Northwestern at Nebraska

Beef: Nebraska (-7.5)

I had NW as my upset pick last week and they went on to get slaughtered. I will not be picking them for an upset this time around. Their offense is flat out bad. It seems like the defense has given up on carrying the team this season. You get the sense that since their first half run has come to an end the Wildcats aren’t playing with the same urgency. I think the Huskers will end up winning this game close to the number. If I had to side, though, it would not be with the Wildcats.
Final Score: Nebraska 27, Northwestern 14
 
Chaplin: Nebraska (-7.5)

The Cornhuskers rebounded nicely last week, allowing me to nail my upset pick of the week despite having a pretty average week overall. I like the Huskers again this week at home against a Northwestern team that is really struggling on offense to find some sort of identity. This game will be won when Northwestern is on offense and Nebraska is on defense, as Northwestern’s strength is it’s running game and Nebraska’s strength on defense is its rush D. The Huskers seem to have turned a corner offensively with the return of De’Mornay Pierson-El, and I think he is the catalyst that sends Nebraska on a second half surge.
Final Score: Nebraska 45, Northwestern 31
 
Smouse: Northwestern (+7.5)

This Northwestern team has been quite disappointing lately especially in the shutout loss to Michigan two weeks ago and a loss to Iowa last week. But despite those two back-to-back losses to top 25 teams 7.5 is a lot of points in this one. I think Nebraska wins but not by more than a touchdown.
Final Score: Nebraska 28, Northwestern 24

​Duke at Virginia Tech

Beef: Virginia Tech (-2.5)
​
I love that Duke has turned into a respectable ACC football team over the past few years. I really love their defense too.  I think this will be a close and low scoring game. In the end, the Blue Devils’ coaching and control of the game turn into a victory over an inconsistent Tech team.
Final Score: Duke 20, Virginia Tech 17
 
Chaplin: Virginia Tech (-2.5)

Duke has historically struggled against Virginia Tech, especially on the road. This trip to Blacksburg should be very similar to the previous trips for anyone associated with the Duke program, coming back to Durham with a head scratching loss. Virginia Tech gets QB Michael Brewer back for this one, the same QB who led the Hokies to a first half lead over the Ohio State Buckeyes. Look for VT to make a statement here, and win a tough hard fought game at home.
Final Score: Virginia Tech 13, Duke 10

Smouse: Duke (+2.5)
 
I like a one loss Duke team on the road against Virginia Tech. The Hokies are 3-7 against the spread in their last ten games at home. Duke comes in on a nice three game win streak and will win this game by a field goal. 
Final Score: Duke 20, Virginia Tech 17

Utah at USC

Beef: USC (-3.5)

The Trojans are coming off back to back losses. They were a popular pick to upset Notre Dame last week, but that did not pan out. I expect much of the same to happen here. USC certainly has the tools to win with Cody Kessler throwing to (top-5 name in FBS) JuJu Schuster, and that very well could happen if everything goes right. But I believe this Utah team is different from teams of past that were good for a few upsets and great home field advantage. The Utes continue their streak and start to garner more respect.
Final Score: Utah 31, USC 24

Chaplin: Utah (+3.5)
​
Nobody believes the Utes are any good, and they keep on winning. Utah heads to USC where they have won one game in the history of their program. This is EXACTLY why I believe Utah will win! USC put all of their emotions into the game at Notre Dame last week and wound up getting thumped by the Irish. Look for Utah to come in and take care of business at the Coliseum this weekend, and maybe the nation will finally start to appreciate just how good this Utes team is.
Final Score: Utah 24 USC 17
           
Smouse: Utah (+3.5)
 
Absolutely baffles me how USC is favored over the third ranked team in the nation even if they are at home. The Trojans are 0-2 at home so far against pac12 schools and this game will be no different.
Final Score: Utah 35, USC 17

Locks of the Week

Beef: Navy (-23) v. Tulane 

Tulane gave up 65 to Georgia Tech’s triple option, which Navy executes, dare I say, just as well if not better.  I see the Midshipmen scoring almost every drive and Tulane’s offense coming off the field after 3 plays a lot. The already porous defense will wear down quickly and our future servicemen don’t know that there is a word in the dictionary spelled m-e-r-c-y, so they will show none.
Final Score: Navy 48, Tulane 20

Chaplin: Temple (+3) at ECU
​
Don’t understand this one. Yes, the Pirates are always tough (especially at home). Yes, Temple looked sloppy in their double digit win over UCF last week. But I can not figure out for the life of me why the Pirates are giving 3 points here. Temple is 6-0 and Matt Rhule’s bunch might be the best defensive unit in the country. ECU is 4-3 coming off of a 13 point win at home against Tulsa, a result that doesn’t exactly lead many to believe the Pirates are better than the Owls. Take the points with the better team here and watch PJ Walker have a field day against this Pirate defense on Thursday night.
Final Score: Temple 31, ECU 17

Smouse: Florida State (-5) at Georgia Tech

Not sure why this line is so small, even at Georgia Tech. GT is 2-5 and 0-4 in the ACC. Florida State wins this game by 10 points at the least.
Final Score: Florida State 31 ,Georgia Tech 20
​

Upsets of the Week

Beef: Texas A&M (+5) v. Ole Miss

This will be an exciting one to watch and interesting to see how each team responds to last week’s loss. I think the ball will be aired out and end up somewhat high scoring. I like where A&M is at better than a declining Ole Miss. It doesn’t hurt that the Aggies play fairly well on the road under Sumlin.
Final Score: Aggies 35-31

Chaplin: Auburn (+6) at Arkansas

Arkansas and Brett Bielema aren’t exactly lighting the world on fire in the 2015 season like many pundits predicted in the beginning of the year. Auburn seems to have finally turned a corner after walloping Kentucky last week on a Thursday night on the road in Lexington. With the long week to prepare, I like Auburn to make another statement with a road win against the Razorbacks that could leave some wondering if Bielema is the right man for the job in Arkansas.
Final Score: Auburn 22, Arkansas 14
 
Smouse: Syracuse (+6.5) v. Pittsburgh
 
This pick all comes down to the home field advantage that Syracuse has in the Carrier Dome. The last time they were home they kept up with LSU all game only losing by 10. This Pittsburgh team has a better record however has not had very impressive wins on the road. Syracuse by no more than a touchdown.
Final Score: Syracuse 21, Pittsburgh 17
​

We're Also Taking...

Florida at LSU
 
Beef: LSU (-9.5)

Losing Will Grier was a huge setback for the already struggling Florida offense, which now has to rely on Treon Harris. The Gators will not have the atmosphere at the Swamp to back them like they did against Ole Miss. I feel a low scoring game with LSU in control the entire time but he UF defense makes sure its not a blowout. Take LSU as long as the line stays in the single digits.
Final Score: LSU 27, Florida 13

Smouse: Florida (+9.5)

​The big news this week has been Will Grier and his suspension from this dominant Florida team. When I use the word dominant I am referring to the Florida defense. On the other side: Fournette, the almost undisputed Heisman trophy winner to be has been nothing but sensational for LSU.  But despite that I see a strong Florida defense with a dual threat back up quarterback that keeps the game close enough for the Gators to cover.
Final: LSU 17, Florida 10
​
Chaplin: LSU (-9.5)

So a backup quarterback who before this year was a career sub 50% passer, who was beat out as the starter this season after a solid showing against New Mexico State, takes over the starting gig in Gainesville. First test? Going to Baton Rouge to face a pass defense that allows less than 200 yards per game through the air. Harris will undoubtedly make a few plays with his feet that should keep the Gators competitive but LSU and Leonard Fournette will ultimately both prevail and cover this spread.
Final Score: LSU 31, Florida 14

Michigan State at Michigan
 
Beef: Michigan State (+8)

This line is inflated because of Michigan's shutouts against bad offenses and Sparty's inability to win in blowout fashion. This is a rivalry that finally has some implication. Don't fall for recency bias. Sparty was No. 2 in the polls last week, now is 8-point dogs. Take the points. 
 ​Final Score: Michigan 24, Michigan State 21

Smouse: Michigan (-8)

This is going to be an easy pick for me. Two words – Harbaugh Effect. I watched a No. 13 ranked Northwestern team walk into the big house last weekend and get absolutely embarrassed. Yes, this Michigan State team is no joke, but a bigger yes- is this Michigan defense. They have not allowed a score in three games. 
Final Score: Michigan 32, Michigan State 10

Chaplin: Michigan State (+8)

This one makes no sense to me. Yes, Michigan has been playing better than any moment since the Lloyd Carr era the past three games, however this is a Michigan State team led by Senior QB Connor Cook that many voted as the No. 1 team in the country a mere 3 weeks ago. After two boring matchups against lesser opponents, look for State to be hungry to re-prove their worth against the Wolverines. Stat you didn’t know about this one? Michigan State has won outright against Michigan 6 out of the last 7 years, with the one loss being a 12-10 heartbreaker in 2012. This game will be a low scoring Spartan win, with Cook’s QB play being the difference at the end. 
​Final Score: Michigan State 16, Michigan 7

Oregon at Washington
  
Beef: Over (51)

These teams are heading in opposite directions going into this week. Washington is at home which gives them the slight edge with the number. With how unpredictable the Pac 12 has been this year, I can't be confident in one over the other. What I am confident in is that they will both put up points. Bet over 58.5 total points.
Final Score: Washington 42, Oregon 38
 
Smouse: Washington (-2.5)

This is quite an easy pick for me after watching Oregon get absolutely embarrassed at home by Utah, letting up 62 points. After coming off another loss to Washington State I see a deflated, discouraged Oregon team who is used to winning big not losing big, and since they are out of the running for the college playoff, Washington wins by 2 touchdowns or more.
Final Score: Washington 38, Oregon 20

Chaplin: Washington (-2.5)

​Honestly, this matchup is coming down to the Huskies being at home. Oregon is nowhere near their usual selves this year, while this Washington team is beginning to get its footing coming off of a big time win last week on Thursday night in Los Angeles, defeating USC 17-12 and leading to Steve Sarkisian receiving a loss in his final game as head coach of the Trojans. The Huskies need to contain QB Jeff Locke, which they have the athleticism on defense to do. 
Final Score: Washington 27, Oregon 21

Locks of the Week
 
Beef: Western Kentucky (-32.5) at North Texas
 
You will probably not watch this game. But every time you check the ticker it will seem like WKU is scoring in increments of 14. Doughty will throw his way to cover in the first half. And North Texas will not be good enough for a back door cover.
Final Score: Western Kentucky 58, North Texas 17
 
Smouse: Penn State (+18.5) at Ohio State
 
Not much to say about this game besides that the buckeyes never win big aka more than 14 points, ever. I am so sick of taking them with huge spreads, to only watch them win by a touchdown. So, I will easily take Penn State in this game to keep it close, but lose by 10-14 points MAX.
Final Score: Ohio State 35, Penn State 20

Chaplin: Hawaii at New Mexico (Under 51)
 
Hawaii has traveled to the mainland for games 3 times so far this season and has scored a combined 0 points through those 3 games. New Mexico hasn’t eclipsed 40 points minus a 66-0 week 1 win over Mississippi Valley State at home. 51 points between these two would be an absolute miracle.
Final Score: New Mexico 27, Hawaii 7

Upset of the Week
 
Beef: Northwestern (+2.5) v. Iowa
 
Apparently the beating they took last week was bad enough to make Northwestern home dogs. Though they are the better team. Look for a very low scoring game with Northwestern winning outright. 
Final Score: Northwestern 21, Iowa 13
 
Smouse: USC (+7.5) at Notre Dame
 
Despite Notre Dame coming into the game as 6.5 point favorites against the Fighting Irish, I have seen Notre Dame at their worst. That being said, no matter the rankings of either team ND USC is always a close game. Despite the spread, I can see the Trojans winning this game outright and Notre Dame getting shocked at home.
Final Score: USC 27, Notre Dame 24 

Chaplin: Nebraska (+2) at Minnesota
 
Technically, this would be an upset. Historically speaking, this would be expected. Nebraska enters this game an underdog after getting its heart broken AGAIN at home, this time to the hands of the Wisconsin Badgers, who kicked a field goal to win 23-21 at the buzzer. The Cornhuskers strength is run defense, while the Gophers cannot pass effectively enough with QB Mitch Leidner to take advantage of a shaky at times Cornhuskers secondary. I don’t expect Tommy Armstrong to light the world on fire, but I do believe a larger role from DeMornay Pierson-El will lead the Cornhuskers to a much needed win in Minneapolis this Saturday. 
Final Score: Nebraska 24, Minnesota 21 

We're Also Taking...

With week 2 ready to kick off, I will pick 5 games in which I see the best opportunity for potential bettors this weekend. 

1. Oklahoma (-1) at Tennessee: This game is interesting to me on multiple levels. Tennessee is 2-29 against ranked teams in their last 31 attempts, and I didn't see anything in week 1 against Bowling Green that would make me think this game would end much differently than the 29 previous losses did for Vol Nation. The Vols defense looked extremely suspect at times against Bowling Green, while Oklahoma manhandled an overmatched Akron team at home in week 1. Tennessee also needs to 'prove their worth' before I really put any belief into them. The team has been the trendy team in the SEC East the past 4 seasons but hasn't put together a true contender by any stretch of the imagination in quite some time. I like OU to beat UT 34-17.

2. UNDER 54.5 Points in Temple at Cincinnati: The Temple D started off the 2015 season where they left off the 2014 season by dominating the line of scrimmage against Penn State to the tune of 10 (TEN!) sacks. This game should be very close and while I am tempted to take Temple +6.5 it is tough to trust the Owls two weeks in a row in big games. The under in this game seems like a lock to me due to the rough nature of the Owls D and the tough-mindedness of Cincinnati on both sides of the ball. I like Gunner Kiel to out-duel PJ Walker in this one, leading to a 16-10 Bearcats win.

3. Missouri -10.5 at Arkansas St: But really, why is nobody talking about the Tigers? All they've done is win back to back SEC East titles and consistently produce winning seasons and NFL level talent since Gary Pinkel took over the team and guided them from the Big 12 to the SEC. Arkansas St was absolutely bullied in their opening game against USC and I expect a similar result here. Missouri should win this game by at least 17 points, with Maty Mauk finding his groove before welcoming the UConn Huskies to town in week 3. I like Mizzou to beat Arkansas St 35-7.

4. UMass +14 at Colorado: This is a long way to travel for UMass, who is set to play their first game of the 2015 season in Boulder. Led by QB Blake Frohnapfel, the Minutemen possess a potent offense that should cause fits for the Buffaloes in this game. Colorado is coming off of a loss @ Hawaii in week 1, that concluded in an extremely controversial manner. I like the Minutemen to go into Boulder and shock Colorado 38-35. 

5. Georgia Tech -30.5 vs Tulane: Georgia Tech defeated Alcorn State 69-6 at home in week 1 and the final score of this game could look eerily familiar if the Green Wave don't figure out how to move the ball on offense in a hurry. Tulane looked inept in almost every phase of the game in week 1, a home loss to the Duke Blue Devils. Georgia Tech will provide an even stiffer test for the Tulane offense, and I don't see Tulane reaching double digits in this game until the final garbage minutes, if at all. Look for Georgia Tech to win this one over Tulane 52-10. 

So what do you think? If you have opinions on games, feel free to comment below. This is the first week I am making picks but will be tracking my season record below and following up with a weekly column. 

2015 Season Record: 0-0

By Drew Vandemore
Staff Columnist

It was Friday, August 29, 2014 at 6:30 am when my alarm went off. The action itself was totally unnecessary, as I had been awake for nearly an hour with the jitters you get when you’re about to make your first appearance in a high school game with your girlfriend in the crowd. I hopped out of my bed, grabbed the number 99 jersey laying on the floor and walked to John Tallent’s room next door. 

Without knocking he opened the door wearing his number 99 jersey as if we had planned it out and been doing it for years. “Happy fucking game day, happy fucking game day, HAPPY FUCKING GAME DAY!!” we yelled louder and louder until our other two roommates awoke with looks of absolute disarray on their faces. We ran downstairs and plugged in my iPhone to the speakers, grabbed a beer and began blasting the fight song on repeat for the foreseeable future. After 9 months of waiting, it was finally here, UConn football game day against the Brigham Young Cougars. 

There’s really nothing quite like college football. The combination of the weather turning to fall, the students returning to campus, and packed stadiums across the country with fans who all have hope that this year is their year makes for an orgasmic combination. While there is a four game playoff at the end of the year (finally) the regular season is a tournament of its own, which you must survive in order to advance to the final four. Every game has such heavy implications. 

It’s what makes us watch Michigan State play at Oregon in the second week of the season, knowing the loser is now on the outside looking in, hoping one of the favorites drops a game along the way it isn’t supposed to. It’s what makes millions of people across the country tune into the Big Ten Network to watch Appalachian State topple Michigan in the Big House. 

When the big boys play these small teams, it’s like the first weekend of the NCAA basketball tournament, only it happens every week. On Tuesdays in November there are hundreds of thousands of people glued to the TV watching Bowling Green play at Toledo in what ESPN has so famously dubbed “MACtion”. 

This year for UConn is all about Bob Diaco and setting the program up for future successes. For anyone who thought we would ride the magical wave of Diaco to a victory against BYU, I’m sorry to tell you to lower your expecations for year 1. The Stony Brook game last week was absolutely painful to watch, and if it wasn’t for a Deshon Foxx punt return in the second half we would already hear the Connecticut high school football coaches talking about how Diaco should be canned. 

This week is Boise State at Rentschler Field (12PM, ABC/ESPN2 mirror). What reason is there for optimism some people may ask? Look at the improved play from the defense last week, which for a majority of the game smothered Stony Brook and didn’t allow for them to get into the end zone on their own accord. Byron Jones has spoken up. Obi Melifonwu has spoken up. Geremy Davis has spoken up. These players want this bad. They want it for themselves, for their fallen brother Casey Cochran, for their university, and for their state. And quite frankly the students want it too. 

It’s so easy to feel it walking through campus; this student body wants a winner. The team deserves our support, and that’s why we will show up in droves Saturday and help push this team to whatever heights we can help them get to in order to chase an ever elusive win against a “Big Boy” program. Each game represents a new opportunity for not only the team to get better, but for the fan base to improve upon itself. 

If you watched even one snap of the BYU game or you’re an outsider to the UConn program, you would give UConn no shot to win this game. But the beauty of college sports is that raw emotion can overcome any sort of talent difference on the field. That’s why we will show up this Saturday and support the Huskies until the final whistle, because even though we shouldn’t, we believe at the bottom of our hearts that this game is ours. 

Even if things don’t go our way this weekend, the beauty of the sport is that we will live to fight another day, and I’ll wake up on September 27th ready to scream my head off against Temple. 

Nebraska has lost four games under Bo Pelini in each one of his six seasons as head coach, but has the pieces to be a B1G sleeper pick this season

Nebraska football is the fifth winningest program in the history of the collegiate game with a record of 865-357, trailing only Notre Dame, Texas, Yale, and Michigan. The Cornhuskers made an absurd 43 straight bowl games until Bill Callahan led them to two losing seasons in four years between the years 2003-2007. The school boasts 5 national championships (1970, 1971, 1994, 1995, and 1997) and has won at least 9 games in every season that Bo Pelini has coached the team (2008-present). 

Despite all of this storied and recent success, Nebraska fans have grown accustomed to hearing national columnists discuss other teams in the Big Ten (Ohio State, Michigan State, and Wisconsin, among others) when discussing potential Big Ten title teams recently. This column will look at this year’s Cornhuskers squad and introduce you to some names that could prove to become vitally important in earning this year’s Huskers the programs first conference title since 1999.

Offense

This year’s offense will be led by redshirt-sophomore Tommy Armstrong Jr out of Bradenton, Florida. Armstrong was forced into duty last year early in the season after four year starter Taylor Martinez was forced to miss the remainder of the 2013 season with a foot injury that still hasn’t healed (Martinez signed a three year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League but the contract was voided after Martinez failed his physical, with doctors citing the need for surgery to his foot). 

Armstrong took his lumps at times last year, completing just over 50% of his passing attempts, however he was able to lead the Huskers to a 7-1 record as a starter, including a 24-19 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2014 Gator Bowl in Jacksonville.

The receiving core for the Huskers begins at the top with Kenny Bell from Aurora, Colorado. The senior is the leading returning receiver on the roster and has big play potential (Big Red fans will remember a 4th and 2 last year against Michigan late in the fourth quarter where Bell caught a quick out and scampered down the field to set up Ameer Abdullah’s winning score). 

Jamal Turner, Jordan Westerkamp (He of the brilliant mustache/Hail Mary recipient), and Taariq Allen are other receivers returning for Nebraska who all will see the field this season. This is one of the better units in the Big Ten, despite the loss of Quincy Enunwa who was selected in the sixth round of the NFL draft by the New York Jets.

The running game at Nebraska will be strong yet again this season with All-American and Heisman trophy candidate Ameer Abdullah being the feature back. Abdullah rushed for over 1600 yards last season and will bring a sense of stability to a position that features familiar names in Junior Imani Cross and Sophomore Terrell Newby. Originally from Homewood, Alabama, Abdullah chose the Huskers over Auburn out of high school and hasn’t looked back since. 

If Nebraska wants any shot at playing in the Big Ten Title Game, the team will have to get at least another 1600 yard season out of Abdullah, if not even more. Nebraska likes to run various options and motions on offense in order to get the defense on their toes, and Abdullah’s quick decision making is vital to that attack. He also possesses a natural sense of unity with Armstrong on the option, keeping good spacing and allowing for Armstrong to make the correct decision most of the time.

The offensive line is the biggest question mark here, as the team loses valuable starters from last season’s team such as Cole Pensick, Andrew Rodriguez, and Jeremiah Sirles. Mark Pelini should see playing time this season at center, with Mike Moudy and Jake Cotton seeing time at each guard spot. The Tackles are a largely unknown quantity, however my best guess would be that Colorado transfer Alex Lewis will hold down the left side while Sophomore Zach Sterup handles duties on the right. 


The offense will be as good as the offensive line allows for them to be in the 2014 season. If they are able to open holes for Abdullah to run for, this offense should average around 40 points per game. 

Defense

The Cornhusker defense has been an enigma recently. The team played very well in sloppy conditions against Georgia in the Gator Bowl to end last year and continued to improve almost every game throughout last season, however this is still a relatively young group. The defensive line possesses a huge difference maker with potential All-American and surefire first round draft pick Randy Gregory holding down one of the defensive end spots. 

The side opposite Gregory is far more interesting, at least in terms of position battles, due to the departure of Avery Moss, who was suspended for a year by the University for Public Indecency in January. Greg McMullen should see serious time as the projected starter on the other side of the line with Vincent Valentine and Maliek Collins holding down the starting spots in the middle. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Huskers didn’t switch more between a 4-3 and a 3-4 front this year to utilize their depth at linebacker and give their thin defensive line some rest during the game. 

The Linebacker’s for the Huskers are the most experienced group among the returners on defense, however Pelini stated that he needs “a difference maker to step up” and I agree with him. Zaire Anderson is a name to remember here but I also think that David Santos and Michael Rose will see substantial playing time as well. 

The secondary for Nebraska takes a major hit by departures losing Stanley Jean-Baptiste (drafted 2nd round by the New Orleans Saints), Ciante Evans, and Andrew Green. The Huskers have maintained great to elite level pass defense in Pelini’s tenure as head coach, often times making NFL caliber and elite level college quarterbacks look like they should be playing division 1-AA (remember the 2010 Big 12 championship game and Colt McCoy?). 

Corey Cooper will hold down one starting safety spot while I expect the hard hitting LeRoy Alexander to occupy the other spot. Josh Mitchell will be the No. 1 corner but it is unknown who will step up behind him. My sense is the team and coaches would like for Auburn transfer Jonathan Rose to step up and play up to his talent level but he is in a battle for the 2nd corner spot with Junior College recruit Byerson Cockrell, who Pelini praised to reporters throughout the spring. The second corner spot is worth keeping an eye on. 

Specialists

Mauro Bondi should finally take over field goal duty after taking a back seat behind Brett Maher and Pat Smith the last two seasons. He will also handle kick off duties. The punting duties are wide open. The Cornhuskers need to badly improve their punt return and kick return units, which were downright dreadful at points last season, minus Kenny Bell’s kick return for a touchdown at Penn State. 

Schedule

The first two non-conference games for the Cornhuskers should be a relative breeze as the team welcomes Florida Atlantic and McNeese State to Lincoln. The schedule gets interesting with the next couple of games however as NU travels to Fresno, California in what I think is the biggest trap game of the season for this Huskers squad against Fresno State. Fresno has been known to be very good, especially at home, and nearly nipped the Cornhuskers in Lincoln last time these two teams met. The Huskers need to be careful in this one and make sure that they are not looking ahead to the following week’s opponent, the Miami (FL) Hurricanes. 

The ‘Canes visit to Nebraska is sure to fire up some old memories for the more veteran college football crowd, as these two teams played regularly throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s in postseason play, usually with the national championship game on the line. This is slated to be an 8PM Eastern Time kick off and is the leading candidate to host ESPN’s College Gameday show for week 4. Next, the Huskers welcome Illinois to Lincoln for a second straight year. This game wasn’t close last year and shouldn’t be close this year either, as Nebraska looks to blow out the Illini yet again. 

The next two weeks are extremely tricky for Nebraska as they have to travel to East Lansing to take on Michigan State and then follow up that trip with a voyage to Evanston to take on the Northwestern Wildcats, who have developed into a fairly competitive rival to the Huskers in their time in the league so far (similar to Iowa State was in the Big 12). The Huskers host Rutgers and Purdue next in what should be two relatively simple wins. The schedule ends on a tough note with a trip to Wisconsin, a home game vs Minnesota (who beat Nebraska last year in Minneapolis), and a rivalry game trip to Iowa who won in Lincoln last year on Senior Day. 

Synopsis

The Huskers will likely have to split the trips to MSU and Wisconsin if they want to have a chance at winning the Big Ten West division. I believe this team will survive a scare against Fresno State and defeat Miami (FL) at home to enter the conference slate 4-0 and ranked somewhere in the top 20. 

This team has the roster to end the season anywhere from 8-4 to 11-1 but I believe the team will end up 10-2 (6-2) losing two of the three road games at Michigan State, Northwester, or Wisconsin. If this team can manage a 6-2 record with a win over Wisconsin, or a 7-1 record with a loss to Wisconsin, it is possible to make the Big Ten title game. I believe in the job Pelini is doing at Nebraska and think that this team will be able to surprise some people this season. 

By Mike Corasaniti

Game: 2014 VIZIO BCS National Championship Game
Location: Pasadena, California
Date: January 6, 2014
Teams: Ohio State Buckeyes, Florida Gators

How Ohio State gets there

Last season was as close to a national championship Ohio State could get to. The opening undefeated season was as good a start The attitude will be even hungrier in Columbus this season now that there is more than a Michigan demolition to look forward to.

The Buckeyes will enjoy some of the best leadership in the country next season even if Urban Meyer's presence on the OSU sidelines may still be underrated by some. What more, having a Heisman candidate entering his senior season for a schedule that may include just two ranked opponents at the most could lead to one of the easiest repeat undefeated seasons in a long time.

What's scary is that the Buckeyes are going to be even better than they were last season. What's scarier is that even if they cruise to the National Championship Game, people won't look at them twice until they score first on an SEC team once they get there.

How Florida gets there

This upcoming seasons will be a good opportunity for Will Muschamp that he belongs with Urban Meyer in the class of great Florida coaches. Getting through the SEC East shouldn't be too difficult for the Gators despite maybe a few rough hits taken at the hands of Jadeveon Clowney when they head to Columbia Nov. 16. Their toughest midseason stretch will come in early October with an Arkansas-LSU-Missouri string, but their season will ultimately be decided by their likely spot in the SEC Championship game come Dec. 7.

What will define this season for essentially the rest of the country is the SEC Championship game and whether Florida (or possibly Missouri or South Carolina) can trip up Alabama. Texas A&M did it last season with an all out aerial attack, which for now will have to be the game plan for anyone playing the Tide (until anyone else comes close to beating them). 

Nothing is more easier said than done than getting past Alabama's defense, so Florida's hopes will absolutely ride on  if Jeff Driskel's growth is as good as advertised. Nothing says though that Florida's defense will be any pushover though. An NFL-ready defensive core led by Dominique Easley should be enough to slow down even the best SEC offenses.

The Matchup

It's hard to tell what sounds better: Urban Bowl or Meyer Bowl. Regardless, there is a lot to make anyone believe that picking against the SEC–any SEC team–is naive and stupid and you should just crawl back into your little hole because the SEC is going to win every championship from now on ever. No.

Are the country's best football teams still found in the SEC? Yes. But that doesn't mean that a legitimate contender still can not come out of the Big 10 or Pac-12. Ohio State is going to have an easier season than the likes of Florida, but they are still going to end up being tested on multiple fronts through some very close games.

Florida is going to have a big chip on their shoulder as they get closer to the postseason after the embarrassing (sorry, "fluke") loss to a Big East team in last year's Sugar Bowl. Ohio State, on the other hand, will just be looking to say that they are worthy of national respect for the second year in a row.

Off probation and with the firepower to go off on any SEC team, the Buckeyes just might have what it takes to end the southern national title rule.

Prediction

Ohio State 35-26

The No. 1, and No. 2, question on everyone's mind: What's next for college football?

By Mike Corasaniti

Nine minutes is an eternity in football.

With a little more than nine minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Collin Klein and his Kansas State Wildcats were down 52-24 to Baylor. After a cool little first down pass to his tight end, K-State was primed for another Collin Klein touchdown run.

On first and goal, Klein gets tripped up just before the end zone on the one yard line. And on three more successive plays, Baylor stops three more sneaks from Klein, ending any form of a Kansas State comeback and any form of a national championship in Manhattan, Kansas.

Then, about nine minutes later, the No. 2 team in the country decided to follow suit.

Oregon, who hadn't scored less than 43 points in a game all season long, was held to just 14 points over four whole quarters, blew a late touchdown, and was headed to overtime with Stanford. Shortly after, Oregon came up short to start off overtime, and Stanford responded with a 37-yard field goal. So long Oregon. So long national championship.

So now, the unfortunate question has to be asked. 

You don't want to ask it to Kansas State, the team that took down not one, not two, but four ranked teams. You don't want to ask it to Oregon, who put up 70, 62, and 59 points respectively in their last three games, only to hit the ultimate brick wall. And you certainly don't want to ask it to the Heisman hopefuls, especially Collin Klein, who's presence on this week's jinx-inducing Sports Illustrated may just haunt his dreams for the rest of his life. 

But in order to move forward, it has to be asked: What next?

 Well, there are a few obvious answers. First off, if the rest of the season goes somewhat according to plan, the national title road should run through still undefeated Notre Dame and whoever ends up coming out of the SEC.

Second, just to reaffirm that last point, we're going to have to accept the fact that once again, an SEC team will probably be national champion again this year.

Third, Kansas State and Oregon will fall down in the BCS rankings to as low as about No. 5 and No. 6. Officially, neither team is really eliminated from playing for the national championship. But more realistically, we'll probably be seeing Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl and Oregon playing for the Rose Bowl. It really is unfortunate considering the kind of seasons both teams put together. But with as many good and exciting teams as there are right now, I'm expecting a few good match-ups similar to the caliber of Stanford-Oklahoma St. last year.

A whole lot of crazy is about to unfold this week with the new BCS rankings, new debates, and the next match-ups that will figure out the course of the rest of the season. But as the top teams fall and the world continues to melt down around us, we should just keep in mind that this is probably far from the last piece of crazy the college football world will face this season.

By Mike Corasaniti

College football fans are still about a year away from getting what they want, and probably still a lifetime away from getting what they really want.

In about fourteen months, four teams will go into January still with the hopes of calling themselves national champions. 

It's an improvement from the sport's current format (which will almost surely crash and burn in the coming months when K-State, Oregon, and Notre Dame all finish their seasons without a loss), but it still leaves a lot to be desired from fans all across the country. 

What about the one or two-loss SEC teams, that (although hard to admit) are still better than some of the undefeated teams left? What about the undefeateds that accusingly "sneak by" in easier conferences and never get a shot at proving their real worth? 

This year is no exception in considering the awesome potential an 8-team BCS playoff would hold for college football. So while we're sitting and waiting, hoping that the flawed system somehow at least works for this year and hopefully improves next year (please God don't let there by 5 undefeated teams), let's take a look at 5 story lines that would be just awesome to see unfold in a sports event that would be like no other.


National Semi-Final: No. 8  Texas A&M v. No. 4 Alabama

Think Alabama fans are the ones that to see this rematch? Think again.

Nothing would solidify Texas A&M's place in the SEC more, or set up a rivalry for years to come, than if the Aggies showed up at Alabama's doorstep and crushed the Tide once more. This time though, it would be an even more direct shot at the Tide's championship hopes.

BCS National Championship: No. 3 Notre Dame v. Anyone

This one is simple.

It announces the return of one of college football's most storied programs back to national prominence (despite how many people might have been happy to see them at the bottom of barrel). But, more importantly, it would give the opportunity for this years "odd man out" to play for something more than a Rose Bowl banner. 

Obviously, a four-team playoff would be enough for Notre Dame or any other left-out undefeated team to get a shot at a title. But the eight-team format is even more just to prove that, not only are they undefeated, but they beat two more top teams in the country to prove. 

And although I joked about it before, the college football karma gods say that it's only a matter of time before the season ends and seven or eight teams finish their campaigns without a loss. What will we do then?

BCS National Championship: No. 6 Florida v. No. 5 Georgia

How big do you think this cocktail party would get if a national title was on the line?

BCS National Championship: No. 7 LSU v. No. 4 Alabama

Admittedly, this match-up has become less and less exciting for people outside of the SEC football realm. The country doesn't love 9-3 or 10-6 or 3-0 final scores. But the country does, or at least should, love the fact that these two teams rose from the ranks of the stingy new playoff format to face off against each other once again for the championship.

And just to put it out there, a lot of people were annoyed when these two teams played for the title last season, saying the rematch was boring. But just think of the "earned" concept. If Bama proved they could beat Georgia and then, say K-State, and LSU proved they were better than both Oregon and, say, Notre Dame, people would be a lot more excited to see this southern brawl fold out.

BCS National Championship: No. 2 Oregon v. No. 1 Kanas St.

The best part about increasing the playoff field in college football is that when the two top teams in the country end up coming out of it, it gives closure, and it makes everyone happier with that fact that they even more so earned  their spot to play for the title.

This is looking more and more like the match-up we are going to see for the national title this year. It is going to be fast-paced, exciting, and with a ton and ton of scoring. It's the game anybody that's played Madden or likes classic gun-slinging football wants. 

So just imagine, when these two teams steamroll through the playoffs to meet each other for a title, how even more intensified the final meeting would be.

By Mike Corasaniti

One versus two. Speed versus power. Old school versus new and flashy. Could this match-up get any cooler?

Say what you want about the BCS, the SEC’s annoyingly long reign on college football or how ugly some of Oregon’s jerseys can be, if all goes according to plan in the college football world, it’s going to be Ducks and Tide for a shot at the crystal football. So how will the consensus No. 1 and No. 2 face off against one another come January? 
Let’s take a look.

Alabama Crimson Tide

35-0 over Western Kentucky. 52-0 over Arkansas. 41-14 over No. 8 Michigan. Alabama is not jus proving that it can quiet opposing offenses, but that they can shut them down while putting up some pretty good offensive numbers as well. Through five games, Alabama has given up seven points per game (best in the country) and is reaping the benefits of A.J. McCarron’s Heisman caliber start (12 TDs and almost 1,000 yards already). The most complete team in the country has really only been challenged once so far this season, but they came back in less than a minute to go back up and eventually take down Ole Miss 33-14.

Oregon Ducks

Few teams have figured out what it takes to slow down the Oregon scoring machine. Scratch that, nobody has even come close. With more than 50 points per game through their first five match-ups of the season, the Ducks are proving that not only can they score, but that they can explode (see 21 point third quarter against Washington State).  Behind the 1-2 running attack of Kenjon Barner and De’Anthony Thomas, it will be interesting to see if anyone can keep the Ducks below 30 points this season.

Match-up

I admit that I’m biased. I’m absolutely sick of SEC teams (especially ‘Bama) running the table over every other conference in the country for the title. That being said, you just can’t deny the Tide. If the two teams were to meet this weekend, it would be one of the best match-ups of defense and offense that college football has ever seen. If the game went into overtime tied 21-21 then I wouldn’t be surprised at all, but for now, I realistically see the Ducks forgetting how to score against a team from Alabama for the second time in three years.  Crimson Tide 21-10