Let’s Call It a Weekend

Gabbert versus Suh in the rain.

Normally, I wouldn’t post a picture like I did in this post, however it’s too good to pass up.  You see, Missouri Tiger quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who was once committed to Nebraska, said he would not turn on the Huskers like current backup Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman did several years ago.  Well, he did and plays for the last team most Nebraska fans would want to see him go to.  So now, injured ankle and all, Gabbert is 0-1 against the team he spited.  Anyway, on to my weekend picks.

#20 Oklahoma Sooners vs. #3 Texas Longhorns – 11 a.m. Saturday, October 17th on ABC

Can we please go back to calling this game the Red River Shootout?  It sounds cool, and not lame like Red River Rivalry.  Boring.  We’ll get to see who the class of the South is this year, and by tomorrow we’ll know who will play in the Big 12 Championship game.  Wait, we won’t?  Last year’s winner, Texas, did not make the title game despite defeating OU.  My guess is Texas wins again and the Horns will be in Arlington to try and take the conference in December.  Big Game Bob (Stoops) has lost the last three of four to Mack Brown.  Texas 38 – Oklahoma 30

Colorado Buffalos vs. #17 Kansas Jayhawks – 6 p.m. Saturday, October 17th

Jayhawk fans are anticipating a Big 12 North title.  Their first as a matter of fact.  However, with defensive performances like last week at home against Iowa State might not get them past Nebraska and Missouri in the North.  Colorado is a wounded team right now, and could be capable of pulling an upset at home in Boulder, Co.  Trust me, it’s been known to happen.  However, I think Kansas wins again and this time a little easier than the previous week against the Cyclones.  Kansas 45 – Colorado 24

Baylor Bears at Iowa State Cyclones – 6 p.m. Saturday, October 17th

While the two best programs will square off to much national attention, arguably the bottom two programs will do so without much fanfare, even from their own fanbases.  Baylor played Oklahoma pretty tough for a half down in Norman, Ok. last week even without their star quarterback who is out for the rest of the season.  They looked tough on the road, and I think it translates to a win in Ames, Ia.  Baylor 24 – Iowa State 17

Texas A&M Aggies at Kansas State Wildcats – 6 p.m. Saturday, October 17th

Kansas State took it on the chin in one of Bill Snyder’s worst losses as coach of the Cats last weekend in Lubbock, Tx.  Texas A&M under coach Mike Sherman has been one of the worst Big 12 teams in quite some time.  It’s tough to call, but even in Manhattan, Ks. I think the Aggies can pull this one out because of the Wildcat turmoil.  Although it is hard to pick based on how bad each of these teams are.  Texas A&M 30 – Kansas State 24

#16 Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Missouri Tigers – 8:15 p.m. Saturday, October 17th on ESPN2

Last year before this contest the Tigers came off their biggest win over their rival Nebraska in Lincoln.  They were number three in the country and assured a shot a the Big 12 and possibly the BCS Title.  Then the Pokes came to town and spoiled the party of Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin and company.  This year the Tigers travel to Stillwater, Ok. and face the very real possibility of staring 0-2 in the conference after dropping their opener to Nebraska in a rain soaked Columbia, Mo.  It’s not like Mike Gundy’s squad has been setting the world on fire after their top five start and loss to Houston in week two.  However, they are good enough to beat the Tigers.  Oklahoma State 42 – Missouri 28

#15 Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Huskers can exorcise some more conference demons by beating a Red Raiders team in transition.  Mike Leech’s offense typically doesn’t travel well (with the exception of last year in Kansas) and the last time they were in Lincoln, they escaped with a win over a Nebraska team that was not as good as this current version.  Injuries at running back are big questions marks for the Huskers, and the defense will face another test against this high powered offense, yet I remain optimistic on their chances to win and keep rolling in the conference.  Nebraska 37 – Texas Tech 32

National Picks

#25 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. #6 Southern Cal Trojans – 2:30 p.m. Saturday, October 17th on NBC

I’ve never cheered for USC, although they do have awesome road uniforms.  Never have I wanted it team I could care less about beat a team I care even less for.  I’m tired of the ESPN love affair with an overstocked, underperforming and underachieving Notre Dame.  I don’t just want the Trojan defense to hold the Irish to zero points, I want them to intercept Irish quarterback Jimmy Clausen 13 times and sack him on every other play.  The Clausen for Heisman talk is old already.  USC 28 – Notre Dame 7

#19 Georgia Tech vs. #4 Virginia Tech – 5 p.m. October 17th on ESPN2

It’s hard to look at Virginia Tech and not think about what could have been for the Huskers.  Without that one play at the end of the game, and a win for Nebraska, the Huskers would be in the top 10.  Ugh, anyway.  If Tech, oh, Virginia Tech wins this game they’ll hold all the major tiebreakers in the conference.  Georgia Tech needs this win to stay alive to try to get to the ACC Championship game.  I’m not to impressed with how the Hokies have traveled this season, losing to Alabama (who wouldn’t?) and struggling with Duke in Durham N.C.  I like Paul Johnson’s squad to play keep away with the ball an control the clock.  The Hokie D is tough, but the Yellow Jackets come out on top in a low scoring struggle.  GT 21 – VT 17

Breaking Out the Red

The season is almost here...

According to the countdown on my phone, there are 39 days, 6 hours and 45 minutes until kickoff against Florida Atlantic at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.  For all of you mathematicians out there, or if you have a schedule handy, that means September 5th is the day second year head coach Bo Pelini will lead the Huskers.

The big question in the stat of Nebraska is will Pelini be able to tighten up the defense, fill Joe Ganz’s cleats, and duplicate if not improve upon last year’s 9-and-4 record.  With a Big 12 North road schedule of Missouri, Kansas and Colorado it could get interesting.

The Big 12 media days are in full swing down in Dallas, Texas this week with the festivities being extended to three days.  Preseason polls were released this week with Nebraska on top of the Big 12 North followed by Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, Kansas State and Iowa State.

Over the next few weeks I’ll do what I can to break down what I think the North will look like this year, which doesn’t necessarily mimic the Big 12 writers and may upset a Husker fan or two reading this blog.  Let’s just say with Oklahoma on the schedule, and the top three North teams on the road, playing in Jerry Jones’ new stadium may not be a foregone conclusion.  I’m hopeful, but it’s also pretty easy to be cautiously optimistic as well considering this team’s track record.