Top 5 plays on the board... cfb week 1... let's hear it!

Posted: Aug. 24, 2009 - 2:39 AM ET #129

Quote Originally Posted by LonghornHoosier:

Texas -40 over ULM

I have been well documented of my advocy of this selection. Granted, I risk ridicule if my Horns can't cover a lofty spread. Again, what is Texas record ATS 1999-2008 against 1st home home patsies from the SBC and WAC, answer 9-1. And those spreads ranged from 24 (Fla Atlantic 2008) to 40 (North Texas 2006). The ATS loss was 2007 against Ark St where Texas was -39 and won 21-13. Texas had a ranked TCU on board the following week and had prepared during camp for TCU. Ark State is well coached and defeated Texas A&M (Granted a bad A&M team at college station in 2008. For a generation, Texas will never again over look a 1st game patsy. In addition, as the history I have referenced, along with the fiasco of the Big XII tiebreaker last year, throw in OU's demolition of a good BYU team in Arlington on the same night, and Texas perceived weak SOS, this year, spells big time trouble for ULM...

Prediction

Texas 63

ULM 3

LSU -16 over Washington

Without Jake Locker, the good ole boys from LSU would go visit the Spaceneedle in Seattle and grab a latte along the way. JL is a "perceived to be a big time player when he is not hurt (that may change halfway through the 2nd quarter.) With the addition of Chavis as DC, Crowton's playcalling, Jefferson's experience, LSU's top flight OL, WR and especially their RB's in Scott and Williams, they are going to dominate this game from start to finish. If this game were in the middle of the season, all bets would be off. In my opinion, LSU players "play" when they feel like it. In essense, I think they can dominate a team well or they can coast to a victory with a half assed effort. Because of Locker and Sarkisian, LSU will not look at UW as a 0-12 team, they will look at them as a team they was previously poorly coach and had some bad luck. They will want to send a message to the SEC and the nation that LSU after a rebuilding year in 2008 is back...

Prediction

LSU 45

Washington 7

Stanford -16 over Washington State

I am also looking at Kentucky -14 over Miami of Ohio. I believe you can throw out Stanford's 58-0 domination over a hapless Cougar team on the Farm out. This will be a much closer game through 2.5 quarters. However, I believe with Stanford's experience on its Offensive Line and Defensive Line (the trenches) along with Tony Gerhart's outstanding rushing skills and Andrew Luck's rocket arm, the game will not be that close after all. Granted, Luck a RS Freshman will be starting his first game, the reviews that have come through from the spring game and camp have been outstanding (source scout.com). Stanford will have a duel threat O, dominance in the trenches, and competent back 7 on D to dominate this game. Washington State will play hard for their embattled coach (ref recruiting scandal at E. Washington), and will start off the season making a better showing than last years pathetic showing (argubly the worst effort of any team in the history of the Pac 10, though they did luck out and beat UW).

Prediction

Stanford 42

Washington State 17

How's that???

love it

Posted: Aug. 24, 2009 - 8:06 PM ET #140

ksp47 -

Here's a bit on Miami, OH's D:

DEFENSE: Unfortunately, the Miami defense was just as bad when compared to the
offense last year, as the RedHawks were pounded for 396.0 yards and 32.7
points per game. The main issue was the unit's inability to stop the run, as
opponents gashed Miami-Ohio for 208.0 ypg on the ground, but coach Haywood is
hoping with both his tackles back for the 2009 campaign that they can learn
from last year's experience. As for the defensive end positions, the team will
likely lean on Jordan Stevens and Morris Council, both of whom saw limited
time a year ago.

The biggest area of concern in 2009 will be at linebacker as the team lost
Joey Hudson and Clayton Mullins, the top two tacklers from a year ago. Caleb
Bostic will likely man the middle and he has some experience, starting in four
games in 2008. The strength for this unit once again will likely be in the
defensive backfield, as the team has three starters returning, including
corners Cornelius Ward and Jeff Thompson.

SPECIAL TEAMS: The only bright spot for the RedHawks last season was the
special teams, but their kicker Nate Parseghian (20-of-23 FGs) and punter
Jacob Richardson (36.4 net average), so both will have to be replaced. As of
now it looks like redshirt freshman Jim Broadway will have a shot to pull
double duty, kicking and punting for Miami-Ohio. The return game in 2008 was
extremely solid, thanks to Eugene Harris, who averaged 9.1 ypr on punts, while
also scoring twice. Dustin Woods averaged over 25.6 yards per kick return,
while Jamal Rodgers posted an average of 20.6 per return.

Top 5 plays on the board... CFB week 1... let's hear it!

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