The Obligatory Predictions Competition - Week 1
by Jonathan Franz on Sep 2, 2010 11:00 AM CDT
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It's back. After almost eight months in hibernation, it's finally time to roll out the red carpet on the third annual installment of the Obligatory Predictions Competition. For those of you new around these parts, each year we host a season-long predictions contest in-house. Each week, Graham and I select five games of interest on the conference and national radar, and fearlessly forecast the winners. Then you weigh in.
We'll tally the results over the next fourteen weeks and send the winner some cool team merchandise.
New "Simple" Scoring:
Those of you who played with us in 2008 and 2009 will recall that we used a multiple incentive scoring system that gave bonus points for picking a team's margin of victory within a touchdown. Although this gave participants the chance to run up the score, Graham and I were concerned that it also created the potential for players to win based on luck, rather than skill. For example, a contestant that picked less games correctly could beat an opponent who got more games right if he or she stumbled on perfect margin(s) of victory.
Because the number of games picked correctly should be directly proportional to one's success, we've dumbed down the scoring for 2010. From here on out points will be assigned as follows:
- Contestants will receive one point for correctly picking the outcome of a game;
- Contestants will receive an additional point for correctly predicting an upset, defined as both an unranked team defeating a team ranked in the AP Top 25 (BCS Top 25 once available) or a ranked team defeating a team of higher rank.
We understand that picking margins gave people a reason to watch otherwise anticlimactic games (i.e. blowouts), but ultimately decided that a simpler scoring system would give us better final results. On a practical note, i spent way too much time last season scoring the game by hand, and the new rules should significantly cut down on that effort.
Here's How to Play:
1. Keep an eye out for the Obligatory Predictions Competition post around the middle of each week of the season;
2. Read our predictions
3. Enter your own in the comment's section at least one hour before the start of the earliest game on the list (You only need to give us the names of the teams you think will win, although analysis is always welcome).
Good Luck!
1. ILLINOIS vs. MISSOURI, 12:30 p.m. EST (9/4)
GRAHAM predicts MISSOURI
Since I doubt we’ll be picking many Illinois games this year, let me take this opportunity to say that I met a young lady this weekend and she loves the Illini and that she was very upset upon learning that I picked her old school to go 3-9. Unfortunately, I have good reasons. No depth, no experience, no history of success usually dooms teams. It will doom the Illini against a surprisingly physical and veteran-laden Mizzou team. I’ve never really like the Tigers offense with its slow developing runs and constant screens. But it seems like all they have to do is show up, put pressure on the untested Illini quarterback, score a couple TD’s…and walk home with an easy w.
JON predicts MISSOURI
The Illini have given up 35 points or more to Mighty Mizzou in each of their last three openers leading at least one comentator to ask why they even bother to play. But wait, you protest. Illinois is due to win the Arch Rivalry. Not this year they aren't. Figure A is Blaine Gabbert shredding the Illini secondary for another 300 yard, 3 touchdown performance. Figure B is Illinois' young offense stalling like the Cubs in the playoffs while the Tigers jump out to a 14 point lead. Figure C is a failed late fourth quarter comeback. Figure D is Ron Zook staring at the ground.
2. PURDUE at NOTRE DAME, 3:30 p.m. EST (9/4), NBC
GRAHAM predicts NOTRE DAME
Notre Dame, along with Michigan, is a "mystery team" with the potential to spoil a lot of Big Ten dreams. Will their plethora of highly rated athletes mesh with the historically successfully offensive system of B Kelly? Will they show one iota of defensive toughness, which would be one iota more than they showed last year? I love the undersized Purdue Boilermakers, I love their coach…But I don’t love a new QB in a new system in South Bend.
JON predicts NOTRE DAME
Don't get me wrong, Purdue is a highly underrated program. They've got a serious destroyer of worlds on the defensive line in Ryan Kerrigan, and a potential gunslinger in Robert Marve. The problem is they're not complete enough to win a game of this magnitude out of the gate. The Boilers are out three starters from last year's offensive line as well as last year's leading rusher (Ralph Bolden). Further, despite an impressive front seven they're thin where it hurts: in the secondary. Dayne Crist delivers a win in Brian Kelly's home debut.
3. CONNECTICUT at MICHIGAN, 3:30 p.m. EST (9/4), ABC
GRAHAM predicts MICHIGAN
This is UConn week here in Michigan Land and yet it seems there is a broader focus among Wolverine fans. Because no matter if UConn is defeated, next week is ND week, and MSU week is rolling right up soon. But as Rich said on OTE earlier this week: "We’re just worried about getting that first first down against UConn." And I think they’ll get that first down…and enough first downs to show that Denard Robinson will be the playmaker for this offense.
JON predicts MICHIGAN
It's a stiffer challenge than he'd like, but Rich Rodriguez gets the job done in Week 1 against a familiar Huskies squad. Inexperienced secondaries on both sides of the ball give up a plethora of pass yardage, but the Wolverines talent advantage, and Denard Robinson's legs, gives them a slight edge. Up by a touchdown, I see a Michigan defense that makes a surprising fourth quarter stand, quelling any hopes at a Connecticut comeback.
4. NORTHWESTERN at VANDERBILT, 7:30 p.m. EST (9/4), ESPN 3
GRAHAM predicts NORTHWESTERN
Patsy v. former patsy. The magic of Northwestern is that their offense constantly gives them a chance to win games. One of the legendary football coaches from my high school was famous for his adaptation methods, year to year. He always said: "When I don’t have talent across the board and I lack offensive size, I run the shotgun pass spread." Ditto Northwestern. Iowa makes fun of the Wildcat’s receivers for looking like a solid flag football squad from Beta Theta Pi…but NW and its two consecutive bowl appearances will be decent again this year.
JON predicts NORTHWESTERN
Despite Vandy's SEC caliber defense and formidable ground game I think Northwestern puts together a complete effort and grabs a win in Nashville. After the Wildcats stop Warren Norman, the Commodores will be forced to throw -- something they don't do well. A good but not great night from Dan Persa will be enough to propel the Wildcats past this opening roadblock.
5. No. 3 BOISE STATE vs. No. 10 VIRGINIA TECH, 8:00 p.m. EST (9/6), ESPN
GRAHAM predicts BOISE STATE
This will be the kicker, the highly hyped opener. I love all the skill that Boise State posseses at…skill…positions, but I love the defensive stars that permeate Blacksburg year after year. I also love that lofty #3 ranking bestowed onto BSU’s program. Home game for the Hokies? No problem.
JON predicts VIRGINIA TECH
Last year Boise State went out on opening night and embarrassed an overmatched Oregon team. This year the joke's on them. The luck of the Broncos runs out against a stout and disciplined Virginia Tech team. Strangely, it won't be Bud Foster's defense that gives Chris Petersen fits -- it will be Tyrod Taylor and the Hokie offense. Virginia Tech positively outclasses the Broncos on national television, leading some outspoken critics to claim "we told you so."
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It's on
Mizzou
Notre Dame
Michigan
justNorthwestern
Virginia Tech
"Bama Hawkeye, you know, the Iowa blogger who actually uses reason and analysis." - Hawkeye State
"Off Tackle Empire":http://www.offtackleempire.com
My first post ever here
Mizzou
Purdue
UConn
justNorthwestern
VATech
Welcome
Good to have you.
Off Tackle Empire
The quintessential Big Ten smoking room.
by Jonathan Franz on Sep 2, 2010 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Finally!
Mizzou
Notre Dame
UConn
Northwestern
VA Tech
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
"Turner, at midcourt...inside it, at the buzzer, GOT IT!!!!"
We're the Big Ten, who the F@*# are YOU??!?!?!
by Andrew Tolliver on Sep 2, 2010 11:06 AM CDT reply actions
Let's do this.
Mizzou
Purdue
UConn
Northwestern
VaTech
Okay, I'm now officially nervous....
….everyone save one guy is picking Northwestern (and he picked Notre Dame and Michigan to win and claims Boise State is not a top tier team, so his judgment is definitely suspect).
This is exactly the situation in which Northwestern lays an egg….PLEASE win this game, Northwestern. Win this game in a ROUT….
Allow me to be the only one picking Ilinois
Illinois
Notre Dame
Michigan
Northwestern
Boise St
Feel Da Paign Sports Blog
http://feeldapaign.com/
Go right ahead. Someone has to…
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
"Turner, at midcourt...inside it, at the buzzer, GOT IT!!!!"
We're the Big Ten, who the F@*# are YOU??!?!?!
by Andrew Tolliver on Sep 2, 2010 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Surprisingly tough picks for week 1
Missouri
Notre Dame
Michigan
Northwestern
Virginia Tech
Picks
Missouri
Purdue
UConn
Northwestern
Va Tech
Week 1
Missouri
Purdue
Michigan
Northwestern
Boise
Here we go
Missouri – Illinois too depleted. Long year for them ahead.
Notre Dame – If I get the (+11.5) for Purdue, I’d take them without thinking, but as it is Notre Dame is too talented.
Michigan – Again, too much talent in Ann Arbor to pick UConn
Vanderbilt – I thinkNorthwestern is in for a big fall this year.
Virginia Tech – Did the people ranking Boise high WATCH the Fiesta Bowl. Not a top tier team. I think this game gets ugly.
"Jack Trice Stadium - Easily one of the Top 10 Stadiums in Central Iowa"
What in the hell was wrong with the Fiesta Bowl?
TCU arguably had the best defense in college football last year.
"Again, too much talent in Ann Arbor to pick UConn"
Can I have some of your weed bro? You MUST be high….
More frequently than an alcoholic diabetic, Ohio State pisses excellence, week in and week out
Missouri
Purdue
Connecticut
Northwestern
Fighting Turkeys (VaTech)
Reality has a little-known Northwestern bias
NU prez knows how to get PUMPED
It's About Time
Mizzou
Notre Dame
Michigan
Northwestern
VA Tech
They took the bar, the whole fucking bar!
by recoveringfratguy on Sep 2, 2010 11:33 AM CDT reply actions
The UConn/Mich game could be one of the best games to watch this weekend. Should be fun to see what happens.
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
"Turner, at midcourt...inside it, at the buzzer, GOT IT!!!!"
We're the Big Ten, who the F@*# are YOU??!?!?!
by Andrew Tolliver on Sep 2, 2010 11:37 AM CDT reply actions
absolutely
if Mich can score early, look out
the Big Mo
Off Tackle Empire
The quintessential Big Ten smoking room.
by Graham Filler on Sep 2, 2010 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
I’m gonna guess it is a similar game to Mich/Indiana from last year. Lots of points, little defense.
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
"Turner, at midcourt...inside it, at the buzzer, GOT IT!!!!"
We're the Big Ten, who the F@*# are YOU??!?!?!
by Andrew Tolliver on Sep 2, 2010 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Missouri
ND
UConn
N’western
Boise St
Man looks in the abyss, there's nothing staring back at him. At that moment, man finds his character. And that is what keeps him out of the abyss. -- Lou Mannheim, Wall Street
Oh
And how long until the “Power of Crist Compels Us” banners start popping up in South Bend?
Man looks in the abyss, there's nothing staring back at him. At that moment, man finds his character. And that is what keeps him out of the abyss. -- Lou Mannheim, Wall Street
Crist Rises, Leads Irish to Win
Crist Almighty – 300 Yards Passing Enough to Beat Purdue
Off Tackle Empire
The quintessential Big Ten smoking room.
by Graham Filler on Sep 2, 2010 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Missouri
Notre Dame
UConn
Northwestern
Boise St.
Bucky's 5th Quarter The best site for Badger news on the web!
Follow me on Twitter for the latest Badger Bits @veldyhoosey
On, Wisconsin!
Why are these the only games?
There are games to pick tonight as well from the Big 10.
My picks for these games:
Mizzou
Notre Dame (although I REALLY want to pick Purdue)
UConn
Northwestern
BSU (I had originally picked Va Tech, but then I remembered that the game isn’t in Blacksburg—yes, it would have made THAT much of a difference. Seriously, when is the last time that BSU played in a place where they went on the road against a powerhouse program and were 1) taken seriously, and 2) slightly favored? 2005 against Georgia doesn’t count—BSU was 0-3 that year against ranked opponents, nor were they ranked higher than Georgia. They are a much different program now. If this game was in Blacksburg, it would be a different story. Why are we playing college football games in sterile NFL stadiums? That takes half the fun out of these games. Maybe more than half—especially in a town like DC where no one is actually from there.)
figgerd Id jump on what appears to be the bandwagon picks this week....
Missouri
Notre Dame
Michigan
Northwestern
VaTech
The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.
Joe Paterno
Woo Hoo!! Obligatory Predictions!
Illinois v. Missouri…Missouri. The Ron Zook farewell tour starts with a whimper
Purdue v. ND…Notre Dame…I like Danny Hope, but I like Brian Kelly more
UConn v. Michigan…Michigan…a convincing win by UM, and I get on the bandwagon. Big game for Big Blue.
Northwestern v. Vanderbilt…Northwestern, blowout on the field, by a whisker on ACT average
Boise St. v. Va. Tech…Boise is good, but I think Va tech pulls the upset in a defacto home game.
"Whoever said that the pen is mightier than the sword never encountered automatic weapons."
Here goes nothing:
Matchup 1) Missouri smashes Illinois in the face in the first half, coasts to a double digit win (for about the millionth year in a row)
Matchup 2) Purdue. What does Notre Dame have aside from Michael Floyd? Purdue should have made some improvements from the worst run defense in the Big Ten.
Matchup 3) UConn. The upending that makes Wolverine fans go into conniptions. UConn could contend in the Big LEast, but so could Michigan.
Matchup 4) Northwestern. Dan Persa should have improved over the offseason, and the Wildcats system almost never requires a true number one wideout (like Nick Toon at Wisconsin and DeVier Posey at Ohio State), giving Persa lots of options.
Matchup 5) Boise State. But then they’ll toss away their home game against Oregon State
My hatred of Michigan knows no bounds. Even more so after this travesty.
September 1st, 2010. A day that shall live in infamy.
"Because one of the great minds of the 21st century is raising glow-in-the-dark fish and weaving serapes..." -Leonard Hofstadter from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Sep 2, 2010 12:11 PM CDT reply actions
My 1st prediction went to hell a while ago.
Oopsies…
Oh no, don't tell me Matt Barkley ALSO doesn't tie his shoes...
September 1st, 2010. A day that shall live in infamy.
"Because one of the great minds of the 21st century is raising glow-in-the-dark fish and weaving serapes..." -Leonard Hofstadter from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Sep 4, 2010 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Oh well, 3 of 5 isn't THAT bad...
Although that UConn prediction looks horrible.
Can Abbrederis shoot the long three and effectively distribute the ball to his big men?
"Because one of the great minds of the 21st century is raising glow-in-the-dark fish and weaving serapes..." -Leonard Hofstadter from The Big Bang Theory
For all the crap we give Wil Wheaton, he can still tackle better than Asante Samuel...
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Sep 7, 2010 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions
I kind of wanted to participate last year, but for whatever reason, never jumped in.
I’m ready to give this a shot:
Mizzou over The Fighting Zookinis
Notre Dame over Purdue – Gotta think Irish luck at home wins the day here. If the game were in WL, I’d be going Purdue all the way.
Michigan over UCONN – A close one, but I have to go with my team on this one.
Northwestern over Vandy – Northwestern could be pretty good this year. Has Vandy ever been good? Plus, new coach for Vandy.
Va. Tech over Boise – I think Boise believes their own hype too much with the early #3 ranking and loses a close one at VT.
That is sooooo not funny - Maize N Brew Dave
Picks of prosperity
Mizzou- I’m not sure if Illinois will win a game this year.
Our Lady- I guess we’ll see if Kelly can coach or not.
Michigan- Still not sold on UConn.
Northwestern- I should be nervous about this. But I’m not.
Boise State- best game of the weekend, at least on paper. But they don’t play on paper. Boise doesn’t even play on green grass. . . . .
I'll actually try to stay with it this year
Mizzou
ND (If I had balls, I would pick Purdue. Alas….)
scUM
jNW
Boise
Like Terminal Tower rising above the Cuyahoga...
…I seek to rise from humble origins to the heights of prognostical glory.
My picks:
Mizzou The Zook Watch begins.
Purdue Kerrigan > Kelly, at least for now.
UConn #1 in the Big East must be better than #6 in the Big Ten, right?
Northwestern I’ll admit it: I have a mancrush on Pat Fitzgerald.
Va. Tech Blue turf and the Statue of Liberty are no help in Blacksburg.
Aside: I liked the old scoring system (and the sass it produced), but I understand the need to cut down on unnecessary paperwork.
Aside II: The Sequel: Franz has been posting a lot for a guy who just got married…that’s one understanding bride you’ve got in Mrs. LawBuck, Jon!
Courting mediocrity since 1964.
by lakeeriemonstar on Sep 2, 2010 12:43 PM CDT reply actions
all we needed was someone to write up an algorithim that could compute the upsets and points, etc…unfortunately we’re just lowly bloggers
Off Tackle Empire
The quintessential Big Ten smoking room.
by Graham Filler on Sep 2, 2010 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions
They have WiFi on the beach
So it’s just like reading a paperback novel…
Off Tackle Empire
The quintessential Big Ten smoking room.
by Jonathan Franz on Sep 2, 2010 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Annoying pop-up ads aren't in books, though.
Unless you’re reading Commercialism books…
My hatred of Michigan knows no bounds. Even more so after this travesty.
September 1st, 2010. A day that shall live in infamy.
"Because one of the great minds of the 21st century is raising glow-in-the-dark fish and weaving serapes..." -Leonard Hofstadter from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Sep 2, 2010 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions
BDogg's Bad Picks
Mizzou
ND (though it pains me to pick them for ANYTHING!)
UM
Northwestern
Boise
Does UM count as an upset since UConn is technically 31 in AP Poll (33 in USA Today) and UM is reportedly anywhere from 52-68? :P
Sadly, no
Only teams ranked in the Top 25 count, otherwise it becomes a slippery slope.
Off Tackle Empire
The quintessential Big Ten smoking room.
by Jonathan Franz on Sep 2, 2010 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Here are the picks
Missouri- obviously.
Notre Dame- Still haven’t fully bought into Purdue.
UConn- I’ll wait until I see Denard complete at least half of his passes before I say he’s good.
Northwestern- double obviously.
VaTech- I don’t trust Boise on the road early in the season.
Too lazy to add up all the spread picks, eh? I know that would be a royal pain in the ass now that there are more than a handful of us making predictions, but I’m still sad to see it go (as it added another layer to picking the games).
Hopefully I’ll return to the form I had during bowl season, rather than the mediocrity punctuated by all out suck I demonstrated during the regular season.
Mizzou
Purdue
UM (though I really wanted to pick UConn, I think they get lucky here)
Northwestern
Va Tech
Oooh.
Mizzou
Notre Dame (though I wouldn’t blink if Purdue won…should be close)
UConn
NW
VT (please, please pretty please)
--
@scrappled
Slow States - Lacking SEC speed since, like, a month ago.
by Run Up The Score on Sep 2, 2010 12:59 PM CDT reply actions
Illinois
Purdue
UConn
Northwestern
VT
When I was a kid, I didn't want to be a doctor or a fireman. I wanted to be Super Mario. It's the most literal pipe dream I've ever had.
controversial
Off Tackle Empire
The quintessential Big Ten smoking room.
by Graham Filler on Sep 2, 2010 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Here we go...
MISSOURI over Illinois — I’ve seen this movie before. If I were an Illini fan, I’d really hate the ending by now.
NOTRE DAME over Purdue — See previous comment. If the game were in West Lafayette, maybe I’d go with Purdue, but I can’t pick the Boilers to win in South Bend.
MICHIGAN over UConn — Taking a leap of faith here, but Michigan can’t be bad forever, can they?
NORTHWESTERN over Vanderbilt — Another leap of faith. Hopefully this will be the year the Wildcats don’t cough up a hairball against a non-conference foe they should beat.
BOISE STATE over Virginia Tech — Boise isn’t a top 5 team, but they are a really good team, and I’ll believe that Virginia Tech has an offense that can keep pace with them when I see it with my own eyes. I don’t think I will.
Missouri
Purdue
UConn
Northwestern
Boise State
A futile crusade to prevent mass ignorance
HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog
ILLINOIS vs. MISSOURI – Missouri
PURDUE at NOTRE DAME – Purdue; claims that ND’s new coach is perfect for ND and certain to revive the program are getting old
CONNECTICUT at MICHIGAN – UConn. GERG vs. UConn; this a terrible choice for any Orange fan, but since I’m from Ohio, Huskies are the sentimental favorite here. I mean, I realize if Michigan brought a top-25 basketball team to Storrs to play a UConn team coming off a bad season, a lot of people would still pick UConn. But it wouldn’t make any more sense than picking Michigan here would.
NORTHWESTERN at VANDERBILT – Northwestern
No. 3 BOISE STATE vs. No. 10 VIRGINIA TECH - Virginia Tech. Cross-country road trips are killer unless you’re much, much better than the other team.
Missouri
Purdue
UConn
Northwestern
Virginia Tech
Game-by-game breakdown:
1- When has betting on Zook worked out well?
2- I think ND will struggle putting their new style to work in their first game. It’s a good change in the long run, but a team doesn’t go from a pro-style, stopping-after-every-play-for-a-donut-break-with-Charlie-Weis tempo to a no-huddle spread without some awkwardness. Purdue may not be Marve-lous, but I think they’ll have enough to Marve the chains (It must be the seventh inning, because that was a stretch) and win a close one.
3- I think it’s going to be a good year for people who don’t like Michigan
4- Vandy’s star RB is injured and questionable, and I think we’ll see the beginning of the Cult of Persa-nality as he makes the leap to dink-and-dunksman extraordinaire like Kafka did last year. I dare say that this one might even be comfortable to watch, as opposed to the usual nailbiter NU makes out of games they really should put away. If not, well at least the Jack Daniel’s factory is nearby.
5- Boise struggles with the travel and distance from their precious blue turf. It still ends up close enough that BSU fans can lobby for a BCS spot when they run the rest of their slate.
Game on
Missouri – because I hate Zook
Purdue – because ND should only win games vs. Navy and USC
Michigan – Go blue
Northwestern – Vandy has a football team?
Virginia Tech – because blue turf is weird and so are smurfs
First time playing this game
Missouri—Illinois is all sorts of fail right now
Purdue—Marve and a team that has practiced in the spread for awhile. 1st year in the spread for ND
Michigan—Total shootout
Northwestern—our nerds are better than their nerds
Virginia Tech—this just might be who I hope to win.
Surprised so many people are picking Va Tech
Mizzou
Notre Dame—I really wanted to pick Purdue here, but I think the mass injuries in spring ball held them back, they really miss Bolden, and the secondary is sketchy.
Michigan—Again I wanna pick Uconn, but I think Michigan’s ground game lights up a Big East
Northwestern—Vandy currently doesn’t have a pulse
Boise State—Va Tech lost too much on D, and Tyrod Taylor STILL isn’t that good. Plus, 21 starters back for the Smurfs including Kellen Moore? This one will be close but Boise State’s phenom signal caller gets his Heisman campaign off to a big start.
The way the scoring works
selecting Va Tech gives 2 points if they win, while selecting BSU only gives 1 if they win. It’s not worth it.
Reality has a little-known Northwestern bias
NU prez knows how to get PUMPED
NW - we'll change your permanent crossover game to the '85 Bears if you lose this weekend
Missouri
Notre Dame
Michigan
Northwestern
Boise State
The Wildcats could not stop Willie Gault.
My hatred of Michigan knows no bounds. Even more so after this travesty.
September 1st, 2010. A day that shall live in infamy.
"Because one of the great minds of the 21st century is raising glow-in-the-dark fish and weaving serapes..." -Leonard Hofstadter from The Big Bang Theory
by OBrienSchofieldismyHero on Sep 2, 2010 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Back to defend my title!
Missouri
ND
Michigan
Northwestern
Virginia Tech
by SeattleHawkeye on Sep 2, 2010 3:49 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Another season of mediocrity in predictions begins
Mizzou – Based solely on The Ron Zook Postulate, take the Tigers at -11.5
Notre Dame – I hate the leprechaun, but they’ll win…though they won’t cover the -11
UConn – Turns out, those extra practices didn’t help the Wolverines at all\
NW – There’s nothing quite like an early-season Big Ten vs. SEC match-up to really get a barometer on conference supremacy. Oh. It’s Northwestern-Vanderbilt. Never mind. Go Cats, I guess.
Boise State – Take Smurf Turf at -2.5
Such decisions I have to make.
Mizzou
Purdue
UConn
jNWU
Va Tech
"You don't become a Hawkeye fan, You're born with Black and Gold in your veins." - Me
Hmmmm
Missouri
ND
UConn
Northwestern
Boise St.
Off Tackle Empire - Ruling on the Big Ten since 2008.
After last night's games...
I am changing my picks:
Missouri
ND
Michigan
Northwestern
Boise St.
Off Tackle Empire - Ruling on the Big Ten since 2008.
BLAM
Missourah over Illinois
No-trah Dame over Purdue
Michigan over UConn
Vandy over Northwestern (they always lose at least one inexplicable non-conference game)
Virginia Tech over Boise State
by Viceroy Fizzlebottom on Sep 2, 2010 5:49 PM CDT reply actions
Last Second picks
Mizzou
Notre Dame
UConn
Northwestern
Boise (who I really hopes loses to Oregon State in a few weeks)
I ate the blue ones ... they taste like burning.
I have been looking for this post all week!!
And may I add that I’m stoked I don’t have to pick margins this year. I HATE picking margins. Even if the rule named after me now disappears ;)
And now for the picks!
Mizzou
ND
UConn
NW
Boise
Joe Paterno is my adopted grandfather.
Nittany Lion Love,
Meredith
by PaternosGranddaughter on Sep 2, 2010 9:01 PM CDT reply actions
we need to save that rule
something like, an upset pick over a top 10 team will now be called a Paternos Granddaughter.
Off Tackle Empire
The quintessential Big Ten smoking room.
by Graham Filler on Sep 2, 2010 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I am totally cool with that :)
Joe Paterno is my adopted grandfather.
Nittany Lion Love,
Meredith
by PaternosGranddaughter on Sep 3, 2010 2:19 AM CDT up reply actions
My picks 5 week one games
Missouri
Purdue
Michigan
Northwestern
Boise State
by IowaStateBoiler on Sep 2, 2010 10:58 PM CDT reply actions
Disclaimer: This post is too long.
MIZZOU beats Illinois. To my mind, Illinois is the worst team in the conference, and it’s not particularly close. I look at their schedule and see ONE game that could be called a likely win, and that’s over an FCS team. Mizzou, sticking to the script from the last several years, runs roughshod, and the countdown to the time when the Zooker waterskis off into the sunset (over/under: December 1) begins.
THAT TEAM FROM SOUTH BEND beats Purdue. The loss of Ralph Bolden absolutely cripples the Purdue offense, and the secondary is a giant question mark; TTFSB will have some trouble moving the ball initially—even against the Boilers’ somewhat suspect defense, as the offense adjusts to the new system—but ultimately the Irish take care of business relatively easily.
MICHIGAN beats Connecticut. The closest game of the week (yes, including Boise/VT), and yet I find myself struggling to care about it. I could hardly have less confidence in this pick, but I figure that the quarterback play can hardly be worse than it was last year, and even then, aside from losing to the Fighting Zooks by 25 points, they weren’t abysmal, just mediocre. Much as it pains me to pick Michigan to win anything, at all, ever, I say the Big House crowd goes home happy after a nail-biter.
NORTHWESTERN beats Vanderbilt. As a Northwestern fan, every non-conference road game (or, perhaps more accurately, EVERY SINGLE GAME) absolutely terrifies me, including this one. The Cats’ ability to gag away a game they should have no trouble winning is infamous. Should NU win? Without question—without Warren Norman, the ‘Dores are utterly inept on both sides of the ball. Do I think NU will win? Yes, but not as comfortably as I’d like. Would I be surprised if Vandy pulled it out? Sadly, no.
BOISE STATE beats Virginia Tech. Some might disagree, but I think this is essentially a home game for the Hokies; I also think that it won’t matter, as the Broncos find a way to ignore the bizarre green-colored turf and win. It will be close, but I have sipped of the orange-and-blue Kool-Aid; BSU is good enough to play for the MNC, and they won’t let a chance like that slip away, especially when a win would go a loooong way toward silencing the doubters.
Let's get off to a good start!
Mizzou
Purdue
Michigan
Northwestern
VATech
by Assault & Slattery on Sep 3, 2010 8:22 AM CDT reply actions
Picks
Mizzou
Notre Dame
UConn
Northwestern
Boise St
by RickTheBloggerMartel on Sep 3, 2010 8:39 AM CDT reply actions
good luck Rick
!
Off Tackle Empire
The quintessential Big Ten smoking room.
by Graham Filler on Sep 3, 2010 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Here we go.
As much as it pains me to select two schools from Dixie my choices are :
1. The bastard state that really started the “Great Rebellion”.
2. Engineers over pedophiles.
3. The honorable gentlemen representing the Nutmeg state.
4. Our small private school over the insurrectionists small private school.
5. Gobblers over Yahoos.
ha
Off Tackle Empire
The quintessential Big Ten smoking room.
by Graham Filler on Sep 3, 2010 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep.
1) Missouri
2) Notre Dame
3) UConn
4) jNWU
5) Va Tech
"I want to be a cowboy. I don't want to be a panda. Pandas are boring, stupid and boring. Bad panda!"
Ross
You gonna be recaps this year?
Off Tackle Empire
The quintessential Big Ten smoking room.
by Graham Filler on Sep 3, 2010 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions
*do
Off Tackle Empire
The quintessential Big Ten smoking room.
by Graham Filler on Sep 3, 2010 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions
You can run and tell that!
Mizzou: Zook = bad.
Purdue: Cause I really want to see ND open 0-4.
_ichigan: I give them a month, then I start laughing (harder).
Northwestern: Cause it’s not a bowl game.
Virginia Tech: It will make BSU a better team.
It's a stigma you carry for 364 days until you get a chance to remove it, and get that blemish off your soul.
We go Ho' Beepo ?
Proof I know less than I think I do
Mizzou – Teams having the audacity to wear orange uniforms are destined to fail.
ND – Fingers burning with self loathing for this pick
UConn – Richrod begins rocking back and forth in his office every week listening to Jim Morrison. " This is the end…." Ohio state fans continue with the pointing and laughing
Northwestern – Coach Pat continues to lobby to allow two balls on the field at the same time to make it fair for the Mildkitties.
Boise St -Kellen Clemens starts his heisman campaign in similar fashion to TP but against a far better opponent.
Ski U Mah Gopher's Wild Guesses
Mizzou – Still mad after be Miss Congeniality to Nebraska
Notre Dame – First game for Kelly @ home, why not?
Michigan – I don’t know why?
Northwestern – even an easier pick than Mizzou
VaTech – Quasi-homefield advantage will be the difference
by Ski U Mah Gopher on Sep 3, 2010 5:45 PM CDT reply actions
My first typo of the season
Of course it should read:
Still mad afterbeing Miss Congeniality to Nebraska
by Ski U Mah Gopher on Sep 3, 2010 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions
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