Campus Crunch

     Well, what an exciting season that was in college football.  And here at Campus Crunch, we would like to thank you, the readers of this blog, for making it the most read college football blog on cbs4.com.  It’s quite an accomplishment that I am beyond proud of. 

     We saw it all this past season…players watching their draft stock rise and plummet, coaches coming and going and choking their own players.  And as always, the BCS gets called into question.  So for you, here are the top 10 story lines from the 2009 season.

1.  End of an Era, Dadgummit!  I would be remised if I did not start out with the “retirement” of former Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden.  After 34 years of turning a team not even in the top 5 of football in the state of Florida (FAMU and Tampa used to be even better then the ‘Noles) into one of the main names of college football over the last 25 years, Bowden hung it up after FSU’s Gator Bowl victory over West Virginia.  Whether you are Gator, Cane, Nole, Longhorn, Bulldog or whatever, you have to admit college football will not have another Bobby Bowden…and the sport will be less for it.  As an alum of Florida State, it was my job like many others to make the trip to Jacksonville for the final game (a part of the state I wouldn’t mind giving to Georgia for $20).  In kind of an ironic twist, it was a cold and raining day in Jacksonville for the final game…and it stayed that way through the 1^st quarter, where the ‘Noles trailed 14-3.  Funny thing happen though…when the 2^nd quarter started…the sun came out, the crowd got into it…and Bobby’s Boys went on to win 33-21…sending him out a winner, the way he should be:  with a 7-6 record? 

2.  CSI: Hogtown…Mystery in Gainesville.  While I may have personal opinions about the University of Florida program, I can respect what they have accomplished over the last 4 years.  Coach Urban Meyer has taken that program and gone 180 degrees from the Zook years.  Of course it helps when you have one of the greatest players in college football history leading you into battle.  I knew that Meyer was going to be heart broken when he lost Tim Tebow to graduation and the NFL, but that’s no reason to retire…oh wait, he didn’t?  Oh that’s right…he has taken a leave of absence.  What…that hasn’t started yet?  Look, I’m not exactly the right person to be preaching about living a healthy life, but when your doctors say you are having heart issues, it’s time to take a break.  I don’t care who the coach is or how old you are: heart issues are the red flag.  If you are really staying on board just to make sure you keep recruits, that’s disrespectful to the family you talked about worrying so much.  Damn a top ranked recruiting class, Urban…you have three kids who need a father for life.  The kids will still come to Florida.  And what’s up with the University cover-up of the numerous trips to the hospital?  Is Dick Cheney running the P.R. department in Gainesville?   

3.  We’ve got some ‘Canes up in here?  Well, that was a nice start to the 2009 season…3-1 and a top 10 finish.  This team was on the fast track to the ACC Title game.  So what happen?  How can Jacory Harris look so good one week and then throw 4 picks the next?  This team did take giant leaps over the 2008 squad as far as maturity, but as evident toward the end of the season, it wasn’t enough.  You cannot argue that talent is not there for the ‘Canes to be competing for the ACC championship; the conference is not tough enough that you are not one of the top teams.  The worry for ‘Canes fans is that this year was the team.  A combination of young superstars and the veteran leadership that had been missing was going to carry Miami over the top.  I may be over reacting, but 2010 needs to be the year for Randy Shannon and company.

4.  Sold their souls to Saban for a title.  Congrats to Alabama…your 2009 BCS National Champions.  You hired Lil’ Nicky Saban and finally got the national championship that you feel is your birth right even though you hadn’t had a decent squad since the Stallings administration.  But don’t get Satan…I mean Saban confused with the second coming of Bear Bryant.  A sign of that would be watching the game at a local watering hole, drinking my “ginger ale”, and as the Saban gets on TV to talk, the three people next to me start telling him he’s “Number one”…if you know what I mean.  I look over, and they are all Alabama fans.  Congrats, ‘Bama…you have a coach your own people hate.  But whatever, you’re the only undefeated team in college football…right?

5.  “Buckin’ the system”.  While most fans acknowledge Alabama as the champs, there are some out there that will not give them props since you had another team that is spotless: the 14-0 Boise State Broncos.  Every year, we have the same argument: BCS vs. Playoffs.  I will admit I used to be the first person in line to hate on the Bowl Championship Series.  And yes, the system as a whole still has a lot to work on.  But let’s ask this question: if you have a 16 team playoff for the national championship, using this season’s final regular season AP rankings, an Oregon State-BYU matchup could have happen, for example.  The same people yelling for a playoff would turn around screaming “Eww…”  Is the BCS perfect?  Heck no…is it the best thing right now?  Maybe…

6.  Where have you guys been?  Wasn’t Notre Dame supposed to be in this year’s Bowl Championship Series?  I could have sworn that all these blogs out there…including this one…said this was a 10 win team in South Bend.  And what about their rivals from Ann Arbor?  This was the time Rich Rodriguez was going to at least have 7 or 8 wins.  It’s a tough choice for biggest underachievers in this college football season.  We’ll give the edge to Notre Dame…

7.  Change you can believe in!  It is a different animal in college football these days.  The days of the mid-90’s, where you had the same 5 teams competing for the National Championship each season and no one else are over.  The dynasty runs of 1970’s Alabama, 1990’s Florida State, 1980’s Miami, 2000’s USC will NOT happen again.  Get used to seeing TCU and Boise State –like teams fighting for the title.

8.  Costly decisions.  The world of college football was turned upside down for week one, when Sam Bradford went down with a shoulder injury.  Within seconds, skeptics started with the whole “See…that’s why you leave school early, cause of injuries like that!”  And they are all correct.  Let’s be honest with each other:  The whole “love of the game” sentiment is fleeting…you have very few people like Tim Tebow and Colt McCoy who I think do honestly enjoy being in school.  These days, it’s who’s getting me to the show quicker.  And until the NFL says you can’t play without a degree, it’s going to stay that way.

9.  Beefing it Up.  Now, would Bradford have gotten as hurt if he was playing Iowa Tech or North Dakota A&M, as opposed to the actually opponent, BYU?  Probably not.  But the college football non conference schedules started to get nice this season, and it’s about time.   You had several big time matchups, from Alabama-Virginia Tech, USC-Ohio State, FSU-BYU, Miami-Oklahoma to name a few.  Its finally time to have schools willing to go head to head against other quality team.  And just looking at next year, there are some juicy matchups, including Penn State-Alabama, Miami-Ohio State and FSU-Oklahoma all on the same day.  Nice…

10.  You’re Fired!   In the last month, we’ve had three coaches fired for striking players or mistreatment.  In Jim Leavitt’s case at USF, it didn’t help with the whole cover-up of the incident and threatening the player.  There is a fine line you have to ride as a football coach, and these days it gets worse with constant media and over bearing parents still living out there past “glory” who believe their kids are the best.  Don’t believe me?  Go to your local Pop Warner game and listen to these wackos.  Your kid isn’t playing because he doesn’t know what he’s doing!  You’re not getting the Nike contract…deal with it.  It’s enough to make a coach want to choke someone.

End of the Year Awards Time!

Biggest Surprise:

State:  UCF.  On paper they were going to be bad.  One bowl game later, I was wrong.

Nation: Toby Gerhart.  Where did this beat come from?

Disappointment:

State:  Florida State’s Defense.  Awful, just God awful

Nation:  Ole Miss.  Weren’t they supposed to overtake the SEC’s powers this year?

MVP:

State:  Graig Cooper (Miami).  At least four wins because of the running game.

Nation:  C.J. Spiller (Clemson).  Would Clemson have one anything without this guy?

Player of the Year:

State:  Tim Tebow (Florida).  You can’t argue he’s one of the best…

Nation:  Mark Ingram (Alabama).  This kid could dominate the next level right now.

Coach of the Year:

State:  Joe Taylor (FAMU).  Might have been the best coach in Tallahassee this season.

Nation:  Chris Peterson (Boise State).  Will be in the championship talk for 2010.

Coach on the Hot Seat:

State:  Randy Shannon (Miami).  Got to at least make the ACC Championship game this year.

Nation:  Lane Kiffin (Tennes…I mean USC).  You talk a lot, Lane…time to start backing it up.

2010 Storyline:

State:  Does Florida State rebound under Jimbo Fisher?

Nation:  Does a Mid-major crash the party and play for a National Championship?

    And so, the 2009 season comes to an end.  But that doesn’t mean we are done here at Campus Crunch.  Make sure to check back every Wednesday through the spring and summer as we keep you updated on the college football world.

    Ok…bowl season is upon us.  This is without a doubt the best time of the year.  True, I may be the only person who watched every down of the Little Caesars Bowl this past weekend, but who wouldn’t?  These are the times where you get to see teams that wouldn’t normally play each other battle it out of trophies, in some cases filled with fruit, and enjoy a week where they are the star in each city.

    And then there is the building for next season.  So is the case for the Miami Hurricanes.  As they enter tonight’s game against Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl, they have so much to play for.  At 9-3, the team has a chance to get back to double digit wins for the first time in six seasons.  A win likely starts the ‘Canes off in the top 10 of college footballs rankings to start the 2010 season.  An impressive performance by quarterback Jacory Harris gets him back in the Heisman talk that he lost toward the end of this year by throwing around a thousand interceptions.

     We all know what Miami brings into this battle.  On offense, it’s a crop of young, and talented, players who can provide the right firepower when needed.  The tag team duo of Cooper and James at the running back position provide the ground game to keep defenses honest, which has allowed Harris to pick apart inferior secondary’s by finding Travis Benjamin, Leonard Hankerson, Aldarius Johnson and a cast of others.  Tight end Jimmy Graham seems to only know how to catch touchdowns, providing another offensive threat.  On defense, it’s a group mixed with youngsters like Brandon Harris, who fit the mold of Randy Shannon’s great defenses of the last ten years, mixed with veterans like Randy Phillips, Colin McCarthy, and others who have seen the program reach the level of losing seasons, and would love nothing more then leaving the program with 10 wins.

     As for Wisconsin, this is a team that could find themselves disappointed to be back in Orlando for the bowl season, especially after their showing last year’s game (giving up 42 points and getting beat down by Florida State).  This is a team that was thought by some to be competing for the Big Ten title; however, letdowns along the way have led them to the Citrus Bowl for the encore.  When you think Badgers football, you think tough runners (Ron Dayne) and hardnosed defense.  But be warned, ‘Canes fans…this is a team that can air the ball out, and is one of the few teams in the Big Ten that has a decent pass defense.

     That being said, this is Miami’s game.  For whatever reason they want to use, whether it’s getting 10 wins, whether it’s starting next year off the right way, whether its feeling disrespected for not being in a “better bowl” game, Miami is clearly the better team this night.  

Prediction: Miami 31 Wisconsin 20

Embarrassing…disgusting…despicable…yes, you could used all of these words to describe my picks for last week.  As we hit championship weekend, we have already seen one more BCS ticket punched with Oregon heading to the Rose Bowl.  So let’s see who else is going bowling…

Last Week’s Record: 5-5 (unacceptable)

Season Total: 84-46 (.646)

USC vs. Arizona:  The Wildcats are defensive stop away from representing the Pac-10 in the Rose Bowl.  Instead, they must suck it up and win for pride against the Trojans.  Arizona is good, no question about that.  USC is nothing like it used to be…they’re still pretty darn good, though.  And still too much for most of the Pac-10.  Preseason Pick: USC  This Weeks Pick: USC

Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh:  The Big East conference championship comes down to one game.  Each school is looking for their second conference crown all time, while the Bearcats still hold out hope of a trip to the National Championship game with a win and help.  The Panthers bring a strong defense, but a letdown loss to rival West Virginia last week leaves them primed to lose again.  Stay classy, Bearcats.  Preseason Pick: Cincinnati  This Weeks Pick: Cincinnati

ACC Championship:  The 12-team conference ends its run of championship games in the state of Florida with a battle between two teams who’ve already seen each other this year.  Clemson and Georgia Tech take to the field, both coming off season ending losses to rivals.  The Yellow Jackets won by three earlier this season, and have the better offense…make that more unstoppable offense on paper.  Clemson finally plays for a conference title after underachieving for the last 10 seasons.  Preseason Pick:  Florida State over Virginia Tech  This Weeks Pick: Georgia Tech over Clemson

Big 12 Championship:  Let’s take you back to 1996.  It was the first year of the conference’s title game.  Nebraska came into the old TWA Dome poised for a Sugar Bowl battle with Florida State for a third straight national title.  All they had to do was get by an undermanned, less talented Texas team.  Then...the upset of the season, as James Brown and the Longhorns derailed those hopes.  Fast forward to 2009.  The game of role reversal has taken place, with only one problem:  This Texas team is much better than that Nebraska team.  Preseason Pick: Texas over Missouri  This Weeks Pick: Texas over Nebraska

SEC Championship:  For the second straight year, it’s a national semifinal, with #1 vs. #2…all the story lines have been there this week, so they don’t bare repeating.  Let’s just look at the facts:  Both defenses are beyond dirty, ranked next two each other in many categories.  Offensively, it looks as if the Gators have the upper hand.  The worst mistake to make would be to sleep on Mark Ingram, Julio Jones and the Crimson Tide offense.  The Gators did in 2008, and it almost came back to bite them.  This game is going to come down, as cliché has it may sound, to who wants it more.  A Gator team, playing to make history and continue its run toward a 2^nd straight championship.  Or an Alabama squad, desperate for payback after last year’s loss.  Preseason Pick: Florida over Mississippi  This Weeks Pick: Florida over Alabama

     Another year, another Thanksgiving, and a time to remember what is important to us here at Campus Crunch.  First off, to the family, thank you for all your support and I love you all beyond words.  To my friends who supported me for all the years of sports obsession, much love to you as well.  And to the loyal readers of Campus Crunch at cbs4.com…well, I’d like to thank both of you guys.  Ok, on to this week’s picks.  Its rivalry week, and what better time for some teams to maintain bragging rights for the next year, while others look to pull off the monumental upset.

Last Week’s Record: 9-1 (AHHHH…SO CLOSE!!!)

Season Total: 79-41 (.658)

Clemson vs. South Carolina:  The battle for the Palmetto State.  Value of game for teams: nonexistent…Clemson has already racked up a spot in the ACC Championship game, while the Gamecocks once again played their role of team that starts hot and fizzles to a 6-6 or 7-5 season.  Preseason Pick: Clemson  This Weeks Pick: Clemson

Utah vs. BYU:  Two teams battling for something involving a beehive.  No, no…not odd at all.  Value of game for teams:  Ehh…Utah could not be expected to repeat their performance of last season, while the Cougars haven’t been the same since their upset beat down by Florida State in September.  Preseason Pick: Utah  This Weeks Pick: Utah

UCLA vs. USC:  The Battle of Los Angeles (Please don’t sue me, Rage against the Machine).  Value of game for teams:  Nothing outside of Los Angeles County.  At the start of the year, this was thought to be a game for the Pac-10 Title…now it’s a disappointing Bruins team traveling across town to take on the NUMBER 20^TH RANKED Trojans…digest that for a second with your turkey.  Preseason Pick: USC  This Weeks Pick: USC

Notre Dame vs. Stanford:  The Battle for who will coach the Irish next season.  Value of game for teams: Huge…for Jim Harbaugh.  The Cardinal head coach is thought to be a frontrunner for the soon-to-be-but -not-yet-official-Notre Dame coaching job.  For Charlie Weis, this is a game to save face and use on resume tapes for future jobs.  Preseason Pick: Notre Dame  This Weeks Pick: Stanford

Georgia vs. Georgia Tech:  The battle for good, old fashion hate.  Value of game for teams:  Beyond belief for the Peach State.  Right now, Paul Johnson has his Yellow Jackets as the dominate team in the state.  The spread option has proven it is no fluke.  Now he goes for a second win in as many seasons against the men from Athens.  Mark Richt and the Bulldogs are still upset about last year, and would love to exact revenge Saturday night.  Preseason Pick: Georgia Tech  This Weeks Pick: Georgia Tech

Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State:  It’s bedlam in the Sooner State this weekend.  On one sideline, you have a top ranked team, looking to go into the bowl season with a shot at ending the year as a Top 10 ranked team.  While on the other side, you have a squad rattled with injuries that has limped to the end of the season.  If you would have guessed that Oklahoma was the second team I mentioned, you would be shocked…but also correct.  Value of game for team:  Huge for bragging rights.  Preseason Pick: Oklahoma  This Weeks Pick: Oklahoma State

Texas vs. Texas A&M:  Thanksgiving  night in College Station shouldn’t see turkeys being the only thing stuffed and dough for pie crust being the only thing beaten.  This one has the potential to get ugly quickly.  While just a few years ago, the Aggies had the weapons to make this a competitive series.  Now, the only question is how long Colt McCoy and Jordan Shipley stay in the game for the Longhorns.  Value of game to teams:  10%...means more to the TCU’s and Cincinnati’s that will be rooting for the Aggies.  Preseason Pick: Texas  This Weeks Pick: Texas

Alabama vs. Auburn:  The Iron Bowl has, like the rest of the nation, fallen into a recession.  While Auburn was the kings during the time Tommy Tuberville roamed the sideline and used former ‘Bama coach Mike Shula as his personal punching bag, the Crimson Tide have found new life under current coach Nick Satan…I mean Saban.  Say what you will…he may be a liar, a coward, and all around evil, but he knows how to coach a college football team.  That being said, you cannot discount that the Tigers will be ready for this game.  Value of game to teams:  You don’t even know.  Like the rest of the south, games like this set the tone for not just football but the entire year in the state. Preseason Pick: Alabama  This Weeks Pick: Alabama

Miami vs. USF:  There is nothing more the Bulls would love then to take down another one of the state’s “Big Three” programs.  While winning at Florida State was huge, beating Miami could be even more crucial in light of how this season has turned out.  For Miami, while the ACC title is out of reach, as well as a shot at a BCS at-large bid, there still is plenty to play for.  Win over the Bulls, and the hopes of a 10-win season and New Year’s Day bowl game are all but written in stone, and that goes far for proving that you are indeed back, and will fight for the National Championship in 2010.  Value of game for teams:  While it seems like it would be more for USF, Miami knows what’s at stake and will be just as amped for this game.  Preseason Pick: Miami  This Weeks Pick: Miami

Florida State at Florida:  Well, it has come to that point in our season for residents of the state.  The time where houses are divided, friends become enemies for three hours.  You know the facts for this game…Florida is fighting for another national championship, sitting at 11-0 and owning the #1 ranking.  Tim Tebow will look to finish his storybook college career with another performance that will get the stadium named after him sometime soon.  Meanwhile, it has been a season to forget for fans of the garnet and gold.  Coming into this game after getting its 6^th win of the season last week (wow…), the ‘Noles come in with an offense that is competitive, but a defense that can only be summed up as hideous.  On paper, the Gators, a slight 21-point favorite, should run rough shot over Bowden’s boys in the swamp.  But I want to take this time to look at some streaks in the series.  Right now, Florida has won 5 in a row from their northern neighbors.  Since Gator nation believes Tebow is their own personal God…let’s break it down in what we’ll call Before Tebow…and then “Tebow Time”

Before Tebow (1958-87): Florida leads series 22-6-1, including streaks of 5 of 6 to start the series, 9 straight from 1968 to ‘76, and 6 straight from ’81 to ‘86

“Tebow Time” (1987-present): Florida State leads series 13-10-1, including going 7-1-1 from 1987 to ’94,  and 5-1 from 1998 to 2003

Maybe God isn’t a Gator after all.  (Please send all hate mail to the address listed at the top of this blog).  Value of game to teams: More then you could imagine.  These are players who have known each other in many cases since they were small children.  Many actually grew up rooting for the other team, as in the case of Gators RB Jeffery Demps and ‘Noles WR Bert Reed.  A loss to the ‘Noles would be a killer for Florida…and I think that will have them playing tense.  Since I could not be objective, I put it to a vote of the CBS4 family…and by a close vote they decided on…Preseason Pick: Florida State  This Weeks Pick: Florida State

Ok…last week was horrible.  But we cannot live in the past here at Campus Crunch.  It’s time to move on to Week 12 with high hopes.

Last Week’s Record: 6-4

Season Record: 70-40 (.636)

Clemson vs. Virginia:  Well, well, well…congratulations to the Tiger Nation.  You will finally win the Atlantic Division and get to the ACC Championship game.  You’ve been talking a lot of game since the early 90’s about how great you were and never could back it up when it counted.  Now is your chance.  Preseason Pick: Clemson  This Weeks Pick: Clemson

Texas vs. Kansas:  Players these days are just too sensitive.  All Mark Mangino was doing was trying to motivate them when he said they could go back to their hometowns and get shot…yeah, about that.  Imagine the things he’s going to say after this massacre.  If the athletic department needed a reason to fire him, here it comes.  Preseason Pick: Texas  This Weeks Pick: Texas

Oregon vs. Arizona:  This game was going to be a lot sexier for the Pac 10 conference title, but NOOOO…Arizona had to go and lose and make it just another game.  On the real, the Ducks better  not think for a second about overlooking this Arizona squad…they can easily take teams to the woodshed.  Preseason Pick: Oregon  This Weeks Pick: Oregon

Cal vs. Stanford:  The battle for Northern California means something for really the first time since some guy named Elway roamed the sideline.  The winner of this still has a shot at the Pac-10 crown with the results turning out their way of the game above.  Both running games will make this a close one, but I’m feeling the power of the Cardinal over the Bears this go-around.  Preseason Pick: Cal  This Weeks Pick: Stanford

FAMU vs. Bethune-Cookman:  Do yourself a favor.  If you have never been to the Florida Classic, GO!  It is by far one of the most underrated events not only in the state of Florida, but I think the entire nation.  On the field this year, it’s just too much offense on the Rattlers side of the ball for a team like Bethune to handle.  The rivalry makes it close, but even that means a double digit win for the squad from the capital city.  Preseason Pick: N/A  This Weeks Pick: Florida A&M

FAU vs. Troy:  As the Trojans fight for another Sun Belt title, the Owls have fleeting hopes of representing  the conference in New Orleans next month.  It has been night and day for this group from Boca Raton.  Their offense has seemed to show up the last few weeks, and it couldn’t have happen at a better time.  Still, Troy is the class of the conference, and they will get the automatic bowl bid after this one.  Preseason Pick: Troy  This Weeks Pick: Troy

FIU vs. Florida:  Really?  I have to pick this one?  I’m so worried for the Panthers in this one.  I know, they have three wins and have gotten better as the season has gone on.  And I know that Florida’s offense has been suspect this season, missing the big play.  But this one will show why teams like FIU still are not on Florida’s level in this state.  Sort of like when USF played Florida State…oh wait, never mind.  Preseason Pick: Florida  This Weeks Pick: Florida

Florida State vs. Maryland:  This isn’t exactly the way the 2009 home schedule was supposed to end for the Seminoles.  Fighting to be bowl eligible in game eleven of the season was not in the plans.  Trying to get to .500 AT HOME was not a thought back in August.  This ‘Noles team needs to remember that they are the better team in this game…it’s time to play like it and send the senior class and retiring defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews out at home the way they should…with a W.  Preseason Pick: Florida State  This Weeks Pick: Florida State

Miami vs. Duke:  It’s also Senior Day in Miami Gardens…hard to believe there are any seniors on this squad.  The seniors on this team have seen it all, from the joys of big wins on the field to the lows of losing a teammate tragically off the field.  They have fought hard to return this team to as close to old form as possible after a losing season two years ago.  While they were officially eliminated from the conference title picture last week, there still is plenty to play for.  Win out, and it’s a ten win season for the ‘Canes, and validation heading into the 2010 season, where they can legitimately compete for a conference crown, and maybe more.  Preseason Pick: Miami   This Weeks Pick: Miami

Ohio State vs. Michigan:  One of, if not the best, rivalries in all of sports takes place this weekend in Ann  Arbor.  And with this year’s meeting, the teams could not be going in opposite directions.  Just six weeks ago, you had an Ohio State team that had two losses and a tough as nails conference schedule left to play.  Meanwhile, Michigan was riding high off a 4-0 start, and Rich Rodriguez was finally starting to be validated by the Big Blue nation.  Now, you have Ohio State using this as a warm up for the Rose Bowl bid that is already locked up, and a Michigan base that is beyond furious with their second year coach.  But , as the fan of any rivalry game will tell you, it means nothing once these two teams hit the field.  On upset win by Michigan, and Rich Rod is safe for another three years.  It won’t happen, but it’s neat to dream.  Preseason Pick: Ohio State  This Weeks Pick: Ohio State

What is it about going 7-3 in a week that I can’t stop?  I want to go undefeated, or at the very least just have one loss in a week.  But yet again, Campus Crunch produced another seven win week last go-around.  That will not do anymore!!!  On to this week’s picks!!!

Last Week’s Result: 7-3

Season Total: 64-36 (.640)

Auburn vs. Georgia:  The South’s oldest rivalry adds another chapter this weekend, and this game could mean nothing less this year.  No conference titles to be won, no fighting for position in the national championship picture…just good old southeastern football.  And I have no problem with that.  Preseason Pick: Georgia  This Weeks Pick: Auburn

Georgia Tech vs. Duke:  This one is for all the marbles in the ACC’s Coastal division.  Let me repeat: DUKE IS COMPETEING FOR THE ACC COASTAL DIVISON TITLE.  Just think about that for a moment.  As much as some would like to see the Blue Devils go to the conference championship game, in part to attack the ACC, the Yellow Jackets are just too tough.  Start packing for Tampa, Wreck fans.  Preseason Pick: Georgia Tech  This Weeks Pick: Georgia Tech

Notre Dame vs. Pittsburgh:  The Irish hobble into this game after losing for the second straight time at home to Navy (insert joke here).  Pittsburgh has something to fight for in the Big East, but in this matchup, I see Jimmy Clausen and the Golden Domers taking out their frustration on the unsuspecting Panthers.  Preseason Pick: Notre Dame  This Weeks Pick: Notre Dame

Utah vs. TCU:  One of the two games on the day to feature two ranked teams.  The Horned Frogs have everything to play for in this one.  The outside chance of playing in the BCS Championship game is sitting there for them to grab.  A loss to the Utes and it’s off to some second-tier bowl game in Shreveport or Boise.  Fight on, Frogs!  Preseason Pick: TCU  This Weeks Pick: TCU

USC vs. Stanford:  I don’t care what people might say, but this was the biggest upset in college football history when the Cardinal went to Southern Cal and pulled off the one point victory.  That was a BAD Stanford team…this year is a GOOD team.  Imagine the possibilities.  USC is ripe for the picking in this one, coming off some bad losses in conference.  Preseason Pick: USC  This Weeks Pick: USC

FIU vs. North Texas:  It’s getting sad over on 8^th Street.  This team was not supposed to be this bad.  This season was not supposed to be over this quickly.  It will only get worse this week.  Preseason Pick: FIU  This Weeks Pick: North Texas

Florida State vs. Wake Forest:  The momentum that the Seminoles had started to built was quickly shot down in one 15-minute period last Saturday.  Gone are the hopes of an ACC title…and worse yet, gone is starting quarterback.  Now it’s just about getting back to being bowl eligible.  Shouldn’t be a problem with Wake and Maryland as the next two games, but who knows what team from Tallahassee will show up this week.  Preseason Pick: Florida State  This Weeks Pick: Florida State

Florida vs. South Carolina:  The storyline of the Gators taking on their former coach has lost its luster since Steve Spurrier’s boys have not been anywhere near competitive in the last two meetings.  Florida’s offense will still continue to struggle, something that needs to be fixed quickly before a certain game in December.  That being said, their defense will do more than enough to keep them in the driver’s seat.  Preseason Pick: Florida  This Weeks Pick: Florida

Miami vs. North Carolina:  The ‘Canes once again meet their nemesis.  No, not Tar Heels coach Butch Davis, but playing in Chapel Hill, a place they have never won.  Miami is riding off the high of blowing out Virginia and staying in the picture for a berth in the ACC Championship game.  On paper, they are the better team in this battle.  What won’t help them is if they start scoreboard watching, as the game between Georgia Tech and Duke is played before the ‘Canes take the field.  If they have been knocked out before they even take the field, than North Carolina get an opening to pounce and pull off the upset.  Preseason Pick: North Carolina  This Weeks Pick: North Carolina

Iowa vs. Ohio State:  Just when the Buckeyes thought they were out of the race for the Big Ten championship and a trip the Rose Bowl, in comes those always tough Northwestern Wildcats, who went into Iowa City last week and ruined the Hawkeyes season by pulling off the big upset.  Now, Iowa limps into Columbus, without their superstar quarterback, and really without a shot.  It was a nice run, Hawkeyes…had to end sometime…don’t feel bad, I know plenty of teams that would love to be in the spot you are.  Preseason Pick: Ohio State  This Weeks Pick: Ohio State

     College football hits its home stretch this month, and we’ve learned a few things.  First, apparently the Florida Gators players are better at handing out discipline for their actions then head coach Urban Meyer.  Also, Nike can truly sell its schools on anything, evident by the God-awful look of the FSU jerseys for their game later this month against Maryland.  Finally, this is a three team race for a trip to the National Title Game…but could that change this week?

Last Week’s Result: 6-4

Season Total: 57-33 (.633)

Wake Forest vs. Georgia Tech:  The Yellow Jackets are on the fast track for a 2^nd trip to the ACC Championship game.  You would think that a one-dimensional team wouldn’t have as much success as they have, but at this point you can argue an outside chance at the national title game as well as a trip to Tampa.  Preseason Pick: Georgia Tech  This Weeks Pick: Georgia Tech

UConn vs. Cincinnati:  The Bearcats have heard from all over that they do not belong in the talk for a trip to Pasadena and the BCS Championship Game.  True, they do play in the Big East, but undefeated is still undefeated.  Against a depleted and still emotional Huskies team, Cincy should stay undefeated.  Preseason Pick: Cincinnati  This Weeks Pick: Cincinnati

Oklahoma vs. Nebraska:  Sad that these two rivals don’t play each other every year like they used to.  This was a rivalry that ranked as one of the best in college football history.  This year, both teams sit with questions of “What If…” for their season so far.  Boomer Sooner rides on.  Preseason Pick: Oklahoma  This Weeks Pick: Oklahoma

UCF vs. Texas:  Last time these two played, the Longhorns squeaked by UCF in Orlando.  This week, in Austin…not so close.  Preseason Pick: Texas  This Weeks Pick: Texas

FIU vs. Middle Tennessee State:  I wanted to be on the Panthers bandwagon this season.  I tried this far.  I can’t do it anymore…it’s hurting my average.  Preseason Pick: FIU  This Weeks Pick: Middle Tennessee State

Florida vs. Vanderbilt:  Without Brandon Spikes, what will the Gators defense do?  Win by only 40.  There is just too much talent as the Orange and Blue continue their march toward a meeting with Alabama in the SEC Championship Game.  Preseason Pick: Florida  This Weeks Pick: Florida

Florida State vs. Clemson:  The ‘Noles have finally made it back to .500 for the season, and somehow are still in the race for the ACC’s Atlantic Division.  Clemson, meanwhile, is trying to finally live up to expectations and get to the Championship game for the first time.  Virtually equal in talent, Florida State seems to be playing with more heart.  Preseason Pick: Clemson  This Weeks Pick: Florida State

Miami vs. Virginia:  The ‘Canes welcome the Cavaliers to homecoming, but this means more to Miami then just the average conference game.  Miami and their fans remember the embarrassment UVA gave them in their final game ever at the old Orange Bowl back in 2007.  Add that to the difference in talent between the two squads, and this one could get ugly real quick.  Preseason Pick: Miami  This Weeks Pick: Miami

Ohio State vs. Penn State:  What was originally thought to be a national semifinal when the season started as turned into a battle for second place in the Big Ten, hoping Iowa falters at some point.  Terrell Pryor has been catching plenty of flack for his play, which has not been all that bad.  Penn State has a defense that can play with anyone in the country.  A loud, raucous crowd is something both teams are used to, so give Penn  State the advantage at home.  Preseason Pick: Penn State  This Weeks Pick: Penn State

LSU vs. Alabama:  Probably the best game of the day, as these two teams fight for the SEC West Crown, and for oh so much more.  For the Tigers, it’s all about getting back in the hunt for the SEC championship game.  While the Crimson Tide still have their sights set on getting to the National Championship game the eluded them in 2008.  LSU kept the high powered Florida offense to only 13 points, which gives them hope against ‘Bama.  Problem is, they only scored 3 points in that game, and the Tide’s defense is slightly better than the Gators.  Preseason Pick: Alabama  This Weeks Pick: Alabama

   Halloween…candy flowing, pumpkins carved, skirts getting shorter and called “costumes”.  But enough about what goes on at the Parker house.  College football hopes for a night of tricks and treats this season, as do we here at Campus Crunch.

Last Week’s Picks: 7-3

Season Total: 51-29 (.637)

Ole Miss vs. Auburn:  From fighting for a spot in the National Championship picture to a spot in the upper rankings of the SEC West, this has not been the way Houston Nutt thought the season would be for the Rebels.  Another tough battle looms for them against the Tigers.  Preseason Pick: Ole Miss  This Weeks Pick: Ole Miss

FAMU vs. Howard:  This game is important for both schools, as they look to stay in the hunt for the MEAC title.  FAMU started hot, has fizzled as of late, but should have enough fire power to take care of the Bisons.  Preseason Pick: n/a  This Weeks Pick: FAMU

Marshall vs. UCF:  As bad as the Knights were supposed to be at the start of the season, things have been better than expected.  Now, that doesn’t mean they will be fighting for the Conference USA crown this year, but a win over the Thundering Herd does make a bowl game look more of a possibility.  Preseason Pick: UCF  This Weeks Pick: UCF

FAU vs. Middle Tennessee State:  Another action packed battle from the Sun Belt Conference.  The Owls are riding a two game winning streak into this one.  Out of sheer hometown bias, let’s make it three.  Preseason Pick: FAU  This Weeks Pick: FAU

FIU vs. Louisiana-Lafayette:  My pick of the Golden Panthers going to a bowl game is looking dimmer and dimmer with every game.  Come on, guys…make me right!  Preseason Pick: FIU  This Weeks Pick: Louisiana-Lafayette

Florida State vs. NC State:  Homecoming weekend in the capital city is such a great time.  While this season so far has been one to forget, a big win over North Carolina sets the tone for a turnaround for both the Seminoles, and their coach, Bobby Bowden.  The ‘Noles and their alumni get back to .500 on the season.  Preseason Pick: Florida State  This Weeks Pick: Florida State

Florida vs. Georgia:  It’s hard to believe that a team that is undefeated and ranked number one in the nation would be upset with their performance.  But that is the situation for the Gators heading into “The World’s Largest Outdoor Party” in Jacksonville against the rival Bulldogs.  If Georgia got thumped last year by 39 points to the Gators, with Strafford and Moreno, imagine how bad it’s going to be this year.  Make it 18 of the last 21 games for Florida.  Preseason Pick: Florida  This Weeks Pick: Florida

Miami vs. Wake Forest:  So was last week’s loss to Clemson a result of the Tigers being the better team, or the Hurricanes being so injured from their gauntlet of hell the first four weeks of the season.  The Demon Deacons are not as good a team as they have been the past three seasons, but they still can be dangerous for a ‘Canes group depleted these past weeks.  This game will be just like last week…a high scoring affair where whoever has the ball last comes out on top.  Preseason Pick: Wake Forest  This Weeks Pick: Miami

Texas vs. Oklahoma State:  The Longhorns’ last real test of the regular season is going to be a good one.  When the Cowboys are on, they can play with anyone in the country.  They will be able to get to Colt McCoy and the Texas offense for the first half, but the firepower the men in burnt orange have is too much to contain for a full sixty minutes.  Preseason Pick: Texas  This Weeks Pick: Texas

USC vs. Oregon:  This was the game at the beginning of the season I thought would be the Trojans’ annual letdown game.  I still think the Ducks have a real shot in this one.  They have the same issue that I just wrote about Oklahoma State…that they can be so inconsistent that I worry about picking them with any confidence.  The Trojans come in after a bigger-then-the-score-looks win over Oregon State, as freshman quarterback Matt Barkley seems to be adjusting well to big time college football.  Close battle, but the Trojans pull it out.  Preseason Pick: Oregon  This Weeks Pick: USC

    First off, I’d like to apologize for my picks last week.  Notre Dame, Missouri, and North Texas were unacceptable picks, and I do send my most sincere apologies for anyone who bet those.  On the positive side, good job by Florida State beating the bye week.  Maybe they should join the ACC…oh wait, they already have Duke (sorry, Prim)

Last Week: 6-4

Season Total: 44-26 (.628)

UConn vs. West Virginia:  The Huskies will be playing with heavy hearts, after the death of teammate and Miami Edison graduate Jasper Howard.  Yes, the Mountaineers are the better team on the field, but the raw emotion UConn will be playing with makes me think there is no way they lose this game.  Preseason Pick: West Virginia  This Weeks Pick: UConn

USC vs. Oregon State:  The Trojans are still angry about last year’s loss to the Beavers, now known as “USC’s annual loss to a bad team” game.  Matt Barkley is not looking like the freshman he technically is, but that could all change in one game.  Just not this one.  Preseason Pick: USC  This Weeks Pick: USC

Virginia vs. Georgia Tech:  Why does this game matter?  These are the teams right now ahead of Miami in the ACC’s Coastal division standings.  The ‘Canes hold the tiebreaker over the Jackets, so they need a Georgia Tech win.  Ask and you shall receive.  Preseason Pick: Georgia Tech  This Weeks Pick: Georgia Tech.

Alabama vs. Tennessee:  Man, this used to be a decent ballgame and rivalry.  Now, it’s just another game where Lane Kiffin has to eat his words about another coach he has made controversial comments about.  Alabama might not call off the dogs in this one.  Preseason Pick: Alabama  This Weeks Pick: Alabama

TCU vs. BYU:  Who would have thought that the only game this week featuring two ranked teams…would be in the Mountain West Conference?  BYU has bounced back from an embarrassing loss to Florida State, but the Horned Frogs (greatest nickname ever) know that a BCS at large berth is theirs with this win.  Preseason Pick: TCU  This Weeks Pick: TCU

Florida Atlantic vs. Louisiana-Lafayette:  Mazel Tov to the Owls for their first win of the season last week over Louisiana-Monroe.  This week, not so much.  No state championship of Louisiana for FAU.  Preseason Pick: Louisiana-Lafayette  This Weeks Pick: Louisiana-Lafayette

FIU vs. Arkansas State:  The Golden Panthers almost came back last week against Troy, which would have changed the look of the Sun Belt Conference standings.  Instead, they sit at 1-5 and hopes of a bowl game are fading fast…real fast.  Preseason Pick: FIU  This Weeks Pick: Arkansas State

Florida vs. Mississippi State:  Remember Dan Mullen?  He was the man that gets much of the credit for Florida’s two national championships this decade and pretty much being Tim Tebow’s right hand man (insert 5^th grade joke here).  Now, he leads a Bulldogs group into a battle with his former team.  If anyone knows the Gators, it’s Mullen.  It’ll be close, but talent wins out.  Preseason Pick: Florida  This Weeks Pick: Florida

Florida State vs. North Carolina:  The nightmare of the Seminoles first half of 2009 is now over.  There is nothing they can do about being 2-4 and winless in the conference at this point of the season.  Pride is what they have to play for.  A winning record is still there for the garnet and gold, but performances like the last two weeks will lead to nothing but the first losing season since 1976.  North Carolina has underachieved in the conference, and a week off helps the ‘Noles.  Preseason Pick: Florida State  This Weeks Pick: Florida State

Miami vs. Clemson:  All who thought Miami would be 5-1 and ranked in the Top 10 at this point, please raise your hand…anyone…someone?  This ‘Canes team has even surprised their biggest supporters, but they seem to be for real.  Now it’s back to conference play, against a Clemson team that will be much better then the FAMU and UCF squads the ‘Canes have taken on the last two weeks.  Jacory Harris and the U’s offense shouldn’t have a problem keeping them in the game against an average Tigers defense.  The issue will be a injured ‘Canes defense having to face C.J Spiller, one of the best running backs in college football.  In the words of one of our news producers, a proud alum of Miami and the biggest ‘Canes fan I know…”We are going to lose another game or two this year.”  I do agree, but not this week.  Preseason Pick: Miami  This Weeks Pick: Miami

Ok, so we did a little better this past week.  Big ups to Michigan, Georgia, and Florida State for keeping me from the elusive perfect week.  Let’s go for it this week, shall we?

Last Week: 7-3

Season Total: 38-22

We’re going to do it a little differently this week…since all the good games are national, the state schools get to go first.

Miami vs. UCF:  I think it’s highly possible that the ‘Canes got more of a challenge last week vs. Florida A&M then they will get this week against the Knights.  Just another win for the comeback kids from Coral Gables.  Preseason Pick: Miami  This Week’s Pick: Miami

FIU vs. Troy:  If you are going to be the best, you have to beat the best.  And right now, Troy is the best team in the Sun Belt.  A healthy T.Y. Hilton or not, I’m not sure if this team can beat the Trojans.  Preseason Pick: Troy  This Week’s Pick: Troy

Florida vs. Arkansas:  Homecoming in Gainesville means one thing for Arkansas…no chance of winning.  Tebow and the boys are on a fast track to the SEC Championship Game, and Bobby Petrino’s boys will be no match.  Preseason Pick: Florida  This Week’s Pick: Florida

Florida State vs. Bye Week:  The ‘Noles, sitting at 2-4, enter the game as a slight favorite over the Bye Week.  It’s going to be closer then the experts think, but Bowden and Company will be able to get these guys ready this week.  Preseason Pick: N/A  This Week's Pick: Florida State

Florida Atlantic vs. North Texas:  The Owls need this win more than ever before.  This team had the expectations of getting back to postseason play, but by this point would settle for a .500 season.  Preseason Pick: Florida Atlantic  This Week’s Pick: North Texas

Missouri vs. Oklahoma State:  The loss of Dez Bryant, who at this point is still suspended for the game, is going to hurt big time for the Cowboys.  Zac  Robinson cannot single-handedly beat a Tigers team that is not as bad as their collapse against Nebraska would say.  Preseason Pick: Oklahoma State  This Week’s Pick: Missouri

Alabama vs. South Carolina:  In a battle of the coach I grew up being taught to dislike (SoCar’s Steve Spurrier) versus the pure image of evil (Alabama’s Nick Satan…I mean Saban), you cannot go against the Tide.  There is a pretty good chance they are the best team in the country at this moment.  Preseason Pick: Alabama  This Week’s Pick: Alabama

Virginia Tech vs. Georgia Tech:  This is what I think will be the best game of the weekend.  Virginia Tech’s always tough defense against the yard chewing machine known as the triple option from Georgia Tech.  All this game is missing is the pouring rain and some cheesy NFL Films music.  Preseason Pick: Virginia Tech  This Week’s Pick: Virginia Tech

Texas vs. Oklahoma:  The Red River Rivalry…where pigskins fly and corn dogs get consumed.  Having Sam Bradford back gives the Sooners a pretty good chance of pulling off the upset, but a Texas team that is looking solid halfway into the season also has a good chance of stomping a mud hole in their friends from the north.  Preseason Pick: Texas  This Week’s Pick: Texas

USC vs. Notre Dame:  At the start of the season, I would have told you that the Trojans would have run rough shot over Charlie’s boys in South Bend.  At this point I’m not so sure.  Yes, Pete Carroll has his team stacked and looks like they learned their lesson from an upset loss to Washington.  But Weis also has the Irish playing good ball at this point.  Sure, the wins are close.  But along the same line as the Miami Hurricanes, those are games Notre Dame may have not won in years past from lack of maturity.  High temperature in the low 40’s with 15+ MPH winds…I think the boys from So Cal are in trouble.  As much as I would love to pick against our Executive Sports Producer and die-hard Notre Dame fan Leo Gomez, I can’t this week.  Preseason Pick: USC  This Week’s Pick: Notre Dame