Tough Tests For Top Teams

5 Michigan State vs. 18 Iowa
How To Beat Iowa: When you shut down the run game they don't have a lot of other options to go to. Ricky Stanzi has been horrible this season. Run the ball away from Adrian Clayborn. It's hard to do-the explosive Clayborn can play the whole field-but the only other playmakers on the defense are in the secondary.
How To Beat Michigan State: Beat them in the trenches. They have been a run-hard-at-them team and pass the ball ocassionally team. Putting seven guys in the box could help. It's interesting but be ready on special teams. Notre Dame lost because of that game winning pass and Mark Dantanio could try it late in the game if his team is down.
Outlook: I don't see the Spartans swift rushing attack becoming too dominant and Kirk Cousins won't do too much either, with Clayborn in his face.
6 Missouri vs. 14 Nebraska
How To Beat Missouri: Blaine Gabbert is smart. If you don't confuse him blitz. It's when of the few ways too stop him. Drop two guys on end Aldon Smith. He always manages too get in the backfield and the run game is always key for Nebraska.
How To Beat Nebraska: Force Taylor Martinez too throw. He's much better of a scrambler than fellow Zac Lee but he's much less of a passer. Plus, other than Niles Paul they don't have enough in the passing game. Pass too your tight ends. Prince Amukamara usually gets your best receiver and can play all over the field. Little shots out to tight ends for 8 to 10 yards could rack up tons of yards.
Outlook: Gabbert might just be too much for the Nebraska secondary and the Missouri defense may just be too much for Martinez.
2 Oregon vs. USC
How To Beat Oregon: It's pretty hard. Darren Thomas isn't as good as a passer as Masoli so force him to throw. Jurrell Casey can be the perfect threat to rush right up the middle. Their defense isn't too good. Bring a balanced offense and you can beat them.
How To Beat USC: Wear the defense down. With the speed the Ducks have it shouldn't be too hard. If you get past the first line of defense their is few players that can stop you from six. Bring heat on Barkley. When he has time too throw, he can throw well. Make him get more mobile and feel unfomfortable ou tof the pocket.
Outlook: Oregon's offense should roll over the Trojans, and this game should turn out mysteriously like last year's blowout.

College Basketball Preview: 7. Kansas State Wildcats

An always consistent team only loses Clemente but returns the explosive Pullen.

Kansas State Wildcats Key Losses: G Denis Clemente, C Luis Colon Key Returnees: G Jacob Pullen, F Curtis Kelly, F Wally Judge

Two seniors will be key to the Wildcats success this season. Guard Jacob Pullen and forward Curtis Kelly. Neither were the number one option but with the departure of Denis Clemente and Luis Colon they likely will be. Pullen came out of nowhere but has to improve on shooting where Clemente beat most teams. Wally Judge was the team's star recruit last year but didn't do much. He'll be more of a factor with no more Colon. Jamar Samuels is another strong sophomore and Martavious Irving could get the chance to start this season. Coach Frank Martin also recruited forward Shane Southwell and guard Will Spradling. A player to watch: monster 7 foot sophomore center Jordan Henriquez-Roberts.

Big 12 Rank: 1st
Last Season Results: 29-8, lost to Butler in Elite Eight
Key Recruits: F Shane Southwell(123+), G Will Spradling, C Freddy Asprilla
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Big BCS Implications This Week

1 Oklahoma vs. 11 Missouri- There is a lot of pressure on the Sooners in this one. Not only did people think it wasn't a smart move to shoot them up to one and the obvious one, two straight number one team's have lost. Blaine Gabbert leads the Tigers up with intentions of becoming 7-0. Not likely, the Sooners have one of the most under appreciated players in the NCAA. What does this mean? Sooners keep on rolling. Oklahoma 27 Missouri 21.
4 Auburn vs. 6 LSU- The last few big games that Auburn has played I thought they would for sure lose. Maybe it's time to make a change. The versatile Cameron Newton goes up against one of the toughest SEC defenses. Not only will it be tough to scramble(linebacker Kelvin Sheppard will be waiting), it will tough to pass up against cornerback Patrick Peterson. But the other Tigers offense will may struggle even more. Auburn 24 LSU 16
16 Nebraska vs. 14 Oklahoma State- After a blindsided loss to the Longhorns the 'Huskers are trying to pick themselves up. It will not be easy against another undefeated in the Cowboys. A lethal offense, led by QB Brandon Weeden and wideout Justin Blackmon along with Kendall Hunter, the 'Huskers defense will have their hands full. Luckily, they have tackle Jared Crick who hopes to shut down Hunter, and Prince Amukamara the shutdown corner for Nebraska goes up against Blackmon. Oklahoma State 34 Nebraska 27

College Basketball Preview: 6. Butler Bulldogs

Hahn is one of the many-but important-no name Butler Bulldogs who will be key to the team's success.


Butler Bulldogs, Key Losses: F Gordon Hayward,G Avery Jukes, G Willie Veasley Key Returnees: F Matt Howard, G Shelvin Mack, G Ronald Nored

The surprise of the tournament, Butler will try to recreate a great '09-'10 even with losses of three important players: Gordon Hayward, Avery Jukes and Willie Veasley. Luckily for the Bulldogs they return forward Matt Howard who was a very big reason why the team did make the run and will gain even more experience in his senior year. Ronald Nored, who was an underrated part of the team's success is part of a weird hybrid who leads the team in passing and steals but doesn't score much. Also Shawn Vanzant, who played off the bench last year is psychical and smart. Shelvin Mack and Zach Hahn have great shots and will be the big pieces of their attack in the perimeter. The Bulldogs are fully ready to repeat as runner ups or possibly, even better.

Horizon League Rank: 1st
Last Season Results: 33-5, lost to Duke in NCAA tournament final
Key Recruits: F Khyle Marshall(113+), F Eric Fromm, G Christian Hopkins
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College Basketball Preview:5. Pittsburgh Panthers

Robinson(35), who averaged just 6.6 points per game last year, will play more of a role with the loss of Dixon.


Pittsburgh Panthers, Key Losses: F Jermaine Dixon Key Returnees: G Ashton Gibbs, F Nasir Robinson, C Gary McGhee

The Panthers only lose Jermaine Dixon from a solid Big East team last season. The loss of Dixon shouldn't be a big problem if Ashton Gibbs can take over as the big scorer. He is also a good passer which will be key also as center Gary McGhee returns, who wouldn't put up 15 points a game regularly but will challenge in the post. Nasir Robinson, the effective forward is going to also be a threat. The junior who averaged just 6.6 points will take more of a role with no more Dixon. Guard Brad Wanamaker is the perfect compliment to Gibbs. The recruiting class brings up guard Isiah Epps, who will mostly be a bench player for the Panthers and forward J.J. Moore who could beat out the rest of the team for Dixon's spot.

Big East Rank: 1st
Last Season Results: 25-9, lost to Xavier in second round of NCAA tournament
Key Recruits: G Isiah Epps(69+), F J.J. Moore(107+)
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BCS Standings

1. Boise State
2. Oregon
3. TCU
4. Oklahoma
5. Auburn
6. Alabama
7. Ohio State
8. LSU
9. Michigan State
10. Utah
11. Iowa
12. Nebraska
13. Wisconsin
14. Stanford
15. Florida State
16. South Carolina
17. Arizona
18. Oklahoma State
19. Nevada
20. Arkansas
21. Missouri
22. Texas
23. West Virginia
24. Michigan
25. Northwestern

Big Games To Watch

12 Arkansas vs. 7 Auburn
The only reason I think the Tigers are still undefeated is because of a stroke of luck and Cameron Newton. Newton may not be the most prolific passer in the NCAA but he is a dual threat. His options are limited but they do have Marcus Zachary. Meanwhile the Razorbacks are also trying to prove they are legit and were hurt because their one loss to Alabama, just lost to another SEC oppenent in South Carolina. Arkansas, 31 Auburn, 24.
15 Iowa vs. Michigan
A big Big Ten war will be important for both teams. For Iowa, they are trying to prove that the loss to Arizona was just a hiccup. For the Wolverines they are coming off a loss against Michigan State, and Denard Robinson hopes to jump back into the to spot in the Heisman race again. Tyler Sash, will key shutting down Robinson in both passing and the rushing game. Unfortunately for Michigan he likely will. Iowa, 27 Michigan, 21.
1 Ohio State vs. 18 Wisconsin
Frankly, Terrelle Pryor has been a disapointment. We thought he would be the same talent in the win the team had against Oregon in last year's Rose Bowl win. If healthy Jay Valai, who is a killer in the secondary hopes to shut him down. In the middle they also have Blake Sorensen and Mike Taylor and J.J Watt on the line. Basically this means upset alert for the Buckeyes. Ohio State, 34 Wisconsin, 31.

College Basketball Preview: 4. UNC Tar Heels

Henson, now the big man inside with the losses of both Davis and Thompson is the reason the Tar Heels are in line to make a historical turnaround.

Tar Heels, Key Loss: G Marcus Ginyard, F Ed Davis, F Deon Thompson Key Returnees: F John Henson, G Dexter Strickland, C Tyler Zeller

After a dismal season last year, winning just five games in you might think this pick is crazy. But, with the return of Dexter Strickland, John Henson and Larry Drew the Heels have a high scoring three who will improve in their second years. Henson the main threat inside for UNC now that both Ed Davis and Deon Thompson. Coach Roy Williams also returns 7 foot tall junior Tyler Zeller. Recruit Harrison Branes may not play every second of each game but possibly the prize of the 2010 recuiting class will make a difference. Leslie McDonald is another interesting guard.

ACC Rank:2
Last Season Result: 20-17, lost in NIT to Dayton
Key Recruits: F Harrison Barnes(2+), G Reggie Bullock(10+), G Kendall Marshall(32+)
+=Rivals.com Recruiting Ranking

College Basketball Preview: 3. Purdue Boilermakers

Moore(33) will be key dishing inside to Hummel and JaJuan Johnson.

Purdue Boilermakers, Key Losses: G Chris Kramer, G Keaton Grant Key Returnees: PF Robbie Hummel, E'Tuwan Moore

Purdue should have a serious shot at the championship this season because of the returns of Robbie Hummel. He is a good pyschical defender and can rebound fine too, but his offense is where he excels. E'Tuwan Moore will do a good job getting it into him inside along with center JaJuan Johnson. The losses of both guards Keaton Grant and Chris Kramer hurt more on defense than offense. The recruiting class is decent led by guard Terone Johnson, who will take over Kramer's spot, and Anthony Johnson. Both Donnie Hale and Travis Carrol will key off the bench inside the post.

Big Ten Rank: 2
Last Season Results: 29-6, lost in Sweet Sixteen to Duke
Key Recruits: G Terone Johnson(46+), G Anthony Johnson(100=), F Donnie Hale, C Travis Carrol

Alabama Losses, Michigan State Wins Rivalry

After rolling to two straight wins over tough SEC opponents Arkansas and Florida I had Alabama easily rolling over the Gamecocks. But South Carolina switched things up as after a 'Bama field goal, a Marcus Lattimore score(he had two), then the passing game took over. Stephen Garcia had two key pass touchdowns to Alshon Jeffrey and all of the sudden South Carolina was up 21-3. The second half looked like the Crimson Tide's when Garcia was forced to kick the ball into the back of the end zone for a safety. But an amazing catch by Jeffrey which pushed the Gamecocks into the 10, where Lattimore scored again giving South Carolina the win 35-21. This snapped the Crimson Tide's 19 game win streak.

Never in recent memory have both Michigan and Michigan State both been this good(Spartans at 17 and Wolverines at 18). Denard Robinson had a decent game. He had 215 passing yards plus a touchdown but the three interceptions hurt. He ran the ball 21 times for 86 yards. Meanwhile Spartans QB Kirk Cousins had 284 passing yards and 1 score which ultimately helped the Spartans win 34-17. This makes Michigan State 6-0 with two straight wins over tough Big Ten opponents.

College Basketball Preview: 2. Michigan State Spartans

In order to get back to the Final Four, the Spartans need big play from post players including Derrick Nix(50).

Michigan State Spartans, Key Losses: F Raymar Morgan Key Returnees: G Kalin Lucas, F Draymond Green, G Durrell Summers

Few teams can beat the Spartans when they are at top strength. That was true last NCAA tournament when even losing star Kalin Lucas to an Achilles injury rolled to a Final Four appearance. The team lost just Raymar Morgan but with the returns of Lucas, Durrell Summers and Draymond Green they have a big three can score 60 points a game between them. To load up their backcourt they brought in star recruit Adreian Payne and and Keith Appling, both guards. Post play was an upcoming issue for Tom Izzo's squad. Center Derrick Nix will likely gain a starting job at the spot. New forwards Alex Gauna and Russell Byrd could attract some interest from Izzo and gain a starting job.

Big Ten Rank: 1st
Last Season Results: 28-9, lost to Butler in Final Four
Key Recruits:G Adreian Payne(20+), G Keith Appling(34+), F Russell Byrd(108+)

College Basketball Preview: 1. Duke Blue Devils

With Kyle Singler, Coach K's squad has a legit shot at repeating.

Duke Blue Devils Notable Losses: C-PF Brian Zoubek, G Jon Scheyer Key Returnees: G Nolan Smith, F Kyle Singler

Duke doesn't look a lot different after it's title win over Butler. They have a loaded backcourt despite the loss of Jon Scheyer. Nolan Smith, Kyle Singler and Andre Dawkins return. New freshman guard Kyrie Irving fill soften the loss of Scheyer. New transfer Seth Curry could even be better than his brother, Stephen. Size will be more an issue especially after the loss of both Brian Zoubek and Lance Thomas. New recruits Joshua Hariston will hopefully solve that issue. If the Blue Devils get productive play from new additions Irving and Curry they have a realistic shot at repeating.

ACC Rank: 1st
Last Season Result: 35-5, Beat Butler in National Championship
Key Recruits:G Kyrie Irving(9+), F Joshua Hariston(49+), G Tyler Thornton(129+)

Weekly Report

Michigan State proved they were real when they beat down Wisconsin or did they? That close win over Arizona State didn't make me feel reassured about the Badgers. Nobody can stop 'Bama. They beat Arkansas and Florida, two of the teams who actually have a realistic to make a BCS bowl. Don't count Mark Ingram out for the Heisman again. When healthy he has been unstopaable including the wins over the Gators and Razorbacks. Boise State shouldn't have been as worried against Oregon State and Virginia Tech as they should be facing Nevada. With Colin Kaepernick and the pistol offenese the Wolfpack are tough to beat. Other than Oregon the Pac 10 is wide open. This weeks game Stanford vs. USC will help. And with Arizona stomping all over you have three teams who have a legit shot at the Pac 10 championship. Oregon State and Washington are also bubble teams. Bo Pelini has two quarterbacks Taylor Martinez and Zac Lee but that's not the only reason they will win the Big 12. Niles Paul has had a big season and will continue it.Kansas State is also a possible sleeper with explosive back Daniel Thomas.

Big Game Predictions

Alabama vs. South Carolina- Can anyone stop the might Crimson Tide? Two straight wins over top ten SEC teams will be helped by another one. Marcell Dareus has big game for Tide.
Michigan State vs. Michigan- Yes Denard Robinson has been superhuman in the first five games for the Wolverines. But other than him Michigan lacks depth. Kirk Cousins is dangerous and the defense can stop Robinson.
Oregon State vs. Arizona- Few teams have been bigger disappointments than the Beavers. Obviously they have had a tough schedule and have absoultely no momentum going up against a very hot team. Tackle Marcus Washington needs to shut down speedy Jacquizz Rodgers.
LSU vs. Florida- LSU escaped over Tennessee and Florida was destroyed by 'Bama. This means that both these teams need wins on their resume. Both teams need their young starters, Brantley for Gators and Jefferson for Tigers to star.
Miami vs. Florida State
Tons of people are talking about this one. I don't know if the Seminoles defense can shut down Jacory Harris and the rest of the lethal 'Cane passing game. Christian Ponder isn't too bad either.
Stanford vs. USC- Both are suffering from two key Pac 10 losses. Andrew Luck and Matt Barkley are two of the best quarterbacks in the Pac 10, and both have power run games. Shayne Skov is underrated and should help the Cardinal regain momentum.
Pittsburgh vs. Notre Dame- This is the most underappreciated game of the week. Both have first year starters but have options. Dion Lewis hopes to be healthy and make plays to secure a win for the Panthers.

NCAA All American Team

QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas QB Denard Robinson, Michigan
RB Mark Ingram, Alabama RB Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State
FB Owen Marecic, Stanford
WR Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma WR D.J. Woods, Cincinnati
WR Kealoha Pilares, Hawaii WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
TE Kyle Rudolph TE Zach Pianalto, UNC
T Nate Potter, Boise State
G Rodney Hudson, Florida State
C Sean Beford, Georgia Tech
DE Robert Quinn, UNC DE Jake Bequette, Arkansas
DT Stephen Paea, Oregon State DT Marcell Dareus, Alabama
DT Jared Crick, Nebraska DT Marvin Austin, UNC
DE Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma DE Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
LB Brian Duncan, Texas Tech
LB Greg Jones, Michigan State
LB Von Miller, Texas A&M
CB Patrick Peterson, LSU CB Ras I-Dowling, Virginia
CB Aaron Williams, Texas
S Rahim Moore, UCLA S DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson
S Tyler Sash, Iowa S Mark Barron, Alabama
K Kai Forbath, UCLA
P Kyle Brotzman,Boise State
Returner: Jeremy Kereley, TCU

Temporary Rankings

1. Alabama- Passes over Boise State- temporary of course- because of two top ten SEC wins.
2. Boise State
3. Oregon
4. Ohio State- Weak performance against Illionis didn't help.
5. TCU
6. Nebraska- Few teams have impressed me more, under the lead of Taylor Martinez.
7. Oklahoma
8. LSU
9. Arizona- Stanford and USC losing makes winning Pac 10 championship even more realistic.
10. Auburn
11. Arkansas
12. Iowa- Embarrassed Penn State, but is Ricky Stanzi ready to lead the Hawkeyes back to contention?
13. Miami
14. Florida- When one of the worst rankings the Gators have suffered under Urban Meyer, their is reason to hope with the running game.
15. Utah
16. Michigan State
17. Wisconsin- Special teams has been a surprise issue. A healthy John Clay and James White will keep them in it.
18. Stanford
19. Michigan- Denard Robinson is fantastic but who else doe the Wolverines present?
20. South Carolina
21. Washington- Yes I know at times they've looked weak and were beat by BYU but win over USC is turning point this season.
22. Nevada
23. Oklahoma State
24. Missouri
25. USC- Sneaks into spot because of a certain Allen Bradford, who rushed for over 200 yards in the loss to the Huskies.

Oregon Beats Out Stanford, Red River Rivalry Goes to Oklahoma, Michigan State Wins Big Ten War

We knew that the West Coast war would be high scoring. You had ninth ranked Stanford and Andrew Luck going up against LaMichael James and fourth ranked Oregon. Stanford got up big early led by Andrew Luck, up 21-3 after two touchdowns, both by Luck, and a run by back Stepfan Taylor. Darren Thomas who started over Nate Costa showed fantastic composure and started leading the Ducks back. At half the momentum had changed to 31-24. The second half belonged to Oregon and LaMichael James. He finished off the day with 257 rushing yards and three touchdowns including a clinching 76 yard run in the 52-31 shootout.

Few are better rivalries than the Red River. Every year these teams show up one usually with BCS championship aspirations, in this case, Oklahoma. Things looked all Sooner early gaining 14-0 lead and the Longhorns offense looked nonexistent until a 60 yard run by D.J. Monroe. But Oklahoma's balanced offense prevailed, Landry Jones passing for 236 yards and 2 scores and back DeMarco Murray rushed for 115 yards.

Personally I thought Michigan State was overrated at 24. They proved me wrong beating up Wisconsin's defense scoring 34. After an early field goal the Badgers took over with a James White score. But a game changing punt return by wide receiver Keshawn Martin which went for 74 yards and gave the Spartans the lead. Kirk Cousins, who had 269 passing yards help finish off 11th ranked Wisconsin with a pass to B.J. Cunningham.
Other Scores:
1 Alabama 31 7 Florida 6 John Brantley(Gators): 202 passing yards, 2 interceptions, Mark Ingram(Crimson Tide):12 carries, 47 yards, 2 touchdowns
17 Iowa 24 22 Penn State 3 Adam Robinson(Hawkeyes): 28 carries, 95 yards, 1 touchdown, Robert Bolden(Nittany Lions) 212 passing yards, 1 interception
Washington 32 18 USC 31 Jake Locker(Huskies): 310 passing yards, 1 touchdown, Allen Bradford(Trojans) 21 carries, 223 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns

Big Games This Week

Alabama vs. Florida This game is always unpredictable.The top ranked team has lost the last two times both in the SEC Championship game. The game will come down to defense. Both teams suffered major losses but still have lone stars in the unit. Mark Ingram who has been big in both games in '10 will be a huge factor as the skilled Florida secondary can shut down Greg McElroy. Alabama 31 Florida 20.
Stanford vs. Oregon In the teams first meeting with both in the top 10 the best player may just be: fullback/linebacker Owen Marecic. An interesting threat in the run game he also needs to shut down the Ducks high powered offense. If he can do that and QB Andrew Luck can have a big game Stanford might just win. Stanford 38 Oregon 35
Wisconsin vs. Michigan State With Mark Dantanio on the sidelines does that mean it's automatic for the Badgers? There is a good chance.Even with linebacker Greg Jones it will be tough for the Spartans to shut down John Clay. Don't count Scott Tolzien and the pasin game also. Wisconsin 21-16.