JP Top 25 - Week 9

The top four for me is pretty easy. After that is when things get interesting. You could toss teams 5-9 up in the air and make a pretty good case for whatever order they landed in. Iowa, in particular, is hard to gauge. Does a team that needed not one but TWO blocked field goals in the closing seconds to beat 1-AA Northern Iowa - not to mention a fourth quarter comeback and a couple questionable calls by the officials to beat lowly Indiana - really merit consideration as a top 5 team? Or do you reward their ability to come from behind and just win games on a weekly basis? Take a look at how it shook out for me this week.

Rk. School (Record, Last week's rank)
1. Texas (8-0, 1)
2. Alabama (8-0, 2)
3. Florida (8-0, 3)
4. TCU (8-0, 4)
5. Iowa (9-0, 5)
6. Georgia Tech (8-1, 6)
7. Cincinnati (8-0, 9)
8. Boise State (8-0, 10)
9. Oregon (7-1, 12)
10. LSU (7-1, 13)
11. Pittsburgh (7-1, 11)
12. USC (6-2, 7)
13. Penn State (8-1, 14)
14. Ohio State (7-2, 15)
15. Virginia Tech (5-3, 8)
16. Miami (6-2, 16)
17. Oklahoma (5-3, 17)
18. Notre Dame (6-2, 18)
19. Arizona (5-2, 19)
20. Utah (7-1, NR)
21. South Florida (6-2, NR)
22. Houston (7-1, 22)
23. Oklahoma State (6-2, 23)
24. Oregon State (5-3, NR)
25. Wisconsin (6-2, 25)

Just missed the cut:

West Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Auburn, BYU, California

WEEK NINE - Top 25 Preview

#1 Texas at #23 Oklahoma State
If the Longhorns let their heads get too big after their thrashing of Missouri last weekend this game could be trouble. In fact, when Texas plays in Stillwater it is always trouble, and 2009 will be no different. Oklahoma State's underrated offensive and defensive lines will keep them in the game, but Texas is just too overpowering. Colt McCoy will lead a touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter that finally puts away the Pokes for good.
J.Pike's Pick: Texas 30, Oklahoma State 20

#2 Alabama is IDLE

#3 Florida vs Georgia
(@ Jacksonville, FL)
The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party went from must see tv a year ago to an afterthought. Florida's offense has been playing like absolute garbage all season, but Georgia's defense hasn't been great either. I still give Georgia's defense the advantage in that matchup, but unfortunately the Bulldogs offense won't win the matchup with Florida's defense. The Gators will survive another close one, but they'll look better doing it this week than they have recently.
J.Pike's Pick: Florida 34, Georgia 20

UNLV at #4 TCU
Be careful Horned Frogs. You have a tendency to give away games when everybody starts patting you on the back. It was a big win over BYU on Saturday, and if TCU can keep the level of physicality anywhere near that level this will be an easy win. But if the Frogs let up, it could be upset alert time.
J.Pike's Pick: TCU 33, UNLV 16

Indiana at #5 Iowa
Iowa's hopes of going undefeated suffered another blow this week when they found out yet another starting running back (Adam Robinson) would miss time due to injury. That puts the pressure on Ricky Stanzi and the passing game to pick up the slack against a scrappy Indiana team that doesn't go away easily. It's Halloween and there will be at least one or two crazy upsets today, so why can't the madness begin at 11 am? Because Iowa is too good in the trenches, that's why.
J.Pike's Pick: Iowa 21, Indiana 13

#6 Georgia Tech at Vanderbilt
Georgia Tech's triple option offense just keeps getting better under second year head coach Paul Johnson. The emergence of Anthony Allen as a complement to Jonathan Dwyer in the backfield (actually, Allen might be the more complete back right now - he averages over 10 yards every time he touches the ball) has really put the pressure on opposing defenses to stay disciplined against all three options. After Bobby Johnson's Commodores took some big steps forward in 2007 and 2008, his program has begun to slide back to the bottom of the SEC again in 2009. The Ramblin' Wreck should top the 300 yard mark on the ground yet again as they easily dismiss Vandy.
J.Pike's Pick: Georgia Tech 34, Vanderbilt 12

#7 USC at #12 Oregon
Oregon has been on a roll ever since getting embarrassed by Boise State on opening night. Nobody has really tested the Ducks and all signs point toward this game as the de-facto Pac-10 Championship Game. The pressure is on the USC defense to step up to the plate and shut down Jeremiah Masoli and the Oregon offense, something the Ducks past six opponents have not been able to do. But I think the Trojans are more than up to the challenge. The game is in Autzen, but the Trojans simply own Oregon, so it won't matter. Oregon goes down, and looks ugly in the process.
J.Pike's Pick: USC 27, Oregon 17

North Carolina at #8 Virginia Tech
(Thursday night game)
What happened to Butch Davis' Tar Heels? They looked to be on the verge of breaking through, but 2009 has turned out to be an absolute disaster. The offense can't score points, and the defense - once thought to be the strength of the team - can't hold leads. Carolina heads to Blacksburg for the dreaded Thursday night game on ESPN where Virginia Tech usually trots out their 'A' game. Look for Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Williams to put up yards and points with a balanced offense, while Bud Foster's defense puts the clamps down on T.J. Yates and company. The Hokies will put this one away early as they flush the bad taste in their mouths leftover from the Georgia Tech loss.
J.Pike's Pick: Virginia Tech 37, North Carolina 6

#9 Cincinnati at Syracuse
It looks like Tony Pike will miss another week of action, but no matter. Brian Kelly will just plug another quarterback into the offense and keep firing bullets. Zach Collaros is the guy again this week, and he'll be fine as long as Mardy Gilyard is still suiting up for the Bearcats. Duke point guard Greg Paulus will sport a poor assist-to-turnover ratio yet again.
J.Pike's Pick: Cincinnati 34, Syracuse 20

San Jose State at #10 Boise State
Another week another laugher for Boise. It's too bad the Broncos play in the WAC because I'd really like to see what this team could do against a real schedule.
J.Pike's Pick: Boise State 44, San Jose State 13

#11 Pittsburgh is IDLE

Tulane at #13 LSU
If LSU needed a game to get their offense back on track, this is it. And if they didn't, they're going to get one anyway. Look for Jordan Jefferson to look as good as he's looked all year as the Tigers beat up on their in-state rivals yet again.
J.Pike's Pick: LSU 42, Tulane 17

#14 Penn State at Northwestern
I really want Pat Fitzgerald's Wildcats to do well, but they simply don't appear to be very good. Penn State's defense, on the other hand, is tearing fools apart. Penn State wins easy, despite not scoring very many points.
J.Pike's Pick: Penn State 27, Northwestern 9

New Mexico State at #15 Ohio State
T.P. picks up right where he left off last week - making Ohio State fans look like fickle buffoons by running circles around an outmatched opponent.
J.Pike's Pick: Ohio State 36, New Mexico State 3

#16 Miami at Wake Forest
Under normal circumstances this game would seem like a prime candidate for an upset. But Wake Forest has been on a roller coaster this season. Riley Skinner is about as mediocre as you can get at quarterback, so the Deacs will be hard pressed to move the ball through the air against the Canes. Plus, Navy knocked off The Forest a week ago without attempting even a single forward pass.
J.Pike's Pick: Miami 24, Wake Forest 13

Kansas State at #17 Oklahoma
Kansas State somehow finds themselves atop the Big XII North standings, but must travel to Norman to take on an Oklahoma team still licking their wounds after a 3-3 start. I tend to want to believe the Wildcats will be served a blowout here, but I'm note entirely sure this Oklahoma team is capable of blowing out anybody much better than Tulsa. Kansas State can keep it close - and even win this game - if they can take advantage of Oklahoma's glaring weakness of an offensive line. They'll also need at least 2 scores from the explosive Brandon Banks to complete the feat. But even if that happens, I'm not sure they win this game.
J.Pike's Pick: Oklahoma 23, Kansas State 21

Washington State vs #18 Notre Dame
(@ San Antonio, TX)
I can't for the life of me figure out why this game is being played in San Antonio. Maybe neither team wanted to host what is certain to be a massacre? A massacre it will be. For the first time all season, don't look for Notre Dame to be playing meaningful snaps down to the final minutes, because this one could get ugly real quick.
J.Pike's Pick: Notre Dame 48, Washington State 21

#19 Arizona is IDLE

#20 South Carolina at Tennessee
Lane Kiffin's Vols will finally pull out a close one as the Gamecocks simply don't have enough offense. Montario Hardesty will be a key for Tennessee because you know Eric Norwood is going to be all over the place harassing Jonathan Crompton.
J.Pike's Pick: Tennessee 18, South Carolina 11

#21 Ole Miss at Auburn
My how seasons can turn. Just a month ago Auburn was in the top 25 and looking like a real player in the SEC. Now the Tigers can't move the ball and can't stop anybody from scoring. Funny how you find out what a team is really made of when you turn up the heat. Ole Miss is quietly rebounding from their early season stumbles (again, funny how you find out what a team is made of when you put them against a real opponent), and they are in much better shape right now than Auburn. This will be Houston Nutt's big "screw you" game to Gus Malzahn.
J.Pike's Pick: Ole Miss 33, Auburn 22

Southern Miss at #22 Houston
In Houston's lone loss on the season, they allowed UTEP running back Donald Buckram to pile up 262 yards on the ground. Who better then to take advantage of this apparent weakness than Southern Miss running back Damion Fletcher, owner of nearly 5,000 career rushing yards and 43 touchdowns. Southern Miss can score points, and they definitely have a shot to knock Houston off here. But I like Case Keenum and company to keep their winning streak alive by out-scoring the Golden Eagles.
J.Pike's Pick: Houston 44, Southern Miss 34

#24 West Virginia at South Florida
(Friday night game)
South Florida finds themselves in the midst of their annual mid-season plummet as they host a Friday night game against West Virginia. Not only that, but there has been some chatter in the locker room about the curious play calling in the blowout loss to Pitt a week ago. Even taking all that into account, I still like the Bulls to rally and get the job done here. Much like Southern Miss, I don't entirely trust the Mountaineers yet, and South Florida has enough playmakers on defense (get a load of defensive ends George Selvie and Jason Pierre-Paul) to contain Noel Devine and Jarrett Brown.
J.Pike's Pick: South Florida 32, West Virginia 26

Purdue at #25 Wisconsin
Why did I have to go and rank Wisconsin? All that means is I am stuck picking more god-awful Big Ten games. I have to say: Purdue isn't as bad as people think. They aren't good by any means, but they aren't the worst team in the conference. Illinois' quitting Zooksters have that title wrapped up. If Purdue can get another performance out of its quarterback like they got against Ohio State, Purdue can win this game. But I believe Wisconsin's ground game will win out in the end.
J.Pike's Pick: Wisconsin 27, Purdue 24

JP Top 25

Well, it's been almost two months since we last updated. Oops. I guess getting married and going on vacation can really set you back. Whatever the case we're back now, and it's time for the first and last JP Top 25 for October 2009.

1. Texas (7-0)
2. Alabama (8-0)
3. Florida (7-0)
4. TCU (7-0)
5. Iowa (8-0)
6. Georgia Tech (7-1)
7. USC (6-1)
8. Virginia Tech (5-2)
9. Cincinnati (7-0)
10. Boise State (7-0)
11. Pittsburgh (7-1)
12. Oregon (6-1)
13. LSU (6-1)
14. Penn State (7-1)
15. Ohio State (6-2)
16. Miami (5-2)
17. Oklahoma (4-3)
18. Notre Dame (5-2)
19. Arizona (5-2)
20. South Carolina (6-2)
21. Ole Miss (5-2)
22. Houston (6-1)
23. Oklahoma State (6-1)
24. West Virginia (6-1)
25. Wisconsin (5-2)

BP25 Week 2

1 Alabama 1-0 vs #100 FIU Prediction: WIN
I know how can I have Alabama #1? Well I like to reward teams that do not shy away from a challenge and scheduling, and beating a very tough #7 Virginia Tech team in the opener deserves some credibility! At least it wasn't Charleston Southern? What a punishing running game Bama exhibited against a very stout VTech D. Mark Ingram and Roy Upchurch combined for 240 yards and it seemed a one on one tackle wasn't working on these two. Greg McElroy was solid in his first start 15-30 230 yards, but Julio was doubled all night and came away with 4 catches for 46 yards, he will have no problem this weekend against FIU which has two 5'10 corners against the 6'4 Jones, YIKES!

2 Florida 1-0 vs #76 TROY Prediction: WIN
Well the gators did what they were supposed to, but did not cover the 73 point spread and did not get the shut out. Disappointed? Does Urban Meyer have some compassion? Will see again this week as the Trojans come to town after a very lackluster performance against Bowling Green in which they couldn't stop the Falcon offense. I think Florida has a slightly better offense, Florida may put 70 on Troy.

3 Texas 1-0 vs #96 WYOMING Prediction: WIN
Texas looked impressive in the opener and Wyoming is completely overmatched in this one in all phases. Colt McCoy got his 300 yards and Shipley got his touchdown, so it was a business at usual day from the Horns in which it was a 38-10 halftime lead sot the starters will be well rested going into this game. It will be ugly. Horns roll!

4 Southern Cal. 1-0 AT #5 OHIO ST Prediction: WIN
The Matt Barkley era has begun at USC and don't get me wrong he looked impressive throwing 15-19 for 233 and he wasn't even breathed on by the San Jose St defense, but he doesn't have to do much, he just turns on the key to offense which is its obscene stable of backs. They ran for 342 yards last week lead by Joe McKnight who seems to be really seems to be the spark on the offense. The defense was incredible limiting San Jose St to 9 yards! But this week will be different and the mobility of Terrelle Pryor will test the lateral speed of this very young USC D. Pete Carroll will have this team focused and they will take care of Buckeyes.

5 Ohio St. 1-0 vs #4 USC Prediction: LOSS
Can you say look ahead? That is what caught the Buckeyes and almost cost them the season. Congrats to the Midshipmen which always seem to give the unfocused teams fits. But last week was last week, The game of the weekend is at hand and it will be in the hands of Terrelle Pryor. Yes he is fast, yes he is elusive, yes he can throw on the run(benefit of the doubt), but the one thing I think of when I see him is SOFT. USC will put pressure on him and will flush him out of the pocket, meaning open season, it will be interesting to see how he responds to the big hit, because Taylor Mays will be there to deliver. I like Terrelle Pryor and I hope for success but Ohio State is two inexperienced at the wideout position(wideouts last week caught 8 passes). One Dimension rings in this game, but that one Dimension is really good, Mr Pryor good luck and God Bless, it will be a long day!

6 Penn St. 1-0 vs #91 SYRACUSE Prediction: WIN
JoePa has them thinking BCS and now they face a ex-point guard from Duke at QB. I bet Mike Paulus starts practicing his jumpshot after this one.

7 Mississippi 1-0 IDLE IDLE
Jevan Snead and Dexter McClouster handled Memphis, which was a game for 3 quarters but the Rebels scored 4 times in the 4th quarter to put them away.

8 Virginia Tech 0-1 vs #84 MARSHALL Prediction: WIN
Yes I only dropped them to #8 like I said with Alabama, I like to see teams schedule tough games and I will not penalize a team harshly for losing to a good team. They welcome the Thundering Herd to Blacksburg this week and it will be interesting to see if there is any Alabama-Slama hangover in this one. I don't think there will be look for the shutout.

9 Boise St. 1-0 vs #119 MIAMI OH Prediction: WIN
Well this may be the highest you will see Boise State all year. They are coming off there first home win over a ranked opponett(they have only played one in the last ten years) and now they open up there 11 game March to the BCS. If they slip up it will be incredible but this week they will put up 60 on the Redhawks. Damn I hate the BCS.

10 BYU 1-0 AT #107 TULANE Prediction: WIN
Cinderella just showed up everyone and his name is Max Hall. Wow what a defensive showing by the Cougars, who allowed the potent OU offense 265 total yards passing and rushing. I know they were without Jermaine Gresham and Sam Bradford for most of the game but none of players on the BYU team would ever be considered better athleticly then the Sooners have on their 4 deep depth chart. Fantastic win for the Cougs and the Mountain West is certainly making the case to be more deserved a BCS spot then the Big East. They will throttle Tulane on the high from the OU upset.

11 Oklahoma 0-1 vs IDAHO ST Prediction: WIN
Sam Bradford out for 4 weeks, may be short enought for them to stay in contention.

12 Oklahoma St. 1-0 vs #42 HOUSTON Prediction: WIN
I know they beat Georgia, but I think people will be suprised about how far Georgia will fall this year. Watch out for the Cougs!

13 California 1-0 vs E WASHINGTON Prediction: WIN
Cal Blowout nuff said, E Washington? Really?

14 LSU 1-0 vs #53 VANDERBUILT Prediction: WIN
Beat a 0-12 team last year and now face Vanderbuilt, when does LSU season begin?

15 Nebraska 1-0 vs #89 ARKANSAS ST Prediction: WIN
Bo Pelini has them focused and motivated that will continue this week.

16 Georgia 0-1 vs #39 SOUTH CAROLINA Prediction: LOSS
Upset alert, letdown factor and Joe Cox is very average. Say hello to Eric Norwood.

17 TCU 0-0 AT #108 VIRGINIA Prediction: WIN
They get the loser of the William and Mary game. Cavs are horrible, Goodbye Al Groh!

18 Georgia Tech 1-0 vs #33 CLEMSON Prediction: WIN
Second best game of the weekend and GTech out works another ACC team.

19 Utah 1-0 AT #90 SAN JOSE ST Prediction: WIN
Get the dismantled San Jose St team, should have a cake walk.

20 Michigan St. 1-0 vs #59 CENT MICHIGAN Prediction: WIN
The Spartans will get a test from another state school, Mark D'Antonio will not let the slip happen.

21 North Carolina 1-0 AT #57 UCONN Prediction: WIN
22 Iowa 1-0 AT #92 IOWA ST Prediction: LOSS
23 Miami (Fla.) 1-0 IDLE IDLE
24 Florida St. 0-1 JACKSONVILLE ST Prediction: WIN
25 Texas Tech 1-0 #88 RICE Prediction: WIN

Best of the Rest.
Cincinnati 1-0 SE MISSOURI ST Prediction: WIN
Oregon 0-1 #69 PURDUE Prediction: WIN
Oregon St. 1-0 AT #81 UNLV Prediction: WIN
West Virginia 1-0 #47 EAST CAROLINA Prediction: LOSS
Pittsburgh 1-0 AT #71 BUFFALO Prediction: LOSS
Notre Dame 1-0 AT #60 MICHIGAN Prediction: WIN
Missouri 1-0 #75 BOWLING GREEN Prediction: WIN

JP Top 25 - 9/9/09

The new JP25 is out! No changes in the top 3, but the reshuffling of the rest of the deck has certainly begun.

1. Texas (LW: 1, Record: 1-0)
2. Florida (2, 1-0)
3. USC (3, 1-0)
4. Alabama (6, 1-0) - The Tide defense was impressive in the win over Virginia Tech
5. Penn State (7, 1-0) - Best team in the Big Ten
6. LSU (8, 1-0)
7. California (12, 1-0) - Watch out for the Bears and Jahvid Best
8. BYU (NR, 1-0) - Cougars make the biggest jump in the poll thanks to their huge win over Oklahoma
9. Tennessee (25, 1-0) - Another big jump; Let me be the first to tell you - better watch out for Lane Kiffin's Vols
10. Virginia Tech (5, 0-1)
11. Oklahoma State (24, 1-0) - Cowboys looked much better defensively than I expected
12. Ohio State (9, 1-0) - There's a lot of work to do on the offensive line; not good with USC coming to town for the weekend
13. Boise State (15, 1-0) - Lost in the post-game melee was the fact that Boise State is once again going to field a legitimate top 25 defense.
14. Oklahoma (4, 0-1) - The Sooners are in trouble; Big Game Bob hasn't won a big game in how many years now?
15. Miami (13, 1-0) - Jacory Harris is for real
16. Ole Miss (11, 1-0)
17. Nebraska (14, 1-0) - There is work to be done on offense
18. Florida State (21, 0-1) - Seminoles move up despite losing to Miami
19. Notre Dame (19, 1-0) - Love the Notre Dame receiving corps
20. Georgia (10, 0-1)
21. Michigan (NR, 1-0) - We'll find out whether Notre Dame or Michigan will stay alive in the "are they really back?" sweepstakes
22. Arizona State (NR, 1-0) - Look out for this Sun Devil defense; they might end up out-scoring the Sun Devil offense this season
23. Cincinnati (NR, 1-0) - Tony Pike kicks off his Bo Jackson Trophy campaign with a bang against out-manned Rutgers
24. East Carolina (23, 1-0)
25. TCU (18, 0-0)

Dropped Out:
N.C. State (LW: 16, Record: 0-1) - Tom O'Brien still doesn't have the offensive line where it needs to be
Oregon (17, 0-1) - No first downs until the middle of the third quarter; Chip Kelly looked overwhelmed
Illinois (20, 0-1) - Speaking of overwhelmed...
Colorado (22, 0-1) - Coaches, please don't let your babies grow up to play quarterback for you;

BP25 Week 1

Well its time again so lets get to the preseason Rankings!

Rank Team Last Year Conf and Overall Record

1 Florida 7-1 12-1 Vs Charleston Southern Prediction:WIN
The National Champs open up with the weakest opening opponet of any FBS School and are a 73 point Favorite, with over 20 returning starters and the entire defense two deep coming back this one should not even be played. If Charleston makes it to the red zone it would be considered a success.


2 Texas 7-1 12-1 Vs UL-Monroe Prediction:WIN
Colt McCoy leads the Horns and should dispose of ULM fairly quickly. My Co-editor has always been a Longhorn supporter and for the first time ever I may start drinking the burnt orange Kool-aid.


3 Oklahoma 7-1 12-2 Vs #25 BYU(Arlington) Prediction:WIN
Jermaine Greshem will be out in this one, but there is simply too much talent on the Oklahoma side and BYU is very soft. Another Jerry World game in the giant stadium and will have a first hand account of this one. More to come.


4 Southern Cal. 7-1 12-1 Vs San Jose St. Prediction:WIN
Pete Carroll has the Trojans primed again even with a mini QB competition. Whoever starts will have the priviledge of handing off to the stable of backs led by Joe McKnight or passing to the bevy of wideouts led by Damian Williams. Taylor Mays is worth all the hype, poor Kyle Reed.


5 Alabama 8-0 12-2 Vs #8 Virginia Tech(Atl) Prediction:WIN
Nick Saban is in his third year which usually means National Championship this game will go along way in showing that and with the injuries on the Hokie side I look for them to do just that. Even though I am not a Saban fan, he is good in the big game and Julio goes to the down to the schoolyard and does just enough to win this one. Watch out for Marquis Maze.


6 Ohio St. 7-1 10-3 Vs Navy Prediction:WIN
This is the start of the Terrelle Pryor Heisman push, forget the big three give me this darkhorse to force his way into consideration. The Midshipman cannot keep up in this one and the Navy decline starts this year, from Navy we will miss you Paul Johnson.


7 Penn St. 7-1 11-2 Vs Akron Prediction:WIN
The leadership of Darryl Clark will pull them thru the first three games but that WR corps will need to be up to speed when the Hawkeyes come to town in three weeks.


8 Virginia Tech 5-3 10-4 Vs #5 Alabama(ATL) Prediction:LOSS
I love Tyrod Taylor but the loss of Darren Evans will be felt the defense is brillant but the offense will become one demensional in this one and Bama has enough to squeak this one out. But Kam Chancellor and Jason Worilds will take out Greg McElroy and we will see Starr Jackson contribute.


9 Mississippi 5-3 9-4 AT Memphis Prediction:WIN
Jevan Snead is a very underrated QB, and the Rebels have a very favorable September Schedule, but they will have to not have any mental breakdowns and be undefeated when the play Alabama October 10th to have any chance at BCS consideration. The Defense is also very underrated and Kendrick Lewis will show why this is a program on the rise.


10 Boise St. 8-0 12-1 Vs #21 Oregon Prediction:WIN
In what they are calling the biggest game in Boise, the Broncoes will take care of business in a close one. Also did you know this is the first time in 5 years the Broncoes have hosted a ranked team? And they deserve to be in BCS talk....Hmmmm.


11 Georgia 6-2 10-3 AT #13 Okla St Prediction:WIN
One of the biggest games on opening weekend. With RB Caleb King and new QB Joe Cox leading the way for the dawgs, it will be up to the defense to stop that potent OSU triplets, the Dawg defense will be up to the challenge and with Mark Richt winning his last 7 road games I think this one will be lower scoring then people think. But I will be going against the experts in this one and the defense of OSU lets Georgia control the clock.


12 California 5-3 9-4 Vs Maryland Prediction:WIN
They were jet lagged going into play the Terrapins last year and they lost which also lost alot of momentum leading to a four loss season. Wont happen this time Jahvid Best and his sore foot run thru the Turtle and the Cal D is the difference in this one.


13 Oklahoma St. 5-3 9-4 Vs #11 Georgia Prediction:LOSS
See Georgia. But the MLB Orie Lemon injury will really hurt the Cowboy D in this one.


14 TCU 7-1 11-2 IDLE
Have to wait a week for a real BCS buster to start there season. Sorry Boise St.


15 LSU 3-5 8-5 At Washington Prediction:WIN
This is a underrated team, they underachieved last year and will be poised for revenge all year, Jordan Jefferson will put Jarrett Lee back to holding a clip board and waiting for another fake FG to be needed. Washington will be improved but LSU is too much to start with.


16 Nebraska 5-3 9-4 Vs Florida Atl Prediction:WIN
Bo Pelini has the Huskers primed and ready and will put away the Owls fast. It will be interesting on how the Quinten Castille being dropped from the team will impact the depth. Enter Collins Okafor.


17 Florida St. 5-3 9-4 Vs Miami Fla Prediction:LOSS
This will another win vacated for Bobby Bowden. A lot of inexperience one the defense and Jacory and Canes are ready to push for a ACC Coastal Title. Don't look now but I think the Canes might be back. Call Vinny Testeverde.


18 Georgia Tech 5-3 9-4 Vs Jacksonville St. Prediction:WIN
I really like this team, Paul Johnson's offense is about as old school as Joe Paterno's glasses and teams are too finesse these days to deal with it. I look for big things from the Jackets this year and Jonathan Dwyer and Roddy Jones will combine for the first 1 million yard season, well maybe just 2000 combined.


19 Utah 8-0 13-0 Vs Utah St. Prediction:WIN
Oh where has Brian Johnson gone. He will be missed and we will see how much on Sept 19 against Oregon. They will sleepwalk thru this one and next week At San Jose St.


20 Michigan St. 6-2 9-4 Vs Montana St Prediction: WIN
I know my co-editor will not like this but how can a team losing Brian Hoyer and Javon Ringer still be even ranked? Mark DanTonio. I like what he is doing to this program and the Mark Dell show starts this year. Someone call Charles Rogers and let him know we finally have another big game WR at Sparta. (that is if you can find Charles Rogers.)


21 Oregon 7-2 10-3 AT #10 Boise St. Prediction:LOSS
Jeremiah Masoli will keep ball control in this one, but it wont be enough to prevent the Blue Field put Oregon to sleep. Boise is taking this one like a National Championship game, but Oregon will keep it close.


22 North Carolina 4-4 8-5 Vs The Citadel Prediction:WIN
That ACC Coastal will be fun to watch this year as the Heels look to continue thier success from last year's 8 win season. Quan Sturdivant and Kendric Burney will be household names by season end.


23 Iowa 5-3 9-4 Vs Norther Iowa Prediction:WIN
Kirk Ferentz silenced critics last year with a 9 win campaign and should continue that success this year. Ricky Stanzi better have the Hawk undefeated going into Happy Valley on Sept 26, if not the seat will become hot again for Kirky.


24 Texas Tech 7-1 11-2 Vs North Dakota Prediction:WIN
There are two things you can count on in this 2009 season Tech will schedule a opening cupcake and will have another 4500 yard passer in Tyler Potts. The dream ends on Sept 19 at Texas.


25 BYU 6-2 10-3 AT #3 Oklahoma(Arlington) Prediction:LOSS
Can you say soft. Max Hall head will be spinning in this one. Way to much Athleticism for the Cougars.



Other Considerations:
Oregon St. 7-2 9-4 Vs Portland St. WIN
Jacquizz please stand up.

West Virginia 4-2 9-4 Vs Liberty WIN
Jarrett Brown says, Who is Pat White?

Pittsburgh 4-2 9-4 Vs Youngstown St WIN
Man I hate Bill Stull.

Cincinnati 6-1 11-3 AT Rutgers LOSS
Too much lost on the Defense, but Tony Pike for Heisman

Notre Dame 0-0 7-6 Vs Nevada WIN
Alot of critics have them ranked and are calling for BCS, remember this team lost 6 games last year, and USC named the score. Prove it Irish! Watch out for Colin Kaepernick of Nevada if he goes off and pulls the upset, I would be in heaven, with Touchdown Jesus. Go Wolfpack.

Rutgers 4-2 8-5 Vs Cincinnati WIN
It will be low scoring and the Home field will make a difference in this one.

Clemson 4-4 7-6 Vs MTSU WIN
Dabo is Fab-o! I know very cheesy but CJ Spiller won't be he will torch the Raiders.

Kansas 4-4 8-5 Vs Northern Colo. WIN
Watch Dezmon Briscoe go off. The most underrated Wideout in the Big 12.

Miami (Fla.) 4-4 7-6 AT #17 Florida St. WIN
Best team Randy Shannon has ever had, speed, speed, speed. And it starts with a upset of the Seminole.

Illinois 3-5 5-7 Vs Missouri(St Louis)WIN
Juice is loose. Hold all OJ references. Missouri is poised to have a huge dropoff this year.

Thursday Night Previews

Football season is here! It all gets under way tonight with a couple of intriguing rematches.

South Carolina at N.C. State
(6 pm, ESPN)
South Carolina blanked N.C. State 34-0 on opening week a year ago. But both teams went in the exact opposite directions the rest of the season. Now the Wolfpack are the favorites, thanks to the leadership of sophomore quarterback Russell Wilson. South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier says that Stephen Garcia is the man at quarterback, but he hasn't proven enough up to this point.
J.Pike's Pick: N.C. State 26, South Carolina 18

Oregon at Boise State
(10:15 pm, ESPN)
Boise State took a big step toward respectability when the young Broncos went into Autzen Stadium and emerged victorious early in 2008. Now the Ducks must visit Boise and I'm not sure they have what it takes to win on the blue turf. This is the game of the year for Chris Peterson's bunch - the game many feel could stand between Boise State and an undefeated season - so you know they'll be ready. The experience heavily favors Boise too, with Oregon only returning nine starters and featuring a first year head coach. Look for the Broncos to make a statement with their defense early on and ride the momentum to a win.
J.Pike's Pick: Boise State 30, Oregon 24