Week 4 Recap...
It was all in all a boring weekend around the Big Ten. The good got better, the bad got worse and the jury is still out on Penn State, a team everyone but me seemed to be really high on heading into the season, despite some notable personnel losses.
There were two upsets for the MAC (Toledo and Northern Illinois) and CMU gave the Wildcats a run as well. This week is when we really start to get a sense for who will contend, pretend and flat out roll over.
Team of the Week... Really not sure where to go here. Could be Wisconsin for racking up 70. Or Michigan with 65. I guess I'll go with OSU who really got it going and scored 73 points while getting Terrelle Pryor involved with the "cycle" of TDs (passing, rushing, receiving).
Player of the Week... See the note on Pryor. Those are nice games for postseason trophy contention for sure... though there were other great ones as well: Greg Jones and James White come to mind.
Get Gamm... Only two of us picked NIU to upset Minnesota and I was closer on the tiebreaker to hold off Phats for the win this week.
Week Five Slate... Finally, some games with meaning. I cannot wait until the Big Tenwelve adopts a nine game conference slate. The FCS games have got to go.
Ohio State at Illinois
Northwestern at Minnesota
Michigan at Indiana
Wisconsin at Michigan State (TIEBREAKER)
Penn State at Iowa
Monday, September 27, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Get Gamm - Week 4
Sort of a boring week match-up wise. CMU at Northwestern and NIU at Minnesota are the most compelling. One thing is for sure, the MAC will be gunning for the Big Ten to gain a measure of respect...
Austin Peay at Wisconsin
Gamm says ... not even worth a blink. Bad news this week for the Badgers losing Borland. But that won't matter here. Let's go Peay. Not really, just wanted to say it... UW 37 - AP 9
Dan Meyer says ... Austin Peay 7 at WISCONSIN 38--I actually teach at the Peay (student chant--"Let's Go Peay"--seriously) and thought about picking the huge upset--for about two seconds. The Governors do have a quality return man in Terrance Holt; I predict that a third quarter KO run back accounts for the only points given up by the Badgers.
Ball State at Iowa
Gamm says ... Iowa's running game took a hit, but the Hawkeyes should be motivated after a tough loss at Arizona. Ball State gives a game for a half before Iowa pulls away. Iowa 30 - Ball State 13.
Dan Meyer says ... Ball State 10 at IOWA 30--No "shocking the world" this week (reference to a now-banned poster for newer predictors).
Bowling Green at Michigan
Gamm says ... BGSU is down its starting QB otherwise this could be very interesting. Michigan will play better D this time but it still won't be a blow out. M 40 - BGSU 27
Dan Meyer says ... Bowling Green 6 at MICHIGAN 31--UMass got the Wolverines' attention; thus even Urban Meyer (who coached the Falcons about a decade ago) would be hard pressed to pull the MAC upset this week.
Central Michigan at Northwestern
Gamm says ... One of the games of the week. CMU is not as good as next year, or I'd be all over the upset. NU gets to 4-0 in an entertaining game. NU 45 - CMU 38
Dan Meyer says ... Central Michigan 14 at NORTHWESTERN 27--Would give the Chippewas more of a chance if Dan LeFeveor was still QB.
Northern Colorado at Michigan State
Gamm says ... it will be interesting to see if MSU starts slow off the incredible win and Coach D's absence or if the Spartans are inspired and roll. I tend to lean to the latter. MSU 51 - NC 14
Dan Meyer says ... Northern Colorado 6 at MICHIGAN STATE 45--I realize that Spartan fans need a week to recuperate after last week's heroics, but N. Colorado? Seriously??
Toledo at Purdue
Gamm says ... I didn't call this one out in particular above, but see this as a possible great game as well. Purdue is struggling to find itself on O. Toledo is playing decent D. Purdue ekes out a win. PU 24 - UT 20
Dan Meyer says ... Toledo 13 at PURDUE 19--Toledo has played very good defense the last two weeks. I cannot and will not pick the upset--but this one could give Boiler fans heartburn well into the fourth quarter.
Eastern Michigan at Ohio State
Gamm says ... The only interesting thing about OSU's second straight match-up is whether the EMU Eagle has pre-plotted an attack on Brutus. Maybe this game the Buckeyes won't give up a special teams home run. OSU 38 - EMU 6
Dan Meyer says ... Eastern Michigan 10 at OHIO STATE 35--Tressel brings subs in during third quarter; if not earlier.
Temple at Penn State
Gamm says ... don't sleep on this one. Temple is 3-0 and would love the pub of beating the state's juggernaut. This will be a nail bitter but Royster finally breaks loose and PSU wins. PSU 31 - Temple 21.
Dan Meyer says ... Temple 14 at PENN STATE 24--These are NOT the Owls that Wisconsin used to beat 65-0, but JoePa and company are still too good for Temple at home.
Akron at Indiana
Gamm says ... Indiana has to be careful not to look forward to the Michigan game here. The Hoosiers have a great offense but weren't world beaters at Western Kentucky last weekend. The Hoosiers pull away late... IU 33 - Akron 17
Dan Meyer says ... Akron 17 at INDIANA 21--A reasonable upset pick, but I think that the Hoosiers prevail for at least one more week.
Northern Illinois at Minnesota
Gamm says ... Which Minnesota will show up? NIU nearly nipped Illinois last weekend and has a real shot at this one too. I think the Gophers are in such disarray that they get picked off again. NIU 24 - Minnesota 23
Dan Meyer says ... Northern Illinois 13 at MINNESOTA 14--A bit dangerous picking the team that arguably knocked Purdue out of a bowl last year to lose to the Gophers--but where else (except MAYBE IU or Illinois) will Minnesota win a game the rest of the year?
South Dakota State at Nebraska
Gamm says ... plain and simple, a very good Cornhusker team rolls. Big Ren 56 - SDSU 10
Dan Meyer says ... South Dakota State 6 at NEBRASKA 41--Even a Cornhusker letdown won't allow this one to be close.
Sort of a boring week match-up wise. CMU at Northwestern and NIU at Minnesota are the most compelling. One thing is for sure, the MAC will be gunning for the Big Ten to gain a measure of respect...
Austin Peay at Wisconsin
Gamm says ... not even worth a blink. Bad news this week for the Badgers losing Borland. But that won't matter here. Let's go Peay. Not really, just wanted to say it... UW 37 - AP 9
Dan Meyer says ... Austin Peay 7 at WISCONSIN 38--I actually teach at the Peay (student chant--"Let's Go Peay"--seriously) and thought about picking the huge upset--for about two seconds. The Governors do have a quality return man in Terrance Holt; I predict that a third quarter KO run back accounts for the only points given up by the Badgers.
Ball State at Iowa
Gamm says ... Iowa's running game took a hit, but the Hawkeyes should be motivated after a tough loss at Arizona. Ball State gives a game for a half before Iowa pulls away. Iowa 30 - Ball State 13.
Dan Meyer says ... Ball State 10 at IOWA 30--No "shocking the world" this week (reference to a now-banned poster for newer predictors).
Bowling Green at Michigan
Gamm says ... BGSU is down its starting QB otherwise this could be very interesting. Michigan will play better D this time but it still won't be a blow out. M 40 - BGSU 27
Dan Meyer says ... Bowling Green 6 at MICHIGAN 31--UMass got the Wolverines' attention; thus even Urban Meyer (who coached the Falcons about a decade ago) would be hard pressed to pull the MAC upset this week.
Central Michigan at Northwestern
Gamm says ... One of the games of the week. CMU is not as good as next year, or I'd be all over the upset. NU gets to 4-0 in an entertaining game. NU 45 - CMU 38
Dan Meyer says ... Central Michigan 14 at NORTHWESTERN 27--Would give the Chippewas more of a chance if Dan LeFeveor was still QB.
Northern Colorado at Michigan State
Gamm says ... it will be interesting to see if MSU starts slow off the incredible win and Coach D's absence or if the Spartans are inspired and roll. I tend to lean to the latter. MSU 51 - NC 14
Dan Meyer says ... Northern Colorado 6 at MICHIGAN STATE 45--I realize that Spartan fans need a week to recuperate after last week's heroics, but N. Colorado? Seriously??
Toledo at Purdue
Gamm says ... I didn't call this one out in particular above, but see this as a possible great game as well. Purdue is struggling to find itself on O. Toledo is playing decent D. Purdue ekes out a win. PU 24 - UT 20
Dan Meyer says ... Toledo 13 at PURDUE 19--Toledo has played very good defense the last two weeks. I cannot and will not pick the upset--but this one could give Boiler fans heartburn well into the fourth quarter.
Eastern Michigan at Ohio State
Gamm says ... The only interesting thing about OSU's second straight match-up is whether the EMU Eagle has pre-plotted an attack on Brutus. Maybe this game the Buckeyes won't give up a special teams home run. OSU 38 - EMU 6
Dan Meyer says ... Eastern Michigan 10 at OHIO STATE 35--Tressel brings subs in during third quarter; if not earlier.
Temple at Penn State
Gamm says ... don't sleep on this one. Temple is 3-0 and would love the pub of beating the state's juggernaut. This will be a nail bitter but Royster finally breaks loose and PSU wins. PSU 31 - Temple 21.
Dan Meyer says ... Temple 14 at PENN STATE 24--These are NOT the Owls that Wisconsin used to beat 65-0, but JoePa and company are still too good for Temple at home.
Akron at Indiana
Gamm says ... Indiana has to be careful not to look forward to the Michigan game here. The Hoosiers have a great offense but weren't world beaters at Western Kentucky last weekend. The Hoosiers pull away late... IU 33 - Akron 17
Dan Meyer says ... Akron 17 at INDIANA 21--A reasonable upset pick, but I think that the Hoosiers prevail for at least one more week.
Northern Illinois at Minnesota
Gamm says ... Which Minnesota will show up? NIU nearly nipped Illinois last weekend and has a real shot at this one too. I think the Gophers are in such disarray that they get picked off again. NIU 24 - Minnesota 23
Dan Meyer says ... Northern Illinois 13 at MINNESOTA 14--A bit dangerous picking the team that arguably knocked Purdue out of a bowl last year to lose to the Gophers--but where else (except MAYBE IU or Illinois) will Minnesota win a game the rest of the year?
South Dakota State at Nebraska
Gamm says ... plain and simple, a very good Cornhusker team rolls. Big Ren 56 - SDSU 10
Dan Meyer says ... South Dakota State 6 at NEBRASKA 41--Even a Cornhusker letdown won't allow this one to be close.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Week Three Recap
I'll apologize now if this paints me as the MSU homer that I am, but come on, have you EVER seen such a ballsy call to end the game? Wow. I was lucky enough to be there and have a bird's eye view of it all. I'm still hoarse today and still shocked that not an hour later, Coach Dantonio was rushed to the hospital with what turned out to be a mild heart attack. I'm not the only one talking about the play... it is all over the news. I just wish I had heard what old sufferin' sucotash Lou Holtz had to say about it...
Team of the Week: Michigan State. No question. They played the best game of the week, which had the best play of the week and the most meaning of the week. No disrespect to the rest of college football intended.
Player of the Week: There were some great weeks had by some key players, but I'll go out on a limb and give it to a special teamer. Aaron Bates averaged over 45 yards per punt, even with some pooch kicks and a shank or two. Oh and he also threw one of the most memorable touchdown passes in Michigan State football history.
Get Gamm: Congratulations to Dan Meyer for a solid 10-1 week and nailing the point differential on the tiebreaker game. Dan, you're an old regular and you know the drill!
Week Four Slate: Can't wait... one week until we open conference play... in the meantime, MAC v. B10 week II (7 games!).
Austin Peay at Wisconsin
Ball State at Iowa
Bowling Green at Michigan
Central Michigan at Northwestern
Northern Colorado at Michigan State
Toledo at Purdue
Eastern Michigan at Ohio State
Temple at Penn State
Akron at Indiana
Northern Illinois at Minnesota
South Dakota State at Nebraska
I'll apologize now if this paints me as the MSU homer that I am, but come on, have you EVER seen such a ballsy call to end the game? Wow. I was lucky enough to be there and have a bird's eye view of it all. I'm still hoarse today and still shocked that not an hour later, Coach Dantonio was rushed to the hospital with what turned out to be a mild heart attack. I'm not the only one talking about the play... it is all over the news. I just wish I had heard what old sufferin' sucotash Lou Holtz had to say about it...
Team of the Week: Michigan State. No question. They played the best game of the week, which had the best play of the week and the most meaning of the week. No disrespect to the rest of college football intended.
Player of the Week: There were some great weeks had by some key players, but I'll go out on a limb and give it to a special teamer. Aaron Bates averaged over 45 yards per punt, even with some pooch kicks and a shank or two. Oh and he also threw one of the most memorable touchdown passes in Michigan State football history.
Get Gamm: Congratulations to Dan Meyer for a solid 10-1 week and nailing the point differential on the tiebreaker game. Dan, you're an old regular and you know the drill!
Week Four Slate: Can't wait... one week until we open conference play... in the meantime, MAC v. B10 week II (7 games!).
Austin Peay at Wisconsin
Ball State at Iowa
Bowling Green at Michigan
Central Michigan at Northwestern
Northern Colorado at Michigan State
Toledo at Purdue
Eastern Michigan at Ohio State
Temple at Penn State
Akron at Indiana
Northern Illinois at Minnesota
South Dakota State at Nebraska
Friday, September 17, 2010
Week Three - Get Gamm
Hard to believe we are already one quarter into the season! Just two weeks from conference play. Speaking of which, I really need to include future Big Ten member Nebraska in these contests, so starting next week, I will include the Cornhuskers.
This week, mayo is picking with me. Some good games on the slate, including a few reunions of sort...
Ball State at Purdue
Gamm says ... Purdue is going to miss Keith Smith but starts to find his replacement... Purdue 31 - Ball State 13.
mayo170 says ... Purdue 27 - Ball State 16
Kent State at Penn State
Gamm says ... Penn State needs to get Evan Royster going and bounce back from the 'bama loss. Nittany Lions 34 - Golden Flashes 6
mayo170 says ... Penn State 37 - Kent State 3
UMass at Michigan
Gamm says ... Michigan won't ever lose to an FCS foe again. Wolverines 41 - Minutemen 10.
mayo170 says ... Michigan 41 - UMass 16
Northern Illinois at Illinois
Gamm says ... Northern Illinois is a good MAC team. Good enough to pick off a lower tier Big Ten team. The Illini have never lost to a directional Illinois school, but I think they are the fodder for the week. NIU 27 - Illinois 24.
mayo170 says ... Northern Illinois 23 at Illinois 28. Illinois on the second leg of their directional Illinois school tour for 2010. NIU is usually a solid MAC team and I think they will give the Illini a tough go of it. After seeing two weeks of the Fighting Zookers, I think his goose is cooked and it wouldn't surprise me to see NIU beat them.
Ohio at Ohio State
Gamm says ... Ohio State needs work on finishing in the red zone and gets it done against a decent Bobcats squad. OSU 38 - Ohio 3
mayo170 says ... Ohio State 44 - Ohio U 9
Arizona State at Wisconsin
Gamm says ... Wisconsin has been mighty vanilla thus far. ASU isn't a top tier Pac Ten team but these games always have a Rose Bowl air to them in terms of bragging rights. ASU's QB, Michigan transfer Steven Threet, played well in Madtown as a Wolverine, but not this time. UW 30 - ASU 14.
mayo170 says ... Arizona State 27 at Wisconsin 19. So far ASU has bludgeoned their opponents with stifling defense and a former UM QB whose biggest win was against the Badgers. The Badgers meanwhile don't appear to be the same team that I was expecting. They will get better as the season goes on, but I'm going with ASU on a gut feeling.
USC at Minnesota
Gamm says ... You do the math. Juggernaut USC vs. the team that barely beat Middle Tennessee State and lost to FCS's South Dakota. USC rolls 41 - 17
may170 says ... USC 34 at Minnesota 10. Southern Cal dominates a Big Ten team yet again. Brew's Crew is looking dreadful right now and needs some serious help. Although USC isn't the brute force that previously has manhandled the best that the Big Ten could throw at them, Minnesota is going to be lucky to be within two scores midway through the second quarter.
Indiana at Western Kentucky
Gamm says ... Interesting road trip for IU. 16 days of rust to shake off but this IU offense is good. It'll be closer than you'd think though. Indiana 33 - Team with the bid reg blob for a mascot 27
mayo170 says ... Indiana 38 - Western Kentucky 16
Northwestern at Rice
Gamm says ... NU has been pretty sound early but Rice is not a pushover. The Wildcats tend to lose to one team a year that they have no business losing to. But that won't quite happen this week. NU 35 - Rice-a-roni 23
mayo170 says ... Northwestern 32 - Rice 13
Notre Dame at Michigan State (Tiebreaker)
Gamm says ... Night game always bring about major anticipation. This is MSU's 9th ever, and a handful have been with the Irish. This has a 1998 feel to it, with injured FB John Rouse filling the fourth captain spot - a la Amp Campbell in 1998. Kirk Cousins has payback in mind and Notre Dame hasn't quite found its rhythm yet, despite some solid talent. MSU goes from ho-hum, to ahem - look at me. Michigan State 31 - Notre Dame 23.
mayo170 says ... Notre Dame 27 at Michigan State 31(Tiebreaker). This is going to be a great game. MSU should be able to contain the pass game better than Michigan and I like that MSU will be able to throw up to three running backs at them. The big question is whether the Spartans can at least cut their penalties in half. Even if Notre Dame has a lead late, I like Cousins' ability to keep a cool head and get the ball to his receivers.
Iowa at Arizona
Gamm says ... a nice early test for both teams. Iowa has the defense and balanced offense to get out of Dodge with a win. But former Spartans QB Nick Foles wants to show the Big Ten what they've been missing. Home field plays a major factor here, but in the end, Iowa's D makes the diff. Iowa 23 - Arizona 21.
mayo170 says ... Iowa 13 at Arizona 10. Both teams are flying under the radar right now, and winning with killer defense. Iowa has had tougher competition that didn't
have to travel cross-country to play them. I like Ferentz to take the Hawkeyes out west and pull out a win.
Hard to believe we are already one quarter into the season! Just two weeks from conference play. Speaking of which, I really need to include future Big Ten member Nebraska in these contests, so starting next week, I will include the Cornhuskers.
This week, mayo is picking with me. Some good games on the slate, including a few reunions of sort...
Ball State at Purdue
Gamm says ... Purdue is going to miss Keith Smith but starts to find his replacement... Purdue 31 - Ball State 13.
mayo170 says ... Purdue 27 - Ball State 16
Kent State at Penn State
Gamm says ... Penn State needs to get Evan Royster going and bounce back from the 'bama loss. Nittany Lions 34 - Golden Flashes 6
mayo170 says ... Penn State 37 - Kent State 3
UMass at Michigan
Gamm says ... Michigan won't ever lose to an FCS foe again. Wolverines 41 - Minutemen 10.
mayo170 says ... Michigan 41 - UMass 16
Northern Illinois at Illinois
Gamm says ... Northern Illinois is a good MAC team. Good enough to pick off a lower tier Big Ten team. The Illini have never lost to a directional Illinois school, but I think they are the fodder for the week. NIU 27 - Illinois 24.
mayo170 says ... Northern Illinois 23 at Illinois 28. Illinois on the second leg of their directional Illinois school tour for 2010. NIU is usually a solid MAC team and I think they will give the Illini a tough go of it. After seeing two weeks of the Fighting Zookers, I think his goose is cooked and it wouldn't surprise me to see NIU beat them.
Ohio at Ohio State
Gamm says ... Ohio State needs work on finishing in the red zone and gets it done against a decent Bobcats squad. OSU 38 - Ohio 3
mayo170 says ... Ohio State 44 - Ohio U 9
Arizona State at Wisconsin
Gamm says ... Wisconsin has been mighty vanilla thus far. ASU isn't a top tier Pac Ten team but these games always have a Rose Bowl air to them in terms of bragging rights. ASU's QB, Michigan transfer Steven Threet, played well in Madtown as a Wolverine, but not this time. UW 30 - ASU 14.
mayo170 says ... Arizona State 27 at Wisconsin 19. So far ASU has bludgeoned their opponents with stifling defense and a former UM QB whose biggest win was against the Badgers. The Badgers meanwhile don't appear to be the same team that I was expecting. They will get better as the season goes on, but I'm going with ASU on a gut feeling.
USC at Minnesota
Gamm says ... You do the math. Juggernaut USC vs. the team that barely beat Middle Tennessee State and lost to FCS's South Dakota. USC rolls 41 - 17
may170 says ... USC 34 at Minnesota 10. Southern Cal dominates a Big Ten team yet again. Brew's Crew is looking dreadful right now and needs some serious help. Although USC isn't the brute force that previously has manhandled the best that the Big Ten could throw at them, Minnesota is going to be lucky to be within two scores midway through the second quarter.
Indiana at Western Kentucky
Gamm says ... Interesting road trip for IU. 16 days of rust to shake off but this IU offense is good. It'll be closer than you'd think though. Indiana 33 - Team with the bid reg blob for a mascot 27
mayo170 says ... Indiana 38 - Western Kentucky 16
Northwestern at Rice
Gamm says ... NU has been pretty sound early but Rice is not a pushover. The Wildcats tend to lose to one team a year that they have no business losing to. But that won't quite happen this week. NU 35 - Rice-a-roni 23
mayo170 says ... Northwestern 32 - Rice 13
Notre Dame at Michigan State (Tiebreaker)
Gamm says ... Night game always bring about major anticipation. This is MSU's 9th ever, and a handful have been with the Irish. This has a 1998 feel to it, with injured FB John Rouse filling the fourth captain spot - a la Amp Campbell in 1998. Kirk Cousins has payback in mind and Notre Dame hasn't quite found its rhythm yet, despite some solid talent. MSU goes from ho-hum, to ahem - look at me. Michigan State 31 - Notre Dame 23.
mayo170 says ... Notre Dame 27 at Michigan State 31(Tiebreaker). This is going to be a great game. MSU should be able to contain the pass game better than Michigan and I like that MSU will be able to throw up to three running backs at them. The big question is whether the Spartans can at least cut their penalties in half. Even if Notre Dame has a lead late, I like Cousins' ability to keep a cool head and get the ball to his receivers.
Iowa at Arizona
Gamm says ... a nice early test for both teams. Iowa has the defense and balanced offense to get out of Dodge with a win. But former Spartans QB Nick Foles wants to show the Big Ten what they've been missing. Home field plays a major factor here, but in the end, Iowa's D makes the diff. Iowa 23 - Arizona 21.
mayo170 says ... Iowa 13 at Arizona 10. Both teams are flying under the radar right now, and winning with killer defense. Iowa has had tougher competition that didn't
have to travel cross-country to play them. I like Ferentz to take the Hawkeyes out west and pull out a win.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Week Two Recap
It was another crazy week on the college football scene. Move over Appalachian State - James Madison has taken out a ranked foe now too. For that matter, even though Minnesota doesn't hold Michigan's stature, to lose to FCS meddler South Dakota? Ouch. Talk about program set back. Michigan rode the roller coaster of emotion and the loose-laced look of Denard Robinson to a nice victory. OSU was dominant and PSU was dominated. The rest was as to be expected.
Team of the Week: Michigan would be the easy choice, but I'm all about looking deeper. Iowa was dominating in the way it dismantled rival Iowa State. And folks, the Cyclones have tripped up good Iowa teams before. Iowa can really show us how they are after a nice road trip to Arizona this weekend...
Player of the Week: There is one obvious choice here, although there were some sound performances by Edwin Baker (MSU), Adam Robinson (Iowa) and Nathan Scheelhaase (Illinois). Denard Robinson is re-writing Michigan record books on a weekly basis so far. He was an absolute beast at ND and will pad his stats in the next few weeks.
Get Gamm: Congratulations to mayo170 for besting the pack with a 9-1 record. No one picked South Dakota's upset, but mayo rode his solo pick of Michigan to the win. Mayo, you know the drill... (games in bold require commentary)
Week Three Slate: It is MAC v Big Ten Saturday, with four match-ups this week.
Ball State at Purdue
Kent State at Penn State
UMass at Michigan
Northern Illinois at Illinois
Ohio at Ohio State
Arizona State at Wisconsin
USC at Minnesota
Indiana at Western Kentucky
Northwestern at Rice
Notre Dame at Michigan State (Tiebreaker)
Iowa at Arizona
It was another crazy week on the college football scene. Move over Appalachian State - James Madison has taken out a ranked foe now too. For that matter, even though Minnesota doesn't hold Michigan's stature, to lose to FCS meddler South Dakota? Ouch. Talk about program set back. Michigan rode the roller coaster of emotion and the loose-laced look of Denard Robinson to a nice victory. OSU was dominant and PSU was dominated. The rest was as to be expected.
Team of the Week: Michigan would be the easy choice, but I'm all about looking deeper. Iowa was dominating in the way it dismantled rival Iowa State. And folks, the Cyclones have tripped up good Iowa teams before. Iowa can really show us how they are after a nice road trip to Arizona this weekend...
Player of the Week: There is one obvious choice here, although there were some sound performances by Edwin Baker (MSU), Adam Robinson (Iowa) and Nathan Scheelhaase (Illinois). Denard Robinson is re-writing Michigan record books on a weekly basis so far. He was an absolute beast at ND and will pad his stats in the next few weeks.
Get Gamm: Congratulations to mayo170 for besting the pack with a 9-1 record. No one picked South Dakota's upset, but mayo rode his solo pick of Michigan to the win. Mayo, you know the drill... (games in bold require commentary)
Week Three Slate: It is MAC v Big Ten Saturday, with four match-ups this week.
Ball State at Purdue
Kent State at Penn State
UMass at Michigan
Northern Illinois at Illinois
Ohio at Ohio State
Arizona State at Wisconsin
USC at Minnesota
Indiana at Western Kentucky
Northwestern at Rice
Notre Dame at Michigan State (Tiebreaker)
Iowa at Arizona
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Get Gamm - Week Two
We're off and running in another season of Get Gamm. Last week had plenty of easy picks, this week gets a lot tougher. There are ample great games on the slate, with some classic title game rematches and an old rivalry tilt. TwinCityBuckeye is picking with me this week and is the early leader for Rookie of the Year... wait, he's the only rookie!
Indiana has the dreaded early season bye week, though it could be argued that those blessed with facing the directional Illinois schools do as well...
Illinois State at Northwestern
Gamm says ... Brock Spack (former PU DC) knows the drill with the Wildcats and has a former Spartan in his backfield (Ashton Leggett). But I like Northwestern to win handily, despite the lack of a solid ground attack. NU 34 - ISU 13
TwinCityBuckeye says ... Northwestern 41 - Illinois State 17
Michigan State at Florida Atlantic (in Detroit)
Gamm says ... An away game with FAU that takes place in Detroit. What, is the Boca airport out of service? Some think this will be close because FAU played UAB tough last week. This is MSU's first game in Motown in decades. State gets more consistency through the air and dominates on the ground again. MSU 38 - FAU 14
TwinCityBuckeye says ... Michigan State 34 - Florida Atlantic 13
San Jose State at Wisconsin
Gamm says ... Yawn. Wisconsin rolls in its first of two battles with Spartans this season. UW 45 - SJS 10
TwinCityBuckeye says ... Wisconsin 45 - San Jose State 3
South Dakota at Minnesota
Gamm says ... Good thing this isn't North or South Dakota STATE as both have given the Gophers fits over the last few seasons. Minnesota controls the ball for nearly two-thirds of the game and dominates. Minny 31 - SD 6
TwinCityBuckeye says ... Minnesota 30 - South Dakota 9
Western Illinois at Purdue
Gamm says ... No lo contendere. Purdue gets the offense rolling. PU 40 - WIU 9
TwinCityBuckeye says ... Purdue 42 - Western Illinois 14
Michigan at Notre Dame
Gamm says ... We start to get a sense for whether either of these teams is for real. Michigan's depleted secondary bites them in a game that will be full of fireworks. ND 33 - Michigan 31
TwinCityBuckeye says ... Both teams won important openers but for different reasons. RichRod is on the hot seat and a loss to UConn would have been disastrous. Kelly is starting a new era at ND and needed a successful debut. So, what happens this week? I believe these teams are similar in talent Since this game is in South Bend, I'll go with the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame 27 - Michigan 21
Iowa State at Iowa
Gamm says ... Never underestimated a rival. The Cyclones have bitten Iowa aplenty over the years and will be a solid underdog in this one. Iowa gets its backfield depth bolstered and while it stays close early, the Hawkeyes ride the home crowd to a nice win. Iowa 24 - Iowa State 13
TwinCityBuckeye says ... Iowa State at Iowa: 2 programs going in opposite directions. ISU might hang around for awhile on emotion alone but will not be able to sustain for an entire game. Plus, Iowa is on a mission. Iowa 31 - Iowa State 12
Miami-FLA at Ohio State
Gamm says ... The old thugs of Miami are claiming this is revenge for a title game that happened almost a decade ago already. Whatever. Miami plays in the weak ACC and doesn't have near the power that the Buckeyes do. Frankly, I hope Ohio State wins by 50. OSU 30 - Miami 16.
TwinCityBuckeye says ... The Hurricanes think they are playing for some sort of "revenge". Buckeyes are playing for national respect. What matters is who has the better talent. Answer: Ohio State. Ohio State 34 - Miami 19
Penn State at Alabama
Gamm says ... The game of the week and our tiebreaker. Penn State might be catching 'Bama at the right time - sans Ingram - but the Nittany Lions are starting a true freshman, on the road a week after an overall less than stellar performance against FCS foe Youngstown State. I like this to be close for most of the game, but for the Tide to pull away late. Bama 27 - PSU 17
TwinCityBuckeye says ... The defending national champs lost alot of talent. They also will be without their Heisman winning tailback. The problem for JoePa however is that he is starting a true freshman QB, on the road, at night. Yikes! Look for the Tide to roll. Alabama 28 - Penn State 10
Southern Illinois at Illinois
Gamm says ... Boring. Illinois 30 - SIU 6
TwinCityBuckeye says ... Illinois 38 - Southern Illinois 7
We're off and running in another season of Get Gamm. Last week had plenty of easy picks, this week gets a lot tougher. There are ample great games on the slate, with some classic title game rematches and an old rivalry tilt. TwinCityBuckeye is picking with me this week and is the early leader for Rookie of the Year... wait, he's the only rookie!
Indiana has the dreaded early season bye week, though it could be argued that those blessed with facing the directional Illinois schools do as well...
Illinois State at Northwestern
Gamm says ... Brock Spack (former PU DC) knows the drill with the Wildcats and has a former Spartan in his backfield (Ashton Leggett). But I like Northwestern to win handily, despite the lack of a solid ground attack. NU 34 - ISU 13
TwinCityBuckeye says ... Northwestern 41 - Illinois State 17
Michigan State at Florida Atlantic (in Detroit)
Gamm says ... An away game with FAU that takes place in Detroit. What, is the Boca airport out of service? Some think this will be close because FAU played UAB tough last week. This is MSU's first game in Motown in decades. State gets more consistency through the air and dominates on the ground again. MSU 38 - FAU 14
TwinCityBuckeye says ... Michigan State 34 - Florida Atlantic 13
San Jose State at Wisconsin
Gamm says ... Yawn. Wisconsin rolls in its first of two battles with Spartans this season. UW 45 - SJS 10
TwinCityBuckeye says ... Wisconsin 45 - San Jose State 3
South Dakota at Minnesota
Gamm says ... Good thing this isn't North or South Dakota STATE as both have given the Gophers fits over the last few seasons. Minnesota controls the ball for nearly two-thirds of the game and dominates. Minny 31 - SD 6
TwinCityBuckeye says ... Minnesota 30 - South Dakota 9
Western Illinois at Purdue
Gamm says ... No lo contendere. Purdue gets the offense rolling. PU 40 - WIU 9
TwinCityBuckeye says ... Purdue 42 - Western Illinois 14
Michigan at Notre Dame
Gamm says ... We start to get a sense for whether either of these teams is for real. Michigan's depleted secondary bites them in a game that will be full of fireworks. ND 33 - Michigan 31
TwinCityBuckeye says ... Both teams won important openers but for different reasons. RichRod is on the hot seat and a loss to UConn would have been disastrous. Kelly is starting a new era at ND and needed a successful debut. So, what happens this week? I believe these teams are similar in talent Since this game is in South Bend, I'll go with the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame 27 - Michigan 21
Iowa State at Iowa
Gamm says ... Never underestimated a rival. The Cyclones have bitten Iowa aplenty over the years and will be a solid underdog in this one. Iowa gets its backfield depth bolstered and while it stays close early, the Hawkeyes ride the home crowd to a nice win. Iowa 24 - Iowa State 13
TwinCityBuckeye says ... Iowa State at Iowa: 2 programs going in opposite directions. ISU might hang around for awhile on emotion alone but will not be able to sustain for an entire game. Plus, Iowa is on a mission. Iowa 31 - Iowa State 12
Miami-FLA at Ohio State
Gamm says ... The old thugs of Miami are claiming this is revenge for a title game that happened almost a decade ago already. Whatever. Miami plays in the weak ACC and doesn't have near the power that the Buckeyes do. Frankly, I hope Ohio State wins by 50. OSU 30 - Miami 16.
TwinCityBuckeye says ... The Hurricanes think they are playing for some sort of "revenge". Buckeyes are playing for national respect. What matters is who has the better talent. Answer: Ohio State. Ohio State 34 - Miami 19
Penn State at Alabama
Gamm says ... The game of the week and our tiebreaker. Penn State might be catching 'Bama at the right time - sans Ingram - but the Nittany Lions are starting a true freshman, on the road a week after an overall less than stellar performance against FCS foe Youngstown State. I like this to be close for most of the game, but for the Tide to pull away late. Bama 27 - PSU 17
TwinCityBuckeye says ... The defending national champs lost alot of talent. They also will be without their Heisman winning tailback. The problem for JoePa however is that he is starting a true freshman QB, on the road, at night. Yikes! Look for the Tide to roll. Alabama 28 - Penn State 10
Southern Illinois at Illinois
Gamm says ... Boring. Illinois 30 - SIU 6
TwinCityBuckeye says ... Illinois 38 - Southern Illinois 7
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Week One Recap
I don't know about the rest of you, but while I don't want summer to end, I have to admit it was great to be back in and around college football this past weekend. We even had very fall-like weather here in Michigan, with temps in the low 60s, a heavy gray overcast sky and whipping winds.
As time permits, I will try to get out a look back at the last week with some team and individual thoughts. I will also use this early week post to congratulate our last week's Get Gamm winner and post the games for the upcoming weekend.
Team of the Week: A lot of teams fared well this weekend, but the early nod has to go to Michigan. The Wolverines had a ton of doubters with a decent UConn team coming in and started off strong. Dernard Robinson was a do-it-all factor (like Tate Forcier was last season). We'll know a lot more about Michigan in the coming weeks, but for week one, the Wolverines were the best of the best.
Player of the Week: A bunch of players in the mix here, from the tailback tandem of Baker and Bell at MSU, to freshman sensation Robert Bolden at Penn State, Dan Persa from Northwestern, tailback Duane Bennett of Minnesota, and savvy vets like Terrelle Pryor and John Clay. But none was as impressive as Dernard Robinson, who accounted for 383 yards and set a school record for rushing yards by a quarterback.
Get Gamm: Hat's off to rookie picker twincitybuckeye for nailing the slate and getting closest to on the tiebreaker. TCB, the drill is as follows: I bold the games for this week below that you get to write commentary to. Send me your comments and picks for the other games by Thursday afternoon so I can post here with my picks.
Week Two Slate:
Illinois State at Northwestern
Michigan State at Florida Atlantic (in Detroit)
San Jose State at Wisconsin
South Dakota at Minnesota
Western Illinois at Purdue
Michigan at Notre Dame
Iowa State at Iowa
Miami-FLA at Ohio State
Penn State at Alabama
Southern Illinois at Illinois
I don't know about the rest of you, but while I don't want summer to end, I have to admit it was great to be back in and around college football this past weekend. We even had very fall-like weather here in Michigan, with temps in the low 60s, a heavy gray overcast sky and whipping winds.
As time permits, I will try to get out a look back at the last week with some team and individual thoughts. I will also use this early week post to congratulate our last week's Get Gamm winner and post the games for the upcoming weekend.
Team of the Week: A lot of teams fared well this weekend, but the early nod has to go to Michigan. The Wolverines had a ton of doubters with a decent UConn team coming in and started off strong. Dernard Robinson was a do-it-all factor (like Tate Forcier was last season). We'll know a lot more about Michigan in the coming weeks, but for week one, the Wolverines were the best of the best.
Player of the Week: A bunch of players in the mix here, from the tailback tandem of Baker and Bell at MSU, to freshman sensation Robert Bolden at Penn State, Dan Persa from Northwestern, tailback Duane Bennett of Minnesota, and savvy vets like Terrelle Pryor and John Clay. But none was as impressive as Dernard Robinson, who accounted for 383 yards and set a school record for rushing yards by a quarterback.
Get Gamm: Hat's off to rookie picker twincitybuckeye for nailing the slate and getting closest to on the tiebreaker. TCB, the drill is as follows: I bold the games for this week below that you get to write commentary to. Send me your comments and picks for the other games by Thursday afternoon so I can post here with my picks.
Week Two Slate:
Illinois State at Northwestern
Michigan State at Florida Atlantic (in Detroit)
San Jose State at Wisconsin
South Dakota at Minnesota
Western Illinois at Purdue
Michigan at Notre Dame
Iowa State at Iowa
Miami-FLA at Ohio State
Penn State at Alabama
Southern Illinois at Illinois
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