Drew Gordon:
Tonight's Games...
1. 300,000♦ Jaguars
2. 50,000♦ Baylor
1. Jaguars- What has changed in the last 3 weeks that makes you believe the Steelers can win this game? Because all I see is negatives... The Steelers lost their star RB Willie Parker (at the time the league's leading rusher), 2nd string LT Max Starks (down to 3rd string LT Trai Essex), are still be without their best run-stuffing lineman in Aaron Smith, and while S Troy Polamalu will play, he is nowhere near 100%. In other words, if anything has changed, its the Steelers and their mounting injuries.
Its hard to ignore the fact the once feared Steelers run defense is struggling mightily, allowing 164 rushing yards per game on 5.1 yards per carry (absolutely unacceptable) over that span. If you can't stop the run against Jacksonville, you can't win, as we saw 3 weeks ago when Taylor/Jones-Drew rumbled for a combined 216 yards! Also, no longer considered a "game-manager," David Garrard can and will make the Steelers pay for overplaying the run.
On the other side of the ball, Pittsburgh's Najeh Davenport will have his work cut out for him, as this Jaguars run-defense is rock-solid, led by star DT Henderson. Davenport is a decent player, but he's not the home-run threat Parker was, and the Jaguars defense will benefit from that. Also, for all the talk about the Steelers O-line, did you know Roethlisberger was the second most sacked QB in the NFL this season (47 times), trailing only Detroit's Kitna... Not a good sign against an agressive and ball-hawking defense (CB Mathis and S Nelson are both excellent).
Bottom line, even with their full compliment of players, this would be a tough game for the Steelers, but where they are right now, missing so many key pieces, this is Jacksonville's game to lose. We've learned not to underesimate the Steelers over the years, but in this case, they are being beaten at their own game, as the Jaguars will pound the Steelers in submission on both sides of the ball tonight.
Take the Jaguars comfortably over the Steelers as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Baylor- Got to like the Bears in this one, as Arkansas' inexperience under a new head coach Pelfrey shows up in this neutral court match up. While they've shown improvment, the Razorbacks still have a long way to go before we consider them consistent. Their recent loss to Appalachian State at home as 16'-point favorites is a perfect example. Despite turning the ball over 22 times, App. State shot 66% from the field to win outright 74-67 in the Razorbacks house no less!
Baylor on the other hand, has benefited from continuity and a veteran-laden roster, led by junior G Jerrells and his 14 ppg and nearly 4 assists/game. Their 4-guard attack makes it difficult for a frontcourt-heavy team like Arkansas to defend them, because their Bigs don't want to leave the paint. However, that plays right into the hands of this Bears team, as they tickle the twine to the tune of 48% from the field and 39% from 3-point!
While Arkansas's defensive numbers are good, they've been unimpressive when it comes to defending anywhere else but home. Ugly losses at Oklahoma, and against Providence on a neutral court, have shown the Razorbacks penchant for falling asleep when they're not protecting their own house. More of the same tonight, as Baylor will not stop coming at them.
Bottom line, while oddsmakers expected this game to be close, I couldn't disagree more. The Razorbacks are still learning, and their about to get a tough lesson from this Baylor squad... You cannot allow the intensity to drop off on the road, and that's exactly what happens to this Arkansas team tonight, as Baylor rolls in this one!
Take Baylor comfortably over Arkansas in this college hoops match up.
Today's Games...
1. 50,000♦ Redskins
2. 50,000♦ James Madison