Conference Realignment & How the PAC-12 Saved the Day

 This has been the most upside down week in college football due to realignment talks. Everyone has been living in fear due to what may happen, in which our beloved conferences are/were on the brink of turning into 16 team Super Conferences.  I’ve had many discussions with people who firmly believe that we are on the brink of Armageddon in College Football. In light of this past week’s events I’d like to believe that we have stepped it back from DEFCON 2 to DEFCON 3. Below I’d like to take you on a journey…and finish up with why the PAC-12 saved the day.

ACC:

Well, I’ve got to just go ahead and get this out there…Everyone be afraid. John Swofford has really done it this time by creating one of the strongest football conferences ever assembled by adding Syracuse and Pittsburgh. Wait, what’s that Chancellor Nancy Cantor of Syracuse? This is all about Olympic sports? 

"I would say that our concerns are really forward looking with respect to the ACC. The issues for us is that we have increasingly strong Olympic sports across the board, women sports -- the ACC is a wonderful match for that for us. And we really are obviously very excited about that." 

I won’t go into the sheer comedic value of this statement, as Gene Wojciechowski covers this in his article on ESPN. What I will get into is just how awful of a move this is. What do you gain by adding either? If you wanted to be ballsy, go after West Virginia. That would have at least added SOME credibility to your conference quality wise. UGH – It’s hard enough already talking about how easy it is for the ACC on the gridiron, and how they get an automatic BCS game, I’ll never know. But again, it doesn’t help your case when you take 2 from a conference that has long had a question mark about their quality as well. Hey Cincy and Uconn, you guys want to buy some BCS tickets? 

I rank this move about a 6 out of 10, and I’ll give them credit where it’s due by bumping up current ACC team’s buyouts to leave the conference, and a preemptive move to 14 teams. In basketball, this will be great. But if you are trying to pack the stands and drive attendance to your games…it’s a fail. How many road trips will the SC/NC/GA/FL schools take to Pittsburg and Syracuse? Not many….

Big East-

Oh John Marinatto, it’s time for you to make yourself a history. You are now Davy Crockett defending the Alamo. I know you had a conference last night in NYC, and I know that you’ve been given the thumbs up from all remaining conferences about their commitment to you and the Big East. I do want to this down in a football/basketball sense, because we all know the Georgetown/Providence/.etc schools don’t field a football team. 

Football: OK, so you have been depleted by 2 schools that have had better days, but with the schools that you are talking about adding…you could make the Big East a better conference. By looking at Army and Navy, you would have 2 of the 3 service academies, and keep things for the most part regional. This would guarantee you a national game on CBS at the end of the year, and bring their tradition and pageantry to your conference. Many have thought about bringing East Carolina up from C-USA, and this could be a great move as well. They have shown they can compete with the big boys (see Virginia Tech / South Carolina from this year), and have a loyal fan base that will travel. (Due to the fact there aint shit to do in Greenville, NC…but I digress).

Basketball: It’s hard to imagine the Big East being void of Syracuse and Pitt…but more so Syracuse.  The ‘Cuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim will feel right at home in the ACC and their exposure. BUT COME ON. Syracuse/Uconn is a hell of a rivalry. Not to mention ALL OF THE OTHER BASKETBALL SCHOOLS! The Big East in basketball is the SEC in football…and to an extent the ACC in basketball. Quick, SEC football - what comes to mind? Auburn, Alabama, Florida, Georgia. ACC basketball? North Carolina and Duke. Big East basketball? Georgetown, Syracuse, Villanova, Uconn. It’s all about recognition, and unfortunately the Big East has lost one of their greats. This will be the hardest spot to fill, as you won’t find any school with this much tradition sitting around and waiting.

If the Big East gets their act together, I see it helping out in football, and irreplaceable talent in basketball. 5 out of 10

SEC – Hold it right there Texas A&M. I know that we said we were all about having you, but now that your brothers and sisters are apologizing, we may not want you to join our family just yet. I’m not fully convinced that Mike Slive wants TAMU in the SEC just yet. To be honest, I’m not sure he knows what he wants in general. If the Big 12 makes it with no teams jet setting to other conferences, then does he want to be the one to pull the lynchpin? We all know the ACC is up to 14 teams, but come on. 12 SEC schools are better than 14 ACC schools. The SEC has always been on the forefront of Conference development, by adding South Carolina and Arkansas in 1992, and being the first conference to have a 12 team, 2 division leagues with a championship game. Look for these guys to jump to 14 teams…but there is always the chance TAMU stays put in the Big 12. However, if they do make the move…and the SEC goes after Missouri (as indicated), one report has Auburn making the move to the East. Chaos.

PAC 12: Well wouldn’t you look at that. Commissioner Larry Scott has proven that he has quite the brain on his shoulders, and that more is not always best. Finally, someone has some sense and says no to expansion. It’s not that Oklahoma wouldn’t have been a good fit out west; it’s more about what makes sense at the time. These guys just expanded, so why do it again. Also, why would you want to be the bad guy who makes the monumental shift to stealing big names from other top conferences? I applaud his hands off approach when it comes to adding in existing Big 12 members. Let those idiots fight it out amongst themselves…and then go from there. Patience is a virtue, and I firmly believe this is what gives Larry Scott a bump to being one of the top Commissioners in big time college athletics today. 

Big 12 – LIVE AT 6, ...We have a hostage situation in Las Colinas! Commissioner Beebe has a gun held to his head by what appears to be a horse mascot by the name of Boomer or Sooner. We can’t get an official ID; stay tuned to NEWS 5 ALIVE 5 SUPERDOPPLER 4000X!!! What balls Oklahoma has. They pretty much are standing up to Beebe and demanding that he be fired, and Texas give up a chunk of their objectives with the Longhorn Network. (No high school games, no Big 12 conference games) If these are not met, they may jet off to another conference. I firmly believe that OK has been bluffing the entire time to just stick it to the Big 12’s darling Longhorns. Of course, many see Nebraska’s move as the initial F YOU to the conference…and setting the dominoes to fall one way or the other. Many, many people in Alabama could see TAMU staying put (as well as other Big 12 schools) if their demands are met.

 In times like these, it’s best to exercise caution, and if we follow Larry Scott’s method…college football remain safe and viable for years to come.

-Gamblin Boss

WEEK 2 BIG (L)EAST PICKS! GET 'EM WHILE THEY ARE STILL GOOD!

1.) FIU vs Louisville- Aw man. Nothing like competing against High School football and losing. More people in Miami care about Booker T High vs Central than this "BCS" matchup. If you have to play your college football games on Friday nights, then you're not American. Louisville squeaked by Murray State 21-9 last week while the Golden Panthers beat up on North Texas 41-16. While FIU has the best player you've never heard of (T.Y. Hilton), I pick Louisville to win to home.

2.)  Rutgers vs North Carolina- While the NCAA is making sure UNC has paid all their parking tickets, they are attempting to play a college football season. Sucks they had their HC bounce a couple of weeks before the season. No Way this team gets bowl eligible this season. They can barely run the football, and Tar Heel fans are already looking forward to basketball season, just like the rest of the ACC, Last week Richmond, Northwestern, and Syracuse had victories over the ACC. I pick Rutgers to stroll into Chapel Hill and Chaz Dodd (Byrnes alum) to have a career win.

3.) Maine vs Pittsburgh- Seriously? Pittsburgh all the way. Maine was one of those schools that would show up to your high school to recruit the dumbest and slowest starters on your football team. And the kids that went there were embarrassed to say it.

4.) Norfolk St vs West Virginia- The outcome has already been determined. Vegas will wager more bets on if this game will go four quarters or not. WVU is the best offense in this conference and Geno Smith will continue his tear Saturday. This will be one of those games the program invites all the boosters back to sip on whiskey and look at how great their football team is. Poor Norfolk State will get their only success of the day when their game check gets cashed

5.) Cincinnati vs Tennessee- The Mighty Bearcats take their talents to Knoxville this weekend. They looked impressive against Austin Peay last weekend, putting up 72 points and rushing for 387 yards. This is like both conferences stepchildren. Tennessee is down,and Cinncy, I don't think were ever up.

6.) Rhode Island vs Syracuse- I'm gonna ride the Orange wave another week. This time against the Rhode Island Rams. The Carrier Dome is turning into one of the toughest places to play. Antwon Bailey for Heisman, if not put him at Power Forward.

7.) UCONN vs Vanderbilt- SEE #5. I'm starting to see what the Big East is doing. Schedule games with the WORST teams in the BEST conference and hope for an upset. Seriously, if UCONN beats Vandy would any SEC fan ever know? Was Ole Miss busy this week for UCONN? But seriously the Huskies QB barely got past the century mark in passing yards against Fordham last week. This week, the Commodores will win.

8.) Ball State vs South Florida- Both school saw upsets in the Hoosier State last week. For Ball State, the honeymoon ends in Tampa as they realize they aren't tall enough to go on the rides. BJ Daniels is as solid a quarterback there gets for South Florida, and Skip Holtz is showing his tenure at East Carolina was no fluke. Big congrats for having the balls to schedule to a trip to South Bend and perform the way they did in the first game, before all the lighting strikes. South Florida will win big this week.

-Da U

Your College Football Picks & Stimulus Package for Week 1

You want to make more money? SURE WE ALL DO!

So the economy is in the tank right now. You've downgraded from Crown Royal to Canadian Hunter. You’ve gone from Fat Tire, down to Sierra Nevada, down to Miller Lite…and now chugging 30 packs of Busch Light because that’s all you can afford. Now, I’m not here to say that I’m advocating something as “legal” as gambling…because this information is SOLELY for entertainment purposes. If you happen to bet the farm on something and it doesn’t work out…well…blame it on the refs/weather/fans/hungover players/coaches/ but just not me. I’m going to give you the best 5 picks of the week…do with it what you will. Good luck,  God speed, and always remember that “scared money doesn’t make money!”.

-Gamblin’ Boss

Record: 0-0         Units Won: 0     Units Lost: 0

• Alabama / Kent State – OVER 47.5 (4 units)
• Michigan/W. Michigan – UNDER 61.5 (3 units)
• Maryland +5.5 vs. Miami (3 units)
• LSU / Oregon – UNDER 54.5 (2 units)
• WVU -23 vs. Marshall (2 units)

Your Week 1 SEC/BIG10/BIG12/ACC/PAC12/BIG EAST College Football Picks Surely To Go Wrong (and don’t call me Shirley)

Every week, we here at SECBagmen would like to give back to the community that raised us. What better way to do this than to propagate some mostly true (and some likely false) information out to the masses. Be sure to check back here every Friday morning for our straight up picks of the week. All 6 Major conferences are represented by each of our contributors, who spend countless hours crunching stats and running the numbers. Feel free to call us out if you see a “glaring error” in our submnissions. Also, this is for SATURDAY ONLY. We’re sorry if your MAC team plays on Thursday night. 

–The Bagmen

Fuzzy Dunlop & The PAC 12

• Arizona St. vs. UC Davis - UC Davis lost 52-3 on opening weekend last season to Cal and this game should go about the same way.  It honestly feels like the NCAA should step in and cancel this one, they don't have linebackers like Vontaze Burfict in the FCS.  My Pick: Arizona State

• Southern Cal vs. Minnesota - Minnesota managed to keep it fairly close at home last year, but this year should be a different story.  The Gophers are breaking in a new coach on the road and the Trojans return a very potent offense led by QB Matt Barkley.  As long as Marc Tyler manages to stay sober and keeps his mouth shut about how much USC players get paid the Trojans should come away with an easy W.  My Pick: Southern Cal

• Oregon State vs. Sacramento St. - Sac St. got whipped 52-17 on opening weekend last year vs. Stanford; this year might not be quite as bad.  The Beavers return a good QB in Ryan Katz and it should be interesting to see how James Rodgers has recovered from his injury.  My Pick: Oregon St.

• Washington vs. East Washington - This game has all the ingredients for an epic game; East vs. West, in state rivals, BCS conference school vs. wait, another FCS school?  To give Eastern Washington credit they did go 11-2 last season, but this is another one that won't be close.  My Pick: Washington

• UCLA @ Houston - Finally!  Way to step up Rick Neuheisel and not be a pussy like most of your conference.  Even though you will probably lose this game because your team has been terrible since you took over, I like that you are at least going down with a fight.  Case Keenum is back at the helm for the Cougars and UCLA's offense won't be able to keep up.  My Pick: Houston

• Stanford vs. San Jose St. - A nice stat padder to kick off Andrew Luck's Heisman campaign.  My Pick: Stanford

• Arizona vs. Northern Arizona - Similar to the Washington game this one has all the makings for a classic minus two equally matched teams.  My Pick: Arizona

• California vs. Fresno St. - Fresno St. is no stranger to knocking off BCS conference teams, but I think Jeff Tedford will have a good offensive game plan to exploit the lesser talented Bulldogs.  My Pick: Cal

• Colorado @ Hawaii - Colorado is looking for a fresh start under new coach Jon Embree, but Bryant Moniz and the Hawaii passing attack should be too much for a low scoring Buffaloes team that lost shutdown corner Jimmy Smith to the NFL.  My Pick: Hawaii

• Oregon vs. LSU (in Dallas) - This is the dandy of opening weekend and the Ducks are looking for redemption after falling to Auburn in the championship game.  Before all of LSU's suspensions I would've gone with the Tigers, but switching QBs this close to such a big game will prove to be too much to overcome.  Darron Thomas will shine being close to home in Texas and the Ducks pull out a humungous W.  My Pick: Oregon

Patrick Esquire & The Big 12(ish)

• TCU vs. Baylor – The Bears don’t stand a chance…not even close. My Pick: TCU

• Missouri vs. Miami (OH) – This game will be much closer than you think, but Missouri wins. My Pick: Missouri

• Northern Iowa vs. Iowa State – Northern Iowa pulls a shocker, somewhat. My Pick: Northern Iowa

• Oklahoma State vs. LA Lafayette – The Fighting Jake Delhomme’s will be looking for an upset when they travel to Stillwater.  Could be the first step towards bowl eligibility for the Ragin Cajuns (Top 3 best nicknames in college football).  Could also be the first of many whoopins on the Cajuns this year.  Sorry Jake, don’t think the upset happens.  Too much offense for the boys from the Bayou.   Look for the Cowboys to put up 60 on the Cajuns. Maybe 62. My Pick: OSU

• Kansas vs. McNeese St. – What’s a McNeese? Kansas crushes…. My Pick: Kansas

• Kansas State vs. EKU – ECO CAT AINT GOT SHIT ON ME! My Pick: Kansas State

• Texas Tech vs. Texas State – Technical schools are not always better than state schools…however this is one of those times they are exponentially better. Maybe 100 points better. My Pick: Texas Tech

• Oklahoma vs. Tulsa – Golden Hurricane against the #1 team in the nation/Fightin’ Barry Switzers. This won’t even be close…unless you lay the points. My Pick: Oklahoma

• Texas vs. Rice – YAY! Texas gets its first win on the Longhorn Network. ESPN rejoices! Mac Brown is BACK! My Pick: Texas

Gamblin’ Boss & The ACC

• Northwestern vs. Boston College – This game will likely be the #2 best game for the ACC this week, right behind Miami/Maryland…which just beats out Richmond/Duke. I’d hate to say that I’m pulling for the team in purple and black...but I still whole heartedly believe that any school that uses Groupon to sell tickets for football will never be successful or taken seriously. My Pick: Northwestern

• App State vs. Virginia Tech – Every single D1 school gets scared shitless when App State shows up on their schedule Week 1 courtesy of their performance against Michigan a few years back. While this scrappy team from Boone, NC does have a kick…it’s won’t be enough to take down the ACC’s version of the fighting chicken. My Pick: Virginia Tech

• James Madison vs. UNC – Last year’s week one darlings find themselves amongst the tall pines in Chapel Hill week one. I don’t see this being much of a dogfight, and UNC wins this one for Butch. My Pick: UNC

• Louisiana-Monroe vs. FSU – Any team that hails from the land of Brittney Spears isn’t worth a damn. Plain and simple, this is nothing more than an ego boost for the followers of Jimbo in Tallahassee. My Pick: FSU

• Troy vs. Clemson – Clemson is coming off of its first losing season in almost a decade. Spirits are low in Tiger Town, SC…but for one day they will be able to know what it feels like to get a quality win. (And I say “quality” because I see this being a pretty close game potentially). My Pick: Clemson

• William & Mary vs. Virginia – The real story within the story is just how well those white wines and Brie cheese will hold up at tailgate. Have you ever tried drinking a Pinot Grigio in 90+ degree weather? Of course you could put ice in your wine, but then you’d be Virginia Tech trashy.  My Pick: Virginia

• Liberty vs. NCSU – I really don’t see this being a very fun game…for anyone involved. The thought of trying to write even 2 or 3 sentences about Liberty or NC State would make my head explode. My Pick: NC State

• Richmond vs. Dook – THE #3 BEST ACC GAME OF THE WEEK! Richmond is a very good team. Dook is not a very good team. Dook is playing at home. Dook is a smart school. Dook has a track around its football field. Dook may lose this game. My Pick:: Dook

• Miami vs. Maryland – This should somewhat be entertaining to see how Miami handles all of the “adversity” thrown their way from Yahoo Sports over the past few weeks. We here at SECBagmen don’t condone their behavior…but being able to party on a yacht and crash jet skis with little to no consequences sounds cool to me.  My Pick: Maryland

Da U & The Big East

• Norte Dame vs. South Florida - Wow right off the bat a tough opponent for the Irish. Norte Dame's season is like a long road trip; starts out great then you just get bored as shit. So obviously Vegas likes them against a South Florida program that's beaten FSU in Tally and Miami in Miami. So if Syracuse could upset in South Bend, why not the Bulls? This is a bigger game for Skip Holtz than it is for the Irish. A Holtz returns to South Bend! My Pick: South Florida

• Marshall vs. West Virginia - WVU ushers in a new head coach this weekend, Dana Holgorsen. The same guy who literally threw out his boss to take over his office. Dude's known to put up HUGE numbers by his skill players. New Head Coach. Red-Headed Stepchild. Blowout City. Get your couches ready Morgantown; it's a BET THE FARM pick! My Pick: WVU

• Pitt vs. Buffalo – Dave Winestead moustaches for EVERYBODY if Pittsburg wins! Pick: Pitt

• Louisville vs. Murray State – I don’t like this game partly because I don't know what state Murray State plays their home games in. Also, Louisville has a reoccurring role on the first 48. I say they put up just as many points this week. My Pick: Louisville

• Connecticut vs. Fordham – You just have to ask how much does UCONN value their football program. They placed hurricane supplies on their football field and said "to hell with the football game". Groupon tickets will be honored for another game…and I take Gamblin’ Boss’ opinion about that. (See: Boston College) My Pick: UConn.

• Cincinnati over Austin Peay - Believe me or not, the Governors are a couple years away from knocking off a BCS power. This year, however, is not going to be that year. Again, I’m taking the first 48 theory, and going to assume that because of their reoccurring role, they’ll throw up 48 points. My Pick: Cincy

63 Sports & The SEC

• Utah State vs. Auburn - Chris Cooley wouldn’t even be enough for his Aggies in this one.  Auburn is trying to replace Cam Newton, they could play with Wayne Newton under center and still win big. My Pick: AUBURN

• Kent State vs. Alabama - Only two real questions in this one: 1) Which Alabama quarterback, Sims or McCarron, will separate themselves?  2) Does Nick Saban allow his Crimson Tide defense to give up more than 10 points to his alma mater?  My Pick: ALABAMA

• BYU vs. Ole Miss - Could be a long year in Oxford.  Jake Heaps and the Cougars should win this one on the road.  So wait, why did Ole Miss fire David Cutcliffe again? My Pick: BYU

• Montana vs.  Tennessee - The talent level at Tennessee is not quite there yet (Bold Prediction: Volunteers use a dominate O-Line to win the East in 2012) but should me more than enough to beat the Fightin’ Lex Hilliards.  My Pick: TENNESSEE

• Missouri State vs.  Arkansas - Not sure why the Arkansas band wagon has filled up so quickly, but if the hype is accurate this game won’t be more than an exhibition.  Our Pick: ARKANSAS

• Florida Atlantic vs.  Florida - New offense won’t change John Brantley’s inaccuracy and less than stellar arm.  Should be a good game for Brantley to work on things however.  Only reason The Bagmen will be watching is to see if true freshman OL Trip Thurman gets in the game.  My Pick:  FLORIDA

• ECU vs.  South Carolina - Connor Shaw will start against the 120th-ranked defense from last year.  Shouldn’t matter.  Gamecocks should dominate if they want to be considered one of the big boys.  My Pick: SOUTH CAROLINA

• Boise State vs.  Georgia - Georgia will be a good team, hopefully good enough to keep Mark Richt’s job, but not good enough in this one.  Boise State will use experience and, frankly, better talent, to win this game.  Should NOT be considered an upset.  My Pick: BOISE STATE

• Oregon vs. LSU - One of college football’s traditional trophy games, the Tigers and Ducks will battle for the historic “Will Lyles Cup.”  All that 2009 recruiting information should help both of these teams in the contest.  Tigers D-Line should be the difference.  My Pick: LSU

Service Academy Game of the Week Presented by Palmetto Roofing:

Delaware vs. Navy The last time these two teams got together Super Joe Flacco lead the Blue Hens to an upset.  Don’t think it will happen this time.  UD is breaking in a new Quarterback and the Middie’s triple option offense is always tough to defend.  Midshipmen should defend their home turf and win this one.  My Pick: NAVY

Fishsticks & The Big 10

The Big 10 is a joke.  I know this is the first season of the expanded conference, but be thankful if you don’t get the Big Ten network this weekend because there’s not much to see:

• Michigan State vs. Youngstown St.  – Can Michigan State shake off their terrible loss to Alabama in last year’s Capital One Bowl?  Yes.  Sparty wins big against Eric Wolford and Youngstown St.  My Pick: Michigan State.

• Northwestern @ Boston College – This one really depends on Dan Persa’s status.  If he can play I really like Northwestern’s chances, if not this matchup could go either way.  Boston College has a great running back in Montel Harris, but their lack of a passing game makes them extremely one dimensional.  I’m counting on Persa playing.  My Pick: Northwestern

• Penn St. vs. Indiana St. – In last year’s opener Indiana St. lost to a school called St. Joseph’s (IN) 57-7.  I’ve never heard of that school.  This year their AD thought it was a good idea to step it up a notch and go to Happy Valley to take on the Nittany Lions?  That seems like an odd if not irresponsible decision.  My Pick: Penn St.

• Purdue vs. Mid Tennessee – Mid Tennessee runs the ball well and Purdue is a notorious underachiever.  Look for this one to be pretty close.  Should be interesting to see how Robert Marve does after his failed stint in Miami. My Pick: Purdue

• Michigan vs. Western Michigan – The Brady Hoke era begins.  How will Shoelace perform in a pro style offense?  I think pretty well, especially against this level of opponent. My Pick: Michigan

• Illinois vs. Arkansas St. – Another horrible game.  I like Illinois QB Nathan Scheelhaase a lot and think he has a big game.  My Pick: Illinois

• Ohio St. vs. Arkon – The Luke Fickell era begins.  How will the Buckeyes team play with half of their starters suspended?  Will Braxton Miller get the nod at QB?  Either way Ohio St wins big.  Their scout team is more talented than Akron’s starting lineup.  My Pick: Ohio St.

• Iowa vs. Tennessee Tech – No more Ricky Stanzi.  A lot of guys kicked off the team.  Some staph infection type outbreak.  It was a rough offseason for the Hawkeyes, but this should be an easy win.  My Pick: Iowa

• Minnesota vs. Southern Cal – The Jerry Kill era begins.  Tough first test for Kill as he takes his team to LA while the rest of the conference plays scrimmages.  Unfortunately the Gophers won’t be able to stop Matt Barkley and Robert Woods.  My Pick: Southern Cal

• Nebraska vs. Chattanooga – Nebraska eases into their first season in the Big 10 with this cupcake matchup.  My Pick: Nebraska

• Indiana vs.  Ball St.  The Kevin Wilson era begins.  Indiana is looking good for the future locking up 5* QB Gunner Kiel, unfortunately he’s still in high school.  This year should be another rough season for Indiana but I think the Hoosiers pull out a W on the road against Ball St. My Pick: Indiana