Friday, October 27, 2017

M+J's College Football Upset Watch/Picks- Week 9

UPSET WATCH

Baylor over Texas

The Bears were so close last weekend at home against West Virginia only losing by 2 points. On the other side, the Longhorns were so close against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Both teams have improved since the start of the year. Baylor gets Kansas next week, the team they know they can beat and the Longhorns travel to Fort Worth next weekend to take on TCU. Since the Bears are winless on the season, could the Longhorns be looking ahead to next week? Are the Bears looking ahead to next weekend? Whichever team is more focused on the current game will get it done.

UMass over Appalachian State

The Minutemen destroyed Georgia Southern last weekend and looked very confident on offense. In a game that cost Georgia Southern coach Tyson Summers his job, are the Minutemen poised to build from last weekend? The Mountaineers come to Amherst and are arguably the best team in the Sun Belt as Georgia Southern might be the worst team in FBS. UMass has been in every game this season. They will need a repeat of last week if they want to have a chance to the pull the upset.

Arizona over Washington State

Khalil Tate vs Luke Falk. This should be a great battle of quarterbacks in Tucson. The Wildcats have won three in a row with Tate at Quarterback. He has quickly put together insane rushing numbers along with having the best QBR for two weeks in a row and having the 4th best last weekend. All of sudden Tate has given the Wildcats hope to get to the Pac-12 Championship. Falk has had a great career with the Cougars and is one of the best passers in the country. The Cougars are also looking to get to the Pac-12 Championship. Will defense be a factor? The Cougars defensive line and the Wildcats secondary will be important as which ever can produce more stops, will likely help lead their team to victory.

Arizona State over USC

The Sun Devils defense has been a surprise the last couple weeks as they have only allowed 17 points. The Sun Devils are playing with confidence on defense and look to spoil USC's chances to win the Pac-12. The Trojans were blown out in South Bend last week and are likely out of the playoff. They are still in position to get the Pac-12 Championship, but the next two weeks they meet two teams who are have rejuvenated their seasons- Arizona State and Arizona. Can the Trojans bounce back? Sam Darnold and company has to limit their turnovers if they want to win in Tempe.

West Virginia over Oklahoma State


The Mountaineers get the Cowboys in Morgantown. The Cowboys escaped Austin with a win and need to be better on offense this weekend. This should be another entertaining battle of quarterbacks. Will Grier is starting to stiff the Heisman conversation as Mason Rudolph is currently a contender. The Cowboys get the Sooners in the Bedlam Rivalry next weekend and need to focus on West Virginia first. This could be a trap game for the Cowboys.   Game will likely come down to the quarterback who can make a big play late. Should be a good one in Morgantown.

Weekend Picks
Score Projections:
Memphis 35, Tulane 24
Florida State 17, Boston College 14
West Virginia 38, Oklahoma State 35
Miami 42, North Carolina 3
Wisconsin 45, Illinois 7
Texas 27, Baylor 24
Michigan 31, Rutgers 17
Louisville 31, Wake Forest 21
Arkansas 24, Ole Miss 17
Virginia 42, Pittsburgh 35
Colorado 27, California 24
Ohio State 21, Penn State 17
Kansas State 38, Kansas 10
Georgia 28, Florida 6
TCU 30, Iowa State 24
Notre Dame 35, NC State 24
Indiana 34, Maryland 24
Washington 42 , UCLA 21
Michigan State 19, Northwestern 13
South Carolina 24, Vanderbilt 10
USF 28, Houston 21
Utah 28, Oregon 14
Texas A&M 35, Mississippi State 31
Virginia Tech 35, Duke 14
Kentucky 20, Tennessee 13
Purdue 23, Nebraska 21
Clemson 24, Georgia Tech 17
Oklahoma 42, Texas Tech 31
Arizona 38, Washington State 35
Boise State 28, Utah State 14
Arizona State 24, USC 21



BLOWOUT ALERT OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:
Troy 49, GA Southern 10
SNOOZE FEST OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:
Marshall 31, FIU 13
PAINT DRIER OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:
Iowa 17, Minnesota 13

TOILET BOWL OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:
Part 1- BYU 31, San Jose State 14
Part 2- Coastal Carolina 27, Texas State 19

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

M+J's Heisman Trophy Watch- Week 9

Saquon Barkley- RB- Penn State 
Barkley's rushing yards are not the greatest, but his all purpose yards are. He shown to be a threat not just as a rusher but as a receiver and returner on special teams. Barkley has consistently shown he is a Heisman candidate by being possibly the most valuable player in FBS. His team is also in the race for the College Football Playoff. He led his team in a beatdown of Michigan with over 100 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns.

Up next: Ohio State

Bryce Love- RB- Stanford
Bryce Love has soared recently and the margin between him and Barkley is thin. He leads FBS in rushing by a landslide with 1,387 yards with an amazing 10.3 yards per carry. The Cardinal control the Pac-12 North which helps Love's chance. A trip to Oregon State could really help boost his stats.


Up next: Oregon State

3 Jonathan Taylor- RB- Wisconsin
One of the main reasons the Badgers have ran through there schedule without a punch has been Jonathan Taylor. Wisconsin has not been great, but Taylor has certainly shined so far. This Freshman has led the currently undefeated Badgers with 1,112 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns.

Up next: Illinois


Baker Mayfield- QB- Oklahoma
Mayfield has looked great all season. Even in the shocking loss to Iowa State, Mayfield posted strong numbers going 24 for 33 with 306 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, it is important that he keeps his team in the Playoff race as it is clear the running backs are taking over.

Up next: Texas Tech

5 Josh Adams- RB- Notre Dame
Adams had been posting great numbers all season but has been flying under the radar with the other running backs mentioned here. This was until USC came to town. Adams rushed for 191 yards with 3 touchdowns proving that the Irish are a College Playoff Contender with a beatdown of USC.

Up next: NC State


Next 5

- Lamar Jackson- QB- Louisville
- Mason Rudolph- QB- Oklahoma State
- Luke Falk QB- Washington State
- Will Grier QB- West Virginia
- Rashaad Penny RB- San Diego State


M+J's College Football Top 25 Rankings- Week 9

1 Alabama
2 Penn State
3 Georgia
4 TCU
5 Notre Dame
6 Wisconsin
7 Clemson
8 Oklahoma
9 Miami FL
10 Ohio State
11 Oklahoma State
12 Washington
13 Washington State
14 UCF
15 South Florida
16 Michigan State
17 NC State
18 Virginia Tech
19 Stanford
20 USC
21 Iowa State
22 Auburn
23 Texas A&M
24 LSU
25 West Virginia

Dropped Out- Michigan, Utah

New- LSU, West Virginia





Thursday, October 19, 2017

M+J's College Football Upset Watch/Picks- Week 8

UPSET WATCH

Houston over Memphis

A tough road trip ahead for newly ranked ranked Memphis going to Houston. This is a top tier battle in AAC where Ed Oliver returns to the field after missing the blowout loss to Tulsa. This game will show how important he is when Houston pull the minor upset.

Idaho over Missouri

Missouri has been awful this season. Not only has their offense struggled once again, their defense has been like paper. Idaho has not been great but did almost upset App State last week. Overall, it is a pretty lousy game, but if Missouri plans to sleepwalk, they may be awaken with a surprising loss.

Texas over Oklahoma State

Texas has shown signs of a tough out. Put this team in front of a hungry group of Longhorns fans excited for the opportunity to spoil Mason Rudolph and company's season, and this team has the pieces to pull an upset here. Will the Cowboys maintain their composure and be ready to play in this hostile environment? This should be a great game that could go either way.

Eastern Michigan over Western Michigan

Eastern Michigan once again fell just short in their upset bid at Army. This time, their in state rivals from Kalamazoo come to town. The Eagles have shown that they are better than their record, so the Broncos better be ready. This game seems like a likely upset

Syracuse over Miami (FL)


The Orange pulled one of the biggest upsets of the season when Clemson came to town last Friday. Miami (FL) had to escape at the last minute at home against GA Tech. Will the Orange carry their momentum and knock off another unbeaten? If both teams play like last week, Syracuse might do it. Of course, the same team that lost to Middle Tennessee may show up.

Weekend Picks
Score Projections:
Wisconsin 38, Maryland 12
Oklahoma State 41, Texas 33
Iowa 21, Northwestern 18
Louisville 27, Florida State 24
Texas Tech 38, Iowa State 31
Duke 37, Pittsburgh 17
Virginia 34, Boston College 24
Alabama 56, Tennessee 0
Miami (FL) 34, Syracuse 32
Virginia Tech 41, North Carolina 14
Michigan State 21, Indiana 13
UCF 38, Navy 27
Utah 24, Arizona State 14
Oklahoma 42, Kansas State 31
Mississippi State 31, Kentucky 23
UCLA 42, Oregon 31
USF 28, Tulane 21
LSU 21, Ole Miss 10
Penn State 20, Michigan 14
Notre Dame 31, USC 30
Auburn 34, Arkansas 17
Georgia Tech 25, Wake Forest 16
West Virginia 35, Baylor 24 
Arizona 41, California 34
Boise State 27, Wyoming 21
San Diego State 28, Fresno State 10
Washington State 38, Colorado 24


BLOWOUT ALERT OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:
TCU 62, Kansas 3
SNOOZE FEST OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:
Appalachian State 35, Coastal Carolina 10
PAINT DRIER OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:
Army 21, Temple 7 

TOILET BOWL OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:
UMass 34, GA Southern 24

Monday, October 16, 2017

M+J's College Football Top 25 Rankings- Week 8

1 Alabama
2 Penn State
3 Georgia
4 TCU
5 Wisconsin
6 Clemson
7 Oklahoma
8 USC
9 Notre Dame
10 Miami (FL)
11 Ohio State
12 Oklahoma State
13 Washington
14 Washington State
15 UCF
16 South Florida
17 Michigan State
18 Michigan
19 NC State
20 Virginia Tech
21 Stanford
22 Auburn
23 Iowa State
24 Texas A&M
25 Utah

Dropped Out- San Diego State, Texas Tech

New- Iowa State, Texas A&M

Thursday, October 12, 2017

M+J's College Football Upset Watch/Picks- Week 7

UPSET WATCH

Last week the Projected Blowout of the Week turned into the Biggest Upset of the Week. What games will be the stories of Week 7? Who's on Upset Alert?

Texas over Oklahoma

Texas is starting to play better as they beat K-State last week. Oklahoma fell victim to one of the biggest upsets of the season last week. Will the Sooners have a hangover from last week's game? This rivalry is usually a good game. A win here and the Longhorns might be trending back to the football power they once were.

West Virginia over Texas Tech

This would not be much of an upset, but Texas Tech is ranked and WVU is not. The game is played in Morgantown, and the Mountaineers need a good win. A minor upset seems possible.

Maryland over Northwestern

Somehow Northwestern is road favorite here. Maryland not only has a better record but has a win over Texas and their only losses are to ranked opponents. Northwestern's only wins are against Bowling Green and Nevada, which are two of the worst FBS teams this season. This seems like a sure bet here for those looking to risk some.

Memphis over Navy

Navy is ranked and undefeated entering this game at Memphis, which was already a site for one upset this season. The Tigers are pretty good though with their only loss to UCF. The home field advantage seems like it could be a difference maker here. Although if Navy controls the pace and stays in front, the Midshipmen likely survive.

Eastern Michigan over Army


The Eagles have lost 3 straight in which were all narrow defeats that went right down to the end. Army's ground attack has been lethal this season. However, their best win is a narrow home over Buffalo. Eastern Michigan has already won at Rutgers and was very close at Kentucky. If the Eagles can learn to close, an upset could be brewing here.

Indiana over Michigan

Michigan did not look well against the Spartans last week. In general, the Wolverines have not been very dominant this year. The Hoosiers are not the punching bag they usually are. Of course, Ohio State and Penn State did not have trouble, but it is still an improved Indiana team. If the Wolverines struggle to score again, they will find themselves in another close game where a hungry Hoosiers team will be anxious for this upset.

Weekend Picks
Score Projections:
Clemson 31, Syracuse 14
Washington State 42, California 14
TCU 31, Kansas State 17
Michigan 27, Indiana 24
NC State 35, Pittsburgh 21
West Virginia 37, Texas Tech 31
Florida State 24, Duke 20
Rutgers 27, Illinois 24
Mississippi State 42, BYU 17
Tennessee 28, South Carolina 27
Iowa State 45, Kansas 12
Louisville 28, Boston College 17
Wisconsin 31, Purdue 24
Auburn 31, LSU 13
Miami FL 26, Georgia Tech 21
Texas 34, Oklahoma 31
Oklahoma State 56, Baylor 28
Virginia 42, North Carolina 28
Maryland 27, Northwestern 23
Vanderbilt 24, Ole Miss 17
Memphis 49, Navy 45
Colorado 42, Oregon State 14
Utah State 32, Wyoming 27
Texas A&M 28, Florida 24
Alabama 49, Arkansas 14
Georgia 49, Missouri 10
Ohio State 45, Nebraska 28
South Florida 48, Cincinnati 13
USC 28, Utah 21
Toledo 34, Central Michigan 24
Arizona 42, UCLA 38
San Diego State 34, Boise State 20
Washington 42, Arizona State 21
Stanford 35, Oregon 17



BLOWOUT ALERT OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:
UCF 62, East Carolina 14
SNOOZE FEST OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:
Colorado State 38, Nevada 10
PAINT DRIER OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:
Michigan State 17, Minnesota 10

TOILET BOWL OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:
Hawaii 34, San Jose State 20

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

M+J's Heisman Trophy Watch- Week 7

Saquon Barkley- RB- Penn State 
Barkley's rushing yards are not the greatest, but his all purpose yards are. He shown to be a threat not just as a rusher but as a receiver and returner on special teams. Barkley has consistently shown he is a Heisman candidate by being possibly the most valuable player in FBS. His team is also in the race for the College Football Playoff. The Lions have a by this week.

Up next: Michigan-10/21

2 Luke Falk- QB- Washington State
Falk has already thrown for 2,000 yards and had to sit out for a half and 3 overtime in their opener against Boise State. He also leads the FBS in passing touchdowns with 19. His team has quietly leaped into the Top 10 after the upset of USC and have become a contender for the College Football Playoff. Falk's only negative is that he is not a duel threat.

Up next: California

Bryce Love- RB- Stanford
Bryce Love has soared recently and the margin between him and the guys above him is thin. He leads FBS in rushing by a landslide with 1,240 yards with an amazing 10.5 yards per carry. The Cardinal's big win at Utah put them back in the rankings and has helped draw more attention to Love.


Up next: Oregon

Baker Mayfield- QB- Oklahoma
Mayfield has looked great all season and is still yet to be picked off. Even in the shocking loss to Iowa State, Mayfield posted strong numbers going 24 for 33 with 306 yards and 2 touchdowns. However, it is important that he keeps his team in the Playoff race as it is clear the running backs are taking over.

Up next: Texas

5 Rashaad Penny- RB- San Diego State
Penny has continued to be a dominant force and is in 2nd for total yards in which he has separated himself from the rest except for Love, which has hurt Penny's stock. Penny is a legit Heisman candidate and his team is still undefeated and could go through regular season without a loss. However, if no one slows down Love and Penny does not run up his stat sheet, it does not seem like he would chosen over Love. Anyways, this has been a great year so far for running backs.

Up next: Boise State


Next 5

- Lamar Jackson- QB- Louisville
- Mason Rudolph- QB- Oklahoma State
- Jonathan Taylor- RB- Wisconsin
- Nick Shimonek- QB- Texas Tech
- Dante Pettis- WR- Washington

Monday, October 9, 2017

M+J's College Football Top 25 Rankings- Week 7

1 Alabama
2 Clemson
3 Penn State
4 Washington
5 Georgia
6 TCU
7 Washington State
8 Wisconsin
9 Miami (FL)
10 Auburn
11 Notre Dame
12 Oklahoma
13 Ohio State
14 USC
15 Oklahoma State
16 San Diego State
17 UCF
18 South Florida
19 Michigan State
20 Michigan
21 Virginia Tech
22 Stanford
23 Texas Tech
24 NC State
25 Utah

Dropped Out- West Virginia, Louisville, Florida, Oregon

New- Michigan State, Stanford, Texas Tech, NC State

Thursday, October 5, 2017

M+J's College Football Upset Watch/Picks- Week 6

UPSET WATCH

Its the first weekend of October and conference play is fully underway. Who will be the biggest surprise of Week 6? Who will choke? Who continues their dominance?

NC State over Louisville

This Thursday night battle is the one of the most intriguing games this week. Can NC State slow down Lamar Jackson? The Wolfpack have bounced back after losing to South Carolina with 4 straight wins including one over Florida State. Louisville has built confidence back in easy wins over Kent State and Murray State. The next challenge awaits for both teams. NC State defense will be the key if they want to pull the upset.

Stanford over Utah

The Cardinal have built confidence on offense following back-to-back losses to USC and San Diego State with wins over UCLA and Arizona State. Stanford visits Salt Lake City to take on the undefeated Utes. Bryce Love has been a beast for the Cardinal and the Utah defense will have their hands full. The good thing for Utah is their defense and playing at home. The Utes boost a great defense but this will be their biggest challenge so far. Will it be another Heisman posing night for Bryce Love or does the Utah defense make a statement?

Purdue over Minnesota

This game is similar to an 8/9 game in the NCAA Tournament. Game is in West Lafayette and the Boilermakers are coming off a bye week. The Gophers lost a tough one at home to Maryland last week. If either team wants a shot at trying to stay with Wisconsin in the Big Ten West, this is the game they need. This should be a defensive style game where maybe a late field goal or touchdown seals it.

Texas over Kansas State

The Longhorns have definitely looked better since their week 1 loss to Maryland. Kansas State had the ugly 14-7 loss to Vanderbilt three weeks ago and followed up with a win over Baylor. The Longhorns defense has been the difference and will be in this game if they want to beat Kansas State. The Wildcats are looking to rejuvenate their season with a quality road win in Austin. Should be an exciting QB battle between Ertz and Buechele.

Nevada over Hawaii


The Wolfpack have had a dreadful start to their season and are still looking for their first win. Can they beat the Rainbow Warriors in Reno? Its possible. Defense for both teams has been terrible this season. Nevada is looking for a spark on offense. If they can find some offense, they will have a chance at home to notch their first win of the season.

East Carolina over Temple

The Pirates get Temple in Greenville this Saturday. As their offense has showed signs of improvement, the Pirate defense has played like mannequins and averages 50 points against which ranks 129 out of 130. On the flip side the Owls only average 16 points/game. If the Pirates can play defense, this game should favor them. 

Weekend Picks
Score Projections:
Louisville 41, NC State 38
Boise State 27, BYU 17
Clemson 31, Wake Forest 10
Tulane 30, Tulsa 21
Penn State 35, Northwestern 17
Georgia 35, Vanderbilt 0
Auburn 42, Ole Miss 21
Iowa 25, Illinois 14
Texas Tech 56, Kansas 21
Stanford 20, Utah 19
Washington 41, California 10
Virginia 38, Duke 31
Syracuse 44, Pittsburgh 38
TCU 48, West Virginia 34
Miami FL 27, Florida State 17
Notre Dame 49, North Carolina 21
East Carolina 35, Temple 32
Purdue 18, Minnesota 14
Navy 28, Air Force 21
Ohio State 35, Maryland 24
USC 52, Oregon State 14
Arkansas 43, South Carolina 42
Colorado State 37, Utah State 31
Houston 27, SMU 17
Texas 21, Kansas State 17
Alabama 52, Texas A&M 21
Virginia Tech 24, Boston College 14
Michigan 20, Michigan State 14
Kentucky 38, Missouri 14
Washington State 35, Oregon 31
UCF 42, Cincinnati 14
San Diego State 42, UNLV 17
Colorado 24, Arizona 21



BLOWOUT ALERT OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:
Oklahoma 52, Iowa State 14
SNOOZE FEST OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:
Memphis 42, UConn 13
PAINT DRIER OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:
Florida 14, LSU 3

TOILET BOWL OF THE WEEK PROJECTION:
Georgia State 27, Coastal Carolina 21

Monday, October 2, 2017

M+J's College Football Top 25 Rankings- Week 6

1 Alabama
2 Clemson
3 Oklahoma
4 Penn State
5 Washington
6 Georgia
7 TCU
8 Michigan
9 Washington State
10 Ohio State
11 Wisconsin
12 USC
13 Oklahoma State
14 Miami FL
15 Auburn
16 Utah
17 San Diego State
18 Notre Dame
19 South Florida
20 UCF
21 Louisville
22 Virginia Tech
23 West Virginia
24 Florida
25 Oregon

Dropped Out- Mississippi State, Texas Tech, Duke, Minnesota

New- UCF, West Virginia, Florida, Oregon