Playoff Primer
Hey, I can say that about BOTH leagues this year....That's kind of nice.
While the bowl season has been more or less ho-hum (thank you C. Michigan/W. Kentucky for giving us a good show), that cannot be said for the NFL. What a great last 2 weeks it's been. We'll get to that and this "final four" thing-a-majig debuting in the college game. But first, let's get to this...
Texas vs. Arkansas
What an intriguing, yet potentially disastrous games this could be. Good match up for both teams in that I don't think either coach will have a tough time getting their teams to play up to this game. Had you asked me 2 weeks ago what I thought, I was picking the Hogs by 10. Call it homer-ism, but I'm leaning more towards a much closer game. I truly think this could be a toss up barring Tyrone Swoopes going all Tyrone Swoopes on us....
Why Arkansas will win...In short, they run the ball very, very well, and they are very good at stopping the run. Typically, that spells success more times than not. They have a stout offensive line that I believe averages above 300 pounds. They can really open holes and the backs know how to take advantage of that. Defensively, their weakness is passing defense and to add insult to injury they are missing a starting safety and backup cornerback. That should give Sean Watson a little confidence to open it up a tad more than he normally may. He better have something - rushing yards will be at a premium.
Why Texas will win...In short, I believe in Charlie Strong more than I do Bilema. He's kind of a scum bag, but he is a heck of a coach. I like Texas in a bend, don't break defensive effort to keep the game manageable for the offense. Field goals baby...field goals. Given the aforementioned missing players on that Hogs defense, I think this will give Watson some give to get Swoopes some manageable, if not easier passes that should open things up. Keep the offensive plays beyond the front four of that Arkansas defense and the opportunities open up tremendously more than any "power run" attempts.
As I said above, hell of a match up for both teams. And a win would go a long way to continue building on recruiting efforts. As close as this is, I simply trust Strong's ability to get his team focused and ready to play a full 60 minutes. I'm going Horns here...
Texas - 24
Arkansas - 22
Quick Thoughts on the Upcoming "Playoff" (and a couple of other games)
While the bowl season has been more or less ho-hum (thank you C. Michigan/W. Kentucky for giving us a good show), that cannot be said for the NFL. What a great last 2 weeks it's been. We'll get to that and this "final four" thing-a-majig debuting in the college game. But first, let's get to this...
Texas vs. Arkansas
What an intriguing, yet potentially disastrous games this could be. Good match up for both teams in that I don't think either coach will have a tough time getting their teams to play up to this game. Had you asked me 2 weeks ago what I thought, I was picking the Hogs by 10. Call it homer-ism, but I'm leaning more towards a much closer game. I truly think this could be a toss up barring Tyrone Swoopes going all Tyrone Swoopes on us....
Why Arkansas will win...In short, they run the ball very, very well, and they are very good at stopping the run. Typically, that spells success more times than not. They have a stout offensive line that I believe averages above 300 pounds. They can really open holes and the backs know how to take advantage of that. Defensively, their weakness is passing defense and to add insult to injury they are missing a starting safety and backup cornerback. That should give Sean Watson a little confidence to open it up a tad more than he normally may. He better have something - rushing yards will be at a premium.
Why Texas will win...In short, I believe in Charlie Strong more than I do Bilema. He's kind of a scum bag, but he is a heck of a coach. I like Texas in a bend, don't break defensive effort to keep the game manageable for the offense. Field goals baby...field goals. Given the aforementioned missing players on that Hogs defense, I think this will give Watson some give to get Swoopes some manageable, if not easier passes that should open things up. Keep the offensive plays beyond the front four of that Arkansas defense and the opportunities open up tremendously more than any "power run" attempts.
As I said above, hell of a match up for both teams. And a win would go a long way to continue building on recruiting efforts. As close as this is, I simply trust Strong's ability to get his team focused and ready to play a full 60 minutes. I'm going Horns here...
Texas - 24
Arkansas - 22
Quick Thoughts on the Upcoming "Playoff" (and a couple of other games)
- I've gone back and forth on this over the last couple of weeks: while I respect how Florida State has won these several games - in many instances coming from behind - I know Oregon is much better than those teams. I do think Winston and that offense will give Oregon's defense some fits, I just think pound-for-pound, Oregon is better. And Mariota is the best player in the game. Period.
- If Ohio State wasn't on their third-string quarterback with all of 1 game under his belt, I'd be very inclined to pick Meyer in an upset here. Saban with extra time to prepare for a freshman, third stringer? I don't think so. I'm taking Alabama here, but it's close for a while.
- Urban Meyer has proved it again, and again. He is one of the best coaches in the game. You forget about him because of his hiatus, but all he does is win. I'm sure he'll have the Buckeyes in the hunt more times than not.
- I'm not saying I like it or want it, but I got both Baylor and TCU losing their respective games. Wouldn't that just be poetic justice...
- Who would have thought we'd have 3 teams coming out of the AFC North. That's something else. I think the NFC North has 2 and those are the only multi-team divisions.
- Call my crazy, but I think Dallas may be the most dangerous team in the playoffs this year. What a year for Garret and this team. Historically, they've stepped on their dicks better than anyone in the month of December. This year? 4-0 and they've outscored their opponents 165 to 79. And they weren't a bunch of bums, and three were on the road. This team looks good. With that said...
- I think this could be a great game between Dallas and Detroit. Neither team has much recent experience in the playoffs and have been hampered by "what ifs" in the last few years. And ironically, Dallas has been better on the road than at home this season. Either way, I'm taking Dallas here, but I expect to see it closer than some think early on.
- Not only is Carolina (losing record) hosting a playoff game, I'm going on record saying they beat the Cardinals.
- Top four team with greatest chance of getting "upset"? Denver.
- My Super Bowl: Green Bay over New England.
posted by The Bearden Wonder at 6:00 PM
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