16 Utah vs. 4 TCU: TCU
Some of you might be asking “who cares?” Well, if you look at the other top 25 teams playing this weekend and the likely result of the matchup, you would see why I had to pick this one: I simply can’t forecast the triumph of evil . . . or sweater vests.
Last year when my Croc co-workers were bragging about being national champs I quipped, "wow, I didn't know you were such a big Utah fan!" As you recall, Utah went undefeated in 2008 beating Alabama in the Sugar Bowl in the post-season. TCU is following an identical path this year, and Utah is not only playing for an upset, but also a second-straight conference title. Utah has its work cut out with TCU’s offense: the Horned Frog's QB Andy Dalton went 14/20 last week with 239 yards and two touchdowns, rushing for two more.
Dalton was one of nine players to carry the ball for TCU, which had 312 yards on the ground after totaling 390 in the previous week's rout of UNLV. On D, TCU has allowed a total of 25 points in the last four games. The Horned Frog's defense ranks third nationally, allowing 240.6 yards per game, while the offense ranks eighth (458.6 ypg). Utah has some impressive stats as well: last week the Utes rolled over New Mexico 45-14, totaling a season-high 557 yards as QB Jordan Wynn threw for 297 and two touchdowns in his first start. On the ground, Utah’s Eddie Wide and Sausan Shakerin both had 100-yard games.
Ultimately, however, I think TCU's balanced offense and strong D will be too much for Utah, and the Horned Frogs will see a victory in front of their first sell-out crowd since September, 2006.
1 Florida vs. South Carolina: South Carolina
We know a thing or two about tricky games against old ball coaches – sometimes the results defy logic. I’m counting on Spurrier to have enough hate in his heart and talent on the field to prevent Floriduh from having their first ever undefeated season. We know what the Crocs have going for them: a defense that is not above blinding you to win the game, cheating refs, and an orphan circumciser behind center.
Still, I don’t think they are invincible. The Gamecocks started out the season well with an Ole Miss upset (predicted by me), but have lost 3 out of their last 4 games. To avoid the late season collapses they are all too familiar with in the last few years, South Carolina’s defense needs to find a way to stop the run.
Further, the Gamecocks need QB Stephen Garcia (ranked #2 in the SEC in passing and has recorded 3 straight 300 yards passing performances) to find the end zone, as the Gamecocks are averaging just 14 ppg. Look for Garcia to go to WR Alshon Jeffery, who has 552 yards over the last 5 games including 5 TDs. Jeffery broke open an 80 yard touchdown pass on the first play of the 2nd half loss against Arkansas last week. A big play like that might be more challenging against the Croc’s D, but I believe in you, Jeffery. Do it for me. Do it for America. Don’t let evil Urban and his band of eye-gouging, laptop stealing, AK 47 firing, dead woman-credit card-stealing, girlfriend strangling thugs win.
Florida State vs. Wake Forest: Wake Forest
Wow, I hate Clemson. No, this is not a non-sequitur. Thanks to Clemson’s safety DeAndre McDaniel, there is one less team on the Croc’s schedule capable of beating them. That might make it sound like I am less concerned about FSWho’s season and more concerned about using them to ruin Floriduh’s season . . . and you are right! The Criminoles will be starting E.J. Manuel against the Demon Deacons this week, taking the one bright spot in FSWho’s season, Christian Ponder, out of the picture. Wake Forest will finally be able to finish a game . . . just one week too late. (collective groan)
7 GA Tech vs. Duke: GA Tech
As much as I want this to be a legendary tale on the ACC's "Wheel of Destiny," I just don't see it. Not after Duke's performance last weekend. Yes, GA Tech's defense is a far cry from UNC's, allowing almost 25 points per game and ranking 8th in the ACC in scoring defense. Their offense, however – averaging 34.7 ppg – has been dominant enough that it just hasn't mattered. With the exception of the time against the boys wearing the U on their helmet, their rushing game has been scary good, averaging almost 315 and 442.7 ypg in rushing and total offense, respectively.
The Blue Devil's hopes lie in QB Thaddeus Lewis, who had four consecutive 300 passing ypg before the wheels fell off last week against UNC. Lewis, who is second in the ACC with 2,428 passing yards, is 0-3 in his career versus Georgia Tech. Is there a glimmer of hope here? Yes - the Yellow Jackets are 10th in the ACC in pass defense, allowing 226.7 yards per game. 'Canes fans, let's pray Thad wants to make a statement and Duke's D is watching Miami/GA Tech film very closely.
LET’S GO BLUE DEVILS!!!
14 Miami vs. UNC: Miami
Thanks to the excellent game preview written by DZ8 and Solarcane, I don’t need to go over the stats. We know what the U is facing. Bottom line: this is a matchup that exploits the weakness of each team. Our defense needs to have a GA Tech and/or UVA type game, stop Houston and Little, and put pressure on Yates. Our offense needs to be as great as they have been every weekend (except that one in Blacksburg I am still trying to block out). Our special teams, with the exception of #25 and #28, need to get more special in a hurry. If our boys come out focused, I have no doubt they will win. I hope the fact that UNC has OWNED Miami in Chapel Hill serves as motivation. I hope Butch’s spurning of Miami for a short-lived NFL gig lights more fire under them. I hope . . .
A couple of days ago I heard the Rascal Flatts song “What Hurts the Most” and imagined most people likely hear that tune and think about the one that got away.
I’m not most people. That song reminds me of Butch, the ‘Canes being so close to dominating college football for another two decades or more, imagining all the rings that could have been, and Butch not seeing that lovin’ U, was all we were tryin’ to do.
He lied to U, and later cheated U and tried to steal our recruits.
Still, some of U wanted him back.
As the years have gone by, I’m pretty much over the betrayal. I can’t hate Butch because of all the great memories we have together and the great things he did for The U.
It’s still hard to see him with someone else, don’t get me wrong. I believe it’s easier to move on without anger once U have met The One (after a brief rebound with a nice guy you settled for out of peer pressure), U make new memories, and U feel your broken heart start to mend.
U don’t have to dwell on what might have been, because U have the future with someone even better to look forward to.
But that’s not to say U are above wanting to make Butch jealous. The year has finally come for the student to defeat the teacher and make Butch wonder what could have been if he stuck with U.
Look for our beloved Miami boys to start a new era of dominance over the Tarheels.
And it will all start this Saturday in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.