Football Future-see 2011: Bowl Edition

RECORD

Week One............5-2

Week Two............3-2

Week Three..........5-0

Week Four............4-1

Week Five............4-1

Week Six.............5-0

Week Seven........5-0

Week Eight..........3-2

Week Nine...........2-3

Week Ten............5-0

Week Eleven.......2-3

Week Twelve......3-2

Week Thirteen....6-1

Week Fourteen...4-1

Bowl Week.........6-3

Overall..............62-21

Champs Sports Bowl (Dec. 29)____CORRECT

Notre Dame vs Florida State

This will be an interesting game, if you like unranked teams that started the season with high hopes and then crashed and burned. FSU wins a close on on a late field goal.

FINAL SCORE: Florida State 24, Notre Dame 21

Hyundai Sun Bowl____CORRECT

Utah vs Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech does not win bowl games. They just don't.

FINAL SCORE: Utah 31, Georgia Tech 17

Capital One Bowl____CORRECT

20 Nebraska vs 9 South Carolina

Nebraska gets a crack at an SEC team. South Carolina, if healthy, is darn scary. Gamecocks by six.

FINAL SCORE: South Carolina 27, Nebraska 21

Outback Bowl____INCORRECT

17 Michigan State vs 16 Georgia

Georgia and Michigan State meet again. The Dawgs had a decent season after an 0-2 start. Aaron Murray will have a good day against Sparty and the Dawgs will leave with a close victory.

FINAL SCORE: Georgia 26, Michigan State 24

Rose Bowl Game present by Vizio____INCORRECT

10 Wisconsin vs 5 Oregon

Wisconsin lost to TCU in last year's Rose Bowl, so they'll be looking to avenge that loss. Oregon lost last year's title game. Wiconsin gets slightly better QB play and leaves Pasadena with a close win.

FINAL SCORE: Wisconsin 24, Oregon 21

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl____CORRECT

4 Stanford vs 3 Oklahoma State

The argument could be made that both of these teams deserved better fates, especially Okie State. The Cowboys have a better resume than Alabama, yet 'Bama is playing for the National Title. Oklahoma State rolls over a Stanford team that can't handle high powered offenses.

FINAL SCORE: Oklahoma State 35, Stanford 24

Allstate Sugar Bowl____CORRECT

13 Michigan vs 11 Virginia Tech

Why are these two teams in BCS games when Kansas State is not? Or Boise State? There are two good, top-10 teams passed over for this pitiful rematch. Michigan rolls.

FINAL SCORE: Michigan 31, Virginia Tech 21

Discover Orange Bowl____INCORRECT

23 West Virginia vs 15 Clemson

Clemson is a mystery. They played some terrible ball, and then beat Virginia Tech twice. I think Clemson wins, but I don't think they'll feel god about it.

FINAL SCORE: Clemson 23, West Virginia 20

AT&T Cotton Bowl____CORRECT

8 Kansas State vs 6 Arkansas

Another two teams that it could be argued deserved better fates. Kansas State should've been in the Sugar Bowl, but it's no use pondering what might've been. All K-State can do now is run into the buzzsaw that is Arkansas.

FINAL SCORE: Arkansas 34, Kansas State 31

Allstate BCS National Championship Game

1 LSU vs 2 Alabama

How is a team that did not win it's own division, nor even play for it's conference championship, playing for the National Title? Or here's a better question: how am I picking a team that did not win it's own division, nor even play for it's conference championship, to win the National Title?

FINAL SCORE: Alabama 17, LSU 16

Football Future-see 2011: Bowl Projections

The championship games have been played and many of the BCS bowls already know who will be playing there, thanks to the antiquated system of conference affiliations. So here are my takes on who will play in what bowl game. Remember, I'm an SEC fan at heart, so in addition to the BCS games, I'm also predicting several of the bowls with SEC tie-ins.

National Championship Game: Oklahoma State vs. LSU

I feel like Oklahoma State made a statement against Oklahoma, settling the discussion about a rematch in my mind. I think the voters will see sense and move Oklahoma State, who has a better statistical record into the title game ahead of the Tide. LSU obviously locked themselves in. Props to Georgia for playing perhaps the best single half any team has played all year against LSU, but the Tigers have depth that no other team in the conference could match.

Rose Bowl: Wisconsin vs. Oregon

Oregon took apart UCLA and Wisconsin didn't so much win the Big Ten title game as have Michigan State hand them the victory. This game has a lot of potential, as both are high powered offenses.

Fiesta Bowl: Stanford vs. Kansas State

I'm putting Kansas State in the Fiesta Bowl because I think they are a more attractive second choice out of the Big XII. Stanford gets in as an at-large from the PAC-12.

Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Michigan

A match-up of old time programs, two of the all time greats, made possible by Houston self-destructing against Southern Miss in the Conference USA title game. Michigan gets into the Sugar Bowl ahead of potential at-large TCU.

Orange Bowl: Clemson vs. West Virginia

Who is Clemson? Really, does anybody know? Clemson goes out and loses 3 of 4, and looks bad, nay terrible, at times, and then they go and lay a championship game beating on Virginia Tech. West Virginia escaped the pile-up atop the Big East, and if the legal proceeding go according to plan, they'll actually escape the Big East altogether.

Capital One Bowl: Arkansas vs. Michigan State

Sparty cost themselves the Big Ten title, and as a result will get to face off against a powerful Arkansas team in the Capital One Bowl. The Cap One has first selection of non-BCS SEC teams, and I have to think that a 10-2 Arkansas team is currently more attractive than SEC-Championship runner-up Georgia.

Outback Bowl: Nebraska vs. South Carolina

Nebraska lands in the Outback Bowl against 10-2 South Carolina. You might be asking, since I'm such a Georgia fan, where did the 10-3 Dawgs go. Just wait. But the Gamecocks, riddled by injuries all season, will show up ready to play against the Cornhuskers. Should be an interesting match-up.

Chick-fil-A Bowl: Auburn vs. Virginia Tech

The Hokies came out flat against Clemson in the ACC Title Game, and as a result I think they'll fall into the Chick-fil-A bowl against a Jekyll-and-Hyde Auburn team that still seems to be searching for an identity in the post-Cam-Newton world.

Cotton Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Georgia

Here are the Dawgs. Georgia started the season 0-2, then reeled off 10 straight wins before encountering the buzzsaw known as LSU. The team will go for a bowl victory against a stumbling Oklahoma team that just suffered one of their worst losses in recent memory.

Random Notes:

1. I can't stand watching SEC football on CBS. From the perspective of this Georgia fan, I really want to know what UGA did to Verne Lundquist to make him hate the Dawgs so much. He and Gary Danielson were acting like we shouldn't even be playing an SEC Championship Game, and that we should just hand trophies to LSU simply because they are LSU. At one point in the third quarter, while Georgia led 10-7, Danielson referred to the "young Bulldogs" making a move, and "Champion" LSU responding. I know LSU won, but don't go crowning the team until the clock hits 0:00. Especially when you're supposed to be an impartial announcer.

2. How about that first half from the Dawgs? They held LSU to 12 total yards of offense, and didn't allow the Bayou Bengals to gain a first down until about 5 minutes into the third quarter. And I think Georgia caught everyone off guard with that onside kick after their opening drive field goal. I'm proud of my Dawgs.

3. I went 56-18 on my picks this year, a winning percentage of 0.757. The biggest leap for me this year was the perfect week. I went four years without one, and then had four this season. Of course, I'm now under investigation for Performance Enhancers, but hey, it was a contract year...

Football Future-see 2011: Week Fourteen

RECORD

Week One............5-2

Week Two............3-2

Week Three..........5-0

Week Four............4-1

Week Five............4-1

Week Six.............5-0

Week Seven........5-0

Week Eight..........3-2

Week Nine...........2-3

Week Ten............5-0

Week Eleven.......2-3

Week Twelve......3-2

Week Thirteen....6-1

Week Fourteen...4-1

Overall..............56-18

PAC-12 Championship Game_____CORRECT

UCLA at 9 Oregon

Yes, this is a Championship Game, the first in PAC-12 history. It may also be a lesson learned for the conference. Oregon is a huge favorite in this game. UCLA is playing for the title simply because USC is still banned from postseason play. The winner goes to the Rose Bowl.

FINAL SCORE: Oregon 52, UCLA 17

Big Ten Championship Game_____CORRECT

15 Wisconsin vs. 13 Michigan State

The inaugural Big Ten Championship Game is having a hard time selling tickets. The winner of this game will likely face Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Michigan State is playing some good football, and Wisconsin, with the Montee Ball show, might just be better. Close Game, but the Badgers win.

FINAL SCORE: Wisconsin 34, Michigan State 31

SEC Championship Game_____CORRECT

1 LSU vs 14 Georgia

I'm not buying the argument that LSU is going to steamroll over Georgia. I won't be surprised if Georgia wins or loses. But remember, the last time LSU played a top flight defense, they could not find the end zone and had to resort to field goals. Georgia is a top 5 defense. The Dawgs also have QB Aaron Murray, who has thrown the most touchdown passes in one season in Georgia history and may be the best QB in the conference.

FINAL SCORE: LSU 27, Georgia 21

ACC Championship Game_____INCORRECT

5 Virginia Tech vs 20 Clemson

Clemson has done nothing but tumble lately. They lost bad to Georgia Tech and recently lost bad to South Carolina. Virginia Tech has been rising, and is hoping to also make a case for the BCS Title Game. The Hokies will take this game in rather easy fashion.

FINAL SCORE: Virginia Tech 31, Clemson 20

10 Oklahoma at 3 Oklahoma State_____CORRECT

This is the de facto championship game for the ten-member Big XII. This is also Oklahoma State's last chance to prove that they deserve to play for the National Championship. Oklahoma recently lost to Baylor, and OK State recently lost in OT to Iowa State. Look for the Cowboys to win, but it will be close enough to stop OK State from reaching the BCS Title Game.

FINAL SCORE: Oklahoma State 35, Oklahoma 28

A Brief Formula 1 Post

The last race weekend of 2011 is upon us. The myriad teams of Formula 1 arrived in Sao Paulo, Brazil over the last week. Practice started Friday, and McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton led the practice times with a fast lap of 1:13.392.

Anyone who has followed F1 this season knows that it hasn't exactly been enthralling. Sebastian Vettel clinched the Driver's Title several races ago, and Red Bull Renault locked up the Constructor's Title in the next race. The rest of the field has been fighting for second spot in the overall standings, which, at least on the Constructor's side of the tally, McLaren has locked up. But the driver's standings are a bit different. Vettel is in record seating mode, but the second through fifth place slots are wide open, with second place enjoying a 28 point lead over fifth.

Lewis Hamilton is arguably the hottest driver on the track as this season winds down, and if he can leave Sao Paulo with a second straight victory, I can't see any way he's not considered the #1 threat to Vettel's title next season.

And as the season draws to a close, the rumor mill begins to churn. For a while there were whispers in the paddock that Kimi Raikkonen would return to F1 for the Williams team, a team that has struggled lately and really fallen from grace this year. Since the team went public, share value has steadily fallen, never returning to the initial public offering. Bringing in a former F1 Champion would be a nice spark to a team in need of one.

Three names changes are in order for next season, as HRT will become Marussia, Lotus will become Catterham, and Renault will become Lotus. Apparently none of us were confused enough by the many different team names and the constant legal battles over the Lotus name, so everyone decided to switch. Ferrari just announced that next season they will go by Scuderia Tim.

Also, it appears as though the rumor mill is point to a pending retirement: Rubens Barrichello. The man with F1's longevity records may finally hang it up after a disappointing and morale-destroying season at Williams. If Rubens does retire, it would be pretty awesome to do it at your home track, in front of a crowd of adoring fans.

Football Future-see 2011: Week Thirteen

RECORD

Week One............5-2

Week Two............3-2

Week Three..........5-0

Week Four............4-1

Week Five............4-1

Week Six.............5-0

Week Seven........5-0

Week Eight..........3-2

Week Nine...........2-3

Week Ten............5-0

Week Eleven.......2-3

Week Twelve......3-2

Week Thirteen....6-1

Overall..............52-17

***UPDATE: I'm 6-0 through six games. Only South Carolina - Clemson remaining on our schedule.***

Seven games this week, as it is the end of the SEC's regular season. The conferences without a Title Game will play their final regular season game next week.

3 Arkansas at 1 LSU_____CORRECT

LSU simply needs to win out to guarantee a spot in the BCS National Title Game. Arkansas can possibly screw that up, but even if the Hogs beat LSU Friday, chances are Alabama would win the three-way tie atop the SEC West and face UGA in the SEC Championship Game. Of course, 'Bama has to beat Auburn for that to happen.

FINAL SCORE: LSU 27, Arkansas 21

2 Alabama at 24 Auburn_____CORRECT

The other big SEC West game of the week, the Iron Bowl. Alabama could possibly reach the BCS Championship Game without even playing for the SEC Title, and yes, as a Georgia fan who clearly remembers 2007, that does make me mad. But Auburn is a shell of what they were last season.

FINAL SCORE: Alabama 24, Auburn 14

13 Georgia at 23 Georgia Tech_____CORRECT

Georgia locked up the SEC East last week with a closer-than-it-should've-been win over Kentucky. Georgia Tech, who started the season 6-0, has fallen from grace lately. No Tech season is considered a success unless they beat Georgia, and this rivalry means more to the Jackets this year than to the Dawgs. Could be a trap game, but count on it.

FINAL SCORE: Georgia 28, Georgia Tech 17

17 Clemson at 12 South Carolina_____INCORRECT

I usually hate picking against the SEC in non-conference games, but Clemson has more to fight for than South Carolina, if only for morale and pride. A win here locks Clemson into a better bowl. South Carolina will likely end up in the Chick-fil-A or Outback bowl, especially with a win.

FINAL SCORE: Clemson 26, South Carolina 23

19 Penn State at 16 Wisconsin_____CORRECT

Penn State is still fighting the ghosts of Jerry Sandusky. Wisconsin has had one of those rollercoaster seasons that could land them in a BCS bowl or could put them in the Outback Bowl. Look for the Badgers' Russell-Wilson-led offense to rise above Penn State's defense.

FINAL SCORE: Wisconsin 28, Penn State 21

5 Virginia Tech at Virginia_____CORRECT

Virginia Tech wins this game and they play Clemson for the ACC crown. Conversely, if Virginia wins, the Cavaliers play in the ACC Title Game. However, I can't see Virginia knocking off the Hokies.

FINAL SCORE: Virginia Tech 34, Virginia 17

Ohio State at 15 Michigan_____CORRECT

Michigan is seeking an opportunity for an at-large bid into a BCS Bowl. While this is normally a huge game, this season has seen the fallout from the Jim Tressel dismissal. Michigan is a different team under Brady Hoke, and they'll prove it this weekend.

FINAL SCORE: Michigan 28, Ohio State 14

BOWL PROJECTIONS: I'll offer up bowl projections with each round of predictions. New teams in italics.

National Championship Game: Alabama vs. LSU

Rose Bowl: Michigan State vs. Oregon

Fiesta Bowl: Stanford vs. Oklahoma State

Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Houston

Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Louisville

Capital One Bowl: Arkansas vs. Michigan

Outback Bowl: Penn State vs. South Carolina

Chick-fil-A Bowl: Auburn vs. Georgia Tech

Here's why: I think Georgia will win a close SEC Championship Game against LSU, leaving Alabama #1 and LSU #2. This gives the SEC a third BCS team, because the top two teams int he country did not win their conference. Of course, I hate this rule, as Georgia was punished for not winning their conference in 2007, but this year it looks like Alabama and/or LSU will be rewarded for being in the exact same place.

I really think that the voters will see sense and put Oklahoma State in the BCS Championship Game, especially if the Cowboys beat the Sooners in two weeks. If not, then this will be, for sure, the sixth consecutive year of SEC dominance of the BCS.

Football Future-see 2011: Week Twelve

RECORD

Week One..........5-2

Week Two..........3-2

Week Three........5-0

Week Four..........4-1

Week Five..........4-1

Week Six...........5-0

Week Seven......5-0

Week Eight........3-2

Week Nine.........2-3

Week Ten..........5-0

Week Eleven.....2-3

Week Twelve....3-2

Overall..............46-16

USC at 4 Oregon____INCORRECT

Bowl-ineligible USC visits the Ducks, who are hoping to nose their way into the BCS National Championship Game. The Ducks, though, need help to get there, and the best thing they can do is win out.

FINAL SCORE: Oregon 36, USC 20

16 Nebraska at 18 Michigan____INCORRECT

Nebraska is making a bit of noise in their first season in the inappropriately named Big Ten. Michigan, too, is playing pretty good, considering how recent seasons have gone for the Wolverines. Look for a tight, low scoring game.

FINAL SCORE: Nebraska 18, Michigan 14

Kentucky at 14 Georgia____CORRECT

The Dawgs need to win. Win this game and you're in the SEC Championship Game. Win this game a strike a bit of fear into the hearts of LSU and Alabama. You think I'm kidding? LSU and Alabama proved that they cannot find the end zone against a top flight defense. UGA is the #4 defense in the nation.

FINAL SCORE: Georgia 38, Kentucky 14

17 Wisconsin at Illinois____CORRECT

Wisconsin is also making Big Ten noise. Ron Zook's Illini are not exactly a push over, but look for the Badgers to win this one pretty handily.

FINAL SCORE: Wisconsin 42, Illinois 17

13 Kansas State at 23 Texas____CORRECT

K-State is trying to make a case for a BCS bowl berth, but they have to hope that Okie State crushes Oklahoma next week. Texas is in the midst of a few years slump, but the Longhorns will rebound eventually, just not this week.

FINAL SCORE: Kansas State 24, Texas 20

BOWL PROJECTIONS: I'll offer up bowl projections with each round of predictions. New teams in italics.

National Championship Game: Oklahoma State vs. LSU

Rose Bowl: Michigan State vs. Oregon

Fiesta Bowl: Stanford vs. Oklahoma

Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Houston

Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati

Capital One Bowl: Georgia vs. Michigan

Outback Bowl: Penn State vs. South Carolina

Cotton Bowl: Arkansas vs. Texas

Chick-fil-A Bowl: Auburn vs. Clemson

Football Future-see 2011: Week Eleven

RECORD

Week One..........5-2

Week Two..........3-2

Week Three........5-0

Week Four..........4-1

Week Five..........4-1

Week Six...........5-0

Week Seven......5-0

Week Eight........3-2

Week Nine.........2-3

Week Ten..........5-0

Week Eleven.....2-3

Overall..............43-14

7 Oregon at 4 Stanford____INCORRECT

The biggest game in the PAC-12 this season features the team of many uniforms visiting the team of the greatest collegiate quarterback since Peyton Manning. Andrew Luck and the Cardinal have to be upset that they are undefeated, and yet Alabama, who just lost to LSU, is still ranked ahead of them. If they want to leap the Tide, the best way to do so is beating Oregon.

FINAL SCORE: Stanford 27, Oregon 24

10 Virginia Tech at 21 Georgia Tech____CORRECT

This game is for control of whatever ACC division these two teams are in. Really, can anyone name which teams are in the Atlantic and which are in the Coastal? No? Didn't think so. Same goes for the Big Ten. But Georgia Tech has had a rough go of it, lately. Losses to Miami and Virginia made everyone cringe, but then they beat Clemson. The Hokies, on the other hand, have cracked the top ten in the BCS standings. As evidenced below, I have VaTech winning the ACC.

FINAL SCORE: Virginia Tech 17, Georgia Tech 14

20 Auburn at 15 Georgia____CORRECT

UGA is hot. Really, really hot. They just scored 42 points in one quarter, albeit against New Mexico State. Auburn will be tougher competition, but Isaiah Crowell will be back running the ball. Auburn is 6-3 on the season, while the Dawgs are 7-2. Georgia has already won more games this year than they did last year, they've pretty much assured themselves that Mark Richt will keep his job. And at their current pace, the Dawgs will meet LSU in the SEC Championship Game.

FINAL SCORE: Georgia 31, Auburn 21

Florida at 13 South Carolina____INCORRECT

South Carolina hasn't been the same since Marcus Lattimore went down to injury. Florida lost every game in October and only topped Vandy by 5 points. Let's just say that Florida is mad and South Carolina is smarting. Darth Visor gets upset by his former team. UPSET Special!!!

FINAL SCORE: Florida 24, South Carolina 23

TCU at 5 Boise State____INCORRECT

TCU is likely the last chance to get Boise State a loss. Of course, Boise crashed and burned against Nevada late in the season last year. The Broncos have a fantastic QB in Kellen Moore. TCU is joining the Big XII next season, and a win against Boise would be a nice housewarming gift...too bad it won't happen.

FINAL SCORE: Boise State 35, TCU 24

BOWL PROJECTIONS: I'll offer up bowl projections with each round of predictions. New teams in italics.

National Championship Game: Oklahoma State vs. LSU

Rose Bowl: Michigan State vs. Stanford

Fiesta Bowl: Oregon vs. Boise State

Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs.Nebraska

Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati

Capital One Bowl: Georgia vs. Michigan

Outback Bowl: Penn State vs. South Carolina

Cotton Bowl: Arkansas vs. Texas

Chick-fil-A Bowl: Florida vs. Clemson

Football Future-see 2011: Week Ten

RECORD

Week One..........5-2

Week Two..........3-2

Week Three........5-0

Week Four..........4-1

Week Five..........4-1

Week Six...........5-0

Week Seven......5-0

Week Eight........3-2

Week Nine.........2-3

Week Ten..........5-0

Overall..............41-11

Texas Tech at 21 Texas____CORRECT

Texas is back in the Top 25. Texas Tech recently knocked off Oklahoma, and they'll look to take down Texas, but I don't see it.

FINAL SCORE: Texas 28, Texas Tech 17

9 South Carolina at 7 Arkansas____CORRECT

South Carolina controls their own destiny in the SEC East, but they really need to win out, because Georgia is about as hot as they can be at the moment. Arkansas is also trying to state their case for a potential BCS Bowl game berth.

FINAL SCORE: Arkansas 30, South Carolina 20

New Mexico State at 18 Georgia____CORRECT

Georgia was smart to schedule this cupcake game after Florida. They might still be hungover from the victory in Jacksonville, but it won't really matter. Georgia nearly hung 60 on Coastal Carolina in week three, and they may try it again here in week ten.

FINAL SCORE: Georgia 52, New Mexico State 10

1 LSU at 2 Alabama____CORRECT

The premier match-up of the weekend is a 1 vs 2 game in Tuscaloosa. Most pundits have said that this game is at least the SEC Championship game, if not the National Title game. Two of the best defenses in the country face off, and I think LSU will come out on top in a close game.

FINAL SCORE: LSU 24, Alabama 21

14 Kansas State at 3 Oklahoma State____CORRECT

After the beating that OU handed K-State last week, it was obvious immediately that Okie State would roll. The Cowboys are doing everything they can to state their case for the BCS National Championship game.

FINAL SCORE: Oklahoma State 34, Kansas State 17

BOWL PROJECTIONS: From this point on, I'll offer up bowl projections with each round of predictions.

National Championship Game: Stanford vs. LSU

Rose Bowl: Michigan State vs. Oregon

Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Boise State

Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. West Virginia

Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Nebraska

Capital One Bowl: Arkansas vs. Michigan

Outback Bowl: Penn State vs. South Carolina

Cotton Bowl: Georgia vs. Kansas State

Chick-fil-A Bowl: Florida vs. Clemson