This past week in College Football was a very important one for both of the major schools in the state. Both teams had high hopes for the year and they both suffered setbacks. The key to those setbacks is how do you react to the competition the next week. The last thing you want to do is drop another game after a big loss. Both the Utes and Cougars faced teams that they were favored to beat by at least two scores, but also posed a bit of a unknown threat.
Utes: I was looking for a good all around game from our offense and defense. One of the two showed consistency and desire, the other didn't. The defense was tested early, a big red-zone stand, and a blocked FG set the tone early for the defense. The offense started off hot in the first quarter, mainly due to a long run by Asiata which would prove costly for the Utes. Then a quick hitter by Cain and the Utes were up 14-0. From that point on the offense look conservative and uninterested. After the big stop on the defensive side, the defense was fired up on almost every possession from then on. They only really gave up one drive for a score, the other coming off of a Cain turnover. The offense looked as if they didn't respect Louisville's ability to come back in the game. This didn't hurt them but if this is their mindset, it will hurt them later in the year. Good win going into the bye week. 3-1 and looking to improve now that conference play has started.
Cougars: If you look at the projections from last week, this one went almost exactly as I said, 42-23 (I guessed 42-21). I thought the Cougs would jump on them early and in a sense, make them pay for what Florida State did to them last week. Colorado State looked scared in the first quarter and the early 21-0 lead was too much to over come. Colorado State actually out scored BYU from that point. The key to beating BYU is get on them early. Their confidence shatters and they play scared. Hall threw two more TD's but also threw 2 INT's. You can't have that type of production every week or you will lose against the quality opponents.
MAX HALL INTERCEPTION WATCH: 8 Interceptions- Through 4 games
Week 5 Predictions: Record (7-2)
BYU 38- Utah State 24- Utah State is a good team, I keep telling people that. They just always schedule tough to start the season. They will make 6 wins and have a good chance for a bowl game. This is another tough week for them and if BYU stays focused on the game and not what will be talked about at Conference, they should win by at least two scores.
TCU 31- SMU 13- TCU faced probably their most difficult opponent outside of Utah and BYU last week and came out on top on the road. This won't be much of a contest.
Boise State56- UC Davis 10- The competition just keeps getting tougher and tougher for the Broncos. They probably don't even needs pads in this game. BCS?? Play somebody first!!
Miami 23- Oklahoma 20- This is an intriguing matchup. With each team having one loss, neither can afford to take another one and have a shot at the National Championship game. This game ultimately depends on if Sam Bradford comes back. I am guessing that he doesn't play. If Stoops is confident that his team can beat Miami without Bradford, he will rest him and not risk further injuring his shoulder.
USC 34- California 20- California was exposed last week, they also struggled at Minnesotta two weeks ago and they aren't even going to finish second in the PAC-10. USC always loses one to a bad PAC 10 team sometime in the year, i.e. Oregon State 2008, Stanford 2007. USC has a good team and will be in the Rose Bowl again. Not good enough to play in the BCS Championship game but good enough to win the PAC 10 easily.
2 comments:
I agree with all of the predictions except for the Miami and Oklahoma matchup. I would go the other way and say OK wins 31 - 27. Bradford probably won't play and they will still win.
USC won't lose another game all year, and if Texas loses to OK later in the year I would put USC up against Florida for the championship. Depending on if Tebow misses any time I don't think Florida will lose a game all year. Not too hard when you play cupcakes outside of your conference.
It was a hard game to pick but I just thought that Miami was so worn down from their schedule that they were too overwhelmed against VT. They will bounce back, plus I don't know how good OU is. How could you lose to BYU? That is why I picked Miami. I also think Florida won't lose but it is hard to think who will be there with them in the end. Every week there are a lot of upsets.
Post a Comment