What You Need to Know

"Every week during football season I go into short trances that allow me to see the final score on each football scoreboard across the nation. I try to enlighten the masses about who will win each week. They try to outguess me."

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Mighty Zultan Returns to Pick the Outcomes of College Football's Biggest Games...

October 1, 2011

Headline: The mighty Zultan finally escaped captivity just in time to forecast the results of the first Big Ten conference games of the 2011 season. 

The all-seeing seer was being held against his will in a cornfield outside of Lincoln where the gridiron guru was forced to time Taylor Martinez trying to out zigzag Jared Crick down 500 rows of corn...brutal stuff.

Eventually, however, without ever giving in to the Cornhusker demand to be picked as the winner in their opener over Wisconsin, the mighty Zultan vamoosed down Interstate 80, the most boring stretch of road in existence linking many Legends and Leaders alike.

Back in Mom’s garage, the most proficient football prognosticator plugged in at long last, ready to surge ahead picking winners as conference rivalries simmered, ready to boil.

But something was terribly wrong, the all-seeing one noted as his turban burst into flames.

After the pain subsided from short circuiting during his initial trace, Zultan realized that all hades had broken loose in his absence as football teams abandoned traditional conference alliances to bolt to other, greener conference pastures half a continent away.

The shifting landscape pulled all the wires loose—so much for geographical proximity and cultural similarities.

As Zultan predicts winners of college football contests this Saturday, you need to be aware that the economy has stricken the prognosticator, leaving him poverty stricken. There will be no prizes for this contest, just the satisfaction of besting the mighty Zultan.

So do you feel lucky?  If so, click here, and enter the contest for this week.  If you do better than Zultan, I will list your name in the next contest.

Be brave—what have you got to lose?

Game 1: Big Ten - Minnesota (1-3) at (19) Michigan (4-0)


Welcome to the Big Ten, Jerry Kill. Nobody said it was gonna be easy, now did they?  Still, you gotta like the big guy! Let him get his feet under him and his seizures under control and do what Kill does best—coach football.

Losing to North Dakota State has to hurt big time and now traveling to face Denard Robinson and the Michigan Wolverines won’t help.  There is no way Minnesota can win this one on the road.  Michigan is newly inspired and ranked now. They will be smugly secure in Ann Arbor. Kill will have his day one day soon.

Pick: Michigan

Game 2: Big Ten - Penn State (3-1) at Indiana (1-3)

The battle of the quarterbacks takes to the road in the opening week of Big Ten play for the Penn State Nittany Lions as they travel to Indiana to face the Hoosiers who lost to North Texas 24-21 last weekend.  The Hoosiers trailed 24-0 before coming to life in the fourth quarter—scoring 21 points in the last 15 minutes. Close but no cigar.

Penn State quarterback Matt McGloin came into the Penn State game against Eastern Michigan, sparking the offense into scoring a bunch of points. McGloin threw for 220 yards including three touchdowns. Starting the game was sophomore Rob Bolden whose early play was lacking. As long as it works, look for Penn State to rotate these two in and out, depending on who is clicking that day.

Either one should be fine to take care of Indiana on Saturday.

Pick Penn State

Game 3: Big Ten - Michigan St (3-1) at Ohio State (3-1) 

Something does not smell right in the Big Ten. It seems very bizarre that neither of these two teams that tied for the Big Ten title last season are ranked heading into conference play in 2011.

It could be that the off-season debacle that marred the 2011 season for the Buckeyes, left the team off-kilter—not quite clicking on their normal well-oiled cylinders. The Ohio State loss to the Miami Hurricanes was just the wake-up this program needed. Maybe newly throned quarterback Braxton Miller will be the tonic the offense needs to progress through the season.

Michigan State began their stand out season last year by upending Notre Dame in overtime.  This year, however, there was no magic visible for the Spartans as they fell limply to God’s team 31-13. Traveling to the horseshoe is never easy, although the Spartans picked the best time possible to do it.  In the end, Ohio State finds a way.

Pick Ohio State

Game 4: Big Ten - Northwestern (2-1) at (24) Illinois (4-0)

Yes, the rumor is that quarterback Dan Persa is returning to the Northwestern pocket.  This is the same Wildcat quarterback who ruined Iowa’s season in 2010, starting a Hawkeye collapse of staggering proportions.

Persa has been sidelined with a ruptured Achilles tendon since that fateful game last November. Persa may be the spark Northwestern needs but he will not be enough to overcome the Illini led by quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase. Illinois may just be the surprise team of 2011 in the Big Ten.

Pick Illinois

Game 5: Big Ten - (8) Nebraska (4-0) at (7) Wisconsin (4-0) 

This is the big game in the Big Ten in Week 5. The Nebraska Cornhuskers must travel to Camp Randall to face the Badgers who appear, early on, to the be best team in the Big Ten.

While both teams are unbeaten, Wisconsin is also untested at this point, dominating with their running game aided by their offensive line. While the Huskers shine on defense, so far, their offense has not been spectacular, merely passable.

The big strike against Nebraska is that they must face the Badgers in their backyard—not in the friendly confines of Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.  Welcome to the Big Ten, Cornhuskers!

Pick: Wisconsin

Game 6: Big Ten - Notre Dame (2-2)  at Purdue (2-1)

Last year Purdue had to send in oversized tuba players to cover on special teams because the  football team was decimated with injuries. The Boilers limped through the season. This year, players are slowly returning to their anointed places, including Robert Marve, quarterback.

Marve engineered a 59-0 win over SE Missouri State last week which  was seen as a rebirth of the Purdue offense—absent for almost a season.  This fact, plus a bye week will be impetus to try to defeat vaunted Notre Dame team.

Notre Dame which started the year with two losses has defeated both Michigan State and Pittsburgh in back-to-back weeks. Perhaps, the Irish are recovering from early season jitters and are growing into being Notre Dame.  You wanna pick Purdue at home but this time, the Gods will prevail.

Pick Notre Dame.

Game 7: SEC - (3) Alabama (4-0) at (12) Florida (4-0) 

There is lots of talking about this SEC match-up on Saturday night but in the final analysis, talking won’t be the determining factor. “Defense” will and the nod must go to Alabama on that score.

Even though the Florida Gators are ranked fifth nationally on defense, the Tide is ranked second behind Michigan State. Alabama made Arkansas look anemic last weekend defeating the Razorbacks 38-14. The Tide’s defense shut down a powerful offense—one as potent, perhaps, as the Gators.

Florida is sporting a new pro-style offense under the tutelage of Charlie Weis, former coach of Notre Dame. Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps have been piling up some big numbers. The odds are they will continue to do so but will be stopped just short of winning this one.

Pick Alabama

Game 8: ACC - (13) Clemson (4-0) at (11)Virginia Tech (4-0)

Two more unbeaten teams ranked in the top 25 meeting on Saturday—could the day get any better?

Clemson has defeated Florida State and Auburn, both ranked, as well as Troy and Wofford coming into this contest on Saturday. Virginia Tech, on the other hand, has overcome Marshall, Arkansas State, East Carolina and Appalachian State.  It will be a classic match-up with the superior offense (Clemson) meeting the superior defense (Virginia Tech).

The focus needs to turn then to the Tiger’s defense and the Hokie offense. This contest will provide an answer as to who is in the driver seat for the conference title early on.  Zultan leans heavily on defensive power and on home field advantage.

Pick Virginia Tech

Game 9:  Big 12 & SEC - (14) Texas A&M (2-1)  vs. (18) Arkansas (3-1)

So, Texas A&M has scooted over to the SEC starting a domino of exits, ending with the demise of the Big 12. Way to go Aggies! Nothing like a snoot-full of resentment to fuel a fire down in Texas.  Next year when Texas A&M plays Arkansas they will be members of the same conference assuming Arkansas stays put.

The Aggies are coming off a big loss to Oklahoma State after leading the Cowboys 20-3.  Arkansas was manhandled by Alabama 38-14.  Both need a win to bolster sagging egos. Both teams offer top-flight offenses and nimble quick defenses.  Even though Arkansas has won their last two meetings and even though they are playing on a neutral site—Cowboy Stadium in Dallas—Arkansas has a harder road back than Texas A & M.

Pick Texas A&M

Game 10: Big 12 - (17) Texas (3-0) at Iowa State (3-0) 

There is a new real McCoy in town—brother of the famous Texas quarterback Colt McCoy. Case McCoy called the shots as Texas defeated UCLA last Saturday 49-20. Did the win mean Texas dominance was once again in full bloom or simply that UCLA was dead in the water?  I suspect something mid-way between those two extremes.

Iowa State is also undefeated after scoring a big win in overtime over their in-state rivals , the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Cyclones have also defeated Northern Iowa and Connecticut so far this season. Iowa State is ready under the leadership of Paul Rhoads to take this program one step further by upending the Longhorns.

Last year Iowa State defeated the Longhorns in Texas and they will be looking to do so again in Ames.  While all the odds makers pick Texas to win, Zultan thinks that the folks in sold out Jack Trice Stadium in Ames will put the Cyclones over the top.

Pick Iowa State.

Zultan's Final Fearless College Football Forecast: The BCS Bowl Challenge

December 8, 2010

In December, the 2010 college football landscape lays wasted after a full season of all-out assault featuring vicious sacks and bone-cracking tackles. The aerial attacks landed bomb after bomb as receivers somersaulted into opponents' end zones to light up the scoreboard.

Finally, the victors have risen through the ranks undefeated to lay claim to the No. 1 ranking. This year we are sure—there can be no lingering doubts about who has the best football team in the nation. That indisputable team will be crowned on Jan. 10. Right?

On then to the anachronistic bowl system which will provide further clarity to the overriding question of who deserves to be playing in the final game of the season. It will all be clear at the end, won't it, since we have the computer rankings—the infallible BCS?

If you believe this propaganda, you live in Fantasy Land. The All-Seeing Zultan spits in the eye of the BCS and the hordes of college football analysts pocketing millions of dollars who hawk this meaningless bowl system as scientific. Pah-leez.

These network and cable drones know no more than hapless Zultan who, like Chris Fowler, wishes to see a true playoff system in place.

Crowning a national champion remains largely one huge popularity contest based on tenuous circuitous thought processes. You have major college football conference opponents generally playing a slate of cupcakes during the non-conference season, followed by beating each other up during a hard-fought schedule of conference games.

Because all the meaningful contests during the college football season are held between conference rivals, the only thing we really know for sure is which teams are the best in their respective conferences.
Ranking the conferences against each other is all smoke and mirrors. This year we assume the SEC and the Big Ten are the two best.  Based on what?  Scant statistical evidence if you ask me.

Why not give a berth to each team that has better than a 500 mark in their conference and send them off into a playoff system.  Details could be developed to enhance and complement the current bowl system and money could be made once again for everyone except the players who provide the game.  The irony never escapes the All-Seeing Zultan.

In the current bowl system, Zultan complains vehemently, Michigan State and Boise State, to name two, got royally clipped. Michigan State at 11-1 has every right to play their way into a national championship game, just as does Boise State, Alabama, Stanford, Ohio State, Wisconsin, TCU and on and on.

All teams ranked in the top ten or even the top 25 deserve a chance to go for the Championship. Because, realistically, how excited do you think Oklahoma or Alabama  is going to be playing in the Acme Chipped Beef Bowl after working all season for a shot at the top spot?

Zultan ended his regular season gig spinning in the Toilet Bowl, going down 4-6 in his last forecast where once again he picked against Auburn.

But here it is again—the great Zultan’s Bowl Challenge––a whole new contest and a new chance to win something.

Click here to enter your picks and let us see who is better at selecting winners, you or me, the Mighty Zultan, who promises either to come to your house and sing the theme song for Goldfinger or give you a prize worth something.

Actually anyone who does better than the Big Z will be entered into a drawing for $100 PayPal card and everyone who enters will be entered into a drawing for one of three $15 iTunes cards. These prizes provided by our sponsor Sports Then and Now.

Let the games begin! 

1. MAACO Bowl - Boise State (11-1, 7-1 WAC) vs. Utah (10-2, 7-1 MWC) in Las Vegas on December 22

Their loss to Nevada brought a screeching halt to Boise State's title aspirations. The Broncos had to remain perfect in order to have any chance at the BCS title game. Now they are relegated to this meaningless bowl game to end another great season.

The Utes might have been a bit more of a challenge but their quarterback Jordan Wynn is out for the game with a shoulder injury. Assuming Boise State can inject some enthusiasm into their disappointed troops for the game:


Zultan Picks: Boise State

2. Poinsettia Bowl - Navy (8-3, 3-2 away) vs. San Diego State (8-4, 5-3 MWC) in San Diego on December 23

All in all, a great matchup—great running vs. great passing. But playing at home with an explosive offense and a defense that specializes in stopping the run, you can expect the Aztecs to win this one:


Zultan Picks: San Diego State 

3. Independence Bowl - Air Force (8-5, 5-3, MWC) vs. Georgia Tech (6-6, 4-4 ACC) in Shreveport LA on December 27 

You have two teams that love to play in the dirt and avoid tossing the ball.  The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will face the Air Force Falcons with little or no passing to slow down the clock. The game will go by faster than Zultan on Speed.

Throw a dart at the board––it will be quicker than trying to analyze the quarterbacks in this contest, even if one supposedly represents flying high.


Zultan Picks: Air Force 

4. Insight Bowl - Iowa (7-5, 4-4 Big Ten) vs. Missouri (10-2, 6-2 Big 12) in Tempe AZ on December 28

Ah, you have the team that broke poor Zultan’s heart in 2010. The All-Seeing One’s Iowa Hawkeyes ended their season losing to the lowly Minnesota Gophers who had yet to hire a coach named Kill.  Zultan went into deep prognosticator-therapy after that loss.

Still, despite the indignity of playing on December 28—a freaking Tuesday—Iowa finds itself facing a very strong opponent, the Missouri Tigers in the Insight Bowl.  Who dreams up these bowl names, anyway?
The two teams are mirror images in uniform but Iowa is on a three game losing skid. Missouri, on the other hand, had a great year with some great wins.  Still Zultan picks his underachieving Hawkeyes to upset Missouri, even if Arizona has never proven to be a lucky place for the Hawkeyes.


Zultan Picks: Iowa 

5. Texas Bowl - Illinois (6-6, 4-4 Big Ten) vs. Baylor (7-5, 4-4 Big 12) in Houston on December 29

After a good rebound season, Illinois lost three of its last four games, doing just enough to become bowl eligible and saving Ron Zook’s job for another year. Baylor after winning three in a row lost their last three.  So who will win this bowl game between two teams fading badly at the end of the season.  Does anybody really care?  The Texas team will win because this game is played close to their own back yard.


Zultan Picks: Baylor 

6. Alamo Bowl - Oklahoma State (10-2, 6-2 Big 12) vs Arizona (7-5, 4-5 Pac 10) in San Antonio on December 29

What happened to Arizona? The Wildcats lost their last four games of the season.  After standing tall at 7-1, Arizona folded as they met the cream of the Pac-10 crop at the end of the season.  Certainly Oklahoma State, who lost only to Nebraska and Oklahoma this season will be primed to send the Wildcats back to the desert to retool their offense for the 2011 campaign.


Zultan Picks: Oklahoma State


7. New Era Pinstripe Bowl - Kansas State (7-5, 3-5 Big 12) vs. Syracuse (7-5, 4-3 Big East) in Charlotte, NC on December 30

As if we don’t have put up with the damn Yankees enough during baseball season. Now they are hosting a bowl game so named, not for football, but for the noxious uniforms of the snooty Bronx Bombers!  Zultan is not a Yankees fan.  Who wants to go to a football game in the Bronx on Dec. 30? No living person that I know of.
Who wants to see a couple of mediocre teams trying to keep their hands warm enough to hang onto the ball? Come on!  What kind of reward is this for players who expect to play in the warm sunshine and maybe enjoy a day on the beach.  Sad concept. Kansas State needs this one because they had to travel to the North Pole to get it.


Zultan Picks: Kansas State


8. Music City Bowl - North Carolina (7-5, 4-4 ACC) vs. Tennessee (6-6, 3-5 SEC) in Nashville on December 30

Tennessee is on a four-game winning streak, finishing in the middle of the pack in the  SEC East.  North Carolina, wounded and under investigation stands on the brink of something of a turning point. So which of these two teams will bring home the bacon in Nashville?

Hard to say really. But winning their last four games in the SEC, supposedly the best of the major conferences, gives the edge to the hometown boys.


Zultan Picks: Tennessee
 

9. Holiday Bowl - Nebraska (10-3, 6-2 Big 12) vs. Washington (6-6, 5-4 PAC 10) in San Diego on December 30

What a come down for the Huskers to be playing in the Holiday Bowl instead of on New Year’s day or better.  What a waste of a great team to have to play in this bowl when there were far better match ups that might have revealed more about this Husker team.

They have already annihilated the Washington Huskies once this season and all the experts predict that Nebraska will lay waste to the Huskies again.  So does Zultan.


Zultan Picks: Nebraska
 

10. Meinke Car Care Bowl - South Florida (7-5, 3-4 Big East vs. Clemson (6-6, 4-4 ACC) Charlotte, NC on December 31

Yawn. Zultan will be spending his New Year’s Eve day practicing his dance moves for a night of Limbo contests. That would be preferable to watching this match up. No disrespect intended. Zultan understands that the respective educational institutions and fans of their football teams will want to watch this game, urging on their favorite team to win.

But in the grand scheme of things, like many of the Bowl games, the outcome of this game means nothing in unraveling how good either team really is, except in relation to each other and  perhaps to the Big East and ACC.


Zultan Picks:  Clemson


11. Sun Bowl - Notre Dame (7-5) vs. Miami (7-5, 5-3 ACC) in El Paso on December 31

What can Zultan say about this game.  No team can claim a home-field advantage, although Notre Dame does seem to have its own television network.  How do they manage that?  Both teams have been a disappointment to their fans although both probably played up to their potential. That is always a hard reality for Boosters to swallow.

Miami fired their coach Randy Shannon for losing. Notre Dame has shown some progress under new coach Brian Kelly and getting to this bowl game is a big plus for Notre Dame.  The Irish will be hungrier and try harder.


Zultan Picks: Notre Dame
 

12. Liberty Bowl - Georgia (6-6, 3-5 SEC) vs. UCF (10-3, 7-1 C-USA) in Memphis on December 31

Neither of these teams is worth a special trip to Memphis to watch this game between them. Both feel fortunate, however, to be in a bowl game anywhere.  Georgia had to scrap to get themselves bowl eligible while the UCF Knights captured their second Conference USA Championship game.

So far the Knights have never won a bowl game after being at the altar four times. This could be their best chance to win one. But Zultan feels that the Bulldogs have too many weapons for this Conference USA opponent.


Zultan Picks: Georgia
 

13. Chick-fil-A Bowl - South Carolina (9-4, 5-3 SEC) vs. Florida State (9-4, 6-2 ACC) in Atlanta on December 31

South Carolina played Auburn for the SEC Championship and lost.  Florida State played Virginia Tech for the ACC Championship and lost.  It will be hard for either team to rise to the occasion for this contest on New Year’s Eve realizing how close they came to being part of a BCS bowl. Still the runner-up in the SEC should beat the runner up of the ACC according to the pundits.


Zultan Picks: South Carolina


14. TicketCity Bowl - Northwestern (7-5, 3-5 Big Ten) vs. Texas Tech (7-5, 3-5 Big 12) in Dallas on January 1

When Northwestern lost QB Dan Persa, they lost the best part of their offense. This happened as the Wildcats upset Iowa, again. With Persa out of the line up, Northwestern did not fare too well against their remaining opponents losing to Illinois and to Wisconsin in a lop-sided affair.
Texas Tech has shown some definite promise under first year coach Tommy Tuberville. Playing this game in Dallas, a certain amount of home team advantage should go the Red Raiders way.


Zultan Picks: Texas Tech


15. Outback Bowl - Florida (7-5, 4-4 SEC) vs. Penn State (7-5, 4-4 Big Ten) in Tampa on January 1

Neither team screams out excitement!  Both teams struggled while improving on the year.  Both are here in this game on New Year’s day more out of reputation than outstanding results.

Teams more deserving like Boise State or Nebraska or Oklahoma State should be playing on this traditional day for college football because they put together better seasons with wins against better opponents. How long will we allow a team to live on its past successes in college football, Zultan demands to know?


Zultan Picks: Florida
 

16. Capital One Bowl - Alabama (9-3, 5-3 SEC) vs. Michigan State (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten) in Orlando on January 1

This game has the potential to be one of the best bowl games of the season. Both of these teams, especially Michigan State deserved better than this decrepit system could provide because Michigan State overcame terrific odds to share in the Big Ten title.

There is no good reason why their season is judged as less than Ohio State’s or Wisconsin’s (Michigan State actually beat Wisconsin). Alabama simply was not good enough to overcome a couple of competitors.
The bottom line is that if both teams play up to their potential, it will go a long way to provide an answer as to which conference is truly better in 2010? The SEC or the Big Ten?


Zultan Picks: Michigan State 

17. Gator Bowl - Mississippi State (8-4, 4-4 SEC vs. Michigan (7-5, 3-5 Big Ten) in Jacksonville, FLA on January 1

Both teams will spread the offense and try to out run and out gun the other team’s defense. Denard Robinson and the Michigan Wolverines with their No. 6 ranked offensive squad will attack the Mississippi State line but the Bulldogs have held up well on defense all season long.

Mississippi State is making its first bowl appearance since 2007 and Michigan hasn’t gone bowling since 2008. Denard Robinson’s has had a break out year for the Wolverines but probably he will not be able to overcome the power of the Bulldogs.


Zultan Picks: Mississippi State
 

18. Rose Bowl - Wisconsin (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten) vs. TCU (12-0, 8-0 MWC) in Pasadena on January 1

Wisconsin has not appeared in the Rose Bowl since 2000 when they met and defeated Stanford. They should have met Stanford in 2011 except that this year the BCS has chosen the TCU Horned Frogs, from a non-automatically-qualifying conference to play in the Rose Bowl instead.

The Horned Frogs will need to employ their stingy defense to keep the high-scoring Badgers grounded.  Wisconsin loved to run up the score on lesser opponents.  The irresistible force meets the immovable object.


Zultan Picks: Wisconsin


19. Fiesta Bowl - Connecticut (8-4, 5-3 Big East) vs. Oklahoma (11-2, 6-2 Big 12) in Glendale on January 1

Kudos to the Connecticut Huskies for winning the Big East. Nonetheless, this is hardly a contest, is it really? If Oklahoma has any ambition at all, this game should be a walk in the park or a stroll on the beach. Bob Stoops needs to stop the Bowl curse that has fallen on Oklahoma and win this game in Glendale.


Zultan Picks: Oklahoma
 

20. Orange Bowl - Stanford (11-1, 8-1 Pac-10) vs. Virginia Tech (11-2, 8-0 ACC) in Miami on January 3.

This is another of the few really stand out match ups in the Bowl Series. Stanford out of the Pac-10 and Virginia Tech out of the ACC meet in Miami in the annual Orange Bowl. Stanford lost one game this year to Oregon while Virginia Tech after losing their first two games have won 11 games in a row.  This was a break out season for Jim Harbaugh’s Stanford Cardinal.


Zultan Picks: Stanford
 

21. Sugar Bowl - Ohio State (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten) vs. Arkansas (10-2, 6-2 SEC) in New Orleans on January 4

Another intriguing match up of Big Ten vs SEC. Ohio State, however, never beats the SEC––they remain 0-9 against the supposedly best football conference in the nation. Will this be the year this Big Ten juggernaut team gets a win against the SEC going through the Razorbacks?

Arkansas has a lot of weapons starting with their quarterback  Ryan Mallett. But Ohio State has a few weapons of their own in Terrelle Pryor and a very good defense.


Zultan Picks: Ohio State


22. Cotton Bowl - LSU (10-2, 6-2 SEC vs. Texas A & M (9-3, 6-2 Big 12) in Arlington, TX on January 7

This could actually be an entertaining football game to watch with two highly competitive  teams vying for the honors in Arlington in the Cotton Bowl. Texas A & M has won their last six games in a row while LSU just barely lost out to Arkansas and a BCS appearance in the Sugar Bowl.  Both teams are coming off very promising seasons with excellent results.  Which team will be best on January 7?


Zultan Picks: LSU


23. Compass Bowl - Pittsburgh (7-5, 5-2 Big East) vs. Kentucky (6-6, 2-6 SEC) in Birmingham on January 8

What is this Bowl doing here on January 8? It was formerly the Papa.Johns Bowl until this year. It seems remarkably out of place on this date with these teams playing so late on the bowl calendar.

Pittsburgh who just fired their coach Dave Wannstedt after six years as the Pitt head coach, will be playing against Kentucky in Birmingham on Saturday January 8. Kentucky lost three of its last five games.  Neither team offers many sparks but they appear to be equally mediocre.  Throw a dart.


Zultan Picks: Pittsburgh


24. Hunger Bowl - Nevada (12-1 7-1 WAC) vs. Boston College (7-5, 4-4 ACC) San Francisco on January 9

Nevada stunned the football nation upsetting previously undefeated Boise State in overtime. But the Wolf Pack never does well in post-season play. Boston College has  an aggressive and stingy defense which they will need to contain Colin Kaepernick and the power-packed Nevada offense.

Boston College resurrected their season after losing five in a row to end the season on a very positive note.  It will be up to No. 17 ranked Nevada to end their bad luck streak by defeating Boston College.


Zultan Picks: Nevada
 

25. Tostitios BCS National Championship Game - Auburn (13-0, 8-0 SEC) vs. Oregon (12-0, 9-0 Pac-10) Glendale AZ on January 10

Well here it is the game for the BCS Championship. Both teams remain undefeated even after a few close calls.  They both struggled and found ways to win with a lot of talent and a little luck!

All year long Zultan has picked Auburn to lose and all season long he has picked Oregon to win. Now comes
the ultimate decision. Which tract should dictate his choice? Zultan always had more faith in Oregon’s coach than he did in Auburn’s because the Mighty One believed Chip Kelly had better answers to immediate problems than Gene Chizik.  It comes down to speed vs. power on both offense and defense.  


Zultan picks: Oregon

College Football Zultan's Fearless Forecast: Big Ten Plus Five in Week 13

November 22, 2010

Here we are at long last at the end of the season.

All the questions we had in September have been answered, for the most part. Some teams exceeded expectations while others fell short.

Most of the perennial favorites remained where they always reside––at the top.

For Week 12, Zultan failed three times––at Iowa, Nebraska and Miami. Miami lost by two touchdowns and Iowa and Nebraska, each by three points.  Besides sharing a border, the Hawkeyes and Huskers shared mutual pain as time ticked down irrevocably on their season.

A dozen did better than Zultan and guest prognosticator, Craig Bancroft. These prophetic soothsayers will be listed at the end of the article along with appropriate kudos.

Be sure to match wits with Zultan himself for the last time in this regular season finale.

As the 2010 regular season fades into the history books, it is time to look forward to Bowl Season. It promises to be another sizzler. But in the meantime let us look at lucky Week 13 picks:


Game 1: (24) Iowa at Minnesota

After another devastating loss 20-17 to one of the big guys in the Big Ten, Iowa (7-4, 4-3 Big Ten) heads north to play the Minnesota Gophers (2-9, 1-6, Big Ten) at TCM Stadium in Minneapolis.

The Gophers finally won a Big Ten game on the road at Illinois.

Buoyed, Minnesota will be looking forward to a disheartened Iowa team sitting on their doorstep, poised for another loss.

Iowa, however, after suffering through a two-game losing skid, will be on a mission to end their season on a positive note by defeating the Gophers on the road.

Hopefully, the end result for the Hawkeyes will lead to another great Bowl game someplace warmer than chilly Iowa City.

Pick Iowa


Game 2: (10) Michigan St. at Penn State

Last Saturday Michigan State (10-1, 6-1 Big Ten) hung on to defeat Purdue after trailing for most of the game. In the end Purdue turnovers cost them––35-31.

At the same time, Indiana hung tough with Penn State (7-4, 4-3 Big Ten) for the first half before Matt McGloin took charge of the Lion’s offense.

QB McGloin threw for 315 yards and two touchdowns as Penn State upended the Hoosiers 41-24.

This week the Spartans must travel to Happy Valley to end their regular season.

After a number of close calls and last minute saves, the Spartans will not be able to overcome a deficit in Beaver Stadium.

In an upset special, Zultan predicts that Sparty will fall this coming weekend.

Pick Penn State


Game 3: Northwestern at (7) Wisconsin

Wisconsin (10-1, 6-1 Big Ten) is determined to make that trip to Pasadena representing the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl.

All the Badgers must do is win this game at home against a Northwestern team without its offensive leader, Dan Persa.

Last Saturday Wisconsin shot out to a 24-0 lead at halftime––but Michigan came back to score 21 points in the third quarter with their quarterback Denard Robinson leading the charge.

The problem came on defense for Michigan who could not stop Wisconsin all afternoon and also could not keep pace with the Badgers on offense, losing 48-28.

Northwestern (7-4, 3-4 Big Ten) without Persa was outplayed by Illinois in a game held inside Wrigley Field 48-27.

Pick Wisconsin


Game 4: Michigan at (8) Ohio State

Denard Robinson may be the Big Ten quarterback of the year but he does not have the requisite offensive power behind him to make a difference, at least not this year.

Michigan (7-4, 3-4 Big Ten), however, has found the key to their future.

The Wolverines need to make huge strides in restoring its defense to top ten form.

Ohio State (10-1, 6-1 Big Ten) did enough to win against Iowa whose defense could not stop the Buckeyes on a critical fourth and ten.

Terrell Pryor scrambled to gain the needed yardage and put the Hawkeyes out of their misery.

On Saturday, the Buckeyes will not let their hard-earned 20-17 victory be for naught.  They will go ahead and win and wait to see where the chips fall on Bowl Selection Day.

Pick: Ohio State


Game 5: Indiana at Purdue

Both of these teams reside close to the bottom in Big Ten Conference standings.

Right now Purdue (4-7, 2-5 Big Ten) and Indiana (4-7, 0-7 Big Ten) have identical win-loss records of 4-7.

Neither team has a chance to become bowl eligible.

Nonetheless each has played excellent football periodically in several games. The problem with both teams is their inability to sustain excellent football for four quarters.

They cannot hold on to momentum in the closing moments of games. Against teams with more power and more reserves, they lose.

As they meet each other on the field for their last game of the season, it would be great if both could bring home a victory.  But, in the end, you just have to stick with home field advantage.

Pick: Purdue


Game 6: (5) LSU at (12) Arkansas

Both LSU (10-1, 6-1 SEC) and Arkansas (9-2, 5-2 SEC) battled mightily to secure a win in Week 12 and both succeeded.

Their head-to-head game in Week 13 is for all the marbles, as the saying goes.

Either Arkansas wins and stays in the hunt for a BCS Bowl bid or they drop down and out of contention with three losses.

LSU, with one loss in the conference, must win to stay above the two-loss teams nipping at its heals in the powerful SEC West Conference.

The Tigers remain only one behind currently undefeated Auburn.  LSU is playing at Arkansas.

The Razorbacks led by their tenacious quarterback Ryan Mallett suffered losses in 2010 to Alabama and Auburn.  This is a tough one but Zultan lives for challenges. When in doubt stay home.

Pick: Arkansas


Game 7: (13) Oklahoma at (9) Oklahoma State

The finalists in another conference title game will be determined by the outcome of this game in Week 13.

If Oklahoma State (10-1, 6-1 Big 12) wins this game, they win the Big 12 South and play the winner of the Big 12 North.

If Oklahoma (9-2, 5-2 Big 12) wins, however, and Texas A & M defeats Texas, there could be a three-way tie for the lead in the Big 12 South.

As is generally the case at this time of year, much is riding on this game.  Oklahoma has not generally been a good road team this year, although they took care of business at Baylor.

Oklahoma State, however, has been good on the road and at home. The Cowboys only loss came at the hands of Nebraska at home in Stillwater. Once again, the nod goes to the home team.

Pick Oklahoma State


Game 8: (2) Auburn at (11) Alabama - Friday 

Auburn (11-0, 7-0 SEC) remains undefeated.

Alabama (9-2, 5-2 SEC) has two losses––one to South Carolina by two touchdowns and another to LSU by three points. Both losses were on the road.

This game is a must win for Cam Newton and Auburn. Any chance to participate in the BCS Championship Game will fall by the wayside if the Tigers lose to Alabama on Saturday.

Similarly, Alabama is playing to stay relevant for a potential BCS Bowl bid. The Crimson Tide also feels compelled to make a statement about their team and the future.

Alabama must be prepared to give thanks galore if they manage to upset Auburn on Saturday.

Pick: Alabama


Game 9: (21) Arizona at (1) Oregon - Friday

The Arizona Wildcats (7-3, 4-3 Pac-10) travel to Eugene to meet the No. 1 ranked Oregon Ducks (10-0, 7-0 Pac-10) who  may be without the services of wide receiver Lavasier Tuinei for the game on Friday.

Arizona is returning after a bye week and hoping to stop their current two-loss skid, losing to Stanford and then to USC.

The Ducks also had a week off after their near-miss against Cal 15-13.

Oregon fully expects to remain undefeated by upending Coach Mike Stoops’ troops––then ending the season against in-state rival Oregon State at Corvallis.

Arizona may give the Ducks some tense moments but the Wildcats are no match for the speed and power of Oregon, especially at home.

Pick Oregon 


Game 10: (4) Boise State at (19) Nevada - Friday

Boise State (10-0, 6-0 WAC) is the first ranked team Nevada (10-1, 5-1 WAC) has faced all year.

For Boise State Nevada is their third ranked team.  Previously the Broncos met Virginia Tech in the first game of the season when Tech was ranked No. 10. Boise State won that nationally televised game 33-30.

Then the Broncos met and defeated Oregon State 37-24 when the Beavers were ranked No. 24.

Nevada’s only loss came at home to Hawaii who sits right behind Boise State in the WAC.  Zultan fears there is no way for the Wolf Pack to survive the Broncos.

Pick Boise State


The Rest of the Story.

Guest Prognosticator Craig Bancroft went 7-3 during his turn reading the elusive crystal ball for Zultan. There were some tough losses to absorb during Week 12 of the college football season. Twelve dialed-in denizens outguessed him, including one perfect on the day. Congratulations to:

10-0: Jack Darland, Jr. - Cedar Falls, IA

9-1: Phillip Murphy - Muscatine, IA; Rick "Turk" Steffens - Wilton, IA; Ryan Sparrow - Channahon, IL; Chris Seberg - New Brighton, MN

8-2: Siddharth Killekar - Mumbai, India; Dallas Palmer - New Virginia, IA; Eric Lawhead - Bolingbrook, IL; Michael Crisp - Spencerville, OH; Craig Hill - Summerfield, FL; Kenneth Zuerner - Iowa City, IA; Joel Greer - no city given

Be sure to enter your own slate of winners for your last chance of the regular season.

The Zultan contest has been sponsored by Sports Then and Now where we look at sports today as well as looking back at famous sports moments of the past.

Winners of the season-long contest will be revealed after Saturday’s games so stay tuned for that!

Published in Bleacher Report and Sports Then & Now by JA Allen.  

College Football Zultan's Fearless Forecast: Big Ten Plus Five in Week 12

November 16, 2010


With as much dignity as he could muster, Zultan gathered up the sad remains of his shattered major award. Later that night, alone in the backyard, the Great One buried it next to the garage. Now I could never be sure, but I thought that I heard the sound of "Taps" being played, gently.* 

The shattered prize being a Big Ten Championship for Zultan's Iowa Hawkeyes, of course...

It was quite a Saturday for the Big Ten. Iowa and Illinois fell as Wisconsin stomped the life out of Indiana, crushing bones, sinew and dignity in the process.

Hard to haul yourself off the field and onto the next game after that whopping of 83-20. The Badgers deserve the big Axe for that one...

Northwestern’s 21-17 win over Iowa was just as devastating for the Hawkeyes and their fans, watching another promising season sink out of sight like the sun on the horizon after a long day. The Wildcats continue to have Iowa’s number year after year...

Illinois could not locate the game they left on the field in Ann Arbor as Minnesota came back to win in the closing seconds...

What about Minnesota!  The Gophers struck their own blow for the dignity of their team, their school and most especially for their seniors. As hard as it had to be on Illinois to lose that one, you must be happy for the Gophers to finally win a game in the Big Ten.

Zultan’s guest prognosticator in Week 11, Ryan Sparrow went 7-3 for the week, sadly missing on Iowa, Illinois and Arizona.  Those seven souls who managed to predict these upsets are listed at the end of the article with accompanying accolades.

Try to outguess this week’s last guest seer of the season, Craig Bancroft, who issues the following predictions...


Game 1: Illinois (5-5, 3-4) at Northwestern (7-3, 3-3 Big Ten)


It was one thing to lose that close one to Michigan on the road in triple overtime; but it was quite another to lose to cellar dweller Minnesota in Champaign in front of the home-town folks.

Minnesota rose up like Phoenix from the ashes to make a statement about their program and their future in the Big Ten.

The Illini will be smarting as they invade the home of the Northwestern Wildcats, who upset the Iowa Hawkeyes on their last outing.  Who will benefit more from the respective mood and mindset of their players and coaching staff?

According to Mr. Bancroft: The Zooker [Ron Zook] and his crew have finally had enough time to get over that heartbreaking loss to Michigan (in a real defensive struggle!)  Northwestern QB Dan Persa played an unbelievable game against the Hawks and it's too bad he got hurt on the doggone winning TD pass. Illinois beats the Persa-less Wildcats in a close one at historic Wrigley Field.
Pick Illinois


Game 2: Penn State (6-4, 3-3 Big Ten)  at Indiana (4-6, 0-6 Big Ten)


Penn State hung tough with Ohio State in the Horseshoe during the first half but eventually, Ohio State’s lines began to penetrate on both sides of the ball.

What really turned the Buckeyes' fortunes around, however, was an interception by Devon Torrence that he returned to give Ohio State its first lead at 17-14 in the third quarter.

Penn State would score no more as the impetus turned toward the Buckeyes, who finally won the game 38-14.  Penn State travels to a hurting Indiana Hoosiers team kicked around this past weekend by Wisconsin.  So who will win in Landover, MD [neutral site] on Saturday?

Craig says: Joe-Pa gets another win in his storied career, a career that will almost certainly never be matched.

Pick Penn State

Game 3: (9) Ohio State (9-1, 5-1 Big Ten) at (20) Iowa (7-3, 4-2 Big Ten)


The once-critical game of the week becomes an after-thought after Iowa’s loss to Northwestern last Saturday...at least in the minds of ESPN and the sports media.

Even so it is a very important game for both these teams, each capable of defeating the other.  The question remains, which coaching staff will have its team better prepared on Saturday?

The experts favor Ohio State on the road to knock off a sagging Iowa team but they do not understand the Iowa mentality. Few do. Traditionally, Iowa seldom beats the Buckeyes, but there is no better time to break traditions than now.

According to the guest prognosticator: Call me a homer if you will, but I really think my beloved Hawkeyes can handle the Buckeyes in historic Kinnick Stadium this season. Either way, it should be a great game, but I'm taking the Hawks in a close one and hoping that things look "rosier" for them after this one.

Pick Iowa

Game 4: (7) Wisconsin (9-1, 5-1 Big Ten) at Michigan (7-3, 3-3 Big Ten)


To say Wisconsin ran up the score to impress BCS pollsters may be politically incorrect, but how else can you justify that 83-20 score?

Once Indiana’s starting QB Ben Chappell was no longer in the picture, injured on the sidelines, Indiana’s offense was dead. Yet Wisconsin continued to score at will like bullies on the playground.

The reason is obvious: they wanted the college football world to pay attention in order to push them up in the polls.  Plain and simple. It worked.

The Badgers may get another chance to be impressive at Michigan, as the Wolverines continue to allow their vaunted QB Denard Robinson to get pounded.

Michigan got past Purdue, but even at home, they will have all sorts of trouble stopping willful and powerful Wisconsin.

According to Mr. Bancroft: I'm now officially a believer in the Badgers, and I think they will outscore the Wolverines (it may be an 83-75 contest).

Pick: Wisconsin


Game 5: Purdue (4-6, 2-4 Big Ten) at (12) Michigan State (9-1, 5-1 Big Ten)


It was not a particularly pretty game in terms of football aesthetics on Saturday in West Lafayette.

The Michigan Wolverines finally managed to hang onto the ball long enough to secure a victory over the hapless Purdue Boilermakers, whose team has been decimated with injuries.

Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson overcame four turnovers to pass for 176 yards but run for only 68 on a long afternoon for Big Blue.

You have to wonder week after week about the continuing list of walking wounded for the Boilers. This week, Purdue must travel to face a well-rested Michigan State team.  The Spartans have to relish the upturn in their football fortunes now that Iowa has another Big Ten loss.

According to our guest prognosticator: Sparty is not going to fall to the struggling Boilers on their home turf. This game will not likely be close.

Pick Michigan State

Game 6: (13) Arkansas (8-2, 4-2 SEC) at (21) Mississippi State (7-3, 3-3 SEC)


The Bulldogs welcome the Razorbacks to Scott Field on Saturday in an SEC West showdown. On paper, one win separates these two teams, but in reality the differences are much more.

It all comes down to this: Mississippi State will not be able to stop Razorback QB Ryan Mallet’s passing attack.

This defensive shortfall doomed the Bulldogs against Alabama. It will be the Bulldogs' undoing against a top-notch Arkansas team even though Mississippi State gets to play at home in front of their fans.

According to the Zultan stand-in Bancroft, The Hogs are playing good ball this season and I think they have their way with Miss State even at Miss State.

Pick Arkansas


Game 7: (15) Missouri (8-2, 4-2 Big 12)  at Iowa State (5-6, 3-4 Big 12)


Iowa State fielded a scrappy team, tough as nails with plenty of fight. You just have to hate it that their senior quarterback and offensive leader Austen Arnaud suffered a season-ending knee injury in a devastating loss on the road last week to Colorado.

The Cyclones are fighting to become bowl eligible after defeating Texas in Austin and almost upending Nebraska in overtime in Ames.

A win over No. 15 Missouri would give them that sixth game and pull them even in the Big 12.  Playing in Ames might help if Arnaud were still running the show.  But you have to wonder.

According to Craig: They coulda’ shouda’ woulda’ beat Nebraska for gosh sakes!. But they lost their starting QB Saturday, and Iowa State historically just has so much trouble with the Tigers, I like the guys from Missouri to find a way to win this one.

Pick Missouri


Game 8: (8) Nebraska (9-1, 5-1 Big 12) at (19) Texas A & M (7-3, 4-2 Big 12)


Nebraska has shown some vulnerability on the road...not much or very often, however. This is do-or-die week for the Aggies if they hope to share in a piece of the title for the Big 12 South.

In order to stay alive, Texas A & M must win this game. With the finish line directly ahead, Nebraska must also pay strict attention to taking care of business by putting the Aggies in the barn for good.

How this all plays out ultimately rests on how well the Aggies defense plays against the Nebraska offense. Neither one are what we call “top-drawer” in college football. Either team has the talent to win this game.  The question remains: who wants it more?

According to guest prognosticator Bancroft: This is another very tough pick. I know what the Aggies did to Oklahoma recently and I know how salty they can be at home. But I think the Huskers are on a mission to have a great season in their last year in that "other" league. The Huskers find a way to win this one in a close game.

Pick Nebraska


Game 9: (23) Utah (8-2, 5-1 MWC) at San Diego State (7-3, 4-2 MWC)


After winning their first eight games of the season, Utah now reels with two straight losses. The first defeat against the TCU Horned Frogs was expected by most when Utah was ranked No. 8 and TCU No. 4.

But the loss against Notre Dame last weekend, took a deep bite out of Utah's pride. The blame game appears to rearing its ugly head.

The Utes must face a surging San Diego State team who is now bowl-eligible for the first time since 1998. The Aztecs will be brimming with confidence as Utah comes calling with two black eyes.

Utah, who leaves the Mountain West Conference at the end of this season to go the PAC-12, hoped to leave with another conference title.  That seems highly unlikely now.

As to their chances against San Diego State, Craig says: I readily admit I don't know much about either of these teams, but I think the Utes are too much for San Diego State in what won't likely be a close one.

Pick Utah


Game 10: (16) Virginia Tech (8-2, 6-0 ACC) at (24) Miami (7-3, 5-2 ACC)


It is hard to believe that Virginia Tech, so highly touted as they met and lost to Boise State 33-30 in the first big contest of the college football season, is back in the top 20 again.

The Hokies fell completely off the radar until recently. Now Virgina Tech is one win away from clinching their division title. The Canes must win this game at home to retain any hope of winning the Coastal Division.

The last time these two teams met in Miami, Tech lost. It is a critical game for both teams.

Zultan’s stand-in states: I realize this is considered a big game in a league which isn't very good this year, but I don't care much about it I have to say. I do think the 'Canes are too much for Tech, especially in Miami. I like the Hurricanes to swamp Tech's tent in this one.

Pick Miami


The Rest of the Story

Ryan Sparrow gave a good reading of the crystal ball; but he fell short of perfection, unable to see the troublesome upsets clearly.

Seven individuals, however, went one better than our guest prognosticator in Week 11 by going 8-2.  These future-seeing marvels are: Phillip Murphy - Muscatine, IA; Jack Darland Jr - Cedar Falls, IA; Chris Seberg - New Brighton, MN;  Kenneth Zuerner - Iowa City, IA;  Daniel Lint - Des Moines, IA; Scott Marr - Denver, CO;  Jeff Harmeyer - Windsor Heights, IA

This week also offers some interesting challenges and more unseeable finishes.  Our guest prognosticator for Week 12 invites you to see if you can do better than he does in predicting next weekend’s winners.

Our stand-in seer says this about himself:


My name is Craig Bancroft and I live in Coralville, Iowa (which is right next to Iowa City). When I'm not rooting for or worrying about the Hawkeyes (especially in football season), I am a retired high school educator and an avid reader of both fiction and nonfiction, who now substitute teaches in the Iowa City district. I also support Iowa City West High athletics and activities. Go Hawks!

For Week 13, Zultan will be back in the saddle.  Not only is it the final full week of the regular season, “13” is the All-Seeing One’s lucky number.  So come back next week to see it you have any wits left to match with the master prognosticator himself!

* Line from the film "A Christmas Story" spoken by the author/narrator Jean Shepherd. The Old Man is Ralphie's Dad.


This article was published in Bleacher Reports and Sports Then & Now by JA Allen.

College Football Zultan's Fearless Forecast: Big Ten Plus Five in Week 12

November 16, 2010


With as much dignity as he could muster, Zultan gathered up the sad remains of his shattered major award. Later that night, alone in the backyard, the Great One buried it next to the garage. Now I could never be sure, but I thought that I heard the sound of "Taps" being played, gently.* 

The shattered prize being a Big Ten Championship for Zultan's Iowa Hawkeyes, of course...

It was quite a Saturday for the Big Ten. Iowa and Illinois fell as Wisconsin stomped the life out of Indiana, crushing bones, sinew and dignity in the process.

Hard to haul yourself off the field and onto the next game after that whopping of 83-20. The Badgers deserve the big Axe for that one...

Northwestern’s 21-17 win over Iowa was just as devastating for the Hawkeyes and their fans, watching another promising season sink out of sight like the sun on the horizon after a long day. The Wildcats continue to have Iowa’s number year after year...

Illinois could not locate the game they left on the field in Ann Arbor as Minnesota came back to win in the closing seconds...

What about Minnesota!  The Gophers struck their own blow for the dignity of their team, their school and most especially for their seniors. As hard as it had to be on Illinois to lose that one, you must be happy for the Gophers to finally win a game in the Big Ten.

Zultan’s guest prognosticator in Week 11, Ryan Sparrow went 7-3 for the week, sadly missing on Iowa, Illinois and Arizona.  Those seven souls who managed to predict these upsets are listed at the end of the article with accompanying accolades.

Try to outguess this week’s last guest seer of the season, Craig Bancroft, who issues the following predictions...


Game 1: Illinois (5-5, 3-4) at Northwestern (7-3, 3-3 Big Ten)


It was one thing to lose that close one to Michigan on the road in triple overtime; but it was quite another to lose to cellar dweller Minnesota in Champaign in front of the home-town folks.

Minnesota rose up like Phoenix from the ashes to make a statement about their program and their future in the Big Ten.

The Illini will be smarting as they invade the home of the Northwestern Wildcats, who upset the Iowa Hawkeyes on their last outing.  Who will benefit more from the respective mood and mindset of their players and coaching staff?

According to Mr. Bancroft: The Zooker [Ron Zook] and his crew have finally had enough time to get over that heartbreaking loss to Michigan (in a real defensive struggle!)  Northwestern QB Dan Persa played an unbelievable game against the Hawks and it's too bad he got hurt on the doggone winning TD pass. Illinois beats the Persa-less Wildcats in a close one at historic Wrigley Field.
Pick Illinois


Game 2: Penn State (6-4, 3-3 Big Ten)  at Indiana (4-6, 0-6 Big Ten)


Penn State hung tough with Ohio State in the Horseshoe during the first half but eventually, Ohio State’s lines began to penetrate on both sides of the ball.

What really turned the Buckeyes' fortunes around, however, was an interception by Devon Torrence that he returned to give Ohio State its first lead at 17-14 in the third quarter.

Penn State would score no more as the impetus turned toward the Buckeyes, who finally won the game 38-14.  Penn State travels to a hurting Indiana Hoosiers team kicked around this past weekend by Wisconsin.  So who will win in Landover, MD [neutral site] on Saturday?

Craig says: Joe-Pa gets another win in his storied career, a career that will almost certainly never be matched.

Pick Penn State

Game 3: (9) Ohio State (9-1, 5-1 Big Ten) at (20) Iowa (7-3, 4-2 Big Ten)


The once-critical game of the week becomes an after-thought after Iowa’s loss to Northwestern last Saturday...at least in the minds of ESPN and the sports media.

Even so it is a very important game for both these teams, each capable of defeating the other.  The question remains, which coaching staff will have its team better prepared on Saturday?

The experts favor Ohio State on the road to knock off a sagging Iowa team but they do not understand the Iowa mentality. Few do. Traditionally, Iowa seldom beats the Buckeyes, but there is no better time to break traditions than now.

According to the guest prognosticator: Call me a homer if you will, but I really think my beloved Hawkeyes can handle the Buckeyes in historic Kinnick Stadium this season. Either way, it should be a great game, but I'm taking the Hawks in a close one and hoping that things look "rosier" for them after this one.

Pick Iowa

Game 4: (7) Wisconsin (9-1, 5-1 Big Ten) at Michigan (7-3, 3-3 Big Ten)


To say Wisconsin ran up the score to impress BCS pollsters may be politically incorrect, but how else can you justify that 83-20 score?

Once Indiana’s starting QB Ben Chappell was no longer in the picture, injured on the sidelines, Indiana’s offense was dead. Yet Wisconsin continued to score at will like bullies on the playground.

The reason is obvious: they wanted the college football world to pay attention in order to push them up in the polls.  Plain and simple. It worked.

The Badgers may get another chance to be impressive at Michigan, as the Wolverines continue to allow their vaunted QB Denard Robinson to get pounded.

Michigan got past Purdue, but even at home, they will have all sorts of trouble stopping willful and powerful Wisconsin.

According to Mr. Bancroft: I'm now officially a believer in the Badgers, and I think they will outscore the Wolverines (it may be an 83-75 contest).

Pick: Wisconsin


Game 5: Purdue (4-6, 2-4 Big Ten) at (12) Michigan State (9-1, 5-1 Big Ten)


It was not a particularly pretty game in terms of football aesthetics on Saturday in West Lafayette.

The Michigan Wolverines finally managed to hang onto the ball long enough to secure a victory over the hapless Purdue Boilermakers, whose team has been decimated with injuries.

Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson overcame four turnovers to pass for 176 yards but run for only 68 on a long afternoon for Big Blue.

You have to wonder week after week about the continuing list of walking wounded for the Boilers. This week, Purdue must travel to face a well-rested Michigan State team.  The Spartans have to relish the upturn in their football fortunes now that Iowa has another Big Ten loss.

According to our guest prognosticator: Sparty is not going to fall to the struggling Boilers on their home turf. This game will not likely be close.

Pick Michigan State

Game 6: (13) Arkansas (8-2, 4-2 SEC) at (21) Mississippi State (7-3, 3-3 SEC)


The Bulldogs welcome the Razorbacks to Scott Field on Saturday in an SEC West showdown. On paper, one win separates these two teams, but in reality the differences are much more.

It all comes down to this: Mississippi State will not be able to stop Razorback QB Ryan Mallet’s passing attack.

This defensive shortfall doomed the Bulldogs against Alabama. It will be the Bulldogs' undoing against a top-notch Arkansas team even though Mississippi State gets to play at home in front of their fans.

According to the Zultan stand-in Bancroft, The Hogs are playing good ball this season and I think they have their way with Miss State even at Miss State.

Pick Arkansas


Game 7: (15) Missouri (8-2, 4-2 Big 12)  at Iowa State (5-6, 3-4 Big 12)


Iowa State fielded a scrappy team, tough as nails with plenty of fight. You just have to hate it that their senior quarterback and offensive leader Austen Arnaud suffered a season-ending knee injury in a devastating loss on the road last week to Colorado.

The Cyclones are fighting to become bowl eligible after defeating Texas in Austin and almost upending Nebraska in overtime in Ames.

A win over No. 15 Missouri would give them that sixth game and pull them even in the Big 12.  Playing in Ames might help if Arnaud were still running the show.  But you have to wonder.

According to Craig: They coulda’ shouda’ woulda’ beat Nebraska for gosh sakes!. But they lost their starting QB Saturday, and Iowa State historically just has so much trouble with the Tigers, I like the guys from Missouri to find a way to win this one.

Pick Missouri


Game 8: (8) Nebraska (9-1, 5-1 Big 12) at (19) Texas A & M (7-3, 4-2 Big 12)


Nebraska has shown some vulnerability on the road...not much or very often, however. This is do-or-die week for the Aggies if they hope to share in a piece of the title for the Big 12 South.

In order to stay alive, Texas A & M must win this game. With the finish line directly ahead, Nebraska must also pay strict attention to taking care of business by putting the Aggies in the barn for good.

How this all plays out ultimately rests on how well the Aggies defense plays against the Nebraska offense. Neither one are what we call “top-drawer” in college football. Either team has the talent to win this game.  The question remains: who wants it more?

According to guest prognosticator Bancroft: This is another very tough pick. I know what the Aggies did to Oklahoma recently and I know how salty they can be at home. But I think the Huskers are on a mission to have a great season in their last year in that "other" league. The Huskers find a way to win this one in a close game.

Pick Nebraska


Game 9: (23) Utah (8-2, 5-1 MWC) at San Diego State (7-3, 4-2 MWC)


After winning their first eight games of the season, Utah now reels with two straight losses. The first defeat against the TCU Horned Frogs was expected by most when Utah was ranked No. 8 and TCU No. 4.

But the loss against Notre Dame last weekend, took a deep bite out of Utah's pride. The blame game appears to rearing its ugly head.

The Utes must face a surging San Diego State team who is now bowl-eligible for the first time since 1998. The Aztecs will be brimming with confidence as Utah comes calling with two black eyes.

Utah, who leaves the Mountain West Conference at the end of this season to go the PAC-12, hoped to leave with another conference title.  That seems highly unlikely now.

As to their chances against San Diego State, Craig says: I readily admit I don't know much about either of these teams, but I think the Utes are too much for San Diego State in what won't likely be a close one.

Pick Utah


Game 10: (16) Virginia Tech (8-2, 6-0 ACC) at (24) Miami (7-3, 5-2 ACC)


It is hard to believe that Virginia Tech, so highly touted as they met and lost to Boise State 33-30 in the first big contest of the college football season, is back in the top 20 again.

The Hokies fell completely off the radar until recently. Now Virgina Tech is one win away from clinching their division title. The Canes must win this game at home to retain any hope of winning the Coastal Division.

The last time these two teams met in Miami, Tech lost. It is a critical game for both teams.

Zultan’s stand-in states: I realize this is considered a big game in a league which isn't very good this year, but I don't care much about it I have to say. I do think the 'Canes are too much for Tech, especially in Miami. I like the Hurricanes to swamp Tech's tent in this one.

Pick Miami


The Rest of the Story

Ryan Sparrow gave a good reading of the crystal ball; but he fell short of perfection, unable to see the troublesome upsets clearly.

Seven individuals, however, went one better than our guest prognosticator in Week 11 by going 8-2.  These future-seeing marvels are: Phillip Murphy - Muscatine, IA; Jack Darland Jr - Cedar Falls, IA; Chris Seberg - New Brighton, MN;  Kenneth Zuerner - Iowa City, IA;  Daniel Lint - Des Moines, IA; Scott Marr - Denver, CO;  Jeff Harmeyer - Windsor Heights, IA

This week also offers some interesting challenges and more unseeable finishes.  Our guest prognosticator for Week 12 invites you to see if you can do better than he does in predicting next weekend’s winners. 

Our stand-in seer says this about himself:


My name is Craig Bancroft and I live in Coralville, Iowa (which is right next to Iowa City). When I'm not rooting for or worrying about the Hawkeyes (especially in football season), I am a retired high school educator and an avid reader of both fiction and nonfiction, who now substitute teaches in the Iowa City district. I also support Iowa City West High athletics and activities. Go Hawks!

For Week 13, Zultan will be back in the saddle.  Not only is it the final full week of the regular season, “13” is the All-Seeing One’s lucky number.  So come back next week to see it you have any wits left to match with the master prognosticator himself!

* Line from the film "A Christmas Story" spoken by the author/narrator Jean Shepherd. The Old Man is Ralphie's Dad.


This article was published in Bleacher Reports and Sports Then & Now by JA Allen.

College Football: Zultan's Fearless Forecast for Big Ten Plus 5 in Week 11

November 9, 2010

Last week was not a good week to be a college football prognosticator. Nine of the BCS Top 25 lost in Week 10. In addition, two top-ranked teamsIowa and Nebraskawere one play away from losing, but hung on to win against lower-ranked teams who played more effective football for the better part of the game.

The reality of college football hit home last Saturday, underscoring that parity means there are no easy wins for any program, ranked or not. No football team is guaranteed a win on any given Saturday.
That is what makes college football so exciting to fans, players and the media.

It is also why the legion of sage soothsayers wear turbans––bald from pulling out their hair week after week.

This week offers another slate of critical clashes as another guest prognosticator, Ryan Sparrow, steps up to the plate to take a whack at Zultan’s appointed task––picking winners in Week 11.

Last week’s prognosticator, Phillip Murphy, suffered from near-miss syndrome which sent 15 of you to the head of the class. The list, as well as the accompanying accolades, are included at the conclusion of this article.

Be sure to make your picks for Week 11––your opportunity to enjoy praise and prizes if you outguess the Mighty Zultan’s stand-in. With less than a month remaining in the regular season, the chances for glory grow dimmer.Take a chance now and join in the fun.

Game 1: (13) Iowa (7-2, 4-1 Big Ten) at Northwestern (6-3, 2-3 Big Ten)

Surely, Iowa will not take the field against Northwestern with the same mindset that almost hamstrung them during Week 10 against the Indiana Hoosiers. Northwestern, however, has won four of their last five contests against the Hawkeyes. It must be viewed as a true trap game for Iowa. Luckily, the Hawkeyes will play the Cats in Evanston. Northwestern this season has been more vulnerable at home.

The Wildcats, who led Penn State 21-0 late into the second quarter, may be in a very angry mood––after losing 35-21 last Saturday. According to guest prognosticator Ryan Sparrow:


If there has been one team Iowa struggles against, it’s Northwestern. This year's Iowa team has not played down to their competition (I wrote this before the Indiana game) and I think Iowa will revenge last season's defeat.


Iowa wins


Game 2: Indiana (4-5, 0-5 Big Ten) at (7) Wisconsin (8-1, 4-1 Big Ten)



Wisconsin also wobbled a bit out of the gate in their game last weekend against the Purdue Boilermakers. The Badgers finally righted the ship in the second half for a solid win. This week, Wisconsin welcomes the Indiana Hoosiers into Camp Randall, where the Badgers hardly ever lose.
Their record in the last six seasons stands at 41-4.

Indiana, who almost engineered the upset of the season last weekend against Iowa, will be looking to make the Badgers suffer.  Mr. Sparrow feels:


This game will feature the passing offense from Indiana and the rushing offense from Wisconsin. In the end, Wisconsin is just too talented to lose to a bad Indiana team.


Wisconsin wins

Game 3: Minnesota (1-9, 0-6 Big Ten) at Illinois (5-4, 3-3 Big Ten)
Last Saturday, Illinois was perhaps one play short of winning a game on the road in Ann Arbor. The Illini would have also become bowl eligible with that win.


This week, they have the opportunity of making postseason play a reality by defeating Minnesota. Chances are very good that they will do that.  Ryan agrees, stating:


Illinois has been the surprise team in the Big Ten this season. Most polls picked them 10th in the Big Ten to start the season, and I would not be surprised if they ended up fifth. Poor Minnesota looks like they’d be lucky to win any Big Ten games this season, and maybe for the next few seasons as well.

Illinois wins

Game 4: Michigan (6-3, 2-3 Big Ten) at Purdue (4-5, 2-3 Big Ten)



Can Michigan stand success? Another Big Ten win will allow the Wolverines to climb to .500 in the conference (3-3).

With injuries to key players derailing Purdue ambitions, the Boilers cannot seem to muster enough offense to score points down the stretch.  According to Sparrow:


Another fast start to the season for Michigan and then they begin Big Ten play and just can’t compete. Purdue has many injuries to key positions; and other than an upset at Northwestern and a win against Minnesota, I can’t see Purdue winning another Big Ten game this season.

Michigan wins

Game 5: Penn State (6-3, 3-2 Big Ten) at (9) Ohio State (8-1, 4-1 Big Ten)
This appears to be the most intriguing of the Big Ten matchups in Week 11. Although Ohio State must be favored to win at home over an unranked Penn State team, you cannot discount the fact that Penn State has won their last three games, essentially turning their season around.


Ohio State is coming off a bye week––no doubt, well-rested. And, under Jim Tressel, well-prepared to take care of the visiting Lions. Mr. Sparrow adds:


Ohio State might be looking past Penn State to a tough Nov. 20 matchup against Iowa.
But at home against a Penn State team that looks to be making a QB switch, the Ohio State defense will lead the way to victory.

Ohio State wins

Game 6: San Diego State (7-2, 4-1 MWC) at (3) TCU (10-0, 6-0 MWC)



TCU seems to be a monolith for any team daring to meet them on the football field. This weekend, they face a very competent San Diego State team that has enjoyed a great deal of success in 2010.

When the Aztecs confront TCU on Saturday, however, they are 26.5-point underdogs, according to oddsmakers.  Sparrow interprets that as follows:



San Diego State has been playing very well this season. They lost a close battle at Missouri in Week 3 and another close loss at BYU in Week 5. Unfortunately, San Diego State’s great play is nowhere near the caliber of a BCS-bound TCU.

TCU wins

Game 7: (19) Mississippi State (7-2, 3-2 SEC) at (12) Alabama (7-2, 4-2 SEC)
The thing about rankings is that, regardless of the ranker, the starting point evolves from a hangover clouded by a team’s reputation. That's because primary expectations are based on last year’s results.

It is not an unrealistic way to begin, but it explains how certain ranking organizations harken to past results and grant those teams with prior success more leniency than teams just making their way in.

Which brings us to Mississippi State vs. Alabama this weekend. The whole country expects The Tide to be the team they were in 2009. As Mr. Sparrow reiterates:


Mississippi State gave Auburn its toughest challenge of the year, and their only other loss is against a good LSU team. Alabama is coming off a tough loss and needs to win in hopes to play in a BCS bowl. Alabama won’t lose this one at home.

Alabama wins

Game 8: Texas Tech (5-4, 3-4 Big 12) at (16) Oklahoma (7-2, 3-2 Big 12)


This is not the year of the Big 12. Nebraska will finish on top in the North while Oklahoma State seems on track to take the South. Oklahoma can win at home, but gets anxious on the road and turns the ball over to their own detriment.

Luckily for the Sooners, they will face Texas Tech in Norman.  Bob Stoops and the Sooners need to win out in order to climb back up in the polls and end the year on a respectable note, after previously being ranked No. 1 by the BCS. The end result of Saturday’s game, according to the Sparrow:


Texas Tech might be able to score some points against Oklahoma, but their defense is so bad they will not be able to stop Oklahoma. Oklahoma will find enough defense to get the easy win.

Oklahoma wins

Game 9: USC (6-3, 3-3 PAC-10) at (18) Arizona (7-2, 4-2 PAC-10)
Arizona fell by the wayside as a contender in the Pac-10 after the drubbing they received at the hands of Stanford 42-17. Arizona’s stiff defense not only bent, it broke. The Cardinal cavorted for 510 yards of offense.


This week, USC visits Arizona in Tucson, where the Wildcats will be licking their wounds.

If Arizona is to maintain their hold in the rankings, retaining a shot at a decent postseason bowl game, they must win this game against the Trojans. Can the Wildcats hold on at home? Ryan says:


USC is playing better than expected after the NCAA probation and loss of scholarships––on offense at least, because their defense has been just terrible. Arizona should be able to score points against USC, and the defense will be good enough to stop Matt Barkley.

Arizona wins

Game 10: (10) Oklahoma State (8-1, 4-1 Big 12) at Texas (4-5, 2-4, Big 12)



Will this be the final spike in the coffin of the Texas Longhorn legacy of 2009? Or will the Longhorns rise up and play enough defense to confound Oklahoma State, just as they did Nebraska in Week 7?

This is the year for all teams who once suffered at the hands of this team to stomp on Texas while they are down. Surely, the Longhorns never gave any of them a break, as Texas climbed to the top of the BCS Polls. Still, pride has a way of surfacing, and perhaps Texas has one more surprise before they bury this season deep in the past. Mr. Sparrow contends:


Texas still has a good defense, but is not good at all on offense. Oklahoma State is just the opposite, where they have a great offense and a bad defense. Oklahoma State can both run and pass, which will provide a big challenge for the Texas defense. I don’t believe the Texas offense will be able to score enough to win.

Oklahoma State wins

The Rest of the Story in Week 11


Ryan Sparrow, the guest prognosticator for Week 11, tells us:
I am a 1999 graduate of the University of Iowa.  I am, of course, a huge Hawkeye fan, but also of college football in general. I enjoy looking at the team matchups, stats and then watching and evaluating teams each week.

Decide if you agree with Ryan’s picks in Week 11 by making your own selections. Time is running out on this season, so join in now to receive your dose of well-earned applause and a chance for a prize at the end of the season.

Last Week, 15 of you out-guessed Phillip Murphy, who offered his picks for Week 10––the week that saw so many upsets. The really courageous and clever ones in Week 10 were:
9-1
Rick "Turk" SteffensWilton, IA
Ryan SparrowChannahon, IL
Dennis RistauEleva, WI
J.R. ShookDes Moines, IA
Jack Darland, Jr.Cedar Falls, IA
Eric Stippno city given
8-2
Sreedhar ThotaGreeley, CO
Eric LudwigDes Moines, IA
Chris SebergNew Brighton, MN
Keverly SwantzKalona, IA

7-3
Corey FletcherWhitesboro, TX
Ken RippEau Claire, WI
Dave KruegerOmaha, NE
Kenneth ZuernerIowa City, IA
Ryan Gottno city given

One more guest prognosticator is up for next week. Tune in to see who it is and what surprises are in store for Week 12.

Published on Bleacher Report and Sports Then & Now by JA Allen.