Week 2: Mid-Major picks

Courtesy of blockonation.com

Central Michigan @ Temple


Line: 7 Temple

Prediction: Temple



UTEP @ Houston

Line: 19 1/2 Houston

Prediction: UTEP



Memphis @ East Carolina

Line: 13 1/2 East Carolina

Prediction: East Carolina



Hawaii @ Army

Line: 3 Army

Prediction: Hawaii



Eastern Michigan @ Miami (OH)

Line: 16 Miami (OH)

Prediction: Miami (OH)



Bowling Green @ Tulsa

Line: 17 Tulsa

Prediction: Tulsa



Toledo @ Ohio

Line: 7 1/2 Ohio

Prediction: Ohio



San Diego State vs. New Mexico State

Line: 13 San Diego State

Prediction: San Diego State


UAB @ SMU

Line: 12 1/2 SMU

Prediction: SMU


Colorado State @ Nevada

Line: 23 1/2 Nevada

Prediction: Nevada

Week 2 Picks- Bank ON EM'

Here are my picks for Week 2 Action. These games have at least one team from the Big 6 conferences in them. I will unveil my mid-major type picks later on tonight. When I say prediction, I am predicting the line, not the result. For example, I think Ohio State will beat Miami, but I believe Miami will beat the spread. Take a gander, let me know what you think in the comments or tweet me with @WarrenLent

Thursday---

Auburn @ Mississippi State
Line: 1 1/2 Auburn
Prediction: Auburn

Friday---

West Virginia @ Marshall
Line: 12 1/2 West Virginia
Prediction: West Virginia

Saturday---

Georgia Tech @ Kansas
Line: 14 Georgia Tech
Prediction: Georgia Tech

Georgia @ South Carolina
Line: 3 1/2 South Carolina
Prediction: South Carolina

Duke @ Wake Forest
Line: 4 1/2 Wake Forest
Prediction: Duke



San Jose State @ Wisconsin
Line: 38 Wisconsin
Prediction: Wisconsin

South Florida @ Florida
Line: 15 Florida
Prediction: South Florida

Idaho @ Nebraska
Line: 28 Nebraska
Prediction: Nebraska

LSU @ Vanderbilt
Line: 9 1/2 LSU
Prediction: LSU

Iowa State @ Iowa
Line: 13 1/2 Iowa
Prediction: Iowa State

Colorado @ California
Line: 9 California
Prediction: Colorado

Florida State @ Oklahoma
Line: 7 1/2 Oklahoma
Prediction: Florida State

Michigan @ Notre Dame
Line: 4 Notre Dame
Prediction: Michigan

Kent State @ Boston College
Line: 17 Boston College
Prediction: Boston College

Miami (Fl) vs. Ohio State
Line: 8 1/2 Ohio State
Prediction: Miami (FL)

BYU @ Air Force
Line: 1 Air Force
Prediction: BYU

UNLV @ Utah
Line: 22 Utah
Prediction: Utah

Oregon @ Tennessee
Line: 12 Oregon
Prediction: Oregon

Wyoming @ Texas
Line: 28 1/2 Texas
Prediction: Wyoming

Louisiana Tech @ Texas A&M
Line: 19 TA&M
Prediction: Texas A&M

Syracuse @ Washington
Line: 13 1/2 Washington
Prediction: Syracuse

Buffalo @ Baylor
Line: 16 1/2 Baylor
Prediction: Baylor

Penn State @ Alabama
Line: 11 1/2 Alabama
Prediction: Alabama

NC State @ Central Florida
Line: 3 1/2 UCF
Prediction: UCF

Texas Tech @ New Mexico
Line: 24 1/2 Texas Tech
Prediction: Texas Tech

Mississippi @ Tulane
Line: 20 1/2 Miss
Prediction: Miss

Stanford @ UCLA
Line: 6 Stanford
Prediction: UCLA

Virginia @ USC
Line: 19 1/2 USC
Prediction: USC

Western Kentucky @ Kentucky
Line: 24 Kentucky
Prediction: Kentucky

Troy @ Oklahoma State
Line: 13 1/2 Oklahoma State
Prediction: Troy

Rutgers @ Florida International
Line: 19 1/2 Rutgers
Prediction: Rutgers

Week 2: Top 25

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25. Michigan 1-0
24. West Virginia (1-0)
23. Missouri (1-0)
22. Clemson (1-0)
21. USC (1-0)
20. Arkansas (1-0)
19. Virginia Tech (0-1)
18. Utah (1-0)
17.  LSU (1-0)
16. Georgia 1-0)
15. Notre Dame (1-0)
14. Penn State (1-0)
13. Florida State (1-0)
12. TCU (1-0)
11. Iowa (1-0)
10. Nebraska (1-0)
9. Wisconsin (1-0)
8. Oklahoma (1-0)
7. Florida (1-0)
6. Miami (FL) (1-0)
5. Texas (1-0)
4. Oregon (1-0)
3. Boise State (1-0)
2. Ohio State (1-0)
1. Alabama (1-0)

Knocked off the list: Pittsburgh (13) Texas Tech (21)

Next Four In: Stanford, South Carolina, BYU, Georgia Tech

Heisman List: Movement Across the Board

Courtesy of FoxSports.com

Heisman Candidates: Who showed up week 1? Who blew their chance?


10. Jake Locker-- Week 2 Status: Off the list
Why: Locker and the Huskies played a good BYU team this past week. While Locker tried to do everything he could, his heisman moment slipped through his fingertips as Washington lost to BYU 23-17

Week 1 Stats: 20/37, 1 Passing TD, 1 Rushing TD

9. Michael Floyd-- Week 2 Status: 9
Why: Winning the Heisman at the wide reciever position is extremely difficult. Floyd stays on my list because he still had a good game against a good Purdue defense. He needs to have a 100 yard effort versus Michigan (shouldn't be too bad) in order to stay here for another week though

Week 1 Stats: 5 REC 82 YDS

8. Christian Ponder-- Week 2 Status: 8
Why: Ponder got enough time in the Samford game to stay on the list with his performance. Ponder must be able to dominate a shaky Oklahoma defense on National TV in order to creep up a little further on the heisman watch list

Week 1 Stats: 12/14 167 YDS, 4 TDS, 1 INT
7. Kellen Moore-- Week 2 Status: 4
Why: Kellen Moore was able to bring Boise State back against a VT defense that had stopped his offense for nearly the entire 2nd half. Without missing a step, Moore marched Boise State down the field for the winning touchdown. "Ice in his veins" will be said more times than ever after such an amazing performance against a Top 10 team.

Week 1 Stats: 23/38 215 YDS, 3 TDS
6. Matt Barkley-- Week 2 Status: 6

Week 1 Stats: 18/23 257 YDS, 5 TDS
5. Ryan Williams-- Week 2 Status: 8
Why: Three touchdowns do look good, but Ryan Williams could not run at all against Boise State on Monday night. 3 TDS do keep Williams on the list, but he has a lot to prove before a Heisman can come within reach

Week 1 Stats: 41 YDS, 2 TDS: 2 REC, 1 TD

4. Dion Lewis-- Week 2 Status: Off the List
Why: In the biggest OOC game in Pittsburgh's season, Dion Lewis was shut down to a great degree as Utah beat the Panthers in Utah.

Week 1 Stats: 75 YDS, 1 TD
3. Case Keenum-- Week 2 Status: 3

Week 1 Stats: 17/22 274 YDS, 5 TDS, 2 INTS
2. Terrelle Pryor-- Week 2 Status: 2

Week 1 Stats: 17/25 247 YDS, 3 TDS
1. Ryan Mallett-- Week 2 Status: 1

Week 1 Stats: 21/24, 301 YDS, 3 TDS, 1 INT



How the new list shakes out:

10. Cam Newton

9. Christian Ponder

8. Michael Floyd

7. Ryan Williams

6. Matt Barkley

5. Denard Robinson

4. Kellen Moore

3. Case Keenum

2. Terrelle Pryor

1. Ryan Mallett

Predictions: Big Ten Week 1

Western Michigan at Michigan State (12:00 PM, Sat.)

What to watch for: MSU running game. If Michigan State wants to compete for a Big Ten title this season, they need at least an adequate rushing attack to compliment QB Kirk Cousins, who may be the best QB in the Big Ten. Both Larry Caper and Edwin Baker are back this year for Sparty, but they will have to replace three starting OL form last year, including second team All Big Ten C Joel Nitchman. Michigan State should have no trouble taking care of the Broncos this week.

Prediction: Michigan State 45, Western Michigan 7

Youngstown State at Penn State (12:00 PM, Sat.)

What to watch for: Penn State QB Robert Bolden. Joe Paterno made waves throughout Big Ten country when he named true freshman Robert Bolden the starter for this season's opener. Bolden, who had only arrived on campus a little over a month ago, has a good supporting cast of wide recievers and running backs, but the offensive line, which has to replace both starting tackles, will also be key to protect Bolden. The Penguins will be a warm up game for the Nittany Lions, who travel to Tuscaloosa to play Alabama next week.

Prediction: Penn State 37, Youngstown State 3

Eastern Illinois at Iowa (12:05 PM, Sat.)

What to watch for: Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi. Stanzi was an honorable mention all Big Ten quarterback last season, but he was wildly inconsistent in 2009 (56% completion pct, 17 TD, 15 INT). Iowa returns running backs Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher, but does not have much experience on the offensive line, as they return just two starters from last season. Iowa's defense, which brings back eight starters including DE Adrian Clayborn (11.5 sacks in 2009) will be fantastic, but Iowa's offense will have to be solid if they want to contend for a Big Ten title, and possibly a National title.

Prediction: Iowa 44, Eastern Illinois 3

Illinois vs. Missouri (in St. Louis, 12:30 PM, Sat.)

What to watch for: The Illinois defense. If Illinois wants to make it to a bowl game this season, they will have to improve on defense. They ranked 9th in the Big Ten in total defense in conference play last year (395 yards/game). Illinois does get MLB Martez Wilson back this season, after missing all of 2009 following neck surgery. He will have to lead the Illini defense against a stout Mizzou offense, which loses playmaker WR Denario Alexander, but does bring back eight starters from last year, including QB Blaine Gabbert (3593 yards, 24 TD, 9 INT in 2009). I look for Illinois to struggle a bit on offense, giving good field position to Missouri, who will capitalize.

Prediction: Missouri 34, Illinois 17

Purdue at Notre Dame (3:30 PM, Sat.)

What to watch for: Purdue defensive line vs. Notre Dame offensive line. Whoever wins this matchup will put themselves in great position to win the game. Purdue returns three of four defensive linemen starters from last year, including first team all Big Ten DE Ryan Kerrigan (13 sacks in 2009). On the flip side, Notre Dame returns just two offensive line starters from last season's group which averaged 452 yards of total offense per game in 2009. I expect Michael Floyd to have a big game and take advantage of Purdue's secondary, which does not return any starters from last year's team.

Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Purdue 20

Uconn at Michigan (3:30 PM, Sat.)

What to watch for: Michigan's quarterback situation. It appears as though Denard Robinson will start for Michigan, but don't be surprised if you see last year's starter Tate Forcier or true freshman Denard Robinson get see action this week. Michigan will need a quarterback who can get the ball to WR Roy Roundtree, who led the team in receptions, recieving yards, and touchdowns last season. Uconn returns eight defensive starters from last season's team. Uconn RB Jordan Todman will have a chance to show off his skills against Michigan's 3-3-5 defense. A solid Uconn offensive line and balanced offensive attack make the difference in the game of the week in the Big Ten.

Prediction: Uconn 31, Michigan 27

Northwestern at Vanderbilt (7:30 PM, Sat.)

What to watch for: Northwestern defensive line. Vanderbilt returns SEC freshman of the year RB Warren Norman, but he will have a hard time finding holes as Vandy returns just one starter from last year's 2-10 team. Northwestern returns two of four defensive linemen from last season, but I also expect sophomore DE Quentin Williams to have a breakout season for the 'Cats. I expect Northwestern to win the battle of the trenches, which will allow their LBs (their entire 2 deep from 2009 returns) to roam free and stymie Vanderbilt's offensive attack. NU loses QB Mike Kafka and their top two pass catchers from last season, but they will find enough offense to win this game on the road.

Prediction: Northwestern 27, Vanderbilt 20

Wisconsin at UNLV (11:00 PM, Sat.)

What to watch for: Wisconsin's offensive line. I love this Wisconsin team, and it starts up front. They return all five starters from last year's team which averaged 4.6 yards per carry in 2009. The rock of the line is senior LT Gabe Carimi, who was first team all Big Ten last year and ranks 24th on Mel Kiper's 2011 NFL Draft big board. Wisconsin also returns QB Scott Tolzien and their top 3 running backs, headlined by 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year John Clay. Their defense will be solid enough that they should contend for the Big Ten title and are a darkhorse National championship contender. UNLV plays a very tough schedule but should be improved from last season and could make some noise in the Mountain West Bobby Hauck's first season as head coach of the Rebels.

Prediction: Wisconsin 48, UNLV 10

4-nil England over Bulgaria: Defoe has the Stuff

There seemed to be a lot of anxiety for England fans before this match started. And all that anxiety turned into pure jubilation after England thrashed Bulgaria 4-0. Jermain Defoe capped off a dream start for the Three Lions by putting home a pass by Ashley Cole from 5 yards out. What really set up the goal was Wayne Rooney's brilliant chip pass to Ashley Cole who found Defoe.

Fabio "Cabbage Man" Capello came out with the much criticized 4-4-2 today. In my opinion though it wasn't the formation that made the difference today it was the quality of England in the final third. Wayne Rooney had three assists all of them were brilliant. As Roo played in more of a support striker role tonight, which was a very smart move by Capello as Rooney hasn't been scoring as of late. The role that Rooney played was a place that Rooney played when Cristiano Ronaldo was at Manchester United. The much criticized partnership of Defoe and Wayne Rooney were absolute dynamite on the pitch connecting time and time again.

England dominated the first half in all categories, as Bulgaria didn't have any real quality shots at goal. However, in the second half Bulgaria came out roaring getting some early chances. But young keeper Joe Hart was absolutely spectacular, pulling out saves left and right. One of those saves started an England counter attack that led to the 2nd goal. Joe Hart punched out a Bulgarian shot and the ball went right to Gareth Barry, who then led the ball to Wayne Rooney and Rooney found Defoe who slotted the ball right through the keeper's legs to make it 2-0. Michael Dawson picked up an injury which looked very bad on the replay, so Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill stepped up to the plate and put in a decent performance in the second half.

Arsenal ace Theo Walcott put in a decent performance on the wing, but it was his replacement Adam Johnson, who scored the third goal. It was Johnson's first international goal. England were in cruise control but they couldn't settle for 3 goals they wanted a fourth and it was a brilliant one. Wayne Rooney found Defoe on a diagonal run who finished it with sublime precision to make it 4-nil. Captain Steven Gerrard put in a workmen like performance tonight playing in that deep central midfield role. England tried to get Stevie G the ball as much as they could early in the game and he really was the reason why England dominated possession. I would still like to see Gerrard playing closer to goal, like he did against Hungary but nonetheless a good performance.

At times the back line of England were a bit shaky at times but they still got the job done. Phil Jagielka was at times not very convincing but still did enough. Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson weren't really tested a lot, but still did a good job on overlapping runs as well as locking up the wings.

Player Ratings:

Joe Hart 7: Good performance by the England keeper, was very sharp and when he was tested he was more than up for it.

Glen Johnson 5: Almost put the ball in his own net, but Johnson made runs when he could and if anything was a lot better tonight knowing when and when not to overlap.

Michael Dawson 5.5: Tough injury there for the Spurs defender, he was smooth for the most part. I really liked his distribution from central defense.

Phil Jagielka 5: Had trouble at times dealing with headers. Still was up for the task in difficult circumstances at times.

Ashley Cole 6: Assisted in Defoe's first goal, didn't seem distracted by the headlines about his personal life. He at times had trouble going back and defending, but for the most part was very good going forward.

Theo Walcott 6: Was dangerous on the wing, but at times didn't make the right decision when he had the ball in good positions, he also screwed up a couple chances. Still has a long way to go before being a world class player.

Steven Gerrard 6.5: Wasn't playing his natural position which is right under the striker. However was still effective in the central midfield. The England Captain will be happy with how he played tonight.

Gareth Barry 7: Had a great night breaking up Bulgaria's midfield. He went forward on a few occasions, which is very unusual but still found Rooney on the counterattack that led to Defoe's second goal.

James Milner 7: Wonderful performance by the Man City Midfielder. Milner was dangerous every time he touched the ball. He drove the Bulgarian right back nuts. His crosses at times weren't his best however, his skill on the ball was magical at times.

Wayne Rooney 8: He didn't score, but he sure was the playmaker. Three assists speaks for itself. The goals will come for Wayne but we are seeing Wayne Rooney on the verge to getting back to his best. Nearly had a goal when he tried chipping it over the goalkeeper which forced a great save.

Jermain Defoe 9.5: Almost considered giving him a 10. Defoe was nothing short of magnificent. The hat trick hero was dangerous with just about every run he made. He may have picked up a knock at the end of his third goal. England should be expecting big things from him come Tuesday.

Substitutes

Gary Cahill 6: Came in for the injured Michael Dawson and put in a fine shift in a tough situation. Very impressive stuff from the Bolton Wanderers defender. Shows a lot about his character.

Adam Johnson 7: Missed a golden opportunity for his first international goal. Luckily for him though he got a second chance and buried it. Decent strike, expect him to play a big part in the Euro 2012 campaign.

Ashley Young N/A: The Aston Villa winger was given a cameo performance.

Coach Rating

Fabio Capello 6.5: Not a fan of the 4-4-2 to say the least, however Cabbage got his boys ready for this game. He deserves a lot of credit for bringing in Adam Johnson. It will be interesting to see his tactics for Switzerland on Tuesday.

England vs Bulgaria Preview Euro 2012 Qualifying

I apologize for my lack of soccer coverage. This was mostly due to school and other Coaching commitments(yes I coach youth soccer). Now to the game, the Three Lions open up qualifying for Europe against Bulgaria at Wembley Stadium.

We all know what happened to England last time, when England made their qualifying run. England ended up failing to qualify to the shock of many and Steve McClaren was sacked immediately after. As an England fan its time for some good tactics as well some hope for the future of English Football. Fabio Capello has been criticized for picking the same old guys from the World Cup who played so poorly, however I'm one of the few who stand by Fabio Capello's decision to go with a more experienced roster for this match. After all, this a very important game for England and going with a younger roster would really put a lot of pressure on them.

Make no mistake this is a must win for England. They must take 3 points so they can head to Switzerland next week with 3 points in the bag. As Switzerland will definitely will be a tough road match. Bulgaria does boast some quality players, however Bulgaria will have to play without the services of Manchester United Striker Dimitar Berbatov as he retired from international duty in May. Bulgaria still boasts Bolton Wanderers Winger Martin Petrov as well as well as Aston Villa Midfielder and Captain of Bulgaria Stiliyan Petrov.

Despite the quality of Bulgaria, England should win this game as the home field advantage that Wembley provides as well as England's quality in the final third should be able to get the 3 points England need going forward.

And now for Lineups:

The Lineup that Fabio Capello will use...

-Hart-

-Johnson-Upson-Jagielka-Cole

-Walcott-Gerrard-Barry-Phillips

-Rooney-Defoe

Here you have your basic 4-4-2 that will drive fans like me nuts as this doesn't allow for much creativity in the midfield. Still a formidable lineup as long as guys like Walcott and Wright-Phillips can get space on the wings. So in this lineup I think Theo Walcott will be the X factor.

My Lineup choice:

-Hart-

Johnson-Upson-Jagielka-Cole

-Barry-Milner-

-Walcott-Gerrard-Young

-Rooney-

In this lineup you have the 4-2-3-1, a lineup where the roles in the midfield are clearly defined with a lone striker. It's considered more of an attacking formation which is the exact reason I like it. I feel England are solid with Hart in goal as well as with Upson not having to partner with John Terry. I was tempted to use Kierran Gibbs instead of Ashley Cole as Left Back due to Cole's tabloid issues but stuck with Cole. I decided to use this formation as this was the formation that worked well against Hungary last month. I slotted James Milner into the middle due to his performance at that position last month against Hungary. Most importantly, Steven Gerrard gets to play in his natural position, right under the striker. Which was a huge reason why Stevie G scored a brace against Hungary. I would use Jermaine Defoe, Adam Johnson, and Michael Carrick as impact subs in case of tactical changes.

Prediction: 2-0 England

As I said before, England should have the quality to beat Bulgaria and get the 3 points. I don't expect England to play fantastic, especially with a 4-4-2 but I still expect a semi-comfortable win. I think 2 moments of brilliance from some of England's aces. I think the opening goal will go to the red hot Theo Walcott and the other goal to go to Wayne Rooney as I think this is the game where Roo will finally get over the hurdle. There might be some hairy moments at the back but with Man City ace Joe Hart in goal a clean sheet is what can be expected.