One thing we have learned from this season is that there are quite a few good teams but really no one stands out and can be considered a "great" group. Everyone except for (somehow) FSU and Marshall have at least one stain on the record and one gets the feeling that any team can be beaten on any given day by just about any opponent they schedule. What does this mean? Not much, although it does (or will directly) prove, right out of the gate, that the new "playoff" system for "big time" college ball is just as much garbage as the older system fans had to endure. Just too many squads that are perhaps deserving will be left out of the picture. Sound familiar?
Last week the Bartendercabbie group (me) inadvertently picked 11 games (blame it on a rare hangover?) and went 9-2. Let us throw out the Georgia/Chas Southern game and call it an even 8-2 for a total on the season thus far of 86-44.
On to the predictions........
1. TCU vs Texas: The Frogs are one of those teams that may find themselves on the outside looking in when all is said and done and this "playoff committee" finally has their say. Just not enough quality opponents the pundits are saying. Really? You are telling me that Ohio State (and FSU) face a quality schedule? Of course the one Frog loss came when they let the Bears come roaring back on them and the near loss to a lowly KU squad does not help their case. That being said, the Frogs have to take care of business here or the whole argument will become moot anyway.
This has the potential to be a good game. The Longhorns have improved somewhat and the Frogs are certainly beatable. Toss up perhaps and I will go with the speed of TCU to prevail.
2. LSU vs TAMU: A good game between underachievers in the SEC. Both are in somewhat of a rebuild (or reload) mode this season and the record proves it. Both are also pretty darn good football teams. Toss that coin and go with the Aggies at home.
3. Oregon vs Oregon State: The "Civil War" they call this one. Upset? Doubtful. Go with the Ducks. Don't count the Oregon out of being at the "big game at the end."
4. KSU vs KU: KSU is hands down the better team but their rivals may give them some problems. The Wildcats are far from great but seem to find a way to win consistently. Go with KSU.
5. Ohio State vs Michigan: This rivalry game could be interesting. OSU is much better of course but anything can happen here. Are the Buckeyes ripe for being on the wrong side in the W/L column here? Probably not. Go with Ohio State.
6. Ole Miss vs Mississippi State: This will be a fun one. The Rebs have imploded of late and the Bulldogs have only lost to the Tide. Go with MSU.
7. Auburn vs Alabama: The Tide are certainly beatable and Auburn does have the talent (and good coaching) to do so. This will be a good one and the winner will be a team from Alabama. Which one? Guess I will go with conventional wisdom here and pick the Tide.
8. Notre Dame vs USC: The Irish have imploded. What happened? Loads of talent up that way and a team that (finally) should have been in the top 10. USC is a pretty good PAC 12 team but certainly nothing special. Another toss up? Probably. Go with the Irish.
9. WKU vs Marshall: If the Herd prevail will they finally get some recognition from this newfangled "playoff" committee? At least enough to put them in the Top 25? At least in the ridiculous and now defunct BCS system there was a such thing occasionally as a "BCS buster." Oh the game? Go with the Herd.
10. Rice vs Louisiana Tech: The best of the rest in CUSA square off and both teams have something in common. They have each lost to a moving up from FCS into CUSA Old Dominion squad. This will be another good albeit under the radar game and I will go with the Owls for the win.
Double check the count. No hangover this time. Yep 10 games (and 10 games only). Have a good and safe Thanksgiving week and enjoy the games.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Week 13 2014 College Football Forecast and Predictions
It has been said that the top teams always find themselves with at least one serious challenge on their hands and that often comes from a team that they least suspect capable. Such was the case yesterday when TCU was just plain lucky to eek out a win in Kansas. Sometimes things go horribly wrong and the "good" team finds themselves in the "L" column against lesser competition. Notre Dame and Arizona State come to mind...........
One thing certain, with only two undefeated schools and all the one loss (and possibly two loss) teams that should be in this newfangled "playoff," there are going to be deserving squads on the outside looking in. The new system is directly going to be exposed as garbage and not much (if any) improved over the defunct BCS system.
Last week the Bartendercabbie System was 5-5 mainly due to some "upsets" predicted that didn't quite pan out. Close though. Miami should have beaten the "Noles and MN did give the Buckeyes a lot to handle.
Total on the year thus far is 78-42 straight up. That being said, on to the predictions for week 13....
1. Northern Illinois vs Ohio: The Huskies have shown they are the best of the MAC this season but that doesn't mean this won't be a close one. The Bobcats are well coached and never a team to count out by anyone. You can ask some Big Ten schools about the danger the Bobcats can pose on a special day. That being said, this Tuesday night match up will end with the Huskies in the "W" column.
2. Bowling Green vs Toledo: The best of the rest in the MAC face off in a toss up. Go with the Rockets at home.
3. Kansas State vs WVU: KSU, with one conference loss, is still in the hunt in the Big Twelve. WVU is a dangerous opponent to anyone on the right day. This will be a close game between two squads who are playing (or at least can play) a bit above their talent level. I will toss the coin and go with KSU.
4. North Carolina vs Duke: Duke is having another good year and the Tar Heels were actually picked by the "experts" early to be a pretty good team. This rivalry game should be a good one and I will go with the Blue Devils. So should you.
5. UTEP vs Rice: Rice has the talent to get back on the winning track here when this West Texas bunch comes calling Friday night. Will they? We will see. I am almost tempted to put this one down as an upset of sorts but will stifle that and go with the Owls. Could be close.
6. Air Force vs SDSU: The Aztecs should have had Boise State. It was not to be. Air Force is the best of the service academies (this season) and may perhaps be one of the best in the Mountain West (of course CSU and BSU fans would have a legitimate argument otherwise). That being said I will go out on a limb and pick SDSU for the victory.
7. South Alabama vs South Carolina: Could say I was padding the stats again but the Jags are a pretty darn good Sun Belt squad. A decent Sun Belt team can be quite dangerous to a good many teams on any given day. Ask around. I will still go with Spurrier's bunch. It could get ugly. Or not.
8. BC vs FSU: BC is another dangerous opponent for the Seminoles. At some point Jimbo's squad is going to lose to one of their less than stellar (aren't they all in the ACC?) in conference opponents. BC, like Louisville and Miami before them, have a shot here. The Eagles can be dangerous (ask USC) and should be up for this one. I would still go with the Seminoles but it won't be easy. They have been living on borrowed time this season. That should continue Saturday.
9. Ole Miss vs Arkansas: This will be a good one. The bloom is off the Rebs somewhat and the Hogs have finally gotten that SEC win. This is a toss up likely. Will the Razorbacks be able to withstand the explosiveness that Ole Miss can bring (will they is another question entirely)? We will see. Go with the Rebs here in a close one.
10. Minnesota vs Nebraska: The Gophers had their chances against the Buckeyes but fell just short and Nebraska was exposed by Wisconsin (actually they were exposed early season by FCS McNeese State). Nebraska has more talent likely but MN is the all around better team. Go with MN.
Have a good week and enjoy the games.
One thing certain, with only two undefeated schools and all the one loss (and possibly two loss) teams that should be in this newfangled "playoff," there are going to be deserving squads on the outside looking in. The new system is directly going to be exposed as garbage and not much (if any) improved over the defunct BCS system.
Last week the Bartendercabbie System was 5-5 mainly due to some "upsets" predicted that didn't quite pan out. Close though. Miami should have beaten the "Noles and MN did give the Buckeyes a lot to handle.
Total on the year thus far is 78-42 straight up. That being said, on to the predictions for week 13....
1. Northern Illinois vs Ohio: The Huskies have shown they are the best of the MAC this season but that doesn't mean this won't be a close one. The Bobcats are well coached and never a team to count out by anyone. You can ask some Big Ten schools about the danger the Bobcats can pose on a special day. That being said, this Tuesday night match up will end with the Huskies in the "W" column.
2. Bowling Green vs Toledo: The best of the rest in the MAC face off in a toss up. Go with the Rockets at home.
3. Kansas State vs WVU: KSU, with one conference loss, is still in the hunt in the Big Twelve. WVU is a dangerous opponent to anyone on the right day. This will be a close game between two squads who are playing (or at least can play) a bit above their talent level. I will toss the coin and go with KSU.
4. North Carolina vs Duke: Duke is having another good year and the Tar Heels were actually picked by the "experts" early to be a pretty good team. This rivalry game should be a good one and I will go with the Blue Devils. So should you.
5. UTEP vs Rice: Rice has the talent to get back on the winning track here when this West Texas bunch comes calling Friday night. Will they? We will see. I am almost tempted to put this one down as an upset of sorts but will stifle that and go with the Owls. Could be close.
6. Air Force vs SDSU: The Aztecs should have had Boise State. It was not to be. Air Force is the best of the service academies (this season) and may perhaps be one of the best in the Mountain West (of course CSU and BSU fans would have a legitimate argument otherwise). That being said I will go out on a limb and pick SDSU for the victory.
7. South Alabama vs South Carolina: Could say I was padding the stats again but the Jags are a pretty darn good Sun Belt squad. A decent Sun Belt team can be quite dangerous to a good many teams on any given day. Ask around. I will still go with Spurrier's bunch. It could get ugly. Or not.
8. BC vs FSU: BC is another dangerous opponent for the Seminoles. At some point Jimbo's squad is going to lose to one of their less than stellar (aren't they all in the ACC?) in conference opponents. BC, like Louisville and Miami before them, have a shot here. The Eagles can be dangerous (ask USC) and should be up for this one. I would still go with the Seminoles but it won't be easy. They have been living on borrowed time this season. That should continue Saturday.
9. Ole Miss vs Arkansas: This will be a good one. The bloom is off the Rebs somewhat and the Hogs have finally gotten that SEC win. This is a toss up likely. Will the Razorbacks be able to withstand the explosiveness that Ole Miss can bring (will they is another question entirely)? We will see. Go with the Rebs here in a close one.
10. Minnesota vs Nebraska: The Gophers had their chances against the Buckeyes but fell just short and Nebraska was exposed by Wisconsin (actually they were exposed early season by FCS McNeese State). Nebraska has more talent likely but MN is the all around better team. Go with MN.
Have a good week and enjoy the games.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Bartendercabbie Top 25 College Football 11/9/2014
This newfangled college football "playoff" committee group is going to have their hands full. There will be wailing, renting of garments, and gnashing of teeth before too long......When all is said and done this playoff thing will prove to be just about as useless as the now defunct BCS system.
That being said on to the Bartendercabbie system Top 25 for the week.
1. Mississippi State: Major test coming up.
2. FSU: Schedule is slightly suspect.
3. Alabama: One loss team that will have a shot at number one directly.
4. TCU: Quick, quick and quick.
5. Oregon: As above
6. Baylor: Pummeled a decent Sooner squad.
7. Arizona State: Time to give credit where credit due.
8. Auburn: Out of the hunt for the playoff likely but still a contender in the SEC.
9. Ohio State: Getting past the loss to a below average squad early. Major victory last week...
10. Ole Miss: A good SEC team
11. Kansas State: Snyder's team is not finished yet.
12. Michigan State: Bested by the Buckeyes.
13. Nebraska: Don't count them out. A dark horse. Pelini may yet survive the season to fight another year
14. Notre Dame: Not over rated for once. Not under rated either.
15. LSU: Miles is kind of snake bit.
16. Georgia: Jayhawk is right. No defense to speak of.
17. Arizona: One of the best of the rest in the PAC 12.
18. Marshall: Keeps winning. Tough test (possibly) coming up with a good (for CUSA) Rice Owl squad.
19. Clemson: Keeps winning
20. Duke: Another dream season?
21. UCLA: OK
22. Oklahoma: Should be better than they appear. Loads of talent. Still time for redemption in the Big Twelve
23. Wisconsin: Perhaps under rated again.
24. Utah: Dangerous to anyone on the right day perhaps.
25. Colorado State: The best of the MWC?
Almost there in no particular order
Boise State: The best of the MWC?
Minnesota: Certainly better than most seasons
Mizzou: Don't rule them out to be in the SEC Championship Game. With a ( good) bit of luck, they could win the conference. The planets would have to be aligned properly......
West Virginia: Dangerous to anyone on a good day. Looked inept last week against a below average Longhorn squad
Texas A&M: Major victory last week. A rebuild for Sumlin. Would be right there in most conferences.
Georgia Tech: Perhaps they belong. Some folk believe such.
Louisville: Ditto
Miami: May play their way in
Those with a shot in no particular order
USC: Maybe
Toledo: Good MAC team
Northern Illinois: Ditto
Nevada: Good MWC team
Utah State: And another good MWC team
Memphis: The best of the AAC? Perhaps. Will need to run the table.
Georgia Southern: Believe it. This is a good football team.
East Carolina: Will have to overcome the loss to CT. Will need to run the table.
Rice: Would need to beat Marshall, win CUSA, and win bowl game.
Louisiana Cajuns: Probably not. A good Sun Belt team though.
Stanford: A down year
Cincinnati: Could still make noise in the AAC.
UCF: Ditto
Florida: Perhaps but probably not.
Louisiana Tech: A good CUSA team. The loss to FCS Northwestern State will hurt any chances they may have.
Maryland: Doubtful
Air Force: The best of the service schools this season.
Boston College: Can look pretty good at times.
Have a good week and enjoy the games.
That being said on to the Bartendercabbie system Top 25 for the week.
1. Mississippi State: Major test coming up.
2. FSU: Schedule is slightly suspect.
3. Alabama: One loss team that will have a shot at number one directly.
4. TCU: Quick, quick and quick.
5. Oregon: As above
6. Baylor: Pummeled a decent Sooner squad.
7. Arizona State: Time to give credit where credit due.
8. Auburn: Out of the hunt for the playoff likely but still a contender in the SEC.
9. Ohio State: Getting past the loss to a below average squad early. Major victory last week...
10. Ole Miss: A good SEC team
11. Kansas State: Snyder's team is not finished yet.
12. Michigan State: Bested by the Buckeyes.
13. Nebraska: Don't count them out. A dark horse. Pelini may yet survive the season to fight another year
14. Notre Dame: Not over rated for once. Not under rated either.
15. LSU: Miles is kind of snake bit.
16. Georgia: Jayhawk is right. No defense to speak of.
17. Arizona: One of the best of the rest in the PAC 12.
18. Marshall: Keeps winning. Tough test (possibly) coming up with a good (for CUSA) Rice Owl squad.
19. Clemson: Keeps winning
20. Duke: Another dream season?
21. UCLA: OK
22. Oklahoma: Should be better than they appear. Loads of talent. Still time for redemption in the Big Twelve
23. Wisconsin: Perhaps under rated again.
24. Utah: Dangerous to anyone on the right day perhaps.
25. Colorado State: The best of the MWC?
Almost there in no particular order
Boise State: The best of the MWC?
Minnesota: Certainly better than most seasons
Mizzou: Don't rule them out to be in the SEC Championship Game. With a ( good) bit of luck, they could win the conference. The planets would have to be aligned properly......
West Virginia: Dangerous to anyone on a good day. Looked inept last week against a below average Longhorn squad
Texas A&M: Major victory last week. A rebuild for Sumlin. Would be right there in most conferences.
Georgia Tech: Perhaps they belong. Some folk believe such.
Louisville: Ditto
Miami: May play their way in
Those with a shot in no particular order
USC: Maybe
Toledo: Good MAC team
Northern Illinois: Ditto
Nevada: Good MWC team
Utah State: And another good MWC team
Memphis: The best of the AAC? Perhaps. Will need to run the table.
Georgia Southern: Believe it. This is a good football team.
East Carolina: Will have to overcome the loss to CT. Will need to run the table.
Rice: Would need to beat Marshall, win CUSA, and win bowl game.
Louisiana Cajuns: Probably not. A good Sun Belt team though.
Stanford: A down year
Cincinnati: Could still make noise in the AAC.
UCF: Ditto
Florida: Perhaps but probably not.
Louisiana Tech: A good CUSA team. The loss to FCS Northwestern State will hurt any chances they may have.
Maryland: Doubtful
Air Force: The best of the service schools this season.
Boston College: Can look pretty good at times.
Have a good week and enjoy the games.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Bartendercabbie System College Football Top 25 11/2/2014
The Bartendercabbie System Top 25 for 11/2/2014.
1. Mississippi State: Survived a scare against a better than their record Razorback squad.
2. FSU: Looked for a while like their undefeated season was going to come to an end.
3. Alabama: I would not count them out to be in the "big game at the end."
4. Auburn: A force in the SEC and nationally.
5. Kansas State: Snyder keeps winning with the crowd he has. Over achievers they may be, but they know how to win.
6. TCU: Exceptionally quick group but defense might be a tad suspect.
7. Oregon: Best of the PAC 12. Don't count them out to be in the final game.
8. Notre Dame: For real this time. May be tripped up before all is said and done.
9. Michigan State: The best of the Big Ten? We will soon see.
10. Baylor: Easy victory against an over matched opponent in their last outing.
11. Arizona State: Keeps winning.
12. Mississippi: A good team that has had some recent set backs. A practice game next on the schedule with an FCS opponent (just a couple years removed from D2) to work out some kinks. Typical of the SEC to schedule a "sure win" in the 2nd third of the season. Doesn't always work as planned......
13. LSU: A bit of a rebuild but a very dangerous team for anyone.
14. Ohio State: Major test coming up.
15. Utah: One of the best of the rest in the PAC 12.
16. Nebraska: Folks are not talking about this one loss team so much. Perhaps they should be. Maybe the close call with FCS McNeese State is still weighing on folks minds. Could Pelini run the table and make it in? We will see.
17. Oklahoma: Still has a shot in the Big Twelve. A lot of football left to be played
18. Marshall: A good team that will get no consideration from the "college playoff" committee. Reminiscent of the (thankfully) now defunct BCS system?
19. Georgia: Things went horribly wrong last Saturday. An anomaly? Perhaps.
20. Arizona: Another dangerous PAC 12 squad.
21. West Virginia: Can play with anyone on a good day.
22. Clemson: A good ACC team.
23. UCLA: OK. Perhaps. Not totally convinced they belong. Giving them the benefit of the doubt at this time.
24. Duke: Well coached and plays above talent level. Will reach a decent bowl game.
25. Wisconsin: Perhaps ranked a tad low.
On the Brink in no particular order
Miami: Well coached. May pose FSU some problems. Under rated perhaps.
Georgia Tech: Could move up.
Colorado State: The best of the Mountain West?
Boise State: As above.
Mizzou: Can look good at times.
USC: Maybe
Louisville: Had FSU and could not close the deal.
Teams with a shot and in no particular order
East Carolina: A conference loss could be forgivable but to be embarrassed by a cellar dweller in the league? Not so much. Could have been worse. SMU could have beaten them. Capable of working their way back in however. Would need to run the table.
Memphis: Better than many think. Would need to run the table the rest of the way.
Houston: Ditto. Seemed to have gotten it together after a rocky start.
Minnesota: A dangerous team to any Big Ten opponent. Had a rough outing recently.
Stanford: A down year
Texas A&M: Perhaps. Unlikely
Florida: If they play like the did last Saturday..........Likely won't happen.
Utah State: A good MWC team.
Toledo: Are they the best of the MAC this season?
Georgia Southern: Moving up from the lower division and doing a pretty darn good job.
Louisiana Cajuns: Would have to run the table and still would probably not be enough. Very good Sun Belt team.
Nevada: Another above average MWC team.
Boston College: Can look good. Can look not so good.
Louisiana Tech: Doing well in CUSA
Rice: May be the only team capable of surprising Marshall this season in CUSA.
That should about do it. Have a good week and enjoy the games.
1. Mississippi State: Survived a scare against a better than their record Razorback squad.
2. FSU: Looked for a while like their undefeated season was going to come to an end.
3. Alabama: I would not count them out to be in the "big game at the end."
4. Auburn: A force in the SEC and nationally.
5. Kansas State: Snyder keeps winning with the crowd he has. Over achievers they may be, but they know how to win.
6. TCU: Exceptionally quick group but defense might be a tad suspect.
7. Oregon: Best of the PAC 12. Don't count them out to be in the final game.
8. Notre Dame: For real this time. May be tripped up before all is said and done.
9. Michigan State: The best of the Big Ten? We will soon see.
10. Baylor: Easy victory against an over matched opponent in their last outing.
11. Arizona State: Keeps winning.
12. Mississippi: A good team that has had some recent set backs. A practice game next on the schedule with an FCS opponent (just a couple years removed from D2) to work out some kinks. Typical of the SEC to schedule a "sure win" in the 2nd third of the season. Doesn't always work as planned......
13. LSU: A bit of a rebuild but a very dangerous team for anyone.
14. Ohio State: Major test coming up.
15. Utah: One of the best of the rest in the PAC 12.
16. Nebraska: Folks are not talking about this one loss team so much. Perhaps they should be. Maybe the close call with FCS McNeese State is still weighing on folks minds. Could Pelini run the table and make it in? We will see.
17. Oklahoma: Still has a shot in the Big Twelve. A lot of football left to be played
18. Marshall: A good team that will get no consideration from the "college playoff" committee. Reminiscent of the (thankfully) now defunct BCS system?
19. Georgia: Things went horribly wrong last Saturday. An anomaly? Perhaps.
20. Arizona: Another dangerous PAC 12 squad.
21. West Virginia: Can play with anyone on a good day.
22. Clemson: A good ACC team.
23. UCLA: OK. Perhaps. Not totally convinced they belong. Giving them the benefit of the doubt at this time.
24. Duke: Well coached and plays above talent level. Will reach a decent bowl game.
25. Wisconsin: Perhaps ranked a tad low.
On the Brink in no particular order
Miami: Well coached. May pose FSU some problems. Under rated perhaps.
Georgia Tech: Could move up.
Colorado State: The best of the Mountain West?
Boise State: As above.
Mizzou: Can look good at times.
USC: Maybe
Louisville: Had FSU and could not close the deal.
Teams with a shot and in no particular order
East Carolina: A conference loss could be forgivable but to be embarrassed by a cellar dweller in the league? Not so much. Could have been worse. SMU could have beaten them. Capable of working their way back in however. Would need to run the table.
Memphis: Better than many think. Would need to run the table the rest of the way.
Houston: Ditto. Seemed to have gotten it together after a rocky start.
Minnesota: A dangerous team to any Big Ten opponent. Had a rough outing recently.
Stanford: A down year
Texas A&M: Perhaps. Unlikely
Florida: If they play like the did last Saturday..........Likely won't happen.
Utah State: A good MWC team.
Toledo: Are they the best of the MAC this season?
Georgia Southern: Moving up from the lower division and doing a pretty darn good job.
Louisiana Cajuns: Would have to run the table and still would probably not be enough. Very good Sun Belt team.
Nevada: Another above average MWC team.
Boston College: Can look good. Can look not so good.
Louisiana Tech: Doing well in CUSA
Rice: May be the only team capable of surprising Marshall this season in CUSA.
That should about do it. Have a good week and enjoy the games.
Week 11 2014 College Football Forecast and Predictions
Last week there were some pretty good games on tap. FSU survived as an undefeated but was certainly challenged by a decent Louisville squad. Ole Miss has been exposed (sort of) and Mississippi State had their troubles with a pesky Razorback squad. What the heck happened to Georgia? Don't know. One thing is certain though - this newfangled "playoff" system will prove to be just as useless and unfair as the Bowl Championship Series system.
Last week the Bartendercabbie System was 6-4 with a total this season of 68-32.
Week 11
1. Clemson vs Wake Forest: The Tigers are a pretty good ACC team and will have little trouble here.
2. Georgia State vs Troy: Troy has not been good in the last few seasons and Georgia State is, at this point, over matched in the upper division. Go with Troy in a close one.
3. Georgia Southern vs Texas State: GSU may be the class of the Sun Belt in their first season in the upper division. They certainly keep winning. Go with the team from Georgia here.
4. KSU vs TCU: One of the big games this week. Both of these teams are quite good with TCU perhaps being the faster of the two. KSU has the better defense. This one will be a toss up and I will go with the Wildcats for the win.
5. Ohio State vs Michigan State: The winner here will still be in contention for the college football "playoff." The loser will be on the outside looking in. Go with the team from Michigan. Could be close.
6. Alabama vs LSU: Are the Tigers capable of ruining Bama's chances in the hunt for the "national title?" Yes. Will they? Doubtful. Go with Bama.
7. Oregon vs Utah: A loss for the Ducks will take them out of "playoff contention" likely. Other than perhaps Oregon, there is a good deal of parity with the best of the rest in this conference. Oregon may be ripe for an upset here but I said the same last week and I will say so this. Go with the Utes.
8. Baylor vs Oklahoma: The Bears still have a chance of making the "playoff" Oklahoma with two losses already does not. Still this will be a good game and I will go with the Sooners here.
9. Iowa State vs Kansas: This will determine which team is really the most inept in the Big Twelve. Probably Kansas. A major rebuild at a very very hard place to be successful. Go with ISU.
10. Marshall vs Southern Mississippi: The better team will win here and that team will be the Thundering Herd. They will likely run the table in CUSA and not get so much as a nod from this "playoff committee." It is arguable perhaps that they should - they have a very easy schedule, but undefeated is undefeated. Can't argue with that.
Have a good week and enjoy the games.
Last week the Bartendercabbie System was 6-4 with a total this season of 68-32.
Week 11
1. Clemson vs Wake Forest: The Tigers are a pretty good ACC team and will have little trouble here.
2. Georgia State vs Troy: Troy has not been good in the last few seasons and Georgia State is, at this point, over matched in the upper division. Go with Troy in a close one.
3. Georgia Southern vs Texas State: GSU may be the class of the Sun Belt in their first season in the upper division. They certainly keep winning. Go with the team from Georgia here.
4. KSU vs TCU: One of the big games this week. Both of these teams are quite good with TCU perhaps being the faster of the two. KSU has the better defense. This one will be a toss up and I will go with the Wildcats for the win.
5. Ohio State vs Michigan State: The winner here will still be in contention for the college football "playoff." The loser will be on the outside looking in. Go with the team from Michigan. Could be close.
6. Alabama vs LSU: Are the Tigers capable of ruining Bama's chances in the hunt for the "national title?" Yes. Will they? Doubtful. Go with Bama.
7. Oregon vs Utah: A loss for the Ducks will take them out of "playoff contention" likely. Other than perhaps Oregon, there is a good deal of parity with the best of the rest in this conference. Oregon may be ripe for an upset here but I said the same last week and I will say so this. Go with the Utes.
8. Baylor vs Oklahoma: The Bears still have a chance of making the "playoff" Oklahoma with two losses already does not. Still this will be a good game and I will go with the Sooners here.
9. Iowa State vs Kansas: This will determine which team is really the most inept in the Big Twelve. Probably Kansas. A major rebuild at a very very hard place to be successful. Go with ISU.
10. Marshall vs Southern Mississippi: The better team will win here and that team will be the Thundering Herd. They will likely run the table in CUSA and not get so much as a nod from this "playoff committee." It is arguable perhaps that they should - they have a very easy schedule, but undefeated is undefeated. Can't argue with that.
Have a good week and enjoy the games.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Week 10 2014 College Football Predictions
Time is short today so here are the Bartendercabbie System picks for week 10 of the 2014 season. Last week "the System" was 7-3 with a 62-28 record for the year.
On to the work at hand......
1. FSU vs Louisville: This could be one that is dangerous to the Seminoles. Thursday night on the road against a team that can look good at times. Yes, might be a problem. This, and the Miami game down the road, may be the only real challenges left for the "Noles. FSU does not face Duke this season. Go with the Florida team.
2. Tulsa vs Memphis: Memphis has a legitimate shot in the AAC and a (very) outside chance of finding themselves in the Top25. Tulsa is dismal. Maybe not quite SMU dismal but dismal none the less. Go with the Tigers.
3. Rice vs FIU: The Owls may be the only team in CUSA with an outside shot of taking Marshall down. They should win this one. Go with Rice.
4. Auburn vs Ole Miss: The big game of the week likely. Ole Miss will be wanting to prove that their loss last week in Tigerland was an anomaly and Auburn is still string to prove they are the best of the best in the SEC. This could be a good one and could possibly have "playoff" implications. Whoever loses will be on the outside looking in. Toss up and I will go with Ole Miss.
5. Arkansas vs Mississippi State: The Hogs got a much needed win Saturday albeit not a SEC victory. MSU may be the best in the land at this point although it must be noted that the Hogs are not a bad team. Just snake bit. I would pick the team from Mississippi here.
6. San Diego State vs Nevada: Toss up here. I will flip the coin and go with SDSU. Why? Hard to say.
7. Stanford vs Oregon: Oregon is a good football team and Stanford has shown themselves to be a decent group at times. Still, this is the upset of the week likely and I will pick Stanford to pretty much knock the Ducks out of contention for the college "playoff system."
8. Tennessee vs South Carolina: A lot was expected out of USC this season and it has just not panned out. These things happen to be sure. No one really expected too much out of Tennessee, they are still in "rebuild" mode I would guess. Can't use the disaster that was Kiffin as an excuse anymore though. That has been a bit ago and it is wearing thin. This game is another one of those toss ups and I will go with Spurrier's bunch.
9. Utah State vs Hawaii: These particular Aggies have shown themselves to be a pretty good Mountain West team and Hawaii has not been very good since the June Jones era. It is likely Norm will be gone after this season. Maybe they should ask Jones to come back? He sure didn't do much with the Dallas rich kids (SMU) though. Look for Utah State to take this one.
10. Houston vs South Florida: Houston seems to have turned a corner and now may prove to be a dark horse in the AAC. Or not. South Florida is just not a very good ball club although I do like the HC. He should have stayed where he was frankly. Go with Houston for the win here.
Have a good week and enjoy the games.
On to the work at hand......
1. FSU vs Louisville: This could be one that is dangerous to the Seminoles. Thursday night on the road against a team that can look good at times. Yes, might be a problem. This, and the Miami game down the road, may be the only real challenges left for the "Noles. FSU does not face Duke this season. Go with the Florida team.
2. Tulsa vs Memphis: Memphis has a legitimate shot in the AAC and a (very) outside chance of finding themselves in the Top25. Tulsa is dismal. Maybe not quite SMU dismal but dismal none the less. Go with the Tigers.
3. Rice vs FIU: The Owls may be the only team in CUSA with an outside shot of taking Marshall down. They should win this one. Go with Rice.
4. Auburn vs Ole Miss: The big game of the week likely. Ole Miss will be wanting to prove that their loss last week in Tigerland was an anomaly and Auburn is still string to prove they are the best of the best in the SEC. This could be a good one and could possibly have "playoff" implications. Whoever loses will be on the outside looking in. Toss up and I will go with Ole Miss.
5. Arkansas vs Mississippi State: The Hogs got a much needed win Saturday albeit not a SEC victory. MSU may be the best in the land at this point although it must be noted that the Hogs are not a bad team. Just snake bit. I would pick the team from Mississippi here.
6. San Diego State vs Nevada: Toss up here. I will flip the coin and go with SDSU. Why? Hard to say.
7. Stanford vs Oregon: Oregon is a good football team and Stanford has shown themselves to be a decent group at times. Still, this is the upset of the week likely and I will pick Stanford to pretty much knock the Ducks out of contention for the college "playoff system."
8. Tennessee vs South Carolina: A lot was expected out of USC this season and it has just not panned out. These things happen to be sure. No one really expected too much out of Tennessee, they are still in "rebuild" mode I would guess. Can't use the disaster that was Kiffin as an excuse anymore though. That has been a bit ago and it is wearing thin. This game is another one of those toss ups and I will go with Spurrier's bunch.
9. Utah State vs Hawaii: These particular Aggies have shown themselves to be a pretty good Mountain West team and Hawaii has not been very good since the June Jones era. It is likely Norm will be gone after this season. Maybe they should ask Jones to come back? He sure didn't do much with the Dallas rich kids (SMU) though. Look for Utah State to take this one.
10. Houston vs South Florida: Houston seems to have turned a corner and now may prove to be a dark horse in the AAC. Or not. South Florida is just not a very good ball club although I do like the HC. He should have stayed where he was frankly. Go with Houston for the win here.
Have a good week and enjoy the games.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
BartenderCabbie System College Football Top 25 10/19/2014
The Seminole/Irish match up yesterday was a good one and no mistake. Notre Dame lost on the back of a semi controversial call against them in the last seconds or they would have had the FSU cold. Notre Dame is for real and will move up in the rankings despite the loss. Question is; could the Noles and/or the Fighting Irish play with and have a better than even chance against the best of the best of the SEC? Probably so. It is entirely possible that one or both of them will meet an SEC opponent in the upcoming college football "playoff." Of course there are a couple of Big Ten teams to consider along with perhaps one out of the PAC 12 and one or two out of the Big Twelve. A lot of football left to be played before we get to that.....
However this newfangled "playoff" works out we can be sure of one thing. It will leave some deserving teams out in the cold. Probably won't be much (if any) better than the much maligned and now defunct BCS.
On to the BartenderCabbie System Top 25....
1. Ole Miss: A trouncing of a lower middle of the pack SEC opponent keeps them in the number one spot.
2. FSU: Close call with the Irish. Not much left on their schedule.
3. Mississippi State: Idle.
4. Alabama: Redemption of sorts with them absolutely destroying the Aggies. Kiffin lives to fight another day? One can bet Nick won't put up with any losing ways..........
5. Auburn: Idle.
6. Notre Dame: This team is for real. Perhaps (just perhaps) ranked a bit low.
7. Oregon: The only PAC 12 team that matters as far as the national picture goes. Well probably. The PAC 12 has a lot of parity it seems.
8. Michigan State: A good ball team. Better than Ohio State at this point? Time will tell.
9. Ohio State: Moving up. Getting past the stigma of the early season defeat at the hands of a mediocre Hokie squad.
10. TCU: Better than anyone expected. Let one get away a couple of weeks back.
11. Kansas State: Snyder has a tough schedule remaining. If they run the table?.........
12. Georgia: Best of the second tier SEC teams.
13. Baylor: A lot of people not totally surprised that WVU topped the Bears. The BartenderCabbie system picked them for the win but it was noted that they did have trouble getting their offense started a while back against the Longhorns. Of course there was the huge comeback on the Frogs.......The Bears are a good team that can play with anyone on a good day but might falter to just above average teams on a bad one.
14. Oklahoma: Still in the Big Twelve race but likely knocked out of contention for the national "playoffs."
15. Arizona: Benefit of the doubt.
16. Arizona State: Ditto
17. West Virginia: Dana may keep his job if this continues.
18. East Carolina: A dangerous squad for anyone outside the Top 10. Perhaps a problem for a few in that are in that elite bunch.
19. Nebraska: Perhaps ranked a bit high here. Time will tell.
20. Minnesota: The Gophers are having a dream season as far as such things go. Can they sustain?
21. Marshall: See East Carolina. Same thing here. Only team left on the schedule who could give them problems would be Rice. The Owls would have to have an exceptionally good day and catch the Herd on a bad one.
22. Utah: Been a while but in the PAC 12 anything seems possible
23. USC: Better than when Kiffin was there. To be sure.
24. Clemson: Had their troubles last Saturday. Wishy washy group.
25. LSU: Had a good game against a better than average Kentucky squad. Will they be able to continue forward?
Teams right on the edge.
1. Duke: Quietly building a good season. Well coached bunch.
2. UCLA: Perhaps. Can be dangerous to anyone on a good day.
3. Colorado State: Is this the best of the Mountain West? Hard to say. Toss up likely between the Rams and the Broncos.
4. Louisville: OK. Perhaps. Petrino does know how to win.
5. BYU: I'm not counting them out to fight their way back into the Top 25. Tough one with Boise coming up.
Teams with a shot of entry - in no particular order
1. Houston: Improving it seems. QB change seemed to do wonders. Handled a better than usual Temple squad with relative ease.
2. Oklahoma State: Can be pretty good. Can be very bad.
4. Stanford: May yet make it in.
5. Boise State: Not a major player in the national picture for a couple of seasons but a very good Mountain West team. Dangerous.
6. Memphis: Look for the Tigers to make further moves in the AAC.
7. Arkansas: If they would quit shooting themselves in the foot this would be a good team. Needs a kicking game to be sure. Dismal.
8. Mizzou: Hard to gauge. Can look good. Can look bad.
9. Kentucky: Has a tough row to hoe the remainder of the season. If they bounce back they could conceivably make it in. Might surprise some folk before all is said and done.
10. South Carolina: I would not count out Spurrier's bunch just yet.
11. Texas Agriculture: They looked terrible against the Tide. Horrific. They are not that bad. Are they?
13. North Dakota State: Would have a shot if they played in the upper division. They don't.
14. Maryland: I don't know. They got some votes. The Turtles in the Big Ten just doesn't seem right to me.
15. Miami: Could make some noise before all is said and done.
16. Arkansas State: Perhaps if they run the table in the Sun Belt and some (quite a few) folks falter. Long shot. Probably the best of the SBC. Has a tough one with the Cajuns upcoming.
17. Wisconsin: A pretty good Big Ten team.
18. Georgia Tech: Probably not.
19. UCF: Good team in the AAC. Has a shot at the top spot in that conference and reaching a pretty decent bowl game.
20. PSU: Perhaps. Franklin is a good coach. Maybe next year?
21. Temple: Unlikely.
22. Rutgers: Ditto.
23. Georgia Southern: Unlikely to be sure but they are 4-0 in conference play. Will be a good SBC team before all is said and done.
Have a good week and enjoy the games.
However this newfangled "playoff" works out we can be sure of one thing. It will leave some deserving teams out in the cold. Probably won't be much (if any) better than the much maligned and now defunct BCS.
On to the BartenderCabbie System Top 25....
1. Ole Miss: A trouncing of a lower middle of the pack SEC opponent keeps them in the number one spot.
2. FSU: Close call with the Irish. Not much left on their schedule.
3. Mississippi State: Idle.
4. Alabama: Redemption of sorts with them absolutely destroying the Aggies. Kiffin lives to fight another day? One can bet Nick won't put up with any losing ways..........
5. Auburn: Idle.
6. Notre Dame: This team is for real. Perhaps (just perhaps) ranked a bit low.
7. Oregon: The only PAC 12 team that matters as far as the national picture goes. Well probably. The PAC 12 has a lot of parity it seems.
8. Michigan State: A good ball team. Better than Ohio State at this point? Time will tell.
9. Ohio State: Moving up. Getting past the stigma of the early season defeat at the hands of a mediocre Hokie squad.
10. TCU: Better than anyone expected. Let one get away a couple of weeks back.
11. Kansas State: Snyder has a tough schedule remaining. If they run the table?.........
12. Georgia: Best of the second tier SEC teams.
13. Baylor: A lot of people not totally surprised that WVU topped the Bears. The BartenderCabbie system picked them for the win but it was noted that they did have trouble getting their offense started a while back against the Longhorns. Of course there was the huge comeback on the Frogs.......The Bears are a good team that can play with anyone on a good day but might falter to just above average teams on a bad one.
14. Oklahoma: Still in the Big Twelve race but likely knocked out of contention for the national "playoffs."
15. Arizona: Benefit of the doubt.
16. Arizona State: Ditto
17. West Virginia: Dana may keep his job if this continues.
18. East Carolina: A dangerous squad for anyone outside the Top 10. Perhaps a problem for a few in that are in that elite bunch.
19. Nebraska: Perhaps ranked a bit high here. Time will tell.
20. Minnesota: The Gophers are having a dream season as far as such things go. Can they sustain?
21. Marshall: See East Carolina. Same thing here. Only team left on the schedule who could give them problems would be Rice. The Owls would have to have an exceptionally good day and catch the Herd on a bad one.
22. Utah: Been a while but in the PAC 12 anything seems possible
23. USC: Better than when Kiffin was there. To be sure.
24. Clemson: Had their troubles last Saturday. Wishy washy group.
25. LSU: Had a good game against a better than average Kentucky squad. Will they be able to continue forward?
Teams right on the edge.
1. Duke: Quietly building a good season. Well coached bunch.
2. UCLA: Perhaps. Can be dangerous to anyone on a good day.
3. Colorado State: Is this the best of the Mountain West? Hard to say. Toss up likely between the Rams and the Broncos.
4. Louisville: OK. Perhaps. Petrino does know how to win.
5. BYU: I'm not counting them out to fight their way back into the Top 25. Tough one with Boise coming up.
Teams with a shot of entry - in no particular order
1. Houston: Improving it seems. QB change seemed to do wonders. Handled a better than usual Temple squad with relative ease.
2. Oklahoma State: Can be pretty good. Can be very bad.
4. Stanford: May yet make it in.
5. Boise State: Not a major player in the national picture for a couple of seasons but a very good Mountain West team. Dangerous.
6. Memphis: Look for the Tigers to make further moves in the AAC.
7. Arkansas: If they would quit shooting themselves in the foot this would be a good team. Needs a kicking game to be sure. Dismal.
8. Mizzou: Hard to gauge. Can look good. Can look bad.
9. Kentucky: Has a tough row to hoe the remainder of the season. If they bounce back they could conceivably make it in. Might surprise some folk before all is said and done.
10. South Carolina: I would not count out Spurrier's bunch just yet.
11. Texas Agriculture: They looked terrible against the Tide. Horrific. They are not that bad. Are they?
13. North Dakota State: Would have a shot if they played in the upper division. They don't.
14. Maryland: I don't know. They got some votes. The Turtles in the Big Ten just doesn't seem right to me.
15. Miami: Could make some noise before all is said and done.
16. Arkansas State: Perhaps if they run the table in the Sun Belt and some (quite a few) folks falter. Long shot. Probably the best of the SBC. Has a tough one with the Cajuns upcoming.
17. Wisconsin: A pretty good Big Ten team.
18. Georgia Tech: Probably not.
19. UCF: Good team in the AAC. Has a shot at the top spot in that conference and reaching a pretty decent bowl game.
20. PSU: Perhaps. Franklin is a good coach. Maybe next year?
21. Temple: Unlikely.
22. Rutgers: Ditto.
23. Georgia Southern: Unlikely to be sure but they are 4-0 in conference play. Will be a good SBC team before all is said and done.
Have a good week and enjoy the games.
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