“…not a dog-crap team…”

 

Hello football fans!!!

 

Other than spell-check…I didn’t exactly comb over this post with microscope so I hope it’s not too choppy.  (Not that you haven’t gotten used to that in the past.)

 

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Iowa Hawkeyes  @  Meeechigan Wolverines

11:00 AM / ESPN / Line:  Wolverines by 15 ½

 

What Up?

 

Meeechigan’s Seniors have lost to the Iowa Hawkeyes 3 straight times – something that had never been done before it happened last year (or at least not for a long, long time).  It would be fitting that this is the year that streak ends.  And its nice that this will be on super-regional TV, so even more recruits can see just how far off the Iowa offense is from being exciting.

 

—–

The Players

 

Because of injury at QB, Meeechigan has gone from #16 Denard Robinson to #12 Devin Gardner.  And holy cow – they’ve gotten better at throwing the ball by already.  Shocking.  I can’t help but think that Robinson’s injury will wind up being a blessing in disguise for Meeechigan next year.

 

—–

The Match-Up(s)

 

Iowa O vs. Meeechigan D:

Taking any situation involving Colorado out of the equation, this is quite possibly the worst match-up of two units this entire weekend of D-1 football.

 

Let’s play a game:

Let’s say you had to guess how many points Iowa scored this weekend.  And let’s also say that for every point Iowa scored, you got $5,000 (so a FG would be worth $15,000).  However, for every point that you guessed that Iowa DIDN’T score…you’d have to PAY $5,000.  Confused?

 

OK…let’s say you guessed 10 points.  If Iowa scored 10 points, you’d win $50,000.  If Iowa scored 14 points, you’d still win $50,000…but would have left an additional $20,000 on the table.  Easy enough.

 

However, if you guess 10 points and Iowa only scored 6 points – you’d be off by 4 points – and you would owe $20,000.

 

SO…how many points would you guess?  I’ll take your guesses in the comment section, please.

 

 

Iowa D vs. Meeechigan O:

And this isn’t much better.

 

 

What Will Happen

 

Last week Purdue lost the ball 3 times and was penalized 10 times (so basically…they were Purdue) and they still beat our Hawks in Kinnick.  I can’t imagine a scenario where Iowa can keep this game even remotely close, mostly because I don’t know where they’ll get their points from.  I think there’s a chance that Iowa could sell out on the run and slow down Meeechigan’s offense…but for how long?

 

 

Meeechigan 31  -  Iowa Hawkeyes 6

 

———-

 

Week 11 “Precarious Predictions”

 

 

NCAA ATS                60-52-1

 

Last Week ATS         6-3

 

Iowa ATS                    7-2

 

 

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SATURDAY

 

BIG TEN

 

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Northwestern @ Michigan State

11:00 AM / ESPN2 / Line:  Sparty by 6 ½

 

Northwestern should be (or at least could be) 10-0.  Think I’m crazy?  They have three losses, and in each of those losses they’ve been up by double-digits…IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.  Wow.  That’s either really impressive or really sad.

 

Sparty, on the other hand, lost to Iowa at home.

 

Northwestern + the points.

 

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Indiana @ Penn State

11:00 AM / BTN / Line: Penn State by 17

 

The B1G officials went all S.E.C.-style last week and gave the PennState – Nebraska game to the Cornhuskers.  That…was…a touchdown.  There’s no doubt in my mind.  And even the normally very conservative ESPN blogger Adam Rittenberg said the same thing.  The B1G didn’t want PennState beating Nebraska, and I don’t blame them.

 

 

 

Penn State covers.

 

-

 

Purdue @ Illinois

2:30 PM / BTN / Line: Purdue by 7

 

Ugh.  I don’t care.  I still think Purdue sucks (Iowa just sucked more last weekend) but they’re at least playing for a bowl game whereas the Illini is only playing for going 0-8 in the B1G.  Illinois has shown almost no sign of life the since the 2^nd week of the season.

 

Purdue covers.

 

-

 

Minnesota @ #14 Nebraska

2:30 PM / BTN / Line: Cornhuskers by 19

 

Aaaand the Cornhuskers got me again last week.  I swear, if I didn’t have to pick Nebraska or Wisconsin, I’d be hitting on about 80% of my picks for the B1G.  I even missed when they played each other.

 

I don’t like this line either.  I’ll take the points because I think this could be a somewhat flat Nebraska team.  Also?  I really don’t think Nebraska is all that fantastic.  They’re up and down way too much to take them to beat a bowl-bound team by 3 TDs.

 

Strange that they’re so erratic…seeing as how their leader is such a stoic, calm man.

 

Minnesota + the points.

 

-

 

BIG TEN GAME OF THE WEEK

Ohio State @ Wisconsin

2:30 PM / ABC / Line: Wisconsin by 3

 

I was shocked to see that Wisconsin was even favored.  Granted, they covered last week against Indiana (very, very easily) but they were able to do that without a passing game (for the most part) – and I have a hard time believing that the defensive cupboards are so bare with the OSU front 7 that they can’t force Wisconsin to be somewhat one-dimensional.  Also, OhioState is coming off a bye week and getting healthier, and they have that guy named Braxton Miller.  How is Wisconsin going to shut that guy down?

 

And Hayden…you’re welcome here.

 

Ohio State + the points.

 

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AROUND THE COUNTRY

 

 

SATURDAY

 

#18 USC @ #17 UCLA

2:05 PM / FOX / Line: USC by 4

 

It’s pretty rare that a HOME team that’s RANKED HIGHER than their opponent…is actually catching 4 points.  What’s up with that?  What’s up with that is that nobody has seen UCLA play, and USC is…well…USC.  The dirty little secret is that USC is not that great (especially defensively), and UCLA is pretty darned good when they’re not turning the ball over.

 

I typically like the points in a rivalry (the underdog will usually keep playing no matter what), especially when that team is at home going against another team that has a crappy defense.

 

UCLA + the points.

 

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#12 Oklahoma @ West Virginia

6:00 PM / FOX / Line: Oklahoma by 11 ½

 

Who feels worse?  An Iowa fan or a West Virginia fan?  At least Iowa fans were never teased with national title and Heisman hopes that have been completely dashed.

 

I like double-digit home dogs, and I think I could see something like a 40-30 type of game.

 

West ‘by god’ Virginia + the points.

 

 

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NATIONAL GAME OF THE WEEK

#13 Stanford @ #2 Oregon

7:00 PM / ABC / Line: Oregon by 21

 

I understand that the desert men and college football fans in general see this as a potential blow-out.  I also see this as a game that has the potential to be a great game.  Think I’m crazy?  ANY offense gets disrupted when they get owned at the L.O.S….and I think Stanford’s D can do that.  Also, Oregon is EXTREMELY beat up on D – I think they’re the Top 3 team that has the best chance to get beat before the end of the season.

 

I actually like this as a money-line bet more, but the points are there for the taking.  I know this is at the ‘zoo, but its not like Stanford runs a multiple offense that needs a lot of communication.  They’re really, REALLY well coached and obviously have above-average intelligence for their players.

 

Stanford + the points.

 

 

 

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ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

GO HAWKS!

 

- Jeffrey the Greek!

 

B1G Pillow Fight

 

Hello football fans!!!

 

Let’s uh……let’s just move on.

 

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Purdue Boilermakers  @  Iowa Hawkeyes

2:30 PM / BTN / Line: Hawks by 5

 

What Up?

Both teams kinda suck.  That’s what’s up.

—–

The Players

…are probably about ready for Thanksgiving.

—–

The Match-Up(s)

Iowa O vs. Purdue D:

Which unit has been the bigger disappointment this season?  Both have had some good moments, but it’s pretty much been a whole bunch of ugly play.  I’d have to give the nod to Purdue’s D as the most disappointing, as they have the same D-coordinator from last year, and they’re very experienced as well.

Purdue has a pair of NFL interior D-Lineman that could make things tough for a banged up Iowa OL to move the ball.  Don’t expect this to be the game that Iowa’s offense and JVB break out.  If you want to see that this year, I’d go get a PS3 and NCAA 2013.

Iowa D vs. Purdue O:

I feel pretty decent about this match-up, as Purdue doesn’t really stretch people out, and have seen spotty play from their QB all year long.  It looks like it will be journeyman QB Robert Marve – D1 football’s version of Mark Brunell – who finally got all the snaps last weekend against Penn State.

 

What Will Happen

I would be shocked to see much offense on Saturday.  This game will turn on a special teams play or a turnover, and Purdue always seems to make that play…for the other team.  I hope this game is no different for the Hawks, but don’t think for a second that this score can’t flip if that play goes against the Hawks.  I’ve been frustrated with the non-aggressive gameplan all year long, but this week it might be enough to get the win at home. 

 

Iowa Hawkeyes 18  -  Purdue Boilermakers 14

 

———-

Week 11 “Precarious Predictions”

 

 

NCAA ATS                54-49-1

 

Last Week ATS         3-8

 

Iowa ATS                    6-2

———-

SATURDAY

 

BIG TEN

 

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Wisconsin @ Indiana

11:00 AM / ESPN2 / Line: Wiscy by 7 ½

I was surprised to see the line this high, as I believe Wisconsin as a LOT more question marks going into this game, namely (and most importantly) that they’re probably about as confident in their QB as I am with my tax-return results this February.

The Badgers better be able to run the ball, and they better be able to get some pressure on Indiana’s QB if they want to win and cover this spread.  I just don’t see how Wisconsin is going to be able to easily win this game once Indiana loads up make them throw.

Also, anything that’s bad for the B1G seems to inevitably happen this year.  And a win for Indiana (and a possible 5-7 Indiana team making the B1G Championship game) would be another example of that.

 

Hoosiers + the points.

 

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#24 Northwestern @ Meeechigan

11:00 AM / ESPN / Line: Wolverines by 10

 

Once again, I was a little surprised to see the line this high, especially once I saw it started 2 points even higher.

Tough to predict this game, as both of these teams are a friggin’ roller-coaster week to week.  You have to give a huge nod to Meeechigan’s Defense though, as they’ve looked better and better each week.  I still think you’re playing with fire when you take a team to cover by double-digits in conference, especially when the underdog is the team that’s ranked.

Purple + the points.

 

 

Minnesota @ Illinois

2:30 PM / BTN / Line: Gophers by 3 ½

Ugh…I really hate this game.  I’m assuming that most people would pick Minnesota to win, as they’re still fighting for a bowl game.  Also, the Illini are nothing short of a complete dumpster fire.

But Illinois has SOME pride left, and they do not want to go winless in B1G play.  Also, I’m not picking a Frosh QB to win on the road until I see him do it, especially when he’s such a huge part of the game-plan.  Either way, you will not find this game on ESPN Classics any time soon.

Illini + the points.

-

BIG TEN GAME OF THE WEEK

Penn State @ #16 Nebraska

2:30 PM / ABC / Line: Huskers by 9

 

This feels like a sucker line, as I know Nebraska is a much better team at home, but this is quite a large line for a team that’s got a lot of seniors and has lost only one game (to undefeated OSU) in the past 7 weeks.

I just think this is a good match-up for PennState.  I also think they have a smart and athletic defense that will be able to contain T-Martinez and make him throw the ball.  And can Nebraska stop the PennState passing game all day?  We’ll see, but I would think it would take some pretty early and big body-blows for PennState to NOT keep this pretty close.

Penn State + the points.

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AROUND THE COUNTRY

 

SATURDAY

 

#11 Oregon State @ #14 Stanford

2:00 PM / FOX / Line: Stanford by 4 ½

 

I just have a feeling that Stanford is going to play a really physical game and wear down OregonState.  If you haven’t watched OregonState play before, check em out.  They’re pretty fun to watch.  But I think this will be a tough game for them…still…I’ll take the points.  Was surprised to see them get that many points.

 

Oregon State covers.

 

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#2 Kansas State @ TCU

6:00 PM / FOX / Line: K State by 7

 

A hobbled Collin Klein on the road??!  Plenty to be nervous about, except when you consider that Kansas State still has a great OL, STIL has a great defense, and TCU has a shaky Frosh QB. 

 

K State covers.

 

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#21 Mississippi State @ #7 LSU

7:00 PM / ESPN / Line: LSU by 14

 

I feel like BOTH of these teams are over-rated where they’re at.  Yea, I know that LSU looked good against Alabama last week and probably should have beat ‘em.  But can they look good on offense two weeks in a row?  (Also…does LSU ever NOT play a home game at night?!?)

However, I think Mississippi State has fallen flat on their face every time they’ve played anybody with a pulse.

 

LSU covers.

 

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NATIONAL GAME OF THE WEEK

#15 Texas A&M @ #1 Alabama

2:30 PM / CBS / Line: ‘bama by 13 ½

I actually cheered for Alabama last weekend, as I was glad to see ‘The Hat’ and LSU get a 2^nd loss, especially when it comes during a home night game.  Also, if you’re a college football fan, you’d have to admit that that was a pretty darn good game.

This time around, I will be screaming at the TV for Texas A&M.  How FANTASTIC would it be if a middling Big12 team came into the S.E.C. and beat their high-and-mighty at home?

I think Texas A&M is getting Alabama at the perfect time, as ‘bama has to be at least somewhat emotionally taxed, and A&M and their QB ‘Johnny Football’ are about as hot as can be.  I would LOVE to see what this line would be if it was a night game in front of the 12^th man.

However, I still have this feeling that Manziel can make this a game and make a somewhat flat Alabama team sweat another one out.

A&M + the points.

 

 

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ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

GO HAWKS!

 

- Jeffrey the Greek!

Basketball Score?

 

Hello football fans!!!

 

Obviously thoughts and prayers go out to our friends on the East Coast, as they battle through some horrible, horrible clean-up after ‘Super Storm Sandy’.  The good news is that I spoke with my former college roommate and former Hawk buddy Henry ‘the Italian’ Polio, who is alive and well.  When I asked him if he was staying afloat, he answered: “Whaddya KIDDIN’ ME?!?  With a pair ballsss like these?!?  Geet outta heeere!”

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And secondly…let’s all VOTE on Tuesday.  Cool?  OK.  Now let’s get RIGHT back to the blog.

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Iowa Hawkeyes  @  Indiana Hoosiers

2:30 PM / BTN / Line: Indiana by 1 ½

 

What Up?

Last week Indiana got its first conference win since, I believe 2010.  Or maybe even 2009.  I’m not really sure, but it was a long, long time ago.  It figures the Hoosiers would get the monkey off their back – and some confidence – before Iowa visits Bloomington.  Memorial Stadium hasn’t exactly been a house of horrors for the Hawks, but it sure hasn’t been a house of “great-looking football” either.

The Hawks, of course, are coming off of their 2^nd loss in as many weeks, with the defense somehow matching the execution level the past few weeks that the offense has shown almost all year.  Simply put, this is not a very good football team.  This is chiefly because of two things:

1)      The lack of athleticism on the DL.

There’s a part of me that says: “Ya know…these things happen.  And we got rid of the problem (Coach Kaczenski) so we’ll be ok soon enough.”  But there’s also a part of me that says: “When you make $4 million a year and you’re coaching at a Top 25 program, you should NEVER let things get this bare.”  I’d also like to introduce our coach to two words: JUCO TRANSFER.  (I’m not saying I want to go crazy with JUCOs…but sometimes these things are necessary.)

 

2)      JVB

I think I’ve written enough on this.

—–

The Players

I dunno.  Indiana has a lot of talent on offense and not very much on defense.

 

It doesn’t sound like Mark Weisman is going to be able to go this Saturday, so the ball will be given back to #32 Damon Bullock – which I’m OK with – as he looked really good last weekend against Northwestern.  As upset as I am with the lack of talent on the DL, its obvious that there’s a ton on the OL.

Also…could we put out an APB for TE CJ Fiedorowicz?!?  Do we even know for sure that he’s still alive?  Does he just run routes to keep his legs stretched out?!?

—–

The Match-Up(s)

Iowa O vs. Indiana D:

This is like trying to pick the better-looking zit.  I guess I’ll choose Iowa’s offense – at least it’s looked good from time-to-time (1^st half of the Minnesota game, and the running game has been pretty darn consistent all year long).  On the other hand, the Indiana ‘D’ has pretty much been a disaster all year long.  In fact, the Indiana ‘D’ has pretty much been a disaster since the invention of the internet.

Here’s the deal, I know Memorial Stadium has sleep-walking powers…but there’s no excuses if the Iowa Offense doesn’t look good this Saturday.  I realize MichiganState slept-walked through most of the 1^st half at Indiana a month ago…but even THEIR crappy offense woke up and scored 31 points.

ANYTHING LESS THAN 30 POINTS (or obviously a win) IS UNNACCEPTABLE.

Iowa D vs. Northwestern O:

You think PennState had a good offensive passing attack?  I think a person could make an argument that Indiana has the most complete offense in the B1G, as they’re able to both throw AND run the ball.  After Iowa’s performance against the run last week in Northwestern, I’m kinda wondering if the biggest challenge for Indiana’s offense is to choose which portion of the Hawkeye ‘D’ to attack.

 

What Will Happen

I have little-to-no faith that the 2012 Iowa Hawkeyes can keep up with anybody in a scoring contest (or the 2010 or 2011 Hawkeyes, for that matter).  Hell, we couldn’t even keep up with Central Michigan in that type of game, and they are god-bleepin’-awful.

I think the Hawks will move the ball effectively enough through the running game, but there will simply be too many instances where the Hawks will have to convert 3^rd and longs…and won’t be able to do it.  I’m not sure if this is enough total points, but I just looked on scoresandodds.com and I was only 1 ½ points above the O/U (Damn…I’m good…) so I’ll leave it be.

 

Indiana Hoosiers 34  -  Iowa Hawkeyes 24

 

———-

Week 10 “Precarious Predictions”

 

 NCAA ATS                51-41-1

 

Last Week ATS         6-6

 

Iowa ATS                    5-2

———-

SATURDAY

BIG TEN

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Meeechigan @ Minnesota

11:00 AM / BTN / Line: Wolverines by 12 ½

This suddenly because an intriguing game, as Minnesota’s Offense has taken off…with their true Frosh QB…in is first year in this offense…and after only starting for 2 weeks.  Hurumph.

Anyhoo, I’m not too sure how healthy Denard Robinson is after last weekend, or how much mojo Michigan has left in the tank for their 2^nd straight road game.  I just feel like this will be a 21-13 type of affair.  Not a bad game to start the day out with, anyway.

 

Gophers + the points.

 

-

Penn State @ Purdue

2:30 PM / ESPNU / Line: Penn State by 3 ½

 

I called Penn State getting beat last weekend by Ohio State because they weren’t coming off a BYE week (like they were when they played the Hawks).  This week?  I just have this feeling that Purdue will get enough pressure on McGloin to keep it close, and perhaps even pull out an ugly, ugly win.

Purdue + the points.

 

-

Illinois @ Ohio State

2:30 PM / ESPN / Line: Ohio State by 27 ½

Ugh…I really hate this game.  There’s almost no reason to pick Illinois to cover, as they’ve looked absolutely horrible since Week 3, and Braxton Miller is almost unstoppable.  So why pick Illinois?  Welp, the biggest reason is that they always seem to play THE Ohio State Buckeyes tough…and always make me regret picking against them.

So I bet if I pick Ohio State, Illinois will cover and do it to me again  - or -  I’ll pick Illinois and Ohio State will b-slap ‘em and make me think: “Duh….Illinois is horrible this year, dude.”  Gol dangit.

I’m taking the points and the history.  I think a “flat” OhioState wins 38-17.

Illinois + the Points.

-

BIG TEN GAME OF THE WEEK

#20 Nebraska @ Michigan State

2:30 PM / ABC / Line: Huskers by 2

 

How in the world did Sparty win last weekend?  Welp, they knocked out Wisconsin’s QB – and as the Hawks have shown all year – it’s tough to win without a consistent QB.  I’m not bitter, btw.

This is a tough one to pick.  All signs point to Nebraska winning this game, but they’ve been so average away from Lincoln it’s impossible to have confidence in them.  So basically, you have to pick a team that’s bad on the road against a team that’s bad almost anywhere.

I just feel like Sparty will put something together on offense this week and make it interesting.  And above all things, it would be just SOOOooo 2012 B1G if Sparty won: Just when you think you have a handle on who the best team is, that team sh*ts the bed.

Also, I think Sparty can make Nebraska extremely one-dimensional.

Sparty + the points.

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AROUND THE COUNTRY

 

SATURDAY

 

#16 Texas A&M @ #15 Mississippi State

11:00 AM / ESPN / Line: A&M by 7

 

I thought Mississippi State would at least put up a fight against Alabama, and they did nothing of the sorts.  MaybeMissState simply hadn’t played anybody before that game….or perhaps Alabama is just that good.

So maybe this is too many points for A&M to cover on the road.

 

Mississippi State + the points.

 

-

Pitt @ #3 Notre Dame

2:30 PM / NBC / Line: ND by 17

 

People are somewhat expecting the Irish to have a down week, and I can understand why.  The sneaky secret of this game is that Pitt has played pretty well the past 2-3 weeks.  Also?  Notre Dame is NOT 17 points better than Oklahoma.  This isn’t a bad game to take a money-line bet on, btw.

 

Panthers + the points.

 

-

Ole Miss @ #6 Georgia

2:30 PM / CBS / Line: Dawgs by 14 ½

 

I put this one in because I have a feeling on three things: 1) That was an inspired win last week against Florida…and Georgia isn’t that great.  2) Which means a let-down.  3) Against an Ole Miss team that’s a little better than people think.

 

Ole Miss + the points.

 

-

#4 Oregon @ #17 USC

6:00 PM / FOX / Line: Oregon by 8

 

I…I just don’t see how a barely-above average USC team is gonna stay with a complete Oregon team, that’s also POd and ready to show the pollsters and computers that they’re the #2 team in the country.  I think Lane Kiffin can thank a motivated Duck squad for the butt-kicking he’s about to receive.

 

Oregon covers.

 

-

#24 Oklahoma State @ #2 Kansas State

7:00 PM / ABC / Line: K State by 9 ½

 

SOME of these undefeated teams have got to start falling.  (This IS college football, after all.)  I thought Kansas State’s turn was going to be last week, but then they came out of the tunnel at halftime and proceeded to score the on their next 8 possessions.

There’s a chance that Oklahoma State’s coaching staff is just that good at developing QBs…after all…”They’re MEN!  They’re FORTY!”  I’m not gonna be wrong on Kansas State two weeks in a row.  Am I?

 

OK State + the points.

 

-

NATIONAL GAME OF THE WEEK

#1 Alabama @ #5 LSU

7:00 PM / CBS / Line: ‘bama by 9 ½

Ugh…I’m gonna have to gamble on this one, as I want both teams to lose.

You want some respect, ‘bama fans?  How about a nearly double-digit spread against LSU for a night game?  Wow.  Or is this because the desert people kinda know that LSU isn’t all that great?

Yes…Alabama is simply that good.  And I don’t know how LSU is going to move the ball after Alabama shuts down their running game.  19-6 seems about right.

‘bama covers.

 

 

———-

 

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

GO HAWKS!

 

- Jeffrey the Greek!

North by Northworst

 

Hello football fans!!!

 

Officially…I think I get more work done after a Hawk LOSS because I just want something else to think about right away on Monday.

 

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Iowa Hawkeyes  @  Northwestern Wildcats

11:00 AM / BTN / Line:  Wildcats by 5

 

What Up?

Both of these teams come into this game beat up and looking for an identity on offense.  The biggest difference is that Northwestern is already bowl-bound with 6 wins.

Hindsight is always 20/20…but maybe we shoulda seen this coming last weekend?  Penn State WAS coming off a BYE week, and Mark Weisman was obviously hobbled.

—–

The Players

I can’t even keep Northwestern’s two QBs separate – I just know that one is a better thrower than runner, and the other is a better runner than thrower.  I think #13 Trevor Siemian is the thrower, and #2 Kain Colter is the runner/thrower/WR.  It’s all very confusing, both to keep track of and for other teams to defend.

Northwestern also has pleasant surprise RB #5 Venric Mark – he’s a little jitterbug that’s also given them a huge boost on Special Teams.  He got dinged in the head last week, but is apparently good to go (only Iowa RBs miss ½ a season with an injury like this) and will play this Saturday.

 

Something we already knew – but had it driven home last weekend – is that Mark Weisman (and his health) is very important to this offense.  With a healthy Weisman and running game…at least the offense is one-dimensional.  Last weekend, the Iowa offense was zero-dimensional.

Most if that has to do with JVB.  I feel that it’s my duty to now say that he’s a good kid…and he is.  I also think that he’s the Hawks best option at QB.  I also know that there’s a really good QB locked up somewhere inside the 2012 version of JVB.  But that’s simply not what we’re seeing on Saturdays.  I’m done blaming the WRs – I think Keenan Davis is well above-average, and that I can say the same about TE CJ Fiedorowicz.

The problem is JVB, or Greg Davis, or some kind combination of the two.  I put a lot of the blame on JVB, as I know there are plays that are right there for the taking and he simply rushes the throws.

—–

The Match-Up(s)

Iowa O vs. Northwestern D:

I can’t remember the last time that Iowa’s offense looked good on the road.

Seriously…somebody help me out.

Iowa D vs. Northwestern O:

I don’t think there’s any question that this is a better match-up for the Hawks than PennState was last weekend.  I still believe that this is a good ‘D’ against the run, and there’s no question in my mind that the Hawks will need to do everything they can to stop the run and force Northwestern to be one-dimensional and throw the ball.  And when the Hawks get them in 3^rd in long?…they need to bring the blitz.  The Hawks actually had success bring blitzes last weekend, but they came too late in the game (and on the scoreboard.)  I understand that Parker doesn’t just want to bring the heat all day long, but it’s become apparent that getting pressure from the front-4 alone is not going to happen.

 

What Will Happen

Since the 2^nd half of the Minnesota game, the Iowa offense has gone from pretty good to pretty bad.  On a cool, over-cast, and windy day in Chicago…I can’t see how this will be the day that the Hawks offense takes off.  (The only prayer is if Iowa starts running the ball with what is hopefully a 95% Mark Weisman, and then the play-action starts working.)

I think it’s going to be low-scoring at halftime, and then Northwestern will sneak in a TD late in the 3^rd quarter that will all but seal it.

 

Northwestern 23  -  Iowa Hawkeyes 9

 

———-

Week 9 “Precarious Predictions”

 

 

NCAA ATS                45-37-1

 

Last Week ATS         5-6

 

Iowa ATS                    4-2

———-

SATURDAY

 

BIG TEN

 

-

Indiana @ Illinois

11:00 AM / BTN / Line: Illinois by 2

Is there a chance that Illinois gets fired up for homecoming, and finally puts a game together and wins?  For sure.  But I don’t think there’s any question that Indiana much closer to the doorstep of success, whereas Illinois might be the worst team in a BCS conference not named Colorado.

 

Indiana + the points.

 

-

Purdue @ Minnesota

2:30 PM / BTN / Line: Purdue by 3

 

In case you missed it, Jerry Kill made a shrewd move last week and started True Frosh QB Philip Nelson – a home-state hero from nearby Mankato, MN.  He played admirably in a tough environment in Madison last weekend.  Also, Marqueis Gray has moved back to WR, and I think you have to kinda feel for the guy.  But I think I know what’s going on here – Marqueis Gray is not going to play QB in the NFL – so he needs to move to a position that’s closer to him getting paid.  Meanwhile Philip Nelson is going to be the future of the Gopher program (Shortell is not the right fit) so why not start it now?

Anyhoo, I’m completely clueless on this game, but I have this feeling that Purdue will finally look like more of a veteran team, and will pressure a Frosh QB into making some mistakes.

Purdue covers.

 

 

Michigan State @ #25 Wisconsin

2:30 PM / ABC / Line: Ohio State by 6 ½

Oh man…what has happened to Sparty?  Obviously the issue is the offense, but there is a lack of team mojo going on here as well.  And I don’t think going into Mad-town with the suddenly “holy crap these guys are looking good” Badgers.  You really have to take a closer look at Bucky and understand that their only bumps in the road where a 3-point loss on the road to Oregon State – who is now #7 in the country, and to Nebraska, which was also a 3-point loss on the road (when they were up by 2+ scores at halftime).

I’d be shocked if Wisconsin lost, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was by less than 6 ½ points.  But that line is just low enough that I think Wisconsin will have a late cover.  Probably 21-13.

Wisconsin covers.

 

-

Ohio State @ Penn State

4:30 PM / ESPN / Line: Pick em

A goofy 4:30 start time to go with the rare ‘Pick em’ line.

IS PennState really that good?  They certainly looked like it last week, but that was a Penn State team coming off of a bye, going against a QB that can’t run his offense.  They’re certainly not going to get that this week with Braxton Miller and OSU.

Once again, I’m going with a gut feeling here, as I simply believe that Penn State is getting a little too many pats on the back the past few weeks.

Ohio State.

-

BIG TEN GAME OF THE WEEK

#22 Meeechigan @ Nebraska

7:00 PM / ESPN / Line: Huskers by 2

 

This is yet another tough one to pick, as I could see this game going either way.  Nebraska has looked pretty awful when they’re not at home (even though their game in Evanston was hardly a true road game!), but they’ve looked pretty tough at home.  However, Meeechigan’s defense has really come into their own and is arguably the best D in the B1G right now.

I’m always wrong when picking Nebraska this year – they are my nemesis team on many levels.  But I think that Nebraska will simply have more offense than Meeechigan, especially in Lincoln, at night, when the division championship is all but on the line.

Nebraska covers.

———-

 

AROUND THE COUNTRY

 

SATURDAY

 

#2 Florida vs. #10 Georgia

2:30 PM / CBS / Line: Gators by 7

 

Whoa…whoa…whoa…the Gators deserve credit, but 7 points of credit over Georgia?  A rival at a neutral site???  I understand that Georgia looked like crap last week at Kentucky, but this is college football and that stuff happens.  Heck, it could serve as a wake-up call that could help out.  This feels like a 24-21 game to me – and could be even more low-scoring than that – as I don’t think that Florida’s offense is still all that special.

 

Georgia + the points.

 

-

#14 Texas Tech @ #3 Kansas State

2:30 PM / FOX / Line: K State by 7 ½

 

I love Kansas State, love how they’re doing this, and love the nickname ‘Optimus Klein’.  I don’t think there’s any question that the Wildcats are the best team in the Big 12, but aren’t they due?  Isn’t the country due for a few of these unbeatens to be beaten?  And if not a loss…then for a stinker/squeaker?!?  Texas Tech’s ‘D’ is no joke.

 

Tech + the points.

 

-

#11 Mississippi State @ #1 Alabama

7:30 PM / ESPN / Line: ‘bama by 23

 

I knew that the desert men were going to brush right past Mississippi State’s #11 BCS ranking and give ‘bama a bunch of points, but I wasn’t expecting it to be 3 ½ scores!  (I was thinking something closer to 17).  I know Alabama is head and shoulders above the rest of the country and perhaps a few teams in the NFL (seriously…what would be the line between the Cleveland Browns and Alabama if the game was played in Tuscaloosa???), and I wonder if Mississippi State can get enough points on the board to cover this spread?  The only team with a pulse that they’ve played – Tennessee – put up 31 points on em.

I still think this looks like a 31-10 game, so I’m going to foolishly take the points, mostly because I know that ‘bama has had the tendency to come out a little flat at home this year.

 

Mississippi State + the points.

 

-

NATIONAL GAME OF THE WEEK

#5 Notre Dame @ #8 Oklahoma

7:00 PM / ABC / Line: Oklahoma by 12

I think this line, which I believe is pretty high, comes from the fact that Vegas believes this is the best team – and specifically best PASSING team – that Notre Dame has faced all year.  It wouldn’t surprise me at all if I’m sitting in my Halloween costume, having a totty, and seeing Oklahoma up 14-0 before the end of the 1^st quarter.

I can see it, but this is also the best defense that Oklahoma’s faced all year as well.  I don’t think it’s crazy to think that Notre Dame could play yet another 17-13 game, this time barely loosing the game.

 

Notre Dame + the points.

 

 

 

———-

 

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

GO HAWKS!

 

- Jeffrey the Greek!

Leave the Kids at Home

 

Hello football fans!!!

 

Halfway-Hawk Report

 

Positives

Mark Weisman

Well…duh.  I find it hilarious that so many Hawk fans – including myself – are wondering just how in the heck Iowa is going to move the ball on Saturday night if Mark Weisman isn’t ready to go.  And we barely knew his name by  as early as halftime of the UNI game.  Then…BOOM.

He’s not just a good story – he’s a good RB.  And he’s only a Sophomore.

It’s gonna suck when Volkswagon-sided AIRBHG to blow up his college house (with him in it) during the off-season.

The DL

Former Benton Community/West High/Iowa-TE/Iowa-OL Coach Reese Morgan deserves some kind of national recognition for the job that he’s doing with this young and under-talented DL.  Joe Gaglione should be in the running for All-B1G honors, and each and every D-Lineman just seems so…solid.  I honestly don’t know how he’s doing it.

The LBs

And partly because of the aforementioned success of the DL, my boy LeVar Woods’ LBs have looked fantastic.  Anthony Hitchens is leading the country in tackles per game.  Yes that’s right…the WHOLE COUNTRY.  And that’s not to say that James Morris and Christian Kirksey aren’t having good years, because they are.  This is an exciting position group.

Mike Meyer

I’m not just saying this because I know his family: this is a great kid and a GREAT Iowa kicker.  I don’t like bringing kickers up – even in this silly blog – because you never know when the jinx monster will rear its ugly head (I was impressed that Meyer was able to kick through the dreaded announcer curse last weekend, if you caught that).  He’s just missing that career-defining kick, and you never know when that can happen.

The Needs-To-Improve(s)

 

JVB

I’ve already written on this…and so has everybody else (my fingers got sore whilst texting brothers/cousins/buddies last Saturday).  When you think about it, it’s amazing that the Hawks are 4-2 (with the two losses coming by a total of 4 points) with JVB struggling this much.

I don’t think there’s any question that the new offense has been tough on JVB; he said as much earlier in the year when he stateed that Greg Davis’s offense “is by no means simple”.  (Translation: this offense is a tough mo’fo’ to run.)  The receivers haven’t helped out the situation either.

This all adds up to the biggest issue: JVB has lost his confidence.  I don’t how you get that back, because well…I’m not a coach.  What I do know is this: a young college QB can get his confidence back on one…single…play.  I just hope that play comes sometime, and sometime soon.

———-

RTs From Around the Country

• I still don’t like Notre Dame.  But I think my feelings on Notre Dame have been downgraded from “Hate” to “Pessimistically Resistant” when I think about their place in college football.  I think this is mostly because most of my college football-related hatred is now directed towards the $.E.C.

• And these two things came together beautifully last weekend when ‘Gameday’ was in South Bend; the site was parked in front of a few campus buildings, and somebody held up a sign that said: “Hey S.E.C. fans…this is what a library looks like.”  Classic!

• Last thing on Notre Dame – they’re winning with ‘D’ and that will always get my respect.  That, and they’re coach is no longer Chaz Weiss.

• Speaking of, Chaz Weiss getting destroyed down in Kansas – mostly by his own press – is very enjoyable.  Much like my 1^st (and 3^rd) position coach at Iowa, I think there’s a chance that he’ll be forced outta coaching and selling cars before too long.

• ESPN’s Jenn Brown knows nothing about college football.  And…that’s OK.

• Erin Andrews is still the best and most beautiful…but she is buried on FOX.  FOX will just never have a college football feel to it.

• I have to admit that I like most of Oregon’s uniform options.  I will now repeatedly slam my head in my car door.

• But some of these uniform options have gotten out of friggin’ control.  South Carolina’s pants they wore against LSU were a disaster.  They made me want to cheer against them even though I was betting against LSU.

• Why is it so vogue to rip on the Big Ten?  Are we not all sick of the S.E.C.?  The only conference that can rival the S.E.C. in loyal fan-following and/or commitment to their college football programs is the B.I.G.  So why exactly are so many talking heads rooting against the conference?  Makes no sense to me.  And with that said, I’d like to punch Pat Forde right smack on the forehead.

• The A.C.C. sucks.  SUCKS.  How many times does a B1G team have to beat the A.C.C. champ before that’s brought up?!?

• But…the Big Ten IS down this year too.  But even a douche like me saw this coming.  It’ll be better next year.  I mostly blame THE OHIO STATE and they’re d-bag AD Gene Smith for not taking the bowl ban last year with their 6-6 record.

• I would NOT buy a car from Chaz Weiss.

• I laughed when I heard that Bill Snyder was coming back to Kansas State.  I’m an idiot.  The ‘Coach of the Year’ conversation starts and ends with him.  Maybe Coach of the Past 50 Years as well.

• Why is it that when a team consistently wins 52-48…that’s a great team with an explosive offense?…but when a team consistently wins 17-14…that’s a team that’s lucky and has a bad offense?  Doesn’t make any sense to me.

• With that being said, I laughed…LAUGHED…when I heard so many talking heads say “you could see that coming” after West Virginia got beat-down in west Texas?  Really???  The only people I remember predicting that loss was Kirk Herbstreit and some guy on Rivals Radio last Friday @ 6:53 am when I was in the parking lot of one of my contractors.

• I honestly think that Mark May could possibly murder Lou Holtz on air.  And if so, I hope I’m watching.  That would stay on my DVR until it dies.

• I like Jesse Palmer as a college football analyst.  I don’t care if you judge me…he knows his sh*t.  You’re just jealous because he’s good-looking too.

• Gambling (responsively) on college football is stupid and silly.  The problem is…it’s just so much fun.

———-

 

Penn State Nittany Lions  @  Iowa Hawkeyes

7:00 PM / BTN / Line:  Hawks by 3

What Up?

One of the biggest surprises of the B1G this year has been Bill Obrien’s Nittany Lions.  After starting off 0-2, they’ve ripped off 4 straight wins, with one of them being an improbable come-from-behind win against Northwestern.

Though the Nittany Lions are 4-2, I still don’t think they’re going to finish with 9 wins…even 8 would be a stretch with games @ Iowa, vs. OSU, and @ Nebraska in the next month.  I also think Penn State’s very, very thin…but have been able to avoid the injury bug so far this year.

One a side note, I’m going to be openly cheering against Penn State not only this weekend, but the rest of the year.  Penn State winning is NOT good for the B1G.  One would hope that Jim Delaney and…ahem…the B1G refs would agree on this.

—–

The Players

Although I’m not a 100% believer in Penn State, there’s no doubt that QB #11 Matt McGloin is having a crazy-good year; McGloin is one of the (many) things that makes me think the more I watch college football…the less I understand.  He’s in a new offense, his best WR left for greener pastures, his OL had 2 returning starters…and he’s excelling.  Obviously the biggest thing to point to is his coach, and that O’Brien must be a great QB developer.

 

How healthy is #45 RB Mark Weisman?  That’ll be the question that every Hawk fan will be asking themselves on Saturday.  It doesn’t sound like it’s out of the question that Weisman can play, but you wonder if that’s the smartest thing for the rest of the season?  We’ll see.

If he can’t go, it will be Frosh RB #4 Greg Garmon – who I like, but I think is a year away – and the just-back-from injury #33 Jordan Canzeri.  It’s not like either of these guys are Paki O’Meara, but I don’t trust either one of them to carry the load all game long.

—–

The Match-Up(s)

Iowa O vs. Penn State D :

The coaches have changed, but the Penn State ‘D’ and their stellar LB play carries on.  Penn State is in the Top 30 for Total Defense and in the top 15 for Scoring Defense.  Simply put, there’s still a lot of well-coached and older talent on this team.

For the Iowa ‘O’ it’s become obvious that Mark Weisman has been the tone-setter; if he can’t go he’ll be sorely missed.  But even without Mark Weisman, I think the Hawkeye OL can open up some holes.  Penn State gave up 125+ yards against Ohio (180), Navy (305), Temple (134), and Northwestern (130).  I think it’s safe to say that besides Navy, none of those aforementioned teams have a better running attack than the Hawks.

Iowa D vs. Penn State O  :

Penn State’s ‘O’ has been a surprise, but let’s not get too excited here – they’re the 75^th Total Offense in the country, and 88^th running the ball.  McGloin is having a good year, but it’s not like he’s throwing the ball all over the field like Geno Smith.

Something that’s been interesting about Penn State is that they’re attempting AND getting converting so many 4^th downs.  Why?  Because they basically have no kicker – as the guy that was supposed to be their starter left the team.  This has resulted in Penn State trying for 1^st downs instead of FGs…even when it seems obvious that they should kick.  This has taken teams by surprise the first 6 games of the year, but not this week with the Hawk ‘D’.  Parker will have them prepared for this.

It’ll be interesting to see what kind of attack Phil Parker dials up against the Penn State ‘O’, as the Hawk’s usual game-plan is to stop the run.  Will Phil dial up a few more blitzes a little more often to keep McGloin off target?  I think our DB’s having been playing great, but I don’t trust them to play all day long against this passing attack; they need some pressure from our Front 7 to help out.

 

What Will Happen

This is going to be a battle.  (That’s…umm…where I came up with blog’s title.)

I simply have a gut feeling that JVB is going to play better on Saturday night under the lights.  He has to do this – HAS TO – otherwise its going to be asking too much for a Frosh RB and a not-in-game-shape Canzeri to move the chains all night long.  I think that Davis came out with some spread formations last weekend, but had to get away from it against a great ‘D’ in poor conditions.  Not that the Hawks are going to go ‘empty’ all game, but 3 WR/1 TE/1 RB will be a common sight.  The Hawks may have to throw themselves open to get the running game going this Saturday night.

And they will.  I think the Hawks got a huge, HUGE shot in the arm with regards to mojo last weekend in East Lansing, and I think that’ll carry over.

This will be a good game throughout, with the Hawks mixing things up better than they have the past few weeks.  I think Penn State will struggle running the ball, but McGloin will make enough plays on 3^rd down to keep Penn State close.  However, stellar special teams and a stellar kicker will be the difference for the Hawks in a great game.

Iowa Hawkeyes 23  -  Penn State Nittany Lions 21

———-

Week 8 “Precarious Predictions”

 

 

NCAA ATS                40-31-1

 

Last Week ATS         5-5-1

 

Iowa ATS                    3-2

———-

SATURDAY

 

BIG TEN

 

 

Purdue @ Ohio State

11:00 AM / ABC / Line: Ohio State by 19

Purdue is another team that makes me wonder just what in the heck I know about college football.  I can understand that they’ve dropped a few games, but how is it that their ‘D’ could be this bad?  It makes no sense to me whatsoever.

Ohio State’s ‘D’ has been struggling mightily, but ‘my-oh-my’ has Braxton Miller and their offense been humming along.  I think the Ohio State ‘D’ will get the memo from Urban Meyer and shut-down (or nearly shut-down) Purdue.  38-14 seems about right.

Ohio State covers.

 

-

Minnesota @ Wisconsin

11:00 AM / ESPNU / Line: Wisconsin by 17

Minnesota misses Margueis Gray – his lack of health has been what’s wrong with the Gophers the past few weeks.  The disappointment of another tough season is starting to set in, and Jerry Kill taking another trip to the hospital can’t help.  I pray for that guy.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin has finally convinced me that they’ve got their offense back to ‘normal’.  Not 2010 or especially 2011 “normal”…but closer to their 2005-2009 offense…which isn’t too shabby.  Bielema’s switch at their OL coach and QB has paid off.

This line is dead on, but I don’t have faith that Minnesota is going to be able to put up enough points to cover.

Wisconsin covers.

 

-

Michigan State @ Meeechigan

2:30 PM / BTN / Line: Meeechigan by 10 ½

 

This is a pretty intriguing game.  Meeechigan is suddenly red-hot, and Sparty is not.  Also, Sparty has owned Meeechigan the past 4 years, something that Wolverine players are very, VERY sick of hearing about.

There’s not much reason to pick Michigan State to win, but I think they have just enough ‘D’ and pride to keep this close in a Rivalry Game.

Sparty + the points.

 

-

BIG TEN GAME OF THE WEEK

Nebraska @ Northwestern

2:30 PM / ESPN2 / Line: Nebraska by 6

You can’t make-up rivalries…they have to be born organically.  This annual game is starting to feel like a real, live, good old-fashioned conference rivalry brewing between two teams.  The loss last year against Northwestern did NOT sit well with over-expectant Cornhusker fans, and now they’re in Evanston to get payback.  If Nebraska trips up again, things are going to get really, really tense in Lincoln.

The trouble for Nebraska is that Northwestern is better football team than they were last year, while Nebraska is about the same…and they might actually be worse on the road.  I honestly think this is the Kacmyrinski (sp?) effect on the DL; I have no proof of this but its fun for me to think about.

Everybody on the BTN picked Northwestern here, and I understand.  I think they’re the better team, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they won.  But I’m going with my gut again here; Nebraska is going to come off of their BYE week focused and ready to roll.  I honestly think this will be semi blowout, 42-30.

Nebraska covers.

———-

AROUND THE COUNTRY

 

THURSDAY

 

#3 Oregon @ Arizona State

8:00 PM / ESPN / Line: Ducks by 21

 

Finally we get to see the Ducks fly away from Autzen for their FIRST TRUE ROAD GAME, and this game is about as far south as they can go for the winter.  And now they’re going to play what has become a much improved Sun Devil team.

Oregon deserves all the credit they’re getting, but perhaps the love affair has gone a little too far?  If there’s one constant in college football this year, its that teams looks a LOT better at home…so its no wonder that Oregon has looked so good.  I was hoping for more points here, cause I really wanted to take a pretty good Sun Devil team, at home, on a Thursday night with a really jacked up crowd.  But that’s not enough points.

 

Oregon covers.

 

-

 

SATURDAY

 

#6 LSU @ #18 Texas A&M

11:00 AM / ESPN / Line: LSU by 3

 

I still don’t trust LSU, especially when they’re away from home.  If they were wearing just about any other colored jersey…I don’t think LSU would be ranked this high.  They have major issues on offense, and although their ‘D’ is great, I don’t think it’s impossible to move the ball on them, especially when you have a hot offense like A&M has.

BTW, I’m starting to…tire of LSU and The Hat.

 

A&M + the points.

 

-

NATIONAL GAME OF THE WEEK

#7 South Carolina @ #2 Florida

2:30 PM / CBS / Line: Florida by 3 ½

 

I’m still a fan of South Carolina.  I don’t think there’s any question in my mind that they were the better team against LSU, but snatched a defeat from the jaws of victory.  This is once again nothing more than a feeling – because Florida has done everything that they’ve needed to do thus far this year.  I just think that Spurrier and his staff have been here before and will have a better game-plan ready to go.

 

Cocks + the points.

 

 

-

#4 Kansas State @ #13 West Virginia

6:00 PM / FOX / Line: West Virginia by 2 ½

 

That was a tough road trip for West Virginia last weekend.  Now its Kansas State’s turn to take a weird trip, and I think West ‘by god’ Virginia will be ready to roll.  Mini shoot-out that West Virginia wins.

 

West ‘by god’ Virginia covers.

 

 

———-

 

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

GO HAWKS!

 

- Jeffrey the Greek!

Mirror, Mirror…

 

Hello football fans!!!

 

Proud to Report…

 

…that I enjoyed my birfday last Saturday.  How?  Welp, including ‘Gameday’, I literally sat and watched football from 9:00am until 11:00pm.  That’s 13 straight hours.  I literally had bed sores (couch sores, to be exact.)  And even though we’ve been together for 2+ years, my gal was still silly enough to ask me: “Aren’t you getting tired of football?”  Psshhht.

The next day we walked 5 ½ blocks to West River Parkway to see if we could catch a few of our friends and co-workers running in the Twin City Marathon.  This is worth mentioning because that 11 block (total) walk to-and-from the marathon was my only form of exercise all weekend.  And it was to…ya know…watch people run a marathon.

———-

 

Iowa Hawkeyes  @  Michigan State Spartans

11:00 AM / ESPN / Line:  Sparty by 10

What Up?

The Spartans were my ‘team of destiny’ before the season started.  That’s not been the case – and that’s mostly because of their sputtering – if not anemic – offensive production.  Last week in Bloomington, Sparty finally woke up in the 3^rd quarter after laying a gigantic turd in the 1^st half (does that sound familiar Hawk fans?).  However, Sparty still has their primary goals in view: Beat Meeechigan, go to Indianapolis, and then get to Pasadena.  Simply put, I don’t expect this to be a deflated team at home on Saturday; this has been a rivalry of sorts the past 7-8 years.

Iowa got a new lease on their football life two weekends ago when they beat the dirt off the Gophers in Kinnick.  I don’t know what else to say, except that it’d be hard to comprehend just how horrible these past two weeks woulda been if Iowa lost that game – not to mention the psyche of this Iowa team going into this game.  But obviously this isn’t a team that’s over-confident either, they know they have to play a great game to get out of East Lansing with a ‘W’.

—–

The Players

The Spartan’s offense starts and finishes with RB #24 Le’Veon Bell – who was everybody’s All-American the first 2-3 weeks of the season.  He’s cooled off a bit, but is still the main focus, just like what the Hawks have with Weisman.  After that, the Spartans are still waiting on the development of their QB #10 Andrew Maxwell; Maxwell hasn’t looked horrible, but he’s waiting on some of his receivers to step-up and help him (is this starting to sound more and more familiar?).  One of the guys who HAS BEEN stepping up was their big TE #80 Dion Sims…and he is out this week with an injury.  Don’t kid yourself – that hurts the Spartans.

Another player also worth mentioning: DE #2 William Gholston.  He eats up immobile QBs.  (Iowa…uh…has an immobile QB.)

As far as Hawkeye players, I’m starting to see that we have a pretty darn good idea what to think about our 22 starters – whether that’s good or bad.  Well…almost everybody.  The one-and-only question mark to me is QB #16 James Vandenberg…which is odd, as he’s a Senior QB with a year and a half worth of starts under his belt.  Don’t get me wrong, I love this kid.  He’s an Iowa kid, a good citizen**, and says all the right things.  Also?…he’s not a bad QB.  He’s above-average and steady.  But that’s…about it.  I’m sorry.  Also, I’m just not sold on him when he’s away from Kinnick; for whatever reason…he’s just not the same.

** = I still think CB #18 Micah Hyde is a good kid, and he deserves to play this Saturday.  Maybe I’m a homer, but this is a kid that’s been involved with the community and has never gotten in any trouble.  I would sit him the first series and then put him in.  If this was his 2^nd offense, or if the chargers were more serious, that would be a different story.  Also?  I can guarantee you that he’s getting some punishment.

(Another point…why should the rest of the team suffer?  Because…umm…that’s exactly what would happen if Greg Castillo plays all day long.  Which (gulp) may happen if BJ Lowery can’t go on Saturday.)

—–

The Match-Up(s)

Iowa O vs. Michigan State D:

Mismatch alert!  Mismatch alert!

Although the Spartans’ D got off to a rough start last weekend in Bloomington, Pat Narduzzi’s crew put the clamps down the entire 2^nd half against the Hoosiers.  Although the 2012 Iowa Hawkeyes have been running the ball like the 2002 Iowa Hawkeyes as of late…I think it will be tall order to get Mark ‘the Jumpin’ Jew’ Weisman over the 100 yard mark this week.

After that, Iowa success on offense will come down to the ability of the Hawks’ WR and TEs to get open against the Spartan secondary.  The good news is that this is exactly what Minnesota did 2 weeks ago.  That bad news?…Michigan State has a lot better secondary and pass rush than Minnesota.  Like…a LOT better.

Iowa D vs. Michigan State O:

I’m starting to get more and more confident in Iowa’s D.  I think we know what we got (good or bad):

• pretty good (but not great) against the run
• no pass rush – unless extra bodies are sent on a blitz
• good tacklers (I hope this holds true on Saturday)

On the other side of the ball, there’s no doubt that Sparty wants to establish the run, and needs to get more plays out of their passing game (seriously…does this sound familiar???).  I don’t think they’re that far off – they have talent – it’s just young talent.  The OL isn’t helping, but the Hawks don’t have the pass rush to get pressure on Maxwell during “surprise” passing downs.

 

What Will Happen

I can’t remember the last time Iowa has played a team that mirrored them so much.  Gerry Dinardo (on BTN) broke this game down by simply saying: “Whichever team runs the ball wins the game.”  I couldn’t agree more, but I would add that if there’s a QB (JVB or Maxwell) that gets hot…his team will win the game.  There is a possibility that one ‘OC’ will just say “Screw it, let’s throw the ball around.” and come out slingin’ it.  But I just don’t see either OC/QB doing that.  So you go with the home team that’s got a better D.

Slow start, slow middle, slow finish to this game.  No 100 yards for Weisman (but I think him and Bullock will combine to come close).  Special teams and one key TO from the Hawks will decide the winner:

Michigan State Spartans 20  -  Iowa Hawkeyes 13

———-

Week 7 “Precarious Predictions”

 

 

NCAA ATS                35-26

 

Last Week ATS         5-3

 

Iowa ATS                    2-2

———-

SATURDAY

 

BIG TEN

 

Northwestern @ Minnesota

11:00 AM / ESPN2 / Line: Northwestern by 3 ½

Just like that…both of these teams look vulnerable.  Not that anybody was getting them confused with Alabama and Oregon, but they were undefeated through the first 4 weeks of the season.

Minnesota could be leaking some oil right now.  The Hawks exposed Minnesota in some areas (just run at them), and the biggest issue is that Marqueis Gray still isn’t healthy.  Like…not at all…and Max Shortell will get the start.  The good news is that Shortell is much, much better at home.

I still think Northwestern is a good team, as they’re extremely tough to defend.  They got away from their usual game-plan last week.  They won’t dot this week.  I’ll be cheering hard for the Gophers, but I think this will be something like a 34-27 type of game.

Wildcats cover.

 

-

Wisconsin @ Purdue

11:00 AM / BTN / Line: Purdue by 2

I’m sure there were a few people confused by this line.  I had no idea what to expect of this line.  Purdue is at home, so a 2 point line for them means that the desert people think these two teams are even.  Perhaps that sounds crazy after watching Purdue get run over by Meeechigan, but Purdue’s D matches up much, MUCH better against Purdue.

Things have changed since I predicted Purdue to win this game at the beginning of the year…but I don’t see any reason to change my mind.  I think Purdue will double-down at home in a must-win game.

 

Purdue covers.

 

-

Illinois @ #25 Meeechigan

2:30 PM / ABC / Line: Meeechigan by 25

 

Wow.  I bet this 2:30 ABC game will pull in a lot of viewers!  (Funny thing is…I’ll be watching it.)

Illini + the points.

 

-

#8 Ohio State @ Indiana

7:00 PM / BTN / Line: Ohio State by 17 ½

This line really surprised and ticked me off, as I was hoping for a 24 point spread that I could jump all over Indiana – as I think Ohio State is due for a bad day.

I’ll stick with that call, and say that this will be something like 35-20.

Indiana + the points.

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AROUND THE COUNTRY

 

SATURDAY

 

#6 Kansas State @ Iowa State

11:00 AM / FX / Line: Kansas State by 7

 

Once again, IowaState finds itself in another interesting Big 12 tussle, and now they’re back at home.  I was surprised to see the line this low – after all the Wildcats just beat Oklahoma @ home by 5 and rival Kansas by 40.  I think this line is a nod to ISU’s defense.

I think KansasState is going to take this game really, really seriously.  But I think this line is right where it should be, so I’ll take the points and the home team.

 

Iowa State + the points.

 

-

#15 Texas vs. #13 Oklahoma

11:00 AM / ABC / Line: Oklahoma by 3 ½

 

Don’t bet on this game.  From what I can tell, nobody has a clue on this game.  I told myself I’d take whomever was getting the points and 3 ½ seems like a gift.

 

Texas + the points.

 

-

Utah @ UCLA

2:00 PM / FOX / Line: UCLA by 8

 

I uh…I like UCLA.

 

ISU + the points.

 

-

#17 Stanford @ #7 Notre Dame

2:30 PM / NBC / Line: Notre Dame by 7

 

Stanford has owned the Irish in recent years.  However, this isn’t your slightly older brother’s Irish.  This could be a great, defensive battle – and if so – take the points.  I just feel like Notre Dame will be able to turn Stanford into a one-dimensional offense just like they did against MichiganState.

 

Notre Dame covers.

 

-

NATIONAL GAME OF THE WEEK

#3 South Carolina @ #9 LSU

7:00 PM / ESPN / Line: LSU by 2 ½

 

35-1.  That’s LSU’s record in night games at home.  I’m having issues getting away from that stat, as everything else in this game shows an advantage for the Gamecocks.  Both teams have a great D, but the Gamecocks actually have a living, breathing offense to put points on the board.

Right now, LSU’s problem on offense is a tie between their banged up OL and their overwhelmed QB.  I just can’t get away from it.  LSU’s offense has been sub-par all year, and it’s getting worse.  They’ll need some points off TOs and/or Special Teams to score…and I don’t see how you can bank on that.

(BTW…LSU could still win this game and South Carolina covers.  Something like 17-16.  So you know…another exciting S.E.C. game that the Big 10 used to get made fun of before.)

 

Gamecocks + the points.

 

 

 

———-

 

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

GO HAWKS!

 

- Jeffrey the Greek!

BYE Week Bliss

 

Hello football fans!!!

 

Fun Week in Minnesota…

 

…sort of.  I say ‘sort of’ because Minnesota “fans” always find a way to sort of ruin it.  How?…you may ask?  By using the tired and over-used lines of: “Big deal…it’s not like we were going to the Rose Bowl.” (and/or) “Who cares, Iowa doesn’t even have a professional team.”  Ugh.

Whatever!  It is GREAT to have Floyd back Iowa where he belongs, and I would challenge that last Saturday was the most complete game we’ve played since MichiganState in 2010.  And how about the ‘Jukin Jew’ Mark Weisman?!?!  Holy cow.  He’s not just a great story (for sure one of the best stories in the conference so far this year), he’s an actually good RB.  More than that…he’s a friggin’ weapon!

And it doesn’t hurt that he’s running behind one of the most destructive OLs that I’ve seen in a long, long time.  Brian Ferentz should get noticed with the job he’s doing with the OL.  Or should it be LeVar Woods with the job he’s done with the LBs?!?  Or should it be Reese Morgan with the job he’s done with DL?!?  The point here is that this seems to be a young team, but a young team that’s developing.  Still a long way to go, but as I pointed out last week, winning is the greatest deodorant – and the Hawks put on some awesome Old Spice Antiperspirant last weekend.

———-

Ahhhh…

 

I am typing this in my living room, as I ready myself to sit and watch college football.  All.  Day.  Long.

And how about the amazing line-up we have today??!!??  What a GREAT weekend for the Hawks to off so I/we can catch some action.  I love this sport all over again.

Whooops…better get the chili on the stove to start warming it up…

———-

Week 6 “Precarious Predictions”

 

 

NCAA ATS                30-23

 

Last Week ATS         4-4

 

Iowa ATS                    2-2

———-

SATURDAY

 

BIG TEN

 

Michigan State @ Indiana

11:00 AM / BTN / Line: Sparty by 15 ½

What to make of Sparty?!?  If their offense could just have a friggin’ semblance of a passing game, they would probably be 5-0 and in the Top 10.  But that’s not the case, and suddenly the Hawks have a better record than Sparty (but 3-2…but the Hawks are 1-0 in B1G play).

I watched the Michigan State-OSU game on replay, and I thought that MichiganState’s offense was not that far off.  And although playing Indiana’s defense is the best way to get on track, the ‘boring stadium + let-down’ effect is in play today.  I’m thinking something like 30-17.

Indiana + the points.

 

-

#24 Northwestern @ Penn State

11:00 AM / ESPN / Line: Penn State by 3

Ugh…Northwestern is really making me look stupid.  I picked them at 4-8 for the year – which obviously isn’t going to happen now.  Purple.  Worst.  Color.  Ever.

PennState is also very surprising, as they’re 3-2 and playing better and better week to week.  At this point, Bill O’Brien deserves to get mentioned for B1G coach of the year (and if Urban Meyer wins it, I’m going to puke in my mouth).

I think this one comes down to turnovers, and I think that the weather will play into the outcome.  I think Northwestern is going to come in play smart, and the PennState passing game will stall for one week.  You could make a case that PennState hasn’t played anybody – I don’t know if you can say that about Northwestern.

Northwestern + the points.

 

-

Illinois @ Wisconsin

2:30 PM / ESPN2 / Line: Wisconsin by 15

 

Illinois is a dumpster fire.  They’re the worst team in the league, and it’s not even close (at least Indiana’s offense has looked good).

This pick is nothing but a gut feeling for me as I think Illinois is due to get off the turf for one week.  Wisconsin wins in an ugly one.

Illinois + the points.

 

-

Meeechigan @ Purdue

3:00 PM / BTN / Line: Wolverines by 3

 

I like the under in the O/U the most (58.5).

No idea on this one – very, very hard to pick.  I just have a feeling that Meeechigan will have figured something out on offense during their BYE week and will look better today.  Their Defense has been playing well all year, and Purdue has been too spotty to pick them.

Meeechigan covers.

 

-

 

Big Ten Game of the Week

#21 Nebraska @ #12 Ohio State

7:00 PM / ABC / Line:  Buckeyes by 3 ½

After watching that OSU-MichiganState game…I was SHOCKED at how much Braxton Miller is the entire offense for OSU.  Like…I’ve never seen anything like this before; they basically run 4-5 plays, and 2-3 of those plays are simply Miller keeping the ball, getting outside of contain, and running for 12 yards.

But I think Nebraska matches up well here, and have more of a complete team.  You don’t think Bo Pelini (former OhioState player) will have his guys focused??  He will.

Nebraska + the points.

———-

 

AROUND THE COUNTR

 

SATURDAY

 

Iowa State @ #15 TCU

2:30 PM / FSN / Line: TCU by 7

 

This game started at 12, but dropped like a rock once TCU’s QB got dinged with a DWI.

The real story is which IowaState shows up…which really means which STEELE JANTZ shows up, as he might be the most schizophrenic player in college football.  I’m betting – and getting 7 points – that the good one shows up today.  And IowaState’s defense continues to be good.

 

Clones + the points.

 

-

#4 LSU @ #10 Florida

2:30 PM / CBS / Line: LSU by 2 ½

 

I have to admit that I haven’t watched a ton of footage from either of these teams, but my gut feeling on LSU right now is the same one I had for Oklahoma (before they got whooped by Kansas State).  So I’m going with my gut again here.  This will probably be a low-scoring game.  I’m thinking 20-17 (Florida) type of deal.

 

Florida + the points.

 

-

#8 West ‘by god’ Virginia @ #11 Texas

6:00 PM / FOX / Line: Texas by 7

 

Everybody is picking Texas, and I completely understand.  Texas is at home, and West Virginia’s defense has looked like ca-ca-poo-poo all year long.  But I can’t get away that this will be a mini-shoot-out (in 2012 terms), something along the lines of 38-35.  So I guess I like the points.

 

West Virginia + the points.

 

-

NATIONAL GAME OF THE WEEK

#5 Georgia @ #6 South Carolina

6:00 PM / ESPN / Line:  Cocky by 1 ½

 

This is Georgia’s year, and Mark Richt deserves some credit for that.  South Carolina remains sort of a mystery for me, and a night game at home is tough to pick against.  This is definitely a pretender-contender game, and I think Aaron Murray goes into South Carolina and plays well.

 

Georgia + the points.

 

-

Miami (Fl) @ #9 Notre Dame

6:30 PM / NBC / Line: Notre Dame by 13 ½

 

Notre Dame’s offense makes me nervous.  But Miami is a young team, and they don’t want to play in 45 degree weather.  That’s my take on this game.

 

Notre Dame covers.

 

-

#23 Washington @ #2 Oregon

9:30 PM / ESPN / Line: Oregon by 25

 

Ahhhh…the cherry on top of the college football Saturday.

Unfortunately, I don’t think Washington is going to make this a game.  Oregon, at home, at night is tough to pick against.

 

Oregon covers.

 

 

———-

 

 

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

GO HAWKS!

 

- Jeffrey the Greek!