Week 9: Hitting the B1G hard and talking MAC for good measure

It's Week 9 and it feels so good. MSU has a chance to pull away in the Big Ten Legends division, while Wisconsin needs a W to keep their hopes of a Leaders division title alive. Meanwhile, there is absolutely nothing going on in the Big East and our favorite MAC team has self destructed. Enjoy!

B1G-

Nebraska -4 vs. Michigan State
Indiana +8 vs. Northwestern
Michigan -14 vs. Purdue
Minnesota +15.5 vs. Iowa
Penn State -4.5 vs. Illinois
Ohio State +7 vs. Wisconsin

BIG EAST-

Pittsburgh -10 vs. Connecticut
Louisville +3 vs. Syracuse
Rutgers +7 vs. West Virginia

MAC-

Akron +9 vs. Central Michigan
Kent State +5.5 vs. Bowling Green
Western Michigan -11 vs. Ball State
Miami (OH) -6.5 vs. Buffalo

SUN BELT-

FIU -6 vs. Troy
LA-Monroe -6 vs. Western Kentucky
Arkansas State -16.5 vs. North Texas
Middle Tennessee State -3 vs. LA-Lafayette

Marcus says...

Nebraska -4 vs. Michigan State
Sparty’s brutal October schedule continues with a trip to Lincoln.  MSU is coming off a dramatic home win against Wisconsin, while Nebraska took apart lowly Minnesota last week.  The Spartans got all the breaks in East Lansing and used a blocked FG, blocked Punt, and a last second hail mary to beat the Badgers.  RB Le’Veon Bell continues to show flashes of being able to dominate the ground game and WR Keyshawn Martin proved he is one of the most electric players in the B1G.  The Nebraska ground game is led by QB Taylor Martinez and RB Rex Burkhead.  The duo have combined for 1388 yards and 19 rushing TDs so far this season.  The MSU defense will have William Ghoulston back and will need all the help up front they can get.  Wisconsin took Nebraska apart in Madison earlier this year, but they could have easily done that to the Spartans.  Early feeling is Nebraska covers and throws the B1G Legends division into a 3 way tie.

Michigan -14 vs. Purdue
The Wolverines had an extra week to prepare for the Boilers.  Coach Brady Hoke has come out in support of QB Denard Robinson despite his wildly inconsistent play at QB.  Coach Hoke clearly values Robinson’s big play ability and wants to keep his confidence up, but don’t be surprised to see the sophomore QB Devin Gardner getting worked in.  The Michigan defense is only giving up 14.7 points per game and the Wolverine rushing attack is ranked 8th in the country.  The Boilermakers handed Illinois their second straight loss last week to move to 4-3 (2-1 B1G).  QB Caleb TerBush played the whole game under center and delivered a solid 178 yard, 2 TD performance.  Coach Hope has said TerBush has earned the start against Michigan, but former Miami (FL) QB Robert Marve is ready to go if need be.  I expect a UM win in this game, but am leaning towards taking Purdue and the points.

Ohio State +7 vs. Wisconsin
Wisconsin follows up their road trip to East Lansing with another road test in Columbus.  Wisconsin’s offense moved the ball effortlessly at times, but the defense and special teams gave up too many big plays in the loss to the Spartans.  QB Russell Wilson hurt his Heisman candidacy a bit by throwing 2 INTs, but is still having a strong year with 1,780 yards passing and 16 TDs.  Ohio State is 4-3 (1-2 B1G) and is coming off a bye week.  The Buckeyes played better in Week 7 knocking off a then undefeated Illini team after dropping close games against MSU and Nebraska.  The QB situation at Ohio State is the real issue here.  Starter Braxton Miller only completed 1 pass against Illinois, but is expected to be under center against Wiscy.  Joe Bauserman is still ready to step in if necessary but it’s clear Coach Fickell prefers to stay with Miller.  Expect a good game out Ohio State and RB Dan Herron, but I’d take the Badgers to cover.

Western Michigan -11 vs. Ball State
In the span of two weeks, the Broncos have ruined a season that once held such hope.  Coming off a near win at Illinois and wins over Connecticut and Bowling Green, WMU was rocked in DeKalb at the hands of NIU.  They followed that performance with an even more embarrassing loss to Eastern Michigan last week, officially taking them out of the MAC title race.  The Broncos 4-4 (2-2) welcome Ball State 5-3 (3-1) into Kalamazoo this week, with the focus now on becoming bowl eligible.  WR Jordan White also continues to build his NFL Draft resume.  The Cardinals are coming off a win against CMU last week.  Sophomore QB Keith Wenning had a break out game against the Chips, throwing for 325 yards and 3 TDs.  I would hope the Broncos show up on Saturday to get the W, 11 points may be too big of a spread to cover though.    

Week 9: You can't spell Trojan without O.J.

Ahhh, the back end of the college football season. We're finding out who's for real in the PAC 12, BIG 12, WAC, MWAC and in Indyland, and who's a pretender. Stanford laid the hammer down on a good Washington squad last week, proving they're for real. Oklahoma continues its march toward Bedlam, and Boise continues to bide its time and watch as the big boys kill each other off in this week-by-week drama that is college football. Pull up a seat...

PAC 12
Washington State @ Oregon -36.5
Colorado @ Arizona St. -30.5
Cal -5.5 @ UCLA
Stanford -7 @ USC
Oregon St. @ Utah -5
Arizona @ Washington -6

BIG 12
Missouri @ Texas A&M -11.5
Baylor @ Oklahoma State -13.5
Oklahoma -14 @ Kansas St.
Kansas @ Texas -28
Iowa St. @ Texas Tech -15

WAC
SJSU @ La. Tech -7.5
Hawaii -7.5 @ Idaho
Nevada -15 @ NMSU

MWAC
BYU @ TCU -13
Air Force -30.5 @ New Mexico
Colorado St. -3 @ UNLV
Wyoming @ San Diego State -16.5

Independents
Navy @ Notre Dame -20

Stanford -7 @ USC
Stanford comes into the USC game flying high, putting up close to 50 points per game, good for second-best in the nation. Andrew Luck and the Cardinal have only been tested once, but that came last week against a previously solid-looking Washington club. Stanford hung 65 on them. USC is on a hot streak of its own, but it felt like the Trojans' 31-17 victory over Notre Dame was a bowl game for the probationeers. Stanford puts it on USC in L.A. and covers.

Missouri @ Texas A&M -11.5
Mizzou takes its smashmouth rushing attack into College Station, where the Aggies are great against the run, giving up less than three yards per rush this season. The Tigers have been effective in the passing game, though, and that's trouble for the Aggies defense. Ryan Tannehill won't have problems with Missouri's defense, though, as he's ably led A&M's offense to this point in the season. Look for a shootout in College Station, with Mizzou beating the spread but A&M winning the game.

Baylor @ Oklahoma State -13.5
Parents of God-loving football fans won't let their children watch this game, as it'll be pure offensive pornography. RGIII has used his legs and capable running backs to set up a phenomenal passing game. You don't win by making him rely on his arm. You do win the way Oklahoma State plays, which is to keep him the hell off the field. OSU's passing attack, led by Justin Blackmon and Brandon Weeden, can do whatever it wants to, including run time off the clock with short passes over the middle. OSU hangs close to 60 on Baylor's piss poor defense and the Cowboys cover easily.

Oklahoma -14 @ Kansas St.
Normally, when the No. 9 team in the nation is favored by two TDs against the No. 8 team at their place, you'd scratch your head. Not here. Oklahoma is no worse than they were when they were ranked No. 3 last week and brain-farted against Texas Tech. Ryan Broyles, Landry Jones and Co. will come out gunning with the clear thought that winning out in the Big 12, coupled with a few losses in the SEC, could put them right back in the national title picture they squandered away last week. Bob Stoops will figure out how to stop K-State's option attack and we'll be done with this pretender of a squad. OU covers.

BYU @ TCU -13
TCU's two losses this year (Baylor, SMU) have come against hot offense squads with solid quarterbacks. The Cougars' offense has been heating for two straight weeks against subpar competition in preparation for this battle, averaging 46 points per game, but behind shaky, inconsistent quarterback play. TCU has a well-tuned offense and is practiced against better opposition. Look for TCU to pull away late and cover.

Week 8 - The Picks are In! MSU-Wiscy, USC-ND Edition

We're still alive TNG Nation! Let's get right to the picks...

Marcus says...

Michigan State +7 vs. Wisconsin
ESPN College Gameday is in East Lansing this weekend and so am I.  Wiscy comes in undefeated, while the Spartans are riding high after a big win over Michigan.  This will be the Badgers biggest test, but they are still favored on the road.  MSU’s defense has been playing at a high level and the running game is controlling the ball on offense.  Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson is a legit Heisman contender and MSU’s William Ghoulston is suspended for the game, but I see a Spartan victory under the lights.  Take MSU and the points.

Western Michigan -12 @ Eastern Michigan
The Broncos are still stinging from the beat down they received in DeKalb last weekend.  Unfortunately, I was there to witness it.  Expect Coach Cubit to have the offense throwing the ball all over the field.  Coach English has the Eagles playing much better this year and QB Alex Gillett is a threat.  That being said, WMU will be too much for EMU and cover the spread.

Clemson -10 vs. North Carolina
Clemson is 7-0 and believes they are a BCS contender.  QB Tajh Boyd has been terrorizing defenses, throwing for 2000+ yards and 19 TDs this season.  The Tiger defense is on notice though after giving up 5 TDs to the Maryland offense last week.  UNC comes in at 5-2, but has struggled in ACC play so far.  The ‘Heels lost to Miami last week.  Expect a good game and Clemson to move to 8-0, but take UNC and the points.    

Miami (FL) -3 vs. Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech inexplicably dropped their first game of the season at Virginia last week, while Miami knocked off UNC.  QB Tevin Washington had a good game on the ground, but only completed 2 of 8 passes against the Cavaliers.  The Hurricanes have been largely inconsistent all season, having not won two games in a row.  Expect a different Tevin Washington to show up for the ‘Jackets and for Miami’s streak of not wining two games in a row to continue.  Take Georgia Tech and the points.

Kyle says...

USC @ Notre Dame -9
Against competent offenses this season, USC has looked terrible. In frigid temps Saturday evening in South Bend, the boys from SoCal might be run over. Notre Dame is one of the most accomplished offenses in the country this year, and although USC's run-pass combo has steadied, Matt Barkley will have a hard time slinging the ball Saturday. ND covers.

Utah @ Cal -1.5
After scoring just 9 last week against USC, it's become painfully apparent that Cal cannot run the ball. Utah has a stout defense but very little offense. This becomes a slugfest, and Utah beats the spread in San Francisco.

Washington @ Stanford -20
Stanford has racked up impressive numbers this season playing exactly no one. U-Dub has been tested against the likes of Nebraska and Keith Price is running a high powered offebse. That said, Cardinal QB Andrew Luck is destroying defenses. Stanford will win, but Washington beats the spread.

Oklahoma State -6.5 @ Mizzou
OSU is on a tear that doesn't look to stop against Mizzou, which has a stingy defense and top tier running game. It won't be enough to stop the Cowboys high-octane offense. OSU covers.

Season Standings:

Kyle - 15-11-2
Marcus - 15-13-0

Week 7: MSU-UM picks edition

The picks are in! The picks are in!

Just in time for the early morning gamblin' crowd, here goes...

Marcus says...

Michigan State -3 vs. Michigan
The money is coming in on Sparty as the line has moved to 3. I’ve wrestled with this, considering MSU’s defense against Michigan’s inconsistent offense as well as MSU’s offensive struggles at times. I expect a good game on Saturday, take UM and the points.

Northern Illinois +1.5 vs. Western Michigan
The hype is around the QB’s Harnish and Carder, but the WMU running game is what may take center stage. It’s homecoming in DeKalb, but the crowd won’t be enough to stop the Broncos. Western Michigan covers.

Virginia +7.5 vs. Georgia Tech
There has been a lot of talk about GT having a tough time in Charlottesville this week, but I just don’t see it. Washington and Smith are a handful and will be too much for the Virginia defense. Tech covers.

Maryland +8 vs. Clemson
Maryland beat the spread last week against Georgia Tech, while still taking another L. Hopefully the Terp faithful can take solace in that. I don’t see the same fortunes this week for Maryland as Clemson and Tajh Boyd are going to score some points. The Tigers cover here.

Kyle says...

Oklahoma St. -7 at Texas

This line got a little tighter this week, but I'd guess that cash is coming in from bettors who think Bevo isn't going to give up two straight in the Lone Star State to rivals from up north. Pride is a nice sentiment, but I don't see this disjointed defense straightening out against the best offensive attack in the nation. OSU covers.

Arizona St. at Oregon -14

This line tightened from -16 earlier this week and could be even tighter by the time you pick this up. Arizona St. has proven itself very competent at scoring points and keeping up in shootouts this season. That said, I think Darron Thomas uses more of his weapons with LaMichael James out, and the Ducks cover at home.

Florida -2 @ Auburn

This is a no-brainer for me against the spread. Auburn controls the line of scrimmage in a running battle and keeps Florida from more than lucky plays in the passing game. Auburn beats the spread.

LSU -17 @ Tennessee

The Bayou Bengals are waiting on their date with Alabama and will continue to roll through anyone in the nation that gets in their way. Tennessee looked miles behind Georgia last week, and Tyler Bray can't continue to singlehandedly carry that offense, especially against the likes of the Honey Badger. LSU covers.

Season Standings:

Marcus - 14-10-0
Kyle - 12-11-1

Week 7: Links links links (MSU-Michigan week edition)

We know you're busy. We're busy too. So we'll not waste your time and get right into the links portion of your week here at TNG.

People who wear green hate people who wear blue, and vice versa.

Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden is ancient by college football standards, but old man football is looking to put another beatdown on UT this year.

After a sluggish start, USC left it all on the field in San Francisco and demolished the Cal Bears tonight.

The Gators get to tangle with a Honey Badger in the Bayou this weekend. Nobody is excited about this in Gainsville.

Carder-Harnish may be the best quarterback matchup of the weekend when WMU takes on NIU.

Oregon is going into this weekend's battle with Arizona State with a clipped wing after LaMichael James went down last week. Or are they?

Everyone is waiting to see when Clemson (3-0 ACC) will inevitably f--- up. Not going to be this weekend, Maryland fans.

SPECIAL BONUS LINK: Finally, Stephen Garcia said he was "flabbergasted" when he got kicked off the South Carolina football team. Really?

Week 7: It's MSU - Michigan Week along with MAC, Big East, ACC, and Sun Belt lines and previews

B1G-

Michigan State -2 vs. Michigan
Penn State -11.5 vs. Purdue
Wisconsin -40 vs. Indiana
Illinois -3.5 vs. Ohio State
Iowa -6.5 vs. Northwestern


BIG EAST-

Cincinnati -16.5 vs. Louisville
Rutgers -4 vs. Navy
UConn +7.5 vs. South Florida

MAC-

Bowling Green +7 vs. Toledo
Temple -21 vs. Buffalo
Central Michigan -13 vs. Eastern Michigan
Ohio -14 vs. Ball State
Northern Illinois +1.5 vs. Western MichiganKent State +3.5 vs. Miami (OH)

ACC-

North Carolina -3 vs. Miami (FL)
Duke +13.5 vs. Florida State
Virginia vs. Georgia TechWake Forest +7 vs. Virginia Tech
Maryland +8 vs. Clemson

SUN BELT-

Florida Atlantic -3 vs. Western Kentucky
LA-Lafayette -9 vs. North Texas
Troy -9 vs. LA-Monroe

Marcus says...

Michigan State -2 vs. Michigan

Sparty is riding a 3 game series winning streak into this one against their bitter rival Michigan. A win for MSU would mark the first 4 game winning streak against Michigan since our parents were little kids. Both teams are ranked in the Top 25 and the game pits one of the nations top defenses against Michigan's potent offense. Last week, Denard Robinson and the Wolverines came back from a halftime deficit against Northwestern, while the Spartans rested during their bye week. The MSU defense is giving up 10.2 points per game while UM is scoring 38 on average. All eyes will be on the MSU offense, who has been struggling as of late. The MSU defense will keep them in the game, but my early feeling is Michigan will get the W in East Lansing.

Northern Illinois +1.5 vs. Western Michigan

Two of the MACs best QBs face off in Dekalb on Saturday in NIUs Chandler Harnish and WMUs Alex Carder. The Broncos beat up on Bowling Green last week and come into the game on top of the MAC West. Northern dominated an awful Kent State team. WMUs running game came to life last week, rushing for 351 yards. The Huskies have to be concerned about stopping the potent Bronco offense, as they have had their struggles on defense so far this year. NIU has to hope the Broncos make some early mistakes and Harnish can control the ball, if they are going to stay in the game. I see a Bronco route on the road.

Virginia +7 vs. Georgia Tech

The 'Jackets continue to roll, knocking off Maryland last week (did you play TNGs pick). The GT rushing attack led by QB Washington and RB Smith led the way last week, scoring all 3 TDs. While the defense forced 2 key turnovers. The Yellow Jackets hit the road as they continue their quest for the ACC title and a BCS bid. The Cavaliers have been less then impressive so far this year, including needing OT to knock off Idaho last week. Tech covers.

Maryland +8 vs. Clemson

Reports out of Clemson are that QB Tajh Boyd is 100% coming into this matchup with the Terps, which is good news for the Tigers who are setting the pace in the ACC Atlantic division at 6-0. Maryland's offense woke up in the 2nd half last week against Georgia Tech, but still came up short. The Terps have had a disappointing season so far, holding a record of 2-3. Gut says that Maryland's QB controversy will continue to linger and Clemson will be focused and covers.

Week 7: Sprinting into the second half of the season with the Pac 12, Big 12, SEC, WAC and MWC

Welcome to Week 7 Nitty Griddy Nation. We're dubbing this week Ron Burgundy Week at TNG, because we're going to find out who's the balls. We've got big battles in a couple of leagues that should go a long way in telling how this year will shape up. On to the picks!

Big 12

Oklahoma St. -7.5 @ Texas

Baylor @ Texas A & M -9.5

Iowa St. @ Mizzou -15.5

Kansas St. @ Texas Tech -3

Oklahoma -33.5 @ Kansas

Pac 12

USC -3 @ Cal

Utah @ Pitt -7

Colorado @ Washington -14.5

BYU @ Oregon St. -1.5

Stanford -21 @ Washington St.

Arizona State @ Oregon -16

SEC

S. Carolina -3 @ Miss. St.

LSU -16 @ Tennessee

Alabama -25 @ Ole Miss

Florida -1.5 @ Auburn

Georgia -11 @ Vanderbilt

MWC

SDSU @ Air Force -6

UNLV @ Wyoming -11

New Mexico @ Nevada -29.5

Boise St. -32 @ Colorado St.

WAC

Hawaii -6.5 @ San Jose St.

Idaho @ NMSU -1.5

Utah St. -3.5 @ Fresno St.

Kyle says...

Oklahoma St. -7.5 @ Texas

Things are now looking like they might get worse before they get better in Austin. The Horns had a problem getting anything going through the air to anyone not named Shipley last week, and while OK Lite's defense is a lot softer than Oklahoma's (The Pokes give up 12 more ppg than OU), UT showed almost no ground game to keep a D honest. Fozzy Whittacker averaged more than 7 yards per carry last week but inexplicably got only a handful of rushes. Compare that against the OSU offense, which, led by Brandon Weeden (automatic points for being older than me), is leading the nation in scoring. Weeden has 15 touchdowns himself, better than all of Texas' QBs combined. It'll be a good night to hit Sixth Street early, as OSU comes into ATX and covers.

USC -3 @ Cal

Who do you hate more, West Coast residents? USC kids in those damned Harry Potter scarves and Knockaround shades, or Berkeley trustafarians in Birks shitting out of trees? A lot of A-holes are getting together in San Francisco Thursday night. SC QB Matt Barkley is starting to look downright dominant, directing a stable of standout wideouts and the running game, which includes a healthy Marc Tyler, to 38-plus points in their last three outings. Cal's defense is charitably described as terrible against real competition, and QB Zach Maynard has looked lost in consecutive defeats at the hands a competent defense in Oregon and a "defense" in the loosest sense of the word in Washington. Still, SC stumbled in its only road game so far at Arizona State, so this one doesn't get too wild, but the Trojans cover.

BYU @ Oregon St. -1.5

This game is going to be a pillow fight, but BYU is on a tear and Oregon St. got a lucky one in on Arizona last week. Cougars beat the spread on the strength of their offense, which is slowly catching fire behind QB Jake Heaps.

LSU -16 @ Tennessee

The Vols blew their chance at a home win last week in an ugly loss to a rickety Georgia squad. The Bulldogs exposed a weak rushing attack for UT—ranked 114th in the nation—and teams can freely drop back 7 or even 8 on QB Tyler Bray and his talented receiving corps. Contrast that with the all-everything Bayou Bengals, who have shut down two of the most prolific passing games in the country going into their games with LSU—Oregon and Florida—and it's going to be a long day on Rocky Top Saturday. LSU covers.

Florida -1.5 @ Auburn

Was I the only person who looked at this line and went "huh?" True enough, Auburn is having a hell of a time trying to pass the ball with first year QB Barrett Trotter, but RB Michael Dyer is producing at a high level and Florida hasn't stopped the run in three weeks now. Without regular starting QB John Brantley, the Gators' passing attack has also gone into the toilet, putting up less than 100 yards last week against LSU in the Bayou. Auburn finds a way to keep the Florida D on the field for just long enough, and the Tigers beat the spread.