Ken
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tBBC Pick-em, Week 3: Still Tossing Darts
Ken via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Welcome to the 3rd year of our internal tBBC pick measuring contest. After Week 2, Joe has a narrow lead over Charles and Jeff. On to this week’s picks:
Air Force @ Michigan State
Patrick: Sparty continues to roll even w a tough Air Force O to prepare for.
Ken: Michigan State – They may struggle early with AF’s offense, but AF will struggle all game vs MSU offense.
WVa: Michigan State – Sparty is rolling and will be an even bigger match-up for the Buckeyes down the stretch
JC: Michigan State – I see the Spartans enjoying their moment past and slipping some – but having enough fire to end with a win.
Charles: Michigan State — Air Force’s triple option presents some challenges but Sparty has too much talent to lose unless they are still hungover from Oregon
Joe: Michigan State — This is a good place for a let down. If your quarterback is Josh McCown or Johnny Football. Connor Cook and MSU all day.
Scott: Let down in a trap game? Sparty finds just enough.
Illinois @ North Carolina
Patrick: the HEELS end Illinois perfect season.
Ken: North Carolina – This is still Illinois we’re talking about
WVa: Illinois – The Illini seem to be flourishing without their former head coach, will it continue?
JC: Illinois – I see Illinois here in a close & good battle. Look for good games from Lunt & Vaughn. Just a feeling.
Charles: Illinois – This is a tough one, Illinois hasn’t faced anyone as good as UNC but the Tarheels looked awful in their opener against South Carolina. Going with the Big Ten here.
Joe: North Carolina — Wes Lunt has had a strong start to the season, but the Illini have not been tested at all this season.
Scott: Shoulda fired Beckman last year. Illini roll.
Kent State @ Minnesota
Patrick: MINNESOTA gets their first home win.
Ken: Minnesota gets a pretty routine home win. Nothing to see here.
WVa: Minnesota – one of the better teams in the B1G this season because of their coach
JC: Minnesota – Kent State has no prayer here. Big Minnesota win.
Charles: Minnesota — Minny should win easily
Joe: Minnesota — The Gophers are going to dominate all Day and twice on Groundhog’s Day.
Scott: Minnesohta beats Clark Kent
UNLV @ Michigan
Patrick: TTUN wins in what will be their last non conference win of the season.
Ken: Michigan – UNLV lost to NIU. I have to believe that UM is as good as NIU
WVa: UNLV – I lose in these competitions because I will NEVER choose TTUN to win anything
JC: UNLV – Can’t pick that Team if you paid me. The Rebels in a surprise. Look for a “gamer” from Blake Richmond just because I like the name.
Charles: Michigan — Michigan actually looked decent last week and UNLV is bad, this win will give Wolverine fans some false hope before next week’s match up against BYU
Joe: Michigan — I can’t wait until Mangum sticks it to Harbo and Company with a Hail Mary next week. Until then, Vegas doesn’t win. For once..
Scott: TTUN wins last game of the season
Northwestern @ Duke
Patrick: DUKE ends the cats perfect season.
Ken: Northwestern – Midwestern intellectuals are the best!
WVa: Northwestern – The battle of two of the better coaches at Smart schools, Fitz wins this one
JC: Northwestern – This isn’t basketball. Look for Northwestern to further their statement.
Charles: Northwestern – Probably the most interesting Big Ten game of the week, are the kitties for real?
Joe: Duke — #NerdFest Both Duke and Northwestern are 2-0? Is the world still round? It’s an amazing world we live in when Steve Spurrier wishes he never left Duke. I like the Blue Devils in a slight upset.
Scott: Cats Cats Cats Cats
Northern Illinois @ Ohio State
Patrick: OSU gets back on track and drops 60.
Ken: Ohio State – There will be some early struggles, but the result will be satisfactory
WVa: Ohio State – I am not a betting man but if I were, I’d bet this will be better than people think
JC: Ohio State – Please! The Buckeyes in a romp.
Charles: Ohio State — Last week showed that OSU can win comfortably even when not playing particularly well for most of the game
Joe: Ohio State — The Ohio State defense might score more points than the NIU offense. The Silver Bullets are that accurate right now.
Scott: OSU kicks THE crap out of NIU
Nebraska @ Miami
Patrick: NEBRASKA gets its first signature win for Mike Riley.
Ken: Miami. They are a better team at this point in the season
WVa: Nebraska – Cornhuskers can exorcise some old demons here
JC: Miami – I want to say the Cornhuskers but can’t .. Kaaya to Scott is a better combo then we want to admit.
Charles: Miami — Another interesting game, Miami gets a close win due to home field advantage
Joe: Nebraska – I like Mike Riley’s coaching in this game and a strong game from Mr. Armstrong.
Scott: The Nebs win
Troy @ Wisconsin
Patrick: WISCONSIN continues its climb in the top 25.
Ken: Wisconsin – Bert scoffs at UW scheduling… Paul Chryst doesn’t care
WVa: Wisconsin – Even though a Trojan horse was their downfall, using one won’t help Troy here
JC: Wisconsin – No Wooden Horse here … Badgers all the way.
Charles: Wisconsin — Another easy win for Wisconsin to help them forget their opening loss
Joe: Wisconsin — Trojans > Badgers in real life, but sadly, not on the gridiron.
Scott: Troy gets hammered by Whiskey
Virginia Tech @ Purdue
Patrick: VA TECH makes Darrell Hazel’s seat a little warmer.
Ken: Virginia Tech – Not sure how good the QB’ing will be in this game, but VT defense > Purdue defense. So, there you have it.
WVa: Virginia Tech – defense will have to be the key if Va Tech wants to bring their new QB along,
JC: Virginia Tech – I have come to dislike the Hokies … their quarterback issue will not “allow” a Boilermaker miracle. Hokies here unfortunately.
Charles: Virginia Tech – VT’s defense will destroy Purdue’s offense
Joe: Virginia Tech – Will the Boilermakers have any positive offensive output? That’s the true question heading into this one.
Scott: Va Tech in a cakewalk
Western Kentucky @ Indiana
Patrick: WKU takes one from Indiana.
Ken: Indiana – Hoosiers outgun Hilltoppers. Like Charles (below) says; last team with the ball wins.
WVa: Indiana – Hoosiers can play a little football too, a little
JC: Indiana – I like this Indiana team. I do not see the Hilltoppers stopping the Hoosiers current roll.
Charles: Western Kentucky – I’ll be shocked if there is anything resembling defense in this one, last team with the ball wins
Joe: Western Kentucky – Get your six shooter out on Saturday! Brandon Doughty will have one more bullet than Indiana’s Nate Sudfeld
Scott: Whosiers? IU, that’s who.
Pittsburgh @ Iowa
Patrick: PITT continues its perfect season.
Ken: Iowa – The spread went from Iowa -3 to -5.5. See how fast Ferentz can improve the Hawkeye offense?
WVa: Iowa – PITT lost the one player they couldn’t afford to lose
JC: Iowa – Hawkeyes here. VandeBerg is a true threat.
Charles: Iowa — Iowa wins this one thanks to Connor not being there for Pitt.
Joe: Pittsburgh – No James Connor for Pitt makes this game tremendously hard to pick. Quadree Ollison has looked good though in his place.
Scott: Iowa finds a way
Rutgers @ Penn State
Patrick: PSU wins their B1G opener merely because they have more players at this point that Rutgers.
Ken: Penn State – This is one game I really don’t care if it’s played or not. Rutgers @ PSU for an 8:00 pm game? That’ll be some white-out
WVa: Penn State – Hack doesn’t disappoint like he did against Temple
JC: Rutgers – I do not see Penn St. quite back from their troubles. Rutgers is a good team. Scarlet Knights in this battle.
Charles: Penn State — If Rutgers had anything resembling a defense, my pick would be different.
Joe: Penn State — One team can’t keep a player on the roster and another can’t find a player to protect their quarterback. OH MAN THIS LOOKS FUN.
Scott: PSU because someone has to win
Univ South Florida @ Maryland
Patrick: MARYLAND gets back on track after losing to a MAC school.
Ken: USF – This is the other game that I don’t care if it’s played or not.
WVa: Maryland – the Turtles aren’t turtle soup on this day!
JC: USF – Not much here if you ask me. I’m going with USF because I’m not a Turgeon fan (though basketball I know! It’s carried over…)
Charles: USF – Maryland is the current front runner for most embarrassing team in the Big Ten East, USF continues to help Maryland make that case
Joe: USF – The Bulls gave FSU a run for their many and the only thing Maryland is doing this season is running fast from the Edsall era.
Scott: Maryland: see above.
The post tBBC Pick-em, Week 3: Still Tossing Darts appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.
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Ken via our good friends at Buckeye Battle Cry
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Welcome to the 3rd year of our internal tBBC pick measuring contest. After Week 2, Joe has a narrow lead over Charles and Jeff. On to this week’s picks:
Air Force @ Michigan State
Patrick: Sparty continues to roll even w a tough Air Force O to prepare for.
Ken: Michigan State – They may struggle early with AF’s offense, but AF will struggle all game vs MSU offense.
WVa: Michigan State – Sparty is rolling and will be an even bigger match-up for the Buckeyes down the stretch
JC: Michigan State – I see the Spartans enjoying their moment past and slipping some – but having enough fire to end with a win.
Charles: Michigan State — Air Force’s triple option presents some challenges but Sparty has too much talent to lose unless they are still hungover from Oregon
Joe: Michigan State — This is a good place for a let down. If your quarterback is Josh McCown or Johnny Football. Connor Cook and MSU all day.
Scott: Let down in a trap game? Sparty finds just enough.
- Michigan State hopes the game is this lopsided
Illinois @ North Carolina
Patrick: the HEELS end Illinois perfect season.
Ken: North Carolina – This is still Illinois we’re talking about
WVa: Illinois – The Illini seem to be flourishing without their former head coach, will it continue?
JC: Illinois – I see Illinois here in a close & good battle. Look for good games from Lunt & Vaughn. Just a feeling.
Charles: Illinois – This is a tough one, Illinois hasn’t faced anyone as good as UNC but the Tarheels looked awful in their opener against South Carolina. Going with the Big Ten here.
Joe: North Carolina — Wes Lunt has had a strong start to the season, but the Illini have not been tested at all this season.
Scott: Shoulda fired Beckman last year. Illini roll.
- Slight lean to Illinois. Go Big Ten! Illinois, see what you could have had?
Kent State @ Minnesota
Patrick: MINNESOTA gets their first home win.
Ken: Minnesota gets a pretty routine home win. Nothing to see here.
WVa: Minnesota – one of the better teams in the B1G this season because of their coach
JC: Minnesota – Kent State has no prayer here. Big Minnesota win.
Charles: Minnesota — Minny should win easily
Joe: Minnesota — The Gophers are going to dominate all Day and twice on Groundhog’s Day.
Scott: Minnesohta beats Clark Kent
- Minnesota pick was as easy as the game should be.
UNLV @ Michigan
Patrick: TTUN wins in what will be their last non conference win of the season.
Ken: Michigan – UNLV lost to NIU. I have to believe that UM is as good as NIU
WVa: UNLV – I lose in these competitions because I will NEVER choose TTUN to win anything
JC: UNLV – Can’t pick that Team if you paid me. The Rebels in a surprise. Look for a “gamer” from Blake Richmond just because I like the name.
Charles: Michigan — Michigan actually looked decent last week and UNLV is bad, this win will give Wolverine fans some false hope before next week’s match up against BYU
Joe: Michigan — I can’t wait until Mangum sticks it to Harbo and Company with a Hail Mary next week. Until then, Vegas doesn’t win. For once..
Scott: TTUN wins last game of the season
- For those of you picking UNLV? Michigan is -34, so, just sayin’..
Northwestern @ Duke
Patrick: DUKE ends the cats perfect season.
Ken: Northwestern – Midwestern intellectuals are the best!
WVa: Northwestern – The battle of two of the better coaches at Smart schools, Fitz wins this one
JC: Northwestern – This isn’t basketball. Look for Northwestern to further their statement.
Charles: Northwestern – Probably the most interesting Big Ten game of the week, are the kitties for real?
Joe: Duke — #NerdFest Both Duke and Northwestern are 2-0? Is the world still round? It’s an amazing world we live in when Steve Spurrier wishes he never left Duke. I like the Blue Devils in a slight upset.
Scott: Cats Cats Cats Cats
- A Big Ten lean here. Go Cats!!?
Northern Illinois @ Ohio State
Patrick: OSU gets back on track and drops 60.
Ken: Ohio State – There will be some early struggles, but the result will be satisfactory
WVa: Ohio State – I am not a betting man but if I were, I’d bet this will be better than people think
JC: Ohio State – Please! The Buckeyes in a romp.
Charles: Ohio State — Last week showed that OSU can win comfortably even when not playing particularly well for most of the game
Joe: Ohio State — The Ohio State defense might score more points than the NIU offense. The Silver Bullets are that accurate right now.
Scott: OSU kicks THE crap out of NIU
- I don’t think this is a ‘homer’ pick by the Staff
Nebraska @ Miami
Patrick: NEBRASKA gets its first signature win for Mike Riley.
Ken: Miami. They are a better team at this point in the season
WVa: Nebraska – Cornhuskers can exorcise some old demons here
JC: Miami – I want to say the Cornhuskers but can’t .. Kaaya to Scott is a better combo then we want to admit.
Charles: Miami — Another interesting game, Miami gets a close win due to home field advantage
Joe: Nebraska – I like Mike Riley’s coaching in this game and a strong game from Mr. Armstrong.
Scott: The Nebs win
- The line went from Miami -5 to -3.5. Maybe the HuskerBackers know something
Troy @ Wisconsin
Patrick: WISCONSIN continues its climb in the top 25.
Ken: Wisconsin – Bert scoffs at UW scheduling… Paul Chryst doesn’t care
WVa: Wisconsin – Even though a Trojan horse was their downfall, using one won’t help Troy here
JC: Wisconsin – No Wooden Horse here … Badgers all the way.
Charles: Wisconsin — Another easy win for Wisconsin to help them forget their opening loss
Joe: Wisconsin — Trojans > Badgers in real life, but sadly, not on the gridiron.
Scott: Troy gets hammered by Whiskey
- Wisconsin scheduling improves Badger record.
Virginia Tech @ Purdue
Patrick: VA TECH makes Darrell Hazel’s seat a little warmer.
Ken: Virginia Tech – Not sure how good the QB’ing will be in this game, but VT defense > Purdue defense. So, there you have it.
WVa: Virginia Tech – defense will have to be the key if Va Tech wants to bring their new QB along,
JC: Virginia Tech – I have come to dislike the Hokies … their quarterback issue will not “allow” a Boilermaker miracle. Hokies here unfortunately.
Charles: Virginia Tech – VT’s defense will destroy Purdue’s offense
Joe: Virginia Tech – Will the Boilermakers have any positive offensive output? That’s the true question heading into this one.
Scott: Va Tech in a cakewalk
- It seems we are pretty impressed with VT defense. Much more than Purdue’s offense.
Western Kentucky @ Indiana
Patrick: WKU takes one from Indiana.
Ken: Indiana – Hoosiers outgun Hilltoppers. Like Charles (below) says; last team with the ball wins.
WVa: Indiana – Hoosiers can play a little football too, a little
JC: Indiana – I like this Indiana team. I do not see the Hilltoppers stopping the Hoosiers current roll.
Charles: Western Kentucky – I’ll be shocked if there is anything resembling defense in this one, last team with the ball wins
Joe: Western Kentucky – Get your six shooter out on Saturday! Brandon Doughty will have one more bullet than Indiana’s Nate Sudfeld
Scott: Whosiers? IU, that’s who.
- Winner needs at least 5 touchdowns. Who’s t going to be?
Pittsburgh @ Iowa
Patrick: PITT continues its perfect season.
Ken: Iowa – The spread went from Iowa -3 to -5.5. See how fast Ferentz can improve the Hawkeye offense?
WVa: Iowa – PITT lost the one player they couldn’t afford to lose
JC: Iowa – Hawkeyes here. VandeBerg is a true threat.
Charles: Iowa — Iowa wins this one thanks to Connor not being there for Pitt.
Joe: Pittsburgh – No James Connor for Pitt makes this game tremendously hard to pick. Quadree Ollison has looked good though in his place.
Scott: Iowa finds a way
- Iowa lean, but it’s not beyond Ferentz to biff this game.
Rutgers @ Penn State
Patrick: PSU wins their B1G opener merely because they have more players at this point that Rutgers.
Ken: Penn State – This is one game I really don’t care if it’s played or not. Rutgers @ PSU for an 8:00 pm game? That’ll be some white-out
WVa: Penn State – Hack doesn’t disappoint like he did against Temple
JC: Rutgers – I do not see Penn St. quite back from their troubles. Rutgers is a good team. Scarlet Knights in this battle.
Charles: Penn State — If Rutgers had anything resembling a defense, my pick would be different.
Joe: Penn State — One team can’t keep a player on the roster and another can’t find a player to protect their quarterback. OH MAN THIS LOOKS FUN.
Scott: PSU because someone has to win
- A lot of Penn State fans here this week. OK, maybe “fans” isn’t the right word…
Univ South Florida @ Maryland
Patrick: MARYLAND gets back on track after losing to a MAC school.
Ken: USF – This is the other game that I don’t care if it’s played or not.
WVa: Maryland – the Turtles aren’t turtle soup on this day!
JC: USF – Not much here if you ask me. I’m going with USF because I’m not a Turgeon fan (though basketball I know! It’s carried over…)
Charles: USF – Maryland is the current front runner for most embarrassing team in the Big Ten East, USF continues to help Maryland make that case
Joe: USF – The Bulls gave FSU a run for their many and the only thing Maryland is doing this season is running fast from the Edsall era.
Scott: Maryland: see above.
- Some of us think Maryland can pull this off, some don’t. That’s Terrapin football this season, folks.
The post tBBC Pick-em, Week 3: Still Tossing Darts appeared first on The Buckeye Battle Cry: Ohio State News and Commentary.
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