Name your biggest possible upsets for week 1

[Mr.Smith]

Wannstedt is a complete piece of crap. It was funny to me to hear that Pitt fans were thinking National Championship after he got hired. He is a decent person and he probably knows something about football, but he is awful as a head coach. He is in way above his competence level.

He would make a good defensive assistent, thats it.

 

[VIEJODINOSAUR]

Silver...I hadn't really thought about this, but yes, we could get a decent number on Bowling Green if Pitt should somehow clean their clocks in that first game (a big if)..The fact that BG took Minnesota down on the road last year and then gets them at home this time should at least give them some confidence. Usually I would call this a sandwich game..But when it comes to MAC teams playing BCS teams, they know they have to be on their toes every game..It looks like you could be right about your GG's...Blue Ribbon has them rated dead last in their conference..Which doesn't say much for the new coaching staff..

Go Sooners...looking forward to your observations about college football this year...between yourself and boxslayer last year, your thoughts and opinons were right on....hope you have a profitable season and hopefully this forum will weed out useless posters whose only comment is that this team sucks or this coach sucks without helpful insights..:toast:

 

[GoSooners]

VD...I'm very much looking forward to this season. The thing about this year is there are no clear cut favorites out there to win it all..So im afraid we're going to hear alot of "your team sucks, no your team sucks more" statements... I'm just hoping I won't have to hear too much of "your picks suck" in my threads...BOL to you this next season..Like CoachLT says "Lets crack some NUTTS" :toast:

 

[GoSooners]

Western Illinois vs Arkansas-It's not beyond the realm of possiblity that the Fighting Leathernecks can go down and give the Hogs a good game and possibly win it...It's hardly worth mentioning because it's not a lined game. Still, Western IL. is rated in the top 15 in the country in their division this year...And last season's 21-0 loss to Illinois was the real deal..This team has a pretty good defense..And Arkansas is basically starting over with new players, new coach and new system.

 

[CoachCB]

Western Illinois vs Arkansas-It's not beyond the realm of possiblity that the Fighting Leathernecks can go down and give the Hogs a good game and possibly win it...It's hardly worth mentioning because it's not a lined game. Still, Western IL. is rated in the top 15 in the country in their division this year...And last season's 21-0 loss to Illinois was the real deal..This team has a pretty good defense..And Arkansas is basically starting over with new players, new coach and new system.

Richmond is ranked #3. They play at Virginia game #2 (Sept 6th). Not sure how good UVA will be this year. Richmond lost at Vandy last year.

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[GoSooners]

Richmond is ranked #3. They play at Virginia game #2 (Sept 6th). Not sure how good UVA will be this year. Richmond lost at Vandy last year.

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CB...Although this will be a week two game, it is probably more realistic to see a top notch Divsion 2 team like Richmond beat a rebuilding Virginia team who just got the snot beat out of them the week before by USC than it will be WI over Arkansas..Teams like Richmond, Deleware and App St. are the ones you have to watch out for because they've been at the top heap in their divsions for so long that they're always looking for a bigger challenge. I also think that any team in the top 5 in this division is dangerous and very capable of knocking off a lower tier top 25 division 1 school on a good day...I think Michigan would agree with me.

 

[CoachCB]

GS, I agree with you. UVA finished 9-4 last year...but they did lose quite a bit. Richmond lost it's coach and a top offensive assistant and I'm not sure what they replaced them with...but, they are ranked #3 right now. I didn't realize UVA played USC the week before. That could set them up for an upset. I don't think Appalachian State will come anywhere close to beating LSU, but I'm interested in seeing A-State's spread-option go up against LSU's defense. Also, I'll be interested to see Ga Southern go against UGA. Chris Hatcher at GSU is an outstanding offensive coach....

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[krk1030]

Where are the spreads up? My books only have nfl up.

 

[golffish]

SBS,

UCLA is actually in pretty good shape now. Their injuries last season were something just short of monumental. All healed up now. They will have a mighty fine rushing game with Kahlil Bell healthy... assured of a 1000 yd rusher if he remains in one piece. Defensively they are mostly in tact too with a great DC like Walker calling the shots again. Their biggest issue is getting something out of Olson who hasn't yet performed up to expectations. Also, the loss of Pat Cowan this past spring was huge because WHEN Olson gets hurt again, what will they have to fall back on?

But keep in mind that UCLA has been a fast starter over the years. Their weakness is playing with an inexperienced 2ndary and I'm more worried about their trip to BYU than their chances in this game. They have all the ingredients they need to shut down anybody's rushing attack. That tends to win games most of the time.

I'd also have to give the Bruins an edge in coaching in their home opener. All speculative up to this point because no one knows what offense Chow will have put in place until fall camp. He really needs Olson to step up and if he does, the Vols will be toast. Tennessee's best chance is to put a lot of pressure on Olson from the very beginning.

I don't see the UT passing game the way I see BYU's. Even beyond the QB question, that's the Bruin's big weakness. Tennessee just doesn't seem to be the team that's cut out to exploit it. (Holyshit, I just thought about their game vs Zona with Tuitama poised to break all kinds of Pac-10 passing records this year. Now that could be real bad news for UCLA.)

Conan,

How many key players was UCLA missing for their spring game? I really like Tenn at anything less than 5 points in this game based on a friend's observation of their spring game. He's a retired Div I coach who thought their overall talent was very disappointing. I admit I know little about them other than his observations and from watching them on TV last year. My impressions from last year were a good defense but no offense.

Friends that are supposedly close to the program at Tenn tell me the offense will be loaded this year with an outstanding line, very good running backs(Arian Foster from the San Diego area will break Tenn's career rushing record and Lennon Creer from Texas in his second year is supposed to be very good), very good wide receivers, and a quarterback(Crompton) they are excited about and performed well in the starts he had when Ainge was injured including LSU.

They also say the defense will be much better this year although defensive tackle and linebacker depth could be an issue later in the year. The defensive secondary will be one of the best in the SEC.

Biggest issue will be traveling to the west coast IMO but I would appreciate any input from you west coast guys.

BOL this year.

 

[SoonerBS]

It's the second year in the row that Tennessee travels to the West Coast to open their season. I think that experience plays in their favor, not against them. I'm very interested to know what the line will be in this game . . . . .

 

[Conan]

Conan,

How many key players was UCLA missing for their spring game? I really like Tenn at anything less than 5 points in this game based on a friend's observation of their spring game. He's a retired Div I coach who thought their overall talent was very disappointing. I admit I know little about them other than his observations and from watching them on TV last year. My impressions from last year were a good defense but no offense.

Friends that are supposedly close to the program at Tenn tell me the offense will be loaded this year with an outstanding line, very good running backs(Arian Foster from the San Diego area will break Tenn's career rushing record and Lennon Creer from Texas in his second year is supposed to be very good), very good wide receivers, and a quarterback(Crompton) they are excited about and performed well in the starts he had when Ainge was injured including LSU.

They also say the defense will be much better this year although defensive tackle and linebacker depth could be an issue later in the year. The defensive secondary will be one of the best in the SEC.

Biggest issue will be traveling to the west coast IMO but I would appreciate any input from you west coast guys.

BOL this year.

golfish,

I am ambivalent about UCLA. They are one of the teams that is very difficult to get a read on. They are LOADED talentwise but no one seems to step up and play. It's some kind of lethargy or whatever that grips this team. Maybe they just never had a chance to settle down because there were so many injuries, it was like a game of musical chairs. Maybe it's also an attitude problem -- a remnant of what Dorrell left behind. I think their new coaches will eventually get over, but it's hard to expect a drastic shift instantaneously. On the other hand, Neuheisel is a good fit and great game day coach. Hell, I need more input to figure this team out. A lot more. But in any event, their defense should be solid thanks to Walker hanging around despite all the changes elsewhere.

 

[HinesWard86]

I don't think it will happen,but I think there is a good chance that FAU can knock off Texas. Texas is overrated and FAU is vastly underrated. Schnellenberger has a knack for upsets and this team can score. I think FAU comes within a score of two as everyone reevaluates how good this Longhorn team is.

 

[BigOrange+]

I think the biggest upset in the first week will be a tie:

11 Seed Whormoan over Joe C. and

11 Seed Gyno over Chuck Luck

Oh wait a minute, you were talking about football which doesn't start for another 6 weeks. My bad.


:toast::toast::toast:

 

[SoonerBS]

I don't think it will happen,but I think there is a good chance that FAU can knock off Texas. Texas is overrated and FAU is vastly underrated. Schnellenberger has a knack for upsets and this team can score. I think FAU comes within a score of two as everyone reevaluates how good this Longhorn team is.

I think FAU may have a good chance at covering the spread, but I don't see them beating texas in Austin. I actually think Texas is "underated" this season according to the placements they are getting in the preseason polls.

 

[Conan]

It's the second year in the row that Tennessee travels to the West Coast to open their season. I think that experience plays in their favor, not against them. I'm very interested to know what the line will be in this game . . . . .

Listen SBS, things are coming into better focus. I do believe that Tennessee will win this game. I can't say it's a lock because between now and then, magical things are possible... but you won't find me clapping my hands expecting to revive Tinkerbell. UCLA coming on strong here seems like a real stretch. The best I can make of them is a team with plenty of potential at the skill positions but terribly short on the line, especially the OL. Not good. Typical Neuheisel. However, being that it's the opener etc etc, I expect to see a maximum effort with the team doing whatever it must to pull this one out. Unfortunately their options seem limited... so far. I think Walker's defense is their best playing card and that leads me to think it ends up resembling a defensive struggle. Let's see what kind of total we get. That might be a wise move.

 

[GoSooners]

I don't think it will happen,but I think there is a good chance that FAU can knock off Texas. Texas is overrated and FAU is vastly underrated. Schnellenberger has a knack for upsets and this team can score. I think FAU comes within a score of two as everyone reevaluates how good this Longhorn team is.

Well if it's any help, I got on FAU's website a few weeks ago, and FAU is dead serious about this game and several players have already stated that they aren't going to Texas to cover spread or give them a good game. Their going there to win. And think they have the type of team who can compete and win over BCS conference schools..The only problem here is Texas won't be taking this team lightly after the scare that Arkansas State gave them last season..The Horns O and D lines were also in turmoil at the start of last season. Not so this season, which makes me think they're going to push FAU around up front a little in this game. FAU gave up alot of points on defense last season..Even within their conference...And I look for McCoy to get off to a much better start this time. As a rule the Horns like to put teams like this asleep early.. My recommendation here is either bet Texas to cover or don't bet the game at all..Which is what I might do if the total isn't to my liking..

 

[golffish]

Listen SBS, things are coming into better focus. I do believe that Tennessee will win this game. I can't say it's a lock because between now and then, magical things are possible... but you won't find me clapping my hands expecting to revive Tinkerbell. UCLA coming on strong here seems like a real stretch. The best I can make of them is a team with plenty of potential at the skill positions but terribly short on the line, especially the OL. Not good. Typical Neuheisel. However, being that it's the opener etc etc, I expect to see a maximum effort with the team doing whatever it must to pull this one out. Unfortunately their options seem limited... so far. I think Walker's defense is their best playing card and that leads me to think it ends up resembling a defensive struggle. Let's see what kind of total we get. That might be a wise move.

Good points Conan. The under may be a very good play depending on the total because expect Tenn with their offensive line and running backs to run....a lot.

 

[GoSooners]

Illinois vs Missouri-Although the line probably won't be more than around 7 or 8 points here, this would still be considered a pretty big upset considering the huge things expected out of Mizzou this season..And this would be a devastating loss for the Tigers and their national title hopes..I really like Mizzou this year, but if there is one thing that bothers me about this team it's the big target that will be put on their backs this season compared to last..The expectations won't be quite as high for Illinois..The preseason forecasters don't exactly seem to know where to place this team in the Big 10...Blue Ribbon has them at number 2 behind OSU...But Phil Steele has them rated all the way down at 4th tied with Iowa and Michigan. Personally I think a coach like Zook probably operates a little better when the expectations aren't so high..The jury is still out on Pinkel..But in my opinion these coaching staffs are a push in this game..No clear advantage on either side.

For Mizzou, their main concern early on will be repacing two excellent WR's. How much they miss these guys over the season probably won't be too much...How much they miss them in this first game will be the question..Mizzou also repaces two good offensive lineman. And their leading rusher in Tony Temple.. And they'll be facing one of the best defensive lines in the Big 10. There are some question marks in the Illinois secondary. So how successful they're going to be in this game, it's going to be imperative that the D-Line is going to have to get to the QB and put some pressure on Daniel. On the other side, Illinois big question will be on the O-Line & RB...The WR's look to be in good shape..And keep in mind that Juice Williams got knocked out of this game last year..So he'll probably be the key here for Ill finally getting over the hump against this team..

It's clear that Mizzou should win this game...But the intangibles here favor Illinois..I just think they're going to be looking to make amends after their Rose Bowl blowout loss to USC...They know they played Mizzou close last season..And after losing 3 in a row to Mizzou in this neutral spot game, their probably overdue to win this border war..I'll probably get a better feel for this game as we get closer....But an Illinois win here wouldn't totally surprise me.

 

[cneums]

Is august 30th weekend a full slate of games or just some???:think2:

 

[SoonerBS]

Is august 30th weekend a full slate of games or just some???:think2:

Full . . . . :toast: