Big Ten Awards - Week 3

Welcome back Jerry Kill!  one week after suffering a seizure on the sidelines, coach Jerry Kill returned to the Gopher sideline and notched his first W with a win over Miami(Ohio).  Along with Kill, Indiana coach Kevin Wilson got his first win as Hoosier coach with a 38-21 win over South Carolina State.

Team of the Week : ILLINOIS - Arizona State came into Champaign with a 2-0 record, some fancy new uniforms with a new logo, and a win over top 25 team already last week topping off Missouri.  Also the tallest QB in the nation at 6-8.  Though Illini QB Nathan Shcheelhaase was the QB that lead a game winning drive in the 4th with a TD pass.  The Illini and Ron Zook are now a quiet 3-0 in the Big Ten with the impressive win over Arizona State and can go 4-0 next week with a win over Western Michigan.

Helmet Sticker : Denard Robinson went off like it was 2010.  Rushing for 198 yards vs Eastern Michigan he also tallied 3 tds in a 31-3 victory.  The Wolverines were never in any doubt to lose this game but PS3 (aka Shoelace) went off again and was just fun to watch.  It's not RichRod's offense but Hoke isn't dumb enough to keep DRob just in the pocket.



James Vandenberg threw for 399 yards, 168 in the fourth quarter and 3 tds to lead Iowa to it's biggest comeback victory in school history.  Kirk Ferentz and Ken O'Keefe abandonded the run vs 8 in the box and got rid of the play action and let James sling it. Hopefully they learned something from this.  He put the Hawks on his arm and did what he does best.

Russell Wilson also put on a passing clinic.  Earning his 2nd helmet sticker, the Badger QB threw for 347 yards and 3 scores in a route of Northern Illinois in Soldier Field.  The transfer has been a nice addition for the Badgers who with Wilson have a threat at QB now with their road grading running attack.  In 3 games Wilson has 759 yards passing and 8 tds to 0 int.  

Game of the Week : IOWA 31 - PITT 27 : Don't call it a comeback!  WOW.  What happened in Iowa City was reminiscent of Iowa-Indiana 2009.  Down 21 at one point Iowa went to outscore Pitt 28-3 over the final 16 minutes to move to 2-1.  James Vandenberg tossed the ball 399 yards and had 3 tds.  With little time in the 3rd the Hawks changed their offensive philosophy from running and play action to a gun slinger in no huddle and shot gun and it worked.  The offense sparked, Jordan Bernstine started and laid some big hits.  Micah Hyde capped the game with a pick as Pitt was driving.

Highlight of the Week : Jeremy Ebert touchdown grab vs Army.  (at the 47 second mark)

Big Ten Take Away : Wisconsin is the best team in the Big Ten.  Nebraska jumped up in competition and showed its stuff.  Though I still think if you get the Huskers where they need to pass they are in trouble.  Illinois is a sneaky 3-0 and may give some teams some fits.  Iowa needs to abandon what they are known for with this young team.  Michigan State isn't in trouble, just met a desperate Notre Dame team this weeknd.

National Take Away : Auburn's luck ran out with a 14 point loss at Clemson.  Oklahoma made the biggest statement of the weekend with a win over Florida State at Doak Campbell.  

Jimmy John's Big Ten Challenge

Week – Matt (8-4)          Chad (7-5)          Kyle (8-4)

Season – Matt (27-9)          Chad (27-9)          Kyle (26-10)

Big Ten Football – Week 3 Predictions

Last week we were treated to a shoot out under the lights in Ann Arbor as Denard Robinson continued to build a legacy vs the Irish, scoring 14 points in the last 90 seconds to top the Irish.  This week the Irish continue their Big Ten slate vs the Spartans, in South Bend.  

Big Ten Game of the Week

Michigan State vs Notre Dame

The Spartans have looked good good this year beating up on a couple lesser opponents.  The Irish are 0-2 and Mt Kelly is feeling some heat and may be close to blowing again soon.  Last year Sparty pulled off the Play of the Year with a fake field goal to top the Irish.  I don't think this week you'll need see that type of dramatics.  Sparty handles the Irish.  Michigan State 34 - Notre Dame 23

Week 3 Picks

Illinois vs Arizona State - Arizona State (M/C/K)

Indiana vs South Carolina State – Indiana (M/C/K)

Iowa vs Pittsburgh – Iowa (M/C/K)

Michigan vs Eastern Michigan – Michigan (M/C/K)

Michigan State @ Notre Dame – Michigan State (M/C/K)

Minnesota vs Miami (Ohio) – Minnesota (M/K) : Miami(Oh) (C)

Nebraska vs Washington – Nebraska (M/C/K)

Northwestern @ Army – Northwestern (M/C/K)

Ohio State @ Miami (Fl) – Ohio State (M/C/K)

Penn State @ Temple – Penn State (M/C/K)

Purdue vs Southeast Missouri – Purdue (M/C/K)

Wisconsin vs Northern Illinois – Wisconsin (M/C/K)

Jimmy John’s Big Ten Challenge

WEEK:  Matt (0-0)          Chad (0-0)          Kyle (0-0)

SEASON:  Matt (19-5)          Chad (20-4)          Kyle (18-6)



Iowa High School Football Picks – Week 4

Had a pretty good week last week going 15-5.  On the season we are now 56-13.  This week going with 21 games to get to an even number of games played.

Game of the week is in Cedar Rapids as Xavier hosts Iowa City High.  Both teams are 3-0 and in the top 10 in Class 4A.

Here are this weeks picks.

Bettendorf over Pleasant Valley

CR Xavier over Iowa City High

Johnston over Urbandale

Ankeny over Indianola

Webster City over Boone

West Delaware over Cresco

Waverly Shell Rock over Olewien

Oskalooksa over Pella

North Polk over Roland Story

Fort Dodge St Edmund over CMB-Baxter

West Marshall over South Hardin

North Fayette over Cascade

Gladbrook Reinbeck over Woodward Granger

St Ansger over Garner Hayfield

CB St Albert over Tri-Center

Dike-New Hartford over Sheffield

Bedford over Martensdale St Mary's

Postville over Elkader Central

West Hancock over Marcus MMC

Mason City Newman over Greene North Butler

East Mills over Sydney

Best and Worst of the Weekend - Steele Stole it!

Well the weekend wasn't what I expected going into it Friday Night.  This weekend at work I had a program upgrade going through for what I'm the admin of.  Friday monring on a call there was mention of a chance of being here till 1-3am.  My jaw dropped.  I hadn't packed an over night bag.  Luckily things went well and I only was here till 815pm.  Got outta here and home in time to watch some of Missouri-Arizona State.

 

Saturday I had to be back at work.  It was also the annual Iowa-Iowa State football game.  No I didn't plan the date it was going in.  I would have rather it been a week earlier.  But I get into work and saw my comptuer screen....gotta love technology.  My computer crashed.  Thankfully I had a second machine and was able to get in and do my testing, until it crashed!  All while the Hawks and Clones are kicking off (more on that later).  But really, I have 2 machines and they both go down?  Currently I'm waiting on a ticket for both to get fixed.

 

On to the game.  Not gonna recap it all, you can check out the boxscore/recap for that, but got home, had lunch watching the game and then headed to a party for the end of it.  The Hawks just looked flat, and why it happens at ISU and not when the game is at Kinnick I don't know.  The Hawks continued to run the ball into 8 man fronts.  Check down and hit the TE or something.  And where was James Morris?  I don't think I heard his name all day.  McNutt was quiet too, but was recieving a lot of attention.  The Hawks couldn't get enough pressure on Jantz and he made the plays when he needed too.  Why Iowa State won.  They won and they deserve the credit.

 

For Hawk fans calling for change or Ferentz's head.  Calm down.  It's one game.  He's not going to change, its worked for him for 13 years now?  You should be used to it.  If you need to understand why he doesn't change, check out this hardware!  Relax.  Move on to Pitt.

 

 

Saturday evening Addy had a picnic/movie night for her school at a park.  It was pretty fun.  Got to talk to some people, the kids ran and ran.  Finally watched Tangled on a big 30 foot screen.  Funny movie, another winner for the Mouse.

 

Saturday Night when we got home I watched the end of Michigan-Notre Dame.  Thanks Irish and Wolverines for saving the best for last.  Damn that was an amazing game! 

 

Sunday was filled with Laundry, the BEARS destorying the falcons, and more laundry.  Yes the Bears suprised me a bit here.  I didn't think we had a chance but they did well.  The D was ferocious.

 

Ryleigh is now crawling really good, she's got her groove on with it and is rolling.  Kinda cool to see but yet, the past 6 months have flown by! 

 

This week starts a full fledged no time week.  The kids have things going on most every day of the week.  Addy has Cheernastics, Capoeria, Swim, Girl Scouts.  Ryleigh has swim and Brayden has Football this saturday!  He's pretty pumped and I just hope he realizes its flag football and doesn't go Bob Sanders on a kid. 

 

Finally this coming week my sister and her family are coming up from Memphis.  Haven't seen them in a year or so, so that will be fun! 

Big Ten Awards - Week 2

First off, thoughts go out to Minnesota and Head Coach Jerry Kill who had a seizure on the sideline with 20 seconds left in the game.  Hope he gets well and back soon!  Also thoughts go to former Iowa DB Brett Greenwood who collapsed at a workout at his highschool Friday.  Hope they get back and going soon!  

Team of the Week: Michigan State : The Spartans came in today as the #17 team in the nation, and will be top 15 after today.  They will compete with Nebraska for the Legends Title.  They hosted Florida Atlantic, yes it was just the Owls, but they rolled and did what they were supposed to from the get go!  44-0

Helmet Sticker: Last year he did it with huge offensive numbers, this year they weren't as big but just as dramatic.  Denard Robinson led the Wolverines to 14 points in the last 1:40 of the game with huge throws.  He ended with 338 yards 4 passing TDs and one rushing TD.  The last coming with 2 seconds left.  The dude is just amazing, and I don't know what else to see about him.  The last 5 minutes of the game were great. 

Game of the Week: Got a couple place you could go here in the Big Ten.  Of course the thriller under the lights in Ann Arbor where the Irish and Wolverines went back and forth in the last 90 seconds for 21 points.  That has to take the cake.  But there are 2 other games that deserve mention.  

Toledo almost became the first team from Ohio to beat the Buckeyes since 1909.  They lit a scare in Ohio State most the game and drove down inside the redzone with a chance to score under a minute left but came up short.  

Finally in Ames, Iowa and Iowa State scored TDs in the final 5 minutes of regulation then went 3 OTs and ended with the Cyclones scoring on an option from Steele Jantz to James White.  It's Paul Rhoads 3rd Big Win in as many years (Nebraska-09/Texas-10/Iowa-11). 

Highlight of the week: Michigan's game winning touchdown vs Notre Dame.

Big Ten Takeaway: Michigan State, Wisconsin, Nebraska are going to be the class of the conference.  Michigan is going to be exciting and in every game as long as Denard is healthy.  

National Takeaway: College football rules!  I'm sorry NFL but yes your game Thursday was amazing, but college football has seen thrillers the first 2 weeks.  Take out all the Texas and realignment drama, College Football is the best thing out there!  Now if we can just get the BCS thing fixed!

Big Ten Jimmy John’s Challenge:

Week – Matt (9-3)          Chad (9-3)          Kyle (8-4)

Season – Matt (19-5)          Chad (20-4)          Kyle (18-6)

Big Ten Football – Week 2 Predictions

Last week the Big Ten went 10-2 (Indiana and Minnesota were the L’s) and my picks went 10-2.  Mother Nature also had a big hand in last week’s games delaying games at Iowa and eventually canceled the game at Michigan.  The Big Ten has a couple pretty B1G games this week so here we go.

For the first time ever the Big House will be under the lights!  And who better to have their first night game vs than Notre Dame.  The 2 winningest programs in NCAA football history.  Throw back jerseys are designed for this game.  Brian Kelly may blow up a time or too and Brady Hoke hopefully won’t have another wet t-shirt contest going on.  As for the game, the Irish will start their 2^nd qb in as many weeks.  Denard Robinson led a 4^th quarter comeback last year vs the Irish and put up an insane amount of yards, but last week was pretty mild in Hoke’s new offense and Brandon Herron did something never done in a Michigan uniform ever with scoring 2 defensive return touchdowns in the same game.  This week I think we see a classic close game, I don’t think either team pulls away from each other and in the end Denard Robinson does it again and leads Michigan to the win.  MICHIGAN 32 – NOTRE DAME 26.

Week 2 Big Ten Picks

Illinois vs South Dakota State - Illinois

Indiana vs Virginia - Virginia

Iowa @ Iowa State - Iowa

Michigan vs Notre Dame – Michigan (M)(C)/Notre Dame (K)

Michigan State vs Florida Atlantic – Michigan State

Minnesota vs New Mexico State – Minnesota

Nebraska vs Fresno State - Nebraska

Northwestern vs Eastern Illinois - Northwestern

Ohio State vs Toledo – Ohio State

Penn State vs Alabama - Alabama

Purdue @ Rice - Purdue

Wisconsin vs Oregon State – Wisconsin

**UPSET ALERT**

Iowa @ Iowa State – it’s in Ames, and crazier things have happened there.

Purdue @ Rice – The Boilers had to have a miracle at home vs. Middle Tennessee State, could get sneaky vs. the Owls.

Jimmy Johns Big Ten Challenge

Week 2   -  Matt (0-0)          Chad (0-0)          Kyle (0-0)

Season   -   Matt (10-2)          Chad (11-1)          Kyle (10-2)

Iowa High School Football Picks – Week 3

Nice slate of games in Class 4A this week with the topper being the battle over in Iowa City between West High and City High.  The best high school football rivalry in the state!  Also a top 5-10 rivalry with South East Polk taking on Ankeny.

Went 18-2 for the second week in a row…let’s see if we can get a perfect week.

This week’s picks.

Class 4A

SE Polk over Ankeny

Bettendorf over Dav Assumption

Iowa City High over Iowa City West

Marshalltown over Valley

Class 3A

Clear Lake over Nevada

Denison-Schleswig over MOC Floyd Valley

Webster City of Ballard Huxley

Class 2A

Davis County over Mid-Praire Wellman

Mediapolis over Eddysville-Blakesburg

Iowa City Regina over Wilton

Spirit Lake over Western Christian

Class 1A

Wapsie Valley over Bellevue

Gladbrook-Reinbeck over Ogden

Saint Ansgar over Aplington-Parkersburg

Class A

Akon-Westfiled over North Iowa

LeMars Gehlen over Britt West Hancock

Elkhorn Kimbilton over Martensdale St Mary's

Postville over Don Bosco

8-Man

Northeast Hamilton over Clarksville

Newell-Fonda over Remsen Union

Week (15-5)

Season (56-13)