Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Week Two Predictions


12 South Carolina vs. Georgia Prediction: South Carolina, 31 Georgia, 27
How to Beat South Carolina: Make them one-dimensional, make them run the ball. Marcus Lattimore isn't very speedy so blitzing will keep him in the middle. With Devin Taylor and Jadevon Clowney on the other you can't get out of the pocket without them pressuring you so stay in as much as possible.
How to Beat Georgia: Gaining big yards on the ground was an important to the Bulldogs gaining points against Broncos so get on the side and try to contain their dynamic backs. The defense didn't look great against Boise State so it shouldn't be too much of a problem scoring. The special teams is great with punter Drew Butler and kicker Blair Walsh so don't expect much easy plays against it.
Utah vs. USC Prediction: Utah, 27 USC, 20
How to Beat Utah: Jordan Wynn has great legs so you have to contain him. Making the Utes pass the ball will help since they prefer the ground game. Robert Woods dominated in his first game for the Trojans so look for him as much as possible.
How to Beat USC: If you cover Woods like a blanket and make Matt Barkley look around for other options he won't be able to do as much damage. The Trojans secondary is strong with safety T.J. McDonald and Nickell Robey so avoid it as much as possible be running the ball.
3 Alabama vs. 23 Penn State Prediction: Alabama, 24 Penn State, 16
How to Beat Alabama: Both quarterbacks are obviously not experienced so they won't be very effective on the road against a tough Penn State team. The secondary is stacked and Courtney Upshaw and Dont'a Hightower are beasts in the middle.
How to Beat Penn State: Rob Bolden is a dual threat but he is not necessarily a passer so making him pass will cut down yardage. Silas Redd had a strong first game and shutting him down will be important. Running up the middle with Trent Richardson will gain yardage.
16 Mississippi State vs. Auburn Prediction: Mississippi State, 38 Auburn, 30
How to Beat Mississippi State: The Bulldogs have a skilled and experienced secondary so running the ball will be more effective. Chris Relf doesn't have the best arm so testing his accuracy and arm will help.
How to Beat Auburn: Of course they have a young and first year quarterback in Barrett Trotter so making them throw will force turnovers and make three and outs. The teams defense, especially the line is recovering so you can stay in the pocket for a while.
Other Predictions:
Oregon, 45 Nevada, 28
Oklahoma State, 34 Arizona, 23
Wisconsin, 37 Oregon State, 19
Notre Dame, 28 Michigan, 21

1 comment:

Mike McGowan said...

What no MN Gopher prediction? Your readers must be interested in MN and New Mexico St.