Who You Got?

Da Realist:

How is FSU ranked? Cause they beat BYU??? Everybody is still drinking the Bobby Bowden kool-aid. Wow.

G Tech vs UNC

Da Realist: I'm going against the grain and pick UNC. Don't know much about UNC but GTech hasn't impressed me.

Gangsta D: I'm not feeling the Heels. They don't seem to have that "It" factor, but people are predicting damage from them this year. I don't see it. I think Tech has licked their wounds and will have that triple option working. I got the Bees.

Waldini: YELLOW JACKETS

Texas Tech vs Houston

Da Realist: Texas Tech because I didn't even know Houston still played football. They're RANKED? What is this? 1989?

Gangsta D: Texas Tech. Only because Mike Leach is insane and Tyler Potts has the best moustache in football.

Waldini: COUGARS

Cal vs Oregon

Da Realist: Cal. And it won't be close.

Gangsta D: Jahvid Best is a problem. If Cal keeps feeding him the ball, Oregon won't get within 10 points.

Waldini: GOLDEN BEARS

Bama vs Arkansas

Da Realist: Bama is for real. Told y'all Nick Saban makes a difference. Bama.

Gangsta D: Ryan Mallet is the motherfucking truth. I've liked him since his freshman year at Michigan. He's definitely got that "It" factor. I wanna go against the grain and pick the Hogs, but Bama's defense is an actual defense as opposed to what UGA throws out there. And, their offense is coming around. Roll Tide.

Waldini: CRIMSON TIDE

Miami vs V Tech

Da Realist: I think people need to slow down with Miami. They're still young... I don't believe they are ready to challenge the big boys yet but they'll beat V Tech the same way they always do -- force them to throw the ball.

Gangsta D: Come on. You don't need any analysis. Black Jesus (Jacory) will lead us to the Promise Land.

Waldini: 'CANES

Read more!

Who Ya Got?!?

Winner 36-23
Loser #1 28-31
Loser #2 28-31

Auburn vs UGA

Gangsta D: Knowshown Moreno is pretty much the truth. Give the ball 25 times and he'll get you 150 yds. Auburn's defense is tough, they've had success in Athens, and they'll be looking to avenge the pistol whipping they got last year. But, I'm going with the home team. Moreno looks like a future Heisman candidate.

Waldini: Tuberville is now rumored to take the Aggies' head job once they relieve Franchione. What does that mean for this game? Absolutely nothing, I just wanted to point it out. Back the analysis....Moreno's gotten better, Stafford's cut down on his turnovers, and Richt has found his offensive mojo. On Auburn's side, Cox is more experienced and that defense is very very good. Tough choice but I'm going with AUBURN

Da Realist: This game could be a classic between two good, solid, but not great teams. i'm going with Road Warrior Tuberville. AUBURN


ARK vs UT

Gangsta D: Hmmm. Tennessee plays better at home, but they have no defense, and Humanity Advanced is coming to town. For some reason I'm going with the Vols. McFadden will rush for 200 yds but Casey Dick will only throw for 50. I don't necessarily feel good about this pick.

Waldini: Another tough one b/c both teams either look real good one week or pollywolly crappy the next. Their defenses are both jokes and it will come down to McFadden vs Ainge. Those are the two leading offensive stars for both sides. Forget about Dick, Foster, Fulmer, Nutt. These two will decide the game. Another tough one but Vols are at home so VOLS.

Da Realist: All Tennessee has to do is just win out and they'll punch their ticket to Atlanta. But this is the SEC in the year of the upset. Nothing is as expected. Tenn can't stop the run and find a way to lose at home to ARKANSAS


UF vs S Cack

Gangsta D: Good ole Steve Superior is looking to get back at the Gators. If it weren't for a couple blocked kicks, the Cocks would've derailed UF's nat'l title season. Unfortunately for Steve, Danny Wuerfel isn't walking through that door. The Gator defense is a sieve, but the Cocks don't have enough weapons to make a dent.

Waldini: Can Meyer motivate the troops (Tebow, Harvin, Caldwell) to rebound from a bad loss to GAWGA? Can Spurrier REALLY motivate the troops (Mitchell, Smelley [if he plays]) to bounce bad from giving up a conference record rushing performance? Florida definitely isnt going to run the ball efficiently. Some reason I think SC is motivated by the Bo Berry Biscuit special (2 for a 1) waiting on them after the game ends. SOUTH CAROLINA

Da Realist: SC has a chance, but Florida has too many weapons and I doubt they lose two in a row twice in one season.
FLORIDA


FSU vs V Tech

Gangsta D: I'm going with the home team. Drew had a good game at BC, but he's still Drew. Sean Glennon actually looked like a college QB against Tech, and Tech's defense will be tough as usual. It'll be a dogfight, but the Hokies pull it out in the end.

Waldini: I picked against FSU last week b/c I thought BC was better. I'm picking against them this week b/c I have to get back in the weekly pick championship chase, lol. Although the Hokies offense leaves MUCH to be desired and FSU is quietly putting up decent offensive number along with their defense making BIG plays. Damn I really think FSU is the better team but oh well. HOKIES

Da Realist: Somehow FSU gets up for the big road games. VT may just be a little overrated. This is like a big brother-little brother matchup. Frank Beamer created VT in the likeness of FSU. FSU is better at that type of game (throw your athletes on the field and create havok) than VT is. FLORIDA STATE


USC vs Cal

Gangsta D: It's the "Blown Season Bowl." This looked to be an epic battle back in September. Now, it's just another Pac-10 game. It's actually a coin flip this year. I'll go with the Bears. Maybe this week, DeSean Jackson will play like he wants to be a top 10 pick.

Waldini: When Cal spanked Tenn in the season opener, I really thought this would be the PAC 10 game that would decide the conf champ. Now these guys are playing for who goes to the Holiday bowl and Sun or Insight Bowl. Is Booty healthy? Will the real DeSean Jackson please stand up, please stand up? Gimme the TROJANS

Da Realist: USC has steadily improved and is looking for their "break-out" game. I'm sure Pete Carroll is using DeSean Jackson's comments as bulletin board material. USC comes out with the W. USC


UVA vs The U

Gangsta D: The final game at the Orange Bowl. So many memories. So many Nat'l Championships. Wide Rights. Wide Lefts. Fights. Beatdowns. Classic Endings. You name it, the Old Lady saw it. Miami is planning on having a BUNCH of alumni at the game. It's gonna be crazy. If we don't come out like "300" and destroy everything in our path, something is wrong. Kyle is starting, so we should have more than one completion. UVA is good, but I just can't see Randy allowing this team to lose this game. Just can't see it.

Waldini: Why is this game on here :-)? Just kidding D I know you'll have the box of tissues by your side for this game. UVA has won 5 games by a total of 7 points. Groh's boys are definitely skating on the edge. Miami had a bad loss to NC State last week. But then 2 weeks ago they looked good against the 'Noles. I dont know, going with UVA on the road.....

Da Realist: I don't believe Miami loses the last game at the Orange Bowl. MIAMI

Read more!

The Official Top 5

Gangsta D:

1. USC - Withstood penalties, TOs, a frisky Washington team, and came out with a win. Washington is a good team and they beat them in their backyard. No reason for them to fall.

2. LSU - Boy did they come out flat. Definitely looked ahead to the matchup with UF. But they put the hammer down when needed to.

3. Cal - Of course nobody east of Malibu saw this game, but to go into Autzen Stadium and pull out a win is major. There may be something to this team. I believe they have 'SC at home this year. Could be the game of the year.

4. S. Fl - Seem kind of high? Who else would you put here? Ohio St. hasn't played anyone, and Wisconsin can't play defense. The Bulls can definitly play D. They were tagging W. VA all game long. That win over Auburn just got a little better.

5. I'm leaving it blank for now. Someone has to earn their way in.

Waldini:

1. LSU - I'm putting them back at 1. You're right they came out flat but they still won by double digits. How many teams can say that? Are they head and shoulders above everyone else like the experts say. Obviously not after last weekend. If they come out flat against Florida, they will get handled.

2. USC - They struggled with a Huskies team that was up for them. Booty looked ordinary but he's still better than 75% of the QBs in the nation when he's off. Their strength is the running game and they need to focus on that instead of trying to get these young WRs to be the next Dwayne Jarret, Keary Colbert, Micheal Williams or Steve Smith. You got 100 RBs, use them until the opposition cant take it anymore

3. Cal - Good job ABC deciding to regionalize the coverage during the Oregon-Cal game (I got K state-Texas). They continue to do their thing and I too eagerly await the USC game. Desean Jackson broke out of his slump and put on a dazzling display, at least what I saw from the highlights. Wow, I just realized their are two Pac 10 teams in the top 5 and only 1 SEC team. Guess this SEC homer is eating the same crow as Old Man Holtz

4. Ohio St. - They beat the same U Dub team handily that the mighty trojans struggled with. Nobody talks about them b/c they havent beaten anyone nor do they have any major playmakers besides Chris Wells. The Big 10 is down this year so Tressel got lucky during his team's supposed rebuilding year. Looking at their conf rivals, who honestly would scare them: Michigan, Penn St, Wisconsin?!?! They wont go undefeated b/c that's not in OSU's history but I cant figure out who they will choke too. My money's on Michigan as they usually spoil the Buckeyes season

5. South Florida - Auburn on the road, West Virginia at home, yep that gets you in the top 5 I suppose. But tell me this, name me one player on their team :-). I dont even know their coach's name. I dont even know their mascot. I just know they are in Tampa and that's only Tyrone told me that on Friday. When do they play Louisville and Rutgers? Seems to me that's the only thing standing in their way

HONORABLE MENTION: Kentucky b/c they are the only undefeated team in the SEC East and that's crazy to even type that in 2007. Woodson's for real but we'll find about the team when it begins it's divisional games starting Saturday.

Gangsta D:

Yeah I forgot that Ohio ST beat UW in Washington. *****BITTERNESS WARNING***** But I'm still not impressed.

Da Realist:

1. USC -- Holding the spot for now. i can't tell if they are better than LSU or not, but they are getting the benefit of the doubt here.

2. LSU -- If they beat UF next week, they'll be number 1 until they lose.

3. CAL -- How's this for pressure? if they win the games they're supposed to win and then beat usc, they will play for the title. now that i wrote that, they will probably lose to ucla this weekend.

4. S. FLORIDA -- They won at auburn and they beat west virginia. they deserve it.

5. OHIO STATE -- Gotta go with the buckeyes but their season will be made or broken when they play wisconsin, not michigan Read more!

Who You Got?

Picks:

Yours Truly 16-8
Osceola 16-8
Smokey 13-11

Waldini:

Dang, I continue to be the Baylor/Duke/Vandy/Arizona/Northwestern of the bunch huh :-)


Bama vs FSU

Gangsta D: Technically not a home game for FSU, but who are we kidding? The Garnet and Gold will be substantially represented in the stands. But will it matter? Bama has played two gut wrenching games in a row. Do they have anything left? Can the 'Noles get their offense going? Bama seems to be on the right track, but I don't know if they're ready emotionally. My brain says to go with Bama, but I think the "home" crowd pushes the 'Noles to victory.

Da Realist: No way does Alabama fall asleep at the wheel in this game so I can't say that FSU will have a motivational advantage. We know Bobby wants this game, but there is another subplot that is just as interesting -- teacher vs student. Jimbo has had 2 weeks off to wake up the offense and get the boys ready. I'm sure he's made quite a few changes (maybe, just maybe including the quarterback position), but Nick wants this game just as badly. I just don't think FSU will be able to bring enough.

They "can" do it, but I need to see them pull out a game like this before I have confidence in them. We still got yahoos getting tasered by the cops on the eve of the biggest game of the season! And we still got Ol' Bobby giving them the message that the game is more important than respect. We're a little banged up and frankly, I don't think we have the speed to keep up with their wideouts all game long. And I don't care about the criticism of John Parker Wilson -- he looks better than any FSU qb i've seen in years. ALABAMA

Waldini: 'Bama proved me wrong last week. I thought they had something special going and then they lose to Georgia at home. Rumblings are also happening inside FSU's camp about the lack of offense. Agree with you Gangsta, I don't know why they say neutral site :-). Gimme ALABAMA only b/c I'm not sold on Bobby's offense.


Cal vs Oregon

Gangsta D: Autzen Stadium is gonna be rocking. Dennis Dixon appears to be the truth. Cal is explosive, but so is Oregon's crowd. This is gonna be one of those classic Pac-10, sling the ball around, nobody play defense, trick play bonanzas. Final score should be in the 45-38 range. These teams look to be even, so I'm going with the home team. It's just hard to beat a good Oregon team at home.

Da Realist: Gotta go with the home team. Dixon will dominate. I think they win comfortably. OREGON

Waldini: This just in, the Ducks lose their top receiver for a year. But they still have Dixon and he's a beast. This should be the game of the week as you have two high octane offenses and neither's defense strikes fear in anyone. I hope Oregon doesnt make the same mistake as my Vols and decide to punt to Jackson. That would be highly uncivilized. OREGON


Clemson vs Gtech

Gangsta D: OK, it's safe to say that Tech is vastly overrated. Stomping ND is no longer a good litmus test. Clemson appears to be on one of their tradional early season rolls. But can they maintain it? Tenuta's defense specializes in tormentin QBs, which is great for Clemson cause they can't throw it. James Davis and CJ Spiller will get heavy work and wear down the yellow jackets. I'm crossing my fingers, and hoping that Tommy isn't screwing with us once again. Clemson by double digits.

Da Realist: The Yellowjackets shouldn't even be in this game by the fourth quarter. Clemson should not lose in the regular season. of course they probably will, but not this game. CLEMSON

Waldini: Will Clemson start it's annual midseason meltdown with a loss to G Tech. Me thinks that won't happen at this game. Too much Davis and Spiller will trump Tech's D. Plus they got exposed by BC a few weeks ago and that officially had me hop off their sleeper bandwagon. Dont screw this up Tommy. CLEMSON


W Va vs S FL

Gangsta D: This is gonna be a good one. The mountaineers have a lethal run game. S. Fl is on the comeup. I was tempted to take the Bulls, until this:

"I thought we were already in the (state's) Big Three," Bulls receiver Taurus Johnson said. "I (didn't) know Miami was still there."

Noel Devine comes home to Florida and runs for 135 yds on six carries. And the Bulls get a much needed dose of reality, and hopefully some humility.

Da Realist: The Bulls are not ready to win this game. I would feel better about their chances if it was in Morgantown. The Bulls have won 2 straight games and I'm always leery about picking a team to win 3 straight. The Mountaineers pull this out on the road. WEST VIRGINIA

Waldini: Great offense (WVa) vs a Great defense (USF). Can that defense stop White, Slaton, and now Devine. Maryland did for a quarter and a half, then BAM it was lights out. USF was one of the teams that beat WVa last year so I know Rodriguez has got revenge on his mind. "Mercy is for the weak" WEST VIRGINIA


Miss St vs S Car

Gangsta D: Three wins for Sylvester. Just two more and he's guaranteed a job for next year. The Bulldog defense is actually pretty good, and OBC is trotting out a freshman for his first start. Neither offense can really put up points so it's going to be a defensive struggle. Couple that with the home crowd and the 'cocks pull this one out. However, if the
Bulldogs win I won't be disappointed.

Da Realist: Let's not get carried away here. The Bulldogs are still a work in progress. The Gamecocks were dominated last week, but they DID beat the dawgs between the hedges earlier this year. And besides, they won't lose 2 weeks in a row. SOUTH CAROLINA

Waldini: We see you creeping up in the W column Sylvester. I'm real happy for him b/c the Bulldog alumni have been smoking crack when it comes to their football team and expectations. But I cant see them pulling another miracle like they did in Auburn 2 wks ago. And now that Spurrier pulled another Danny Wuerffel-Terry Dean with his current set of QBs, I think those boys come out and doing their thing. SOUTH CAROLINA and then they go to Bojangles afterwards for bo-berry biscuits and sweet tea.


Auburn vs UF

Gangsta D: Who's got the balls to pick Auburn in an upset? Well if Jason Campbell, Ronny Brown, and the Cadillac were playing, I'd definitely take the Tigers. Unfortunately, they're not walking through that door. Anyway, you know how I feel about Florida. They can be beaten. Maybe Auburn plays with some emotion and pride. Maybe Brandon Cox pulls his head from his hindquarters. Maybe. But I don't think they have the athletes to do it. It will be close, but Florida wins another squeaker. And we have to hear about the greatness of Tebow for another week. I can't wait for them to go to Baton Rouge.

Da Realist: This is the SEC and anyone can win any game on any given saturday, but Auburn has been awful. Give me FLORIDA.

Waldini: Uggh, I hate to keep picking Florida but this game's in the swamp and the Tigers offense is in disarray. FLORIDA wins but if they happen to lose, I wont mind taking an L on this pick. Another week of Tebow's the greatest QB ever. Read more!