Assist Goes To Jules

Today I received the following email from my wife:  "When you do your football smack, make sure you favor the Crimson Tide by 3 touchdowns over Mizzou, since their QB is out and the offensive line is not doing well, either."  Love that woman.  Not only did I go to the grocery store for her, I went BACK to buy the celery I forgot on the first trip.

Of course, it's an infrequent treat when I decide to comment on a Top 25 game involving someone other than a team usually followed by The Smack.  But now that she's got me started, let me add South Carolina to humble LSU, Oklahoma to wound Texas in the Red River Shootout, and Notre Dame to load up on an overrated Stanford.  For the truly important games, read on.  It's Week 7 in college football!

Union (3-3) idle.  Next opponent:  Rochester at home (10/20).

Air Force (2-3) at Wyoming (1-4).  This year’s Wyoming team has had more bright moments than its record suggests.  The Cowboys played Texas tough in their opener, then lost nondescript games to Toledo and Cal Poly before taking both Idaho and Nevada to overtime.  QB Brian Smith is a 64% passer and can get Wyoming into the endzone (12 TDs this year).  Air Force likes to run, and the Cowboy defense gives up twice as much yardage on the ground as they do in the air, which explains their 111^th ranking in the nation.  While QB Connor Dietz can also throw, I predict lots more rushing, especially from the likes of Cody Getz.  Get ready for Getz’ fourth consecutive 200-plus yard ground game.  PICK:  Air Force

Army (1-4) vs. Kent State (4-1).  Let’s see…Kent victories have come over Towson, Buffalo, Ball State, and Eastern Michigan.  Meanwhile, Army’s coming off a huge win against Boston College.  The Cadets have a stable full of guys who know how to tackle.  Since Kent relies heavily on the run, it’ll be up to the Black Knight defense to cut down on the 460-plus yards they usually give up in a game.  Army owns the series 2-0, though doesn’t always play well against MAC teams.  Still, the game is in the friendly confines of Michie Stadium, so I’m gonna take a chance and sell you my UPSET #1—PICK:  Army.

Navy (2-3) at Central Michigan (2-3).  If the Navy team that shows up this week is the same one that ran for 359 yds. against Air Force, they’re home free.  CMU can’t stop a runny nose, allowing an average of over 450 yds. and 41 points per game.  Yet, if the Middie defense allows Chippewa QB Ryan Radcliff time enough to throw—or room enough to run—this will be a different game.  Navy also will have to shut down all-name RB Zurlon Tipton, who has already broken the 1,000 yd. rushing barrier in 2012.  Should be a close and interesting contest, and since it’s in Mount Pleasant (that’s in Michigan, folks), I’m going with homers.  PICK:  Central Michigan.

BYU (4-2) vs. #10 Oregon State (4-0).  Heard on this morning’s Dan Patrick Show that Notre Dame may be so focused on this week’s game against Stanford that they’re forgetting the rest of their killer schedule, which includes BYU next week.  The Cougar defense is beginning to play very well, and hopefully aren’t guilty of looking beyond Oregon State, which I think is just a little bit overrated.  At home in Provo, I just have a hunch that another surprise is in store for a Top 25 team.  So…UPSET #2—PICK:  BYU.

#11 USC (4-1) at Washington (3-2).  Can’t figure out which Trojan team will make the trip to Seattle.  These teams’ games in recent years have usually been close, and the Huskies have won twice in the last three years.  Remember:  this is Steve Sarkesian facing his old team, and his old colleague Lane Kiffin.  The game will be in Seattle (where the New England Patriots will vanquish the Seahawks and former USC coach Pete Carroll on Sunday).  The Huskies are coming off a pretty bad loss to a very good Oregon Duck team, while the Trojans are still celebrating their 38-28 escape from Utah.  Though Washington holds an advantage in passing yards over its opponents, they haven’t faced the likes of Matt Barkley and Marquis Lee.  I think it’s a safe bet, but don’t be surprised if it’s close.  Besides, my mother-in-law will be visiting for the weekend, wearing maroon and gold.  PICK:  USC.

New Mexico (3-3) at Hawaii (1-4).  Got to thinking back over Smack history…and do you know who Notre Dame hired after firing Bob Davie?  GEORGE O’LEARY!!  Remember George O’Leary?  Last laugh on the Irish (who, by the way, seem to have finally turned it around).  But we’re not here to discuss Notre Dame, we’re here to discuss New Mexico, and this week’s opponent, the U of Hawaii Rainbows.  The only thing the ‘Bows have going for them is home field advantage (including a four-hour time swing).  While the Lobos may jet-lag for awhile, expect their improving and balanced offense to keep Hawaii’s defense on the field until it gets bad, like the poi at a luau.  PICK:  New Mexico.