NCAA Thursday/Saturday

[lostinamerica]

NCAA YTD
Sides: 10-4 (+6.55*)
Totals: 1-0 (+1.00*)

It's looking like there will be a few prominent games on my card this week . . .

Clemson(+14' and +14 combined) for 1*
FSU at home off a SU loss has a tradition of being worldbeaters, but is this squad ready to deliver the big plays that Papa Bowden preaches? In
5 games FSU has not had a rushing play over 28 yards or a passing play over 56 yards, scored 38 points in the 1stQ and 31 points in the 3rdQ, attempted 11 field goals and "only" scored 2 TDs by defense and special teams. Overdue to explode with Miami on deck? Perhaps, but a loss to
Louisville in the rain and the pedestrian outings that preceded it call into question whether FSU has anything special to just line up and load up with for tonight. Clemson under Junior Bowden has obviously been building his program to measure up in just this game, and if their skilled and very motivated QB instills the troops with some poise to match their emotion, Clemson looks very capable of keeping things interesting. I'd pass if this game was played on Saturday, but it's worth a shot as best play on the card status since I'll be channel surfing through the football and baseball games tonight.

Alabama(-3') for 1.5*
Georgia leads the way this season among the highly rated teams that I have noticed being consistently bashed and doubted by neutral commentators I respect and their core of partisan foes that enjoy ripping on a hated rival. I didn't see enough of Georgia in the South Carolina game to form much of an opinion, but there is usually at least a kernel of substance behind such a consensus. On the other hand, I've seen Alabama 3 times this year and in last year's Bowl game vs. Iowa State and came away impressed with their stout play, ability and willingness to throw the ball, and their character and resilience at crunch time. As Georgia goes for its first 5-0 start in 20 years in a stadium where it's never won, this game stands out as a chance for on probation Bama to claim the scalp that got away from them in the Oklahoma game.

Until Saturday . . .

GL

 

[lostinamerica]

Iowa(-8') for 1*
Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz: " I think our guys understand. It's real simple. We're 1-0, which means we could be 1-7. We are hardly the kind of team that can relax. We're not that good, not that smart." Iowa attacks a Big Ten opponent with its many strengths again this week and looks to rise up at home and stop the abuse from teams that toss the ball downfield expecting their receivers to come up with the play.

Oregon(-8) over Arizona for 1*
The Quack Attack looks solid enough for this road test to open defense of their Pac 10 title.

Alabama/Georgia(Under 46') for 1*
Both teams want to hammer the other under the chinstrap, and trouble scoring is also likely if either team has to get away from that.

Kansas State(-3') for 1*
It seems like Bill Snyder's teams always have to overcome a bunch of mistakes in big games, but Colorado will likely need nothing less than its very best to be the better team today.

Notre Dame(-8) for 1*
Will Stanford dictate the tempo by stymieing Notre Dame's rushing fortunes? A team with an injured or backup QB that has been excellent at the little things for their coach should do him proud in this spot.

Arizona State(-8') for 1*
I hope it's a track meet and that the Tar Heels have the Wolfpack on their minds.

Baylor(-4) for 1*
I wish those desperate seniors and that coaching staff all the luck they can muster. Will loophle favor us with a "bad football game" perspective?

GL