Iowa State

O we will fight, fight, fight for Iowa State,
And may her colors ever fly.
Yes, we will fight with might for Iowa State,
With a will to do or die,
Rah! Rah! Rah!
Loyal sons forever true,
And we will fight the battle through.
And when we hit that line we'll hit it hard ev'ry yard for I. S. U.

Week 7 picks

Now we are getting into the meat of the Big 12 football season. We will know a lot more about everyone after this week.

Kansas @ Colorado (Kansas by 9.5)
Beav: The Jayhawks have struggled with putting away lesser teams so far this year, and Colorado almost looked like a football team for about 25 minutes of last week's game. The tough part of KU's schedule starts next week. The games against OU and Texas maybe don't look as daunting as they did before the season started, so I think KU might be looking ahead a bit....Just like several of KU's games, this one will be closer than it should. Kansas 34 - Colorado 30
Steve: I have a hard time believing that Kansas will win any game it plays by 9.5 points. Iowa State exposed KU’s defense and offensive line last weekend. Reesing, Briscoe, and Meier are a solid group, but this has upset written all over. I expect CU to rally behind Tyler Hansen because, well, he’s not Cody Hawkins. Colorado 31 – Kansas 28

Missouri @ Oklahoma State (Okie State by 7)
Beav: It will be interesting to see how Mizzou bounces back from their disappointing loss last Thursday. QB Blaine Gabbert has had an extra couple of days to heal, but his bum ankle wasn't the Tigers' biggest problem against the Huskers - Gabbert's inability to find the open man was. I'm still not sold on OSU, but they will be a couple of TDs better than Missouri this week. Oklahoma State 38 – Missouri 21
Steve: This is a very difficult game to pick. Okie State is not the same without the threat of Dez Bryant. It’s hard to judge how a young Mizzou team will respond after the loss to Nebraska. Plus, Blaine Gabbert’s ankle has got to be hurting. I think Mizzou will cover this one, and maybe even win. Missouri 28 – Oklahoma State 24

Baylor @ Iowa State (Iowa State by 2.5)
Beav: I refuse to believe that Robert Griffin is the difference between Baylor being a tough, middle of the pack conference team and being equal to Iowa State. This line is a gift - Iowa State should not be giving points to anyone in the Big XII, period. Baylor 31 - Iowa State 20
Steve: Did the ISU offense find it’s rhythm against Kansas, or is the Kansas defense just that bad. I’m guessing a little bit of both. Baylor has more players than just Robert Griffin, but almost all of them are from the state of Texas. They don’t get weather in Texas like the weather that will be in Ames on Saturday. ISU will barely cover this one. Iowa State 24 – Baylor 21

Texas A&M @ Kansas State (aTm by 5.5)
Beav: Maybe I jumped the gun a bit last week when I picked KSU to beat Texas Tech. Not sure what I was thinking - KSU just isn't good. But luckily for them, neither is aTm. KSU is going to upset somebody in the conference this year. Kansas State 24 – Texas A&M 17
Steve: Nothing like two games this week for the battle of the worst team in the conference (you could also throw Colorado in the mix). I’m predicting there will be about 30K show up to watch this masterpiece. aTm covers, but doesn’t win. Texas A&M 21 – Kansas State 17

Texas Tech @ Nebraska (Nebraska by 10.5)
Beav: Wow - three quarters of ugly football against a mediocre Missouri team has suddenly turned Nebraska into media darlings. This Husker team has shown flashes of being the best NU has had in a decade - and that includes the (highly overrated) 2001 squad - but in order to be a premier team, the offense needs to figure out how to produce in big games. I think NU gets the offense going at home this week, but this line is still way too high. Nebraska 34 - Texas Tech 31
Steve: I have a suspicion Steven “Sticks” Sheffield may be the spark plug Texas Tech needed to rejuvenate their season. Unfortunately for them, they are playing in Lincoln against a very confident Nebraska team. I originally thought this line was way too high, but this will be the first big time defense “Sticks” has faced. Look for him to make a lot of mistakes. Nebraska 42 – Texas Tech 28

Oklahoma vs. Texas (Texas by 3.5)
Beav: Oklahoma's games are tough to pick. Bradford is back and looked sharp last week, but Texas should be able to generate some heat with their D-line, who many think is the best in the country. Stoops & Co. need this win to keep the Sooners season from going completely in the tank, but I think the Horns will be too much. Texas 27 - Oklahoma 21
Steve: I have watched Texas play a few times this year, and let me tell you, that offense is not very good. Take away Jordan Shipley and there are no playmakers at WR or RB. Luckily for Texas, OU is kind of in a funk. Blame it on injuries all you want. Fact is, their offensive line is weak. Texas wins a low scoring, defensive battle. Texas 17 – Oklahoma 13

Virginia Tech @ Georgia Tech (V Tech by 3)
Beav: Both of Virginia Tech's big wins this year were kind of fluky - Nebraska's blown coverage in the final minute and the crazy monsoon storm during the Miami game - so I don't think they are as good as they get credit for. Their defense has shown a tendency to struggle against the run - I think GT takes it to them this week. Georgia Tech 30 - Virginia Tech 20
Steve: Either Tyrod Taylor has improved from one game to the next more than any quarterback in the history of college football, or V Techs opponents the last few games have had terrible defenses. I think it’s more the latter. The Hokies are a good football team, but they will struggle to stop Paul Johnson’s option attack. Georgia Tech 28 – Virginia Tech 27

Iowa @ Wisconsin (Iowa by 2.5)
Beav: During the Iowa-Michigan game last week, I found myself thinking that Iowa actually looked like a good team - then I remembered that they were playing against another Big 10 squad. The Hawkeyes do face another Big 10 defense this week, but Camp Randall is tough place to play and I don't think Iowa's luck lasts much longer. Wisconsin 27 - Iowa 24
Steve: I have been burned by the Hawkeyes this year. I think I have picked against them every game and they are 6-0. This is another one of those unwatchable, boring Big 10 games. Iowa wins this one and stays undefeated, thus Iowa fans will be able to dream of a National Championship game appearance where they get absolutely destroyed by Florida or Alabama, for another week. Iowa 21 – Wisconsin 17

USC @ Notre Dame (USC by 10)
Beav: This game is kind of a win-win for me in that I get to watch either Charlie Weis or Pete Carroll lose. I'm not too impressed with SC this year and I think the Irish should be able to keep it close. USC 27 – Notre Dame 24
Steve: I have never liked Notre Dame, and I have really never liked Charlie Weis. In fact I have wanted Weis to get fired, until I realized that the two are a perfect fit for each other in my world. As long as Chaz is coaching at Notre Dame they will not be very good. Having said all that, unfortunately, I think they will beat USC this weekend because USC has a terrible offense. Notre Dame 28 – USC 21

Last Week
Beav: 6-4
Steve: 7-3

Season
Beav: 33-33
Steve: 30-36

Thursday

Nebraska at Missouri (Nebraska by 3)

Steve: This is the biggest Big 12 game of the season so far, and the weather sounds like it will be a factor in this one. Nebraska hasn’t won in Columbia since 2001 and the Mizzou crowd will be hostile (i.e. very drunk), but Nebraska has played in a tougher environment already in Blacksburg. Plus, Mizzou hasn’t played anyone worth a crap this year. Nebraska 35 – Missouri 28

Beav: This is supposed to be a big measuring stick for Nebraska, but I don't see it. I'm not a believer in Missouri - their offense is not as explosive as it has been and they have struggled against very average Bowling Green and Nevada. Nebraska has looked good so far and has proven that they can go play well on the road. As long as their red zone offense can be productive this week, I think the Huskers win big. Nebraska 40 - Missouri 10

Saturday

Baylor at Oklahoma (Oklahoma by 25)

Steve: Oklahoma is hard to figure out this year both offensively and defensively. I would say they are the hardest team to pick games for in 2009. One thing they are consistent at is winning at home. Oklahoma 42 – Baylor 14

Beav: I think the Sooners use this game to try to get the offense back on track. While I am kind of down on OU this year, I still think they’ll put up a bunch of points on Baylor. Oklahoma 55 - Baylor 20.

Iowa State at Kansas (Kansas by 20)

Steve: I wrote in one of the first blog posts that Kansas should start 6-0, but their fans shouldn’t get too excited. Why? They have, by far, the easiest opening 6 games of any top 25 team. I am still not convinced they are not that good; however, you don’t have to be great to beat Iowa State. Kansas 35 – Iowa State 14

Beav: I'm not a believer in Kansas as a top 15 team, but that won't make much difference this week. Kansas 46 – Iowa State 10

Kansas State at Texas Tech (Tech by17)

Steve: Texas Tech is probably a close #2 behind Oklahoma as the Big 12’s biggest disappointment so far. Have teams finally figured out how to slow down Mike Leach’s offense? Possibly, and Kansas State does have a decent defense. Tech will win, but not cover. Texas Tech 31 – Kansas State 17

Beav: KSU has less talent than Sean Kingston, but they have a good coach who at least has them improving every week. Texas Tech, on the other hand, is on the verge of completely imploding. The coach is publicly sniping at players and the offense is really struggling. They seem to get worse every week, and I think it all comes to a head when they lose to the lowly Wildcats at home. Kansas State 31 - Texas Tech 30

Colorado at Texas (Texas by 32)

Steve: This is a terrible match-up for CU. Yes they “hung” with West Virginia, but Texas isn’t going to turn the ball over 3-4 straight possessions like WVU did. Texas will win huge, and Cody Hawkins will possible throw more picks than completions. Texas 52 – Colorado 10

Beav: CU is getting a little bit better...they have gone from 'laughable' to 'doormat' since beating Wyoming and showing up at WV. I don't see this being a 30 point blowout. Texas - 41 Colorado 21.

Oklahoma State at Texas A&M (Okie State by 8)

Steve: I watched the first 5 minutes of the aTm-Arkansas game and actually thought the Aggies looked decent. Then I turned back 1 hour later and they were losing by about 30 points. What the hell happened? Must have been massive suckiness. Oklahoma State 35 – aTm 20

Beav: I don't like OSU as a top 15 team either...if it weren't for the free fall of Texas Tech, OSU would be getting more attention as a disappointment. If they belong as a contender, there is no excuse for losing to Houston....but they are still good enough to beat aTm by double digits. Oklahoma State 31 - aTm 20

Other games of Interest

Oregon at UCLA (Oregon by 6)

Steve: Will the Oregon team that lost to Boise State or the team that smoked Cal show up? Either way, it won’t matter because UCLA kind of blows. Oregon 35 – UCLA 17

Beav: Oregon is back in the hunt for the Pac 10 title after last week's throttling of Cal. UCLA is a tough team to judge - they barely scraped by KSU at home, but they beat Tennessee on the road, and the Vols are better than most expected. I think Oregon has things clicking, at least at this point in the season. Oregon 38 - UCLA 24

Florida at LSU (Florida by 8.5)

Steve: For the love of all things, I hope that Florida loses if Tim Tebow plays. I don’t think I can handle any more of the Tebow love-fest. At the beginning of the season I implemented a personal Tebow ban: Any time people start discussing Tebow, radio or TV, I instantly change the channel. I get that he is an amazing person, but amazing person does not mean he is an amazing football player. Oh yeah, the game. Tebow won’t play, but Florida will cover because LSU is the most overrated team in the country. Florida 28 – LSU 14.

Beav: I saw on ESPN that Tim Tebow remains their front runner for the Heisman. Not sure how passing for 160 yards per game and rushing for about 70 yards per game makes a guy the front runner for anything. Remember when guys like Barry Sanders could win the trophy? Not anymore - apparently now you can win the Heisman with a stat line that reads like Trent Dilfer's in 2000 as long as you head butt a few linebackers and sound like a 4th grader doing show and tell when you talk to the press. If Tebow makes it through the season without a 3 or 4 INT game, the trophy is likely his. Ridiculous. Florida 34 LSU 14

Alabama at Ole Miss (Bama by 6)

Steve: I think Bama might actually be the best team in College football. I’m not a huge Saban fan, but this team of his plays football the way it should be played. Great offensive and defensive lines, and they pound the football. Alabama 28 – Ole Miss 14

Beav: Big week in the SEC's Western Division. This will go a ways toward determining who will meet the Gators in the SEC Championship Game. I think the Tide win this one, but 6 points seems like a lot to give in a SEC border war. Alabama 27 - Ole Miss 24

Michigan at Iowa (Iowa by 8)

Steve: Why I hate the Big 10: I heard a Big 10 blogger on ESPN radio say “If Iowa runs the table they are definitely playing in the National Title game.” That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. If Texas and either Florida or Bama run the table there is no way in hell an undefeated Iowa gets in the title game. Hopefully we will not be hearing such nonsense after Saturday. Michigan 28 – Iowa 21

Beav: I love the self perpetuating myth of the Big 10. Team A (Penn State this year) comes into the season WAY overrated, gets beaten by Team B (Iowa) who is then WAY overrated. Next step is where Team B loses to another average Big 10 team (because that's what average teams do), and then the talk begins about “running the gauntlet of the Big 10”. Same script every year. Michigan 31 - Iowa 20.

Picks Update

Just an update here on the picks standings. Since Steve & I have been too preoccupied with other things to tally up our picks standings, I went and did that this weekend. These are the results against the spread, no line games don't count.

Week 1:
Beav: 6-7
Steve: 6-7

Week 2:
Beav: 7-5
Steve: 4-8

Week 3:
Beav: 5-7
Steve: 4-8

Week 4:
Beav: 4-6
Steve: 5-5

Week 5:
Beav: 5-4
Steve: 4-5

Season Total:
Beav: 27-29
Steve: 23-33

Picks

Other than the Oklahoma vs. Miami game, it's a pretty weak week. I would strongly encourage taking a nap this Saturday.

Kansas State at Iowa State (Iowa State by 3) at Arrowhead in Kansas City
Beav: After watching the beat down that Nebraska put on Louisiana-Lafayette, I can't get over the fact that Louisiana-Lafayette beat KSU. Iowa State 28 - Kansas State 17
Steve: I had a feeling Kansas State would be bad this year, and they are not disappointing. Iowa State isn’t great either, but they are good enough to beat K-State and their anemic offense. Iowa State 20 – Kansas State 10

Texas A&M at Arkansas (pick) – game is a Cowboys Stadium
Beav: I don't think I'd ever be comfortable picking aTm. Still haven't seen a highlight...chances are good that I won't see an aTm helmet all year long. You know what, this will be a goal of mine for the year: To not see a single aTm down, live or replayed, for the entire season. Should be easy enough until Thanksgiving weekend. Arkansas 28 – Texas A&M 24
Steve: This game has the makings to be an offensive explosion. Arkansas doesn’t seem to be able to play defense, and aTm is relying on pep talks from R.C. Slocum to get their defense fired up. That can’t be good. Arkansas 38 – Texas A&M 35

Oklahoma at Miami (OU by 7)
Beav: I think too much is being made of Virginia Tech's beat down of the 'Canes, "proving" they are pretenders. Miami is a young team trying to establish its identity. The big jump in the polls plus the crazy monsoon rainstorm and being on the road at V Tech combined to make a perfect storm (zing!) for the Canes to lay an egg. Those crazy weather games often don't truly show who the 'better' team is. What it showed was that V Tech was more focused and more equipped to win that game. At home this week, I expect to see a different Miami team. Miami is still a talented bunch, capable of hanging with any team in the country. Miami 31 - Oklahoma 27
Steve: At the beginning of the year I thought the Oklahoma defense was going to be one of the best in the country. That is proving to be true. They are currently ranked #1 in the country in scoring defense. Plus, they still have possibly the best running back duo in the country and one of the best receivers, and Miami’s two starting safties are out. Not only do I think OU will win, I think they will win big. Oklahoma 35 – Miami 10

New Mexico at Texas Tech (Texas Tech by 35.5)
Beav: This line looks pretty high. Texas Tech appears to be less productive that it has been the past few years. Then I looked into New Mexico, who has lost to juggernauts such as aTm and Tulsa by over 30 points each. I think the Raiders bounce back from their two loss skid with an offensive explosion. Texas Tech 64 - New Mexico 10
Steve: Texas Tech has a little different look to them this year. Their offense isn’t quite as explosive, but their defense appears to be a little tougher. Plus, New Mexico is just plain bad. Texas Tech 42 – New Mexico 3

Kent State at Baylor (no line)
Beav: Baylor still wins, even without its QB. Baylor 40 - Kent State 0
Steve: I have never seen a team and their fan base put all their eggs in one basket like Baylor has with Robert Griffin. Luckily for them, they have some good players other than him, including a back-up QB with quite a bit of experience. Baylor 28 – Kent State 14

Games of interest

USC at California (USC by 4.5)
Beav: I'm disappointed in myself for buying into Cal...they really had not played against anybody decent prior to Oregon. Maryland is probably the worst team in the ACC and Minnesota is in the running for worst in the Big 10. Making them the Denver Broncos of College Football at that point, I guess. USC 31 - Cal 21
Steve: This is the battle of the most overrated teams in the state of California. USC’s offense appears to be inept and Cal is a one man band. This is a game of Jhavid Best vs. the USC defense. I think 11 can beat 1. USC 21 – Cal 14

Central Michigan at Buffalo (Central Michigan by 8)
Beav: I picked this game only to pad my picks stats. Turner Gill's Buffalo Bulls are a point spread covering machine. Put them at home getting points? Money in the bank. Buffalo 28 - Central Michigan 21
Steve: Buffalo got spanked by Temple. Central Michigan beat Michigan State. Therefore, Central Michigan beats Buffalo…easily. Central Michigan 38 – Buffalo 21

Washington at Notre Dame (ND by 13.5)
Beav: Notre Dame's last two wins have been typical Notre Dame garbage, and Purdue and Michigan State are probably two of the worst teams in the Big 10. Washington has been uneven this season, but they have come to play in their big games against LSU & USC. Every Irish game not against a service academy comes down to the last play of the game, so 13.5 seems way too high. This one will come down to the last play as well, but not in the Irish's favor. Washington 33 - Notre Dame 31.
Steve: I would love nothing more than for Washington to beat Notre Dame. Well, I could say that every week about Notre Dame, I think. If the game were in Seattle I would consider picking the Huskies, but Notre Dame will probably win since the game is being played on the “slow grass” of Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame 31 – Washington 21

LSU at Georgia (UGA by 3)
Beav: I really don't enjoy watching these SEC 'battles'...in fact, the only reason I ever tune in to SEC games is to hear the CBS College Football theme.
Steve: The SEC may be the best conference from top to bottom, but other than Florida and Alabama, there are no great teams. I can’t believe LSU is ranked in the top 5. They are not that good. Georgia 24 – LSU 17

Thursday Night Game

Because I have been too busy with my real job, tonights post will only consist of the Colorado at West Virginia game. I will get the rest of the picks up tomorrow.

Colorado at West Virginia (WVU by 17.5)

Beav: 17.5 seems like a big number for West Virginia to cover. Colorado has been pretty pathetic this year, but I have trouble believing they will continue to be that bad. West Virginia wins, but not by 17.5. West Virginia 24 - Colorado 14

Steve: I think Colorado has been one of the biggest disappointments in college football this season. Fortunately for them they are playing against a Bill Stewart coached team. I have never seen someone look that deer in headlights on a football field since Jonathan Beasley QB'd Kansas State. West Virginia has way more talent, but not enough to cover. West Virginia 38 - Colorado 24

Real Men Of Genius - Mr. Gotta Get Everyone to Start the Wave Guy

Well lookie here - for the first time in several weeks, we have some content that isn't Steve & Me making picks. This one comes from friend of the blog 'BA'. Hopefully we can talk him into becoming regular contributor.

In the spirit of Bud Lights Real Men of Genius ads...


Mr. Gotta Get Everyone to Start the Wave Guy

Today, This Aint Intramurals salutes you, oh Barron of the Bleachers, Mr. Gotta Get Everyone to Start the Wave Guy (Mr. Gotta Get Everyone to Start the Way Guy!).

Although the weather's perfect, the beer is cold, and the home team is thoroughly dominating, your game day experience is utterly incomplete unless and until you get 75,000 strangers to stand and scream in unison (A game ain't a game without the wave, yeah!)

Like a fearless general, you rise among the seated masses and boldly announce that the time is at hand - oh, yes, it is time to start the wave (Let's do this!)

Realizing that a feat this monumental cannot occur without the help of others, you strenuously request - no, demand - that everyone in your section take part.... and summarily condemn those who refuse with a, "You suck!" (You're either with me or against me!).

Undeterred by multiple failures to start the wave - or by the fact that the game is still being played - you relentless press on with your mission like the Marines at Iwo Jima (Failure's not an option!)

Finally, after six attempts, two near fist fights, and bleeding vocal chords, the fruits of your labor materialize as you sit back like a proud father and watch the force which you created pass throughout the entire stadium (It's just so beautiful!)

So, after the wave completes its third lap around the stadium, sit back and crack open a cold beverage, Mr. Gotta Get Everyone to Start the Wave Guy. And take pride in knowing that any bum can ride a waive, but it takes a real man of genius to create one (Mr.Gottageteveryone tostartthewaveguy!)