[MartinBlank]

+ 6 1/2, +102? Why oh why, can't we Americans have Pinnacle?

[MartinBlank]

And ND -13 over Nevada is a must play.

When I first began looking at the numbers I had a lean to Nevada at +17, but I was wrong.

I finished up my power numbers and ND is solid over Nevada.

I am not a ND fan, but looking at their numbers, they blew 3 double-digit halftime leads last year (Pitt, UNC, and Syracuse).....they win 2 of those, and the public would be viewing them much differently.

That aside, they were goofy young last year. Every skill position player was either a true frosh or sophomore.

This year they hired Verducci as the OL coach, and gave him the most experienced OL returning of any BCS team (110 starts among them). Next, Charlie Weis turned the defense over to Jon Tenuta.

Nevada is a paper tiger. They were DEAD LAST in pass defense last year. They lost to Hawaii and New Mexico State. Missouri beat them by 52.

ND wins this game by 20+.

[MartinBlank]

Next game on my radar is Wake Forest at home over Baylor.

I don't really care about Robert Griffin, they are still Baylor. Wake has been the most consistent team in the ACC the last three years.

[head_strong]

I've seen quite a few threads with people showing interest in VT, I just don't get it.....Any SEC team vs any ACC team and I'm leaning SEC. I'm not being biased, I would do the exact same for basketball any ACC team vs any SEC team and I'm leaning ACC.
SEC runs football, and this is one of the premier teams in that conference.
It's funny how last year Clemson was like #2 in the nation against Bama who was barely in the top 25 and everyone including myself thought Clemson would run all over them.
Final Score Bama 34 Clemson 10, same result different team wouldn't surprise me one bit this year.

[MartinBlank]

Alabama is a much different team this year than they were last. Their offense has been gutted, especially along the OL.

As for Tech, they are not the same team that lost to ECU last year. They had questions at QB, and once that issue was settled, look at the results. They won 6 in a row to close out the season, including going 9 of their last 10.

The other issue is Clemson. Clemson had exactly one OL starter returning last year heading into that game with Alabama. They were the perfect example of media hype. And why? Clemson has not had fewer than 4 losses in a season in more than a decade. Why they were hyped were beyond me.

VT is a different beast. They have "walked the walk".

If you compared Tech to Clemson entering 08, you would NOT find many similarities. Same for Alabama. Last year they had a 5th year senior at QB, a ridiculously experienced OL---all gone.

[head_strong]

Alabama is a much different team this year than they were last. Their offense has been gutted, especially along the OL.
Saban is one of the best recruiters in the nation, they could care less how many starters they have back, they have 4 star athletes riding the bench.

As for Tech, they are not the same team that lost to ECU last year. They had questions at QB, and once that issue was settled, look at the results. They won 6 in a row to close out the season, including going 9 of their last 10.
They won 4 in a row to close out the season not 6, and those wins were against Duke, Virgina, BC and Cincinnati not exactly powerhouses we are talking about here. And they won 7 of the last 10, not 9.

The other issue is Clemson. Clemson had exactly one OL starter returning last year heading into that game with Alabama. They were the perfect example of media hype. And why? Clemson has not had fewer than 4 losses in a season in more than a decade. Why they were hyped were beyond me.
If you think VT is a legit top 10 team and can play with BAMA you are on crack. They won't even beat us this year. It's not like VT didn't lose a lot. Look at how many close games VT had go their way last year against average competition.

VT is a different beast. They have "walked the walk".
Is going 5-3 in the ACC and getting a BCS bid "walking the walk" or is that called a joke because the ACC was so bad they were forced into going due to the conference mandatory bid rule.

If you compared Tech to Clemson entering 08, you would NOT find many similarities. Same for Alabama. Last year they had a 5th year senior at QB, a ridiculously experienced OL---all gone.
Don't say I didn't warn you.....GL

[head_strong]

Darren Evans, VT's Leading Rusher/Orange Bowl MVP out for season with torn ACL.....

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4392725

[MartinBlank]

My bad on the VT front, I was actually looking at their 2007 schedule.

But my point remains. Alabama is one season removed from losing to UL-Monroe. I wouldn't exactly put them in Florida/USC's realm just yet.

And I will gladly take VT.

We will return to this thread on September 6th to see who was right.

[TheSystem]

These people claiming Bama's offense has been "gutted" obviously have no concept of college recruiting and the level Bama has been doing it at.

The athletes that are replacing guys like Marlon Davis and Caldwell on the O.line have significantly more talent than they did. Meanwhile it's not like Andre Smith is being replaced with a freshman......they're gonna start a guy named James Carpenter at LT who was a JUCO all american last year. TRUST ME, Bama's O.line won't skip a beat and by seasons end will be BETTER than they were last year.

As for QB, McElroy is a Jr who has been in the program and knows the system.....many I talk to at Bama think if all things were equal last year he would have started over Parker Wilson but JPW got the nod due to him being a 3rd yr starting senior.

And by the way, even if Bama had a terrible offense, that defense will be SICK this season......athletes everywhere. They have two 6'4 255lb linebackers who can fly.

[SoonerBS]

These people claiming Bama's offense has been "gutted" obviously have no concept of college recruiting and the level Bama has been doing it at.

The athletes that are replacing guys like Marlon Davis and Caldwell on the O.line have significantly more talent than they did. Meanwhile it's not like Andre Smith is being replaced with a freshman......they're gonna start a guy named James Carpenter at LT who was a JUCO all american last year. TRUST ME, Bama's O.line won't skip a beat and by seasons end will be BETTER than they were last year.

As for QB, McElroy is a Jr who has been in the program and knows the system.....many I talk to at Bama think if all things were equal last year he would have started over Parker Wilson but JPW got the nod due to him being a 3rd yr starting senior.

And by the way, even if Bama had a terrible offense, that defense will be SICK this season......athletes everywhere. They have two 6'4 255lb linebackers who can fly.

You pretty much could have stopped after the first paragraph. Most people don't get beyond looking at how many starters are returning in their handicapping of games. If anybody does that with Alabama, they will lose money this game. Bama is the right side.

Somebody also needs to go research V Tech and tell me why Tyrod Taylor is going to lead Tech to a victory? Please give me some verified stats from last season that will back-up your reasoning. I'll be waiting . . . .

[TheSystem]

You pretty much could have stopped after the first paragraph. Most people don't get beyond looking at how many starters are returning in their handicapping of games. If anybody does that with Alabama, they will lose money this game. Bama is the right side.

Somebody also needs to go research V Tech and tell me why Tyrod Taylor is going to lead Tech to a victory? Please give me some verified stats from last season that will back-up your reasoning. I'll be waiting . . . .

Agreed. VT wasn't going to run the ball on Bama even WITH Evans, losing him effects the pass protection aspects of VT's offense to me the most. This basically means Tyrod Taylor, who had a 2-7 td-int ratio last year, is going to have to throw the ball to win against one of the best D's in the nation......have fun with that.

[SoonerBS]

Agreed. VT wasn't going to run the ball on Bama even WITH Evans, losing him effects the pass protection aspects of VT's offense to me the most. This basically means Tyrod Taylor, who had a 2-7 td-int ratio last year, is going to have to throw the ball to win against one of the best D's in the nation......have fun with that.

You found it, lol . . . .

[MartinBlank]

These people claiming Bama's offense has been "gutted" obviously have no concept of college recruiting and the level Bama has been doing it at.

The athletes that are replacing guys like Marlon Davis and Caldwell on the O.line have significantly more talent than they did. Meanwhile it's not like Andre Smith is being replaced with a freshman......they're gonna start a guy named James Carpenter at LT who was a JUCO all american last year. TRUST ME, Bama's O.line won't skip a beat and by seasons end will be BETTER than they were last year.

As for QB, McElroy is a Jr who has been in the program and knows the system.....many I talk to at Bama think if all things were equal last year he would have started over Parker Wilson but JPW got the nod due to him being a 3rd yr starting senior.

And by the way, even if Bama had a terrible offense, that defense will be SICK this season......athletes everywhere. They have two 6'4 255lb linebackers who can fly.

I am curious.

Were all those "ATHLETES" on the field for Alabama when UTAH raped them?

Not USC---UTAH.

I was really impressed with those same Alabama athletes that Saban had running around chasing Percy Harvin and Tim Tebow.

Pardon me if I am not impressed with those two games, especially the Utah game. Mind you, before you tell me how truly special Utah was last season----they barely beat Michigan, and needed some luck against TCU.

[MartinBlank]

You pretty much could have stopped after the first paragraph. Most people don't get beyond looking at how many starters are returning in their handicapping of games. If anybody does that with Alabama, they will lose money this game. Bama is the right side.

Somebody also needs to go research V Tech and tell me why Tyrod Taylor is going to lead Tech to a victory? Please give me some verified stats from last season that will back-up your reasoning. I'll be waiting . . . .

Have you actually WATCHED a game of VT football?

Taylor ran nearly as often as VT asked him to throw. He never threw more than 22 passes in a game. Tech runs the ball, and then throws out of PA and usually getting Taylor to the edge where he has a run/throw option.

Taylor ran for nearly 750 yards..averaging 5.0 ypc himself. Tech doesn't ask him to win any games with his arm.

The fact that you think Tech uses him for his arm makes me think you haven't seen a Tech game in a while.

[roadwarrior1]

Just remember what LSU did to VT last year. openeing game of the season. LSU had two "green" QB's playing and they Schooled VT in that first game. LSU lost to Bama last year by only a few and Bama should be better than they were last year. VT ended the season strong but even if they are one of the strongest in the ACC this year its still falls short of the projected winner of the SEC west.......I like VT but I do not see them winning this one.

Projected score 28-17. Bama...........

[TheSystem]

I advised Utah in that game......anyone who knows college football understands what happened in the Sugar Bowl had little to do with talent. Anyone who's handicapped college football should've seen that coming.

As for Florida, they beat Alabama because they were better. And by the way, funny you mention Bama chasing Harvin around.....seeing as how he didn't even play in the game.

Va Tech isn't better than Bama, and it's not really all that close. You'll see Sept 5th.

[gremlin]

Have you actually WATCHED a game of VT football?

Taylor ran nearly as often as VT asked him to throw. He never threw more than 22 passes in a game. Tech runs the ball, and then throws out of PA and usually getting Taylor to the edge where he has a run/throw option.

Taylor ran for nearly 750 yards..averaging 5.0 ypc himself. Tech doesn't ask him to win any games with his arm. The fact that you think Tech uses him for his arm makes me think you haven't seen a Tech game in a while.

I would guess most people don't watch VT or the ACC play. I do though.

The issue with VT's passing game last year did have a little bit to do with Taylor, as he does occasionally spray the ball, but 85% of it was the entire corps of freshman recievers he was throwing to. They ran the wrong routes, they dropped easy passes, and more than once got hit in the face on deep balls. Not a 10 yard pass Taylor threw too hard, but a standard 40 yard ball that they simply missed. They did look better towards the end of the year though, for sure.

The reason Taylor has had some of the success he has is that it can be hell for the DC to know what to expect. I still remember the quarterback draw on 3rd and 31 versus Florida State 2 years ago, from their own 30. Not a broken pass play, a draw that went for 50 yards. If VT hadn't graduated all their wideouts in '07, last year would have gone quite differently.

Just remember what LSU did to VT last year. openeing game of the season. LSU had two "green" QB's playing and they Schooled VT in that first game.

VT/LSU was 2 years ago.

[SoonerBS]

Have you actually WATCHED a game of VT football?

Taylor ran nearly as often as VT asked him to throw. He never threw more than 22 passes in a game. Tech runs the ball, and then throws out of PA and usually getting Taylor to the edge where he has a run/throw option.

Taylor ran for nearly 750 yards..averaging 5.0 ypc himself. Tech doesn't ask him to win any games with his arm.

The fact that you think Tech uses him for his arm makes me think you haven't seen a Tech game in a while.

I watched two V Tech games last year. I know that Tyrod is suppose to be a "dual" QB, but I eliminated the running part of his game because I think Alabama's defensive line and linebackers will eat him for lunch if he tries to run. So, he will have to pass the ball for V Tech to be successful and I don't think he will be effective doing that either.

That Bowl game last year was like telling the players, "well, you deserve to go play for the National Championship losing one game this season, but since you lost to Florida, here's a consolation prize." They were no more fired up to play Utah than Oklahoma was to play Boise and West Virginia in the two Fiesta Bowls they lost. Motivation is vital in winning bowl games and sometimes players are not fired up to play in bowls if they end up being less than what they had their expectations set on.

But, don't let me stopping you from throwing your money on V Tech if you want to. You have to make your own mind up.

[ZBOIZ]

Alabama has questions to answer this year . Was they a fluke last year ? I personally believe so. LSU will continue to run the SEC West , and the whole SEC

[ZBOIZ]

My bad on the VT front, I was actually looking at their 2007 schedule.

But my point remains. Alabama is one season removed from losing to UL-Monroe. I wouldn't exactly put them in Florida/USC's realm just yet.

And I will gladly take VT

We will return to this thread on September 6th to see who was right.

where is LSU???? We also should be with that little list. Why are people looking at us as not a dominant program . We are 2 years removed from a title. Us and Florida or the only two time BCS title teams .

[TheSystem]

Alabama has questions to answer this year . Was they a fluke last year ? I personally believe so. LSU will continue to run the SEC West , and the whole SEC

Yes, coming off an 8-5 record LSU will continue to run the West. Completely laughable. I have no dog in this fight, but I can assure you of this......BAMA is here to stay, LSU's days of running roughshot over that division are over.

And as for these "questions" Bama has to answer......thats about like saying "the team who scores the most points is going to win the game". Who DOESN'T have questions to answer??? Thats why they actually play the season out.

[ZBOIZ]

Florida came off a 4 loss year two years ago and won the SEC and National Championship the next year ! So what's your point ?? LSU has more talent than Bama. And Florida and LSU talent wise is neck and neck with some agreeing LSU has more

[TheSystem]

Florida came off a 4 loss year two years ago and won the SEC and National Championship the next year ! So what's your point ?? LSU has more talent than Bama. And Florida and LSU talent wise is neck and neck with some agreeing LSU has more

By observing your masterful use of the English language and obvious superior football intelect, I have no choice but to yield to your judgment.

Nevermind the fact that the Florida/LSU example is painfully flawed as Meyer was taking over a program at that point whereas Les Miles has been at LSU multiple yrs now and has NO excuse for a 5 loss season. Somehow I get the feeling we won't be seeing any 8-5 seasons from Nick Saban by the time he's been at Alabama 5 yrs.

But hey, forget all that. Never let facts and rational thinking get in the way of your attemps to convince yourself your Tigers are still the big dog in the SEC West. You'll have a tough time finding many that SHARE that opinion, but what do they know?

[MartinBlank]

I advised Utah in that game......anyone who knows college football understands what happened in the Sugar Bowl had little to do with talent. Anyone who's handicapped college football should've seen that coming.

As for Florida, they beat Alabama because they were better. And by the way, funny you mention Bama chasing Harvin around.....seeing as how he didn't even play in the game.

Va Tech isn't better than Bama, and it's not really all that close. You'll see Sept 5th.

You "advised" Utah in that game did you?

To whom exactly? Your other personalities?

[ZBOIZ]

TheSystem we can debate all day but LSU had major problems last year. We had a future all American kicked off our team before the season started in case you forgot, in the name of Ryan Periloux. If Tebow would have been kicked off there team they wouldn't have been national champs. Anyone who knows football would be able to understand that LSU went through major unexpected problems last year. But just because we had that bad year don't mean one is to follow every year. COMMON SENSE

[ZBOIZ]

Like I say Bama have a lot I prove this year. Was last year a fluke ??


They went underfeated in the regular season and didn't accomplish nothing .

Lost sugar bowl.
Not SEC champs
No national title !

[TheSystem]

You "advised" Utah in that game did you?

To whom exactly? Your other personalities?

Ha, I suppose this is supposed to be insulting to me? I understand I am new to this board, but i'm in no way new to this industry. You'll learn that this season.

[MartinBlank]

Ha, I suppose this is supposed to be insulting to me? I understand I am new to this board, but i'm in no way new to this industry. You'll learn that this season.

First of all welcome. But to be honest, do you realize how many people come here and make the same proclamation week in/week out? No less than a few hundred different screen names are created during/before football season, all saying the same things you are.

[TheSystem]

First of all welcome. But to be honest, do you realize how many people come here and make the same proclamation week in/week out? No less than a few hundred different screen names are created during/before football season, all saying the same things you are.

Oh thats no problem, and yes I can imagine that being the case. I don't expect to have much credibility with anyone on here right now.....I just stumbled upon this board a few weeks ago though and liked what I saw, so I decided to join. Is there any contests or records that are kept based on you guys' picks during the season?

[Mac4Lyfe]

Oh thats no problem, and yes I can imagine that being the case. I don't expect to have much credibility with anyone on here right now.....I just stumbled upon this board a few weeks ago though and liked what I saw, so I decided to join. Is there any contests or records that are kept based on you guys' picks during the season?

There are often contest run by some of the A+ books that you can get in on for $$$. Outside of that, some guys post their plays in this forum and other guys add or subtract.

The best way is to post your picks on your spreadsheet under MY SBR. That's one way to verify your picks. Anybody can say they just went 8-0 but how many can prove it on the spreadsheet???

Welcome to the board and GL this season

[Mac4Lyfe]

And ND -13 over Nevada is a must play.

I have a sneaky feeling that Nevada is going to pull off a huge upset here. I'm definitely taking the points but I'm also going to sprinkle a little on Nevada and the ML. Chucky Cheese may have some talent but he's still a sucky coach.

I also don't like VT, so I guess I'm on the other side in both plays. GL

[M.W.]

If you compared Tech to Clemson entering 08, you would NOT find many similarities.

Well, Clemson's offense and defense were better than Virginia Tech's last year. Virginia Tech's offense should improve some this year, but the team as a whole is still pretty even with last year's Clemson's team.

The other issue is Clemson. Clemson had exactly one OL starter returning last year heading into that game with Alabama. They were the perfect example of media hype.

And Virginia Tech isn't? They were just an average ACC team last year with a below-average QB, even by the ACC's low standards. Wilson, Yates (and Sexton), Skinner, Nesbitt, Turner, Lewis, Ponder, maybe even Harris/Marve, Harper, and Crane, were better than Taylor.

What did VPI do last year? Won 5 conference games -- they beat the three worst teams in the ACC by 3, 10, and 11 points (and that was against a Duke team that was playing without QB Lewis), beat a GT team with fumble-itis by 3, beat UNC 20-17 after UNC blew a 17-3 with their 3rd-string QB throwing 2 picks in the 4th Q, and won the ACC title game against a BC team that had beaten them earlier in the year but was now playing without their starting QB. That's a lot of close wins and good fortune in catching teams w/o their QBs.

These people claiming Bama's offense has been "gutted" obviously have no concept of college recruiting and the level Bama has been doing it at.

...

And by the way, even if Bama had a terrible offense, that defense will be SICK this season......athletes everywhere.

Exactly.

[BadNina]

Like I say Bama have a lot I prove this year. Was last year a fluke ??


They went underfeated in the regular season and didn't accomplish nothing .

Lost sugar bowl.
Not SEC champs
No national title !

But who thought they would accomplish an undefeated regular season? Being beaten by Florida is not something to be ashamed of. Especially since it wasn't a blow out. And being beaten by an undefeated team....again nothing to be ashamed of.

The O Line is the only question and with the JUCO player and DJ Fluker I am excited about it.

[jjgold]

The injury to VT rb changes things unless they have a big time backup. Does anyone know?

[BadNina]

They have a back up and a couple of freshmen I believe