By Aaron M Smith
Week 9 of the college football season showcases some great games that could prove to be a heavy influence on next week’s Pickin’ Splinters College Football Poll. Key wins and losses could shake the Pickin’ Splinters poll and may move one team close to that#1 position. Without further delay, let’s take a look:
Baylor vs. Oklahoma State (#3 PSCFP):
With a date looming with a #8 Kansas State team, this match up with the Bears has all the makings of a trap game. Coach Mike Gundy must keep his team focused as Baylor features a high-powered offense led by Robert Griffin III. The Cowboys may be without two of their top wide receivers after Justin Blackmon left last week’s game with concussion-like symptoms and wideout Hubert Anyiam is out for the season with a broken foot. Expect running back Joseph Randle to carry the load for Oklahoma State on Saturday. Two high powered offenses, which should mean a lot of points on the board. Oklahoma State wins 42-33.
Clemson (#6 PSFCP) vs. Georgia Tech:
A conference game that could prove to be trouble for the high-powered Clemson Tigers. Georgia Tech is looking to right the ship after consecutive losses to Virginia and Miami. The Yellow Jackets offense is led by Tevin Washington and was the ACC’s best offense until its two game swoon. Clemson has a chance to go 9-0 for the first time since 1981. The Tigers’ offense starts with Tajh Boyd who has thrown for 24 TDs already this season. If the crowd at Bobby Dodd Stadium can get involved early, the Yellow Jackets could smell upset. Georgia Tech with the upset, 31-30.
Stanford (#5 PSCFP) vs. USC:
This PAC-12 game features the Battle of the Quarterbacks in Andrew Luck vs. Matt Barkley. Both QBs figure to be 1st round picks in the 2012 draft, with Luck the leading Heisman candidate. The Cardinals have won 3 of the last 4 meetings including a thrilling 37-35 victory in 2010. Look for Trojan WR Robert Woods to be busy in this game, as the Cardinals didn’t have an answer for the sophomore wideout in last year’s game (224 yards receiving). For as well as Luck is playing, the Cardinals have found their running game in recent games. Expect that to continue on Saturday against a USC defense that has struggled against the run. Stanford wins 42-28.
Oklahoma(#9 PSCFP) vs. Kansas State (#8 PSCFP):
Somebody call Kenny Loggins because the Oklahoma Sooners are entering the Danger Zone. After a stunning loss at home to Texas Tech, the Sooners will be looking to avoid consecutive conference losses for the first time in 13 years. The Wildcats will rely heavily on their ground attack to beat the Sooners. The running attack is led by QB Collin Klein and RB John Hubert. Landry Jones leads a Sooner passing attack that is going up against a suspect Kansas State secondary. This should be a high scoring affair, but Oklahoma’s BCS dreams are done after Saturday. Kansas State wins 31-28.
Michigan State (#12 PSCFP) vs. Nebraska (#13 PSCFP):
After wins against Ohio State, Michigan and Wisconsin; one could understand if Michigan State had a letdown. Don’t tell that to the Spartans who travel to Lincoln to run the table for the month of October. The Spartans will be challenged to stop the Cornhuskers’ running attack, led by QB Taylor Martinez. Nebraska is coming off consecutive wins over Ohio State and Minnesota. An interesting stat: the Spartans went the entire Wisconsin game without a penalty on either side of the ball. Nebraska wins 21-17.
Illinois vs. Penn State:
Riding a 6 game winning streak, Penn State looks to tie Joe Paterno with coaching legend Eddie Robinson for the all-time Division I wins record of 408. To do that, the Nittany Lions will look to avenge a 33-13 loss from a year ago. Illinois is looking to end a two game losing streak after winning its first 6 games. To do that, the Fighting Illini will rely on its sophomore QB, Nathan Scheelhaase to get them back to their winning ways. Scheelhaase has struggled in the last two games, including being sacked 4 times in their loss to Purdue. After slow starts in their last two games, expect Illinois to come out strong from the kickoff. Home field advantage for Penn State will be key. Nittany Lions win 17-13.
South Carolina vs. Tennessee:
After its bye week, South Carolina puts its new look offense to the test. QB Stephen Garcia has been dismissed… again, star RB Marcus Lattimore is out for the season and Gamecocks have dropped of the PSCF Poll without losing a game. Coach Spurrier will turn to running back Brandon Wilds to replace Lattimore and will rely on a stingy Gamecocks defense to win their remaining games. Tennessee one of the worst teams against the run, should be a perfect tune-up for South Carolina. Gamecocks win 27-7.
Navy vs. Notre Dame:
After a disappointing loss to USC, the Fighting Irish look to bounce back against a Navy football team that has lost 5 consecutive games. Look for the Midshipmen to run the ball and control the clock. Averaging nearly 300 yards on the ground, they will need to keep Rees, Woods and Michael Floyd off the field to have a shot at winning this game. Notre Dame will be looking to make a point after being accused of giving up at the end of the USC game. Notre Dame wins 42-17.
Have a prediction? Have a game you wish to discuss? Let’s hear it on the Pine.
Good work Smitty, always a fan of your breakdowns. The one spot we differ, is the Oklahoma game. While I respect K State, Oklahoma is an elite football team, and those kind of teams simply don’t lose twice in a row. Sooners bounce back after last weeks upset, with a 31-24 W
Kyle, thanks for the kind words.I went back and forth on the Oklahoma/ Kansas State game. First, I am not sure Kansas State is as good as their ranking. Secondly, Oklahoma has such a high powered offense that I am not completely convinced the Wildcats can stop enough to let them win the game.
But then I come to the point where I ask myself – if Oklahoma is such an elite team, how do they lose at home to Texas Tech? If this was a home game for Oklahoma it would be a no brainer for me. On the road, I think they are in trouble.
At first I was going to question your call on the Cornhuskers beating Sparty. But on second thought, didn’t they have a lot of special teams help against Wisconsin? I can see where if they get penalized a little more – as you pointed out – don’t get much from their special teams that Nebraska could take this one. Good call, Smitty.
A K-State victory will really shake the poll.
First time ever – I am cheering for So. Carolina. How did they drop without playing? Is this an example of a “preemptive” shush” of sorts?
Penn State still has Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Nebraska after the Illini. Tough little run.
Casey – I think South Carolina dropped because of anticipated losses now that Lattimore is out. For me, until they lose I can’t drop them out of my Top 15 and if they continue to win – doesn’t that justify the Top 15 position even more?
Rey – Michigan State had to play extremely well and have a “Play of the Year’ candidate at the end of the game to win. After that emotional win, they have to travel to Lincoln, Nebraska and face a tough Nebraska team. It is going to be a tough game for them to win.
Penn State will now go through the same stretch as Michigan State is finishing up. Let’s see how they do.
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with Sparty…
Congrats to all Pickin Splinter members … each one of us is in a tie with Nebraska for total passing yards. The big difference, they are in the locker room at half time, while we are on our couches. Another big difference, they are winning 10-3
Upset alert! Vanderbilt is trying to take down Arkansas, 28-20 in the 4th quarter.
Hey.. Aaron Rodger’s brother Jordan Rodgers is on Vanderbilt and is the QB? How has this not be mentioned on the Pine?
Show of hands for those who thought the Baylor/Oklahoma State game would be closer? My hand is up.
The Cowboys first half has been impressive.
Just thinking the same thing, Smitty. Boy – Baylor sure had me fooled at the beginning of year. I think this is also a credit to just how good OK State may be. Credit to Drew for calling the Cowboys assension on the shoulders of their QB.
Penn State does know that this isn’t golf, right? The lowest score doesn’t win.
Right now Illinois is 7 over par. 🙂
Yeah. My hand is also up in the air. Couple of teams tasted the humble (truth) pie today. How did that taste K-State?
Texas found a team they can beat.
Please tebow the piped-in music at Notre Dame Stadium.
What was the over/under on the number of undefeated teams falling today? Potentially 3 undefeated teams going down.
I’m looking forward to the PS poll this week. The rankings are out and I’m surprised at two things: K State’s drop and Michigan State’s stay. I thought Kansas State was in a no-win situation. Facing a Bob Stoops team after a historic loss against a team that some were saying are better? They responded in typical fashion. The Wildcats dropped out of the top 15. Also shocked – SHOCKED – to see Sparty hanging in the top 15. What have they done to deserve to outrank Penn State, Kansas State? With Ohio State further exposing the Badgers’ defensive flaws and Sparty only managing a FG, how do they remain so high?
Sparty is not at all deserving of top15. But Nebraska? Wow! The Huskers put the smash back into smashmouth. 14 passes? I loved it.
I think Michigan State is getting credit for beating Ohio State, Michigan and Wisconsin in consecutive weeks. Remember that Wisconsin absolutely destroyed Nebraska a little earlier in the season, 48-17.
The Stanford/USC game was outstanding last night.
Next week’s game Nebraska/Penn State game is going to to tell me a lot about both teams.