Make Your Picks: Bowl Week 1

It's time for the Bowl season, it's finally here! If you're competing in the ITS Bowl Challenge, then these picks might help you decide where to go if you're stuck. Bowl Week 1 goes all the way through December 24th.

New Mexico Bowl: BYU vs. UTEP

Ian: BYU

SBB: BYU

Brady: UTEP

Danny: UTEP

uDrove Humanitarian Bowl: Northern Illinois vs. Fresno State

Ian: Northern Illinois

SBB: Fresno State

Brady: Northern Illinois

Danny: Fresno State

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Ohio vs. Troy

Ian: Ohio 

SBB: Ohio 

Brady: Ohio

Danny: Ohio

Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl St. Petersburg Bowl: Southern Mississippi vs. Louisville

Ian: Southern Mississippi

SBB: Southern Mississippi

Brady: Louisville

Danny: Southern Mississippi

MAACO Las Vegas Bowl: Utah vs. Boise State

Ian: Boise State

SBB: Boise State

Brady: Boise State

Danny: Boise State

Poinsettia Bowl: Navy vs. SDSU

Ian: Navy

SBB: SDSU

Brady: SDSU

Danny: Navy 

Sheraton Hawaii Bowl: Hawaii vs. Tulsa

Ian: Hawaii

SBB: Tulsa

Brady: Tulsa

Danny: Hawaii

Current Records are reset, and good luck to everyone!

Make Your Picks: Championship Week

Should he be allowed to play?

It's the last week of regular season college football. Oh my god, I can't believe I just typed that. It's gone by fast, and these games will shape up the final bowls. Who's going where will depend a lot on these games.

Oregon vs. Oregon State
Ian: Oregon
SBB: Oregon
Brady: Oregon
Danny: Oregon

Auburn vs. South Carolina
Ian: Auburn
SBB: Auburn
Brady: Auburn
Danny: Auburn

Oklahoma vs. Nebraska
Ian: Nebraska
SBB: Oklahoma
Brady: Nebraska
Danny: Nebraska

Virgina Tech vs. Florida State
Ian: Virgina Tech
SBB: Virgina Tech
Brady: Florida State
Danny: Virgina Tech

Make Your Picks: Week 13

Other than the Nebraska game, there were no real upsets, which made for a very boring weekend (sans OSU game)

Records:

Last Week:
Ian: 4-1
SBB: 3-2
Brady: 3-2
Danny: 3-2

Overall:
Ian: 16-4
SBB: 10-5
Brady: 15-5
Danny: 13-7

Auburn vs. Alabama
Ian: Auburn
SBB: Auburn
Brady: Alabama
Danny: Alabama

Oregon vs. Arizona
Ian: Oregon
SBB: Oregon
Brady: Oregon
Danny: Oregon

Boise State vs. Nevada
Ian: Boise State
SBB: Nevada
Brady: Boise State
Danny: Boise State

Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State
Ian: Oklahoma State
SBB: Oklahoma
Brady: Oklahoma State
Danny: Oklahoma State

LSU vs. Arkansas
Ian: LSU
SBB: LSU
Brady: Arkansas
Danny: LSU

Wisconsin vs. Northwestern
Ian: Wisconsin
SBB: Wisconsin
Brady: Wisconsin
Danny: Wisconsin

Make Your Picks: Week 10

Our winners last week were Brady, Danny, and I. SBB participated, earning his first victories. That still leaves a three way tie for the overall records.

Last Week's Records:
Ian: 4-1
SBB: 3-2
Brady: 4-1
Danny: 4-1

Overall Records:
Danny: 8-2
Ian: 8-2
Brady: 8-2
SBB: 3-2

#4 TCU vs. #8 Utah
Ian: TCU
SBB: TCU
Brady: TCU
Danny: Utah

#5 Alabama vs. #12 LSU
Ian: Bama
SBB: Bama
Brady: Bama
Danny: Bama

#10 Oklahoma vs. Texas A&M
Ian: Oklahoma
SBB: Oklahoma
Brady: Oklahoma
Danny: Oklahoma

#15 Arizona vs. #13 Stanford
Ian: Stanford
SBB: Stanford
Brady: Stanford
Danny: Arizona

#3 Boise State vs. Hawaii 
Ian: Boise State
SBB: Boise State
Brady: Boise State
Danny: Boise State

Make Your Picks: Week 9

The winner of last week's Make Your Picks was tied between Danny, Brady, and I. SBB has been away, but  is back this week, and will try his best to make up for lost ground. We went 4-1, and we were a point away from starting undefeated. Oh well, that's college football for you.

Overall Records
1. Danny: 4-1
2. Ian: 4-1
3. Brady: 4-1
4. SBB: 0-0

*Rankings via ITS's Top 25: Week 9*

#1 Oregon vs. USC
Ian: Oregon
SBB: Oregon
Brady: USC
Danny: Oregon

#4 Michigan State vs. #18 Iowa
Ian: MSU
SBB: Iowa
Brady: Iowa
Danny: Iowa

#7 Missouri vs. #13 Nebraska
Ian: Nebraska
SBB: Missouri
Brady: Nebraska
Danny: Nebraska

#10 Utah vs. Air Force
Ian: Utah
SBB: Air Force
Brady: Utah
Danny: Utah

#12 Stanford vs. Washington
Ian: Stanford
SBB: Stanford
Brady: Stanford
Danny: Washington

Make Your Picks: Week 8

This is the new feature mentioned on Monday that has the writer's picking on the selected "big" games that happen during the weekend. Records from past weeks will show at bottom of post.

#5 LSU vs. #4 Auburn 
Ian: Auburn
SBB: None
Brady: Auburn
Danny: Auburn

#9 Wisconsin vs. #13 Iowa
Ian: Wisconsin
SBB: None
Brady: Wisconsin
Danny: Iowa

#12 Nebraska vs. #17 Oklahoma State
Ian: Nebraska
SBB: None
Brady: Nebraska
Danny: Nebraska

#2 Oklahoma vs. #15 Missouri
Ian: Oklahoma
SBB: None
Brady: Oklahoma
Danny: Missouri

#7 Michigan State vs. Northwestern
Ian: MSU
SBB: None
Brady: MSU
Danny: MSU

Overall Records
Ian: 0-0
SBB: 0-0
Brady: 0-0
Danny: 0-0

Who you got?: #10 Ohio State vs. Purdue

After the shocking upset to Wisconsin, the Buckeyes are headed back home with their tail between their legs. Now they have to come out and prove it was just a fluke, to try and get back to the status of best Big Ten team.

Ian: 28-17, Ohio State - Closer than what Buckeye fans what/need, but Tressel gets it done on the ground. I have a feeling Pryor will throw at least 1 pick this game.

SBB: No Pick

Brady: 38-10, Ohio State - Ohio St. should rebound from last week's disaster in Madison.  Pryor will open it up against a suspect Purdue secondary and Boom Herron should have plenty of opportunities to tote the rock.  Ohio St. wins this one by halftime. 

Danny: 35-10 Ohio State - The Boilermakers run an offense nothing like Wisconsin's.  Fear not, Buckeye fans, this time Purdue takes a beating like it is supposed to.  I may not be heard from again if they don't, so please Buckeyes, get it done.

Who you got?: Ohio State vs. Wisconsin

The last time the Buckeyes visited Madison was in 2008, and Terrelle Pryor was a freshman. Mostly used for running, he and Beanie Wells ran over, through, and around Wisconsin on their way to a 20-17 victory that had Pryor engineer a last minute drive. Now that it's two year later, both squads have much more experience, but a lot of the same team. We will get to see who wins in Madison Saturday night.

Can Pryor escape Madison with a W again?

Ian: 28-21 Ohio State - A defensive struggle in the first half opens up in the second half, and Terrelle Pryor will lead through the air, but you will see some runs for the 6'6/6'7 monster.

SBB: 31-21 Ohio State - Wisconsin is a good football team, and I had trouble deciding earlier this year which game would be tougher, Iowa or Wisconsin. I see Ohio State's defense taking over this football game.

Brady: 27-17 Ohio State - Pryor gets another week to rest that ailing quad and it will show Saturday night.  With the aerial assault the Buckeyes displayed against Indiana, Wisconsin will have to spend extra time in practice this week trying gameplan against the passing game.  That should open up some running lanes so look for Pryor to get 60+ yards rushing and Herron/Hall/Berry/Hyde to add another 150 on the ground.  It won't be easy but I see the Buckeyes escaping Madison with a win.


Danny: 27-13 Ohio State - The offense looked like it really found it's identity (and a use for Brandon Saine) last week against Indiana, which is a scary thing considering how great the defense has been all year.  Ohio State will be challenged at Wisconsin, but end up victorious by the end of the night.


Inside The Shoe is looking for a football writer to join our staff. If you're interested, please leave a comment or send us an email at insidetheshoe2009@hotmail.com

Who you got?: #2 Ohio State vs. Indiana

Too funny.

Ben Chappell's QB sleeves will take on the Ohio State Buckeyes Saturday, in what should bring the Bucks with a chip on their shoulder. After a lackluster game against Illinois, I wouldn't be surprised to see a big win, but that's up to the rest of the writer's to decide.

Ian: 35-10 Ohio State - The Buckeyes come out with some serious anger, and Pryor is limited. The running game will get some more Hall and Berry looks, but Indiana has no answer for the overall offense. If Pryor's going to do anything, it's throwing.

SBB: 42-20 Ohio State - Can the pass defense hold up? Chappell can throw it around and nearly beat UM with his arm. I think OSU gets enough pressure on him to force him in to mistakes. Also, the ground game gets it going early against one of the worst run defenses int he country. Will we see Kenny G when Tressel sits Terrelle down? Let's hope. 


Brady: 41-17 Ohio State - Coming off a tough road game in Champaign, the Buckeyes defense will have to continue it's dominance against a better offense.  Indiana will have some early success but the Silver Bullets adjust well and should have Chappell and company under wraps by the second half.  Look for Tressel to dig deeper into the depth chart (finally) and give Hall and Berry a chance to shine in Columbus on Saturday.


Danny: 24-14 Ohio State - This game is going to be much closer than anticipated (although I hope I am wrong).  With Pryor banged up (even a little bit) we all saw just how conservative Jim Tressel can be (as if we didn't know).  Indiana has shredded opposing defenses this year, but haven't faced neared the caliber of athletes they will on Saturday.  The Silver Bullets slow down the Hoosier pass attack, and the offense scores just enough to win, while playing not to lose.

Who you got?: #2 Ohio State vs. Illinois

The battle for the Illibuck continues this year in Champaign, where we last saw Terrelle Pryor in his freshman year, along with Beanie. Beanie was jumping over opponents to victory, but this time the Buckeyes are led by a team, not just a certain unit or player.

Ian: 45-10 Ohio State - Saine has a good day on the ground, and Pryor just adds to his Heisman hype.

SBB: 52-13 Ohio State - The defense plays well after getting chewed out by the coaching staff for giving up 2o to EMU. Pryor tosses 3, 2 of which go to Posey to let him know that he's still his favorite. Dane get's 1 as well. The running game gets it going as Ian's fav, Jaamal Berry, gets in the game much earlier than in the previous weeks. 


Brady: 38-7 Ohio State - This will be the first test on the road but the Buckeye's have a different feel about them this year.  In the past I might be a little leary of this one but not this season.  Pryor has another big game through the air and we finally get the bigger dose of Jaamal Berry everybody has been clamoring for.  The defense also gets back on track.

Danny: 38-10 Ohio State - The days of Juice Williams and Rashard Mendenhall terrorizing the Silver Bullets is long gone.

Who you got?: #2 Ohio State vs. Eastern Michigan

Eastern Michigan hasn't won since 2008...so don't be surprised by the blow out.

See that green box? Guess who.

Ian: 42-0 Ohio State - This one really will be a shut out, as it should be. The Silver Bullets will have at least 2 turnovers, and I think Jaamal Berry gets his first collegiate TD. I hope to see Guiton get some playing time as well, but only after Pryor throws for 200 or 300 yards and runs for 100.

SBB: 49-0 Ohio State - Tressel apologized to the defense for costing them the shut out against OU. This week they get it. We might not score as much early, because we need to get the run game going before b10 play starts. It won't take long, we might see more Berry/Hyde/Hall. 


Brady: 45-3 Ohio State -  I'm done underestimating this team when it comes to picking scores. The defense should have a big day going against one of the worst teams in the FBS. Pryor is out of this one by halftime with a couple scores through the air and another on the ground.


Danny: 45-0 Ohio State -  Eastern Michigan lost 52-14 to Central Michigan last week.  While CMU is one of the better teams in the MAC, I am sure the Buckeyes can preform just as well, and with NO special teams foul ups.

Who you got?

Everyone's ready.

It's here. It's finally here everyone, the first game week for Ohio State and Inside The Shoe. As you saw the schedule yesterday, we have our picks ready to go. Let us know you're thoughts and scores. We'll keep you up to date on the happenings all week long.

The writer's have spoken, and the results are in.

Ian: 38-7 Ohio State comes ready for action, but Marshall gets a late touchdown to ruin the shutout.

SBB: 45-3 Marshall gets a FG in garbage time, and the freshman QB has a very rough day. Bauserman sees the field.


Brady: 27-10  Being the first game of the season, I expect Marshall to play a solid first half and maybe go in to the break only down a touchdown.  OSU tends to play things close to the vest (no pun intended) and I suspect it will take a half for the silver bullets to knock the off-season rust off.  Things will go much smoother in the second half and the bucks should have control midway through the third quarter.  Look for big games out of Saine and Herron with some of the younger backs getting touches later on as well.


Cliff: 31-10 The Buckeyes come out rusty early, but then continue the dominance we will be used to seeing.


Tomorrow is our interview with a Marshall Blogger..be here for that!

Make Your Picks: Big Ten Tournament Round 2

The first round of the Big Ten tournament was pretty much boring. There is no other way to describe it. Eric, over at tBBC said it best, saying that he expected this round to live up to it's hype. The Michigan-Iowa game was a little fun, but too many moments were dull to really remember it. The teams have moved on to the second round though, and that means Ohio State, Illinois, Wisconsin, Purdue, and Michigan State all make their Big Ten Tournament debuts. To update you on the status of the Game Picking Center so far, here are the standings:

1st: Ian 6-0

2nd: Ken 4-1

3rd: Sebastian 3-0

4th: Eric 2-1

5th: Chris 2-0

6th: Doug 1-0

There's still A LOT of tournament to be played, but I have built a comfortable lead aganist Ken. Boo-ya. All joking aside, I apperciate them humoring me, and the GPC is still looking for a lot more particapantes, so join in!

Tommorow, we will have another Open Thread, and these are the games we want you guys to pick on.

Ohio State vs. Michigan 12:00 PM est, ESPN

My Pick: Ohio State

Wisconsin vs. Illinois 2:00 PM est, ESPN

My Pick: Wisconsin

Purdue vs. Northwestern 6:30 PM est, ESPN

My Pick: Purdue

Michigan State vs. Minnesota 8:55 PM est, ESPN

My Pick: Michigan State

Make your picks down below! Good luck to everyone particapating, and hope to see you here for the Open Thread!

Make your picks: Ohio State vs. Illinois

Hey everyone, sorry for the late post. 

This is an opprotunity for you, the readers, to get involved. All you have to do is tell us below in a comment if you would like to participate, and then tell us your picks. Illinois will be looking to cause the Big Ten champion picture to be a bit more muddled. Ohio State will look for an outright win of it all, and I think they will, as they are playing hot now. Illinois had a good chance at being a contender for the season, but crumbled at the end, when it mattered. I picked Illinois, what do you guys think of all this?

Looking for the same effort.