Bowl Season (Dec 30)

Bowl Predictions Part IV

 

   It was a great weekend of football..... Now Bowl Season goes into OVERDRIVE! There will be about four or five games a day for the entire week leading up to the big game next Monday. So this week I will be going through my picks in the two minute drill. I am 7-4 in my picks thus far.

 

 

    Monday, Dec 30

 

Bell Helicopter Bowl: MTSU vs Navy

   My Pick: Navy 34 MTSU 20 (and I should disqualify this game from my picks since I am late getting this posted today).

 

Music City Bowl: Ole Miss vs Georgia Tech

   This game is just about to kick off; My Pick: Ole Miss 28 Georgia Tech 17.

 

Alamo Bowl: Oregon vs Texas

   This should be an easy pick. Oregon is a far better team, but I question their motivation. Texas on the other hand, is motivated and is determined to send Mack Brown out with a win...... And you know what? I think Texas comes out focused and motivated..... My Pick: Texas 31 Oregon 28.

 

Holiday Bowl: Arizona State vs Texas Tech

   My Pick: Arizona State 28 Texas Tech 21

 

Tuesday, Dec 31

 

Advo Care V100 Bowl: Arizona vs Boston College

One thing stands out to me in this game..... and it's not the name of the bowl..... It is the RUN GAME. My Pick: Boston College 30 Arizona 20.

 

Hyundai Sun Bowl: Virginia Tech vs UCLA

    I just don't see much chance for the Hokies in this game. Their offense has been terrible this season..... I like their defense, but if their offense can't stay on the field for more than two or three minutes and come away with at least field goals, then I don't see any way that the Hokies keep this close.... My Pick: UCLA 35 Virginia Tech 10.

 

Liberty Bowl: Rice vs Mississippi State

    Rice has ten wins...... Mississippi State is 6-6.... So what? As an SEC Banner fan would say, "If it's SEC, then the SEC will win". Well, that's not true all the time, but in this one I think it fits.... My Pick: Mississippi State 27 Rice 13.

 

Chik-fil-a Bowl: Texas A&M vs Duke

    If you are asking how this matchup happened, don't worry, you are not alone..... This might be the ugliest game in the "big bowl game" matchups. Does anybody expect this thing to be close? I would love to pick this in favor of the biggest upset of the 2013 Bowl Season..... but I just can't do it. My Pick: Texas A&M 38 Duke 17.

 

     Check back for more updates and bowl picks this week. Check out our friends over at www.fans25.com. Bowl Predictions are in full swing there, and there are plenty of fans debating and breaking down the upcoming matchups.... so jump in.

 

    Reader Questions Segment will be on Friday. Be sure to get your BCS National Championship predictions in.... Send to Jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com. I will be breaking down the National Championship matchup on Friday as well. Anything college football, send it in.... 

 

Bowl Season (Continued)

Bowl Predictions Part III

     Ouch! It was a rough day for my picks in yesterday's bowl games. I started 2-0 and left the day 2-2. I hope my picks for today hold up.  Maybe I can make up for it with some of the games this weekend.

 

Saturday's Bowl Games:

 

Pinstripe Bowl: Rutgers vs Notre Dame.

   The Irish should be able to win this game based on just the raw talent alone. I don't see any reason to spend any extra time on this game..... My Pick: Notre Dame 28 Rutgers 13.

 

Belk Bowl: Cincinnati vs North Carolina.

   I like this matchup. It will be a close game going in to the 4th quarter. North Carolina started the season terrible, but they have found their groove in their last five games of the season. Cincinnati hasn't struggled like the Tar Heels, and that may be a factor. You have to wonder if North Carolina's terrible side will make an appearance in this game. Like I said, though.... I really like this matchup. Both teams matchup well. My Pick: North Carolina 24 Cincinnati 21.

 

Russell Athletic Bowl: Miami vs Louisville.

    Here is another interesting matchup. I think most people are ready to chalk this game up as a win for the Cardinals...... But wait just a minute. Louisville isn't unbeatable. Miami isn't a huge threat, but when they are on their game, they can give a good team problems. Bridgewater wants to have a good game to perhaps impress the NFL scouts..... So with that, I think Louisville pulls away in the second half. My Pick: Louisville 35 Miami 24.

 

Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl: Michigan vs Kansas State.

   This is another matchup that seems impossible to get a good read of which way this is going to go...... Both teams have had rough stretches during the regular season. Both teams have played some games where they looked like they had turned the corner...... I like where Michigan is right now.... I think Michigan could open this up pretty quick if they come in to this game confident. My Pick: Michigan 30 Kansas State 21.

 

    That's it for this weekend. Check back later for more Bowl Predictions and of course...... CollegeFootball2Day's Big Reveal coming soon. Reader Questions Segment returns next week as well, be sure to send in your questions/predictions or anything college football to Jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com or post to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/collegefootball2day.

 

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Bowl Season

Bowl Predictions Part II

 

   Merry Christmas! I hope everyone had a great Christmas.... I know I did. Bowl season is well under way, and my first two predictions came true. USC took care of Fresno State a little easier than I thought they would, and I was almost spot on with my prediction of Ohio vs East Carolina (My prediction: 34-20; Actual: 37-20). Great start thus far.... Maybe I can keep it up with a few more predictions for this week's Bowls games.

 

   There are two games tonight:

 

Little Caesars Bowl: Pittsburgh vs Bowling Green.

   Pitt has come a long ways since the start of the season. They have adapted to a new conference. They might have struggled a little bit down the stretch, however, this program is headed in the right direction, and they would like to continue to move in the right direction with a bowl victory. It won't be easy though, as they are taking on a very good Bowling Green team that is lead by a great defense. Pitt has to bring their 'A' game and Bowling Green has to make some mistakes for this to go Pitt's way. Bowling Green is coming off a huge win over Northern Illinois. I expect Bowling Green to come into this game and control every aspect. They will be too much for Pitt to handle. My Pick: Bowling Green 38 Pittsburgh 17.

 

 

Poinsettia Bowl: Utah State vs Northern Illinois.

   Utah State has had a pretty good season, but I think they will be outmatched in this game against Northern Illinois. Jordan Lynch is looking to end his career at the college level on a high note, and of course to impress the scouts one last time. Now don't make the same mistake I made when looking at this matchup..... Utah State has a respectable defense and Lynch can't just expect to win by showing up. As long as Northern Illinois is focused and plays their game, I think they will win convincingly. My Pick: Northern Illinois 41 Utah State 24.

 

 

    Friday's games:

 

Military Bowl: Maryland vs Marshall.

   Maryland started the season strong but then they were exposed for what they really were..... Marshall has had some really good games, but then they have had some really terrible games as well... So, I think this game will be a little harder to predict. It really will come down to who stays focused from start to finish. I think I can give the edge to Marshall. Their offense has been pretty consistent all season long, even in their losses they put up a solid amount of points. So with that..... My Pick: Marshall 42 Maryland 24.

 

Texas Bowl: Syracuse vs Minnesota.

   Syracuse has had their ups and downs this season...... Sadly for Syracuse, I think their troubles will find them in their bowl game as well. Minnesota has played in some tough games this season, and they were in a couple of the games that they lost. I get the feeling that this game will be a little sloppy. And I think Minnesota wins the turnover battle..... My Pick: Minnesota 27 Syracuse 17.

 

Fight Hunger Bowl: BYU vs Washington.

   BYU has had a strong season. Washington has played pretty well too...... Another tough game to pick. Washington has played the tougher schedule, in my opinion. And that really could go a long ways for Washington. The Huskies are used to facing tougher opponents...... Sure, the coaching change will be a distraction, but I think from top to bottom, Washington is the better team. And I really think they will be focused in making the season about them and not the coach. My Pick: Washington 34 BYU 24.

 

    Check back tomorrow for more Bowl predictions. There are some really good games ahead this weekend. Reader Questions Segment returns next week, AND CollegeFootball2Day has a huge reveal coming over the next few weeks. Before the 2013 season started, I promised some changes were coming to CollegeFootball2Day and while some of those changes have been subtle, this one will be pretty big...... STAY TUNED!

 

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Bowl Games and Coaching Search

Bowls Game Predictions Part I

 

    The first week of the Bowl Season is just about to kick off and I have my predictions ready to go..... Usually I am not that interested in some of the 'smaller bowls' but this week has some good matchups. So lets do this!

 

                

   

December 21

 



    Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl: Fresno State vs USC Trojans.

 

 Never mind the name of the bowl, just look at the teams playing. USC is in a strange transition right now, and that could serve as a pretty big distraction that Fresno State could capitalize on. Fresno State had an up and down season, but they have a pretty good chance of ending on a high note. Up and down season? Yeah, I think USC has had just as strange season as anybody. Lane Kiffin is gone, the Trojans got on a roll, and then they make a questionable hire for their next head coach. In this game, it's hard to predict which USC team will show up. USC has the better athletes, but will they be focused? If there is one thing I have learned this season about USC, it's don't pick against them. I had several weeks in a row that I thought USC would fold...... So, I tell you what, this time I won't pick against them. My Pick: USC 27 Fresno State 21.

 

December 23

 

   Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl: Ohio vs East Carolina.

 I will keep this one short. I like East Carolina and the direction they are headed. Some fans don't realize just how close this team was to being 11-1. They are 9-3 with two losses by a combined FOUR points. Those two losses? One loss to Virginia Tech 15-14, the second to Tulane in overtime 36-33. Their third loss came to Marshall, and it was pretty convincing that Marshall was the better team. Ohio will be overwhelmed in this game. My Pick: East Carolina 34 Ohio 20.

 

  Next week I will continue with my bowl predictions. Now let me move on to a pretty big headline that will continue to overshadow the bowl season......

 

     Who will be the Next Head Coach at Texas?

  

 

   The search is on in Texas. Nick Saban has been ruled out, though some still speculate that Saban is just hanging around at Alabama until after the Sugar Bowl. Other names making the cut? Mike Tomlin, Chip Kelly, Jim Harbaugh, Jimbo Fisher, Charlie Strong, and the list goes on and on.....

  

   I will say this.... At least half of those names above are so far fetched, it's ridiculous..... The other half of those names? Yeah, I still think those are a little bit crazy too.This is supposed to be the most desired job in all of college football, right?  Charlie Strong has said he isn't interested. I know that may not mean much in the view of the public, but he seems like an honest guy. Jimbo Fisher? Yeah, I've seen his name in several articles..... And I ask this question right back: "Why would he leave a program that is headed into another period of dominance?" He just signed another contract with a pretty significant increase in pay. And why would he leave a freshman QB like Jameis Winston? Having a player like that almost guarantees another successful season. I just don't see him leaving Florida State. Oh and I should mention that I left John Gruden off the list intentionally..... Stop dreaming Longhorn nation..... Gruden isn't going to coach in college, he is an NFL guy.

 

    I think out of all the names above, I find Chip Kelly the most interesting.... He has had an up and down season in the NFL, and I would say his future has just as many questions as anybody out there.... I could be way off with this, but he seems to be the one coach in the NFL that I could see go back to the college level for a job like Texas..... Speculation is great, isn't it?

 

    Check back next week for more Bowl Game predictions and of course, anything that develops further with this Texas sized job opening......

 

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Bowl Season

Tis the Season!

 

   Bowl season has arrived! It's the best and worst time of the college football season. There are some great matchups, and then of course, there are the snoozer games that we all want to ask..... "What were they thinking!?!?!" Yeah, there are plenty of both..... Bowl season also marks the beginning of the end..... Luckily, there is National Signing Day and spring football to get us through the first few months of the off-season..... But lets not get too far ahead here..... We still have some football left, so lets try to enjoy it while it lasts.....

 

    Over the next couple weeks, I will break down some of the bowl games...... Also, if there is a bowl game you want to talk about, let me know.... Send to Jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com or post to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/collegefootball2day.

 

    Here are a couple games that I wish they could change up a bit..... and these are NOT exactly small bowl games either.....

 

   ALLSTATE Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs Oklahoma.

I mean really? I think this happens on purpose, because Bob Stoops is always bad mouthing the SEC.... We will see what he has to say after this game.

 

    Chik-fil-A Bowl: Duke vs Texas A&M.

Yeah, this may be fun to watch because it will be Johnny Manziel's last game.... But outside of that, it will be a blowout. Sorry Duke, it was a special season and I know you would like to end on a higher note, but I just don't see this being a close game.

 

    Those are just a couple of the snoozer games..... But don't worry there are a couple of intriguing matchups out there too. Here is a sample of the more interesting bowl matchups out there.

 

    Alamo Bowl: Texas vs Oregon.

Okay, I get it..... We all wanted to see Oregon play an SEC team, like Alabama. But you know what? I am okay with this matchup too. It's Mack Brown's last game as the Texas head coach, so I am sure his team will have plenty of fight in them for this game.

 

    Russel Athletic Bowl: Miami vs Louisville

The story here is that these two teams had their goals set a little higher than the Russel Athletic Bowl..... So who shows up? Miami hasn't played in a bowl game the last few seasons, so that might be the key for the Canes. On the flip side of this, Teddy Bridgewater is heading for the NFL and he needs to leave a good impression for the scouts. On the surface this game may not look like much, but I assure you, it will be a good game.

 

   Check back for more updates. Also, check out our friends at www.fans25.com and join the discussion. Make your bowl picks and send them in for CollegeFootball2day's Reader Questions segment.

 

   

Reader Questions

Heisman Week Reader Questions

 

      First off,  I will be looking for some apologies from some of you out there..... In my last post, I broke down why I thought Saban would be headed for Austin, Texas. The back-lash was pretty rough. I received numerous emails saying that I was crazy for buying into the rumors that Saban is considering Texas..... Well, the rumors are starting to gain traction, and I have to admit, I have seen the early signs of panic among some of the Crimson Tide fan base. On the other side, however, if Saban stays at BAMA, I will gladly apologize to Crimson Tide Nation for insulting your program with this.....

 

     Let me get some details straight..... Many fans out there went ahead and assumed that Alabama came up with a revised contract for Nick Saban to stay at Alabama. This may be true, but guess what? He hasn't signed it..... And on the other side of that rumor? Well, Alabama has denied that this revised contract is even real. Isn't it a little alarming to BAMA fans that when Alabama reps were taking questions about this, they simply replied with, "We are focused on the Sugar Bowl, and Coach Saban is focused on recruiting and the Sugar Bowl." Guess where Saban happened to be recruiting this week? According sources at ESPN, and various others, Nick Saban is in Texas on the recruiting trail...... Hmmmm Yeah, that's interesting.

 

    Okay, let me get to your questions and thoughts.

 

Tavares in Alabama writes: Interesting blog. It's nice to see something that isn't mainstream media based.... Usually that means you will give points for both sides. So my thoughts about Saban leaving my Tide for the Shorthorns..... Not going to happen. He has too much going for him at Alabama. He has built an amazing program. Why would he throw that away to have to start over in Texas of all places?

 

    Yeah, I'm getting a few emails like yours, Tavares. However, I wouldn't be so sure. Saban could get a press conference and tell the world he isn't leaving Alabama..... I still wouldn't believe it, #MiamiDolphins. So, let the story continue to unfold..... And if he stays..... Then oh well, it made a fun few days, weeks, or months of speculation. My question for everyone now is, If Texas doesn't get Saban, then who do they get? Oh and fresh off the wire...... I received this info just as I was putting this post together..... ESPN is reporting that AJ McCarron has released a statement. "Coach Saban told me he is staying at Alabama." It's nice to get these kind of updates at just the right time.

 

VOLbleedsORANGE writes: I have two things. First, I think Saban may end up staying. Sure, being a Vols fan, I would like to see him leave, but I think he has found a place to settle. Second, my Heisman list: 1. Winston 2. AJ McCarron 3. Jordan Lynch. Thanks and GO VOLS!

 

    From what just came down the wire from ESPN, it sure looks like Saban is staying. Again, I won't believe it until Texas has a new head coach. As far as your Heisman list goes.... I like it. Jordan Lynch might be the most underrated. And that happens mainly because he plays in a bad conference.  McCarron is only on this list because Mariota fell off the face of the earth AND because some people are starting to look at what he has achieved over his entire career at Alabama.... Last I checked, it's what you've done in the current season. I think you could replace McCarron pretty easily. That being said, it's nice that he got an invite.... He really has accomplished a lot over the years.... Maybe that's why he got the honorable invite?

 

 Anonymous writes: You are not crazy, but you are getting close. Saban isn't going anywhere. Alabama won't let him. They will throw as much money or more at him than Texas. Heisman pick: Winston means the most to his team. As much as I would like McCarron to win it, I think Saban could plug almost any QB into his offense and still put up the same average numbers. Without Winston, FSU has the same season they had a year ago. He hasn't been charged, the case is closed.... Voters shouldn't hold that against him. It's his to lose. Congrats to your Noles and Winston on a great season.

 

    Whew! I thought I was feeling a little crazy. Lets just see how this plays out. I mean, if Texas has known for months that Mack Brown is stepping down, don't you think that a program like Texas already knows who their next guy is? And let's face it, It has to be a proven guy. It has to be a big name coach for Texas fans to accept the change, right? I'm hearing names like Jimbo Fisher, Mike Tomlin, and Jim Harbaugh.... Slow down just a minute.... Why would any of those guys leave? Coach Fisher just signed a new deal that puts him in the $4 million+  per year. And the other two guys? TWO NFL GUYS? One who coaches the Stealers? The other has been very successful with the 49ers? Yeah, those two guys aren't going anywhere. So, please throw some real candidates out there.....  The next guy has to be bigger than Jimbo Fisher.... Either a high profile NFL guy like Gruden, or a high profile college coach like........ Urban Meyer.... Nope, he isn't leaving either. And I think we have all figured out that Gruden isn't going to coach in college either. Whew! I chased that rabbit for awhile..... I agree 100% with your Heisman pick. FSU might not have 10 wins without Winston. He is dominant and consistent. He is a natural leader.

 

    Thanks for the questions and comments everyone. More to come over the next week or so.... Bowl Game predictions.... Heisman discussion tomorrow.... And of course keeping an eye on the Texas coaching situation...

 

 

 

  

College Football Chatter

College Football Chatter

 

     Here it is, college football fans..... This morning, conflicting reports have been floated to the media by various sources. Coach Mac Brown is expected to make an announcement about his future with the University of Texas. It was already reported that he had resigned this morning, but then ESPN turned around and said that Texas has denied that Mac Brown had stepped down. So what is going on in Texas?

    Here is my speculation. I believe Mac Brown has already made his decision to step down. I believe Texas knew this was coming months ago. The "wild card" in all of this is Nick Saban. We all know and have heard Saban deny the rumors and ignored all the talk of him heading to Texas. Even his wife has made comments about staying in Alabama (and you are telling me Nick didn't put his wife up to that?). So...... I believe Texas has a time-table to release certain info.... Who is that time-table centered around? You guessed it. Nick Saban. Now, don't get me wrong, Mac Brown isn't working with this schedule for Nick Saban... Mac Brown is going to do what he wants to do, no matter what the university has planned for their next coach. With that, I think Saban would like the "official talks" with Texas to remain on the "down-low" until the timing is right for both parties. And for the Alabama fans who think that Alabama will match or even beat whatever Texas offers, yeah I think you are right..... Alabama will match or beat whatever offer comes from Texas...... Here is the kicker, Saban doesn't care about the money. He knows he will be taken care of no matter where he goes.  Nick Saban cares about one thing..... How will he be immortalized in the college football world? How will he be remembered? Well, here is one way he can do it (and nobody else has done it). Win a National Championship at THREE different programs. It seems crazy but, there is another coach that is possibly chasing the same stat. Urban Meyer certainly isn't the same type of coach that Saban is, but I will say this..... Urban Meyer will win another Title. And when he does, he will then move on to another program..... Where he will then try to win another Title at a third school.

    Nick Saban is all about pride and being the best. He is the best around right now. But even Saban understands that great coaches come and go. And he knows that the only way to go down as one of the greatest of all time is to win as many championships at as many programs as he can. He doesn't want to be the best coach in a program's history..... He wants to be the best in ALL of College Football. Now, I am not like all the other fans and media people out there. I think there was a scenario where he could've stayed at Alabama for at least one more season. That scenario? I think if he won a 3rd straight title at Alabama, I think he would've stayed. Why? Simply because he would've been chasing a 4th straight title. You see the trend yet? He wants his name in the record books. So what does he have in front of him at Alabama? Another rebuilding/reloading type season. He would be replacing as many key positions as he ever has at Alabama. New QB, question marks at running-back, question marks on defense. You name it, there are questions surrounding this program for next season. Alabama fans can answer most of what I just asked, but that's not enough to convince me they are built for another Title run next season. Saban wants to build another championship team, and he can do it just as fast at Texas, if not faster with the money and recruiting footprint he has to work with there. Yes, I know Alabama has some of those advantages too....
  
    Coach Saban has conquered the SEC. He has dominated better than any coach in the SEC, simple as that. Urban Meyer did much of the same in a short amount of time as well. Now, Meyer has moved on to try to dominate another conference. Saban? Yeah, it's about that time. Saban has a chance to move to another conference and dominate just the same.

    The days ahead are sure to bring more and more speculation. It wouldn't be college football without some kind of drama, and this is the perfect kind of drama. What's your take? Send me your thoughts for this week's Reader Questions segment. Send to Jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com or post to our Facebook page at www.facebookpage.com/collegefootball2day.   

BCS Picture

BCS Picture is Set

 

     Another weekend that didn't disappoint..... And again, there were some surprises too. I want you to think back to late October and early November..... FSU was in the picture but it was considered to be Alabama's and Oregon's show. Oh and there were, what, like five or six undefeated teams? The whispers about there being a couple teams left out of the mix were getting louder. Guess what? It worked itself out. The BCS got it right, as it has more times than not.....

    My predictions didn't all work out this past weekend, but I did say a one loss SEC team would make it to the BCS Title game. And for the rest of the college football nation I say this..... If you don't want the SEC in the Title Game, then do something about it. Every conference had a team in the mix, but they couldn't take care of the THEIR OWN business. Take care of your schedule, and what you can control and I wouldn't be talking about an SEC team getting to play for the BCS Title.

    So here is what we have in the BCS Bowls now that the conference championships have been played.

    VIZIO BCS Title Game: Florida State vs Auburn

    Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: UCF vs Baylor

    Rose Bowl: Stanford vs Michigan State

    Allstate Sugar Bowl: Oklahoma vs Alabama

    Discover Orange Bowl: Clemson vs Ohio State

   There are couple solid matchups here, but overall, I am not satisfied. Sure, the Title game will be great..... but I'm not really interested in seeing a very mediocre Oklahoma team take on Alabama. I think I would've liked to see Ohio State take on the Crimson Tide.... Oklahoma is one team that sticks out to me that doesn't belong in a BCS Bowl. Who would I replace to them with? It's tough, but I would like to see Oregon for an at large bid.... We all wanted to see Oregon vs Alabama, right? That would've been a huge matchup. I will breakdown more bowl game matchups later this week, including the biggest snoozer matchups.....Like, the Chik-fil-A Bowl..... Yeah, if you haven't heard yet, DUKE gets to take on Texas A&M.... Wow what a game that could be..... Or NOT.

    We have just one more important piece of business to discuss before Bowl Season is underway..... The Heisman. Votes are due today by 5pm. Is it as lopsided as some of the media would have us believe? Will Winston run away with it? If not, then who wins? Send me your Heisman list for this week's Reader Question Segment. Give me your top three.
Send to Jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com or post to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/collegefootball2day. 





Conference Championships

Conference Championship Week

    Bowl Season is on deck, but we have to get through Conference Championship Week first. If we have learned anything in the month of November, it was that ANYTHING can happen. Nothing is guaranteed.... The BCS stage is not set just yet.... In fact there is a real chance for another shake up in the BCS. Here is what we are looking at this weekend....

 

 

 

    Oklahoma at Oklahoma State

This is an interesting game. An Oklahoma State loss would shake things up in the BIG12 quite a bit. There are three teams with a conference record of 7-1, Oklahoma State, Baylor, and Texas. The Sooners have nothing to lose, and they could play spoiler to Oklahoma State. The Cowboys, however, control their own destiny. A win would put them at the top of the BIG12 and give them an outside shot at the BCS Title..... Yes, there are scenarios that have Oklahoma State in the mix...... Anyways....

My Pick: Oklahoma State.

 

 

 

 

 

     Texas at Baylor

Mac Brown has turned the season around..... Or at least salvaged the season, thus far. Texas still has a shot at the BIG12 Title. An Oklahoma State loss, and a win over Baylor would make this season one of the most bizarre seasons for Texas. Baylor, on the other hand, started out on fire, but have struggled recently. So much is at stake in this game..... Of course, most of that depends on Oklahoma State. A Cowboy loss opens the door for both of these teams. Baylor has struggled against bigger teams, and I think that trend continues this Saturday.

My Pick: Texas

 

    Speaking of Texas, what about all the rumors of Saban heading to Texas? Hmmmmm, an Alabama loss last week sure makes you wonder.... McCarron is headed to the NFL..... Does Nick want to start over with new QB at BAMA? He has admitted it, and so has his wife for that matter..... BAMA fans are spoiled. And believe me.... Coaches can't stand spoiled fans, bandwagon fans, etc.... And there have been a few of those over the last five years across the SEC footprint. Maybe it's time Nick Saban goes for that third National Title at a different school. He has one with LSU, he has multiple from Alabama, and now he may have a chance to immortalize his impact on college football by winning a Title at THREE DIFFERENT programs. Yeah, I don't care how many times Saban denies the rumors.... I won't believe he is returning to Alabama until I see him on Alabama's sidelines the first week of the 2014 season. Okay, back to the football games.....

 

    Missouri vs Auburn

Anybody see this matchup coming? I mean really, don't lie. This game has BCS implications. An Ohio State loss would put the winner of this game in the BCS Title game.  I want to know what the SEC homers think of Missouri. A team that hasn't even been in the conference long enough for it to impact recruiting, is playing for the conference championship in what is said to be the best conference in all of college football. A team that came from the weak, no defense, BIG 12...... They have a chance to be crowned the best team out of the SEC. Let me try to make this NOT all about Missouri, even though I think that's a big storyline here..... Auburn is playing with the mentality that if they dominate Missouri, they might have a chance at jumping Ohio State and playing for the BCS Title. This will be a fun game to watch. Both teams will have a lot of fight in them. But I think one team has a little more in them than the other..... And that team is Missouri.

 My Pick: Missouri

 

    Stanford at Arizona State

Nope, no Oregon in the PAC12 Championship. So many fans were ready to put Oregon in this game, and guess what? November happened. Stanford has the power run game to win this game. The question for Stanford will be on the defensive side of the ball. Arizona State has shown they can play tough on offense. At the end of the day, however, I really like what Stanford is going to bring in this game. They have their focus back, and they know they can erase their disappointment from earlier in the season with a PAC12 Title. My Pick: Stanford

 

 

     Duke vs Florida State

Yep, we have all heard about Duke by now. They are 10-2 and are playing in the ACC Championship for the first time in school history. David Cutcliffe was named Coach of the Year, AGAIN. It's been a nice ride for Duke this season. Exciting games, close finishes, and TEN WINS. Ahhhh, it was a nice run, no doubt. Well, now they are playing Florida State. A team that they are 0-18 against all time. A team that destroys their opponents. A team that is ranked #1 in the country. The spread in this game is a little ridiculous..... 28 points was the last I saw. Florida State should cover that and may even double that. The Noles are more focused than ever before, and that is a very scary fact. With the news of Jameis Winston being in the clear, I find it hard to believe that they won't come out and play even harder. Let's be clear about this.... Their locker room has known about this incident since spring (and maybe longer). They have been playing lights out even when the dark cloud was over the program. And now you have a team that has refocused and has rallied around Winston. Sorry Duke, but Florida State won't play nice on Saturday.

My Pick: Florida State, I've picked them all season long, why stop now?

 

 Ohio State vs Michigan State

Ahhhh yes, the BIG10 Championship. A bad season for the conference as a whole, but Ohio State seems to be ready to play for the BCS Title. But if I could use the words of Lee Corso, "Not so fast, my friend."  Michigan State is going to be a big time test for the Buckeyes (mainly because Ohio State still hasn't played anybody). The Spartans have a very good defense. This game has all the ingredients for an upset. One team has everything to lose, and the other has something to prove. This should be a close game down to the wire, but I have to pick one..... And based what I saw last week, I just don't think Ohio State will be able to handle a tougher team in Michigan State. My Pick: Michigan State.

 

    So there you have it SEC fans. I think you will see a one loss team in the BCS Title game.... It may be just a question of who from the SEC gets there.

 

   Enjoy the games this weekend. Even if you aren't a fan of some of the teams playing, watch the games anyway.... The 2013 season is almost over.... So really...... take the time and sit back and watch as much college football as you can..... Sure, Bowl season is still ahead, but this is the final week of the BCS, and so much is riding on these games.... Enjoy it. 

 

    Reader Question Segment returns next week. Heisman predictions, Bowl games, ANYTHING college football, send it to Jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com or post to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/collegefootball2day. You can join the discussion at www.fans25.com. All Sports. Powered by the fans.

     

No Charges Against Winston

Winston Will Not Be Charged

 

     The day that so many people have been waiting for since this story first hit is finally here. So many questions that we all wanted answered. Well, the day has come, and Willie Meggs' office has made the announcement. Great news for Winston and his family. Seminole nation can exhale now.....

 

     Search warrants and official police reports were released today. There are so many conflicting details coming from her side, that clearly it would have made it very difficult to take this to trial and win. The investigation reports are being made available later today for the public. For anybody who wants to know 'why?' or 'how?' Meggs came to this conclusion, look at the details of the investigation and that should clear it up.

 

    I haven't seen the public records of this investigation yet, but I get the feeling from what I've heard in the press conference, that the accuser's side of things is still VERY skewed and inconsistent. For example, the second DNA sample found on here clothes.... Which by the way, doesn't match the witnesses that were there. The accuser claims it is from her boyfriend, who still remains unknown. She has not revealed his identity, and I find that strange as well.

 

    You can check back here for more details as they are released. Also, this week's Key Games and Picks will be posted soon.

 

     

ACC Player of the Year

Winston Named ACC Player of the Year

 

   Florida State QB Jameis Winston has been named the ACC Player of the year. This may not come as a huge surprise to some fans, but I find it to be very telling of the current situation with Jameis Winston and the "ongoing" investigation.

 

 

 

    We all know about the allegations facing Winston. We know some of the facts of the case, but apparently we don't know the important facts....... With what we know at this point, it might seem that there is enough evidence to charge him...... However, whatever it is that we don't know appears to be enough to have the State Attorney questioning, and even doubting what may or may not be.... He has to be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. The questions around this case are a factor when it comes to deciding the Heisman vote.....

 

    Okay, so why is it significant that Jameis Winston has been named ACC Player of the year? Well, I find it strange that the ACC would be willing to crown Winston as their player of the year, knowing full well he could be charged with a felony. If you are telling me that the ACC would do this without considering what is going on with Winston, you are wrong. I'm not implying that the ACC knows something we don't..... Let me get that out of the way..... I am simply taking notice that the ACC has given their vote of confidence in Winston. Sure, it's not the Heisman, but for the ACC, this is a big deal. It's the first year they have named a redshirt freshman as player of the year.  The ACC, like the Heisman in my opinion, wouldn't want that type of publicity if Winston is charged. Again, I know the Player of the Year award is not as big as the Heisman..... But let me say it again, I think it is very interesting that the ACC (voters) would go ahead and vote for Winston. I think it is very telling about where the investigation appears to be headed. I know where Florida State fans hope this investigation goes..... I know we don't know all the facts of the case. And the fact that this has gone on as long as it has, tells me that there is something not right about this whole case. The timing was the first warning. The fact that this happened so long ago was an even bigger red flag. The good news for Winston? It appears as though some voters out there aren't being swayed by the investigation. The ACC isn't being swayed by the rumors and allegations, NOR should the Heisman voters.

 

    For those of you asking "who else deserved ACC Player of the Year?" I think there were plenty of other candidates.... Starting with Andre Williams. Some have even said Andre Williams would make a nice dark horse for the Heisman race. He has rushed for more than 2,000 yards on the season. Who else may have been considered for ACC Player of the year? Tajh Boyd had to be considered..... Of course he didn't have the same type of season that Winston had, but he threw for 3,400 yards and was a very important piece to Clemson's 10+ win season. My point is that the ACC could have left Winston out, and taken no heat for it because of the off the field issues with him..... But they didn't. They took the player that played consistent, and had a record setting season...... But with the most risk... They know full well the back-lash they may get if Winston is charged.... And again, they didn't let the ALLEGATIONS dictate their decision. So for those of you who think Winston has already lost the Heisman, maybe you should think again. I'm not saying he is a sure bet, but he isn't out of the race like so many think he is.

 

    It's conference championship week, so check back later for more updates, Key Games and Picks, and Reader Question Segment. Send questions and comments to Jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com or post to our Facebook page at www.collegefootball2day.blogspot.com. Join the discussion at www.fans25.com. All sports, powered by FANS.

Final Week of College Football Regular Season

Week 14 Recap and BCS Shake Up

 

     Do you remember the first week of November? You know, we had already put Oregon and Alabama in the BCS Title Game.... Well, here we are at the end of the regular season and neither of those two will be in the BCS Championship. In fact, the SEC is in real danger of not even having their conference represented in the big game.

 

    Auburn is on a mission. There is no other way to describe it. Two weeks in a row, they have come up with wins in incredible fashion. How about it, Alabama? Are any of you Crimson Tide fans questioning the call to go for a 56-yard field goal? Granted, it was a different kicker than the other guy who missed three others, but really? A freshman? Kicking the game winner? Look at the other possible scenarios.... It very easily could've been blocked and returned for six. If the plan on that final drive was to get into field goal range, then I think AJ McCarron should have been on the field throwing instead of handing the ball off. If you run out of time, so what..... You go to overtime and take care of business. Saban might be losing his edge...... Yeah, I went there. He might already have his bags packed and ready to head to Texas.....

 

    We have a new number one in the polls. Alabama fell three spots to number four..... And Florida State takes over as the number one team in the nation for the first time since October 1st, 2000. Florida State has a conference championship game between them and their first trip to the BCS Title game since the 2000 season.

 

    Speaking of the ACC Championship game..... Duke secured the coastal division with a win over North Carolina. The Blue Devils are now 10-2 on the season..... As crazy as it sounds, Duke might be paying more attention to football over the next month than they will to basketball..... What has the world come to?

 

     So who plays for the crystal football? Will it play out the way it looks at this point, and have Florida State play Ohio State? Or can Auburn make a move with a convincing win over Missouri in the SEC Championship? If I am a Buckeye fan, I would be pulling for Missouri this upcoming week. This race for the BCS Title game isn't over yet..... Ohio State still has to come up with a win over Michigan State. Conference Championship week will be just as big as this past week was for the BCS. 

 

 

     USC announced today that they have a new head coach. Washington's Steve Sarkisian has accepted the job. Not exactly who I thought they would get, but it seems like a good fit at this point. Time will tell.

 

     So much happened this past weekend. From Ohio State needing a stop on a 2-point conversion, Florida State dismantling the Gators in the Swamp, to Auburn's "Kick Six" to knock off Alabama in the Iron Bowl. Check back for more updates. Heisman voting is in full force..... And questions still surround Heisman favorite Jameis Winston.

 

     Give CollegeFootball2Day a 'LIKE' and a 'SHARE' on Facebook at www.collegefootball2day.blogspot.com. Send in your questions and comments to Jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com for CollegeFootball2Day's Reader Question segment this week. Don't forget to join the discussion at www.fans25.com. All Sports, powered by the fans!