LSU vs. Florida Preview

LSU vs. Florida preview by Taylor Cannon:

One of the best games of the week happens to come to Death Valley as LSU continues its quest for its 3rd BCS title as they face the Gators of Florida. The Gators are coming off a devastating loss to Alabama and losing starting QB John Brantley. LSU on the other hand had its way with Kentucky. Two ranked teams with vastly different outcomes from last game will clash in another good SEC battle.

Offense vs. Offense: Even though the Gators are missing Brantley, they will try to run the pro style offence with Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey, but these two haven’t seen the speed of LSU defensive ends. LSU offense got some more life with Jordan Jefferson coming back which may be key even if LSU doesn’t score just having long drives with Alfred Blue, Spencer Ware, and Michael Ford wearing down Florida’s D can B just as devastating – Edge LSU

Defense vs. Defense LSU once again but UF is no pushover either, but Sam Washington on the DE and Kirk Herbstreit’s Heisman trophy candidate in Tyrann Mathieu at DB LSU’S Defense is going to put pressure on Florida’s inexperienced Qb- Edge LSU

Intangibles - LSU Death Valley enough said - Edge: LSU

Winner and why-UF is going to be in for a looong day if LSU plays like it has been for the first 5 games and worse the offense may open up with Jefferson back and the LSU D will put some heavy pressure on UF Qb, but in the end Les Miles will be wearing a gator belt and some purple and gold now or later gators boots. Final Score- LSU 31- Gators 17

Sportaholic College Football Weekend Setup

Conference play is finally here and the first thing that catches my attention on the schedule are three heavyweight showdowns in the ACC, SEC and Big 10. Fresh off their victory over Florida State, Clemson takes on Virginia Tech as the Tigers have no time to celebrate or rest on there laurels. It doesn’t get any better than Florida vs. Alabama in the SEC. This could be a possible preview of the SEC championship game as both teams have looked strong and this should be the stiffest test Florida has seen thus far. Nebraska’s inaugural Big 10 game is a doozy as well as the Huskers take on the favorite to win the conference in my opinion Wisconsin. This is week 5 already and the games are only getting better each week. This slate this weekend will have a lot to say about where some of the top programs really stand and as a fan I can’t wait to see who rises to the top. Can Florida find a way to break Bama’s impenetrable defense? Is Clemson for real or will they flake out against the more experienced Hokies? How will Nebraska’s superior D handle Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson and their ball control offense? A lot of questions that won’t be answered until the games are played but before they are lets break them down and see who has the edge.

#12 Florida (3-0) vs. #3 Alabama (3-0) – In the annual SEC showdown of the week, the Gators travel to get ol Tuscaloosa to take on the Tide. This one should be a tantalizing one for multiple reasons. The match-ups are crazy when you think about Florida’s speed demons Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps going against Bama’s rock solid front 7 with the like of stud LB Don’t’a Hightower and defensive linemen Courtney Upshaw. Charlie Weis has had success this year by mixing in screens and quick tosses to get his speedsters the edge but it will almost impossible against Bama as they have one of the fastest group of LBs in the nation. Weis also has coddled Jeff Brantley’s confidence by simplifying the offense and giving him a lot of short safe throws. If Florida is to win this game, Brantley will have to be able to complete some deep balls to his receiver because Bama will load the box to stop Rainey and Demps. Florida’s defense isn’t too shabby either as they have their own ferocious front 7 as well. Trent Richardson is bread and butter of the offense for the Tide of course but just like Florida won’t be able to break a lot of those big gainers, I think the same will hold for Alabama. A.J. McCarron will have to make some plays for his team in this one. He does have a better receiving core around him than Brantley does. Marquise Maze seems to always make a play for his QB when he needs it the most and this game shouldn’t be any different. This is one of those games where you throw out all the stats because anything could happen. If you like fast flying defense’s and speedy shifty running back, this is the game you should be tuned into this weekend. As for the pick, I just can’t see Florida beating the Tide. Bama’s defense is too tough and will be prepared for the two-headed monster of Rainey and Demps. Brantley won’t be able to make enough plays and that will be the determining factor. The Pick: Alabama Crimson Tide.

#13 Clemson (3-0) vs. #11 Virginia Tech (3-0) – Raise your hand if you had this pegged as the most important game on schedule for the ACC. Waiting…. Ok yeah like I was saying, this one is a bit unexpected as the Tigers have brought it all together under Tajh Boyd and his stellar QB play so far. Boyd has probably brought on a contract extension for head coach Dabo Swiney as this could be a defining year for his program. When ever I see Sammy Watkins run with the ball it makes me hold my breath. That guy looks like he runs a 4.0 forty time. I don’t know if it’s the purple colored jerseys or what but boy he is fast. The Hokies are where we expected them to be, at the top of the ACC. Logan Thomas and the Tech offense will have to rev it up this game to keep up with the high paced spread offense first year OC Chad Morris has bought in with him. The Hokies defense is always stout and this year is no different with a pair of talented defensive ends in James Gayle and J.R. Collins who combined for four sacks and 12 tackles last week. Defense and special teams have always been the linchpin of Virginia Tech under Frank Beamer and that won’t change anytime soon. So basically what this game boils down to is Tech’s tough nosed defense vs. Clemson’s dynamic offense. From everything I have read on Tech’s offense, it doesn’t seem to have the horses to hang with the Tigers on that side of the ball. The Hokies do have a legit run game with David Wilson coming off a 132 yard performance against Marshall. So of course Tech will try to control time of possession to keep that explosive Tiger offense off the field. I’m not convinced it will be enough as Boyd, Watkins, and versatile tight end Dwayne Allen should be able to power Clemson to the win. The Pick: Clemson Tigers

#8 Nebraska (3-0) vs. #7 Wisconsin (3-0) – It has looked so easy for the Badgers and new QB Russell Wilson these first few weeks of the season. Now comes in big bad Nebraska in their first Big 10 conference game. The Badgers have just been rolling over inferior opponents and averaging 48.5 points in the process. The usually dominant Bo Pellini defense of Nebraska however has been disappointing ranking 52nd in the nation in yards allowed (349.8 yards) a game. This will be the first time all season that the Cornhuskers will have all of their guns on defense as DT Jared Crick, LB Lavonte David and CB Alfonzo Dennard will all be playing together due to injuries. It will take a great effort from all of those guys to stop juggernaut Badgers offense and give their mediocre offense led by QB Taylor Martinez a chance. Martinez numbers aren’t impressive but he probably gets more flak then he should considering his circumstances. It will be hard for him and the offense to move the ball on Wisconsin unless Martiznez breaks a few big gains with his feet. He has the speed to make a big difference against the Badgers. He and Rex Burkhead carry that offense and they don’t really have much else. With that in mind its easy in my opinion on the pick of this game. The Pick: Wisconsin Badgers

Game of the Week: Florida vs. Alabama – Ok maybe I am a little bias when it comes down to the SEC but how can you not watch this game? Two fast and dominant defense against a the two headed monster of Florida and the beast of Bama in Trent Richardson. This will be a great game for all the obvious reasons and I will make sure to be watching.

Most Intriguing Game: Texas A&M vs. Arkansas – Hmm, lets see here. So we have two ranked teams coming off of demoralizing losses and they happen to be rivals from the old Southwestern conference. Sounds interesting already right? And it only gets better as the loser of this one chances of a BCS bowl would be shot. To top it all off these are two high powered offenses that will be conference foes in 2012. Count me in on this one as well.

Under the Radar Game: USF vs. Pitt – This game could determine the winner of the Big East as crazy as it sounds, and Pitt has won the last three in this series. USF has looked good this season and if they take this one, I think they would run away with the Big East title.

Wake me when its over game: Arkansas State vs. Western Kentucky – When I saw Western Kentucky almost spring the upset of Kentucky in the season opener, I thought those guys would run over all of their conference foes. But alas, they are 0-3 and their oppoenent Ark. St. is 2-2 but they are a FCS team. Oh wait, Western got hammered by Indiana state this year which is a FCS team as well. I will be snoozing loudly during this one.

Coach better get it right game: Ole Miss vs. Fresno State – Is there a seat hotter than Houston Nutt’s? Most people would say Mark Richt maybe but Nutt’s team just lost to the Bulldogs last week. He has to pick his team up from the depths and at least show that they have some pride. The way Vandy beat up on the Rebels it’s a surprise they were even competitive against Georgia. Houston can all but kiss his job goodbye if swoon continues and even if he wins a few games it may not be enough.

Sportaholic College Football Weekend Setup

Last weekend was a great array of games including some of the best finishes we will probably see all season. And this Saturday will be even better as there are quite a few statement games on the docket. Florida State vs. Oklahoma of course will be the marquee game of the day as Bob Stoops and #1 ranked Sooners travel to Tallahassee to face the 5th ranked Seminoles. If Florida State is truly looking to join the elite again, then they have every opportunity to do so this Saturday. The annual Tennessee-Florida tilt is a little more exciting this year as UT features a fearless passing attack led by Tyler Bray K-47. This is always one of my favorite games of the year as a SEC fan. It’s the first real test for both teams and the outcome could determine the fate of the SEC East race. The Miami vs. Ohio State game could be called the ineligible bowl (What? You thought about that as well) as everyone who watches college football knows of all the allegations facing both programs, but even with that cloud hanging over this game the talent of the field will be evident. Other good games include Auburn at Clemson, Arizona State vs. Illinois, and Boise State vs. Toledo. All of these games should have a bit of intrigue to them as the college football season finally kicks it into overdrive. Many teams will be tested this week to enjoyment of the fans.

Now for the breakdown of the weekend’s best games:

#1 Oklahoma vs. #5 Florida State – This is the game to watch for obvious reasons this weekend. Florida State hasn’t played a game of this grandeur since 2004 when they faced #6 Virginia (Yeah, you read that right Virginia was ranked #6, surprised me to) and put a beat down on them 36-3. To win this game the Seminoles can not have anything close to the showing they had last year in Norman. Landry Jones absolutely carved them up throwing for 380 yards and 4 touchdowns and his favorite target in the 47-17 massacre was Ryan Broyles caught 12 passes for 124 yards and 1 touchdown. FSU of course is much improved since then as they brought in one of the best recruiting classes in the nation and added a lot more depth in their secondary. The ‘Noles will need to control the clock with their stable of running backs including James Wilder, Chris Thompson, Devonta Freeman or even B.J Manuel who will get his fair share of runs. Speaking of Manuel, he presents a different type of animal then what Oklahoma faced last year with Christian Ponder. The athletically gifted Manuel can do a lot more things out of the pocket and could hurt the defense when he improvises to find open receivers. Manuel has been good taking care of the ball this year as well as he only has two interceptions. As far as the Sooners offense, I believe they have the most balanced team in the nation with the emergence of Dominique Whaley who had a couple of Sportscenter-esque runs. This game has a chance to be a shootout as both teams can put up numbers on offense. If it does come down to this, I have to go with Oklahoma due to the balance of their offense as I stated earlier but it will be much closer than last year’s score. Prediction: Oklahoma

Tennessee vs. Florida – This is my personal favorite game every season because of the tradition that it has. The winner of this game has went on to win the SEC East in 12 of the 19 years of the SEC. The rivalry has fallen on hard times as UT was not completive over the last few seasons but low and behold they have finally got back up. Their offense features maybe the top passing trio in the SEC with Bray, Rogers, and Hunter. Bray has been brilliant this season so far going 51/65 for 698 yards 7 Td passes no interceptions and a 78.5 completion rate. Bray has two great targets in Da’Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter. Both are big, strong, physical receivers who can catch the ball on anyone. Florida will get its first real game for new coach Will Muschamp and his team will get a boost as beast defensive linemen Shariff Floyd comes back from suspension to join the team. Florida’s defense is the strength of the team this year as the have the #1 scoring defense in the nation. The Gators front 7 is as good as it gets in college football with Jaye Howard, Ronald Powell and the aforementioned Floyd. The only weakness it appears to have is in its secondary as they feature two freshman cornerbacks. That has to scare the bejesus out of Muschamp as Bray comes to town. The Florida offense has relied heavily on its two headed monster of Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps to provide explosive plays with their speed. They have been up to the task so far but against far less competition. Jeff Brantley has played solid for the Gators so far this season but nothing spectacular in Charlie Weis’s new pro style offense. Speaking of nothing spectacular Tennessee’s defense has been decent so far this year but they will challenged early and often with the Gators two speedy running backs. The Vols haven’t been strong on the defensive line particularly this year as they don’t have the horses you need to shore up that issue. Malik Jackson has been the team’s most disruptive player on defense but he can’t do it all himself. This game will come down to the two teams strengths which for Tennessee is offense and for Florida is defense. Bray should be able to attack the Gators secondary if he gets enough time. Florida’s defensive line is the as disruptive a line as you will find and will try to touch Bray as much as they can. The ex-factor in this game will be Taurean Poole. If he can gain enough yards to keep the Gators defense honest then UT will be able to throw the ball on them. I think Bray will be in for a shell shock moment when he hears the crowd in the swamp but eventually will lead UT to the win. Florida’s offense just doesn’t seem to have the firepower to this year. Prediction: Tennessee

Miami vs. Ohio State – The ineligible bowl will be played in Miami this year and the Canes are looking for some revenge from last years defeat. I won’t even say the easy jokes and punch lines that come with this one. Ohio State narrowly escaped Toledo last week as they had to play a full game to defeat the Rockets. Miami on the other hand lost altogether to Maryland and those hideous uniforms 24-32. The good thing for the ‘Canes is that they will be getting back starters QB Jacory Harris (Don’t know if that a good thing or bad thing), LB Sean Speance, DT Marcus Fortson, DE Adwale Ojomo, and WR Travis Benjamin. Harris wasn’t very good last year when the two teams faced off in Columbus as he threw four interceptions. But that was last years Buckeyes defense, anyone who saw them against Toledo knows that the Hurricanes should have a few open windows to throw in. The Buckeyes have been doing well in the run stop department as they have only allowed 81 yards so far this season but will be tested by the underrated Miami RB Lamar Miller. Ohio State’s offense isn’t the prettiest thing to watch but it’s effective. Senior Joe Bauserman and freshman Braxton Miller provide a 1-2 punch of sorts with Bauserman usually starting and the Buckeyes running a separate package for the more athletically gifted Miller. The run game is always the name of the game in Columbus and this year Carlos Hyde (33 carries 169 yards 2 Tds) and Rod Smith (25 carries 98 yards 1 Td) have been toting the rock for the Buckeyes this year. This game comes down to if the Buckeye defense can force Harris into the same type of mistakes he made last year. Hurricanes new coach Al Golden anointed Harris the starter coming back off suspension and he needs to show the coach was right in picking him. I believe the Hurricanes will finally stand up and take back some of their dignity this game. Prediction: Miami

Game of the Week – Florida State vs. Oklahoma: This one was easy this week. Anytime you have the #1 team taking on the #5 team then more than likely that’s going to be your marquee match-up. The hype has been building all week for these two teams. Can the Seminoles re-assert themselves as a major player in the college football world or can the Boomer Sooners reinforce their hold as the #1 ranked team in all the land?

Rivalry Game – BYU vs. Utah: As much as I want to go Tennessee-Florida here, Louisville-Kentucky, or even Colorado vs. Colorado State, I have to pay homage to the holy war of BYU vs. Utah. This game is usually played later in November on rivalry week but because of Utah switching to the Pac-12 they had to move up the date. Both teams are coming off tough losses and would love none other but to put the other on a two game losing skid. This one has all the makings of a great game.

Most Intriguing game - Penn State vs. Temple: Joe Pa and co will have a tougher than expected test against the Owls this year. Temple leads the nation in sacks with 11 so far and will look to get pressure on Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin. The Nittany Lions are 36-3-1 all time against Temple but a lot of experts are saying this one will won’t be easy. We shall see this Saturday.

Under the radar game – West Virginia vs. Maryland: This should be a fun one for all you offensive minded fans. Maryland coming off their victory over Miami and the big controversy over those uniforms welcomes in a West Virginia team that likes to light up the scoreboard. West Virginia has won five in a row over the Terps and haven’t but that means nothing at this point.

Wake when its over game – Miami of Ohio vs. Minnesota: It really sucks that I have to choose this game after the situation that Gophers coach Jerry Kill suffered against USC last weekend. He appears to be ok and will be on the sidelines for this one. As far as the game itself, you have yourself have a Miami of Ohio team that has lost their last 14 non-conference road games and Minnesota who hasn’t beaten anyone of recognition it seems in forever. This one will be a snooze fest and the Big Ten Network is only covering this game because it has to.

Coach better get it right game – Kentucky vs. Louisville: I will lay off of Mark Richt this week as he has enough problems as it is. Kentucky has looked awful in its two wins with an inept offense this year. Head Coach Joker Phillips’ team needs to show some fire for the Wildcat faithful to prove he is the man for the job. No better time to for that than when arch rival Louisville and coach Charlie Strong steps onto the field. Three of the past four meetings have been decided by 7 points or less so this should be a good one.

UT and Vandy Report week 10

Tennessee and Vandy had decidedly different outcomes in their games this weekend. UT manhandled Memphis 50-14 and and Vandy was on the end of a 55-14 whopping. Let's breakdown both games.

UT 50 Memphis 14 - Tyler Bray got the start for Tennessee and delivered big time for the Vols. Bray made some exceptional throws going 19/33 for 325 yards and 3 touchdowns. Bray, showed why the coaches and the team are so high on him, making the young Tigers secondary look over matched. Although this was a mediocre Memphis team, Bray showed poise in the pocket through out the game. UT actually started the game by spotting the Tigers a 7-0 lead. Ryan Williams put Memphis on the scoreboard first as he hit Marcus Rucker with a four-yard TD strike midway through the first quarter, but from there the contest belonged to UT as it tallied 50 straight points.

UT begin its manhandling with Bray tossing two touchdown passes, one to Taurean Poole for nine yards and then a beauty of a throw to Justin Hunter for 42-yards. The score was 14-7 after the first quarter.

In the second is where the Vols really took off on the Tigers, scoring 26 points. It started with a 26-yard field goal from Micheal Parlardy and two more touchdown passes from Bray to Denarius Moore and Da'Rick Rogers of 14 and 22 yards. Bray would later find Gerald Jones (who moved into the top 10 all-time receiving in Vols history) on a nine-yard TD pass play and Micheal Parlardy ended the quarter with another field goal to make it 40-7 at halftime.

In the third, Tauren Poole (Who finished with 101 yards on 16 carries)  would burst for a 21-yard run and Parlardy would add another field goal. The game was over going into the fourth. It was good to see the Vols have some success after struggling so much this year. The defense even showed some teeth with Chris Walker recording a couple of sacks and the team recorded 3 interceptions. They also forced 3 fumbles but only recovered one. The Vols would end the night with 510 yards of offense, including 379 through the air. The 50 points matched Tennessee's largest scoring output of the season. I am excited to see Bray's progression. No knock against Matt Simms, but Bray has all the tools for in an SEC quarterback with the big arm and quick release. UT can open the playbook more with his play. Bray has a chance to be very good in the coming years and should only develop a better chemistry with his young receivers in Justin Hunter and Da'Rick Rogers. This has to be a good feeling for the Vol faithful after suffering one of the toughest season's of memory but the future looks bright on the offensive side of the ball.

One bad note of the game perhaps was kicker Micheal Parlardy. Head coach Derek Dooley wasn't happy with his kicker after the game. He didn't play well last night," Dooley said on his Sunday teleconference. "He took a little step back."

The win now puts UT at 3-6. The next three games look to be winnable for the Vols as they face Ole Miss, Vandy, and Kentucky.Hopefully they can keep the good play up and win their last three games to become bowl eligible.

Florida 55 Vanderbilt 14 - Florida walked into Nashville and thoroughly demolished the Commodores. The Gators used their big play ability to turn this one into a laugher.

Chris Rainey (In his second game back from suspension) would block punts from Vandy twice and also caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from John Brantley. The Commodores would not score until  Ryan van Rensberg blocked a punt Javon Marshall recovered and ran in for a touchdown, making it 41-7.

Its really disheartening to see Vandy play so bad. They couldn't stop the Gators in any phase of the game. Vandy has now lost its fourth straight, ensuring a second straight losing season under first-year coach Robbie Caldwell. They have also been outscored 168-35 in this slide. I knew with top running back Warren Norman out they would struggle but the offense was just anemic. Larry Smith finished a dismal 7/18 for 28 yards passing no touchdowns before being relieved by Jared Funk. The offense only generated 109 total yards and that just won't get it done in the SEC. Vandy had trouble fielding kickoffs and the miscues on top of such a horrible offensive performance all but the doomed the Dores.

Vandy is now 2-7 with 3 games remaining and will have a hard time winning any the way they are playing. I really like Robbie Caldwell but he seems to be in over his head. Its hard to justify bringing him back if the team doesn't show any improvement in the last three games of the season. Vandy's remaining schedule concludes with Kentucky, Tennessee and Wake Forest. They will be the underdog in all of their remaining games. Let's wish the Commodores the best and see if they can pull it back together for their remaining schedule.