Write On Sports LLC - "Football Week 13.....Happy Thanksgiving folks!" by Tom Zuck

Football Week 13.....Happy Thanksgiving folks!

2007-11-20 22:23:18 | By: Tom Zuck

I was really glad I did not have to do a game last week because what I saw in the Jeannette-Aliquippa game was unreal! The final was 70-48 in favor of Jeannette. Terrelle Pryor was unreal for the Jayhawks. He rushed for 331 yards and scored 5 touchdowns. That was also the most points EVER scored against an Aliquippa team. And if you know any of the school's history you realize how awesome that was.

All in all it was the best single-game performance I have witnessed since I did a McKeesport H.S. playoff game back in about 1999 when they had Cecil Howard at QB. Howard was the #1 ranked option-QB in the nation that season and if my memory serves me correctly he rushed for about 340 that night on 15 or 16 attempts. Howard went to Syracuse but things never worked out for him. Anyway, it was great fun.

The WPIAL championship games are Friday at Heinz Field. We have some Central Catholic guys here, cousins Louie and Jimbo, Steve Massaro and Mark Benish are both CC grads as well. Central is nationally ranked and they play Gateway for the Class AAAA title. A few weeks ago I had the Gateway - Kiski Area game and even though Kiski was a dreadful team this year I thought that Gateway had a chance to get to the finals. And here they are.

Another person on our list that is represented this weekend is Jay Shrum. Jay is a Jeannette grad so he is a happy guy. Colin, Jay's boy Matt is the one when I was down at your house in Georgia and we were watching the 'Hawks on the national TV game that week that you said he looked like a little kid. Or maybe that was me who said it!

Brothers Neil and Jim Malady, with whom I stand at the open-end-zone-railing at Pitt games at Heinz Field are Thomas Jefferson H.S. grads.I think. Once I get through the Fort Pitt Tunnels everyone in the South Hills is the same to me! But TJ plays Montour for the Class AAA title and that should be a dandy.

This week will be quick and to the point because of the Thanksgiving holiday. As I write this I am watching Georgia -Georgia Tech from 1997. Even though I am not a Bulldog fan, Hines Ward rocked in college.

There are some really good games this weekend. Some terrific rivalry games and some games that teams need to win if they want to earn a shot at the BCS Championship Game.

Last week was not too bad, 11-4 and that makes me 131-55 for the season. The Oklahoma and Oregon games tripped me up but I think if the starting QBs had not been hurt for both that they would have won. Of course that does not excuse the horrid defensive play exhibited by both AFTER their offenses had been hit by the injuries. And oh my God...Brady Leaf looked awful for Oregon. I know he is a classic drop-back passer and they run a spread but he just looked awful, and he's a senior!

Pitt came close again, but oh so far. But that was in no way offensive pass interference on what would have been the game-winner. If you let the receivers play physical all day I don't see how you can call it there. Plus, they were both slapping at each other. But the Panthers should not have been in that position. They had chances, and didn't convert.

Turnovers put Penn State in position to win at Michigan State. But once the Spartans quit turning the ball over the game changed dramatically. And, once again, Penn State fans had to watch the two sides of Anthony Morelli. In the first half he looked pretty good. In the second, he couldn't hit the side of a barn.

Ohio State did pretty much what I thought it would do against Michigan. The Wolverines are just not that good this season and once the Buckeyes got in front they pounded them. The Wolverines had only 15 yards rushing and under 100 total; not a good day.

And one last time.can someone tell me why I picked Clemson over Boston College, please? Every time the Tigers get close to delivering on the promise they screw it up. And BC, especially Matt Ryan, is too good to allow to hang around.

So on to the games folks. And I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving.

#11 USC (5-2, 8-2) at #6 Arizona State (6-1, 9-1)
8 p.m. Thursday

USC has been a disappointment. Arizona State has been a surprise. Even though ASU is looking much better I am going to stick with USC. Look for Chauncey Washington to carry the load for the Trojans. Tommy Trojan looks forward to UCLA, Trojans win.

Nebraska (2-5, 5-6) at Colorado (3-4, 5-6)
Noon, Friday

Is this Bill Callahan's final game as coach of Nebraska? Most likely. The Cornhuskers ended a five-game losing streak by crushing K. State and Colorado is 4-6 since it beat Oklahoma. So is there really a favorite in this one? I say no. The game is at Colorado so I am going with the Buffs. Colorado wins.

Arkansas (3-4, 7-4) at #1 LSU (6-1, 10-1)
2:30 p.m. Friday

Casey Dick was terrible last year against LSU. This year's LSU defense is a bit better than last, not a good sign. The Razorbacks still have the nation's top running back duo, Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. But without a passing game do they have a shot? Probably not. LSU still is sluggish at times. Not this week. Tigers win and get ready for the SEC Championship game.

#13 Texas (5-2, 9-2) at Texas A&M (3-4, 6-5)
3:30 p.m. Friday

Is this the final game at A&M for Franchione? It would make Texas fans happy to send an A&M coach away with a loss. The Longhorns at times look great but at times look rather pedestrian. Colt McCoy is a good QB but he is not the guy to beat you alone. That means keep feeding the ball to Jamal Charles. The same can be said for Texas A&M's tendency to stray from running. It won't be pretty but the Longhorns will win; Hook 'em Horns.

#19 Boise St. (7-1, 10-1) at #15 Hawaii (7-0, 10-0)
9 p.m. Friday

There were some horror stories from Fresno State fans from the game at Hawaii a few weeks ago. It seems the Hawaii fans are a little surly. Boise is a better team than Fresno so this should be a terrific game. Colt Brennan is not healthy and if he gets hit hard he could be knocked out again. Both teams score like crazy and each defense is, eh, ok. Hawaii is one of just two unbeaten teams left this season. Boise State has won six straight against Hawaii so I am gonna go with an upset this week. Boise wins a wild one.

#8 Virginia Tech (6-1, 9-2) at #16 Virginia (6-1, 9-2)
Noon Saturday

All year I have underestimated Virginia. For that I am sorry to any UVa grads. I have not underestimated the Virginia Tech defense though. It's been a long time since this game has held so much meaning on a national scale. I can't remember it ever being more important. Virginia Tech's offense seems to be getting settled at the right time. With that in mind I am sticking with Cousin Geni's Hokies; Tech wins.

#23 South Florida (3-3, 8-3) at Pitt (2-3, 4-6)
Noon Saturday

Ugh, do I have to pick this one? The field will be a mess after the four high school games Friday at Heinz Field. Maybe that will help Pitt; probably not though. The Panthers just have not made the plays needed to win close games. As long as USF doesn't turn the ball over the Bulls will win. Pitt needs lots of help here. USF wins.

Miami (2-5, 5-6) at #14 Boston College (5-2, 9-2)
Noon Saturday
I'm sure Boston College fans can remember the 52-6 loss at the hands of Miami in 2000. Of course none of these Eagles were on campus yet, but payback is never too fun. Boston College wins big.

#18 Tennessee (5-2, 8-3) at #28 Kentucky (3-4, 7-4)
1:30 p.m. Saturday

Tennessee almost blew it last week against Vandy. Kentucky is better than Vandy. This one is at Lexington. Look for Andre Dixon to get back in groove. I am going with the home team, Kentucky in a mild upset to end 22 years of futility.

Utah (5-2, 8-3) at #25 BYU (6-0, 8-2)
2 p.m. Saturday

These two schools do not like each other. Not one bit. BYU has a shot at a nice bowl game if it can win the last two games. Both teams have won seven straight. BYU is close to getting back to its old ways, not there yet, but close. They have a defense too. Actually these teams are very evenly matched so it's a tough choice. I am going to stick with the home team, BYU wins.

Wake Forest (5-3, 7-4) at Vanderbilt (2-6, 5-6)
2 p.m. Saturday

Vandy gives teams trouble. The Commodores almost beat Tennessee last week and this is a chance for a lower-level SEC team to knock off the ACC's defending champion. After a rough start Wake got things turned around but have now lost two in a row. This game will not be easy but Wake gets things going, again.

#9 Oregon (5-2, 8-2) at UCLA (4-3, 5-5)
3:30 p.m. Saturday

With Dennis Dixon out for the season Oregon's offense is now vastly different. Brady Leaf is just not that good, especially for this offense. UCLA has been banged up all season too so now they are even in that respect. Look for Oregon's defense to make the difference this week, unlike in the loss to Arizona. Mighty Ducks rebound in an ugly one.

Oklahoma State (4-3, 6-5) at #10 Oklahoma (5-2, 9-2)
3:30 p.m. Saturday

Like Oregon, Oklahoma saw its title hopes dashed when the starter went down. The Sooners almost came back but a late turnover ruined their shot. Oklahoma State can score points in bunches. If Sam Bradford is not able to go Joey Halzle will get the start. He played well in the second half last week so the Sooners are in better shape than Oregon. I am going to say the Oklahoma defense rebounds from last week's showing, Sooners win.

Notre Dame (2-9) at Stanford (2-6, 3-7)
3:30 p.m. Saturday

This one is here because I have a friend who just signed his Letter of Intent to swim for Stanford. I am not a Stanford fan, nor am I a Notre Dame fan. Stanford's big moment this year was a win over USC. Notre Dame's was, well, they are still waiting for one. Jimmy Clausen played well last week against Duke but he has to do it weekly. Notre Dame has never lost 10 games in a season; and this won't be the year either. Notre Dame wins in an upset on the road.

#7 Georgia (6-2, 9-2) at Georgia Tech (4-4, 7-4)
3:30 p.m. Saturday

Georgia is playing as well as anyone in the country right now. For the past couple years I have harped on the lack of a Georgia running game; the Bulldogs have it now, in a big way too. Knowshon Moreno is the real deal. This is a big rivalry game and Tech will be ready. The Dawgs will be aware of what is happening to Tennessee so that could impact their aggression at the start. They may start slowly but UGa will finish fast. Bulldogs win.

#20 UConn (5-1, 9-2) at #3 WVU (4-1, 9-1)
3:30 p.m. Saturday

UConn is in a place nobody, including themselves, thought they would be. WVU has a shot at the big prize and I don't think they will let it slip away. UConn is good, just not good enough to stop Pat White, Steve Slaton AND ad aggressive defense. Let's burn some couches, WVU wins!

#32 Florida State (4-4, 7-4) at #12 Florida (5-3, 8-3)
5 p.m. Saturday

Florida State has improved but the Gators have Timmy Tebow. Tebow has thrown 26 TD passes and rushed for 20 scores himself, he is like Superman and as a sophomore is the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy. Look for both the Florida defense and Tebow to make plays; Gators win.

#22 Clemson (5-3, 8-3) at South Carolina (3-5, 6-5)
7 p.m. Saturday

What is wrong with Clemson? They are the biggest teases any guy has seen since high school swimming class! The Tigers had the birth in the ACC Championship game there for the taking and they let it slip away. South Carolina is not great, they are good, but lacking a key element. This game is at night at USC in a very heated rivalry. I want to pick the Gamecocks but I am not sure, coin flipping time again..UGH, Clemson wins.

#4 Missouri (6-1, 10-1) at #2 Kansas (7-0, 11-0)
8 p.m. Saturday (Kansas City)

Wow, this one is going to be good. The last time these teams won a conference championship was 1968 for KU and 1969 for Missouri. One of these teams is going to get a shot this year. They are both very good teams. Kansas has scored an incredible 60 TDs this year and allowed just 19. That's not too bad. Missouri has put up big numbers too, just not as gaudy. The Tigers lost to Oklahoma. The closest KU has come to losing was five points against Colorado. Arrowhead will be split down the middle. Quarterback Chase Daniel is very good for Missouri but I am going to go with the KU quarterback Todd Reesing in a great battle, KU wins.

Alabama (4-3, 6-5) at #26 Auburn (4-3, 7-4)
8 p.m. Saturday

What the heck happened to Alabama last week? Louisiana-Monroe went into Tuscaloosa and beat the Crimson Tide. That's Louisiana-Monroe of the Sun Belt Conference; a team that presented North Texas with its only win of the season. So what happens this week at Auburn? I sure would rather be there than here in Pittsburgh. Alabama is not as good as they thought after dramatic wins over Arkansas and Tennessee. Auburn needs to bounce back after getting crushed by Georgia. Look for 'Bama to come after Brandon Cox, but it will be the Auburn running game that wins the game. War Eagle!

11-20 Tue. Middle Tennessee State @ Troy 7:00 p.m. ESPN2
11-22 Thu. Southern California @ Arizona State 8:00 p.m. ESPN
11-23 Fri. Central Michigan @ Akron 11:00 a.m. ESPNU
11-23 Fri. Nebraska @ Colorado Noon ABC
11-23 Fri. Ole Miss @ Mississippi State 12:30 p.m. LFS/GP (Ch. TBA)
11-23 Fri. Wyoming @ Colorado State 2:00 p.m. The Mtn
11-23 Fri. Arkansas @ LSU 2:30 p.m. CBS
11-23 Fri. Toledo @ Bowling Green 2:30 p.m. ESPNU
11-23 Fri. Texas @ Texas A&M 3:30 p.m. ABC
11-23 Fri. Boise State @ Hawaii 9:00 p.m. ESPN2
11-24 Sat. VaTech @ UVA Noon ESPN2
11-24 Sat. Miami @ BC Noon ESPN
11-24 Sat. Maryland @ N.C. State Noon LFS/GP (Ch. TBA)
11-24 Sat. South Florida @ Pittsburgh Noon GP (Ch. TBA)
11-24 Sat. Tennessee @ Kentucky 1:30 p.m. CBS
11-24 Sat. Utah @ BYU 2:00 p.m. CSTV/Versus/The Mtn
11-24 Sat. Oregon @ UCLA 3:30 p.m. ABC/GP (Ch. TBA)
11-24 Sat. Georgia @ Georgia Tech 3:30 p.m. ABC/GP (Ch. TBA)
11-24 Sat. UConn @ West Virginia ABC/GP (Ch. TBA)
11-24 Sat. Kansas State @ Fresno State 3:30 p.m. ESPN
11-24 Sat. Notre Dame @ Stanford 3:30 p.m. ESPN2
11-24 Sat. Oklahoma State @ Oklahoma 3:30 p.m. FSN
11-24 Sat. Florida State @ Florida 5:00 p.m. CBS
11-24 Sat. UNLV @ New Mexico 5:30 p.m. The Mtn
11-24 Sat. Clemson @ South Carolina 7 p.m. ESPN2
11-24 Sat. Washington State @ Washington 7:00 p.m. FSN
11-24 Sat. Florida Atlantic @ Florida International 7:00 p.m. GP (Ch. TBA)
11-24 Sat. Cincinnati @ Syracuse 7:15 p.m. ESPNU
11-24 Sat. Missouri @ Kansas 8:00 p.m. ABC/GP (Ch. TBA)
11-24 Sat. Alabama @ Auburn 8:00 p.m. ESPN