College Football Week 9

[tapeANaspirin2it]

The big takeaway from last week was the nation getting their first real look at the new OT rules where it comes down to single 2 point conversions to determine the winner. After much consideration.

It's awful. You play a whole game and then it comes down to single plays. That's not how football works. And to make matters worse, they kept switching sides of the field. The teams probably walked a mile just switching endzones back and forth. At the very least, play the whole thing into 1 endzone. It's called homefield advantage.


It seems the theme for this week is games that looked awesome months ago but now not so much



20 Penn State at 5 Ohio State 7:30 ABC OSU - 19.5 O/U 61
Just a few weeks ago, this looked like one of the games of the year, but then Penn State lost their 2 most important players. QB Sean Clifford and DT PJ Mustipher. Mustipher was their main run stuffer and was having a dominant season until he was lost for the year at Iowa (and the Iowa fans were nice enough to Boo him while he was down). Without Mustipher, PSU is small on the DL and that's why Illinois used 7 OL as their main formation and Penn State had trouble with it but still gave up only 10 points.

Clifford was clearly not himself. It was obvious he could not go deep and Illinois just squeezed everything short. Is Clifford healthier a week later? I guess we'll find out. If he's not then the Penn State offense is in for a long day again.

On paper this one looks like it could get ugly, but styles make fights. Penn State has recruited and built themselves to beat Ohio State. The DL is based on speed and defending the pass. Will Ohio State look at what Illinois did and change their gameplan to run more power formations? That would be changing what they do best.

There's one more thing. Ohio State hasn't played anybody. We they did play 1 team, Oregon and they lost at home. They haven't played any other ranked team. So they've looked good but they should look good against that schedule.

Penn State's defense could cause trouble for freshman QB CJ Stroud. But if Penn State's offense plays like **** again, it won't matter because no matter how good a defense is, if you keep sending them out there in bad situations with little rest, they will crack eventually.

The crazy thing is that on paper, Penn State is still very much alive for the playoffs. If Penn State somehow beats Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State in the coming month, they are likely in the playoff. Will it happen? I doubt it. I'm just hoping to beat Michigan and ruin their season.



6 Michigan at 8 Michigan State 12:00 FOX Michigan -4 O/U 50.5
I feel like i write the same thing about MIchigan every week. That's because it's true every week. They just haven't played anybody yet. MSU is their first ranked opponent. Michigan's defense has looked good against bad offenses. Their run game has been all they've needed to win. Their passing game is still unknown. I'm not sold that Michigan State is a top 10 team but they're at least pretty good and clearly the best team Michigan has faced so far. MIchigan State hasn't played a very tough schedule yet either but they did at least win in Miami. Miami is underachieving but they have some talent.

We should learn a lot about both teams in this one. Apparently residents of Michigan think MSU will win. According to draftkings sportsbook, moneyline bets (IE picking the winner without points) are running 9 to 1 Michigan State for residents of Michigan.

I wish you could do a prop bet on the number of times they will show Harbaughs whiny face after a call doesn't go Michigan's way. I'd bet the over.


9 Iowa at Wisconsin 12:00 ESPN Wisc -3 O/U 36.5
Texas at 16 Baylor 12:00 ABC Baylor -2.5 O/U 61.5
Taking these both together, games that looked great a month ago but not so much anymore.


Miami at 17 Pitt 12: 00 ACCN Pitt -9 O/U 61.5
It's a problem for the ACC that their best game of the week only rates coverage on ACC Network. Continuing the theme, this game looked great a few weeks ago.


1 Georgia vs Florida Neutral site Jacksonville 3:30 CBS UGA -14 O/U 51
World's largest outdoor cocktail party. Georgia ranked #1, Atlanta Braves in the World Series and Herschel Walked running for Senate. Lots for Georgia to party about.
Florida gave Bama a game but they've been up and down other than that. Last year Florida blew out Georgia. Neither team has announced the starting QB. Georgia's Stetson Bennett couldn't handle Florida last year. This year the defense has been so good that Bennett hasn't had to do much. He may have to do more vs Florida.


10 Ole Miss at 18 Auburn 7:00 ESPN Auburn -3 O/U 66.5
the winner is still alive to challenge Bama for the SEC West title and a spot in the SEC champ. Ole Miss QB Matt Corral is having a big year but struggled vs Bama. Auburn's defense is good. Bo Nix has been playing well for Auburn. He has a lot of talent but was stiffled in Gus malzahn's high school offense. Is he starting to emerge as a passer?


19 SMU at Houston 7:00 ESPN2 Pick Em O/U 62
Hey SMU is undefeated. Nobody cares. Both teams are actually pretty good on defense with UH allowing only 17 per game


North Carolina at 11 Notre Dame 7:30 NBC ND -3.5 O/U 62.5
once again, a game that seemed great a month ago. Now both teams have been disappointing. ND still raanked 11 with just 1 loss but they haven't looked good this year. It's not a surprise for a team that relies so much on OL to struggle when replacing all of them. UNC is one of the most disappointing teams this year.


Virginia at 25 BYU 10:15 ESPN2 BYU -2.5 O/U 66
The nation wonders if Virginia will go blue or not.

 

[ExUSAF]

OSU is going to lay at least 40 on PSU; PSU may be lucky to get a few field goals but then their kicker is erratic. PSU will not cover the spread. No running game, an injured QB, and a backup that would make the Duck look good. Top it off with no run defense. This one will be ugly. I may record it to delete it later after I see the final score.

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

Late in the game, Penn State switched their G and C and had more success running. A big part of why they are struggling is that new OC Yurcich's scheme relies on outside zone, but PSU has been more man blocking in recent years so this year they are doing both almost half and half.

Another factor is the TEs have been awful. It was thought they'd be a real strength. They have 3 of them that play. They are all great athletes but they have been terrible blocking and they had key drops last week too.

The RBs have underwhelmed too. They have 4 RBs that are pretty good but none that are special. No RB has grabbed the job. They are all situational.

 

[SteelBuckeye]

Just a heads up. tOSU has a stable of RBs that are actually quite good. The young guys are so good that Master Teague has been moved down to 3rd or 4th on the depth chart. Henderson is a young beast in the making who runs with speed and power and has excellent contact balance. Williams is kind of "Henderson Lite" in that he has the same traits as a RB, but started the year with an injury that has limited his playing time somewhat.

I point this out to say that thinking that tOSU HAS to throw the ball to win is underestimating your opponent. Given the run game production that they have shown and the fact that they have what is considered by many to be the top OL in college football, they can run the ball to win.

 

[ExUSAF]

Just a heads up. tOSU has a stable of RBs that are actually quite good. The young guys are so good that Master Teague has been moved down to 3rd or 4th on the depth chart. Henderson is a young beast in the making who runs with speed and power and has excellent contact balance. Williams is kind of "Henderson Lite" in that he has the same traits as a RB, but started the year with an injury that has limited his playing time somewhat.

I point this out to say that thinking that tOSU HAS to throw the ball to win is underestimating your opponent. Given the run game production that they have shown and the fact that they have what is considered by many to be the top OL in college football, they can run the ball to win.

Illinois didn't have to pass. OSU could run the ball every play and win.

 

[TDX27]

Without a running game, Penn State will struggle to score. As much as it pains me, I think Ohio State lays the smackdown on my Nittany Lions today at the horseshoe.

 

[Drink IRON City]

The big takeaway from last week was the nation getting their first real look at the new OT rules where it comes down to single 2 point conversions to determine the winner. After much consideration.

It's awful. You play a whole game and then it comes down to single plays. That's not how football works. And to make matters worse, they kept switching sides of the field. The teams probably walked a mile just switching endzones back and forth. At the very least, play the whole thing into 1 endzone. It's called homefield advantage.


It seems the theme for this week is games that looked awesome months ago but now not so much



20 Penn State at 5 Ohio State 7:30 ABC OSU - 19.5 O/U 61
Just a few weeks ago, this looked like one of the games of the year, but then Penn State lost their 2 most important players. QB Sean Clifford and DT PJ Mustipher. Mustipher was their main run stuffer and was having a dominant season until he was lost for the year at Iowa (and the Iowa fans were nice enough to Boo him while he was down). Without Mustipher, PSU is small on the DL and that's why Illinois used 7 OL as their main formation and Penn State had trouble with it but still gave up only 10 points.

Clifford was clearly not himself. It was obvious he could not go deep and Illinois just squeezed everything short. Is Clifford healthier a week later? I guess we'll find out. If he's not then the Penn State offense is in for a long day again.

On paper this one looks like it could get ugly, but styles make fights. Penn State has recruited and built themselves to beat Ohio State. The DL is based on speed and defending the pass. Will Ohio State look at what Illinois did and change their gameplan to run more power formations? That would be changing what they do best.

There's one more thing. Ohio State hasn't played anybody. We they did play 1 team, Oregon and they lost at home. They haven't played any other ranked team. So they've looked good but they should look good against that schedule.

Penn State's defense could cause trouble for freshman QB CJ Stroud. But if Penn State's offense plays like **** again, it won't matter because no matter how good a defense is, if you keep sending them out there in bad situations with little rest, they will crack eventually.

The crazy thing is that on paper, Penn State is still very much alive for the playoffs. If Penn State somehow beats Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State in the coming month, they are likely in the playoff. Will it happen? I doubt it. I'm just hoping to beat Michigan and ruin their season.



6 Michigan at 8 Michigan State 12:00 FOX Michigan -4 O/U 50.5
I feel like i write the same thing about MIchigan every week. That's because it's true every week. They just haven't played anybody yet. MSU is their first ranked opponent. Michigan's defense has looked good against bad offenses. Their run game has been all they've needed to win. Their passing game is still unknown. I'm not sold that Michigan State is a top 10 team but they're at least pretty good and clearly the best team Michigan has faced so far. MIchigan State hasn't played a very tough schedule yet either but they did at least win in Miami. Miami is underachieving but they have some talent.

We should learn a lot about both teams in this one. Apparently residents of Michigan think MSU will win. According to draftkings sportsbook, moneyline bets (IE picking the winner without points) are running 9 to 1 Michigan State for residents of Michigan.

I wish you could do a prop bet on the number of times they will show Harbaughs whiny face after a call doesn't go Michigan's way. I'd bet the over.


9 Iowa at Wisconsin 12:00 ESPN Wisc -3 O/U 36.5
Texas at 16 Baylor 12:00 ABC Baylor -2.5 O/U 61.5
Taking these both together, games that looked great a month ago but not so much anymore.


Miami at 17 Pitt 12: 00 ACCN Pitt -9 O/U 61.5
It's a problem for the ACC that their best game of the week only rates coverage on ACC Network. Continuing the theme, this game looked great a few weeks ago.


1 Georgia vs Florida Neutral site Jacksonville 3:30 CBS UGA -14 O/U 51
World's largest outdoor cocktail party. Georgia ranked #1, Atlanta Braves in the World Series and Herschel Walked running for Senate. Lots for Georgia to party about.
Florida gave Bama a game but they've been up and down other than that. Last year Florida blew out Georgia. Neither team has announced the starting QB. Georgia's Stetson Bennett couldn't handle Florida last year. This year the defense has been so good that Bennett hasn't had to do much. He may have to do more vs Florida.


10 Ole Miss at 18 Auburn 7:00 ESPN Auburn -3 O/U 66.5
the winner is still alive to challenge Bama for the SEC West title and a spot in the SEC champ. Ole Miss QB Matt Corral is having a big year but struggled vs Bama. Auburn's defense is good. Bo Nix has been playing well for Auburn. He has a lot of talent but was stiffled in Gus malzahn's high school offense. Is he starting to emerge as a passer?


19 SMU at Houston 7:00 ESPN2 Pick Em O/U 62
Hey SMU is undefeated. Nobody cares. Both teams are actually pretty good on defense with UH allowing only 17 per game


North Carolina at 11 Notre Dame 7:30 NBC ND -3.5 O/U 62.5
once again, a game that seemed great a month ago. Now both teams have been disappointing. ND still raanked 11 with just 1 loss but they haven't looked good this year. It's not a surprise for a team that relies so much on OL to struggle when replacing all of them. UNC is one of the most disappointing teams this year.


Virginia at 25 BYU 10:15 ESPN2 BYU -2.5 O/U 66
The nation wonders if Virginia will go blue or not.

Great write up Tape and I enjoy the hell outA these, thank you





I'm pretty sure I'll actually get the Georgia game today and plan to watch at least a portion of it (in honor of an Albuquerque resident).

1:30 start time for me








Salute the nation

 

[madinsomniac]

Pitt Miami scares the hell out of me…. Its a underachieving Miami team that has a lot of history beating Pitt, and it’s coming off of a huge Clemson win for pitt… they finally slipped into National conversations and the top 20… this is the kind of game that they blow….

Plus its a Halloween party weekend, which bodes ill for upsets due to afternoon hangovers for idiots who sneak out and party the night before…. Which always happens on big party nights

 

[Pittsburgh Charlie]

Take your Michigan hatred is unbecoming


Oh the Miami/Pitt game is on ESPN 2 here

 

[madinsomniac]

Pitt blowing it

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

Just a heads up. tOSU has a stable of RBs that are actually quite good. The young guys are so good that Master Teague has been moved down to 3rd or 4th on the depth chart. Henderson is a young beast in the making who runs with speed and power and has excellent contact balance. Williams is kind of "Henderson Lite" in that he has the same traits as a RB, but started the year with an injury that has limited his playing time somewhat.

I point this out to say that thinking that tOSU HAS to throw the ball to win is underestimating your opponent. Given the run game production that they have shown and the fact that they have what is considered by many to be the top OL in college football, they can run the ball to win.

i never said they have to pass to win. I said they WANT to pass. Teams like Iowa and Illinois would be happy throwing abou 5 passes per game. That’s what they want to do. If Ohio State decides to just run it like 80% of the plays that’s a big departure from what they want to do. Most teams choose to stick with what they do best rather than change to attack a weakness.

 

[Pittsburgh Charlie]

Didn’t know Cam’s brother was on Spartans.

 

[CoolieMan]

Y'all should all be more interested in the SMU at UH game our next slot corner and kick returner Marcus Jones will be playing

yeah no one cares but both teams are undefeated in conference play and this game likely decides who plays Cincinnati for the AAC championship

unless the winner steps on their dick later this season

I'll be at the game so y'all need to play nice while I am off the interwebs

 

[tapeANaspirin2it]

I

Take your Michigan hatred is unbecoming


Oh the Miami/Pitt game is on ESPN 2 here

I do hate Michigan. I hated Michigan back in the 80s before they played Penn State. I could never stand them getting all the hype despite never winning jack ****. I even hated Harbaugh when he played. Got all this credit like he was great and he was a hack that never won anything and even then he had that whiny punchable face.

Having said that, what did I say about this Michigan team that isn’t true?

 

[Pittsburgh Charlie]

I

I do hate Michigan. I hated Michigan back in the 80s before they played Penn State. I could never stand them getting all the hype despite never winning jack ****. I even hated Harbaugh when he played. Got all this credit like he was great and he was a hack that never won anything and even then he had that whiny punchable face.

Having said that, what did I say about this Michigan team that isn’t true?

Nothing but just analyze the game and leave the hatred out, you don’t do it with any other team.

I don’t like Penn State because they infiltrated the Big 10 and made it 11 teams.

Never heard anyone say Harbaugh was great

 

[CoolieMan]

Nothing but just analyze the game and leave the hatred out, you don’t do it with any other team.

I don’t like Penn State because they infiltrated the Big 10 and made it 11 teams.

Never heard anyone say Harbaugh was great

well it is his thread and his analysis

he can type his thoughts

don't like his write up, counter it with your thoughts on the game

 

[Pittsburgh Charlie]

well it is his thread and his analysis

he can type his thoughts

don't like his write up, counter it with your thoughts on the game

Ok sorry to offend the thread police

Tape talk to me about Kentucky\ Miss St
Why UK is a point underdog

 

[CoolieMan]

Ok sorry to offend the thread police

Tape talk to me about Kentucky\ Miss St
Why UK is a point underdog

you didn't offend anyone

just pointing out he is giving his opinions in his writeup

 

[madinsomniac]

Man pitt must have offended the acc refs this year… ridiculous one sided calls getting worse every game

 

[SteelBuckeye]

i never said they have to pass to win. I said they WANT to pass. Teams like Iowa and Illinois would be happy throwing abou 5 passes per game. That’s what they want to do. If Ohio State decides to just run it like 80% of the plays that’s a big departure from what they want to do. Most teams choose to stick with what they do best rather than change to attack a weakness.

Well, I'd agree that they want to be a quick strike team. Personally, I don't see a team that WANTS to be pass happy. tOSU is willing and able to beat most teams either through the air or on the ground. I think Day would like to field a balanced team. However, at the beginning of the year he had Teague with an injury, Williams with an injury and a Freshman RB, who, while extremely talented is a Freshman. So, it took awhile for him to actually trust Henderson; which is understandable.
As he gained that trust, you've seen a more balanced offense. If PSU goes into this game thinking they don't have to worry about the run because tOSU wants to pass/is a pass happy team, they'll get gashed on the ground.

Edit: Just checked the season to date stats on tOSU's offense. They are actually very balanced. 233 rushing attempts to 229 pass attempts. Of course, many of those rushing attempts came during the last 3 games when the game was out of hand and tOSU was just trying to run clock. But still, there's balance.

 

[Pittsburgh Charlie]

Michigan robbed on a TD
Homer call!

 

[Stainless]

Michigan robbed on a TD
Homer call!

I would have to agree. I didn't see anything definitive to warrant overturning the call on the field.

Michigan has a true freshman WR from East Lansing that's having a breakout game thus far.

I had a chance to go to this game and passed. I may have drunk too many beers last night. I kinda wish I had dragged my butt out of bed and gone. It's been entertaining so far.

 

[Stainless]

Iowa is getting pounded. If they end up losing this game, especially if they get crushed, they might go from #2 to unranked in the span of 2-3 weeks.

 

[Steelr4evr]

Does pass defense even exist anymore? A lot of these game look like arena football. Just big passes all day to guys wide open by 5-10 yards.

 

[bermudasteel]

Ok sorry to offend the thread police

Tape talk to me about Kentucky\ Miss St
Why UK is a point underdog

Tape doesn't like talking about the best conference in college football...

I do enjoy reading his thread every week only to see two sentences about the SEC every week LOL!!! But we get a full thesis on the Big 10 (every team)...