hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Oct 2, 2010 12:27:07 GMT -5
I know it's a little late to start this thread, but for any who care to participate, here are a few key games between ranked teams this weekend. How do you think they will turn out?
Texas vs. Oklahoma (Dallas) Florida at Alabama Stanford at Oregon Wisconsin at Mich. St.
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hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Oct 2, 2010 12:37:26 GMT -5
For no reason, I think Texas wins the Red River Rivalry. I know they haven't been the team that they were in recent years, and Stoops is head and shoulders above Brown. But Oklahoma's defense just doesn't impress me like they should. They had a really good game against FSU, but have struggled against their other opponents. I also don't think Texas was the team they showed -- or didn't show -- against UCLA last week. I think they were "looking ahead."
Florida at Bama ... like Herbstreit has to do on the games he is covering, I also can't give a prediction on this one, but rather keys to the game. Florida will try to stop the run at all costs, and trust their secondary a lot in man to man. Getting pressure on McElroy when they pass, and not allowing Richardson and Ingram to get to the second level will be the most important battle. On offense, I think the Gators will mix it up a bit, but the fact remains that Bama is very talented, even though green on defense. If the Gators can win the field position battle, then I think you will see some wrinkles on offense. But if not, then this will be a boring slobber-knocker as the great Jim Ross would call it. Finally, the loss of Caleb Sturgis could be huge in a game like this. Points might be very hard to come by, and Caleb has a really strong leg. Chaz Henry will probably not be asked to try any fieldgoals outside of 43 yards or so.
I am going out on a limb on the Stanford -- Oregon Game. I just think the Cardinal team is playing the game like it should be played. I think they pull off the upset in Eugene, but I tell you what: I think those are two really good teams, and the winner will put themselves in very good position for the post season.
Wisconsin at Mich St: It doesn't matter what I think of friggin big ten games, I'm always wrong. But just because it's my thread, I feel obligated to make a pick: I will take the Badgers on the road. The flukish win over Notre Dame and Dantonio's heart issues certainly make for a nice story, but I just think Wisconsin is the better team.
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Post by williambraskyiii on Oct 2, 2010 19:34:06 GMT -5
sweet jump pass hifi. timmy tebow isn't around no more.
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kghoya
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Post by kghoya on Oct 2, 2010 23:27:19 GMT -5
Florida will probably be in the SEC title game and they are the JV compared to Alabama. How sick can the SEC be if nobody else in the East has a pulse? Tenn is horrific and UGA is 1-4. I doubt S. Carolina is good but we will see.
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Boz
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Post by Boz on Oct 3, 2010 10:34:29 GMT -5
Wow. Wrong on all counts. Well done.
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Elvado
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Post by Elvado on Oct 4, 2010 9:43:59 GMT -5
Here's one for you swamp rat: Urban Legend will fake yet another health issue after having been housed by the Tide.
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SFHoya99
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Post by SFHoya99 on Oct 4, 2010 10:37:51 GMT -5
Wow. Wrong on all counts. Well done. In his defense, he was right that he was always wrong about the Big Ten.
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hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Oct 4, 2010 13:48:21 GMT -5
I expected and deserved all of those comments.
For the record, I really did think Wisconsin would win. I'm not impressed with Notre Dame, and the only Spartan game that I saw much of was their exciting win over the Irish.
Stanford was a stretch, and I guess was just wrong on how good Oregon is. Hat's off to them. After falling behind early, they really poured it on yet again. I wonder if Boise St. is upset that they played Oregon last year, but don't have a shot at them this year.
Texas-Oklahoma was kind of what I expected, for the last 3 quarters. Unfortunately for the Longhorns, the first part of the game counts as well. I still think that Texas is better than they showed against UCLA and I think they showed that Saturday, and I still think that Oklahoma has an incredible ability for keeping teams in games. I thought that would come back to bite them in the a$$ against Texas. Oh well ...
Ironically, my best insight was on the Florida-Bama game. Florida did stack up to stop the run, and did a really good job of it. Trent Richardson had one 30 yard run, but other than that, the run defense was very, very good. BUT ... and I said this very thing before the game, they have got to get some pressure on McElroy. In the first half, he was hardly touched. There was one sack to end the 1st drive and hold them to a fieldgoal, but other than that, he had all day. And even the best DBs can't cover guys forever. I honestly think the complete disapperance of our D-Line in the first half is why we lost the game. Also, as I mentioned, losing Caleb Sturgis hurt, though not how I predicted. Kickoffs were poor, and I guess it's a good thing we didn't score much, because we would have had to kick off more. Hat's off to Chas Henry. He knocked down both field goal attempts and punted 3 times for an average of over 60 yards. Also, I'm not sure we play it like we did if we had Sturgis. On that first drive, I think we might have played it differently. Ironically, I wish we had still played it the other way. In any case, with a new holder and a new kicker on the road against the number one ranked team, I think Meyer was planning on going for it on fourth all along. I would have preferred to be under center and try to sneak it. But he got tricky on third, knowing that he was going for it on 4th. Neither worked.
It was just such a strange game. On one hand, you're left thinking what "could've been." But on the other hand, it wasn't close. Some games, you come out having the feeling that "if this" or "if that." But as a Gator fan, I don't have any of that. I'm mad at us for not coming out and playing ball. I will commend the team on the 2nd half effort, although they still made too many mistakes. The bottom line is that there was no question who was the better team on Saturday and it wasn't the Gators.
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hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Oct 8, 2010 11:12:24 GMT -5
Who wants to try again? I, for one, can't do worse than last week.
Alabama at South Carolina Michigan St. at Michigan LSU at Florida USC at Stanford Arkansas vs. Texas A&M (Arlington, Tx) FSU at Miami
How does everyone see these games working out?
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Boz
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Post by Boz on Oct 8, 2010 11:52:08 GMT -5
I'll take all the teams on the right. Cuz that's how I roll, of course.
;D
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theexorcist
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Post by theexorcist on Oct 8, 2010 11:55:10 GMT -5
Who wants to try again? I, for one, can't do worse than last week. Alabama at South Carolina Michigan St. at Michigan LSU at Florida USC at Stanford Arkansas vs. Texas A&M (Arlington, Tx) FSU at Miami How does everyone see these games working out? Alabama, Michigan State, LSU (I keep on picking the Tigers until they lose), Stanford (blowout), Arkansas, Miami.
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hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Oct 8, 2010 16:02:03 GMT -5
I'll take all the teams on the right. Cuz that's how I roll, of course. ;D It's been said that I lean to the right as well -- like Genghis Khan some suggest, but I wll dispute that part. But you do know that taking "all the teams on the right" makes you a "homer" as well, don't you? Although technically, Tx A&M isn't a "home" team, since it's a neutral site game. Alright, here's my effort in futility: Bama, but I do think the Gamecocks make it hairy to begin with. UCSe had an off week last week and maybe Bama has a tad of a letdown after the nevermaterializing showdown with Florida. I would be really surprised is that the Cocks can pull off the upset, but I do expect them to start off well and maybe lead at half. Michigan -- but remember, I am always wrong on Big 10 games. I keep thinking Mich. St. isn't that good, but they keep proving me wrong. But I'm going to go with the home Wolverines and Robinson scatterring his way to another 350 yards of total offense. But I do see a rare Big 10 shootout. I am going to throw in this tidbit just for fun: Michigan beats State something like 38-35. Florida plays a close game, with a very conservative, field position gameplan. They will not make it comfortable for those at the Swamp, but they get the job done in a journeyman sort of way. Florida wins 23-16 As much as it pains me to say this, I think FSU wins their game against the Canes. I hate both teams, but certainly FSU more. But I think FSU has the offense to offset the points that Miami will generate against the still-porous FSU defense. I am going back on my pick on this one. I have already turned in our pool sheet and I picked Miami. But the more I think about it, the more I think FSU gets it done. Besides, in games like this, I think back to what Gator Dave told me: when you are picking between 2 teams that you hate, you root for the road team. That way, there are more upset fans leaving and stuck in traffic. Stanford -- if for no other reason than Jim Harbaugh is way cooler than Lame Kiffin. I do think the off week came at the right time as well. Finally, Arkansas will pull one out against the Aggies. I expect this to be a tight contest. I think maybe the offweek works against the Razorbacks here. The Aggies are on a bit of an extended break, having played last Thursday. In any case, for no real reason, I think Arkansas has a bit of a Bama hangover after coming up just short. I'm going to go Arkansas 27-23. Remember, you heard it here first. Let me get that out, before I am proven wrong. Then you all can forget I said it.
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hoyarooter
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Post by hoyarooter on Oct 8, 2010 19:07:16 GMT -5
Alabama, Michigan, Florida, Stanford, Arkansas and Miami.
And please, please, please, let this be true: Stanford (blowout)
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RDF
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Post by RDF on Oct 8, 2010 19:15:43 GMT -5
Bama by 10-17
Michigan State in mild upset
Florida--LSU will be down 4 with 8 seconds left, and ball at UF 1 yd line--Miles aka "The Hat" sends out his FG team--make kick--onside kick and get the ball-and then proceed to take a knee and end game for Florida.
Stanford by 17-21.
Arkansas destroys A&M--that defense blows.
Miami over FSU by 3 TD's--Canes have played better competition (yes I think Ohio State is better then Oklahoma) and FSU defense stinks/still can't cover a TE.
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hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Oct 8, 2010 22:14:32 GMT -5
Bama by 10-17 Michigan State in mild upset Florida--LSU will be down 4 with 8 seconds left, and ball at UF 1 yd line--Miles aka "The Hat" sends out his FG team--make kick--onside kick and get the ball-and then proceed to take a knee and end game for Florida. Stanford by 17-21. Arkansas destroys A&M--that defense blows. Miami over FSU by 3 TD's--Canes have played better competition (yes I think Ohio State is better then Oklahoma) and FSU defense stinks/still can't cover a TE. I think you make some great points. In all honesty, much of your F$U--UM breakdown were points I made earlier. And like I said, I am "going back" on my official pick here. I made the point on the air that UM looked significantly better in their lone loss to Ohio St. than FSU looked in theirs to Oklahoma. Additionally, I think that Ohio St is better than Oklahoma, but they shouldn't be. Still, that was the gist of my basis. As I think about it though, I think that game against the Sooners might be an outlier. I hope not. But, again, as much as I hate to admit it, the Criminoles have looked much better against the likes of Wake, BYU and Virginia since then. Granted, that is a bit of overanalysis, but still, I have to say it. Also, Jacory Harris is a walking turnover in the wrong direction, although I still think he is talented. Additionally, while I think the Ponder for Heisman talk was absurd, he is talented and experienced. The question is really whether the FSU offense can hold server. If they can, then the opportunity for Harris to put up "great" numbers both directions is scary. No kidding here: I hate FSU more than anyone. Syracuse is 2nd and no one else has really distingiushed themselves among the candidates for 3rd ... although Bama is making a late push. I picked UM in what counts (on the air, and in the cash pool), so I can't recant on that. But my honest opinion right now is that Clown school will win. I can only hope I'm wrong. It won't be the first time. Also, your prediction for the ending of the LSU-UF game was mildly amusing, not that original. But what can we expect. In the Pick Six contest, which I have nothing to do with, we had these 6 games: USC at Stanford Mich. St. at Mich. New Mexico at New Mexico St. Tennessee at Georgia FSU at Miami LSU at Florida (-7 1/2) Yes, the first 5 are straight up, but the Gator game is against "the" spread. That is done because almost everyone here is a homer and picks the Gators, so Larry tries to make it interesting. In any case, my very eloquent explanation to Larry was that I had a system this week, and I was going with a system of "nots." I was going with: "NOT" a team coached by Lane Kiffen "Not" a team ever coached by Lane Kiffen "Not" a team without a coach on the sidelines (MSU with Dantonio in the press box) "Not" a team whose coach has been charged with sexual abuse and battery of another coach in the past year. "Not" FSU under any circumstances ever and "Not" a team with a coach who can't tell time. Incidentally, neither of us were remotely alone with references to "The Hat's" inability to clock-manage.
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RDF
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Post by RDF on Oct 9, 2010 1:03:34 GMT -5
Reason I like Miami big--their defense has played well for most of the year and is finally starting to create turnovers again instead of just playing to avoid giving up big plays. Harris has proven to be a shaky QB on the road--but he's very good at home, and with this being Miami's 2nd home game of year (first real home game after FAMU in first game due to Missouri backing out of home/home) I expect them to come out and take it to FSU--who has looked improved--but still not sure about their opposition.
Florida-LSU game is always more entertaining in the Swamp--or at least seems to be over course of their matchups from memory.
Think the "references" to Miles are similar because most sane people who have any sports IQ about the sport are now fluent in "Miles-ese" and know what he'll do-which is the dumbest thing you can do--and something so off the wall in terms of game management but often he's rewarded for being a complete moron and lucks out. How Gary Crowton is employed is beyond belief, he's proven to suck at ever position he's held in football-be it NFL or collegiate level.
Saw USC in person against Gophers---Kiffin better hope Pat Haden is patient and doesn't want his own guy ASAP because that team needs a makeover. No team speed/playmaking at all on defensive side of the ball-and best looking players/athletes were almost all FR--Carroll really was "Clappifying" the program there--filling it up with "list" guys who can't play and have no talent--but were highly thought of by gurus due to fact they were signed by USC. Kiffin and his Staff are what you would want in place to get talent during probation and heading into future--because they know talent--but good luck if they don't get punishment reduced.
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RDF
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Post by RDF on Oct 9, 2010 23:51:45 GMT -5
Hifi--I apologize for the complete and utter ignorance that was my assumption that Miami understood what playing at home against their biggest rival is about. Wow--congrats to FSU for a royal ass whipping and very impressed with their performance. USC-Stanford was a fun game to watch--but Pac 10 is turning into what the Big XII was 2 years ago and that is awful defense--not great offense. Some excellent QB's in the league and Barkley and USC might need to go for 2 everytime with the defense they have. Tough way to lose 2 games-back to back last play of game on FG's. Alshon Jeffery--what a STUD! Awesome catch/game and great game to watch. Spurrier finally got the win that had been eluding him at South Carolina. Tip of hat to Tide QB for taking his loss like a man and staying on field to shake hands--think his teammates assumed their would be a rush the field moment--but McElroy showed how to compete and handle a loss and had to be tough since he's not used to losing (as we viewers hear repeatedly). HAT and LSU with big win tonight as well. Another great game today/tonight! BTW--I didn't attend any games, I didn't win any money--or bet any either--but I am offically admitting what an awful job I did predicting games this past weekend. I suck! ;D
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hoyarooter
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Post by hoyarooter on Oct 10, 2010 3:21:20 GMT -5
I suck too. And while Stanford didn't blow out USC, this was just as satisfying (says the guy whose team lost by four touchdowns to Cal ).
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hifigator
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Post by hifigator on Oct 11, 2010 23:59:18 GMT -5
I'm still having computer issues, but glad to be back for now.
RDF, I only wish my insight on the Gator game had been as accurate as my UM-FSU game. The irony there, is that even though I didn't, and for that matter never, want FSU to win, I still benefitted exactly none. Like I said, both our local picks pool as well as my picks on the air were given before I gave it ample thought. That being said, I'm still not likely to pick FScUmoftheearh anyway. If that impacts my view among other listeners, then so-be-it.
As for the Gator-LSU game, I am surprisingly not as pi$$ed off as I should be. Everyone down here is talking about the offensive coordinator and the play-calling, as well as the personnel decisions -- who is playing, getting the touches and perhaps more importantly, who isn't. Of course, that flame from that topic is only fanned by the fact that practices are closed -- a Meyer decision that catches a lot of attention before things really matter, but is now being dredged up again since things aren't working.
Aside from general "play calling" questions, as well as disgruntled mumbling from the gruff but frowning Orange and Blue faithful, the other hot topic is whether an offensive line coach should be an offensive coordinator to begin with. Obviously, when things go well, everyone is happy and celebretory, but as soon as you hit that bump in the road, then the murmors start. When you compound that with, what the vocal majority thinks should be common sense to those who have any -- or at least, as far as "they" know ... well ... it's hard to put into words that will get past the filter. I don't want to get into that too deeply here, but it's not fun; trust me. Still, as much as this might sound shallow and fluffy from any Orange and Blue goggle-wearing cracker ... that game really didn't matter. Yes, whatever remote shot at another Natty Tite, the Gators had was squashed for sure. But aside from the fact that this Gator team isn't a National Championship caliber team to begin with, there were still quite a lot of other uncontrollables that would have had to fall into place. I just don't see it happening anyway.
Enough on that direction. I will continue any CFB talk in that forum and try to get this week's prognosication thread up tomorrow -- instead of waiting until Friday, or even Saturday, this time.
Oh, and one more thought on what you said: I can't deny that much of the other talk has centered on how Miles "learned how to use the clock." While I don't deny that LSU scoring a TD with 6 seconds left, was nearly perfect, I don't think that such praise -- at least in that particular manner -- is justified. I'll tip my hat to him for having his guys ready to play from the opening kick. I will tip my hat to him for having his passing offense show up better than they have any other and also to their team in general for an overall job well done. But I still think that Edited has either stolen Lou Gehrig's title as the luckiest man on the face of the earth, or, as has been suggested all over, has in fact, sold his soul to the devil.
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hoyainspirit
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Post by hoyainspirit on Oct 12, 2010 6:38:11 GMT -5
That Gator meat was good. Tastes like chicken. Geaux Tigers! ;D
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