Saturday, November 6, 2010

Upset Picks recap

So, I am content with two of my "upset" picks that went as I thought they would. Whatever support I had for picking these upsets, who knows.

For Missouri, it was that they would have a letdown after their first loss. I figured they'd go on the road and lose. Fortunately, they did. Texas Tech claimed a 24-17 win behind a strong second half defensive performance.

Next up, Texas A&M beat Oklahoma at home, 33-19. I just like the A&M offense a lot this year, but didn't expect them to do as well defensively as they did. For that, mad props.

Check back next week for more upsets picks, and game of the week. I'll work on solid reasoning for my picks.

Upset Picks

Time to check in with how my "Upsets of the Day" are going...

My primary one was Missouri to lose at Texas Tech. Unfortunately, Missouri leads 17-3 midway through the second quarter. Still plenty of time left, no worries. Surprising to see the TT offense so bottled up, but the Mizzu defense has garnered tons of praise in 2010.

One of the two I listed as secondary was Washington State to beat Cal. The Bears came out of Pullman with a 20-13 victory. Washington State was impressive in the first half, but very mediocre in the second half, at best. Brock Mansion was pretty bad in his first star for Cal at quarterback, but Washington State's 194 total offensive yards led to their demise. Credit to Cal's defense for stepping up on a very unpredictable day for the Cal offense.

Next up was Texas A&M to beat Oklahoma. It appears for now that Texas A&M leads 19-10, but had been leading 19-0 after returning the second half kickoff for a touchdown. It appears the Sooners are finding their way now. Could/should be a great finish.

TCU/Utah In-Game Updates

Final Score:
TCU 47
Utah 7

Wow. TCU dominated with its defense and offense in incredible fashion. A disappointing game in regard to the #3 vs. #5 matchup, but still very impressive for those who wanted to watch TCU make a statement.

No joy in Salt Lake City, tonight.

TCU/Utah In-Game Updates

Touchdown, TCU. 37-0 in the third quarter. Andy Dalton pass to Jimmy Young, 11-yard TD.

Barring a miracle comeback from the Utes, I'll likely take a break from this game. I anticipated something much closer, and am disappointed in Utah. Also tremendously impressed by TCU, but disappointed in the Utes performance at home.

TCU/Utah In-Game Updates

Utah got the ball back after another TCU touchdown. Wynn connected on a pass for a Utah first down, but before any tackle, the Horned Frogs punched the ball out from the receiver and forced a fumble.

TCU takes over on the Utah 36-yard line, 30-0.

UC Davis wins 35-16

UC Davis Football defeats North Dakota 35-16.
Quarterback Randy Wright paced the Aggie offense, throwing 4 touchdowns, 3 to reciever Sean Creadick. The Aggie defense was able to force 2 fumbles, 1 that was recovered for a touchdown, and 2 interceptions. UC Davis heads into two consecutive rivalry matchups, at Cal Poly and vs. Sacramento State.

TCU/Utah In-Game Updates

Jordan Wynn gets the 3rd quarter started just as poorly as things went in the first half for Utah....

Interception by the Horned Frogs gives TCU the ball, first and goal, at the Utah 6.

First play from scrimmage, touchdown TCU to extend the lead. Wow. 30-0 TCU.

An absolute swing and a miss on how I thought this game would turn out...

TCU/Utah In-Game Updates

Halftime from Salt Lake City, still a 23-0 TCU lead.

The Horned Frogs had 325 yards of total offense, versus the 76 yards of Utah. The Utes have been down from the start and haven't been able to have any chance to establish the run, as judged by their 5 rushing yards.

Lots to talk about in the Utah locker room. The TCU defense certainly looks as strong as advertised (came in #1 defense statistically).

TCU/Utah In-Game Updates

Field goal by TCU. A key stop by the Utes inside their own 10-yard line is a major encouragement for the defense.

Alas, TCU leads 23-0 with 7:55 left in the second quarter.

TCU/Utah In-Game Updates

Turnover forced by TCU.

Jordan Wynn is flushed from the pocket on a big 3rd down, and he has the ball knocked out by TCU, and the Horned Frogs take over on the Utah 28.

TOUCHDOWN, TCU. The Horned Frogs promptly lead 20-0. (missed extra point)

Out of the "wildcat" formation, WR Jeremy Kerley throws a 26-yard touchdown to Bart Johnson.

TCU/Utah In-Game Updates

Touchdown, TCU. Andy Dalton connects on a 93-yard touchdown pass to Josh Boyce to give the Horned Frogs a 14-0 lead. TCU had been pinned deep into their own territory, but Dalton connected with Boyce near the 45-yard line, and a broken tackle allowed Boyce to scamper the rest of the way to double the TCU lead.

Early #'s from Andy Dalton: 7-8, 197 yards, 2 TDs
TCU leads 14-0 with 1:24 left in the first quarter

TCU/Utah In-Game Updates

Following the opening TCU touchdown, the Utes and Horned Frogs exchanged punts from near midfield. Utah now takes over just inside their own 20-yard-line with 4:07 left in the first quarter.

TCU/Utah In-Game Updates

TCU rolls down the field, no problem, on their first drive. The Horned Frogs grab a 7-0 lead on a 26-yard touchdown pass from Andy Dalton to Josh Boyce. Dalton completed all 4 of his passes along the drive for 65 yards.

A 9 play, 80 yard drive gives TCU the early lead.

College Football Preview

Well, it's better late than never. The first games kick off in just under 7 hours, on a day where one undefeated team will see their first tally in the loss column.

Game of the Day:

TCU at Utah

Why? Well, outside of Boise State, these are the top two non-BCS teams. Both are still undefeated. TCU is ranked #3 and Utah #5, with Boise State sandwiched in between. This one kicks off at 12:30 p.m. locally here in CA, and will decided which of these Mountain West teams will likely go to a BCS bowl.

There are star/impact players left and right in this game. TCU quarterback Andy Dalton, running back Ed Wesley, and wide receivers Josh Boyce and Jeremy Kerley will be critical to the Horned Frogs success offensively.

Defensively, TCU is as stout as can be, coming in as the best team in the country in terms of only allowing opponents to gain 217.3 yards per game. There are standout players all over the field. This is a well coach group that works tremendously well together.

For Utah, quarterback Jordan Wynn leads a stellar offensive attack that is statistically one of the best in the country. Running back duo Eddie Wide and Matt Asiata are key contributers running the ball. Wynn's two favorite targets are DeVonte Christopher and Jereme Brooks.

Defensively, the Utes rank sixth nationally in yards allowed at only 267.7. The pass defense is strong and will get an opportunity to shine and slow down the TCU offense.

Prediction: Utah wins 30-27. This game will come down to a defining special teams play, whether it be a kick return, special teams mistake (a.k.a. turnover) or a field goal.


Upset Alert:
My number one candidate for an upset loss is for #12 Missouri to lose at Texas Tech. I fear the Tigers may let down one week after their first loss of the season. On the road at Lubbock won't be easy.

Other potential upsets:
Texas A&M over #8 Oklahoma
Washington State over Cal