Happy Saturday football fans! I'm back after a brief hiatus last week and now the federal government says I'm legally allowed to fly planes without supervision. With my new perspective from the sky I have a post game analysis from Nebraska-Purdue as well as your Week 8 predictions from around college football. Read on below and enjoy your CFB Saturday!
The Huskers were unable to keep their 2-win streak momentum as they fell to the Boilermakers 43-37 in West Lafayette. The spooky night train put up over 600 yards of offense on a defense that was beginning to trend in the right direction and 6th year QB Aiden O'Connell once again torched the Huskers through the air. I've got my GOOD, EXPECTED and BAD breakdown from that game.
GOOD - Trey Palmer and Aiden O'Connell. I'll get the Boilermaker out of the way quick, I tip my hat to O'Connell. After his very bad interception in the end zone on their opening drive, he was lights out. I thought the Huskers were going to have his number after that but he made some very impressive throws where only his receivers could get it. He's a 6th year QB and has played well against the Huskers his entire career. Not upset about seeing him for the last time. As for the really good side of this category, Trey Palmer really showed out on why he is the best athlete on the field. After that sensational performance where he set the Nebraska school record for most receiving yards in a game with 237, I have no doubt that he is one of the best receiving talents in the nation. Essentially un-coverable by the Boilermaker defense, Palmer had legitimately half of the Husker offensive yards. It's been great watching him all season but this was a breakout game needed to boost his stock and really showcase how talented he is.
EXPECTED - Casey Thompson running for his life, and still playing fairly well. We all know the offensive line is horrible and we know they're not going to block. Yet, I am somehow still baffled at how horrendous of a unit they are and the atrocious technique in which they play with. Thompson is immediately scrambling once the ball hits his hands. There are a few throws that make us all gasp, but for the most part I give a lot of kudos to Casey. It can't be easy to attempt and read coverages with the pocket immediately collapsing. He's played solid all year and I hope it continues despite his lack of protection.
BAD - Edge contain and tackling. Old habits tend to die hard and such is the case for the Husker defense and their poor attempts to bring opposing ball carriers to the ground. Despite their air raid prowess, the trains amassed 217 yards on the ground, 178 of those coming from Devin "Crazy Legs" Mockobee. The Husker defensive ends held no outside contain and Purdue ran very basic run plays. Once out on the edge, either from a hand off or pass, the Boilermaker ball carriers looked like a greased pig as Husker defenders slipped off of them left and right. Tackling improved against Indiana and Rutgers but took a step back in this game.
A needed BYE week should help the Huskers this week but the schedule following is not forgiving. We'll see what Mickey Joseph and crew can come up with for the back half of the season.
Week 6 Record: 12 - 3
Overall Record: 73 - 32
#14 Syracuse at #5 Clemson
A battle of the ACC Oranges takes place in Death Valley as the 'Cuse take on the Tigers. The Orange have sneakily worked their way into the top 15 with an unblemished record. The Tigers present their biggest test of the season, but don't discount this Syracuse squad too early. They are coming off a very impressive win against NC State where they held the Wolfpack to just 9 points. Junior QB Garrett Shrader has nearly 1500 passing yards this season with 12 TDs and just 3 picks. He'll be up against a Clemson defense that has 11 turnovers on the season, so ball control will be key. On the other side, DJ Uiagalelei has 17 TDs with just 2 picks, so look out for a QB battle in this one. Clemson's offense hasn't hit many speed bumps so far this season, but both defenses in this game only allow 36.7% of opposing third downs to be converted. Keeping those to 3rd and short. I'm anxious to see Syracuse and if they can go toe to toe with a top team, but I'll take Clemson at home in a close one. Tigers win 28-24.
#7 Ole Miss at LSU
A forgotten unbeaten in the top 10 are the Rebels from the SEC. Lane Kiffin's squad has been tested, but have yet to slip up. The back half of their schedule toughens up as the travel to Death Valley this week, followed by a trip to A&M and the rest of the SEC West. Regardless, they have one of the most dynamic offensive attacks in the nation and will challenge LSU with a very balanced attack. The Rebels' Freshman RB, Quinshon Judkins is my X-factor to watch. He's got 10 TDs on the ground so far this season with 720 yards and 5.9 yard per carry average. LSU's defense has given up over 200 yards rushing in the last two games, so if Judkins gets hot early this could really control the pace of the game. Offensively for the Tigers, they need to protect Jayden Daniels. They rank near the bottom of the nation with 22 sacks given up this season, and Ole Miss ranks near the top with 19 sacks on opposing QBs this year. If Daniels can stay clean in the pocket, the LSU wideouts will have big play opportunities against Ole Miss. This will be a fun one to watch, but I think Ole Miss is the real deal. Rebels win it in Baton Rouge 40-35.
#9 UCLA at #10 Oregon
Chip Kelley returns to Eugene as the unbeaten Bruins look to keep command of the PAC-12. I think this could end up being not only the best game of the day, but one of the best all season. Hopefully that doesn't jinx it, but both of these teams are playing extremely well and have dynamic offenses that will put up points no matter what. Starting with the Ducks, Bo Nix has really found his rhythm at QB, accounting for 20 total TDs so far this season. He's been torching defenses through the air and on the ground, scoring 5 of his 8 rushing TDs in the last two games with over 200 rushing yards. UCLA's defense needs to contain him in the pocket and keep on the pressure. Letting him run wild will get you behind very quick. His Gold and Blue clad counterpart though is no slouch either. Senior Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR) has been sensational this year, throwing for over 1500 yards with 15 TDs and 2 picks, all while completing nearly 75% of his throws. He's developed well under Chip Kelley and knows his style of play. DTR runs the offense as smooth as anyone and has lots of weapons at his disposal. Ex-Michigan RB Zach Charbone and Ex-Duke WR Jake Bobo are to key players to watch. This will be a fun game and both defenses could struggle against these dynamic playmakers under center. I've doubted UCLA before and they proved me wrong, but I'm not sure that they will do it again today. I like how Bo Nix is playing for the Ducks so I've got Oregon winning 37-34 at home. Great game out west.
#20 Texas at #11 Oklahoma State
The Cowboys gave up a double digit lead and fell to the Horned Frogs last week 43-40 in double OT. Their defense had multiple holes punched through it for over 500 total yards, and with Texas' resurgence under QB Quinn Ewers, you know they're looking to exploit that. This should be a classic Big XII gunslinging shootout, but Spencer Sanders is injured in this game. Both QBs are talented but Sanders has a lot more experience, so the Cowboys will need to help out the backup. However, the Longhorns defense has been one of the most consistent units in the Big XII, so I'm actually taking the road time. Texas wins a big one in Stillwater 37-28.
Minnesota at #16 Penn State
The Gophers have lost two in a row after starting hot at 4-0. They travel to Happy Valley where they are likely to feel the wrath of a Nittany Lion crew who just got stomped by Michigan. Both teams need a bounce back win to stay in BIG 10 Title contention, but it’s more important for the Gophers as the West Division is starting to slip into the hands of Illinois. Tanner Morgan and Sean Clifford are two of the most experienced QBs in the conference, so look for them to ball out most important is the ground game tough, led by Mohammed Ibrahim, the senior from the Gophers and Nicholas Singleton, the sensational freshman from PSU. Whichever team can win the battle at the line of scrimmage and open up rushing lanes for these two backs will be able to control the clock and win this game. Penn State playing at home is a big advantage in a grinder like this, so I’ll give them the nod with a 30-20 victory.
#17 Kansas State at #8 TCU
The Wildcats are looking to quietly keep pace in the Big XII title chase, but with a road trip to one of the nation’s newest top 10 members, they’re only choice is to make some noise. Adrian Martinez has yet to throw a pick with his new team, and with a strong rushing attack led by him and Deuce Vaughn, K-State poses a serious threat in this one. TCU puts up big points and usually gashes defenses for big plays with Max Duggan bombing it deep to Junior wideout, Quentin Johnston. Surprisingly, Johnston only has 2 TDs on the season but averages nearly 15 yards per catch and is a matchup nightmare at 6’4, 215 lbs. Having watched him play a few times this season I can say he is one of the best talents in the nation at receiver. I’d feed him like crazy if I were the Frogs and I think they make enough big plays to fend off the Wildcats. TCU keeps the streak going with a 34-28 victory over the power cats.
#24 Mississippi State at #6 Alabama
The Tide are back home after giving up 52 points and 385 passing yards. Obviously they are pissed and will be out for blood, but hosting the air raid bulldogs led by the Pirate isn’t the easiest spot for a bounce back. Mississippi State QB Will Rogers already has more than 2300 yards through the air with 23 TDs and just 4 picks. Bama will need to get their secondary in sync quickly because Mississippi State can put up points quickly. On the other side, Bama did roll on offense themselves last week with 569 yards of offense and 49 points. Kentucky was able to shut down the Bulldogs last week and if Bana’s offense opens up like it did last week there are few teams that can keep up. Roll Tide as they bounce back big with a 38-17 victory.
Boise State at Air Force
The Broncos are looking to keep a strong grip on the division as they travel to take on the Falcons of Air Force. As usual, the Falcons are one of the best rushing teams in the nation, so ball control is a major factor in this game. Boise State won't have many chances to score, so they need to make them count in this one. The Broncos score on 88% of their red zone trips while the Falcons score on 92%. So whichever team can punch it in for TDs rather than FGs, they'll win this game. This is a tricky one but I'll go with my gut and say the Broncos. Hard to pick against Boise State in this conference. They win a big one on the road 24-17.
Texas A&M at South Carolina
The Aggies are on the road for the third straight game to take on a surprisingly hot South Carolina team. Both teams are coming out of a BYE and I just don't know what to expect in this one. The Aggies have a stout defense but are really struggling to put up points on offense. The Gamecocks have been playing really well as of late and their offensive is explosive with big plays. I'll take South Carolina because I just haven't seen it from the Aggies yet. Gamecocks win 33-30.
Quick Hit Predictions:
Iowa at #2 Ohio State - This one is going to be short, sweet and oh so ugly. The Hawkeye defense might make a few stops but watching their offense against the Buckeye defense will be funny. Ohio State 42, Iowa 10.
Kansas at Baylor - Rock Chalk has fallen from the ranks quickly after back to back losses. The Bears have also lost 2 straight, but should have Blake Shapen back after he was knocked out of the game against WVU last week. It seems as though the Jayhawks’ magic has faded and I like Baylor to win this one 31-24.
West Virginia at Texas Tech - Right in the middle of the pack for the Big XII is WVU and TTU. Both of these teams have had some solid wins against conference foes, but haven’t been able to keep any consistency. I like the Red Raiders at home but this will likely be a shoot out. Guns Up as Texas Tech wins this basketball-like scoring affair 46-42.
Purdue at Wisconsin - The Badgers are looking to get back on track while Purdue has a legitimate shot at the BIG 10 Championship game. If O’Connell throws like he did last weekend the Badger defense will struggle and I don’t think they have enough offensive firepower to keep up. BoilerUp with a big upset on the road 27-24.
Washington at Cal - Our PAC-12 after dark game this week should be a fun one. Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies are looking to get back in the mix while the Golden Bears continue to work on getting over that hump. They’ve been in the mix with games but can’t quite finish. Ex-Purdue QB Jack Plummer will do his best to keep the Cal squad unbeaten at home but I think UW gets the win late night 33-23.
Thanks for reading my Week 8 predictions and as always, GO BIG RED!
#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
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