon @ USC

This is the Super Bowl, BCS Title game and so much more for the Trojans.  USC knows it will not be going to a bowl game which makes this game all the more meaningful.  The Trojans are coming off a bye week and it could not have come at a better time with the high powered Oregon Ducks coming to the Coliseum.  Unfortunately for Matt Barkley not only are the Trojans on probation they have two losses or he would be right at the top of the list for the Heisman Trophy.  Barkley on the season has thrown for nearly 267 yards per game with 20 TDs and only 4 INT.  Barkley is by far the best pure pro style QB in a pro style offense in the country.  Obviously the weak part of this team is the defense as they have struggled all season.  Not only have the players struggled but I believe Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffin has as well adjusting to the wide spread attacks in College Football compared to the NFL.  But never forget that Kiffin was one of the most respected coordinators in the NFL and he has two weeks to get his players ready for the running attack of the Ducks.  The Ducks on the road are a totally different team giving up nearly 24 points a game to only 11 at home.  Also, for as explosive as their offense may be they did punt 11 times on the road at Arizona State.

My Prediction:  If you have not noticed yet I like the Trojans in this game.  They are undervalued and forgetton this season because of the probation they are under.  The Trojans will have two weeks to prepare and the Coliseum will be rocking for the only time this season.  The Ducks will struggle to contain Barkley and the Trojans will use their surplus of running backs to maintain the football.  Trojans win their Bowl Game 48-41.

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#5 Michigan State @ #18 Iowa

We all keep waiting for the Spartans to slip up like we all have come to expect. Could this finally be the week after slipping by Northwestern last week in Chicago?  The key to this game will be the Michigan State's offensive line vs the Iowa defensive line.  Iowa's defensive line is regarded as one of the best in the country and they performed very well last week vs the Badgers.  The Badgers have on the best lines in the country, while MSU does not.  MSU wants to run the ball with Baker and Bell, sprinkle in some timely play action pass with QB Kirk Cousins.  Iowa knows they can not lose again and still have hopes of a quality bowl game with OSU coming to town in a couple of weeks.

My Prediction:  I keep waiting for MSU to lose and I believe this will be the week Sparty does.  This will be back to back road games for the Spartans, with this one being a much tougher atmosphere than Northwestern.  Iowa is desperate they need this win to stay in the hunt in the Big Ten.  Look for the Iowa defensive line led by Clayborn to slow the MSU running attack,  Hawkeyes 24-21.

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#6 Missouri @ #14 Nebraska

How will the Tigers handle success after knocking off #1 Oklahoma last week?  This has to be the question that Coach Pinkel must prepare his team for this week.  The Missouri Tigers are right in the hunt for a National Championship and this may be the last hurdle until the Big 12 Title Game.  Nebraska comes into the game controlling their own destiny to head back to the Big 12 title game this season.  The Cornhuskers bounced back last week scoing 51 points on Oklahoma State.  Taylor Martinez has re-established himself as the QB of the Huskers.  The key will be the Nebraska defensive secondary.  Missouri loves to spread the ball around with quick short passes similar to Texas and we all remember the Longhorns going to Lincoln and winning two weeks ago.

My Prediction:  This will be the first time all season that Mizzou has to bounce back emotionally for two consecutive weeks.  The Tigers walk into an extremely difficult situation in Lincoln.  The Huskers will be back in front of the home fans with a chance to position themselves for a shot at a Big 12 South Division Championsip.  I like the Huskers to prove they are one of the best teams in the country, Huskers 41-31.

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2010-11 NBA Preview

I wanted to give my predicitions for the upcoming NBA season. This will be an interesting year in the Association.  The league is going to be dominated by 4 or 5 teams all year long.  The biggest storylines will come from the Lakers, Heat, Magic, Celtics and Thunder.  So here are my thoughts:

Eastern Conference:

Atlantic Division:

Boston:  This team continues to get older but is clearly built for the Playoffs.  They may have the best PG in the league Rajon Rondo.  The big three Garnett, Pierce and Allen will continue to lead this team in the right direction and to an Atlantic division title.

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NY Knicks:  Well the summer of 2010 has come and gone and the best the Knicks could do in free agency was Amare Stoudemire.  I am sure Amare will love the New York attention for a while, but a more subtle acquasition was Raymond Felton.  He could be a perfect fit to run Coach Mike D'Antoni's up tempo style.
Philadelphia:  I am not convinced yet that Evan Turner is going to be a great pro, but this team is surrounded by great slasher forwards.  Thaddeus Young, Andre Iguodala, Jrue Holiday and Turner.  The loss of Samuel Dalembert will hurt them inside by then again NBA is not dominated by big men anymore.  Hopefully new coach Doug Collins can get some type of consistent effort by Elton Brand.
New Jersey:  The Nets bring in new coach Avery Johnson to the mix.  The Nets will rely heavily on Devon Harris to be a consistent scorer.  Inside Brook Lopez continues to develop in to a solid big man.
Toronto:  This team was always a mystery to the common fan and no more so than ever.  Their double-double machine Chris Bosh is in Miami and the Raptors will be stuck in the basement of the Eastern Conference all season.

Central Division:

Chicago:  The Bulls will be the beneficiaries of LeBron being out of Cleveland as they look to win the Central.  The Bulls have the best and most explosive PG Derrick Rose. The Bulls added Carlos Boozer whose a walking double-double.  Not to mention Deng, Noah, Brewer and Korver.  Now if they can just get some production off their bench.

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Milwaukee:  Could the Bucks be poised to be last year's Thunder?  Brandon Jennings has got to be able to continue his production for a whole season.  His development at PG will be vitale for the Bucks.  The Bucks bring in Corey Maggette who has never had a problem scoring the ball.  The health of C Andrew Bogut could be the difference between a good season and a great season for the Bucks.
Detroit:  The Pistons still have the hold overs from the good Detroit teams with Tayshaun Prince, Rip Hamilton and Ben Wallace.  Not sure what they will get out of T-Mac this season.  Expect Ben Gordon to continue to deliver good and bad nights.
Cleveland:  What can I say?  We all know the talent went south maybe he will actually show up in the playoffs this time around.  This team will rely heavily on the veteran leadership of Antawn Jamison and Mo Williams.  I think this could be a breakout year for J.J. Hickson.
Indiana:  I could not be paid to watch this team every night.  They do have an elite scorer in Danny Granger.  They brought in an effective PG Darren Collison and for the Pacers sake they get a massive improvement from C Roy Hibbert.

Southeast Division:

Miami:  So the talent went south in Lebron James to be the Robin to Dwayne Wade.  They also add a constant double-double player in Chris Bosh.  The interior play is what I question with the Miami Heat.  Do they have the bigs to win a title?  Obviously they have enough talent to run through the regular season.

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Orlando:  The Magic return all their key players from a season ago, Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson among others.  This team will cost through the regular season.  As always this team is dependent on the 3 point shot and hopefully it comes through this season.
Atlanta:  The Hawks are deep and talented but the defense is what continues to hold them back.  Joe Johnson gets his max deal and they have plenty of scorers with Bibby, Jamal Crawford, Josh Smith and Al Horford.  Expect Xavier rookie Jordan Crawford to contribute big points off the bench.
Charlotte:  This team finally makes the playoffs and then unloads Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton.  They have enough scoring pieces with Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace to be competitive.  Will the young players get tired of what Larry Brown is preaching?
Washington:  The Wizards will probably go one of to ways, 1. John Wall becomes the Rookie of the Year and this team is a sleeper or 2. John Wall does not fit well with the playrs around him and the teams struggles.  Wall is the center piece to this dinner table.

Western Conference:

Oklahoma City:  The Thunder experienced the playoffs for the first time and return this years MVP Kevin Durant.  I expect this team to be hungry to get back to the playoffs and will do so by winning their division.  Russell Westbrook is an outstanding athlete that will only get better at PG.

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Utah:  The Jazz still have the best PG in the Western Conference in Deron Williams and pick up free agents Al Jefferson and Raja Bell.  Plus Paul Millsap gets starter minutes to collect double-doubles.  Mehmet Okur and Kirilenko help continue the success of the Jazz.
Portland:  This team was devastated by injuries a year ago but still have the talent to compete with the best in the West.  Brandon Roy will have to bounce back from knee surgery.  They also need continued production from LaMarcus Aldridge.  Will the Blazers finally get something out of Greg Oden?
Denver:  The Nuggets are an interesting team obviously their season hinges on Carmelo staying or going.  If Melo stays this teams has the pieces to make it back to the playoffs without him they are just an average team without an elite scorer.
Minnesota:  The TWolves are young and they are going to struggle.  They have an excellent low post player Kevin Love and a rookie that is ready to play in Wesley Johnson other than that your guess is as good as mine.

Pacific:

LA Lakers:  The Lakers seems to get stronger every season.  They add Steve Blake to help spell minutes for Derrick Fisher.  Obviously they still have the best player in the game in Kobe Bryant.  This team will coast through the season lose some games they should not! But they want titles and with Odom, Artest, Bynum and Gasol they should be in line for another ring.

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Phoenix:  As long as Steve Nash is running the point the Suns will be just fine.  They have enough scorers will Nash, Hill, Richardson and newcomer Hedo Turkoglu to out score most opponents.  The Suns will be very small up front with the loss of Amare.
LA Clippers:  Could this be the year the Clippers make it back to the playoffs?  I feel like we say that every season!  The Clippers welcome back Blake Griffin after surgery and will expect big minutes and even bigger numbers.  The health and attitude of Baron Davis could be the difference for this young team.
 Sacremento:  The Kings will be powered by Tyreke Evans who will only continue to get better and better.  They will have imposing front line with DeMarcus Cousins and Samuel Dalembert.  The Kings need to find scoring to help Evans.
Golden State:  The Warriors removed Don Nelson which was probably in the best interest of the team.  On the court the reigns will go to Steph Curry which should get more air time for his talents. The team brought in David Lee and will need more production out of Montae Ellis to be competitive.

Southwest:

Dallas: I fully expect the Mavs to do what they do best and that is win in the regular season.  Dirk comes back to lead the Mavs and hopefully avoid an early exit in the playoffs.

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Houston:  The depth of the Rockets will be the strength of their teams.  Will Yao be healthy for a full season?  If so this team could make a run at this division.  They have an elite scorers in Kevin Martin and Aaron Brooks and good depth up front with Scola and Miller.
San Antonio:  The Spurs window for titles continues to shrink as their own big 3 are not getting any younger.  They will need to keep Duncan, Ginobli and Parker healthy for a playoff run.  I expect for Richard Jefferson to have a better second season for the Spurs off the bench.
Memphis:  If nothing else this will be an entertaining team to watch throughout the season.  They have the scoring to play with anyone but can they play defense?  Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, O.J. Mayo among others can score the rock at any time.
New Orleans:  The Hornets window has passed them by as Chris Paul is disgruntled and Stojackovic continues to be injured.  They still have a solid inside player in David West.

Out of Left Field #2

With the help of my good friend Eminem "will the real Ohio State offense please stand up"! 

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After watching a dominant display by the Badgers and a depressing outcome on Saturday night at Wisconsin, I began thinking to myself what is the bread and butter of the Ohio State offense?  I will even take that one step further what is Ohio State's true offensive identity through Tressel's era?  When I think back to the last 10 years that Tressel has been here, I think of QBs like Craig Krenzel, Justin Zwick, Troy Smith, Todd Boeckman and Terrelle Pryor. All of these guys had their own way of running the offense while under center.  Ohio State generally revamped their offense to better suit their play caller.  Your probably thinking to yourself that's the way it is suppose to be but are you sure about that?  I'm not, especially when I sit back and think of the other top teams in this decade and how their offensive system does not change QB to QB like OSU. 

Let's take a look at the other top teams over the past 10 years under their current coach then and now:

Texas:  Under Mack Brown the Longhorns have basically implemented a spread attack utilizing their QB to make plays with both his arm and feet.  Their QBs Applewhite, Simms, Young and McCoy.  Yes during that time table Cedric Benson was a Longhorn but for the most part Mack did not even try to use the running game.  The QB used his legs to run for big gains while using five receiver sets to make plays through the air.

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USC:  Under Pete Carroll the Trojans used a pro style offensive attack relying on balance in both the running and passing game.  The QBs under Carroll were Palmer, Leinhart, Sanchez and Barkley.  The first common theme is all the QBs were drafted high in the NFL Draft.  They also were successful pocket passers while in college and continued in the NFL.  Carroll never changed his philosophy with his QBs.

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Florida:  Urban Meyer brought his spread attack relying on the legs and arm of the Quarterback during the Chris Leake era and then continued under Tim Tebow.  Meyer also used the same offense at BG and Utah.  The use of speed and the QBs ability to run made his offense extremely hard to handle, just ask Ohio State.

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Oklahoma:  The QBs under Bob Stoops have all been extremely accurate and  use the short passing game and high tempo to move the ball.  The QBs White, Thompson, Bradford and Jones.  In this offense the QB is asked to be accurate in finding the open receivers.

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Now go back to the Ohio State QBs and schemes over the past 10 season's.  While the offense was directed by Krenzel, Zwick and Boeckman, Tressel relied heavily on his running attack to make up for any lack of offense that these QBs could perform.  During Troy Smith's Heisman season the Buckeyes spread teams out and threw the ball all over the field to take advantage of their receiver's Ginn and Gonzalez.  Now go to the present and the use of Pryor.  He has never been a truly gifted thrower and usually uses improv to make big plays with his feet.  Do we three years later have any identity what this offense is?  I think not, one game we are throwing the ball all over the field and then there is the end of last season where the OSU offense ran for over 200 yards in four straight games.  Obviously Tressel has done an amazing job over the past 10 seasons but I think the lack of an offensive identity is hindering the growth of the OSU offense.  When I look at the stability of the other big names in College Football over the past 10 season's they have all used similar QBs to run their teams. Only Ohio State changes their whole identity to every QB under center.  The day that Tressel sticks to one system will be the day that Ohio State truly finds its offensive identity.

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CFB Week 7

So last week was a tough week the worst of the season for me so far, but I am back this week and I feel good about my picks!

#1 Ohio State @ #18 Wisconsin

Ohio State enters the game coming off of a career day by QB Terrelle Pryor last week versus Indiana throwing for 334 yards.  The Buckeyes also come into Camp Randall winners 19 of their last 20 road games in the Big Ten.  The Buckeyes will obviously rely heavily on the arm and legs of Pryor to carry them once again.  I think we all can establish that the Buckeyes run game is contingent on Pryor.  The Buckeyes defense who ranks 6th in the country in points allowed will have its biggest challenge to date.  As Wisconsin brings in a potent rushing attack that ranks 11th in the country at nearly 241 yards per game. John Clay is the brusing back that works downhill to gain his yards.  While James White is more of a shifty back that can elude tacklers .

Prediction:  Let's not forget that the game is in Wisconsin and most of us Buckeye fans have bad memories of undefeated teams heading into Camp Randall (i.e. 2003).  The Buckeyes must get up early to keep the crowd some what subdued.  The Buckeyes will need another strong performance by Pryor and hopefully they can get something out of Boom Herron.  Defensively I think this game plays right into the hands of OSU, an opponent that wants to run, run and run.  I like the Buckeyes to pull one out late 31-24.

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#12 Arkansas @ #8 Auburn

This will be a game of vastly different offensive styles, as Arkansas prefers the pass with Ryan Mallett whilt Auburn prefers the rushing attack of Cameron Newton.  The Razorbacks ranked 3rd nationally in passing averaing 368 yards per game.  The Tigers rank 8th in the country averaging 276 yards a game.  The Auburn defense has struggled mightly against the pass throughout the season.  While Arkansas has not scored any points in the fourth quarter of game since mid September.

Prediction:  No one has been able to stop Cameron Newton so far this season can the Razorbacks do it?  I'm not buying it!  I love Ryan Mallett's arm and his ability to put up big yards but I think the Tigers will play ball control and keep Mallett off the field.  We saw in the Bama game that Mallett can be rattled and disrupted and even though I am not sold on the Tiger defense I am sold on Newton.  Cameron Newton can do it all he can run or throw and when there is such a dynamic player on the field and the game is at home, how do I resist? I like Auburn 38-28.

Texas @ #5 Nebraska

Wow! I do not care that Texas is struggling this will be a game that you can not miss as a fan.  The dislike between these schools goes all the way back to when the Big 12 was formed and this will be the last time they meet under the Big 12 logo.  Texas has now abandoned their attempt to run the ball and will go back to Spread Attack we have seen over the past 7 or 8 years.  There is one problem no Vince Young and no Colt McCoy these were real dual threat QBs that could cause the defense a problem.  In fact the dual threat QB will be on the home side in Taylor Martinez he rushed for over 300 yards last week versus Kansas State.  The Cornhuskers are relying on an old formula great defense and running the football.  Nebraska is averaging 338 yards per game ranking 2nd in the country. 

Prediction: I believe that the Cornhuskers are under ranked at this point in the season and may be one of the top 3 teams in the country.  The Huskers will not only prove a point to the Longhorns but to the rest of the country with a dominant performance 41-24.

Upset Special: I have no idea what I am thinking on this one.  I am putting my faith into Ron Zook and Ilinois what a scary thought.  Michigan State has been through a couple of emotional weeks with wins over Wisconsin and Michigan, not to mention the health scare of head coach Mark Dantonio.  These are 18-21 year kids and its tough to get up week after week after week in college football.  This could be an emotional letdown with an early start time.  Illinois comes into the game with a dominant defeat of Penn State in Happy Valley and that is off the heels of a very close game with the Buckeyes in Champaign.  I think a lot of people are under estimating how good the Illinois defense is against the run.  We know the Spartans use a two back system with Baker and Bell primarily.  I like the Illini to pull the upset on the road 21-17.

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College Football Week 6

#17 Michigan State @ #18 Michigan

This is always a HUGE rivalry game inside the Big Ten every season no matter what the records.  But, Michigan State has already beaten Wisconsin and does not have to play Ohio State this season.  Meaning unless they get upset somewhere down the road they could have a great shot at the Big Ten Title.  This will be the first time since 1999 that both team enter the game with 5-0 record.  Michigan State is going for their third straight victory over their in state rival.  In my opinion this game comes down to Michigan State's ability to get stops.  We saw in last weeks game that time of possession does not matter to Michigan as Indiana nearly doubled the time with the ball.  Michigan is predicated by the big play ability of QB Denard Robinson.  I fully expect MSU to run the ball with their two young backs Bell and Baker and try to keep Robinson off the field as much as possible.  For Michigan obviously they have to out score opponents because their defense can not cover air.  But so far that as not been a problem.  The amazing part about Robinson is how accurate he has become as a passer this season completing nearly 70% of his passes.  Last year Robinson would come into the games and not even attempt a pass.

My Prediction:  I think that MSU came off an emotional win over Wisconsin without their head coach last week.  Can they get up again this week with an even better opponent? I think not, Robinson has proven to be a dynamic player and the game is in Ann Arbor, I like the Wolverines 42-34.

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#12 LSU @ #14 Florida

This game will put to teams against each other that both have a negative feel around thier program.  LSU enters the game coming off a bizarre win over Tennessee last week and undefeated but most of the talk around Baton Rouge is the bad time management by Les Miles and the struggling play of QB Jordan Jefferson.  Florida comes in after their first loss of the season last week against Alabama.  I fully expect a low scoring game in the swamp with both teams ranking in the bottom third of the country in total offense.  Both teams could use two quarterbacks at some point in the game.  The Gators are 37-2 against SEC opponents in the Swamp.  The key for this game will be what team gives up more turnovers.  Any time there are two struggling offenses' field position because very important and short fields could be the key.

My Prediction:  I expect this to be a very low scoring game considering the talent these two teams possess.  Turnovers will be they key so neither offense has to go very far for points.  I like the home record for the Gators and feel like they have less questions than the overrated Bayou Bengals, Gators 21-17.

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Other Big Games:

#23 Florida State @ #13 Miami:

 I am still concerned about the amount of turnovers by Miami QB Jacory Harris.  I heard last year it was because of the broken thumb but the same pattern has returned this season.  Harris will be facing an extremely aggressive defense in Florida State.  On the season the Noles have only allowed 15 points per game.  On offense the Seminoles will continue to pound the ball on the ground where they are averaging 208 yards per game.

My Prediction:  I like the Canes to find a way to keep the turnovers down and produce points on a very tough Seminole defense.  I like the Hurricanes 31-17.

#1 Alabama @ #19 South Carolina:

Every week that goes by Alabama continues to prove how much distance there is between them and the rest of the country.  In the first five weeks they have played Penn State, Arkansas and Florida without blemish.  They have to get up again for a crazy crowd at South Carolina.  The Gamecocks enter the game with the usual position under Spurrier which QB will get the more downs.  Spurrier is beginning to spin his QB carousel between Garcia and  Shaw. 

My Prediciton:  I believe that Bama is the best team in the country and there is no way the Gamecocks slow down the power running game of Ingram and Richardson.  I expect Bama to be slow out of the blocks but then turn it on in the second half just as they always do, Roll Tide Roll 35-17.

MLB Playoff Predictions

Reds vs. Phillies

As a Reds fan I would love to see my Redlegs make a deep run into October.  But I really think the Reds missed an opportunity to get a few more wins late in the season and now must play the hottest team in baseball the Phillies.  The Phillies will run out a three man rotation of Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cole Hamels.  These guys have been straight dominant in the month of September at one point going 12-0.  Not to mention that Oswalt sports something like a 23-3 all time record against the Reds while with the Astros.  The season series favored the Phillies 5-2, including a four game sweep in Philly.  The Reds will throw Edison Volquez, Bronson Arroyo and Johnny Cueto.  Arroyo will be the only starting pitcher for the Reds that has post season experience.  I like the move by the Reds to seperate Volquez and Cueto, they both have similar stuff primarily a fastball mid-90s, curve ball and their get out pitch the change up.  Volquez gets the Game 1 start, he has been extremely difficult to left handed hitters and the Phillies could have four in their lineup.  Plus, Volquez has legitimate #1 stuff but is coming off Tommy John Surgery last year.
Offensively we know the kind of fireworks the Phillies can produce with the likes of Howard, Utley, Rollins, Ibanez, Polanco and my under rated guy Jason Werth.  The key for the Phillies is to get consistent hitting from all the big bats.  The Phillies often hits patches where the bats cooled off but their excellent pitching kept them in games.  The Phillies will get to face two right handed arms from the Reds which should play into their hands with so many lefties.  The Reds lead the Big Leagues in many offensive categories but they as well can go dry as a whole.  Both Hamels and Halladay have thrown shutouts vs the Reds.  The Reds need Brandon Phillips to come back strong in the post season and give them another threat with Votto, Rolen and Gomes.  Phillips has struggled since being hit on the wrist by a fastball in San Fran last month.  The Reds will also hope to get consistency from the top of the order from Drew Stubbs whose speed could be a key for the Reds to get the Phillies starters out of rythm.  The Reds HAVE to score more than 3 runs to win games, they have a losing record whenn scoring less than 3 runs during the season

My Prediction:  I love my Redlegs and hopefully with the core of this team being young they will get good experience and learn from this series.  I do not see a way the Reds beat Halladay, Oswalt and Hamels possibly twice in a five game series.  Also we just do not know what to expect from the inexperience of the Reds pitching staff.  I think the Reds could score some runs but will it be enough to overcome the offensive punch of the Phillies? I just do not see it Phillies win the series 3-1. I hope I am wrong!

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NFL Week 4 Picks

Last week was a bounce back, I went 10-6 which isnt to bad i guess.  Check out my picks for Week 4:

San Francisco @ Atlanta:  Falcons
Cincinnati @ Cleveland:  Bengals
NY Jets @ Buffalo:  Jets
Seattle @ St. Louis:  Rams
Denver @ Tennessee:  Titans
Detroit @ Green Bay:  Packers
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh:  Steelers
Carolina @ New Orleans:  Saints
Indianapolis @ Jacksonville:  Colts
Houston @ Oakland:  Texans
Washington @ Philadelphia:  Eagles
Arizona @ San Diego:  Chargers
Chicago @ NY Giants:  Bears
New England @ Miami:  Patriots