The Confidential

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18 Sep 2012
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The Confidential’s College Football Top 25 & Bottom 4: Week 3

Each week, the Confidential will provide its ranking of the top 25 teams in College Football, as well as the Bottom 4 BCS-level teams.  Here is the Week 4 version, with analysis of the top 15 and bottom 4:

  1. Alabama (3-0): Alabama finally gets the #1 spot in this poll.  Apologies for the delay in recognizing USC’s flaws.  52-0 over Arkansas?  Next up: Florida Atlantic.
  2. Florida State (3-0): The Seminoles have beaten their three opponents by a combined 176-3.  A huge test against Clemson looms.  Next up: Clemson.
  3. LSU (3-0):  The Tigers played Oregon last year, and then Washington and Idaho this year.  Is Montana next?  Next up: @ Auburn.
  4. Oklahoma (2-0): Oklahoma had the week off.  Good for them.  Next up: Kansas State.
  5. Oregon (3-0): The Ducks haven’t really beaten anyone yet.  But it is hard to see anyone being favored to beat them in the Pac-12.  Next up: Arizona.
  6. Clemson (3-0): Clemson handled Furman as easily as they should.  See how that works Arkansas and Auburn?   Next up: @ Florida State.
  7. Georgia (3-0): The Bulldogs got to beat up on Florida Atlantic.  Mission accomplished.  Next up: Vanderbilt.
  8. West Virginia (2-0): Some guy named Jim Madison could not beat West Virginia.  The Mountaineers need to be tested.  Next up: Maryland.
  9. South Carolina (3-0): The Gamecocks dispatched with U.A.B. with little stress.  Now they get to host the Tigers.  Guess which one!!!   Next up: Missouri.
  10. Kansas State (3-0): Kansas State did OK against North Texas.  A bit of a let down after dominating Miami.  Things get real tough this week.  Next up: @ Oklahoma.
  11. Michigan (2-1): As good as Alabama has looked, and as poor as the Big 10 has looked, is Michigan the class of the conference?  We’ll find out soon.  Next up: @ Notre Dame.
  12. Notre Dame (2-1): The Fighting Irish celebrated their ACC partnership by defeating Sparty on the road.  They return this week to host Big Brother.  Next up: Michigan.
  13. Louisville (3-0): Which Louisville team should be judged–the one that jumped up 35-6 against UNC or the one that narrowly won?  No idea either.  Next up: Florida International
  14. Stanford (3-0): With another win over USC, Stanford moves up into the top 15.  No Gerhart, no Luck, no matter.  Next up: @ Washington.
  15. Florida (3-0): The Gators may or may not be “back,” but they are 2-0 in conference.  A win at Tennessee is always nice.  Next up: Kentucky.
  16. Texas (3-0). Next up: @ Oklahoma State.
  17. USC (2-1). Next up: California.
  18. Ohio State (3-0).  Next up: UAB.
  19. TCU (3-0).  Next up: Virginia.
  20. Michigan State (2-1). Next up: E. Michigan.
  21. UCLA (3-0). Next up: Oregon State.
  22. Northwestern (3-0). Next up: South Dakota.
  23. Arizona (3-0).  Next up: @ Oregon.
  24. Mississippi State (3-0).  Next up: South Alabama.
  25. Virginia Tech (2-1). Next up: Bowling Green.

* * *

121.  Kentucky (1-2).  Losing to a Sun Belt program?  SEC teams should not lose to Sun Belt programs.  What are you doing with all that TV revenue and basketball gate cash???

122. Arkansas (1-2).  Wow… 52-0 to Alabama AT HOME?  A week after dropping a game to an FCS foe?  Arkansas is in trouble right now.  Big time.

123. Kansas (1-2).  While Kansas played well against TCU, all things considered, they are still 1-2 and the teams behind them both won.

124.  Colorado (0-3).  There is only one team in all of the BCS conferences that is winless.  It’s Colorado.

So there it is.  If you do not like it… sorry.  But feel free to share your reasons why…

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , , , ,
13 Sep 2012
1 Comment

ACC Football Predictions for Week 3

The Confidential’s football predictions for this week’s games featuring ACC teams.

Last week was a bit better at 10-3… making it an 18-7 start to the season.  On to week 3:

September 15, 2012

Wake Forest (2-0) @ #5 Florida State (2-0), noon.  Florida State has not played a competent foe yet, and Wake Forest has had the Seminoles’ number.  Still, this might be the year that Florida State returns to the glory days of the 1990s.  Prediction: Florida State 30, Wake Forest 17.

#13 Virginia Tech (2-0) @ Pittsburgh (0-2), noon.  Pitt is a disaster right now.  They looked woefully undercoached against Cincinnati.  Virginia Tech usually does not have that problem.  This is a bit of a “rivarly” game, so maybe Pitt will rally.  Nah.  Prediction: Virginia Tech 28, Pitt 13.

Bethune-Cookman (2-0 FCS) @ Miami (1-1), noon.  Miami was exposed by Kansas State.  But the Hurricanes will protect their home turf against this FCS foe.  Prediction: Miami 40, Bethune-Cookman 10.

Connecticut (1-1) @ Maryland (2-0), 12;30 p.m.  Look, UConn looked offensively incompetent against NC State.  And Maryland looked very good against Temple.  Odds are that NC State is much better than Temple though.  Prediction: UConn 17, Maryland 12.

Furman (0-2) @ #11 Clemson (2-0), 3:00 p.m.  Clemson looked very good against Auburn and Ball State.  And now Sammy is back.  Going to get ugly for Furman.  Prediction: Clemson 45, Furman 9.

Virginia (2-0) @ Georgia Tech (1-1), 3:30 p.m.  Georgia Tech looked pretty good in a losing cause against Va Tech.  Virginia looked pretty bad in a winning cause against Penn State.  These both seem like 8 win teams, so we’ll give the edge to the home team.  Prediction: Georgia Tech 24, Virginia 13.

North Carolina (1-1) @ #19 Louisville (2-0), 3:30 p.m.  Louisville is the premiere team in the Big East, which is a little like being the thinnest person in Wal*Mart.  But North Carolina is not yet ready for prime time.  The heart says upset, but the brain says that the Cardinals are not ready to be upset just yet.  Prediction: Louisville 28, North Carolina 17.

Northwestern (2-0) @ Boston College (1-1), 3:30 p.m.  Northwestern is willing to play any non-ND, non-USC private school.  Syracuse, Vandy, and now B.C.  Really, Northwestern has a chance to be a top Big 10 team.  Boston College is still trying to find itself.  Prediction: Northwestern 27, Boston College 21.

Stony Brook (2-0) @ Syracuse (0-2), 4:00 p.m.  Wow, how can the Confidential pick an 0-2 team over a 2-0 team?  Well, Stony Brook beat Pace last week.  Syracuse was playing the NFL’s Pac-12’s Trojans.  Syracuse struggles with FCS teams and Stony Brook is a good one.  Prediction: Syracuse 38, Stony Brook 21.

South Alabama (1-1) @ North Carolina State (1-1), 6:00 p.m.  After struggling to move the ball against a stout UConn defense, NC State gets an easier foe this week.  Much easier.  Prediction: NC State 37, South Alabama 13.

North Carolina Central (1-1) @ Duke (1-1), 7:00 p.m.  NC v Duke?  Nope.  Just NCC v Duke.  Oh well.  Duke should win and probably will.  Yawn.  Prediction: Duke 30, NC Central 14.

The Confidential apologizes in advance for not picking your team.  There is also a lot of chalk here.  However, predictions are made to be accurate, not controversial.  Feel free to share why we are wrong. 

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, Football, Predictions and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
11 Sep 2012

The Confidential’s College Football Top 25 & Bottom 4: Week 3

Each week, the Confidential will provide its ranking of the top 25 teams in College Football, as well as the Bottom 4 BCS-level teams.  Here is the Week 3 version, with analysis of the top 15 and bottom 4:

  1. USC (2-0): USC survived its East Coast trip to play Syracuse.  The USC offense looks simply unstoppable, unless they stop themselves of course.  Next up: @ Stanford.
  2. Alabama (2-0): Alabama is trending as the #1 team in most polls.  After Michigan struggled to beat Air Force at home, are we sure Syracuse is not better than the Wolverines?  Next up: @ Arkansas.
  3. Florida State (2-0): The Seminoles have beaten their two creampuffs by a combined 124-3.  And they invoked the mercy rule this weekend, costing them nearly half the game.  Next up: Wake Forest.
  4. LSU (2-0):  The Tigers looked great against Washington.  But Pac-12 teams generally have trouble heading East.  What chance does Idaho have?  Next up: Idaho.
  5. Oklahoma (2-0): The Sooners looked fine against Florida A&M.  So the fan base has to be a little less nervous now.  Next up: Idle.
  6. Michigan State (2-0): Sparty is going to have to carry the B1G this year.  They looked the part against Central Michigan.  Next up: Notre Dame.
  7. Clemson (2-0): Clemson took care of Ball State in Week 2.  This week Sammy Watkins returns to face Furman.  Uh-oh for Furman.   Next up: Furman.
  8. Oregon (2-0): The Ducks coasted in the second half against Fresno State.  After all, it was 35-6 at the half.  Next up: Tennessee Tech.
  9. Georgia (2-0): The Bulldogs looked very good in toppling Missouri in its SEC opener.  Nice rally in the second half.  Next up: Florida Atlantic.
  10. West Virginia (1-0): That Oliver Luck is a genius.  An extra week to prepare for James Madison will pay dividends.  Look out Oklahoma.  Next up: James Madison.
  11. South Carolina (2-0): Looked great in defeating East Carolina to go 2-0.  UAB lost to Troy State in its opener.  Ugh.  Next up: U.A.B.
  12. Virginia Tech (2-0): Yes, that’s three ACC teams in the top 12.  The Hokies took care of Austin Peay, which has not always been easy for the program in September. Next up: @Pittsburgh.
  13. Kansas State (2-0): Beating Miami at home was nice, destroying Miami by 39 points was a great sign.  Collin Klein and Heisman showed up in a lot of post-game commentary too.  Next up: North Texas.
  14. Michigan (1-1): Michigan did enough to beat Air Force.  But it was hardly dominating.  We’ll give them the edge over sanctioned B1G foe Ohio State until otherwise is proven.  Next up: UMass.
  15. Louisville (2-0): How about a little love for the Big East’s best team?  Teddy Bridgewater looks like the real deal too.  Next up: North Carolina.
  16. Texas (2-0).  Next up: @ Mississippi.
  17. Ohio State (2-0).  Next up: California.
  18. TCU (2-0).  Next up: @ Kansas.
  19. Stanford (2-0).  Next up: USC.
  20. Notre Dame (2-0).  Next up: @ Michigan State.
  21. UCLA (2-0). Next up: Houston.
  22. Florida (2-0).  Next up: @ Tennessee.
  23. Tennessee (2-0). Next up: Florida.
  24. Northwestern (2-0). Next up: Boston College.
  25. Arizona (2-0).  Next up: South Carolina State.

* * *

121.  Kansas (1-1).  Sure, Syracuse, Auburn, and Vandy are 0-2, but those teams have only played BCS-level opponents.  Of the 1-1 teams, Kansas has the least impressive resume.  Prove us wrong against TCU, Jayhawks.  Feel free.

122. Penn State (0-2).  Hey, the Nittany Lions looked pretty good against UVA.  Their poor kicker had a terrible day, but their primary kicker bailed out on the team.  Could have won.

123. Pittsburgh (0-2).  Pitt looked awful against Cincinnati.  There is talent on this team, but the talent looks lost.  Is Temple the premiere program in Pennsylvania?  We’ll find out as Temple plays both Pitt and PSU this year.

124.  Colorado (0-2).  After losing to Colorado State, Colorado lost to an FCS foe, Sacramento State.  To add insult to injury, Colorado State lost to an FCS foe, North Dakota State, 22-7.  Utter failure throughout the state.

So there it is.  If you do not like it… sorry.  But feel free to share your reasons why…

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , , , ,
08 Sep 2012

Al Pacino to Play JoePa In Movie? The Confidential Predicts the Rest of the Cast…

Word on the Interwebs is that Al Pacino is attached to play Joe Paterno in a movie based on Joe Posnanski’s biography Paterno.  Ok, so be it.  But the Confidential cannot help wonder who will play all the other major players in the Penn State scandal.  Here are the Confidential’s recommendations.

To make life easier, we’ll borrow from the SI.com article listing the key individuals involved with the scandal:

JERRY SANDUSKY:

Jerry Sandusky

THE CONFIDENTIAL RECOMMENDS:

It’s hard to argue with the great work that William Shatner has done with the Priceline.com commercials.

FORMER PENN STATE PRESIDENT, GRAHAM SPANIER:
Graham Spanier

THE CONFIDENTIAL RECOMMENDS:

How about Sir Ian McKellan… from Gandalf to Graham.  Just needs to lose the hat and perhaps darken the hair a bit.  Child’s play for Hollywood makeup artists.

Ian McKellen Picture

LOUIS FREEH, AUTHOR OF THE FREEH REPORT THAT LED TO NCAA SANCTIONS:

Louis Freeh

THE CONFIDENTIAL RECOMMENDS:

Sydney Pollack was made for this role.

Sydney Pollack Picture

But with his unfortunate passing, we’ll go with someone a little more Italian-American, Armand Assante.  He will probably have a nice watch, which is essential for the role.

 

TIM CURLEY, FORMER PENN STATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR:

Tim Curley

THE CONFIDENTIAL RECOMMENDS:

Victor Garber, best known as Agent Jack Bristow on Alias.  Of course, he was also in Titanic–which had a more successful ending than Paterno’s career.   All he needs is some glasses.

Victor Garber Picture

GARY SCHULTZ, FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE:

Gary Schultz

THE CONFIDENTIAL RECOMMENDS:

Jeffrey Jones, best known as Principal Rooney from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

We also might have considered John Banner, who played Sergeant Schultz on Hogan’s Heroes.  But he passed away 30 years ago.  Oh well.

MIKE MCQUEARY, ASSISTANT COACH/EYEWITNESS:

Mike McQueary

THE CONFIDENTIAL RECOMMENDS:

Crap, they don’t hire red-headed actors anymore.  Ron Howard ruined it for everyone.  By default, the Confidential will go with some guy named Damian Lewis that most of you have probably heard of.

 

SUE PATERNO, FIRST LADY OF PENN STATE FOOTBALL:

Sue Paterno

THE CONFIDENTIAL RECOMMENDS:

Talia Shire.  She was the wife in Rocky.  She was the sister in The Godfather.  I think she is required to be the wife in any movies regarding Italian-Americans.  She’s probably too young, but so is Al Pacino.  Whatever.  Not the Confidential’s problem.

NCAA PRESIDENT MARK EMMERT:

THE CONFIDENTIAL RECOMMENDS:

Jon Voight.  C’mon, he can pull it off.

 

What do you think?  Any better suggestions???

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Non-Serious, Sarcasm, Scandal and tagged , , , ,
06 Sep 2012
2 Comments

ACC Football Predictions for Week 2

The Confidential’s football predictions for this week’s games featuring ACC teams.

Last week was a bit tough… only 8-4.  And with all the ACC-FCS games, that’s not even good.  Although the Confidential did predict the Pitt game to be a two touchdown affair.  On to week 2:

September 6, 2012

Pitt (0-1) @ Cincinnati (0-0), 8:00 p.m.   This is an absolute disaster to predict.  A lot of improvement can happen between Week 1 and Week 2.  Meanwhile, Cincy has to go through its Week 1 jitters.  Can Ohio be responsible for three defeats of Pennsylvania teams (Youngstown St. and Ohio)?  The Confidential says “yes.”  Prediction: Cincinnati: 27, Pitt 17.

September 8, 2012

North Carolina State (0-1) @ UConn (1-0), noon.  Credit NC State for playing a tough couple of opening season games.  But a win would be nice too.  UConn supposedly has an outstanding defense.  Edge to the home team.  Prediction: UConn 17, NC State 13.

Maryland (1-0) @ Temple (1-0), noon.  Sheesh… there is an article about Temple not “looking ahead” to its game against Penn State.  Wow, how far has Maryland fallen?  Not that Penn State has not fallen even farther.  Temple’s schedule is breaking pretty well.  Prediction: Temple 24, Maryland 10.

Penn State (0-1) @ Virginia (1-0), noon.  Penn State has fallen, but Virginia is a program on the rise.  Perhaps the Nittany Lions just need to get out on the road?  Nah.  Prediction: Virginia 28, Penn State 13.

Miami (1-0) @ # 21 Kansas State (1-0), noon.  Is Miami back?  This game will tell the world quite a bit.  The Confidential believes that Miami is the better team and will pull it out.  Prediction: Miami 30, Kansas State 27.

Ball State (1-0) @ #12 Clemson (1-0), 12:30 p.m.  Clemson looked very good against Auburn.  Ball State is a good team, but not as good as Auburn.  Clemson wins its home opener.  Prediction: Clemson 41, Ball State 28.

Maine (0-0) @ Boston College (1-0), 1:00 p.m.  Boston College better be very careful, as Maine always plays well on the FBS stage.  An upset here should shock nobody.  Prediction: Boston College 27, Maine 19.

Austin Peay (0-1) @ #15 Virginia Tech (1-0), 1:30 p.m.  Virginia Tech has been upset early before.  Still, it’s not happening this week.  Prediction: Va Tech 44, Austin Peay 10.

North Carolina (1-0) @ Wake Forest (1-0), 3:00 p.m.  The only ACC game of the week features two in-state rivals.  North Carolina looked great in destroying Elon, Wake Forest looked poor in barely beating Liberty.  Naturally, this means that North Carolina must win, right?  Wrong.  Prediction: Wake Forest 28, North Carolina 20.

Syracuse (0-1) @ #2 U.S.C. (1-0), 3:30 p.m.  Coming off a win over Hawaii, and with Syracuse already saddled with a loss, it’s easy to predict a USC win.  Still… this is one game that has some upset potential.  It really does.  No balls to predict it… but do not discount an upset.  Prediction: USC 37, Syracuse 23.

Savannah State (0-1) @ #6 Florida State (1-0), 6:00 p.m.  You probably read that Savannah State struggled a bit against Oklahoma State, losing 84-0.  It will be better this week, but not by much.  Prediction: Florida State 59, Savannah State: 7.

Presbyterian (1-0) @ Georgia Tech (0-1), 7:00 p.m.  Well, only one of these two teams has a win.  Neither of these teams will have two wins next week.  Prediction: Georgia Tech 31, Presbyterian 10.

Duke (1-0) @ #25 Stanford (1-0), 10:30 p.m.  Duke looked OK in its opener, while Stanford survived Game 1 of the post-Andrew Luck era.  Duke will not handle the road trip well.  Prediction: Stanford 38, Duke 23.

The Confidential apologizes in advance for not picking your team.  There is also a lot of chalk here.  However, predictions are made to be accurate, not controversial.  Feel free to share why we are wrong. 

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, Football, Predictions and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
05 Sep 2012

The Confidential’s College Football Top 25 & Bottom 4: Week 2

Each week, the Confidential will provide its ranking of the top 25 teams in College Football, as well as the Bottom 4 BCS-level teams.  Here is the Week 2 version, with analysis of the top 15 and bottom 4:

  1. USC (1-0): Hawaii is not a horrible team, most likely.  But USC handled them pretty well.  Next up: Syracuse.
  2. Alabama (1-0): A lot of the nation thinks that Alabama is #1.  The beat down of Michigan IS a compelling argument.  Next up: Western Kentucky
  3. Florida State (1-0): The Seminoles already lost a player for the season–a good one in Brandon Jenkins.  His replacement will get a tune-up against Savannah State this week.  Next up: Savannah State.
  4. LSU (1-0):  The Tigers had no trouble with North Texas winning 41-14.   The Pacific Northwest visits the next two weeks with Washington and Idaho making the trip in.  Next up: Washington.
  5. Oklahoma (1-0): The Sooners took care of UTEP, 24-7.  Not exactly an offensive masterpiece.  Next up: Florida A&M.
  6. Michigan State (1-0): Hey, Sparty beat giant-killer Boise State.  Not everyone can say that in a given year.  Next up: Central Michigan
  7. Clemson (1-0): Clemson erased the sour memory of the Orange Bowl by defeating Auburn without Sammy Watkins.  Not too shabby.  Next up: Ball State.
  8. Oregon (1-0): Offense clicked against Arkansas State, as well it should.  Allowing 34 points though?  Next up: Fresno State.
  9. West Virginia (1-0): Defeated in-state rival Marshall, 69-34.  It was quiet an offensive show for the new member of the Big XII.  Look out Oklahoma.  Next up: James Madison.
  10. Georgia (1-0): The Nation will learn a lot about Georgia this week, as it opens up SEC play against newcomer Missouri.  The defeat of Buffalo was… meh.  Next up: Missouri.
  11. Arkansas (1-0): The Razorbacks looked OK defeating overmatched Jacksonville State.  More creampuffs ahead thsi week.  Next up: Louisiana-Monroe.
  12. South Carolina (1-0): Win over Vandy was nice.  The game itself was not so impressive, nor was the officiating that helped the Gamecocks considerably.  Next up: East Carolina.
  13. Wisconsin (1-0): Lackluster performance against Northern Iowa, winning 26-21.  Bigger test this week against Oregon State, especially on the road.  Next up: Oregon State.
  14. Virginia Tech (1-0): On the one hand, the Hokies barely beat Georgia Tech.  On the other hand, how many top 15 teams played a team that good week 1?  Next up: Austin Peay
  15. Michigan (0-1): Michigan looked bad enough to drop out of the top 15.  But Alabama might be just that good.  Next up: Air Force.
  16. Texas (1-0).  Next up: New Mexico.
  17. Ohio State (1-0).  Next up: Central Florida.
  18. Nebraska (1-0).  Next up: UCLA
  19. Louisville (1-0).  Next up: Missouri State.
  20. TCU (1-0).  Next up: Grambling State.
  21. Stanford (1-0).  Next up: Duke.
  22. Notre Dame (1-0).  Next up: Purdue.
  23. Kansas State (1-0).  Next up: Miami.
  24. Florida (1-0).  Next up: Texas A&M.
  25. Oklahoma State (1-0).  Look, you hang 84 points on an FCS school, you are classless.  Enjoy #25.  Next up: Arizona.

* * *

121.  Maryland (1-0).  While losing is worse than winning, beating an FCS team 7-6 is really not something to be proud of.  Yikes.

122. Colorado (0-1).  Remember when the Buffaloes were awesome?  Yeah, neither does the Confidential.  Another win for Colorado State.

123.  Penn State (0-1).  As bad as things are, losing to Ohio has to be a disappointment.  Who knew Temple was the dominant team in Pennsylvania?

124.  Pittsburgh (0-1).  Losing to an FCS team is bad.  Losing at home is worse.  Losing by 14?  Ugh.

So there it is.  If you do not like it… sorry.  But feel free to share your reasons why…

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , , , ,
30 Aug 2012

The Confidential’s College Football Top 25: Week 1

Each week, the Confidential will provide its ranking of the top 25 teams in College Football.  Here is the Week 1 version, with analysis of the top 15:

  1. USC:  Who is going to beat them?  They have Oregon and Notre Dame at home.  In past years, they have beaten themselves though.
  2. LSU:  Look at LSU’s schedule–they host Alabama.  That could be the deciding factor between those two schools.
  3. Alabama: Not only do the Crimson Tide travel to LSU, they also have to go to Arkanas and Missouri, while also playing Michigan.
  4. Florida State: The Confidential likes to pick on FSU fans, but this should be a very good Seminoles team.
  5. Oklahoma: The Sooners fall out of the top 5 because they have a trip to Morgantown–a unique place to play and a very possible defeat.
  6. Wisconsin: The big game on the schedule is the week 5 matchup at Nebraska.  Otherwise, Wisconsin misses Michigan, hosts Ohio State, and will close the season at depleted Penn State.  Very favorable.
  7. Oregon: Nothing challenging on the OOC slate.  They travel to USC though, which should be a great game.
  8. South Carolina: Not sure how they will win at LSU, but they get to host Georgia.  That will help.
  9. Georgia: No LSU.  No Alabama.  No Arkansas.  Still, we see the Bulldogs losing to South Carolina on the road.
  10. Michigan State: If the Spartans get by Boise State, they host Notre Dame, Nebraska, and Ohio State.  The tough road game is rival Michigan.
  11. West Virginia: This season could be very tough for the Mountaineers as they adjust to playing far away.  Or the Big XII will have trouble adjusting to it.
  12. Arkansas: The Razorbacks host Alabama and LSU this year, but must travel to South Carolina and Auburn.  Not sure about John L. Smith though.
  13. Michigan: Not quite buying into the Wolverines yet.  Neutral game against Alabama, plus road games against Notre Dame, Nebraska, and Ohio State.
  14. Virginia Tech: It’s hard to discount the Hokies and their continued ability to finish reasonably well ranked.  This year should be more of the same.
  15. Clemson: The Tigers get to host Virginia Tech, but Auburn in Atlanta and Florida State in Tallahassee could mean a 2-2 start.
  16. Texas
  17. Ohio State
  18. Nebraska
  19. Boise State
  20. Oklahoma State
  21. TCU
  22. Stanford
  23. Louisville
  24. Kansas State
  25. Florida

So there it is.  If this isn’t the way the standings wrap up at the end of the year, well… sorry.

Posted by acaffrey in Football, Rankings and tagged , , , , , ,
29 Aug 2012

ACC Football Predictions for Week 1

The Confidential’s football predictions for this week’s games featuring ACC teams:

August 31, 2012

Tennessee vs. NC State (in Atlanta), 7:30 p.m. This is a great opening week game.  A neutral site.  Two teams that may or may not be ready to take the next step.  It’s a classic coin toss.  We’ll go “homer” on this ontoe.  Prediction: North Carolina State 28, Tennessee 20.

September 1, 2012

Northwestern at Syracuse, 12 p.m.  With all the ESPN employees that graduated from these two schools, you have to figure this will be a big gambling week in Bristol.  But this one is even more of a coin toss than Tennessee/NC State.  This Syracuse team could be 3-9 or 9-3.  Homer on the “coin toss’ again.  Prediction: Syracuse 30, Northwestern 20.

Elon at North Carolina, 12:30 p.m.  A new season dawns for the Tar Heels and new coach Larry Fedora.  There is too much talent left over for Elon to remain competitive.  Prediction: North Carolina 45, Elon 10.

William & Mary at Maryland, 3 p.m. Maryland started last year 1-0, before disaster struck.  They cannot start 0-1 this year.  Despite some offensive growing pains in the first half, they will not.  Prediction: Maryland 24,William & Mary 9.

Richmond at Virginia, 3 p.m.  Virginia head coach Mike London knows that Richmond is capable of winning.  So this game will not have any concerns about looking past an FCS foe.  Still, Virginia has too much talent to lose.  Prediction: Virginia 31, Richmond 17.

Miami at Boston College, 3:30 p.m.  Both teams really need to win this opener.  While Boston College closed strong, the Confidential has a lot of faith in Al Golden.  Prediction: Miami 21, Boston College 12.

Murray State at No. 7 Florida State. 6 p.m.  Florida State is going to be great this year.  It has been written everywhere.  This experienced, talented team will destroy Murray State.  Prediction: Florida State 45, Murray State 10.

Youngstown State at Pittsburgh. 6 p.m.  Pitt should have no trouble with Youngstown State.  But that does not mean that they will not, especially with the injuries.  Prediction: Pitt 27, Youngstown State 13.

Liberty at Wake Forest, 6:30 p.m.  Wake Forest had a tough loss in the opener last year, but will avoid that this year against an FCS foe.  Wake has a chance to make some real noise this year too.  Prediction: Wake Forest 31, Liberty 14.

FIU at Duke, 7 p.m.  This is a tough game to call.  Duke should be improved, but FIU is no slouch.  This just seems like an upset waiting to happen.  Prediction: FIU 24, Duke 20.

Auburn vs. No. 14 Clemson (in Atlanta), 7 p.m.  In another Atlanta-based, SEC-ACC battle, Clemson gets a chance to move past the disappointing finish of last year by defeating a sound SEC program.  Even without Sammy Watkins, the Confidential likes Clemson to do that.  Prediction: Clemson 31, Auburn 23.

September 3, 2012

Georgia Tech at No. 16 Virginia Tech, 8 p.m. Virginia Tech is capable of losing to anyone in September.  Georgia Tech is a very tough foe.  But Virginia Tech’s defense will rise to the occasion.  Prediction: Virginia Tech 24, Georgia Tech 20.

The Confidential apologizes in advance for not picking your team.  There is also a lot of chalk here.  However, predictions are made to be accurate, not controversial.  Feel free to share why we are wrong. 

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, Football, Predictions and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
07 Apr 2012

Mel Kiper’s Latest Mock Draft

ESPN’s NFL Draft guru, Mel Kiper, has issued a mock draft that goes two rounds deep–63 projected selections.  The draft is very heavy on ACC players.

Kiper has the first ACC player off the board in pick #11, with Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College to Kansas City:

Kuechly is a rare talent at linebacker — instinctive, explosive, able to make plays from sideline to sideline, but very sound in reading plays into the backfield and making stops. Kansas City has a need here, and Kuechly is a safe pick, a guy who can get on the field early and pick up the nuances of the NFL game right away. A tackling machine at linebacker, he’ll make any defense better.

At #12, Kiper goes right back to the ACC with Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina, to Seattle:

Even if Kuechly is still on the board, it would be tough for Seattle to pass on perhaps the safest 4-3 DE option available. Coples has prototypical size, can play every down as a pass-rusher and has a solid arsenal of moves to get to opposing quarterbacks, but with the size and discipline to be a force against the run. Seattle can’t go wrong here with either the top LB or DE available. This defense is close to being considered among the NFL’s finest.

At #18, rapidly rising Chander Jones, DE, Syracuse, is projected to go to San Diego:

Listed as a defensive end at Syracuse, Jones has the talent, upside and a great frame to make the move to OLB in a pass-rushing role. He’s still a little raw, but the instincts are there and offensive linemen have a really tough time getting their hands on him. Could blossom into a star for the Chargers.

At #30, San Francisco goes for offense with Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech:

Hill is the biggest home run threat in the draft when you combine his speed and size, and it’s no secret the 49ers need some help at wide receiver, even with the additions of Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. He’ll need an adjustment period as he gets used to doing more in terms of scheme than he was asked at Georgia Tech, but he’s the kind of weapon this offense needs to expand.

Pretty interesting first round–not a single player from Miami, Florida State, Clemson, or Virginia Tech.

Here are Kiper’s second round projections:

Round 2
Pick Team Player Position School

42 Miami Andre Branch DE Clemson
A great fit in Miami’s adjusted scheme, Branch offers late-first-round value at this spot.

46 Philadelphia Zach Brown LB North Carolina
A great athlete who can fill a big need at linebacker for the Eagles. Even with DeMeco Ryans, they need help.

51 Philadelphia (from Ariz) Dwayne Allen TE Clemson
My top tight end for much of the year, Allen didn’t test well, but he’s there on tape.

60 Baltimore Terrell Manning LB N.C. State
They lost another good OLB this offseason, and Manning makes sense as a reinforcement.

63 New York Giants David Wilson RB Virginia Tech
They lose Brandon Jacobs, but Wilson will bring some power of his own, with a lot more explosiveness.

So Kiper sees nine ACC players going in the first two rounds.  Still nobody from Miami or Florida State though.  That is pretty shocking really.

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, Football, Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , ,
04 Apr 2012

Here comes the 2012-2013 Preseason Polls

While most of the college basketball world has shifted from the 2011-2012 season into preparing for the Mayan End of the World in December 2012, a few brave souls have decided to issue early pre-season basketball polls.

CBS’s Dennis Dodd decided to go away out on a limb by projecting Kentucky #1.  Syracuse, at #7, is the highest ranking ACC team, while North Carolina is at #10.  North Carolina State at #15 edges out Duke at #18.  No other ACC team made Dodd’s list.

ESPN’s Andy Katz at least tries to do something different, projecting Indiana as #1.  Katz has North Carolina State at #6 and North Carolina at #11.  Syracuse and Duke are #14 and #15, respectfully.  He also has Florida State, Pitt, and Maryland “on the cusp.”

NBC’s Mike Miller also has Indiana as the projected #1.  So maybe Katz is right and Dodd is the one that is clueless.  Miller has North Carolina State #4, Duke #11, Syracuse #15, and North Carolina all the way down at #22.  Miller also “considered” Maryland, which is nice.

Combining these three polls, reveals the following results:

  • North Carolina State: #15, #6, and #4 = 25 pts
  • Syracuse: #7, #14, and #15 = 36 pts
  • North Carolina: #10, #11, and #22 = 43 pts
  • Duke #18, #15, and #11 = 44 pts

There it is, folks.  Looks like the North Carolina State Wolfpack are you early favorites to take home the ACC Championship in 2012-2013.  Assuming we make it that far, of course.

Posted by acaffrey in ACC only, Basketball, Predictions and tagged , , , , , , ,

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