Week One Card (Sept 2nd-Sept 3rd)

[Irish]

Kentucky (-3) over Louisville
This is big time battle for recruits in this area. This game has a few players to watch, IMO two of the best are Locke and Cobb. These two guys are a huge part of what the wildcats are going to do on offense. A bit of a question mark is at QB but a bigger issue is at O-line. The cats are replacing a bunch of guys but they are very big and could be a big weapon if the guys come together. Will Hartline rebound from his knee injury to take hold of the new cats offense which will look to make more big plays this season. Both teams are looking to start off the season well since they are both new to the programs. Strong comes to Louisville by the means of florida but I am not sure he will have enough in talent after Krapthorpe's time. Even the game plan might not be suited for these guys on the current roster. The reason I like Kentucky is because the big issue with the Louisville QB is it Burke or Froman? Burke had 9 TD and 10 picks last year and Froman has more mobility. If there is questions at QB then Victor Anderson will be forced to carry the load and the question is can he? Well even with the big guys from Kentucky moving on they are a very fast group that have a lot of playing experience. The team speed should allow them to get to Anderson and force the questions at QB to be more of a problem. So this is a big swing game for both teams, it should be good but I am leaning on the guys that have looked better with more experience. The Cards have filled the roster with JUCO guys that have not really panned out and it will be hard for most of them being seniors to buy into another system that they are not suited to play. Wildcats have three straight wins in this series and IMO they get four.

It is about time for this season to get here.

Cheers
Irish

 

[#cruncher]

Nice to see some posting being done in this forum again. I better head to the library and grab some books, got 2 more weeks to get thorough...:0corn

 

[Corley1011]

Irish welcome back brother! Love the Cats here :0074

 

[Irish]

Thanks guys, best of luck to you too!

Colorado St (+12.5) over Colorado
First of all I like the chalk in this big time rivalry. Both teams normally have a good fan base but I think the Rams bring the more energized fans.The Buffs were 113th in the nation in rushing last season are you KIDDING ME with talent they have at RB that is a shame. The Buff offense returns seven starters but again this is an offense that is just ineffective. They have one WR weapon in McKnight and is it Hawkins or Henson at QB? The LB's for Colorado St are VERY good and should be the heart of this defense that returns nine starters. This LB group coupled with the returning talent in the secondary means the Rams have a nice back group to slow teams down. The questions are on the lines on offense and defense. Can the Rams defense line with really only Macon as a solid player get home and cause problems for the other teams? The information out of Rams camp is the ability of DE DJ James to be a great player, but can he translate offseason work into on the field productivity. Enough about the defense because I am pretty sure this will not be a defensive battle, so I have to look at the offensive line issues for the Rams. The line lost some key peices but they have some solid players coming up and a few good returners. This is good but not great because it will take them coming together for the Rams to have a good season. The rams will play tough football and that line should get some push for the best part of Colorado state which is that stable of FAST running backs. The rams should be able to rotate enough running backs all game to stay fresh and hurt the colorado defense which is now switching to a 4-3. This is big because I think colorado has some learning to do in this new defense and the rams can take advantage with the running attack. The youth at QB is a little scary for Colorado but all in all I like the rams to play tough and run the ball. Allowing the defense to make some plays and the Buffs to fold as this group is not used to winning. I like the points here, but I honestly think if some of the questions mentioned are addressed the Rams could walk out winners.

Cheers
Irish

 

[Cie]

GL this season, bro:toast:

 

[joefrog91]

Good luck Irish. :toast:

I took the Rams at +13. Like I said in my MWC thread, CSU can't be as bad as they were last year. Too many points being given here. Rams may not win outright, but I'll take +13 points.

 

[hawkeye]

This game is always tuff to cap==13 is alot in this game. CSU qb is new but a hs stud. Colorado I think will be better than most people think--seeing their def winning this one for them--couple picks--but 13??:shrug:

 

[AR182]

Great writeups as usual....& I'm also looking at Col. St but haven't done anything yet with them....

Good luck Irish....

 

[Irish]

Thanks for the well wishes all.. GL to you guys this season.:toast:

Fresno (PK) over Cincy
Here is what we know about fresno, they had a bad year in the eyes of Pat Hill BUT they have an oppertunity for a very good year in 2010. This is a go anywhere and take one anyone mentality team and they like the underdog role and thats what they get week one. They return eight offensive and seven defensive players. They lose a horse at running back but they have a VERY good O-line IMO and Hill is an o-line coach so he can get a lot out of what is aready a good line. This is good because they have returning QB's Colburn and Derek Carr and given time they have showed sings of solid play. The running game takes a hit but Rouse is a solid option and can do a lot considering he was a true frosh last season and was able to contribute. They have lost a lot of skill position talent but I just love what they return in the means of O-line and that should be a big advantage in this game. Cincy returns five defensive starters but are VERY solid at defensive line. The question in my mind is in the second level for cincy. This team has one returning senior on defense, they lack the leadership that may be nessacary for this team to jump back into action, but they lost a tom last year and they bounced back. Still Pike is replaceable as we saw last year. Collaros IMO is better than Pike because the kid can take a hit and make plays with his feet. This is a tough game to cap because I normally point out the coaching change as an issue but Again Butch Jones follows in where Kelly leaves, just as he did at Central Mich Jones takes over the bearcats and brings pretty much the same offense. So why do I like Fresno, well I like that fresno is strong on defense, they play very hard at home, cincy having to travel to Fresno. Listen the bearcats got outright MANHANDLED by fresno in last years meeting. Yes the bear cats came out with a win but they had four TD drives in about 2 mins. Fresno had the ball for 40 plus mins. So the bulldogs know they can match this team and now they get them at home. In the last four years Cincy has won their opener by 30 plus points per game. Fresno has also won their first games for the last four years but by only about 20 points per game. So someone is about to break the streak. Cincy got some close wins last year and they were plus nine in the turn over department, with only five returning starters they might not get those type of bounces. Fresno is hanging a LOT on this game, they want to start big at home with a bye week following. That means Pat Hill will bill this as the biggest game of the seasoon (at least until after the bye) and hope to get his veteran players ready to play. Good offense of cincy against a good defense in fresno, a decent offense of fresno against a question mark on defense for cincy. Should be a good game but I am going with the team that may have a little more hunger.

Cheers
Irish

 

[LDB]

gl Irish.... :toast:

 

[Lumi]

I really like the Colo St. Play.

Get Some ! :0008

 

[Irish]

Thanks guys

Pitt (+3) over Utah
Hate to take a Pitt team with a lot to lose against a giant killer like Utah in Utah but I like the panthers. Now I know that everyone like Dion Lewis but thats not why I like this play. I like it because Pitt returns FOUR o-lineman from a good group last season. Now thats gonna be big because even though the Utes return talent at D-line I think they are going to need help on the defensive side of the ball. The Utes return four starters on defeense, they lost the majority of their sacks from last season with the exception of Cox. Last year I think the Utes were a tad overvalues, they had three tough games on the sched and they lost all three, Oregon, BYU, and TCU. So I am not sure they are as good as advertised in previous years, that why I like this value because I think they are getting a little credibility from the years past into this game. The Utes are going to have to outscore teams this year. They have the ability to do it as well. They return eight starters, QB and running back and line are fine but they need some help at WR. This is were I like Pitt, the Panthers return six starters. They have a VERY good D-line and I love the book ends especially Romeus, this kid is a freak and should have a big senior year. At LB they need some help but they have some solid talent in waiting Mason is the young guy out their and he is the best at LB. Expect Pitt to be fast and hit hard at LB. The safety DeCicco is solid covering over the top and they get back a player in Taglanitti from two years ago so I like them deep with experience. The question IMO is on the corners, they lose Berry who was solid but they have some guys that have experience but I am not sold on them yet. For this plays sake I am hoping the DE's can get in on Cain or Wynn fast to make it easier in coverage. The Pitt QB situation, I can't believe I think Stull will be missed, if they start Bostick then I am a little nervous. I would rather see the young guy Sunseri under center, this kid has a live arm and a little more mobility. Still with the line Pitt returns, the Running game they have and big WR Baldwin and Shannahan both 6'5. Couple those weapons with what I think is a very fast solid defense and Pitt has a bright upside this season. Will the expectations hurt them this season or will they come to play considering they are ranks and the underdog going into Utah.

Smaller Play
Minny (+3) over Md Tn St
Minny returns nine starters on offense, they lose Decker but still have Webber, a good offensive line, good running backs and some solid options at WR. They have BIG issues on defense but without the Raiders best option at QB that defense might not be too exposed. Md Tn St returns a boat load but the lose of the QB might be too much for them to handle and they will be up against the big team in Minny. That being said these small teams come to play and after watching Minny last season I just do not know if they post in this game and on the road against a hugry team they might be in for a tough road.

Cheers
Irish

 

[Corley1011]

Like Minny now that Dasher is out... big distraction for the Blue Raiders.... I loved Pitt when I first saw this game.... but this has the set up for Utah to win... I'm not totally sure yet... I'll probably go with my initial instinct and go with the Panthers

 

[big papi]

where you get Fresno Pk? They are currently -2.5 and Minny is now -3. I know those lines were once available but not on the days you posted them so what is the point we can't get those lines anymore.

That is like me posting today LSU PK!:142smilie

 

[Irish]

Sportsbook 8/23/10
Minny +3 vs MD Tn St

Sportsbook as of 8/25/10
Fresno (0) vs Cincy

I post them where I got them, not the days lines as I do my write ups. If you go back in the post throughout my time here you'll see that sometimes I am on the right side of movement and sometimes not... where is your dig at the Colorado St play that went up to 13?? I mean honestly if your hell bet on the lines then you have the option of buying the points to get where I am in.

Oh FYI the UNC LSU game was on the board as UNC (-1) on 8/25

Cheers
Irish

 

[big papi]

Irish i was not saying you make up the lines or anything. I know the lines you posted where available at some point was just saying that they are not available on the days you did your write ups!

 

[joefrog91]

Irish i was not saying you make up the lines or anything. I know the lines you posted where available at some point was just saying that they are not available on the days you did your write ups!

What does it matter? That's what he got them at. I make a lot of plays early before they change during the week. Sometimes I wait until the day of a game to make a play. Lines move all the time.

 

[west coast guru]

Irish great writeups but i just dont see how colo st is going to put up enough points to win this game or even stay in it....a new off line and a new qb is a very risky bet 1st wk of season
good luck

 

[autt_4]

Hello again Irish and to everyone here again for another great season!!

Any thoughts on Spurrier and his Cocks?????

 

[pghpounder]

"I like it because Pitt returns FOUR o-lineman from a good group last season"

They lost 3 starting lineman from last year...Utah shows a lot of different fronts and blitzes a lot....thats what has held me back from pulling the trigger on this play so far...
I do think Sunseri will be better than Bostic and is starting for them this year. He has a better arm and more mobility but his lack of experience could hurt...on the other hand Pitt doesn't ask much from the QB. They just ask the QB to manage the game and with Baldwin all he needs to do is throw it up and let him make a play then they will run, run, and run again with Lewis and Graham. Graham is also overlooked but he is a stud also and is supposed to be healthy and ready to go for this game. Again...The o-line is what scares me alittle...We all know you can have as many weapons as you want but you need time to get them the ball or a hole for them to run through.I know the tackle is good and the guard did play last year but its going to be tough on the road against a pressuring defense in the first game of the year.

I hope your right on this one Irish as I'm a big PITT fan and will be rooting for them but not sure if I can bet it...Would like to hear what you think...

Below is an article from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette..

The Panthers will go as far as their offensive line can take them because that is one of the few areas that causes concerns and raises questions. That's because the team is a veteran group which features a number of legitimate superstars but must replace three starters along the offensive line. If the line comes together and becomes a cohesive unit, there is no reason the Panthers should not win the Big East and perhaps make a run at winning all 12 games. The star power is easy to see, though, starting with Heisman Trophy candidate Dion Lewis, who rushed for 1,799 yards and 17 touchdowns. Pitt also has a legitimate Biletnikoff Award candidate in Jon Baldwin (pictured left) and an old-school fullback in Henry Hynoski. The strength, however, is on defense, starting with ends Jabaal Sheard and Greg Romeus and all-conference safety Dom DeCicco.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10242/1083644-233.stm#ixzz0yDWvA9nr