SnoTap's College Football Try Week 2

I feel like Eminem's blank stare reflects the second week of college football. There is still so much sorting out to do. Some teams have really played no one to start the year off while others are playing tough opponents for the first two weeks leading to wild overreactions about them.  Things that are said today could be entirely different in November. That's the beauty of non-conference college football.  The exciting unknown of what is to come with a great year.

The Michigan difference - Honestly, I probably did not give this rivalry the credit it deserved on Friday morning. When the game was starting, I started to get genuinely excited about the game itself. I would say that makes a rivalry great when a person like me without a horse in the race starts actually caring about the game.  Michigan played great on Saturday night and basically showed why they should be taken seriously when it comes to be a National Championship contender (Yes their November schedule appears difficult as of September 9th).  Michigan looked strong on both sides of the football. They had an inexperience interior offensive line hold their own against the likes of Louis Nix and Stephon Tuitt. Michigan already has great offensive tackles and if their guards and centers play like they did on Saturday, number 98 is not getting very dirty.  If Devon Gardner does not have a boneheaded interception, Notre Dame gets blown out.

USC hits rock bottom - Oh man. Two friends and I went out right when Washington State-USC went to halftime. Cody Kessler threw an pick-six interception to Damante Horton right at the end of the first half for the Cougars to tie the game. I did not expect when I looked up at the ESPN Bottom Line at 1 am to see Washington State beat the Trojans. I could not believe it. This is a new low for Lane Kiffin and the Trojans. They are in complete flux. Losing to Washington State in Pullman is one thing. Maybe it is brutal weather conditions which has cost USC a game in the Pacific Northwest before, but losing at home to an inferior opponent is an embarrassment.  In case anyone was wondering, I picked them to win the Pac-12 South, joyous!  

Texas joins USC at rock bottom - Ah Texas. How the mighty have fallen. The Longhorns were in the National Championship in 2005 and then again in 2009, but since then, it has been nothing but bad news bears for the Horns. They thought Johnny Manziel would be a safety, same for Robert Griffin III and Jameis Winston never received an offer from them making them sort of a laughingstock among the college football bloggers when it comes to highly touted quarterback recruits. They also have not played well in the last four years and the cherry of the shit sundae was Saturday night losing to BYU, 40-21, with Texas giving up 550 yards on the ground. They fired Manny Diaz, their defensive coordinator, and brought back Greg Robinson, the same Greg Robinson that is known for running Michigan's defense into the ground. They play Ole Miss at home this weekend. Not an easy task whatsoever for the Longhorns.

Aaron Murray makes a statement - It appears the Georgia quarterback is my new 'Can't quit em' guy in college football. I started selling my stock on Murray last weekend when they lost to Clemson and Murray looked less than stellar. I am repurchasing the stock today because Murray was extremely impressive against a good South Carolina team. He had six out of seven completions on third down, Murray did not have his top receiver in Malcolm Mitchell and his team put up 41 points on a good South Carolina defense. The next test comes against LSU in two weeks once again being played at home.  Murray has another attempt to silence the doubters. When it's all said and done this year, I would not be surprised if Murray gets picked in the first round in the 2014 NFL Draft.  

The rebirth of The U - Liked this team in August, and I feel even better about them after their win against Florida. Miami's defense is their weak point of their team and they forced five turnovers with Florida only scoring 16 points with one of Florida's scoring drive beginning in the red zone after a blocked punt. Miami might be the real deal here, and the ACC might be better than people are giving it credit for at least to start the season. I like what they have in Duke Johnson and Stephen Morris, and if that defense comes around, oh boy, we could have something here. They have Savannah State and South Florida before a big one at home against Georgia Tech on October 5th.

What's the true ceiling of Notre Dame? - I would love an answer to this one because I truly have no idea. They beat a weak Temple team and last week gave up 40 points to a B1G power. There are a few out there, but I feel like Notre Dame is the most unknown team in terms of what they will end up being at the end of the year. Right now, I feel like the Fighting Irish could still be a BCS Bowl team but could also be at the Sun Bowl.  They have a road game against a weak Purdue team this week (It is under the lights and a rivalry game so you never know) and then have a big home affair with Oklahoma the following weekend. I do not think we will have a good read on the Irish until after Arizona State or USC in October.  

Just how legit is Baylor? - Might want to start buying stock in Baylor. The Big 12 has looked awful across the board with Texas losing, Oklahoma not really impressing anyone, Iowa State and Kansas State losing to FCS schools and TCU losing Casey Pachall for eight weeks with a fractured arm. The only team who looks like they could be some gang busters this year are Baylor.  They put up 70 points and 781 yards against Buffalo, a team who stayed with Ohio State for the three quarters last week. Bryce Petty looks like another one in the Art Briles quarterback machine and Lache Seastrunk is living up to expectations. First true test for Baylor might not come until October 12th against Kansas State.



RAPPERS ON EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT - Eminem joined Brent Musburger and Kirk Herbstreit in the booth this week. It was awesome. From Em's blank stare to Musburger asking him about the line for the Lions game on Sunday.  They are in Indiana next week so I see no reason why we could not have Freddie Gibbs in the booth. I also love Brent called him Marshall and Mathers throughout the whole thing, that's such a boss power move that only Musburger could do, he's my favorite.

Charlie.  

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CFB Picks Week 2: What's in a Rivalry?

This is how bad the Week 2 schedule is besides three games, the whole discussion this week has been the pissing match between Notre Dame and Michigan talking about if this game is really a rivalry. Brian Kelly says something then Brady Hoke takes the high road. In the end, this rivalry always seems to involve the suits, shout-out to Billy Walsh, versus the actual players on the field.

They played their first game in 1887 which if they were to play every year since then, it would be the longest rivalry in college football. But they have only played 40 games in total and they take another break from the rivalry after this season until at least 2018.  This is why the rivalry does not have the juice as others do although I will say I look forward to this game every year. Last time, we saw these two teams in Ann Arbor we did get one of the bigger classics


Grab Beers & Bros (For those unfamiliar, these are what I deem marquee games that everyone should watch start to finish) 

14. Notre Dame at 17. Michigan 7 pm ESPN - This feels like a 'Retirement Match' in WWE where the loser retires from the WWE but the loser will probably stay playing football. Notre Dame looked great last Saturday against Temple with Tommy Rees playing great. This will be Rees' biggest test dealing with a night crowd in Ann Arbor. Michigan looked good last weekend, but I am a little nervous about the Wolverines offense getting going against this vaunted Notre Dame defense. Also I am drinking the Rees kool-aid, give me the Irish. ND 20-10

12. Florida at Miami 11 am ESPN - This is a rivalry that might be ending after this season as Florida does not seem like they can fit the Hurricanes into their schedule. If I am The U, I have to take that as a slight. Just no respect for them. The Florida offense did not get off to the best of starts and if they cannot get together against an average Miami defense, then hope might be lost. The Hurricanes do not get enough credit for being a good team as Duke Johnson and Stephen Morris are two of the best players in college football. The Gators have not won in Miami since 1985. This is extremely trivial given how little these two teams play but I like stupid facts. I trust Miami more than Florida at this point of the season and I am taking them at home. MIA 27-23

6. South Carolina at 11. Georgia 3:30 pm ESPN - I am trying to think what's comparable for Georgia having to face Clemson and South Carolina for the first two weeks. That's entirely brutal. Georgia lost Malcolm Mitchell for the season and the Dawgs will look to replace him. Their offensive line needs to get better after their poor performance against Clemson. They now face Jadeveon Clowney, the meanest defensive lineman in the game. Clowney got criticized last week and I have a feeling he will use it as fuel for this week. I still have a lot of questions about Georgia's defense and I feel like South Carolina has the only tolerable two quarterback system.  SCAR 30-21

Channel Flip Worthy (Basically, the second-tier of games worth paying attention to on Saturday)
West Virginia at 16. Oklahoma 6 pm FOX - There are always teams who make me look like complete ass clowns and maybe it is the Sooners.  Trevor Newton looked good last week against Louisiana-Monroe at quarterback and now faces the typically weak Mountaineer defense. West Virginia nearly lost to William & Mary, I do not see them giving the Sooners much of a challenge. OU 45-23

2. Oregon at Virginia 2:30 pm ABC or ESPN2 - Oregon does not head on the road very much, and while I feel like Virginia is not a good team, I feel like they could give this team a challenge for at least the first half. Virginia beat a good BYU team at home last season and this is probably their biggest non-conference road game in a long while. The secondary is the strongest part for the Cavaliers and they will need against the Ducks. A case is being built for Virginia, but Oregon is too damn good and fast. I feel like there will be a speed difference on the field and Oregon will wear this team down by the third quarter. ORE 41-24

San Jose State at 5. Stanford 11 pm Pac-12 Network - Why is this game important to the casual fan? Well David Fales, San Jose State's quarterback, will definitely be a first round draft pick and possibly a top ten pick if he plays well. This game could be one scouts look back for Fales draft prospect. Stanford has been preparing for the Spartans since early August, and even though San Jose State gave them a game last year, I do not see it happening this year. STAN 28-13

Washington State at 25. USC 9:30 FOX Sports 1 -  The Trojans need somewhat of a bounce back game after the Hawaii debacle. I realize they won by 23 points, but they did not play well for a long time in this one. Washington State hung in there against Auburn on the road and I think they do the same for 3.5 quarters. USC pulls away with a couple late touchdowns and wins the game going away in the fourth. USC 34-20

Upset Special (Self Explanatory) 
15. Texas at BYU 6 pm ESPN2 - It is really tough to pick an upset this week. But if there is one that could be an upset besides Miami, it would be this game. Texas heading to BYU is definitely not an easy task. Playing in the altiude for younger players is not something many young players can get adjusted to and this could be a look-ahead game as they play Ole Miss next week.  Now the Cougars lost to Virginia by a field goal last week, but they have a talented linebacker group led by Kyle Von Noy. What the hell, let's take the Cougars, see what happens. BYU 16-13  

A palate cleanser for your Netlix binge watch (The games that might not be great, but if you need a break from other stuff, here you go) 
San Diego State at 3. Ohio State 2:30 pm ABC or ESPN2 - Can we just keep this one on the Deuce?  San Diego State lost last weekend to an FCS team by 21 points. I doubt they will give the Buckeyes much of a game. OSU 52-17

Syracuse at 19. Northwestern 5 pm Big Ten Network - Does Syracuse like to play the Big Ten or what? Second straight game against a B1G opponent and they did not fair well against Penn State. Northwestern is a little banged up, but they are still a better team than the Orange. NW 34-14

Sam Houston St. at 7. Texas A&M 6 pm ESPN3 - Some people think Texas A&M is going have a hard time with the Bearkats. While Sam Houston State is a great team in FCS, they probably cannot compete with the Aggies.  TAMU 59-10

Buffalo at 23. Baylor 2:30 pm No TV - The Bison gave Ohio State a game and it looks like linebacker Khalil Mack will be a first round pick next year. Baylor looked explosive last week against an inferior opponent and I expect more fireworks this week. BAY 42-27


Sleep off your hangover (Self explanatory, stay safe Tappers) 
South Carolina State at 4. Clemson 11:30 am ESPN3 - CLEM 59-7
Eastern Kentucky at 8. Louisville 11 am ESPN3 - LOU 52-10
UAB at 9. LSU 6 pm ESPNU - LSU 48-6
13. Oklahoma State at UTSA 11 am FOX Sports 1 - OK STATE 31-3
Southern Miss at 22. Nebraska 5 pm Big Ten Network - NEB 55-10
Tennessee Tech at 23. Wisconsin 11 am Big Ten Network - UW 49-3
SE Louisiana at 24. TCU 11 am No TV - TCU 52-10

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SnoTap CFB Preview: ACC Coastal

Finally, the college football previews are beginning on SnoTap. We are trying something new looking at divisions/conferences as a whole versus breaking down every team. We look at the power six conferences, Notre Dame and independents and mid-majors. 

The Atlantic Coast Conference has not been represented in the National Championship game since 2000. While teams in their same region but different conferences have ultimate dominance in the sport, the ACC struggled to find footing with the powerhouses. This might be the first time in a long time where the ACC has three National Champion contenders, and it should not come as a surprise if we see one of those teams playing for the crystal ball.

The ACC Coastal division features a little more depth than the ACC Atlantic counterparts.  They might not be as good as Clemson and Florida State but they still could compete with the big boys if all goes right.

FIVE PLAYERS TO WATCH
RB Duke Johnson (Miami) - DUUUUUUUUUKEE.  Just like Jameis Winston, Duke Johnson is a name people will get familiar with as the season moves on. Johnson is a burner at running back that could break one every time he touches the ball. In his freshman year, he was not even a full-time starter and still broke Clinton Portis' Miami freshman rushing record. He is also a great pass-catcher meaning he will create all sorts of problems for opponents this season. Also let us not forget, he returns kicks and punts too making him a complete triple threat.

QB Logan Thomas (Virginia Tech) - This is a big year for Thomas. He came back for his senior season because Thomas struggled mightily as a junior. If Thomas performed at a high level last year, he would have been drafted in the top ten. Thomas is one of the most unpredictable players in college football and if he performs to his potential, Virginia Tech could become a BCS quality team  Thomas must limit his turnovers with 18 interceptions last season.

QB Bryn Renner (North Carolina) - One player who had a huge year under new coach Larry Fedora was Renner. He finished the year with four straight 300 yards and North Carolina had the eighth best offense in all of the NCAA. Renner finished the year with 3,356 yards and a four to one, touchdown to interception ratio. The one difference from last year is he will be without Giovani Bernard in the backfield that would not only catch balls out of the backfield but also provide a tremendous safety outlet. They do have two returning receivers in Quinshad Davis and Sean Tapley which should help Renner.

QB Vad Lee (Georgia Tech)  - This is an ACC sleeper this year. Georgia Tech seems to get great quarterbacks that fit into Paul Johnson's system and Lee could be the best one. They already think he is a better passer than the last couple, and even if Georgia Tech primarily runs the ball,  the Yellow Jackets need to pass the ball occasionally. Lee can also run like nobody's business and given all Georgia Tech's offensive line coming back, Lee could be a revelation.

LB Dexter Perryman (Miami) - Miami's defense definitely did not look like The U of old, but Perryman could be the next great Miami linebacker.  He stops the rush better than most in the ACC but with him being undersized, Perryman can struggle sometimes in the passing game.

FIVE GAMES TO WATCH
Saturday August 31st - Alabama vs. Virginia Tech (Played in Atlanta, Georgia) - Oh boy. This could be a big one for Virginia Tech and Logan Thomas moving forward. Head coach Frank Beamer is not afraid to face the big boys and this is the biggest one of them all.  Bud Foster is one of the best defensive minds in the game and with Bama's offensive line reshuffle, they could provide some problems.

Thursday September 26th - Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech - The Hokies have won seven of the nine games these teams have played since the Yellow Jackets have been in the ACC.  This could be a big game for division standings moving forward as both of these teams should contend for the top spots in the ACC Coastal.

Thursday October 17th - Miami at North Carolina - We made a big deal about Thursday night game in our first ACC preview and we will again for this one. The Hurricanes are probably the ACC Coastal favorite heading into Kenan Memorial Stadium where it is not easy to play smells like a potential upset. Although if North Carolina gets their shit  together on defense, this might be a battle for first place.  

Saturday November 9th - Virginia Tech at Miami - These two teams always seem to play classics and for the longest time, they battle for top supremacy in the ACC. It could happen again for the first time in a long while. Thomas v. Morris is a fascinating quarterback matchup as well.

Friday November 29th - Miami at Pittsburgh - Any time you have a team based in Miami, head to Pittsburgh in the last week of November, it is ripe for an upset. I also would not sleep on the Panthers. I think they could be better than people are saying right now.

FIVE QUESTIONS TO PONDER
Will The U be The U again? - People feel The U are a sneaky National Champion contender team. I personally feel like their schedule might be too tough, but they do bring a lot back. We already talked about Duke Johnson and no one really talks about Van Wilder first-teamer Stephen Morris whose really developed as a quarterback. The biggest concern is their defense which finished dead in stopping both the rushing and passing. They did get bailed out by having the second-best turnover margin in the ACC with a +7, that will need to be a positive number again.

Which Quarterback will come out on top? - Most of the time, it starts at quarterbacks with teams. We talked about Morris, Renner, Thomas and Lee already and another one worth mentioning is Tom Savage, the projected starter at Pittsburgh. Savage was one of Rutgers biggest recruits and never developed into a top starter. The weird thing is given Morris' build, he could end up being a first-round draft pick, but there should be some shootouts with these gunslingers.

Why is Georgia Tech a sleeper every year to win this division? - My buddy Doz loves the wishbone offense. He did it in high school and in college. I feel Georgia Tech gets disrespected for running an old-school offense. No one is talking about this team yet they bring back five offensive lineman and two running backs for their high-powered offense plus we mentioned Lee's abilities at quarterback. They also bring back eight starters on an average defense last year so there is room for development.

Can North Carolina actually play defense this year? - By the numbers, Miami is significantly worse at defense but if you look at just the scores, the Tar Heels look way worse off. They only lost four games, but in those games, North Carolina gave up 68, 39, 33, 28 points and in wins, they outscored multiple opponents in order to get some wins. The Heels need to show some improvement on the defensive side of the ball.

No way people get frustrated with Frank Beamer, right? - Virginia Tech had a disappointing 7-6 season last year with Thomas' struggles. If the Hokies end up around seven wins again this year,  does head coach Frank Beamer start seeing some pressure?  I doubt it honestly, but I could see some rumblings even if they have been in two BCS bowl games in 2010 and 2011.  

PROJECTED FINISH
1.) Miami
2.) Georgia Tech
3.) Virginia Tech
4.) Pittsburgh
5.) North Carolina
6.) Virginia
7.) Duke

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE U.  Seriously excited for them this season and I cannot explain why I like Pittsburgh so much. I'm sorry.  Miami-Florida State in the ACC Championship would be awesome.

Charlie.

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SnoTap Buzz: Friday August 9th

Someone created a piano car in GTA V and then recorded them driving to Vanessa Carlton's 'A Thousand Miles.' (@joshkeowen) 

There is some chatter about Albert Pujols doing PED's and let's hope this does not become a story for awhile because I cannot deal with the another round of ivory tower PED talk. (Hardball Talk) 

I know people sometimes have issues with Jason Whitlock, but this is a really good column on the Johnny Manziel situation. (FOX Sports) 

Brian Phillips looks at the hilarious U.S. Men's National Team photo shoot from 2002. This is as awkward as a photo shoot will get but it's also very funny. (Grantland) 

Miami Hurricanes' new locker room is named after Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.  If you watch some of his football highlights, he could have been in the NFL if he did not get hurt. (CBS Sports) 

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