GameDay: Week 7

This week brings us a few big time games to keep an eye on as Conference play starts to heat up.  Make sure to check out the PGWU podcast, Power Poll, Heisman Watch and every conference breakdown.  We have some great writers who really know their stuff.

This is your open thread for the day in college football, so let us who who your teams are, favorite players or what games you will be watching today.  I will be on my couch for the long haul, trying to avoid MLB playoffs.

Big 10 Report: Week 7

Overview:

Over the weekend we got a good gauge on who the contenders are going to be for the Big 10 title. As I see it right now I would say that Ohio State, Michigan State, and Iowa have the best shot of coming home with the Big 10 crown. However, this weekend’s matchup of Ohio State vs Wisconsin could change a lot if Wisconsin could manage an upset.

Michigan State avoided their first loss last week by containing the extremely dangerous Denard Robinson. They have proven that they have all the parts necessary to end the season at the top of the Big 10. Their running attack is 2nd to none in the conference and they will continue to count on it heavily.

Two teams had devastating losses and they would be Penn State and Northwestern. Both teams didn’t have a legitimate shot at finishing atop the conference but these loss have a lot of questions swirling round each team. Penn State was expected to have a down year but nobody expected them to lose to Illinois at home. And while it’s not a major upset many expected Northwestern to handle a struggling Purdue team.

Lastly, is this the fall of the Wolverines? They started last season off very similar to this season and they ended the season very poorly. The Michigan State defense exposed the blue print to slow down Denard Robinson, and I am sure the rest of the Big 10 took notice.

Standout Players:

To me the standout players come from 1 team in particular and that is Michigan State. Edwin Baker may very well be the top running back in the Big 10 and he continues to help this Michigan State team claim victories. Kirk Cousins has been a rock at the quarterback position, he is a very clutch player and is capable of leading his team when it matter most. I really couldn’t pinpoint just one player so I think you have to recognize the entire Illinois team for their dominating performance against Penn State in Happy Valley, not many teams are able to win in Beaver Stadium.

Looking Ahead:

The top game is Ohio State vs Wisconsin and we should know a lot more about both teams after Saturday’s game. In one hand a victory for Ohio State brings them a lot closer to playing for a National Title and Wisconsin is trying to get back into the Big 10 Championship discussion. Another game that I will be keeping a close watch on is the Illinois vs Michigan State game where the Spartans look to avoid a letdown after their big in vs Michigan. I also wouldn’t sleep on the Iowa vs Michigan game because the Wolverines will be thrusty for revenge as they attempt to get back on the winning track.

Written by Jon Dove.  Follow him on Twitter @NFLMocks.

MWC Report: Week 7

MWC week 6 pack it in, welcome week 7

With week 6 in the books already, this 2010 FBS season is going by quickly, next thing you know its bowl season already; can we halt this a bit so we can enjoy it before you know it football is gone from us again. Anyway, there were a couple surprises last week in the MWC and a majority of “yeah I knew that would happen” type of games; like the New Mexico and New Mexico State game, like I said don’t expect any offense in that game.

The Class Act in the MWC
TCU HORNED FROGS currently ranked 4th in the nation, they can thank Alabama for their lost and better TCU’s chances of a possible bid in the title game. They have an upcoming 3 game stretch that’ll be their meat of the schedule, they can tough it out and win out, who knows what’ll happen within the BCS Rankings. They welcome BYU this week, play 23rd ranked Air Force following week and got a date with another MWC powerhouse 11th ranked Utah, none are easy outs for the Horned Frogs. They’re currently the top ranked defense in the nation, 2nd in points allowed with 10.2 ppg and just had back to back shutouts to extend their regular season winning streak to 19. They are playing at home this week where they have outscored their opponents 152-17.

Week 6 recap
• Colorado State – 27 @ Air Force – 49
• Wyoming – 0 @ TCU – 45
• UNLV – 10 @ West Virginia – 49
• SDSU – 21 @ BYU – 24
• UTAH – 68 @ Iowa State – 27
• New Mexico – 14 @ New Mexico State – 16

WEEK 6 STANDOUT PLAYERS
• Colorado State – RB – Leonard Mason 22car 139yds 1td
• Air Force – RB – Asher Clark 17car 125yds 1td
• Air Force – WR – Zach Kauth 3rec 85yds 2td
• TCU – QB – Andy Dalton 14-17 270yds 3tds
• TCU – RB – Ed Wesley 17car 115yds 1td
• TCU – rushed as a team for a total of 305yds
• SDSU – QB – Ryan Lindley 20-34 220yds 3tds 1int
• SDSU – WR – Vincent Brown 6rec 101yds 1td
• BYU – RB – JJ Di Luigi 22car 134yds 1td
• BYU – RB – Bryan Kariya 22car 85yds 2tds
• UTAH – RB – Eddie Wide 13car 71yds 2td 4rec 46yds 1td
• UTAH – QB – Jordan Wynn 23-31 325yds 2td 1int
• UTAH – WR – DeVonte Christopher 6rec 124yds 1td

WEEK 7 GAMES:

UNLV @ Colorado State – if the Rams RB Mason can continue to run well, I’ll take the Rams in this one. UNLV QB Omar Clayton should keep this one interesting though but at home, Rams come out with the victory. UNLV – 17 @ CSU – 27

(11) Utah @ Wyoming – what are the chances for Wyoming to face TCU one week only to follow it up against Utah. Wyoming can play for pride, as I don’t think they’ll score a touchdown in this game neither. Look for Utah to get another blowout in as QB Wynn takes care of business, early and often. Utah – 52 Wyoming – 0

BYU @ (4) TCU – back to back shutouts and TCU is at home where they’ve outscored their opponents 152-17; yes I like their chances of winning another game to extend their regular season winning streak to 20, Dalton and Wesley will take care of business, easily. BYU – 14 @ TCU – 47

(23) Air Force @ San Diego State – I believe San Diego State got upset last week in the hands of BYU, look for a bounce back game but it wont come easy as the Falcons potent rushing attack will be a hard out for San Diego State. This should be a shootout with the home team coming out on top in this one. Aztec RB Ronnie Hillman will definitely have a bounce back game. AIR FORCE – 31 @ SDSU – 42

Written by Brandon “Bee” Salamat.  Follow him on Twitter @TruGentleman808.

Big East and Indy Report: Week 7

This week the Big East moves into Week 2 of conference play. West Virginia is solidifying its status as the conference favorite. Will Syracuse and Rutgers have anything to say about it later in the season?

West Virginia 20 – South Florida 6 (Thursday)

South Florida loses its second straight game in Big East play after losing to Syracuse for the first time last week.

Sophomore Geno Smith led WVU with 219 yards on 24 of 31 passing and 2 TDs.

South Florida just could not get it together offensively with only 202 total yards of offense. Dontavia Bogan put in the lone outstanding performance with 11 receptions for 98 yards.

Louisville @ Cincinnati

Cincinnati is a slight favorite away at Louisville this Friday.

Louisville had a confidence building game last week after shelling Memphis 56-0. Reality sets in with a Cincinnati team looking to salvage its slow 2-3 start.

Adam Froman is looking to win his first conference game of the year. After 4 TD passes against Memphis in the first half and an impressive performance against Oregon State, he should continue to pressure the Cincy defense.

Cincinnati is well prepared this week as running back Isaiah Pead rushed for all of his 197 yards against Miami (OH). All of those yards came in the first half.

Cincy and QB Zach Collaros have chips burning on the shoulders after being spurned by their coach. The win against Louisville will push the Bearcats back to .500.

Army @ Rutgers (@ East Rutherford, NJ)

Army is only 2 more wins away from securing its first bowl game in over a decade when it faces 3-2 Rutgers at the new Giants Stadium.

Greg Schiano continues to lie in wait for the Penn State job when Joe Paterno finally retires. He’ll be ready for this surprisingly big game against the Black Knights.

Army continues to have the 9th ranked rushing offense and continues to rack up the points with 32 points a game. Trent Steelman continues to impress and statistically ranks among the top quarterbacks in the NCAA. For backup, I implore you to read the well-written “Positive Impact Factors” articles found on our sister site inthebleachers.net.

Army may want you to “bet on black”, but the Rutgers defense should be enough to pull off the win.

Pitt at Syracuse

Syracuse comes home this week to face Pitt after a huge upset against South Florida.

Fans in upstate New York have a reason to believe in the poise of QB Mike Nassib after completing a 98 yard scoring drive in the middle of the 4th quarter.

Quarterback Tino Sunseri led a 2nd half comeback against Notre Dame last week with a rushing and passing TD. He finished 27 of 39 for 272 yards.

Syracuse only gives up 160 yards a game passing but had a weak outing against Jake Locker and Washington in Week 2.

The Carrier Dome should be as loud as it has been for a football game in years. That crowd edge should make the difference and give Syracuse the win.

SMU at Navy

The Midshipmen are at home this week against Southern Methodist.

The running game continues to impress, but one must worry about special teams due to 6’8” 270 pound DE Margus Hunt. In his second year of playing football, he has set the SMU record for 9 blocked kicks. Opponents are only 2 of 9 in FG attempts this year. Impressive more so as SMU has kept it competitive in its two losses against Texas Tech and #4 TCU.

Navy is at home this week and should keep squeak out a close win in what is expected to muddy fields galore along the entire eastern seaboard. Quarterback Ricky Dobbs should be able to take advantage of the conditions and lead the rushing attack for another 200 yards on the ground.

Expect a Navy win in this one.

Western Michigan @ Notre Dame
Western Michigan comes into South Bend after a big win against Ball State.

Let’s be honest. The momentum screams Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are on a 2 game winning streak after tough wins at Boston College and at home against Pitt.

Notre Dame hits the softer part of its schedule in 4 of the next 5 games, barring an upset at home against Top-10 Utah. QB Dayne Crist is coming along as a leader with a rushing and passing TD each last week against the Panthers.

Expect an easy 2 TD victory with starters pulled in the 4th Quarter to take away any risk of injury.

Will we finally see an Army-Navy game with teams that have double digit combined wins? Will Mike Nassib prove to be the best Syracuse QB since Donovan McNabb? Is Michael Bisping underrated or just way too confident in his abilities? Let me know on Twitter @prttimesouthpaw