Week 3 Card (Sept 12 - Sept 14)

[Irish]

9-5 on the year if I counted correctly.

TCU (-3) over Texas Tech
So TCU loses its QB, well thats old hat for the horned frogs that had to replace him. Last season TCU went 3-6 without him. Boykin started those games and finished as the third-lowest rated passer in the Big 12. So do I have a ton of confidence in Boykin, no, but is he going to provide a duel threat that could be dangerous, yes. TCU was 4-1 on the road in Big 12 play last season. They have already started off the season against LSU so it is not like they have not played against tough talent. I personal think Texas Tech will struggle against the TCU defense. See the difference is TCU can game plan for Mayfield playing defense against Boykin. Both guys can run. TCU gets DE Fields back after a half and he is going to be a big boost for the Dline. I am going with a coach that has been in big games and can put a defense on the field that can slow down the air raid. I am going against a true freshman walk on that has not seen a defense like TCU. TCU's 24-5 record (.828) in road and neutral-site games since 2009 is the third-best mark nationally. The reason is it not a slam dunk is because Texas Tech has the home field advantage. TCU is 5-17-3 against the Red Raiders in Lubbock and TCU has dropped its last three games at Texas Tech. The Horned Frogs' last win in Lubbock was a 30-16 decision in 1991. So the frogs don't really play well in Lubbock. Still with one loss on the season I think they are the more focused group with much more talent across the board. Should be a fun game to watch but I am hoping the TCU defense can shake things up allowing Boykins to put points on the board and forces the raiders to play under the pressure of not only the defense but the score board.

Cheers
Irish

 

[ejthree]

Gl Irish...Have them also...:toast:

 

[joefrog91]

Devonte Fields has served 1 3/4 of his suspension. He only has one qtr left to complete his two game suspension. He is supposed to play the entire game against Tech from my understanding.

 

[Irish]

9-6
Boise (-24) over Air Force
Air Force and Boise State played 2011 in Boise, The Broncos won the game, 37-26. We all can see that Boise has been reloading compared to the team they were in the past. That being said they still have a very good coach and it appears they may have figured out opening the playbook can generate offense. In Washington Boise looked out right bad yet last week we saw flashes of that high powered offense of the past. Yes it was against a bad team but it did show promise. The question is can Boise do that against the AF defense. Air Force plays with a three-man defensive front. This new defense had a VERY hard time with Utah st last week and it would not surprise me if they struggle to slow down the Boise running game. So I believe the edge on offense goes to Boise. How do the broncos fair on defense? Air Force finds many ways to run the ball, often with an option element but rarely in the traditional triple option. The Falcons hurt the Broncos two years ago with a wide toss play and they?re adept at power-run schemes. Boise has to play run and play gap control well if they want to stop from being gashed. They have the talent to do it but do they have the ability to play gap control football. I believe they learned a lot from seeing this type of offense in the past and can make stops. But stops involve tackling, and Boise isn't the best at wrapping up. The lack of tackling ability and the cut blocking of Air Force could lead to open room for the falcons running game. This could be a problem. A BIG PROBLEM. Still at home Boise has a tendency to play better and play much tougher on defense. That is my hope tonight and the Broncos continue to improve while I just dont think AF has that type of ability. Utah St exposed AF on offense and defense and should have given Boise a great game plan to do the same.

Cheers
Irish

 

[Irish]

No time for detailed write up sorry.....9-7 on the year

VT (-7.5) over ECU
Tough game to call but the fact VT looked good last week shows they have some talent. This could be a dangerous team with solid leadership and coaching. Logan Thomas is not the best prospect but the kid can play when the offensive Co lets him. The defense is always strong and well coached. Questions at WR and RB but the Hokies are a good unit.

UCLA (+3.5) over Neb
I have never been sold on Huskers in a big game. Yes they are the home team and can be a good team but UCLA has more talent with more time to prepare.

Bama (-8) over Tex A&M
Just revenge and 8 point looks like a ton in an SEC game against good teams. When lines look too good I tend to go the other way. I like the aggies but they are young and Manziel will not have time to dazze llike last year. He is good on the run but the WR will not be able to help him like they did last year.

Kansas (+7) over Rice
This is play that Wise has gotten some players to preform in Kansas. Sims is the best player on the field so I like the Jayhawks to win but I'll take a TD.

Ol Miss (+3) over Texas
Texas showed they are in need of help. The defensive Co is a joke and Ol Miss is a quiet tough SEC team.

Ariz St (-4.5) over Wisky
Tough game to call but I like the devils as the home team with a ton of talent that has not been really hyped.


Again sorry no time for write ups
Cheers
Irish