Championship Sunday is here. 32 teams started the season with dreams of going to the Superbowl. Only 4 still have a chance to realize those dreams. I will now predict which 2 will remain after today
AFC
Colts(12-6) at Patriots(13-4)
The Colts are somewhat of a cinderella story, as they have knocked off both Cincinnati and Denver en route to the AFC title game not many expected them to be in when the playoff pairings were announced. However, I think midnight will strike for the Colts today. The Patriots have a very strong secondary, and the Colts are not very strong running the ball, even more so now that Trent Richardson had left the team due to a family emergency. This means that Andrew Luck will be forced to beat the Patriots doing a lot of the work, and as good as Luck is, I do not see that happening today.
Winner: Patriots
Packers(13-4) at Seahawks(13-4)
This is the more interesting of the 2 games in my opinion. The Seahawks defense will be tested today as the will be going up against Aaron Rodgers and Jody Nelson. However, Rodgers had a decent but not great performance in the Packers win over Dallas last Sunday, and the Cowboys do not have a strong secondary. Rodgers may still not be 100% from a foot injury suffered in Week 17. Seattle's secondary is the best in the league, and that became apparent Saturday night when they made life a living hell for Cam Newton. The Seahawks offense also has been playing well as of late, as Russell Wilson is as good at managing the clock and keeping the ball out of Rodgers hands.
Winner: Seahawks
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Monday, January 12, 2015
College Football Title Game Breakdown/Prediction
It's here. The National Championship Game. Over 120 teams came into training camp dreaming of playing in this game, but only 2 have turned that dream into reality. Those 2 are the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Oregon Ducks. Let's get into each teams road to the ''Ship''.
Ohio State
The Bucks season appeared over before it started. Standout QB Braxton Miller tore his ACL shortly after the beginning camp, and Buckeye fans were understandably shell shocked. This forced Freshman JT Barrett to take over, and many fans were skeptical, to put it mildly. If fans were skeptical before the season, then they must have been downright frightened after a Week 2 loss to a mediocre Virginia Tech team in their home stadium. Fans may have been a little more at ease the next week when the Bucks trounced lowly Kent State by a 66-0 margin, by the relief was marginal at best. Things started to look up in Columbus the next week when The Buckeyes defeated a pretty good Cincinnati team by a respectable margin of 50-28. By this point fans were starting to have faith in young Barrett. Next came the B1G opener on the road at Maryland. Barrett proved more than ready as The Bucks trounced the Terps 52-24. By this point, fans knew that things were looking pretty good. It only got better as OSU blew out another opponent 7 days later. This time Rutgers was the victim, and the scoreboard read 56-17 as the final whistle sounded. Ohio State would face what would prove to be their biggest scare of 2014 the next week in Happy Valley. An inspired Penn State team had the Bucks on the ropes, and a clutch sack by standout DE Joey Bosa in 2OT sealed another Buckeye victory, by a score of 31-24. Things would get easy again next Saturday with a 55-14 curb stomp of Illinois. The next week, OSU would have to travel to East Lansing to take on #8 ranked and B1G leader Michigan State. Barrett would prove more then ready as the Bucks put up 49 points on a very good defensive football team, and won 49-37. The next week was somewhat of a test, but OSU would pull away late from a scrappy Indiana team by a score of 42-27. Next week was Michigan week. The determined Wolverines would not go down easily, but the Bucks would pull out a 42-28 win. It would come with a price though, as JT Barrett, who at this point had broken several B1G records, was lost for good with a broken ankle. Again, panic arose in Columbus. Now it would be up to Junior Cardale Jones to keep the ship from sinking. With a huge test coming up against #13 Wisconsin in the B1G championship game, fans were very unstable. All worries were put to rest when Brutus trounced Bucky by a score of 59-0. Cardale proved more then worthy to caption the boat. Now, fans would have to wait to see if their team would be one of the 4 chosen for the first ever College Football Playoff. The committee would answer prayers and choose the Bucks over both TCU and Baylor. The Bucks would prove that they were in fact worthy of the honor when they upset #1 Alabama by a score of 42-35 in the semifinal game. Now its time for Oregon, who happens to feature the best player in the land, QB Marcus Mariota.
Oregon
Unlike their opponents, the Ducks were expected by many to be in this position. The Ducks first test came in Week 2, and they proved worthy with a 46-27 win over Michigan State. After 2 more wins, the Ducks were stunned on a Thursday Night in their own stadium by Arizona. The Ducks would have to prove to their fans that they could respond from adversity. They did just that the next week with a 42-30 road win over #18 UCLA. The Ducks next test would come in Salt Lake City against #17 Utah. The Utes would be tough, but bonehead plays and dumb mistakes would be enough for the Ducks to take advantage and go back to campus with a 51-27 win. After a trouncing of Colorado, the Ducks would face a determined Oregon State team in Corvallis for the annual Civil War. It would prove to be no issue as the Ducks would leave with a 47-19 victory. Next Friday night would be the Pac-12 title game, against the team that defeated the Ducks, #7 Arizona. The Ducks were pissed off for revenge and they curb stomped the Cats 51-13. The Ducks had done enough to earn a spot in the Playoff. The Ducks would destroy Jameis Winston and #3 Florida State in the semifinal game. That brings them to tonight.
Now, I will go over how the 2 teams match up against one another.
Offense
You all know where this is going. Oregon has long been know for their fast-past, very exciting offense. They feature the best QB in the land in Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Marriota, as well as a solid running back in Royce Freeman as well as WR Bryon Marshall. The Ducks attack received a hit when 2nd leading receiver Darren Carrington was suspended for the game after failing a drug test, but Offensive Coordinator Scott Frost and his attack will still be tough to slow down. Ohio State is also very good offensively. Led by Jones and standout RB Ezekiel Elliott, the Bucks also have a strong group of receivers that includes Devin Smith, Jalen Marshall and TE Nick Vannett. Still, I give the edge to the Ducks
Edge: Oregon
Defense
Ohio States defense has been strong all year. Led up front by Defensive End Joey Bosa and Defensive Tackle Michael Bennett, the Bucks front 4 is very capable. The secondary is anchored by Freshman Eli Apple. Oregon's defensive is known for allowing a lot of yards, but they always seem to stiffen in the red zone. Both units are capable, but I'm going to have to give the edge to Luke Fickell's defense.
Edge: Buckeyes
Special Teams
One of OSU's strengths is pinning teams deep, and the main reason for this is punter Cameron Johnston. Both teams have strong kickers, but this field position will have a huge role in this game.
Edge: Ohio State
Coaching
No brainer here. Urban Meyer already has 2 national championships, while Mark Helfrich is a good coach but only in his 2nd season.
Edge: OSU
This game will be very fun with a lot of action and drama, but after comparing the 2 teams, I have to give Ohio State the edge. The Bucks are looking like a team of destiny and no creature will get in their way. OH
Winner and 2015 College Football Playoff Champions: Ohio State
Ohio State
The Bucks season appeared over before it started. Standout QB Braxton Miller tore his ACL shortly after the beginning camp, and Buckeye fans were understandably shell shocked. This forced Freshman JT Barrett to take over, and many fans were skeptical, to put it mildly. If fans were skeptical before the season, then they must have been downright frightened after a Week 2 loss to a mediocre Virginia Tech team in their home stadium. Fans may have been a little more at ease the next week when the Bucks trounced lowly Kent State by a 66-0 margin, by the relief was marginal at best. Things started to look up in Columbus the next week when The Buckeyes defeated a pretty good Cincinnati team by a respectable margin of 50-28. By this point fans were starting to have faith in young Barrett. Next came the B1G opener on the road at Maryland. Barrett proved more than ready as The Bucks trounced the Terps 52-24. By this point, fans knew that things were looking pretty good. It only got better as OSU blew out another opponent 7 days later. This time Rutgers was the victim, and the scoreboard read 56-17 as the final whistle sounded. Ohio State would face what would prove to be their biggest scare of 2014 the next week in Happy Valley. An inspired Penn State team had the Bucks on the ropes, and a clutch sack by standout DE Joey Bosa in 2OT sealed another Buckeye victory, by a score of 31-24. Things would get easy again next Saturday with a 55-14 curb stomp of Illinois. The next week, OSU would have to travel to East Lansing to take on #8 ranked and B1G leader Michigan State. Barrett would prove more then ready as the Bucks put up 49 points on a very good defensive football team, and won 49-37. The next week was somewhat of a test, but OSU would pull away late from a scrappy Indiana team by a score of 42-27. Next week was Michigan week. The determined Wolverines would not go down easily, but the Bucks would pull out a 42-28 win. It would come with a price though, as JT Barrett, who at this point had broken several B1G records, was lost for good with a broken ankle. Again, panic arose in Columbus. Now it would be up to Junior Cardale Jones to keep the ship from sinking. With a huge test coming up against #13 Wisconsin in the B1G championship game, fans were very unstable. All worries were put to rest when Brutus trounced Bucky by a score of 59-0. Cardale proved more then worthy to caption the boat. Now, fans would have to wait to see if their team would be one of the 4 chosen for the first ever College Football Playoff. The committee would answer prayers and choose the Bucks over both TCU and Baylor. The Bucks would prove that they were in fact worthy of the honor when they upset #1 Alabama by a score of 42-35 in the semifinal game. Now its time for Oregon, who happens to feature the best player in the land, QB Marcus Mariota.
Oregon
Unlike their opponents, the Ducks were expected by many to be in this position. The Ducks first test came in Week 2, and they proved worthy with a 46-27 win over Michigan State. After 2 more wins, the Ducks were stunned on a Thursday Night in their own stadium by Arizona. The Ducks would have to prove to their fans that they could respond from adversity. They did just that the next week with a 42-30 road win over #18 UCLA. The Ducks next test would come in Salt Lake City against #17 Utah. The Utes would be tough, but bonehead plays and dumb mistakes would be enough for the Ducks to take advantage and go back to campus with a 51-27 win. After a trouncing of Colorado, the Ducks would face a determined Oregon State team in Corvallis for the annual Civil War. It would prove to be no issue as the Ducks would leave with a 47-19 victory. Next Friday night would be the Pac-12 title game, against the team that defeated the Ducks, #7 Arizona. The Ducks were pissed off for revenge and they curb stomped the Cats 51-13. The Ducks had done enough to earn a spot in the Playoff. The Ducks would destroy Jameis Winston and #3 Florida State in the semifinal game. That brings them to tonight.
Now, I will go over how the 2 teams match up against one another.
Offense
You all know where this is going. Oregon has long been know for their fast-past, very exciting offense. They feature the best QB in the land in Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Marriota, as well as a solid running back in Royce Freeman as well as WR Bryon Marshall. The Ducks attack received a hit when 2nd leading receiver Darren Carrington was suspended for the game after failing a drug test, but Offensive Coordinator Scott Frost and his attack will still be tough to slow down. Ohio State is also very good offensively. Led by Jones and standout RB Ezekiel Elliott, the Bucks also have a strong group of receivers that includes Devin Smith, Jalen Marshall and TE Nick Vannett. Still, I give the edge to the Ducks
Edge: Oregon
Defense
Ohio States defense has been strong all year. Led up front by Defensive End Joey Bosa and Defensive Tackle Michael Bennett, the Bucks front 4 is very capable. The secondary is anchored by Freshman Eli Apple. Oregon's defensive is known for allowing a lot of yards, but they always seem to stiffen in the red zone. Both units are capable, but I'm going to have to give the edge to Luke Fickell's defense.
Edge: Buckeyes
Special Teams
One of OSU's strengths is pinning teams deep, and the main reason for this is punter Cameron Johnston. Both teams have strong kickers, but this field position will have a huge role in this game.
Edge: Ohio State
Coaching
No brainer here. Urban Meyer already has 2 national championships, while Mark Helfrich is a good coach but only in his 2nd season.
Edge: OSU
This game will be very fun with a lot of action and drama, but after comparing the 2 teams, I have to give Ohio State the edge. The Bucks are looking like a team of destiny and no creature will get in their way. OH
Winner and 2015 College Football Playoff Champions: Ohio State
Sunday, January 11, 2015
NFL Playoffs- Sunday Predictions
Day 2 of the NFL divisional playoffs is here. Let's get into what I think will happen today.
4:40
Colts (11-6) at Broncos(12-4)
It will be Past vs. Present as Andrew Luck will battle Peyton Manning. I am expecting a lot of points, but I think that Denver will advance because they're offense will be too much for the Colts defense. Although the Colts are a decent defensive team, Manning and the Denver offense are too good at Mile High to be stopped in this one.
Winner: Broncos
1:05
Cowboys(13-4) at Packers (12-4)
The Cowboys are undefeated at on the road while the Pack are undefeated at the Frozen Tundra. I thin k that Aaron Rodgers will take advantage of the mediocre Cowboys secondary, and that will be a big reason why the Packers will move on to Seattle.
Winner: Packers
Thanks for the read!?!
4:40
Colts (11-6) at Broncos(12-4)
It will be Past vs. Present as Andrew Luck will battle Peyton Manning. I am expecting a lot of points, but I think that Denver will advance because they're offense will be too much for the Colts defense. Although the Colts are a decent defensive team, Manning and the Denver offense are too good at Mile High to be stopped in this one.
Winner: Broncos
1:05
Cowboys(13-4) at Packers (12-4)
The Cowboys are undefeated at on the road while the Pack are undefeated at the Frozen Tundra. I thin k that Aaron Rodgers will take advantage of the mediocre Cowboys secondary, and that will be a big reason why the Packers will move on to Seattle.
Winner: Packers
Thanks for the read!?!
Saturday, January 10, 2015
NFL Playoffs- Saturday Predictions
We are now in the NFL Divisional Playoffs. Let's get in to what I think will happen on Saturday.
4:35
Baltimore(11-6) at New England(12-4)
The Ravens are coming off of a mini upset at Pittsburgh last Saturday, while New England a bye. Both teams have strong defenses, but I give New England the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Ravens offense has not been steller, and I think the Patriots defense will hold them to under 20 points, which will be plenty for Tom Brady to pull out a W.
Winner: Patriots
8:15
Carolina(8-8-1) at Seattle(12-4)
The Panthers are coming off of an upset of a banged up Arizona team, while Seattle had a bye. I think the Hawks defense will be too much for Cam Newton to handle, and that the clock will strike midnight on Cinderella as a result.
Winner: Seattle
Thanks for reading folks!
Sunday, January 4, 2015
NFL Wildcard: Sunday Predictions
1:00
Bengals(10-5-1) at Colts(11-5)
It has been 25 years since the Bengals last won a playoff game. I think that changes today. The Bengals should he able to contain Trent Richardson, and the Colts passing game can struggle when the running game is not effective. Although AJ Green is out for the Bengals, the running tandem of Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard is very talented, and they will propel the Bengals to victory
Winner: Bengals
4:40
Lions(11-5) at Cowboys(12-4)
This game pits one of the best offenses in the league against one of the best defenses. The Lions defense was exposed against Green Bay last week, and Eddy Lacy had over 100 yards rushing for the Packers. Considering DeMarco Murry is the best runner in the league, I think he will have a huge day and the Boys will take this one.
Winner: Cowboys
Bengals(10-5-1) at Colts(11-5)
It has been 25 years since the Bengals last won a playoff game. I think that changes today. The Bengals should he able to contain Trent Richardson, and the Colts passing game can struggle when the running game is not effective. Although AJ Green is out for the Bengals, the running tandem of Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard is very talented, and they will propel the Bengals to victory
Winner: Bengals
4:40
Lions(11-5) at Cowboys(12-4)
This game pits one of the best offenses in the league against one of the best defenses. The Lions defense was exposed against Green Bay last week, and Eddy Lacy had over 100 yards rushing for the Packers. Considering DeMarco Murry is the best runner in the league, I think he will have a huge day and the Boys will take this one.
Winner: Cowboys
Saturday, January 3, 2015
NFL Wildcard Saturday Predictions
4:00
Cardinals(11-5) at Panthers(7-8-1)
The Panthers are very lucky to be in the in the playoffs, but don't sleep on them. They have a lot of weapons on offense and have been playing very well on both sides of the ball recently. The Cards are in peril as their offense is lost without Carson Palmer. With all do respect to Ryan Lindley, I'm taking the cats in this one.
Winner: Carolina
8:30
Ravens(10-6) at Steelers(11-5)
The Steelers will be shorthanded without star running back Le'Veon Bell. It's a toss up, but I like Ben Roethlisberger going against the Ravens secondary. I'm taking the Steelers in this one.
Winner: Steelers
Cardinals(11-5) at Panthers(7-8-1)
The Panthers are very lucky to be in the in the playoffs, but don't sleep on them. They have a lot of weapons on offense and have been playing very well on both sides of the ball recently. The Cards are in peril as their offense is lost without Carson Palmer. With all do respect to Ryan Lindley, I'm taking the cats in this one.
Winner: Carolina
8:30
Ravens(10-6) at Steelers(11-5)
The Steelers will be shorthanded without star running back Le'Veon Bell. It's a toss up, but I like Ben Roethlisberger going against the Ravens secondary. I'm taking the Steelers in this one.
Winner: Steelers
Thursday, January 1, 2015
New Year's Day Bowl Game Predictions
12:00
#19 Auburn at #18 Wisconsin
Outback Bowl
Both of these teams were in the Top 10 during the season, and Auburn was ranked as high as #2, before losing to Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Georgia and Alabama. Wisconsin is coming off of an awful 59-0 loss to Ohio State in the B1G Championship Game. Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon is the best back in the land, and he will take advantage of an Auburn defense that has struggled this season, and lead the Badgers to victory
Winner: Wisconsin
12:30
Cotton Bowl
#8 Michigan State vs. #5 Baylor
Baylor narrowly missed getting into the college football playoff, and Michigan States 2 losses have both come against playoff teams in #2 Oregon and #4 Ohio State. It will be a close game, as Baylor has an explosive offense that is #2 in the land in scoring lead by QB Bryce Petty, while MSU has a Stout defense. It will be close, but I think Baylor will have too much offensive firepower for Sparta
Winner: Baylor
1:00
Citrus Bowl
#16 Missouri vs. #25 Minnesota
Missouri was the best team in the weak SEC East, while Minnesota has the strongest team they've had in a while. Both teams are strong on the defensive side of the ball, but Minnesota is stronger offensively, and I think that will be the difference I'm this one
Winner: Minnesota
Playoffs
5:00
Rose Bowl
#2 Oregon vs. #3 Florida State
Oregon has been very dominant since their loss to Arizona, with QB and Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota leading the way. Jameis Winston and Florida State have had a lot of close calls, but have managed an undefeated record coming into the playoffs. I think that, after seeing how MSU'S defense struggled for most of the ACC title game against another strong offense in Georiga Tech, I don't see how the will be able to have success against Oregon and their much more fast pace scheme. It will be close in the first half, but the Ducks will pull away to win by 10-14 points
Winner: Oregon
Sugar Bowl
#4 Ohio State vs. #1 Alabama
This is easily the more intriguing game out of the 2 playoff games. It is almost too close to call. However, Alabama has a defense that is better then any Ohio State has seen all year. Also, WR Amari Cooper is in the minds of some the best player in College Football and finished 2nd in the Heisman Trophy voting. I'm going with the Tide
Winner: Alabama
#19 Auburn at #18 Wisconsin
Outback Bowl
Both of these teams were in the Top 10 during the season, and Auburn was ranked as high as #2, before losing to Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Georgia and Alabama. Wisconsin is coming off of an awful 59-0 loss to Ohio State in the B1G Championship Game. Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon is the best back in the land, and he will take advantage of an Auburn defense that has struggled this season, and lead the Badgers to victory
Winner: Wisconsin
12:30
Cotton Bowl
#8 Michigan State vs. #5 Baylor
Baylor narrowly missed getting into the college football playoff, and Michigan States 2 losses have both come against playoff teams in #2 Oregon and #4 Ohio State. It will be a close game, as Baylor has an explosive offense that is #2 in the land in scoring lead by QB Bryce Petty, while MSU has a Stout defense. It will be close, but I think Baylor will have too much offensive firepower for Sparta
Winner: Baylor
1:00
Citrus Bowl
#16 Missouri vs. #25 Minnesota
Missouri was the best team in the weak SEC East, while Minnesota has the strongest team they've had in a while. Both teams are strong on the defensive side of the ball, but Minnesota is stronger offensively, and I think that will be the difference I'm this one
Winner: Minnesota
Playoffs
5:00
Rose Bowl
#2 Oregon vs. #3 Florida State
Oregon has been very dominant since their loss to Arizona, with QB and Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota leading the way. Jameis Winston and Florida State have had a lot of close calls, but have managed an undefeated record coming into the playoffs. I think that, after seeing how MSU'S defense struggled for most of the ACC title game against another strong offense in Georiga Tech, I don't see how the will be able to have success against Oregon and their much more fast pace scheme. It will be close in the first half, but the Ducks will pull away to win by 10-14 points
Winner: Oregon
Sugar Bowl
#4 Ohio State vs. #1 Alabama
This is easily the more intriguing game out of the 2 playoff games. It is almost too close to call. However, Alabama has a defense that is better then any Ohio State has seen all year. Also, WR Amari Cooper is in the minds of some the best player in College Football and finished 2nd in the Heisman Trophy voting. I'm going with the Tide
Winner: Alabama
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)