Around the NFL: Steelers Terrorize the Patriots

Do you hear that? Just listen. Nothing? It's no surprise you don't hear anything because finally the critics both in Pittsburgh and beyond have been silenced. It's amazing what beating the Patriots can do for the way a team is perceived. Heck, isn't everything about perception nowadays. The Eagles are still a bad team at 3-4, but everyone suddenly considers them a playoff contender. Meanwhile, the Giants are 5-2 and most write them off as an early round playoff exit if they even make it that far. Let this be a lesson that things aren't always as they seem. Right now most will consider the Steelers the class of the AFC. If they lose to Baltimore next week everything will change. So while it's nice to not have to defend the quality of the Steelers for a week, enjoy it while it lasts. You know I will as I go around the NFL.

STEELERS 25, Patriots 17

• The Steelers, after years of having Tom Brady toy with them like they were a Pop Warner team, finally learned how to stop the Patriots - don't line the corners up ten yards off the receivers. I've only been saying this since... Dick LeBeau took over as defensive coordinator. Had the Steelers employed this strategy in the Super Bowl (as they should have), "Sixburgh" would be an outdated term for the city.

• Even without key starters, the Steelers continue to impress and actually may be even more impressive than when they were healthy. As Mike Tomlin says, "The standard is the standard." I and all of the other NFL teams would agree, but nobody follows that more than the Steelers have in the last season and a half.

• I've given the secondary credit every week, but it's astonishing to me that nobody else has given this group the attention they deserve. How many times do they have to keep the league's top receivers in check before somebody mentions them? If they were playing poorly we'd hear nothing but how bad they are playing.

Around the NFL

• I was told last week that the New Orleans Saints were better than the Pittsburgh Steelers because the Saints destroyed the Indianapolis Colts and the Steelers barely beat them. Then the St. Louis Rams beat the Saints without Sam Bradford. Somebody better tell me what to think this week!

• Is it a stretch to say that Kevin Kolb is the league's worst quarterback? He is the reason the Arizona Cardinals blew their game against the Baltimore Ravens and he's the reason the Cardinals are only 1-6.

• I guess the Washington Redskins can be written off this year. They could be considered the worst team right now, if not for the winless teams left.

• There is no such thing as a college-style offense contrary to what the Denver Broncos tried to say this week. There is a pro-style offense which is the general idea of how an NFL offense is run. Then there are variations of offenses that college teams use such as the University of Houston's "Let Case Keenum throw the ball 60 times a game" style offense that they use. What the Broncos ran was not any of those things. Tim Tebow is a really good quarterback if you let him play his game, but the Broncos aren't doing that. Let the guy run. Run options, run quarterback draws and sweeps, run anything. So what if he gets hurt? Then you turn to Kyle Orton. But while Tebow is healthy you're going to have a darn good team that a lot of teams will struggle to stop.

• The San Francisco 49ers and homefield advantage should not be allowed in the same sentence, but for some reason it keeps coming up.

• The Seattle Seahawks aren't very good, but the Cincinnati Bengals looked mightily impressive against them. I still don't think they're ready to make the playoffs, but just maybe...

• Well it looks like the Philadelphia Eagles are back on the map. It's unfortunate because I was under the impression that they took this season off because I haven't seen to many mentions about them in my Facebook feed this season. Let's just say the weather is starting to look pretty fair for these fans...

• The San Diego Chargers must have been playing a meaningful game this week. Of course they were, because they lost to the division rival Kansas City Chiefs and with a very appropriate ending to boot. Now they are no longer in first place in the AFC West and if Carson Palmer plays well for the Oakland Raiders, third place may be realistic.

Week 9 College Football Roundup: Pitt Loses Three Key Players, PSU Wins Another Nail-Biter, WVU Holds Off Rutgers

PITT 35, Connecticut 20
- Well, well, well. Pitt is back in contention and can anyone really write them off right now. The way the rest of the Big East is playing, this is more like an NFL division than an NCAA conference. How even these teams are is astounding. I'm not going to put all my eggs in Pitt's basket, but there can't be anyone left saying that West Virginia or Cincinnati is the class of this conference.

- Boy, when Tino Sunseri runs the ball he looks fantastic. I've been saying that for a while now, and I'd still like to see him run more. He looked infinitely more confident in the dulled down offense and maybe we'll see more 300 plus yard passing days.

- Cam Saddler and Matt Rotherham went down with season-ending injuries and that's highly disappointing. But nothing may change the course of Pitt's season more than Ray Graham going down for the year. The silver lining, if any, is that maybe we'll get to see him one more year and that would be huge for this program.

-I guess there may be another positive if Tino Sunseri plays the same way all year without Ray Graham. That was one of the best games at the quarterback position that I've ever seen from Pitt and it was reflected on the stat sheet.

WEST VIRGINIA 41, Rutgers 31
- West Virginia's loss to Syracuse was definitely an eye-opener to everyone including themselves. I thought they'd bounce back with a strong performance, but they looked horrible against Rutgers. Luckily they were the more talented team and still eked out a win. 

PENN STATE 10, Illinois 7
- Why in the world would you go back to a two quarterback system? I knew coming into the game that they probably would, but I still couldn't believe it when I saw it. You know what? It doesn't matter. They won and as Mike Tomlin says, no style points are given. A win is a win.

- I know they have some really difficult games left, but if they can get two wins, they'll be in the Big Ten championship. Even one win may get them there. I like their chances either way.

- Just throwing this out there, but if Penn State wins out, are they in the BCS National Championship? It's been a weird season for them, but I'd have to imagine 12-1 gives them as good a shot as anyone else. I don't see it happening either, but I just thought I'd ask.

DUQUESNE 16, Monmouth 0

Sacred Heart 27, Robert Morris 15

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UFC 137: Preview and Predictions

Today the UFC is blessing us with another STACKED card.  Even with the loss of the original main event of Georges St. Pierre and Carlos Condit, Dana White has outdone himself with the second such talent laden card in a row.  We should all be in for a treat with 11 exciting matches.  Here is my preview and predictions for tonight’s card.

In the opening bout of the evening, we have undefeated Clifford Starks, who fills in for injured Brad Tavares, facing another undefeated prospect in Dustin Jacoby.  Clifford Starks is about 50/50 on finishes to decision wins, as it looks like Jacoby is the more explosive finisher, not going past the second round in all 6 off his wins.  Jacoby is the bigger, stronger, and younger fighter and my edge goes to him.

Prediction:  Jacoby by second round TKO

The next fight we have Chris Comozzi (15-4) vs. Francis Carmont (16-7).  Carmont comes into this fight making his UFC debut and on the heels of a 5 fight win streak.  Comozzi is making his return to the octagon after a disappointing first round submission loss.  Both fighters are up and comers trying to make a statement to remain in the UFC, but only one can win.

Prediction:  Carmont by first round submission

In the third fight of the evening we have Ultimate Fighter finalist Ramsey Nijem (5-2) vs. WEC veteran Dan Downes. Nijem is coming off a disappointing first round KO loss to Tony Ferguson in the finale of the Ultimate Fighter.  Downes is also coming off a hard fought decision loss to Jeremy Stephens.  Both fighters are young and are trying to make a name for them self.  This should be an all our war.

Prediction:  Downes wins by decision

The fourth fight of the night is Brandon Vera (11-5-1 NC) vs. Eliot Marshall (11-4).  Vera is making his return to the octagon after a three round drubbing loss that was later ruled a no contest at the hands of a juiced up Thiago Silva.  Prior to the no-contest, Vera was decimated by Jon Jones and lost a close fought battle, which many thought he won against Randy Couture.  Vera a once promising heavyweight dropped down to light-heavyweight and has been anything but impressive.  Marshall is also coming off two straight loses.  Both fighters need a win in a big way to keep their jobs in the UFC.  Vera wants to get revenge against Silva and to do so he must be around for Thiago’s return early in 2012 from suspension.

Prediction:  Vera by first round TKO

In the first bout of the evening on Spike TV we get to see Tyson Griffin (15-5) vs. Bart Palaszewski (33-13). After three straight losses in the lightweight division, Griffin dropped down to featherweight and won his debut there against highly touted Manny Gamburyan.  Palaszewski has been just as inconsistent losing to a lot of big name fighters but does have a claim to fame beating Anthony Pettis in a close decision.  This will be a close fight and both fighters need a win.

Prediction: Griffin by Decision

In the second Spike fight we have a fight that I think should have been a main card attraction when Dennis Siver (19-7) faces Donald Cerrone (16-3-1NC).  Dennis Siver has been on a tear of late winning his last four contests.  Cerrone is coming off five straight wins and is poised to make a title run with a win.  Both this fighters have dynamite in their hands and feet.  But don’t sleep on either of them if it goes to the ground.  I think it is a push on their feet but if it goes to the ground I think the advantage lies with Cerrone.

Prediction: Cerrone by Decision

In the first bout on the pay-per-view portion of the card, Hatsu Hioki (24-4-2) is taking on George Roop (12-7-1).  Hioki is making his UFC debut after having a huge successful fighting career in Japan.  Roop, an Ultimate Fighter vet, has a big TKO victory over highly respected Josh Grispi.  Roop is always known for putting on exciting fights and this should be no different.  He has the huge task of taking down Hioki in his debut, who has won his last four fights and last nine of ten.

Prediction:  Hioki by third round Submission.

Fight number two on the main card is Scott Jorgensen (12-4) vs. Jeff Curran (35-13-1).  Jorgensen is a great young up and coming fighter while Curran is in the twilight of his career.  Both, however, have strung together a string of victories.  Jorgensen have won six of his last seven and Curran four of his last five.  Neither are known for their finishing abilities so I see this one being an exciting fight of the night candidate going all three rounds.

Prediction:  Jorgensen by Decision

In what I would call the co-co- main event, MMA legend Mirko Cro Cop (27-9-2-1 NC) takes on Roy Nelson (16-6).  The only thing I am looking forward to more than the fight itself is seeing this new physique Roy Nelson is carrying around.  For those of you that didn’t see the weigh-in yesterday, Nelson who has always been fairly round and proud and normally weighing in at 265 in just his underwear, came out yesterday in a sumo suit and weighing in at 252.  He left us still wondering what the new Roy Nelson looks like until the fight tomorrow.  In any case, both fighters are in need of a win.  Cro Cop who claims this could be his last match win or lose, has lost his last two fights, both by KO.  Nelson has also lost his last 2 fights by decision.  In both fights Roy Nelson showed he could take a beating and still come forward.  With the Mirko losing those lethal strikes that once hard the whole MMA world fearing him, he will have his work cut out for him against “Big Country”.

Prediction: Nelson by Decision

In the Co-Main Event of the evening we have Cheick Kongo (26-6-2) vs. Matt Mitrione (5-0).  Cheick is coming off of a huge first round comeback KO victory over a much smaller Pat Barry, after Barry mauled him for the better part of the first round.  Mitrione, who has become a huge fan favorite, has won all five matches in the UFC and all but one has not made it out of the second round.  Mitrione has evolved into a scary knockout fighter and has a bright future, especially if he takes the next step in getting by Kongo.

Predicition:  Mitrione first round KO

In the main event of the evening we have BJ Penn (16-7-2) vs. Nick Diaz (26-7-1).  Penn has made it no secret that he is on a mission to make another title run.  To do that, he will have to get through Diaz who hasn’t lost since 2006.  Nick for all intensive purpose is still the Strikeforce welter weight champion.  This is one of the most evenly matches I have seen in a long time.  Neither fighter has a clear cut advantage in the stand up game or the ground.  With both these guys being Brazilian Jujitsu blackbelts, we will probably see a stand up war.  I believe Diaz has a slight advantage here since in my opinion he is the best boxer in MMA. But BJ is ferocious on his feet as well as seen in his crazy first round finish of hall of famer Matt Hughes.  The only clear advantage here is stamina which Diaz far exceeds Penn if their previous fights are any indication.  Diaz wants to make a statement and get the fight he had and was pulled from with GSP back to be the UFC welterweight champ.

Prediction: Diaz by Decision


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Week 9 College Football Predictions

Week 1 Picks: 14-11-0

Week 2 Picks: 14-20-2

Week 3 Picks: 15-25-0

Week 4 Picks: 17-22-1

Week 5 Picks: 19-23-0

Week 6 Picks: 20-22-0

Week 7 Picks: 7-9-0

Week 8 Picks: 18-21-0
 

Season to Date: 124-153-3

Top 25: 64-58-2

Big East: 15-18-0

Big Ten: 20-23-0

Everything Else: 40-68-1

N/A			N/A
24			11
34			20
27			18
24			33

Here are my predictions against the spread for all of the week's games listed on Bodog.eu as of Saturday morning:

#25 West Virginia -7 over Rutgers

#19 Penn State -5 over Illinois

Top 25

#3 Oklahoma State -14.5 over Baylor

#5 Clemson -4 over Georgia Tech

#6 Stanford -8.5 over USC

Washington State +35.5 over #7 Oregon

#8 Kansas State +14 over #9 Oklahoma

#10 Arkansas -10 over Vanderbilt

#11 Michigan State +4 over #14 Nebraska

#12 Virginia Tech -15 over Duke

Tennessee +4 over #13 South Carolina

#15 Wisconsin -8 over Ohio State

Missouri +10 over #16 Texas A&M

#18 Michigan -14.5 over Purdue

#19 Penn State -5 over Illinois

Iowa State +15 over #20 Texas Tech

Colorado +32 over #21 Arizona State
Florida +3 over #22 Georgia

#23 Auburn -13 over Mississippi

#24 Texas -28 over Kansas

#25 West Virginia -7 over Rutgers

Big East

#25 West Virginia -7 over Rutgers

Syracuse +3 over Louisville

Big Ten

#19 Penn State -5 over Illinois

#11 Michigan State +4 over #14 Nebraska

#18 Michigan -14.5 over Purdue

#15 Wisconsin -8 over Ohio State

Northwestern -9 over Indiana

Iowa -16 over Minnesota

Everything Else

Marshall -6 over UAB

Central Michigan -7.5 over Akron

NC State +18.5 over Florida State

Bowling Green -3.5 over Kent State

Ball State +12.5 over Western Michigan

Air Force -31 over New Mexico

Maryland -7.5 over Boston College

North Carolina -7 over Wake Forest

Tulsa -3 over SMU

East Carolina -17 over Tulane

Miami (OH) -4.5 over Buffalo

Navy +21.5 over Notre Dame

Western Kentucky +6 over Louisiana-Monroe

Memphis +30 over Central Florida

Hawaii -7 over Idaho

Colorado State -3 over UNLV

Mississippi State -10 over Kentucky

Utah -5 over Oregon State

UCLA +5.5 over California

North Texas +17.5 over Arkansas State

Louisiana-Lafeyette +3 over Middle Tennessee State

Southern Mississippi -10 over UTEP

Nevada -15 over New Mexico State

San Diego State -18 over Wyoming

Washington -4.5 over Arizona

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Week 8 NFL Panel

Bob Schreiner made a sharp move up the standings getting to third with an eleven win week. His only two losses came in games that were unanimously picked in favor of the losing team. Jon Saia and Rick Caswell matched each other to remain just a game apart in the battle for the top spot. This week there aren't too many differences with plenty of mismatched games, but there are a few spots open to make movement up and down the board.

STANDINGS:

Jon Saia: 71-32

Rick Caswell: 70-33

Rob Jentsch: 68-35

Bob Schreiner: 68-35

Kristina Rukavina: 62-41

Bobby Schreiner: 60-43

Katie Noone: 56-47

 

 

 

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