3 Week Review (11/5-11/19)

So I basically have been taking the month of November off because school and life just get in the way.  So at the moment we're pretty behind on everything college football.  Right now I'm just going to review the important things we've missed over the past 3 weeks.  This will be pretty unorganized and short probably so sorry in advance.

11/5:
Alabama beat LSU 10-0 in a very defensive game.  Texas A&M somehow lost to Mississippi State 35-28 and are now out of playoff contention.  Ohio State beat Nebraska 62-3 so Nebraska is done in the Big 10 for the most part.  Arkansas upset Florida 31-10.  Penn State beat Iowa 41-14 and I was there so that was fun.  Those were the highlights of week 10.

11/12:
Duke upset North Carolina 28-27.  Pittsburgh upset Clemson 43-42 and that is officially my game of the year because it was just amazing to watch.  Iowa upset Michigan 14-13.  Washington lost to USC 26-13.  So the 3 of the top 4 teams lost this week.  It was the first time that happened since 1985 which is kind of cool.  So the playoff picture has really shaken up.

11/19:
Houston dashed Louisville's playoff hopes when they won 36-10 in a game that I previewed in September.  Ohio State beat Michigan State 17-16 in a game they should've lost but Mark Dantonio made a poor decision (never go for 2 when you're down by 1...).  Oregon beat Utah 30-28 with a touchdown pass with 2 seconds left in the game.  Florida somehow beat LSU 16-10.  Also Kansas beat Texas 24-21 and it was their 2nd Big 12 conference win in the last 2 years and it was the first time they beat Texas since 1938... That's before World War I... so congrats to Kansas!  Also we'd like to wish now former Texas head coach Charlie Strong the best of luck finding a new job after being let go by Texas after the loss to Kansas.

So we're approaching the last week of the regular season.  I'm going to do a playoff preview kind of thing and really focus on the #2 Ohio State vs #3 Michigan game because that's going to decide a lot in the playoffs.  I can guarantee that an Ohio State vs Michigan article will be posted before Saturday.  I will also be at Penn State's last game against Michigan State this Saturday so this Saturday is going to be a great one! See ya soon!

Saturday Review #8/Week 10 Preview

Yes, I'm a little behind. No, I don't have a good reason. I knew I had to type the review, but I just never really got to it. So, I'm going to sum up Week 9 for all of you right now. The Big 12 lost, I should've picked Wyoming, Navy is apparently not going to win the American Athletic Conference, and Kansas sucks. Now time for the preview:

#1 Alabama vs #13 LSU: Alabama-LSU games are always good. Take that 2011 game for example, both teams dominated defensively, causing both offenses to struggle, with the game ending 9-6 in overtime in LSU's favor. Then in that same year, those two teams met in the National Championship (somehow?) and Alabama continued their defensive domination and LSU's offense struggled, as the Crimson Tide avenged their loss and won the game 21-0 to win the National Championship. LSU started the season at #5 in the nation, losing to Wisconsin in their season opener at Lambeau Field. Since then, the Tigers have only lost to now #9 Auburn and are undefeated at home. Alabama comes into this game undefeated and has only struggled against Ole Miss this season. This will be a tough game to pick, but I'm going to go with LSU, just because I think home field advantage will play a major factor in this game.

#10 Nebraska vs #6 Ohio State: Despite losing to Wisconsin last week, Nebraska is still a Top 10 team, which I do not mind at all. The Cornhuskers are alright in the Big 10, having a few close games but staying undefeated until the Wisconsin game. Ohio State has only suffered one loss as well, with it coming against Penn State in what is so far my game of the year. I am going to pick Ohio State, because they're just good. I don't think Nebraska even stands a chance. The Buckeyes are angry and look to go on a tear to get a playoff spot. This just isn't Nebraska's season.

#5 Washington vs California: I threw in this game because it has potential to be good. Washington is on a roll and could go undefeated this season (wait for the Apple Cup..) easily as the Pac-12 seems to be in a struggle this season. Speaking of struggles, California comes into this game at 4-4, despite upsetting teams such as former #22 Texas and former #18 Utah (both wins at home). The Golden Bears only seem to step up when their opponent is ranked. Even though I have brought up this theory, I still pick Washington. I just think the Huskies momentum is very strong coming off a great win against former #17 Utah and I don't think anyone can stop them. Not yet at least (*cough* Washington State *cough cough*)

Iowa vs #12 Penn State: We already know my pick, but I'd thought I'd take time to mention I'll be at this game. I don't know if it'll top the last game I went to against Minnesota, but it looks to be a pretty good game. I'm picking Penn State because they're my team ("what about when you picked Ohio State to bea-" yeah that was a mistake but I trust them now so shhhh). Plus remember that time FCS North Dakota State beat Iowa when they were ranked #13?


#18 Oklahoma State vs Kansas State: Oklahoma State is fresh off of my upset pick against the formerly undefeated West Virginia Mountaineers and has all the momentum in the Big 12 at the moment. Kansas State comes into this game with 3 losses, 2 against top Big 12 teams (West Virginia by 1 and Oklahoma by 21) and Stanford when they were ranked at #8 in week 1. So this game could really be a good game. I'm going to pick Oklahoma State, for no good reason basically. I just think Kansas State won't be able to beat a major Big 12 team right now. This ain't 2012.

Well those are my picks for Week 10 of the college football season. The road to the bowls and playoff begins right here. See ya for the review (hopefully)!

 

College Football Playoff Top 25 Poll #1 (Week 10)

As you can tell from the title, we don't care about the AP Top 25 poll anymore. IT'S BOWL SEASON BABY! This is the time where we focus on the poll that decides the bowl games and the teams that go into the four team playoff because it's pointless until week 10 apparently. But this is what I'll be reviewing for the rest of the year now because the AP Poll means nothing anymore.

CFP Top 25:

1. Alabama
2. Clemson
3. Michigan
4. Texas A&M
5. Washington
6. Ohio State
7. Louisville
8. Wisconsin
9. Auburn
10. Nebraska
11. Florida
12. Penn State
13. LSU
14. Oklahoma
15. Colorado
16. Utah
17. Baylor
18. Oklahoma State
19. Virginia Tech
20. West Virginia
21. North Carolina
22. Florida State
23. Western Michigan
24. Boise State
25. Washington State

So as you can see, this looks very different from the AP Top 25 for many reasons.  The main reason is this poll takes into account the wins over good teams and strength of schedule, which means how many good teams they play.  The only really surprising thing I can review for this is Texas A&M at #4 in the poll.  This caused a lot of controversy when the poll was released, mainly because Texas A&M just lost to #1 Alabama, and Washington is undefeated and dominating the Pac-12, but only put at #5. According to the College Football Playoff Committee, their reasoning behind it was strength of schedule. When you compare #4 Texas A&M's schedule to #5 Washington's, the Aggies have played 5 games against major teams, winning 4 of them while losing to Alabama.  Everyone seems to lose to Alabama though so it was not considered a major loss. The Huskies on the other hand, have played 2 major teams, winning both of those games, while almost losing to Arizona. So I see and understand the reasoning behind this, I just don't know if I like it. Plus Texas A&M and Alabama are both in the SEC West, so having two teams from the same conference and same division in the playoffs is kind of stupid. I guess we'll see what next week's rankings bring!

Week 9 Saturday Preview #3 (10/29/16)

There's no episode of Tribecast this week because of "conflicting schedules" so I have to type a preview out this week and make my picks. I have no clue when the next episode will be, but we hope to be back on track soon. Anyways, here are my picks for this week:

#22 Navy vs South Florida: Navy travels to South Florida this week to take on the Bulls. Navy is coming off a nice win against Memphis while South Florida recently lost to the Temple Owls. I have Navy in this game, mainly because no one in the AAC has been able to stop them. It's like if Houston can't stop them, then who can at this point? I know South Florida only has two losses, but I mean if you can't beat 4-3 Temple, can you really be a challenge to Navy? Navy is winning this game and the AAC, end of story.

#10 West Virginia vs Oklahoma State: This game is a tough one, mainly because this is a battle of my two favorite Big 12 teams. West Virginia comes into this game undefeated, with their only real challenges being Kansas State and BYU, two teams that have struggled a bit this season. Oklahoma State comes into this game with 2 losses, the upset to Central Michigan, which is still controversial, and to Big 12 powerhouse Baylor. So I want to say these teams are even. I am sadly going with Oklahoma State, mainly because they are at home and I think this is finally where they make a stand in the Big 12. Sorry West Virginia. As much as I love you guys, I think this game is an upset.

#14 Florida vs Georgia: Both of these teams are having their ups and downs in the SEC. Georgia's up being beating North Carolina, their downs being almost losing/losing to terribly terrible, awful teams. Florida's ups being an easy schedule, and one down being blowing the lead against Tennessee... Anyways I have Florida because the Bulldogs have no idea what they're doing this year and they just lost to Vanderbilt... Vanderbilt.

#4 Washington vs #17 Utah: I want this game to be close but we know how these games with Washington go now. As much as I want to see them lose, I have Washington in this game. Both of these teams are great this year, Washington being undefeated and Utah only having one loss. But long story short, I have Washington.

#13 Boise State vs Wyoming: This game looks weird but trust me, its going to be good. Boise State comes into this game undefeated, however they almost lost to BYU 28-27... I WAS SO CLOSE TO GETTING THAT UPSET PICK! But yeah, Boise State has had a couple close calls this year. Wyoming has been a program that has struggled most of their existence. But for some reason they are 5-2 this year. I don't know what's going on Wyoming. No one does really. That state is just kind of there. But even though both of these teams are good, I have Boise State because I don't think it's Wyoming's time just yet. Maybe next year.

#7 Nebraska vs #11 Wisconsin: This is my game of the week pick for this week. It looks like it could be an amazing game. But as I type this, I remember that games against two top teams aren't typically close (you know the joke by now...). I see Wisconsin winning this game, so I'm going to go with Wisconsin because they lost to Michigan and Ohio State by a touchdown and Nebraska has had a few close games. I mean if you can contend with the top teams, you're obviously doing something right and if you're having a close game with Indiana, maybe there's a little something wrong. So go Badgers, sorry Nebraska.

#3 Clemson vs #12 Florida State: I have Clemson. I think it's the logical choice. I know Florida State is "back on track" after their struggles in the beginning of the season, but no one can beat Clemson but themselves at this point. Louisville couldn't. NC State almost did and should've but kicking a football is hard. Clemson has a pretty easy road, especially after this game, so Clemson it is.

Well those are my picks for this week. I'm really feeling it with these picks. I expect to do well, as always. Again, sorry there's no Tribecast this week (I know we're all disappointed). Everyone is just busy with school and life. But we'll be back and better than ever! See ya Saturday!

AP Top 25 Week #9

Joke of the Day: The Auburn vs Arkansas game. Here's the AP Top 25 for week 9:

AP Top 25:

1. Alabama
2. Michigan
3. Clemson
4. Washington
5. Louisville
6. Ohio State
7. Nebraska
8. Baylor
9. Texas A&M
10. West Virginia
11. Wisconsin
12. Florida State
13. Boise State
14. Florida
15. Auburn
16. Oklahoma
17. Utah
18. Tennessee
19. LSU
20. Western Michigan
21. North Carolina
22. Navy
23. Colorado
24. Penn State
25. Virginia Tech

Michigan moved up to #2, Clemson moved up to #3, Washington moved up to #4, and Louisville moved up to #5, all because Ohio State lost to Penn State. Ohio State dropped to #6 after their loss to Penn State. Did I mention Ohio State lost to Penn State? Nebraska moved up to #7. They play #11 Wisconsin where they are expected to lose. I want them to win. Baylor is at #8. They should keep slowly moving up until they play now #10 West Virginia to decide the champion of the Big 12. Texas A&M fell to #9 after a close loss to #1 Alabama. Because this loss was to the #1 team, they didn't fall too much because this team is still pretty good. Auburn moved to up #15 after they destroyed now unranked Arkansas 56-3 (hence the joke). I have no comment. LSU jumped to #19 after beating Ole Miss. I forgot Fournette came back so now LSU is relevant again. My bad. Western Michigan is still at #20 after beating Eastern Michigan. MAC teams are bad so those wins don't really help them at all. Navy moved up to #22 after beating the newly discovered Riley Ferguson and the Memphis Tigers. They're gonna win the AAC, no doubt. Three new teams entered the Top 25 this week: #23 Colorado, #24 Penn State, and #25 Virginia Tech. Colorado beat Stanford in a baseball game apparently, with the score being 10-5. Stanford is most likely officially out of contention for the Pac-12 Championship. Penn State is a well deserving #24, somehow managing to survive in the Big 10 this year. It'll be interesting to see how far they move up in the rankings. And Virginia Tech was welcomed back to the Top 25 after beating Miami (FL). I don't trust them really but no one else is really deserving of the spot. That's all I got this week. Listen to my podcast!

Saturday Review #7 (10/22/16)

Ohio State's season was going so well, then all of a sudden, it crashed, just like I did on Friday with my car... Time for the review!

Penn State Upsets #2 Ohio State:

This will be the lamest review of all time but this game stole the show on Saturday. I give all my weekly awards to Penn State. They are the Team of the Week for beating Ohio State, the "Sadder"-Day's Upset for upsetting Ohio State, they have the Play of the Week with the game-winning blocked field goal, Penn State's Grant Haley being Player of the Week for returning the blocked field goal for the win. So obviously this is the Game of the Week. I don't really know what to say here but Penn State upset #2 Ohio State 24-21 off of a blocked field goal return for a touchdown by Grant Haley. This will most likely end up being Game of the Year when I do End of the Season Awards, but we'll see I guess. So here's the play that won Penn State the game and that's the review for this week. We learned that apparently I'm an awful driver but good at making metaphors and college football is full of surprises. See ya next week!

Tribecast

This is kind of off topic but, I have a podcast now... Well I have a podcast with my friends, Eric and Matt, because people listen to podcasts... right? But it's called Tribecast because, why not? It's labeled as an "all-sports" podcast but we'll probably get into stuff like music, movies, and even funny stories from our lives because we're just that interesting and entertaining. There are segments in it where I talk about college football and I make predictions (it's where I'll do my Saturday Previews now) and stuff. So if you like my writing, just wait until you hear me speaking (not saying my voice is amazing, but things will sound funnier, I think). But if you're into other things like wrestling (WWE) and fantasy football, Matt and I will at least discuss that. We'll also throw in stuff like the MLB Playoffs and the NBA when their season begins. Eric will have coverage on all things soccer related, so if you're into that listen to us. We think we're a fun bunch and we want to make people laugh and we also just want to talk about things we love. The podcast is also produced by Main Studios with Tyler Main. None of this would have been possible without him so I would like to take this time to thank him. We don't really know what the feedback will be like but we really hope you enjoy the podcast and if you would like us to talk about anything specific, just let us know and we'll incorporate it into our agenda. Well, we hope you enjoy the first episode of Tribecast titled Tribe Takes the Podcast.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWzCnhCElDmAxF_-oe8nvaQ