Weekly Musings from an Excited Blogger
by ChiFan13 on Jun 29, 2009 10:30 AM CDT
30 comments
Why am I excited? I'm headed up to northern Minnesota for six days starting Tuesday to fish and get away from civilization. WCG will be taking over the Bears Den until my return. Hopefully, I'll come back a little less cynical and with enough fish to last a month.
Until training camp starts, I'll be detailing everything you need to know about the upcoming college football season and the 2010 NFL Draft.
This week, I'll be highlighting the best college football games to watch each week of the season. Please be aware that I am not including all of the traditional college rivalries (such as OSU - Michigan) because I'm more focused on highlighting the best games. All times listed are in CDT.
Week 1
Oregon @ Boise State
Thursday, September 3 at 9:15 PM
The #3 team in the Pac-10 faces off against the top WAC team.
Georgia @ Oklahoma State
Saturday, September 5 at 2:30 PM
The Bulldogs lost their stud QB and RB, but they return a lot of strong veterans at key areas. Oklahoma State is the team to crash the Texas - Oklahoma dominance of the Big XII South this year.
Alabama vs. Virginia Tech
Saturday, September 5 at 7:00 PM
Both teams have some deficiencies they must overcome to prove BCS-worthy, but it promises to be a good Week 1 game.
Western Michigan @ Michigan
Saturday, September 5 at 2:30 PM
GallopingGhost: Western Michigan is going to be a much improved team in the MAC West this year, as Ball State will not be as good and Central Michigan will be the team to beat.
Sleeper: Northern Iowa @ Iowa
Saturday, September 5 at 11:00 AM
Unless you get the Big 10 Network or live in Iowa, you most likely won't see this game. Northern Iowa was three minutes from the FCS championship when they collapsed against Richmond. They are returning most of their offensive and defensive starters. Add in Iowa's loss of RB Shonn Greene and DT's Mitch King and Matt Kroul, and there's a decent chance of an upset.
Week 2
USC @ Ohio State
Saturday, September 12 at 7:00 PM
Last year's game was a snoozefest early on. I expect this game to be different. Both teams lost substantial talent to the NFL. I'm giving the early edge to Ohio State.
Central Michigan @ Michigan State
Saturday, September 12 at 11 AM
GallopingGhost: I think this is Central Michigan's year with QB Dan Lefevour and a good run game. It will be fun to see how many wins against the Big Ten the MAC can rack up.
Week 3
Tennessee @ Florida
Saturday, September 19; Time TBA
This does not promise to be a good game. However, after Tennessee HC Lane Kiffin's remarks about Urban Meyer, it does promise to be full of revenge from the Gators.
Nebraska @ Virginia Tech
Saturday, September 19; Time TBA
Under Bo Pelini, Nebraska should be the king of the Big XII North for years to come. If Virginia Tech makes it through the Alabama game unscathed, this could be a big game early in the year.
Week 4
North Carolina @ Georgia Tech
Saturday, September 26; Time TBA
The ACC will be better than in past years, and these two teams are some of the ACC's best. Georgia Tech possesses a lethal running game and UNC should be better on defense.
Illinois @ Ohio State
Saturday, September 26; Time TBA
Illinois is my sleeper pick in the Big 10. OSU lost a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, but a dangerous Terrelle Pryor returns to Columbus. This has the potential to be a great game and possible upset for OSU.
California @ Oregon
Saturday, September 26 at 2:30 PM
Mark my words: Cal will have the best defense in the Pac-10. Oregon will have an outstanding rushing offense. Combine those two and you have the mixture for an excellent game.
Week 5
LSU @ Georgia
Saturday, October 3; Time TBA
LSU has a question mark on the defensive line, but they won't be as bad as they were last year. Georgia has question marks of their own, which makes this game all the more intriguing.
USC @ California
Saturday, October 3 at 7:00 PM
Is this the year that Jeff Tedford beats Pete Carroll? This author thinks so.
Week 6
Alabama @ Mississippi
Saturday, October 10; Time TBA
LSU, Alabama, and Mississippi should all be in contention for the SEC West championship. Ole Miss has most of their defense and QB Jevan Snead returning, so I'm giving the early edge to Mississippi.
Week 7
USC @ Notre Dame
Saturday, October 17 at 2:30 PM
USC has a tough schedule in 2009. Notre Dame presents another stumbling block for the Trojans. I'm still leery of Notre Dame, but Jimmy Clausen has grown enough to warrant this a good game.
Central Michigan @ Western Michigan
Saturday, October 17; Time TBA
GallopingGhost: Tim Hiller vs. Dan Lefevour. This game could be epic. Both of these QBs are among the tops for next years draft, so this is a must-see game for college football fans.
Oklahoma vs. Texas
Saturday, October 17; Time TBA
Oklahoma will have weaknesses (or at least question marks) along its offensive line and safety spots while Texas must reload at DL. This should be a high-scoring affair, with both Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford having some veteran playmakers available for them.
Week 8
Iowa @ Michigan State
Saturday, October 24 at 6:00 PM
While this game most likely won't decide the Big 10 championship, it should be a good.
Buffalo @ Western Michigan
Saturday, October 24 at 1:00 PM
GallopingGhost: Last year's MAC champs visiting the MAC West's 2008 second place finisher. Buffalo lost its starting QB (Drew Willy) but has a young guy who saw action last season and should be ready to take over. This should be a good game.
TCU @ Brigham Young
Saturday, October 24 at 6:30 PM
BYU is tough to predict. They have enough to talent to succeed, but I don't see a repeat of their 2008 campaign. If BYU has lost once by this point, this will be an excellent game.
Week 9
North Carolina @ Virginia Tech
Thursday, October 29 at 6:30 PM
This game will help decide the ACC champion. I give the edge to Virginia Tech because North Carolina has too many question marks (at least on paper) to VT.
Georgia vs. Florida
Saturday, October 31; Time TBA
This will be the deciding game for the eventual SEC East champion. I have no doubt Florida will win, but it should be good regardless.
Texas @ Oklahoma State
Saturday, October 31; Time TBA
Both teams are fairly equal. The 2008 game between these two teams was a nailbiter and this should be no different. Expect a great game.
USC @ Oregon
Saturday, October 31 at 7:00 PM
If USC beat Cal, they can't rest on their laurels. Oregon looms ahead with a lethal rushing attack.
Week 10
Ohio State @ Penn State
Saturday, November 7; Time TBA
Most likely, these two teams will be fighting to be Big 10 champions. Both have dangerous offenses, so it should be a high-scoring shootout.
LSU @ Alabama
Saturday, November 7; Time TBA
These are two of the top three teams in the SEC West. Unless Mississippi has a monumental collapse this year, this game will help decide who takes the crown.
Week 11
Nebraska @ Kansas
Saturday, November 14; Time TBA
The two teams expected to battle for the Big XII North champion. My way-too-early guess is Kansas wins this tight one. Nebraska is replacing more people than Kansas at critical places.
Florida @ South Carolina
Saturday, November 14; Time TBA
If Florida didn't prepare for one game on their schedule, this would be the one. Potential, but unlikely, upset.
Utah @ TCU
Saturday, November 14 at 6:30 PM
Utah and TCU should be a great game. Utah won on a 4th quarter drive in 2008; 2009's version should be just as interesting.
Week 12
LSU @ Mississippi
Saturday, November 21; Time TBA
Ole Miss surprised a lot of people last year while LSU's play left something to be desired from Tiger faithful. Will Ole Miss be able to handle LSU at home?
Penn State @ Michigan State
Saturday, November 21; Time TBA
Penn State possesses a potent offense, led by Daryll Clark (Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year in 2008). This could be an upset game for Penn State; other games loom larger on the schedule than this one.
Central Michigan @ Ball State
Wednesday, November 8; Time TBA
GallopingGhost: I know BSU lost its best player in Nate Davis as well as a good chunk of the OL, but it returns a solid D and tailback MiQuale Lewis, who was top 10 in the nation in rush yards last year. BSU's new QB was an Oregon recruit and wanted a chance to start. Last years game was epic and this year's contest could still be a good fight.
Week 13
Oklahoma State @ Oklahoma
Saturday, November 28; Time TBA
Oklahoma is almost unbeatable at home. However, Oklahoma State has more talent than in previous years. I'm predicting a win for Oklahoma, but I wouldn't bet my life on it. I could see it easily falling either way. If Oklahoma does lose, it could be disastrous for the Sooners' BCS hopes.
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What games are you looking forward to?
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Here are some MAC Games to Watch
Courtesy of the biggest MAC fan on this blog:
Week 1 – Western Michigan at Michigan – Western Michigan is going to be a much improved team in the MAC West this year as Ball State will not be as good and Central Michigan will be the team to beat
Week 2 – Central Michigan at Michigan State – I think this is Central Michigan’s year with QB Dan Lefevour and a good run game, it will be fun to see how many wins against the Big Ten the MAC can rack up.
Week 7 – Central Michigan at Western Michigan – Tim Hiller vs. Dan Lefevour this game could be epic. Both these QBs are among the tops for next years draft and this is a must-see game for college football fans
Week 8 – Buffalo at Western Michigan – Last years MAC champs visiting the MAC West’s 2008 second place finisher. Buffalo lost it’s starting QB Drew Willy but has a young guy who saw action last season and should be ready to take over. This should be a good game.
Week 12 – Wednesday Nov. 18 – Central Michigan at Ball State – I know BSU lost it’s best player in Nate Davis as well as a good chunk of it’s o-line but it returns a solid D and tailback MiQuale Lewis who was top 10 in the nation in rush yards last year. BSU’s new QB was an Oregon recruit and wanted a chance to start. Last years game was epic and this year’s could still be a good fight.
by GallopingGhost on Jun 29, 2009 11:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Catch me some walleye!
Have fun chillin’ on the lake.
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
"Yeah, Moe, that team sure did suck last night. They just plain sucked! I’ve seen teams suck before, but they were the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked!" - Homer
by propheteer on Jun 29, 2009 11:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You better believe it
I’ll send ya some once I get back :)
I'M A MAN! I'M 23!
by ChiFan13 on Jun 30, 2009 4:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Solid post!
BTW, you can have Ohio St.
USC wins by 10+
by rdent4hof on Jun 29, 2009 11:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Go Nebraska!
They are going to beat Kansas in Week 11
by Bearsfan23 on Jun 29, 2009 11:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Texas Vs Anyone
Is always a sight to see…
Personally, I’m most looking forward to Texas Vs. Texas Tech (Its not listed). Tech will be far weaker with the loss of Harrell and Crabtree, so, I cant wait for Texas to destroy them as revenge for last year…
by jbeks on Jun 29, 2009 12:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Longhorn fan here
and I agree. Personally, I’m really looking forward to it….big revenge game. Like you said tho, they’re not going to be very good this year.
I'M A MAN! I'M 23!
by ChiFan13 on Jun 29, 2009 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yessir!
Two things:
1) Replying to yer email now. I’ve been a little busy, but I haven’t forgotten about ya.
2) +1 on your MAC scheduling and I’m adding it to my list. I knew I could count on you for a solid MAC contribution. But seriously….what happened to your homer hat? Only one Ball State game on there? You sick?
I'M A MAN! I'M 23!
by ChiFan13 on Jun 29, 2009 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha no
We just have a uninspiring schedule. Like I said, there are a lot of question marks on our team after losing our QB, both tackles, C, G and two LBs and both starting CBs and our starting TE and a key WR. Our new QB should be good but there are going to be some growing pains. The MAC West is going to be between Central and Western Michigan with Ball State and Northern Illinois fighting for bowl games. In the East (which was terrible last year) they got Buffalo who should still be good but that is about it unless there are some surprises.
I suppose by this analysis you can add Ball State at NIU Thurs. Nov. 12 NIU has a true sophomore QB who is a dual-threat. He didn’t play too well last year but they got a bowl game and he should improve.
by GallopingGhost on Jun 29, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
College vs. Pro
I know i’ll get lambasted for this, but why would anyone want a sirloin steak when they can get prime rib? To me, college is so much slower to watch and usually comes down to an “idiot kicker” missing a very makeable FG. With that said, it’s still very entertaining.
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
"Yeah, Moe, that team sure did suck last night. They just plain sucked! I’ve seen teams suck before, but they were the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked!" - Homer
by propheteer on Jun 29, 2009 1:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree
I mostly prefer pro to college anything.
But I prefer college football to anything else on Saturdays.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I mostly prefer pro to college anything
College (SEC) football vs NFL: push
College basketball > NBA
College Baseball (ping) > MLB
LSU Tigers Baseball... NCAA National Champions- 2009.
by Dane Noble on Jun 29, 2009 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
YMMV
I love the college world series, but like the big leagues better (especially when the Cubs don’t suck).
College basketball (outside of the first 2 days of the tourney) is boring. And Vitale makes my head hurt.
But college football (especially once conf games start) is a blast. But NFL still keeps my attention longer. Maybe if I’d gone to a bigger football school or lived in the South, I’d feel differently.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd take college b-ball over pro-ball anyday of the week.
It’s mostly because of the inconsistencies of the refs and flopping in the NBA.
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
"Yeah, Moe, that team sure did suck last night. They just plain sucked! I’ve seen teams suck before, but they were the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked!" - Homer
by propheteer on Jun 29, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't much much basketball in general
I’ll watch maybe 15 NBA games a year. Usually in the playoffs when there isn’t jack else on.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So, I googled YMMV
and found (thanks to the urban dictionary you have used before) Your Mileage May Vary and You Make Me Vomit.
LSU Tigers Baseball... NCAA National Champions- 2009.
by Dane Noble on Jun 29, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your mileage may vary
is the one I was using.
There is no infinity button for failing in sports. At some point, things turn. They always do. - Bill Simmons
by Allie on Jun 29, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I feel dumber after reading your first point.
I'M A MAN! I'M 23!
by ChiFan13 on Jun 29, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where in Northern Minnesota?
I took a trip up there two summers ago, and it was one of my favorite vacations…
"I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying" - Michael Jordan, the one and only...
by LPLancer23 on Jun 29, 2009 1:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cohasset
Bout ten miles from Grand Rapids if that helps. I love going every single year….that and the start of the NFL season keeps me going :)
I'M A MAN! I'M 23!
by ChiFan13 on Jun 29, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont really know.
I stayed in a big cabin on Lake Vermillion.
"I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying" - Michael Jordan, the one and only...
by LPLancer23 on Jun 29, 2009 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Incredible fishing up there
Went to Orr, MN on Pelican Lake (60 miles south of Intl’ Falls) a few times as a teenager. We’d go out for two hours in the morning and limit out on bluegill, and they are f’ing huge. I’m talking 1 to 1 1/2 lbs, no exageration. If you’re not too far from it and you have time, take a trip here. It’s incredible. The observatory is now up on a raised platform, but you used to actually walk around amongst the bears. It was an absolute rush. If you want any details about it, shoot me an email.
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay
by JerBear50 on Jun 30, 2009 3:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's not too far from where I'll be
Only an hour and a half or so.
I’m not sure I’ll have the time this trip to head up there, but shoot me that email. I’d love to check it out later in the summer if I don’t get to it this time. Thanks for giving me the heads up about it.
I'M A MAN! I'M 23!
by ChiFan13 on Jun 30, 2009 5:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Week 1...
BYU @ Oklahoma in the new Cowboys’ Stadium… BYU has a ton of returning people for a high octane offense, and OU has everyone minus their OL from last year’s #2 team. OU should/will win but don’t be surprised to see it something like 48-38 or something. Going to be a great game. I also like Nevada @ Notre Dame for a Wk 1 game.
-Jmac
by isuarch80 on Jun 29, 2009 4:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree why wasn't that game on the list...
However I don’t agree that it will be a shootout, you have to remember that on defense OU has ridiculous depth in its front 7, returns their 2 starting CBs, they will have to replace their safeties but Quintin Michael the new starting FS played a lot last season because Nic Harris switched to LB for a couple of games after Reynolds got hurt last season. So basically they are only replacing one defensive starter. Plus I have a feeling that Bob Stoops, a defensive minded coach, won’t allow his defense to be the weak link this season. Therefore, I feel that OU will shut down BYU’s offense.
By the way Rick Neuheisel doesn’t coach Cal, he coaches UCLA.
by chase17 on Jun 29, 2009 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brain fart on #2....can't believe I forgot Tedford.
I don’t see OU – BYU being any good. If you don’t mop the floor with BYU, it’ll be a huge surprise.
I'M A MAN! I'M 23!
by ChiFan13 on Jun 30, 2009 4:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh I also feel that...
OU will dominate BYU, I was just surprised it wasn’t put on the list because of its location.
by chase17 on Jun 30, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought about it
But A&M and Arkansas play there next season too, and we both know how big of a snoozefest that’ll be.
I'M A MAN! I'M 23!
by ChiFan13 on Jun 30, 2009 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
USC @ Ohio State
Yes, USC lost a good number of their top players ( seniors mostly ) and they have had those empty spots every year since Pete Carrol took over, but the way their football program is set up they have such a fantastic rotation of their underclassmen that the positions that were open are usually filled with little loss to their effectiveness. You have to take into account USC’s most potent weapon. Pete Carrol himself.
by E.T. on Jun 30, 2009 7:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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