DiHard
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TOP MATCHUPS
OCTOBER 9
What an absolutely horrible sports weekend it was….DiHard came plummeting back down to earth after an eight game streak by going 1-3 last week. It’s my fault….I was caught looking ahead to this titanic Saturday. I made an enormous mistake last week as all four games featured one team with an experienced quarterback and one team with a young gun. All four experienced quarterbacks won last week.OCTOBER 9
Four absolutely phenomenal games are on tap this weekend beginning with the annual embarrassment for Texas and concluding on the west coast with the Pac10 Championship game. The battle for the National Championship, Big Ten Championship and Pac Ten championship will all get a lot clearer come Monday.
Game of the Week: TEXAS V. OKLAHOMA @DALLAS
Spread: Oklahoma –6 1/2
The Game: The Red River Shootout has recently been the annual Oklahoma blowout of Texas. This game is difficult to predict as both teams have combined to play one team with a pulse…Texas’ 22-20 win at Arkansas. I give a little edge to the Longhorns concerning the schedule since the Arkansas game was played in a hostile, crazy, blood-craving atmosphere.
My Prediction: Texas by 2
Why: Texas can’t keep getting humiliated by the Sooner’s forever can they? I am picking Tejas based on the fact that they field a senior running back (Cedric Benson) who is in the Heisman hunt, while Oklahoma is relying on a freshman (Peterson) to shoulder the load.
Would I bet on this game: No stinking way.
Game 2: CALIFORNIA @ USC
Spread: USC -7
The Game: Cal has looked absolutely unstoppable this year in blowing out everyone that they have played…most notably last weekends performance at Oregon State. USC escaped with their lives at Stanford and let a very poor offensive Virginia Tech team hang around far too long. This is the Championship game for the Pac10 and a BCS Bowl berth….who needs some glitzy post-season game…do it the two 10’s way….on the field all season long.
My Prediction: USC by 16
Why: If Cal hadn’t gone and beaten the Trojans last year I would call for this game to be extremely close. I just feel that USC has had this game on their minds all season long. Granted Cal has improved greatly….their starting tailback (this is going to hurt Buckeye fans) is AVERAGING 8.6 ypc…ouch. This is a statement game for USC and they will make it.
Would I bet on this game: Yes…only because this finally is a west coast game that will be over by the time I go to bed.
Game 3: MINNESOTA @ MICHIGAN
Spread: Wolves –3 1/2
The Game: This game is a chance for the Golden Gophers to announce to the College Football world that they are indeed for real this year…it is also a chance for michigan to say “not so fast my friend.” Minnesota has started the last three seasons (04 incl.) 5-0, 6-0 and 7-1 and ended up folding as the season progressed. That trend begins this year on Saturday. I don’t think a team can be completely one-dimensional and win a tough road game like this.
My Prediction: Michigan by 8
Why: Since ’91 Minnesota is 0 for 11against Michigan and has only covered the spread 3 times. The Gophs are also starting a young quarterback in Cupito who is going to have to make some plays in this game…and he won’t. It will be close for awhile, but Michigan pulls away late.
Would I bet on this game: No.
Game 4: WISCONSIN @ OHIO STATE
Spread: tOSU –3
The Game: I really have no idea how the Buckeyes are favored by three in this game..I mean Wisconsin is allowing an average of 5.2 ppg this year. The experts must see this being a 6-3 Ohio State win I guess. Wisconsin can run, Ohio State can’t. Ohio State can throw, Wisconsin can’t. Both teams can play great defense. One turnover or one big play decides this game. A low scoring, hard-hitting game is on tap for Saturday. One thing to keep in mind is that wisky is 0-4 the past four games against the spread offenses of northwestern and purdue......do the bucks dare spread the field all game long??
My Prediction: Ohio State by 2…okay I’m a homer..I admit it.
Why: A win or loss for Ohio State in this game hinges on two players, maybe three. First is Justin Zwick. The young quarterback is going to be pressured like he has never seen, and must make a big play or two while avoiding the big mistake. Tall order. Second is the Boar Hunter Schlegal (and maybe Danimal) and his ability to take on Wisconsin bruiser Matt Bernstein (6-2, 264) on Wisky’s iso running game. Last year Fred Pagac was beaten by Bernstein like Tibor at his family reunion…it was ugly. Schlegal doesn’t need to make many tackles, just be more of a man than Bernstein on Saturday.
Would I bet on this game: Yes…I think our passing game plays better than expected.
Season Record Straight Up: 16-8
Season Record vs. the spread: 12-12
Season Record vs. the spread: 12-12