| WEEK P |
| Showcase Picks: |
| We didn't decide on any showcase picks this week, but for the sake of consistency, I picked my own. Three of the four are expected to be blowouts. Why are they in the showcase, then? Because it is a first look at what these teams have to bring to the table this year. And here, we go, the kickoff for FAFG 2002. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Florida State (3), (4) at Iowa State (U), (44), Saturday 8:30 PM ET Final Score: Florida State, 38-31 Harmon: Florida State, 29-20 17.4 points CFN: Florida State, 40-13 12.4 points Joe: Florida State, 48-14 11.2 points I can't think of a team that thinks they need to prove more. Taken down by the sickly Maryland, the 'Noles will want to reassert themselves here. Watch for Bobby Bonilla's brother, Bobby Bowden to break the record this year. I can't see anyone in the ACC, even our beloved Terpies taking them down. Also, watch out for Rix to break out into the Heisman scene for at least a little while. You almost have to feel bad for the Cyclones. They're not horrible. They could probably beat a lot of teams in this country. They won't have a pretty record though. Look who they play: Florida State, Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas. 5 of the top 10 teams (top ten right now at least. Prolly not later)! Then again, that's about how everyone in the big 12 looks. To close, Florida State is still trying to perfect their defense, but for the sake of this game, they're already there. G: Florida State, 53 - 42 16.2 points FSU will be the shit this year. anytime you get whooped by basically everyone the year before and then come back with a number 5 rank the next year, you are going to be good. They had the best recruiting class two years ago and a top 3 recruiting class last year. Their RB's are going to be great, and they have a great group of linebackers. the question will be, can their young secondary show that theyhave matured in the past year into a Miami-like squad. They have to perform up to par as now the ACC is not going to be it's weak self offensively especially in the passing game! They will get a good test against Seneca Wallace who may actually be the best QB in the Big XII, but he will need to find his subpar recievers and use all of his little might to thread the needles against the FSU D. Phil: Florida State, 42-21 15.2 points While I'd love to see Iowa State's sensational QB, Seneca Wallace, carry the Cyclones to a shocker, I know better. The Seminoles look to send a message to the ACC that they're once again the conference's 800-lb. gorilla. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Arizona State at Nebraska (10), (8), Saturday 7:45 PM ET Final Score: Nebraska, 48-10 Harmon: Nebraska, 38-13 15.4 points CFN: Nebraska 48-27 13.2 points Joe: Nebraska, 35-10 14.8 points Nebraska will "struggle", and make "opening-day mistakes", but soundly womp on the Devils. Look for these "mistakes" to continue, until people see that Nebraska is not a top 10 team and realize they're operating at the top of their game. I don't even know how many starters they have back on offense, but it can't be too many. Who is their QB? That guy who came in sometimes when Nebraska was up by 250 points? Great...All he's seen is teams that can be beaten by 200 or more points. Lucky they don't have to play OU. Anyway, Nebraska'll still be pretty great. I bet they make it to a non-BCS bowl and embarrass whoever they play. G: Nebraska, 56-20 17.6 points question one....who's the Nebraska tailback? Diedrick or Thunder? all this summer controversy is killin a brother....who will take over for Crouch. None of these QB's have taken a snap in a damn game....doesn't matter? either way, Kris Brown's lil brother Josh will be real busy kicking those 20 yard pat's ya feel me!? Phil: Nebraska, 40-10 16.8 points Jammal Lord has to fill Eric Crouch's shoes. Good thing he gets to start the job against the Sun Devils. This one shouldn't be close. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Texas Tech (39), (50) at Ohio State (13), (12), Saturday 2:30 PM ET Ohio State: 45-21 Harmon: Ohio State, 21-20 10.6 points CFN: Ohio State, 24-20 11.8 points Joe: Ohio State 35-24 15.4 points Sadly, you will start to notice a theme that I don't know as much as Phil and G in games like this. They might name players, or things like that. I can't think of anyone without looking, although I have a feeling I know who Ohio State's QB is. Nope. I looked, and Bellisari (the guy I was trying to think of) either died recently or moved on to bigger things. Wait! Doss! I can see this game being tied late, and then a late drive puts Ohio State up a field goal...and then they get a touchdown or something later too. Anyway, Tech will give a really good game and scare the beans out of everyone in Ohio. Except Drew Carey. He's so dreamy. G: Texas Tech 42-35 4.6 points Oh boy. The buckeyes have so many problems. Well....looks like Maurice Clarett will be starting against tesas tech. he's not a bad choice though...he has noice speed and good high school stats. All should work out pretty well for them. Althought they'll have to do it without a blocking fullback cuz their intended starter isn't going to be playing period. The question is, can Kliff Kingsbury prove to the world that he is indeed the best QB in the big 12.....I know it sounds ridiculous, but he may have the best stats out of all of the returning starters. Texas tech really need this win if they want to have a chance at making a bowl this year cuz they will NOT beat colorado, Texas A&M, Texas, Oklahoma or Iowa State. I pick TT to win cuz of their experience, especially their QB! OSU has a very young offense....especially in the backfield where they are known to win games! Phil: Ohio State 28-20 13.4 points Probably the best matchup of the weekend. We get Texas Tech's dynamic spread offense led by the excellent QB Kliff Kingsbury, doing battle inside the Horseshoe with a young and physical Ohio State squad, who I consider to be the favorite in the Big Ten. Look for Ohio State Super Safety Mike Doss to make a big impact in the game. The Buckeyes wear 'em down. Ohio St. 28 - Texas Tech 20 continued.... |