CFB Weekend Preview: West Coast Bias

by Suckatsports

Color me a little surprised after watching the Virginia Tech game, and not because Sean Glennon had his illiterate little brother write his name on his jersey. After watching the same Hokie team look completely uninspiring against a completely average team, they have done a complete 180 this week. How far did they have to dig down to pull out 27 points on what was supposed to be a really good defense. I'm guessing, not far, because after the first couple of weeks Georgia Tech remembered who their coach was, and instantly decided to play as inspired as he coaches. This is odd coming from the Big 10, but what a crap conference the ACC is. Can we please go back 10 years when there was some good college football being played? I vote for that.

If you're not watching the Oregon vs. Arizona State this weekend, you'd better not be watching any game. For the first time in a long time, ESPN does something for the viewers in getting this originally local game and putting it on nationally; I'm glad someone had the foresight to put BC-FSU on Saturday night. Go ratings. Really though, this game I'm really excited for. From what I saw from Arizona State last weekend, they were pretty impressive in the win at home against California. Mind you, the same (well, by name) team that last beat the Ducks in Autzen, no small feat even if the team sucks now. I'd like to see what the ASU defense can do against dual threat, and should-be-Heisman-leader Dennis Dixon. I wouldn't say he's a poor man's Vince Young, because Double D is pretty damn good himself, so how about upper-middle-class's Vince Young. It would be pretty easy if he didn't have talented receivers and one hell of a running back behind him. This has to be the best offense in the nation. I wish I could talk more about Arizona State, but I just haven't seen enough of them in the not West Coast to be able to accurately break them down. And no matter what you think about Erickson, the man is one hell of a coach. Even with my lack of knowledge about ASU (I do love their student body though) I am going to make a prediction. Oregon 31, ASU 30.

Other games to keep your eye on:

1. LSU at Alabama. As it is quaintly named, the Saban bowl will prove... what exactly? Nick Saban left the pantry full of talent when he bolted for the NFL, and the Tiger faithful are still reaping the benefits of his handful of years there, so balls-for-brains has a lot to work with. On the other sideline, Saban will be patrolling players that were brought it by Shula? This seems hardly fair, as the Alabamians do not have one position where they can mark an advantage point. LSU is very good just about everywhere, even though they'll be missing their backup QB, they won't really be missing him as the game is going to be over by halftime. Not so fast. I don't like LSU to run away with this, basically because they've been dinged up and have played unimpressive football as of late (not that Alabama has played impressive football ever). If this game is in Baton Rouge I'm more likely to side with the LSU blowout, but seeing as how they're on the road and battling a team the other coach knows well it should hardly ever be called a rout (see: Tampa Bay Bucs vs. Oakland Raiders). With that said, here's a shocker: Alabama will win this game. It's probably just the ever optimist in me looking for the SEC to implode, but I really think there's a chance for this. Just look at the coaching matchup! Les Miles has been trying to lose a game for the last four weeks. Fourth down conversions come up short. LSU 24, Alabama 27.
2. Michigan at Michigan State. One is a crappy team, and the other is a ranked crappy team, mostly because they're both from Michigan. From the injury reports, the Wolverines are really hurting with their stars, while Jake Long has been his big fat self, Mike Hart and Chad Henne have not kept their part of the bargain by staying healthy. There's a good chance neither will play in this game. And while Michigan has defeated their State rival for roughly 100 straight contests, the Spartans believe every year will be different, that's why they're so beloved. Ever since getting his job, D'Antonio (a former MSU assistant - everything's coming up Saban!) has had this rivalry game circled on his calendear, he knows that's the only way to get this program back on the map. He's a tough nosed coach and he's been trying to instill in that in the mostly flaccid culture. But here's a surprise, Michigan State can play some defense this year, and they're not exactly shabby on offense either. If they can scoop up the shit from the bed last week and get back in the right frame of mind, they've got enough talent to get a big win for themselves. Here's to it. Michigan State 31, Michigan 17.
3. Florida State at Boston College. The Bostonian based university had some magical games at Chestnut Hill, handed to them seemingly from the impossible and improbable higher power. It almost seems like every year something unexplained goes on up there on the football field. Be prepared for another magical night when the incompetent Seminoles visit the second ranked Boston Collegers, or Eagles, whatever they prefer to be named. Here's the issue with FSU - they're inconsistent. That means, week in and week out you don't know what team you're going to be playing against, an offensive team, a defensive team, both, or neither. This in itself can create a prefect storm for a close game, lulling their opponent to sleep with confusion or even false bravado. In college football, the 2nd ranked team had lost three weeks in a row, a streak broken by this very Eagles last Thursday night in the most uninspiring fashion possible. Matt Ryan threw two touchdowns (really good throws mind you) in two minutes to pull a Lazarus win out of the jaws of defeat. I think he's an NFL QB, but I think after what FSU has gone through this year, and this isn't even counting Bowden's recurring diarrhea, a win against a ranked team will pretty much make their year. ESPN on ABC presents, going back to roots presents, upset special: Number two goes down again. FSU 16, BC 13.

Heisman watch. It is absolutely useless to guess who might be the Heisman winner anymore, as it is to rank teams because they keep on losing. Everyone is playing just okay, and people seem intent on disbarring players who's teams have already lost a bunch (Tebow, McFadden). So, why not Dennis Dixon as a front running candidate? He's beaten USC when USC was ready for them, and he's put up almost gaudy numbers up to this point. If not for a late fumble, he's about 5 seconds away from being undefeated. He throws, he runs, and he's leading probably the most exciting and dangerous offense in the nation.

This post is cross-published from We Suck at Sports.