Buzz thanks for all your hard work. Wondering if CKO is out there at all for this week?
CKO, October 8- 12, 2015 No. 6:
11 CALIFORNIA over *Utah
Late CKO Score Forecast:
CALIFORNIA 34 - *Utah 27
NFL scouts are raving about Cal QB Jared Goff (15 TDP, just 4 ints.70% completions), extolling his decision-making, mechanics and poise as reasons he could become the top draft pick. However, the Bears are not a one-dimensional team, by any means. The passing game is supplemented by a reliable running game led by former California prep sprint champ Khalfani Muhammad (350 YR, 9.0 ypc), soph Vic Enwere (257 YR, 5 TDs, 4.8 ypc) and tough-running sr. Daniel Lasco (4.7 ypc). The experienced Bear defense already has 20 sacks (4 more than all of LY), and is holding foes to just 3.8 ypc (college avg. is 4.3). Cal covered all 5 chances as a road dog last season and is poised to take another step up in the Pac-12 pecking order with an upset of 5th-ranked Utah.
10 *TEMPLE over Tulane
Late CKO Score Forecast:
*TEMPLE 38 - Tulane 13
Watch out for Temple! The 4-0 Owls are off to their best start since 1974, and they have a berth in the upcoming first-ever AAC playoff firmly in mind. With a road victory over potent East Division member Cincinnati already safely in their poke, Temple players aren't likely to let down vs. Tulane, which scored 45 points vs. 2014 AAC tri-champ UCF last week. However, the Green Wave benefited from five giveaways by the disintegrating Golden Knights, who can't run and were forced to used their backup QB and backup RB due to injury and suspension. Meanwhile, jr. Owl RB Jahad Thomas (503 YR) has blossomed into a solid complement for QB P.J. Walker. Owl defenders are playing like vultures, sporting 10 returning starters with 12 sacks, 7 ints., and 2 fumble recoveries so far.
10 SAN JOSE STATE over *Unlv
Late CKO Score Forecast:
SAN JOSE STATE 30 - *Unlv 17
(Saturday, October 10)
There is reason for UNLV fans to look forward to something other than the opening of basketball practice this October as the Rebel football team appears ready to turn the corner for new HC Tony Sanchez. Especially after last week's rousing success over Fremont Cannon rival Nevada that suggested UNLV could be a serious threat in the very watered-down Mountain West. But before skipping Donny & Marie at the Flamingo for Sam Boyd Stadium, locals should be sobered by another injury to gunslinger QB Blake Decker (this one to his non-throwing shoulder), which could again summon limited reliever Kurt Palandech from the bullpen. More significant upgrades are happening at San Jose, suddenly with legit offensive balance thanks to galloping RB Tyler Ervin, whose 801 YR to date trails only LSU Heisman favorite Leonard Fournette in national rushing stats! With Ervin and a healthier supporting cast than LY, QB Joe Gray (completing career-best 69%) also reaping benefits.
10 UTAH STATE over *Fresno State
Late CKO Score Forecast:
UTAH ST 34 - *Fresno St 14
At early price, MW scouts say go against meandering 1-4 FSU (10-pt. underdog at presstime), which mustered an alarmingly-low 89 total yards in its dreadful 21-7 setback at struggling San Diego State. Said disgruntled 4th-year mentor Tim DeRuyter, "We have a bunch of younger guys who have got to execute better and who should understand the speed of the game at this point." He probably won't witness much needed growth vs. experienced, defensively-stout Utah State (yielding only 3 ypc and 31% on third down), which regained its mojo with a resounding 33-19 victory over Colorado State. The Aggies' developing soph QB Kent Myers (6-1 as starter)--who amassed 328 yds. (191 YR) vs. the veteran Ram defense--figures to exceed those stats vs. leaky FSU (yielding 40 ppg, 5.2 ypc; only 4 ints.). The slow-starting Bulldogs (outscored 66-17 in 1st Q!) have lost by 10 pts. or more in 13 of their last 14 setbacks.
10 *ATLANTA over Washington
Late CKO Score Forecast:
*ATLANTA 36 - Washington 16
(Sunday, October 11)
Everyone knew jut-jawed HC Dan Quinn was a defensive expert when he took over the Falcons, as the long-time NFL defensive specialist played a major role in structuring two Super Bowl defenses with the Seahawks. But it was not obvious that Quinn was going to also spark the Atlanta attack. Give part of the credit to off. coord. Kyle Shanahan, who has provided a solid program for Falcon QB Matt Ryan. But it's Quinn's insistence that has helped shape up the often-passive Atlanta OL (only 4.0 ypc LY). Thanks to a little more aggressiveness, the Falcs have yielded only six sacks in four games, while backup RB Deonta Freeman has rushed for 252 yards and 7 TDs, usually exploiting defenses focused on WR Julio Jones (38 recs. first four games). Washington has played 3 of its first 4 at home; Skins were the beneficiaries of 3 giveaways in their only road game.
NINE-RATED GAMES: HOUSTON (-22) vs. Smu [Fri., Oct. 8]--No one has slowed Greg Ward Jr. and the fast-paced UH offense; Coug defense knows how to get the takeaways...MIAMI-FLORIDA (+10) at Florida State--Hurricanes have the offense; might catch FSU without top RB Cook...MICHIGAN (-8) vs. Northwestern--Both playing outstanding defense, but sr. Wolverine QB Rudock should have the edge over NW redshirt freshman Thorson at crucial moments...BOISE STATE (-15) at Colorado State--New Bronco QB Brett Rypien playing with uncommon freshman excellence; defense has played only one poor quarter in five games...NEW ORLEANS (+3, est.) at Philadelphia [Sun., Nov. 11]--Brees gets the leadership nod over Bradford; CB Lewis, S Byrd should help Saints.
TOTALS: UNDER (42) in the San Francisco-N.Y. Giants Game--Niners playing fine defense under former NYJ coach Mangini; opposing defenses stacking the box and daring Kaepernick to beat them with the pass.