ABG
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Contributors
  • ABG CFB
  • Reference center
  • Contact Us

ABG College Football
Our Coverage of a Storied Southern Tradition

Curator & Coach - Week 2

9/9/2021

0 Comments

 
Curator's Game of the Week
Texas @ Arkansas


This week we're going back to the old Southwest Conference days. This was a major game every year back then. These two usually had to fight it out with A&M trying to get a Cotton Bowl bid. Texas leads the all-time series 56-22. The two teams have not met in 17 years and the last time this game was played in Fayetteville was 1989.

With that sort of history behind it, this rivalry certainly lives on. With Texas making plans to move to the SEC, this game takes on new meaning.

For my analysis here I have to look at the amazing job Sam Pittman has done with the Razorback program. 4-7 isn't a great statistic but if you look at the opponents and the margins, he has done something quite impressive.

Speaking of rebuilding, a rebuilt Steve Sarkisian had a great opening week with the Longhorn program he has been charged with rebuilding. After a tight start, the Longhorns ran away from an upstart Louisiana program. You an bet Sarkisian will have his team ready for a similar performance this week.

While the Razorbacks had some sloppy moments in their opener, Pittman has no doubt spent time this week working out the bugs that he found in the film. It is also a safe bet that he has posted on the bulletin board the article in which Steve Sarkisian referred to the Razorbacks as "just another faceless opponent."

Pittman, on the other hand has admitted that Texas is the Hawgs' biggest rival. I have no doubt that Arkansas fans feel that way and the sell-out crowd will make that feeling evident to Sarkisian and the Longhorns. I expect a hostile environment, twp well-prepared teams, some volatile moments, and a great football game.
Coach's Game of the Week:
Iowa @ Iowa State


This may come as a shock, but to me, the beauty of this rivalry this year lies in the coaching matchup.


Iowa State ended the 2020 season as one of the hottest teams in the country. 8-3 with losses to top 10 Oklahoma State and a Big 12 Championship Game loss to Oklahoma after beating them earlier in the year. I’m a coach, not a journalist. I don’t have to pretend to be unbiased. I have followed Campbell since he was pumping out 9 win seasons at Toledo on Wednesday night MACtion. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet him a few times and he has always been very gracious, open and personable. The guy gets it. He sees the bigger picture. He wins the long way and when guys leave his program, they are better prepared for the world that awaits them. Seeing him continue to have success in places that aren’t traditional football hotbeds fires me up.
​

On the other sideline will be Kirk Ferentz, the longest tenured coach in FBS football. He arrived at the University of Iowa in 1999. For those of you that would like to feel old, that’s before 3 classes of current Hawkeyes were born. He has never been one for flash. You don’t hear much national media coverage about him or his program. They always seem to be in the background, but if you look at the Top 25 polls, the Hawkeyes are always there. Ferentz is one of the last of his kind clinging to a game that is changing and he is still winning!
The Hawkeyes appeared to be in mid-season form in week 1 during a 34-6 pounding of a very good and well-coached Indiana team. Iowa had NO turnovers and NO substitution or procedure penalties and held Indiana to 6 points. As a coach, that in itself is a huge win for week 1. Iowa State struggled out of the gate sliding by FCS Northern Iowa 16-10. I attribute their struggles to many things, none of which involve them not being a good football team. It’s old vs new in this classic CFB rivalry and I can’t wait to see it!
Curator's Game of Interest
North Carolina State @ Mississippi State

These two teams aren't going to be in the running for the CFB Playoff, barring some unforeseen circumstances. They'll both likely be bowl eligible and give their fans some fun wins.

What intrigues me about this game is the perfomance of the Wolfpack defense and the Bulldog offense last week.  

The Pack slammed the door on South Florida. The Bulls are no power but the stats are still impressive. The Bulls only managed 167 passing yards and 104 rushing yards while coming up with 0 after two trips t the red zone. 

The Bulldogs pulled off a win against Louisiana Tech despite facing a 20-point 4th quarter deficit. 

This game will come down to a stingy defense and that crazy flying circus known as the Air Raid offense. If the boys from Raleigh can keep up with the Air Raid on a sweaty Mississippi evening, this could be a fun one to watch.

​With most of the big names eating cupcakes this week, this is one to watch.
Coach's Game of Interest:
Jacksonville
State @ Florida State

​I’m not officially putting anyone on upset alert this week. I don’t think the ‘Noles will have trouble with this one. However, there’s some interesting history to take in with this matchup. Florida State leads the all time series 2-1 with Jacksonville State’s win coming all the way back in 1947 by a score of 7-0. The two crossed paths again in week 2 of 2009 (I may have had a specific vested interest in this one) in a blinding rain storm of biblical proportions. Jacksonville state held a 9-6 lead before allowing a Seminole touchdown with just 36 seconds remaining in the game and a fumble recovery for another touchdown in their final drive to ultimately lose 19-9. What a game it was! Then, just last fall,
Jacksonville state loses a halftime lead, giving up 20 points in a 3rd quarter surge and a coffin nail touchdown in the last 2 minutes of the game to ultimately lose by 17; another close contest. History says that the Gamecocks just have a way of keeping it interesting in Tallahassee. Florida State has come so far under Mike Norvel and his offense led by a couple great friends of mine. I don’t think they will struggle with this one, I don’t expect it to be very close even but history is funny and we have to pay attention to it.
Curator’s Picks: (3-2)

Ohio State over Oregon
Iowa State over Iowa
Washington over Michigan
BYU over Utah
Texas over Arkansas
Coach’s Picks: (1-4)

Ohio State over Oregon
Iowa State over Iowa
Michigan over Washington
BYU over Utah
Texas over Arkansas
0 Comments

Curator & Coach- The Championship

1/6/2019

0 Comments

 
When we were kids we loved pro wrestling. We knew it was scripted and choreographed and the the outcome was predetermined but we still loved it. We had a theory that if it were “real” and there was no plan that Andre the Giant would have beaten everyone every time...except for one. When we saw Big John Studd come out, straddle-step over the top rope, and look Andre in the face, we knew this would be the match up Andre could lose.

That's the match up we have in the CFB Playoff finals. Bama is the juggernaut, the unbeatable giant that can crush any opponent. But then Clemson comes out, maybe not quite as big, not quite as strong, but big enough to look the giant in the face and say, “you’re gonna have to throw your best out there tonight. Your average ain’t gonna cut it tonight.”

The Tide comes into Levi’s Stadium led by Heisman runner-up Tua Tagovaiola. The Tigers are led by freshman phenom Trevor Lawrence. The match ups across the line mirror that of the field generals. Clemson might be a little less noted, a little less famous, but they get the job done. Their performance against Notre Dame demonstrates that they belong in the title game.

Bama is gonna be the favorite but don’t count Clemson out. Even with suspended players, they’re going to be prepared. Clemson's defensive front will put pressure on Tegovaiola, something only Georgia has done so far. Clemson will have the discipline and the determination to stay in the game. They won't make foolish mistakes for Alabama to capitalize on. Alabama is going to have to complete a three day run against Georgia, Oklahoma, and Clemson. Even with the breaks, that;s not an easy task. Dabo Swinney has been on this stage before. He’s stared across at Alabama before. And if anyone is gonna beat Alabama, Clemson is a team that can do it.

We're both looking for an upset.
Curator’s Pick
Clemson
Coach’s Pick
​Clemson
0 Comments

Curator & Coach - Army-Navy

12/8/2018

0 Comments

 
Curator Sam Burnham
​One of my favorite things about college football is tradition. You’d be hard pressed to find a game with a more storied tradition than the one being played today.

For well over a century, these two institutions have produced the officers who have led our military in the defense of our freedoms world-wide. Both the Union and Confederate armies were led by West Point grads. John Pershing and Dwight Eisenhower were both West Point grads. President Jimmy Carter, Senator John McCain, and astronauts Wally Schirra, James Irwin, and Jim Lovell were Navy grads. Chester Nimitz and William “Bull” Halsey are just two Navy grads who led us to victory over Imperial Japan.

The alumni list of these two institutions reads like a chronicle of American History. They’ve won our wars, served in office, walked on the moon, led businesses, engineered modern wonders, they’ve led in ever area of life. And while the game today is the biggest of the year, perhaps the biggest of their playing careers, it is possible this day will not register on the list of accomplishments these men will achieve.

But today’s game is special for another reason. The men who play today will be representing their branches, inspiring the pride of men and women standing on every continent and floating on every sea, who pledge their lives to the defense of American liberty and independence. Officers and enlisted will both cheer for them heir respective branches. Active duty, reserves, and veterans will look to these young men today to fight for bragging rights against the other branch - a foe in competition on this day, a teammate on every other.

While Navy has had a difficult season, while Army has found much more success, and while Army comes in as a heavy favorite, Navy is looking avenge last year's streak breaking loss. This is their chance to salvage everything, the whole year. All is a success if they can put together 4 strong quarters in Philadelphia against Army. Look foir old school traditional ground control football with a touch of the modern via the triple option. There will be a lot of hard nosed "low pad wins" type football today. I'm feeling good about Navy's chances. I'm going with the Middies.

And so we prepare for Army-Navy. The Black Knights vs the Midshipmen. For me, that means my first year as a Navy Dad. There’s a little more at stake this year. It’s a little more personal. And for that reason I proudly shout GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY!

​But best of luck and a humble “thank you” to both.
Coach Drew Burnham
​This game is so much bigger than football for those that play in it, coach in it or watch it. I will get to all of that, but the coach in me wants to know the numbers.
The records seem to show that Army should win this one in a runaway, but don’t count on that. Navy has played a tumultuous schedule this year, especially if you look at the offenses they have faced, having taken on Memphis, Notre Dame, Cincinnati and UCF (say what you will, those boys can score!). The defense has been the downfall for Navy this year, surrendering 34 Points/game. Offensive production has not been lacking, and in reality is very evenly matched with the highly successful Army team. Defense has been the issue. Playing the quality offenses listed week after week has taken its toll.

Army has been extremely efficient this season and while you may say that their schedule has been easier to handle than Navy, let us not forget that they DID play Oklahoma to a 7 point game. They are averaging right at 30 points/game and the defense has been stingy (mostly due to limiting the other teams number of drives due to extreme ball control) allowing only 18 points a contest.

HOWEVER, none of that matters. Not even a little bit. This is Army/Navy and all bets are off. I have been very fortunate in my career to come in contact at some point with both sides of this beast. During an internship, I was part of an off-site training camp practice at the Naval Academy. Even in the summer it was obvious that though they would play 12 teams that season, there was only 1 on the schedule. Signs, t-shirts, shoes, goal post pads and anything else you could put writing on all read one consistent message: Beat Army!

Just this last week on the recruiting trail I ran into a student athlete who I had previously recruited who ended up committing to West Point. We spoke while I was in the school and I told him how proud I was of him and how much I looked forward to his future. On my way out the door, I looked across a gym at him and yelled his name. He looked at me and I yelled “GO ARMY!” to which he very naturally and enthusiastically replied “BEAT NAVY!!”.
This game has a set of lungs full of breath and a soul of its own. It means so much to so many people who should mean so much to all of us. These young men did not make their college football decision based on facilities, or gear, or wins and losses, or stars on their rivals page or any of the other meaningless things recruits make decisions based off of. They decided that protecting you and me was what they wanted to do, and if they play ball on the way that’s just icing on the cake. This is my absolute favorite game of the year and I so look forward to the kick off of this one.
I do think Army wins in a major slugfest, but this game is bigger than the win for everyone involved. Go Army! Go Navy!
Picture
Curator's Pick - Navy
Picture
Coach's Pick - Army
0 Comments

Curator & Coach - Championship Weekend

11/29/2018

0 Comments

 
Curator Sam Burnham
Game of the Week
SEC Championship - Georgia vs Alabama

This may be the game of the year.These are the two best teams in the nation and they will be the two best teams after this game is over. To be honest, at this point, Clemson is the only team that can stay on the field with these two. The Tigers are the only team preventing this game from being the national championship game. Georgia can win this game. It requires a big day by their pass rush and their secondary to hold down Tua Tagovailoa. Alabama has won their last two games while really only playing in the second half. If they try that Saturday, Georgia will repeat as SEC Champs.

Upset Alert - A Two Alarm Week
Big XII Championship - Texas vs Oklahoma

This isn’t as big of an upset as people are playing it out to be. Texas beat them before and they’ll beat them again. Oklahoma has no defense whatsoever and it shows. The Longhorns will be ready and will handle their business.
SEC Championship - Georgia vs Alabama
I said Georgia can win and now I’m telling you they will. Georgia has a chip on their shoulder after last year’s game. They’ve got the horses to stay in this race and while I think you’ll see Jake Fromm putting up some numbers, Georgia will win this on the ground. Running the ball and controlling the tempo will help with controlling Tagovailoa and lead them to victory.
Coach Drew Burnham
Game of the Week
Big XII Championship - Texas vs Oklahoma

As a general rule, it is incredibly difficult to beat the same team twice in one season. That is even tougher to do if the first game was close. Add a top 5 rivalry to the mix? Almost impossible. This game should be full of fireworks. I just think that at the end of the day there are too many things adding up against Oklahoma including the pressure of holding on to that playoff spot for dear life. That is pressure that the Horns don’t have to deal with. Look for this one to be a high scoring affair to the bitter end again with the Longhorns making just one more play late.
​
Upset Alert
The American Conference Championship - Memphis vs UCF

​See “Game of the Week” about how hard it is to beat the same team twice in a year. That was a 1-point game in October. The Memphis offense has only grown more volatile since putting 490 yards and 30 points on the Knights. That attack will carry them through this game. Look for Darrell Henderson (1699 yards, 19 touchdowns) to carry the ball 30+ times in a Tiger attempt to manage the clock and keep the UCF offense off the field. I missed this upset by a single point last time I picked it, I can’t be wrong twice right?

Curator’s Picks
Utah vs Washington
Louisiana-Lafayette vs Appy
Texas vs Oklahoma
UAB vs MT
Stanford vs Cal
Memphis vs UCF
Alabama vs Georgia
Fresno State vs Boise State
Northwestern vs Ohio State
Clemson vs Pittsburgh

Coach’s Picks
Utah vs Washington
Louisiana-Lafayette vs Appy
Texas vs Oklahoma
UAB vs MT
Stanford vs Cal
Memphis vs UCF
Alabama vs Georgia
Fresno State vs Boise State
Northwestern vs Ohio State
Clemson vs Pittsburgh

0 Comments

Curator & Coach - Week 13

11/20/2018

0 Comments

 
Curator Sam Burnham
Game of the Week
Apple Cup - Washington @ Washington State
When choosing what I think will be the best game on Rivalry Weekend, I'm looking at the choices. Georgia hosting Tech, Michigan facing an Ohio State team who looks woefully unprepared for the challenge, Auburn headed to Tuscaloosa. So I look out west and see a game with playoff implications. I see The Huskies from Seattle crossing the Cascades to face the face the Cougars on the Polouse. This of it as the Country Cat and the City Dog. But seriously, watch for Mike Leach's Air Raid offense, which Gardner Minshew is running flawlessly, to be a huge challenge for the Huskies. I also expect the Huskies will come prepared. The winner faces Utah in the PAC-12 Championship Game. For the Cougars, a win is another step toward a playoff appearance. Friday's 8:30 kickoff is a chance to get their team in front of the committee. In the end, Minshew makes a Heisman bid, the Cougars make a playoff bid, and the Huskies try to ruin both.

Upset Alert
Florida @ Florida State

Right now everyone in Tallahassee is ready to fire Willie Taggart. This game could help get things going in the right direction. Beating Florida, becoming bowl eligible for the 37th consecutive year, and having the seniors graduate having never lost to the Gators would all be wins for Taggart at this point. The Gators come in nationally ranked, still looking at major bowl possibilities and need this one to make a late season statement. But Florida has been inconsistent in a Jekyll & Hyde fashion. They looked strong against LSU but lost by 21 to Missouri at home. If they take Jekyll to Tallahassee, Osceola is going to hurt his feelings. 
Coach Drew Burnham
Game of the Week
Michigan @ Ohio State

They don’t get any bigger than this one! This is probably a top 3 rivalry in the country…and that’s on a regular year. With the stakes as high as they are in this one, it only makes it bigger. Let the playoffs begin! The Wolverines have answered the bell in their big time games this year, surviving their mid-season murderer’s row by a combined score of 101-27. There have, however, been a few instances against some weaker competition that they made you raise your eyebrows. Lucky for them, this isn’t Indiana or Northwestern. On the other side, Ohio State has become the king of the heart attack game winning 3 this year by less than a touchdown. Does that make them a weaker team or does that make them a bunch who has a knack for finding a way to win? All of these questions will be answered Saturday afternoon. I would love to have a seat in the horse shoe for this one. What a sight it should be!

Upset Alert
Georgia Tech @ Georgia

​
Well…this is awkward. I hope I’m wrong, HOWEVER, the triple is NEVER EVER EVER something to play with. It is not a toy. It is not to be taken lightly. It WILL kill you if you are not careful with it. Ask Alabama. Speaking of them, they are half the problem that I think leads to upset this week. Knowing that the Tide is looming in Atlanta next week can do a wonder on locking in on what will need to be their most mentally focused game of the year defensively. Seeing that game in the distance and knowing what it could potentially have on the line could creep up on this bunch. The Dawgs’ preparation can absolutely not afford to take a hit this week. They’ll need to be firing on all cylinders. Buckle up Dawg fans, this one could get bumpy.
Curator’s Picks

​Mississippi State @ Mississippi
Oklahoma @ West Virginia
Washington @ Washington State
Florida @ Florida State
Georgia Tech @ Georgia
Michigan @ Ohio State
NC State @ UNC
Auburn @ Alabama
LSU @ TAMU
Notre Dame @ Southern Cal

Coach’s Picks

​Mississippi State @ Mississippi
Oklahoma @ West Virginia
Washington @ Washington State
Florida @ Florida State
Georgia Tech @ Georgia
Michigan @ Ohio State
NC State @ UNC
Auburn @ Alabama
LSU @ TAMU
Notre Dame @ Southern Cal

0 Comments

Curator & Coach - Week 12

11/15/2018

0 Comments

 
Curator Sam Burnham
​Game of the Week


This is a tough category this week. With the leaders all filling their schedules with cupcakes for a preparation for Rivalry Week, it's hard to hype up games featuring The Citadel or UMass. It's embarrassing and the teams should be ashamed of themselves. You want to start a season with some small school that's fine. But your fans, the pollsters, the Playoff Committee, the TV networks, the players, and, most of all, the dignity of the sport deserve better. Quit being cowards and make a real schedule. 
That being said:
West Virginia @ Oklahoma State
The Mountaineers have a few big weeks ahead of them. If they can finish strong and get a little help, they'll be playoff bound. But that means going to Stillwater and taking care of business. Mike Gundy is going to have his Cowpokes and his disdain for Twitter and over 40 years of manliness ready. I like defense, so this is a tough choice but I also like no-nonsense coaches and good teams that can throw a monkey wrench in the plans of powerhouses. This should be a fin game to watch. 


Upset Alert
Syracuse vs Notre Dame @ Yankee Stadium

The Orangemen (quit being silly) are the surprise of the season. At 8-2 this is a team that has done more than change the culture, they've been reborn. They gave both Clemson and Pitt all they wanted. With only those two losses, they head to New York City to play Notre Dame in the "Shamrock Series" which is a bit of a gimmick and y'all know I hate gimmicks. History tells us that Notre Dame throws one at the end of the season - Boston College, etc. Let's face it, they aren't going to be throwing anything except touchdowns against Southern Cal. So it is this week or never. Add to all that a questionable Ian Book - the Irish need a healthy field general in this one - and the pieces are in place. This is a very good Syracuse team. I don't think they know they're supposed to be intimidated by Notre Dame and, therefore, won't be. This should be a great one. I'm not making any guarantees but the Irish are officially on watch.
​ 
Coach Drew Burnham
Game of the Week


Syracuse vs Notre Dame @ Yankee Stadium
It’s the yearly “Shamrock Series” game for the Irish. One neutral site game a year to show their national fan base some love. There are a lot of distractions present this week: the baseball stadium, embarrassingly bad uniforms and overall unpleasantness from the people of NYC. There is a lot that could distract the Irish from truly acknowledging the job that Dino
Babers and Syracuse have done this year. They played Clemson to 4 points in Death Valley after beating them a year ago (eliminating all element of surprise). They lost to what I believe is a very under rated Pitt team. They beat NC State. Dino Babers is an absolute Mega Star. I have had the, sometimes unfortunate, ability to keep up with Babers career since his time at Eastern Illinois. That was a few jobs ago now but all the man does is turn bad programs into champions. For the Irish faithful this game should be absolutely terrifying. A slip at this point in the year would be likely fatal to their playoff hopes. With all that doom and gloom I still think the Irish pull off the win, but what a game it could be! Go Irish! Beat Orange!

Upset Alert
​
At the time I’m writing this, it is 26 degrees in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is 61 in Orlando, Florida. You can argue that the weather could have more effect if it were played in Ohio, but when you’ve been cold for as long as those boys have been cold, it is going to be an absolute JOY to play in sunny Central Florida Saturday night. As bad as I hate to see it end, and I hope I’m wrong, I just have a ton of respect for this Cincy team and I think they can get it done. The curator will have a party and a Churchill at the thought of the Knights meeting their demise. I love the storyline. I love the push for an expanded playoff to include the little guy. I think it should happen. Why do we all suddenly become basketball fans every March? You’ll fill out that bracket at the office knowing well and good that you haven’t seen a single dribble of Northeastern University this year but I’m picking them for the upset! Give them their shot. See what happens. We can watch Alabama beat anyone by 50…might as well find out. My playoff gripe is a tale for another day. On this day I put the Knights on watch.
Northwestern @ Minnesota
NC State @ Louisville
Syracuse @ Notre Dame
Missouri @ Tennessee
Southern Cal @ UCLA
West Virginia @ Oklahoma State
Wisconsin @ Purdue
UAB @ Texas A&M
Duke @ Clemson
Arizona @ Washington State
Northwestern @ Minnesota
NC State @ Louisville
Syracuse @ Notre Dame
Missouri @ Tennessee
Southern Cal @ UCLA
West Virginia @ Oklahoma State
Wisconsin @ Purdue
UAB @ Texas A&M
Duke @ Clemson
Arizona @ Washington State
0 Comments

Curator & Coach - Week 11

11/9/2018

0 Comments

 
Curator Sam Burnham
Game of the Week
Auburn @ Georgia

This game may not have all the meaning that it usually has. Win or lose, Georgia goes to Atlanta. Win or lose, Auburn doesn't. But this is the Deep South's oldest rivalry. This one was first played in 1892 and has been played annually since 1919. This game is never meaningless. The rivalry itself is enough to motivate these two teams. Georgia fans are calling for a Blackout, which worked once against Auburn but after they tried it against Alabama, those black jerseys should have been piled up in the middle of the North Quad and burned. I expect to see red jerseys and a Georgia victory but Auburn isn't going to just roll over. 

Upset Alert
Ohio State @ Michigan State

The Buckeyes are in a position to make the playoff if they just win out. Finish with that one loss, capping it off with wins over Michigan and the Big Ten Championship Game and they are certainly in. But their season has been surrounded by chaos. An abusive assistant led to a scandal for their head coach who has now revealed some serious health problems. They got smashed at Purdue and then they squeaked past 2-7 Nebraska. This is a dead team walking, perhaps even stumbling into East Lansing. And Sparty is waiting their, licking his chops. 
Coach Drew Burnham
Game of the Week
Mississippi State @ Alabama

​Alabama proved a lot last week (as if they had much to prove) winning in an unforgiving environment and doing it soundly. This week they have another test. While it isn’t as great as their last test, it does come on the heels of an emotional win and in the comfort of their own home. It would be easy to feel like you can take a breath here, but Mississippi State has proven to be a worthy team that has the ability to make you pay. I’m not calling for the upset, it’s just a game to keep your eye on.

Upset Alert
Texas @ Texas Tech

​Both of these teams enter the game off back-to-back losses. However, Texas Tech is able to draw a bit more of a moral victory off those 2 than the Horns. This is a dangerously explosive team who gave Oklahoma more than they wanted last week. Watch out for the big play! This one should be exciting.
Curator’s Picks
Ohio State @ Sparty
Ole Miss @ A&M
Oklahoma State @ Oklahoma
Kentucky @ Tennessee
Mississippi State @ Alabama
Purdue @ Minnesota
Washington State @ Colorado
Auburn @ Georgia
Texas @ Texas Tech
Clemson @ Boston College
Coach’s Picks
​Ohio State @ Sparty
Ole Miss @ A&M
Oklahoma State @ Oklahoma
Kentucky @ Tennessee
Mississippi State @ Alabama
Purdue @ Minnesota
Washington State @ Colorado
Auburn @ Georgia
Texas @ Texas Tech
Clemson @ Boston College
0 Comments

Curator & Coach - Week 10

11/2/2018

0 Comments

 
Curator Sam Burnham
Game of the Week
1Alabama @ 4LSU

​This is going to be a big week in college football. It is time to see who is for real and who is pretending, Picking just one game is a hard choice, especially with the game in Lexington. But with the Tide and the Tigers facing off in Baton Rouge on a Saturday night, this is the game to choose. It is safe to say that whoever wins this one will be my choice for #1 in next week's poll. This week we find out if LSU is even better than we think and if Bama is really that good or if their schedule is just that bad. 

Upset of the Week
This category is not a joke. Coach and I have hit these more often than not this year. If we put you on upset alert, you better watch out. I'm really watching Baton Rouge and Lexington here as the home teams really have a chance to both make statement and to punch their tickets to Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game. The Tigers and the Wildcats both have very good chances of pulling off the upset this week. I wouldn't be surprised by either or both happening. But there is one game with playoff implications that I can't ignore because I have a feeling about it.
3Notre Dame @ Northwestern
Notre Dame needs to win out to get to the playoff. One slip along the way and they are done. Enter the Wildcats. Northwestern is 5-3 but that but they've won their last 4 and have wins against Purdue, Sparty, and Wisconsin. They should have beaten Michigan. This is a much better team than they get credit for. Playing at home with a chance to be the spoiler, I'd say they have as good of a chance as any to be that thorn in Notre Dame's side that we see arise about this time each year. If Notre Dame does not bring their best game to Evanston, there's a good chance they are out of the playoff picture come Sunday morning. Besides, Pat Fitzgerald says that the "RPO" is "pure communism." And that's beautiful.
​
Coach Drew Burnham
Game of the Week
10West Virginia @ Texas

After clawing their way back into the top 10, homecoming in Stillwater proved fatal for the Longhorns last week. Now they return home to take on a high powered West Virginia offense who average just under 40 points a game. I think that’s too much gas for them to handle right now after such an emotional loss. I’ve been really impressed with the job Coach Herman has done there, but I think it’s a big day for the Mountaineers. They’ll get the win and take those country roads on home.

Upset of the Week
If memory serves me, I’ve hit 3 in a row and 4 out of 6. Not bad when you’re shooting for the moon. No shot I hit a 4th in a row right?? Northwestern vs. Notre Dame is highly intriguing. The Wildcats have won their last 4 in a row including a road win against Sparty and another win against Wisconsin. Both of those were 2 score games. Pair that with a possible bout of the Irish feeling a little untouchable and you have a mix for disaster. I think those 2 big wins for Northwestern draw enough Irish attention that they avoid the upset, but keep your eyes open.
5Georgia @ Kentucky
​
The SEC East crown is on the line as the Dawgs travel to the Commonwealth. Kentucky is demanding and earning respect this year. Do they have it yet from Georgia? People may look at the Mizzou game last week and question if they are potent enough offensively to last. I didn’t see a weak offense last week. What I saw was a team with their back against the wall who found a way to win regardless of the circumstances. They also held Mizzou’s offense, who has had no problems scoring, (including 30 points on the Dawgs) to a mere 14 points. They have only allowed more than 14 points twice this season. That kind of defense always seems to mean something in big games. I never thought I’d see the day, but it may just be here. Go Cats!
Curator's Picks
GEORGIA @ KENTUCKY
MIZZOU @ FLORIDA
NOTRE DAME @ NORTHWESTERN
WEST VIRGINIA @ TEXAS
TAMU @ AUBURN
CAL @ WASH ST.
STANFORD @ WASHINGTON
IOWA @ PURDUE
PENN STATE @ MICHIGAN
ALABAMA @ LSU
Coach's Picks
​GEORGIA @
KENTUCKY

MIZZOU @ FLORIDA
NOTRE DAME @ NW
WEST VIRGINIA @ TEXAS
TAMU @ AUBURN
CAL @ WASH ST.
STANFORD @ WASHINGTON
IOWA @ PURDUE
PENN STATE @ MICHIGAN
ALABAMA @ LSU
0 Comments

Curator & Coach - Week 9

10/26/2018

0 Comments

 
Curator Sam Burnham
Game of the Week
Georgia vs Florida in Jacksonville

The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. This is what Southern football is about. Rivalry, tradition, and grit. If both teams were unranked this game would still draw the attention of the Peach and Sunshine States. With an SEC East title hanging in the balance, this one matters even more. Kirby and the Dawgs are coming off a disappointing loss while Mullen and the Gators have turned around after a slow start. Both teams have a chance to make a statement. One team will be out of the playoff picture. Take all the stats and comparisons, wad them up and throw them in the trash. This is Georgia-Florida.

​
​Upset Alert
Wisconsin @ Northwestern

The Wildcats have beaten Purdue and Michigan State. They played Michigan to the wire. They had a dramatic comeback to beat Nebraska when it looked out of reach. They’ve only had two games this year that were decided by more than five points. Wisconsin came into this season with big expectations, most of which remain unfulfilled. If it gets late and Northwestern is close, or even ahead, the psychology will kick in and the Badgers will choke. That is a harsh assessment but Wisconsin has one game this year decided by fewer than 10, a 21-24 loss to BYU. If the Badgers want to win they have to start early, build a lead and keep it. Mark my words, if it gets close, Wisconsin is in trouble.
Coach Drew Burnham
Game of the Week:
Washington State @ Stanford

If the PAC 12 is to make an appearance in the playoffs this year the Cougars are their only hope. With only 1 loss and a tough enough schedule remaining to make a statement, every week is do or die for Leech and the boys. There is zero margin for error.Washington State is the sneaky team that no one is talking about right now. How will the tempo and flash of the Cougar offense match against the size and strength of Stanford’s ground attack? 2 absolute offensive wizards in Leech and Shaw square off. It’sfire and ice and it should make for one heck of a game to watch.

Upset Alert
​Texas @ Oklahoma State

College football is just better when Texas is good, and right now, Texas is good. The Pokes have been on a skid the last 2 weeks and this game may seem prime for a beating. It may deliver on that assumption. However, this would be an extremely easy game for the Horns to overlook and Oklahoma St. is powerful enough on offense to keep themselves alive. Ehlinger should be able to play for Texas, but off the shoulder sprain last week will he be 100%. In order to win this one they are going to have to be able to score and that may be a small hindrance to them. Add to that the phenomenal job the OK St. PR staff has done hyping this game and the return of Barry Sanders for the game. The environment will be huge and that always fuels a good upset. I feel good about this one. For the sake of the ABG top 10 pollsters I hope I’m right. Go Pokes.
​
Curator’s Picks (45-35)
​Clemson @ FSU
Wisconsin @ Northwestern
Vandy @ Arkansas
Purdue @ Sparty
Georgia vs Florida
Iowa @ Penn State
NC State @ Syracuse
TAMU @ Mississippi State
Kentucky @ Mizzou
Washington @ Cal
Coach’s Picks (46-34)
Clemson @ FSU
Wisconsin @ Northwestern
Vandy @ Arkansas
Purdue @ Sparty
Georgia vs Florida
Iowa @ Penn State
NC State @ Syracuse
TAMU @ Mississippi State
Kentucky @ Mizzou
Washington @ Cal
0 Comments

Curator & Coach - Week 8

10/19/2018

0 Comments

 
Curator Sam Burnham
Upset of the Week
8Michigan @ Michigan State
 
Sparty was good to me last week in this column. I may have been the only person who wasn't dressed in green who thought the Spartans could pull that off in Happy Valley. I tend to believe they can do it again. Michigan is riding high after a big win over Wisconsin last week. But this is still Michigan we're talking about. Harbaugh consistently struggles against Ohio State and Sparty. With home field advantage and whatever Harbaugh's curse is, the Spartans are more like the favorites coming into this one. I think the wolverines keep it close but I don't think they keep it close enough. 

​Game of the Week
Mississippi State @
5LSU
LSU took a huge step foward last week. I don't think anyone could have predicted the score to be that lopsided. On the other side, the Bulldogs have losses to Kentucky and Florida. But they also have a blowout of Auburn two weeks ago. LSU needs this game much more than MSU. With a win they continue to control their own destiny in the SEC West. The Bulldogs have nothing to lose and can be a bit more relaxed in their approach. 

Most importantly, this is an SEC football game in Baton Rouge. Expect a physical game with a lot of defense. This may not even be the closest game of the weekend but if you are a traditionalist, as I am, you'll probably love this one. There's just something about a game in Death Valley, It never seems to disappoint.
​
Coach Drew Burnham
Upset of the Week
10Oregon @ Washington State
Coming off a highly emotional game last week vs. Washington, you have to think that the Ducks are flying high and feeling invincible. That is not a great position to be in heading into the home of the pirate himself, Mike Leech. The Cougars are also riding high after a sneaky 5-1 start to their season and sliding into the top 25 this week. Neither of those accomplishments will overly impress the Ducks, but will still fuel the fire leading
Wazzu into battle. I like this matchup. Watch for some creative play calling in
key situations (3rd down and in the red zone) from Leech.

Game of the Week
10NC State @ 2Clemson
​Is this the defacto ACC title game? With both teams unbeaten it certainly starts to feel that way. NC State survived a scare last week from Boston College, likely due to looking ahead to what they had to know was their biggest test of the season. Looking past lesser opponents has been a reoccurring theme for them (see the nail biter vs. James Madison in week 1). This opponent will obviously not be overlooked. I believe that Clemson is a contender this year, but obviously not “the team to beat” that they have been in recent years. NC State has done a great job of building that culture into one that expects to win, I just don’t think it’s quite developed enough to handle this one, when both sides know what to expect. They’ve done enough that the element of surprise is gone for the Wolfpack and I believe that will keep them from taking this one.
Curator's Picks (38-32)
Michigan @ Sparty
Oklahoma @ TCU
Auburn @ Ole Miss
UVA @ Duke
Colorado @ Washington
NC State @ Clemson
Mississippi State @ LSU
Ohio State @ Purdue
Vandy @ Kentucky
Arizona @ UCLA
Coach's Picks (40-30)
Michigan
@ Sparty
Oklahoma @ TCU
Auburn @ Ole Miss
UVA @ Duke
Colorado @ Washington
NC State @ Clemson
Mississippi State @ LSU
Ohio State @ Purdue
Vandy @ Kentucky
Arizona @ UCLA
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Picture

    ABG CFB

    The Curator and other  knowledgeable  voices...mostly Southerners... on the subject

    Archives

    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017

    Categories

    All
    Curator & Coach
    The ABG Poll

    RSS Feed

Copyright 2015
ABG. The celebration and preservation of Southern history, culture, and agrarian ideals.
Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Contributors
  • ABG CFB
  • Reference center
  • Contact Us