Jamal Anderson's Blog – Jam's World

Thank you new weekend, I couldn’t wait for your arrival because last week was a rough one. College football finally reared it’s ugly connection to the NFL as parity, and clarity to over a week ago. I shall not further delay the picks, as you all know this is the BIG one for the UTE Nation….TCU.

#16 Utah v #4 TCU

I would be lying if I told you that we got this one. We certainly can win, but few teams in all of college football have been playing as well as the Horned Frogs. I’m not just talking about a good offense either, their defense is every bit as dominate. Without hesitation I would put this TCU team on the field with any team any where. Now, how do you ask can they be beaten today? Well Utah has to start fast, something we have struggled to do all year. Today we start a freshman QB in Wynn, what’s good about this is coming off the bench a week ago, he looked poised and confidant in leading the Utes to a huge 2nd half scoring surge. Of course that was NOT TCU a week ago. Utah’s defense is capable of playing with TCU’s offense, but the Ute offense is going to have to show up big time today. We believe we can win because of our talent, and the fact that we have beaten TCU 4 of the last four meetings. Again, this is a different TCU team, so let’s get it on….
My Pick: UTAH

#3 Texas v Baylor

Texan just can’t fall asleep at the wheel today. Baylor will again be starting third string QB Nick Florence, and don’t laugh Florence was named Big 12 offensive player of the week. A week ago Florence lead Baylor to a victory of Missouri throwing for 427 yards & three td’s. But, that wasn’t Texas. Today Florence will find it a lot tougher to carve up the Longhorns defense as it appears Colt McCoy & Co don’t seemed concerned about the opponent, but their performances. Always a dangerous thing in my opinion, a focused team. My Pick: Texas

#7 Georgia Tech v Duke

With destiny in their hands, Paul Johson & the jackets have to keep Thad Lewis in check today, and they should beat the Blue Devils.  Lewis has never beaten Tech, but the 2nd ranks passer in the ACC know’s that a victory today will make the Blue Devils bowl eligible.  Georgia Tech will have their hands full with Lewis, but more important will Dukes inability to contain Tech’s ground attack.  My Pick: Georgia Tech

Stanford v #9 USC

It would appear that the Pac-10 isn’t as weak as everyone on the east coast wants them to be.  Just last week Oregon looked like a team running away with it all, until the were re-introduced to Toby Gerhart.  Gerhart run through, around & over the Ducks leading Stanford to an upset win. Today is USC’s turn to face the Pac-10’s leader in rushing & touchdowns.  Oh, this isn’t a one dimensional offense either, Standford’s freshman signal caller has turned out to be a good one. Andrew Luck has thrown for more than 2000 yards & only 3 int’s.  Everyone talks about USC’s Matt Barkley, but Stanford’s freshman is out to prove he’s better. The Trojans are clearly not the powerhouse we have grown accustomed to seeing. They can’t just wlak into stadiums and win on talent alone, they have to show up prepared and ready to play. I think Pete’s boys will be ready, but I really like the way Stanford has been playing this season. Tough to win in the Coliseum, but the Cardinals have done it before. My Pick: Stanford

#14 Miami v UNC

Butch Davis has owned his former program and will look to continue that dominance with the opportunity to make UNC bowl eligible. The Hurricanes have struggled lately, as it has become painfully apparent that this young teams still has some growing to do.  Fortunately, the progress is starting to pay off because defensively the Hurricanes has their best performance of the season a week ago.  They will need a similar effort today against UNC as they will need to keep UNC’s ground attack in check. Jacory Haris will also need a big day to keep the Hurricanes slim ACC championship hopes alive. This games should come down to the wire. My Pick: Miami

#10 Iowa v #11 Ohio State

Terrell Pryor & the Buckeyes took a big step in regaining the prominence accustomed to the being a Buckeyes by going into Happy Valley and crushing the Nitty Lions. Today, the Buckeyes could garner and even bigger prize with a victory over the Hawkeyes today, a Rose Bowl birth.  Iowa, who up until a week ago, managed to make most of their games heart stopping affairs. Inevitable the end is always near for a team who plays to many games that close to the vest.  Iowa will be starting a red shirt freshman today, James Vandenberg, on the road in Columbus. Oh what and opportunity to shine, but also the pressure of a lifetime.  My guess is that Cameron Heyward and the Buckeyes will be ready to capture at least a share of their 5th straight title today. My Pick: Ohio State

#1 Florida v South Carolina

There really are no easy games in the SEC, especially when you have to go on the road. There are just the facts of playing in the Southeastern conference.  To throw in another fact of SEC football, the team with Tim Tebow at QB is pretty darn good at winning football games.  South Carolina is inexplicable sliding again, added to Spurriers frustration is a Florida team determined to not only play for the SEC title, but win it all. My Pick: Florida

Notre Dame v #12 Pittsburgh

Charlie Weis, I present to you, your finally opportunity.  Make no mistake about it, if Notre Dame can go into Heintz field today and win, Charlie will get another year.  At least that’s what I believe.  The Irish can certainly score points, the biggest question that will be answered today is whether or not Pitt is as god as their record. The Panther have finally entered the guys of their schedule starting today. I know Notre Dame just lost to Navy, but a victory today for Panthers is still huge for their program.  The Irish’ Michael Floyd & Golden Tate can’t be allowed to run all over the field today if Pitt expects to win. I think the Panthers get it done, and keep Clausen & co in check today. If they fail, we all know the outcome. My pick: Pittsburgh

Quick Hits:

Michigan v Wisconsin – My Pick: Wisconsin. Michigan looks like a program that is lost, again. Plus the Badgers are always tough to beat at home.

#15 Houston v UCF – My pick: Houston. This one will be tough, but Case Keenum is on a mission right now, and weather that ends in a Heisman invite could depend on today.

Arizona State v #13 Oregon – My pick: Oregon. They have not proved that they needed him, but LeGarrette Blunts return should be a huge boost for the Ducks. Plus, to keep their eyes on the prize, the Rose Bowl, they must win today.

Enjoy the games!

J*A*M