College Football: Zultan's Fearless Forecast for Big Ten Plus Five in Week 10

November 2, 2010

Zultan applauds his friends from Penn State for keeping guest prognosticator MAD in his place.

So far in two seasons Zultan has never achieved perfection - but at times the All-Seeing one has picked 90 percent.

The MAD Man filling in for Zultan in Week 9 did his best to bring ignominy to the Mighty One by hauling in a perfect score.

So close, MAD, and yet so far. Maybe next time!

The key event this past weekend, however, was the Hawkeyes' BIG victory over the Michigan State Spartans, leaving a trail of carnage and mayhem in the Big Ten for all the pundits to ponder and pontificate about for the next week.

Way to go Hawks!

Only two people did better than guest prognosticator MAD in Week 9 and those perfect folks will be toasted at the end of this article. We will also announce the next guest prognosticator for Week 11––as the season winds down, leaning toward another dramatic Bowl extravaganza.

Make your choices for Week 10 to see it you can outguess rookie Phillip Murphy sitting in Zultan’s hot-seat this week.

Wannabe Prognosticator Murphy has managed to outguess the surly seer five times this season––but more on that at the end of the article as well as the true identity of MAD.


Big Ten Game 1: (16) Iowa Hawkeyes (6-2, 3-1) at Indiana Hoosiers (4-4, 0-4)

Iowa romped and stomped over a seemingly listless Michigan State team who will have a bye week after the Spartan's game this Saturday against Minnesota.

It was Michigan State's first loss of the season but more importantly, the win kept the Hawkeyes alive and kicking in the Big Ten Conference race, creating a potential four-way tie for first place.

For Indiana the outcome of their game against Northwestern last weekend was not good as they lost their fourth straight game and remain winless in the Big Ten.

Playing host to Iowa this weekend does not bring much hope that a win will be coming soon. The following week after playing the Hawkeyes, the Hoosiers must journey to Wisconsin. Ouch


Pick: Iowa

Big Ten Game 2: Minnesota (1-8, 0-5) at (14) Michigan State (8-1, 4-1)

This is probably not a good time for the Minnesota Gophers to come calling in East Lansing.

After losing their first game of the season in such dramatic fashion last week in Iowa City, the Spartans will attempt to stop the grumbling by playing out the rest of the season without turmoil.

It looks as though no more bumps in the road will appear to flatten the Spartans.

Minnesota was no match for Ohio State last weekend and they will be no match for Michigan State in Week 10.


Pick: Michigan State
 
Big Ten Game 3: Illinois (5-3, 3-2) at Michigan (5-3, 1-3)


Rich Rodriguez and Ron Zook sat on the proverbial “hot seat” coming into the 2010 football season.

While Michigan seemed to shoot out of the gate, Zook’s Illinois team suffered losses to Missouri, Ohio State and Michigan State––all road games against ranked opponents.

In the process, however, Illinois has developed a good defense while Freshman Nathan Scheelhaase became ingrained in the role of a Big Ten quarterback. Illinois has improved throughout the campaign.

Michigan, however, seems headed in the other direction.

After winning their first five games behind the play of their quarterback Denard Robinson, Michigan has lost three in row.

The last one against Penn State exposed the true weakness of the Michigan defense and the holes in their offense.

With one more win, Michigan becomes bowl eligible.  Is this the week? Murphy says - no!


Pick: Illinois

Big Ten Game 4: Northwestern (6-2, 2-2) at Penn State (5-3, 2-2)

The Northwestern Wildcats live their football life on the edge, clawing their way to victories with last second heroics. Starting the season with 5 wins, the Wildcats lost two close ones at home to Purdue and Michigan State.

Their win against Indiana last week stopped the skid.

This week they travel to Penn State, already bowl eligible, perhaps a bit more relaxed.

Penn State definitely benefitted from their bye week followed by a solid victory at Minnesota. The win over Michigan was a must-win to stop the slide.

The Nittany Lions need another win to become bowl eligible.  Will they get it?


Pick: Northwestern

Big Ten Game 5: (9) Wisconsin (7-1, 3-1) at Purdue (4-4, 2-2)

It was a long afternoon last weekend against Illinois as Purdue lost 44-10.

With depleted forces, it does not bode well for the Boilermakers against Big Ten power Wisconsin this coming Saturday.

Purdue’s only hope is that the Wisconsin team is over-confident after escaping Iowa City with a 1-point win and maybe a bit rusty after their bye week.

But I wouldn’t count on it. Unless Wisconsin forgets to pack their uniforms or gets barricaded in their locker room, they will win.


Pick: Wisconsin

MWC Game 6: (3) TCU (9-0, 5-0) at (5) Utah (8-0, 5-0)

This contest promises to be a barn-burner with two hotties out of the Mountain West Conference or as they are better known––oh, yes, I forgot––they are not known at all in terms of football prowess.

The Mountain West remains an interloper to traditional conference powerhouses like the SEC, Big Ten, or Big 12.

Regardless the BCS likes them.

TCU is undefeated but has met only one ranked team. The Horned Frogs played then #24 ranked Oregon State during the opening week.  TCU has also beaten Baylor in Week 3––unranked then––but now No.  21.

Utah is also undefeated heading into the showdown this weekend. This game will serve as the "determinator," deciding which team stays ranked in the Top Ten.

Last year the Horned Frogs destroyed the Utes 55-28 and this year again the edge must go to TCU.


Pick: TCU

PAC Ten Game 7: (15) Arizona (7-1, 4-1) at (13) Stanford (7-1, 4-1)

Arizona and Stanford are in a dead heat with identical records heading into this contest on Saturday––tied for the No. 2 spot in PAC Ten behind Oregon.

Arizona has a hat-full of headaches awaiting them as they try to hang onto their spot in the top three of the PAC Ten plus their BCS ranking down the stretch.

The Wildcats have Stanford, USC, Oregon and Arizona State in the wings.

Stanford’s only loss has been to the No. 1 ranked Oregon Ducks.

The rest of the Cardinal season is not quite so daunting once the team gets past Arizona.  Starting in Week 11, Stanford faces Arizona State and California on the road, finishing with Oregon State at home. This week’s contest will determine who remains in the driver’s seat right behind the Ducks.


Pick: Arizona

Big 12 Game 8: (21) Baylor (7-2, 4-1) at (17) Oklahoma State (7-1, 3-1)

The Baylor Bears, long perennial cellar dwellers in the Big 12 South, are not only ranked ahead of the Texas Longhorns, they beat them last week in the Longhorn’s house.

This is the "year of the unexpected" in this normally powerful division. The Baylor Bears have never played in a bowl game since entering the Big 12 in 1996.

The winner of this game will own at least a share of first place in the standings going into Week 11.

Oklahoma State was also expected to be in bottom of the Big 12 South.

Already bowl eligible, the Cowboys only loss came at the hands of a furious Nebraska team upset at home by Texas.  Go figure.

Even in defeat the Cowboys kept it close. Outside of Nebraska, Oklahoma State has a perfect record.

You have to lean toward home field advantage.


Pick Oklahoma State.

SEC Game 9: (6) Alabama (7-1, 4-1) at (10) LSU (7-1, 4-1)

Alabama has one blemish on their record so far this season––a loss to Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina Gamecocks 35-21 in Week 6.

The Crimson Tide are not quite as dominant as expected but they still possess a powerful arsenal of great players who get the job done week after week.

LSU also has one loss, suffered in Week 8 at the hands of Auburn who upended them 24-17.

Both these teams as part of the loaded SEC West have little or no wiggle room as they struggle to stay relevant in the chase for the SEC Championship game.

Even playing, at home, however, LSU will not be able to hang with the Crimson Tide.


Pick: Alabama

SEC Game 10: (18) Arkansas (6-2, 3-2) at (19) South Carolina (6-2, 4-2)

At this time of the season when two ranked teams meet to play, it has obvious consequences.

This is especially true in the SEC where the bottlenecks never end until the last whistle of the season blows and contact ends for good.

Both teams have question marks coming into Saturday’s contest.

South Carolina’s come mostly on pass defense and offensive decision-making.

Arkansas’s quandary has more to do with the availability of some key players who may not see action in the game, like running back Greg Childs.

Regardless Ryan Mallett continues to fire down field.  Even though the oddsmakers favor the Gamecocks, Mr. Murphy does not.


Pick: Arkansas

The Rest of the Story:

Two fans were perfect, going 10-0 in Week 9:  Ryan Burk - Denver, IA and  Matt Barker - Apple Valley, MN.

They beat guest prognosticator MAD who missed the game between Michigan and Penn State. We thank MAD (Leroy Watson, Jr.) for all his hard work in Week 9. Leroy is a Bleacher Sr. Writer on temporary leave due to family illness as well as the Managing Editor for memphis.rivals.com.

It is not as easy as it looks, right, MAD Man?

This week’s guest prognosticator is Phillip Murphy of Muscatine, IA who utilizes his free time doing free-lance blogging. He founded the “Tiger Hawk” Blog - www.tigerhawkblog.com which delves into Iowa Hawkeye sports.  He remains a diehard Hawkeye fan.

Be sure to match wits with Mr. Murphy, the latest guest seer for Zultan and be ready to trade blows next week with Ryan Sparrow of Illinois.

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

Zultan's Fearless College Football Forecast: Big Ten Plus Five in Week 9

October 26, 2010

Zultan suffered an almost mortal blow last weekend as he was stampeded by a herd of pesky badgers in Iowa, spending the rest of the weekend picking turf out of his teeth.

The Mighty One suffered another blow when the BCS No. 1 ranked Oklahoma Sooners lost. It should be obvious by now that those ranked No. 1 by the BCS are cursed. Woe is Auburn.

When asked last week, 46 of you volunteered to stand in Zultan’s shoes to predict winners starting In Week 10.  Zultan was touched that so many were willing to take the bullet for the Mighty One. More on that at the end of this article.

In order to test the waters, Zultan has invited a substitute soothsayer to make selections this week. The question is—will our guest prognosticator sent by the football gods be able to discern Zultan’s subtleties in picking winners?  He offers a clue to his identity:
"I am the first great 21st Century Seer, Michel Auguste Dupin. The masses who know of my mental acuity and follow my intricate machinations simply refer to me by my initials; they style me MAD. I think it rather fits, for if you pick against me, surely you must be insane!"

Zultan will allow MAD to make his picks without interruption or ridicule, although the temptation will surface, rest assured.  The Mad One's selections will stand as if Zultan made them himself.

Make your picks for Week 9 and see if you can send the “lean and hungry” Mad One back to the Bleachers by surpassing him in picking winners.

Only ten of you by-passed Zultan in Week 8 by going 9-1.  These very astute people, along with the season-long leaders in outguessing the Mighty One, will be listed at the end of this article.


As written by MAD:


Big Ten Game No. 1: Purdue Boilermakers at Illinois Fighting Illini

Purdue (4-3, 2-1) was in the proverbial wrong place at the wrong time last week, getting thumped 49-0 by a hungry Ohio State team at the Horseshoe, a week after the Bucks suffered a stunning upset at the hands of Wisconsin. Plus, in 2009 the Boilers upended the Buckeyes at home, 26-18. Classic double-whammy—saw this beat down coming from miles away.

While it's easy to explain Ohio State's motivation behind the pounding the 'Makers took last weekend, 49-0 is 49-0. That doesn't bode well as the Illini (4-3, 2-2) prepare to welcome Purdue to Champaign on Saturday. Illinois defended its house last week to the tune of a 43-13 rout of Indiana.

It's tough to get worked up about this match-up. Beyond the Big Ten rivalry, there is no real enmity here. It's not like we're talking about a pair of traditional football powers. If you're a fan of either program and I've offended you, in the words of heavy metal band Suicidal Tendencies, "Maybe you need to be offended." I'm just calling 'em like I see 'em.

In a match up between mediocre teams, momentum and home field advantage are frequently the deciding factors. Each favors the home-standing Illini.

Pick: Illinois

Big Ten Game No. 2: Northwestern Wildcats at Indiana Hoosiers

Once, the Northwestern Wildcats (5-2, 1-2) were an easy mark, a virtual guaranteed 'W' for the opposition.

Not so today.

Michigan State put on a furious second-half rally to top the Cats, 35-27, last week, protecting its top-10 national ranking. Meanwhile, Indiana (4-3, 0-3) out-played Illinois in the first half of their 43-13 defeat, but three first half turnovers and a poor second half led to the unsightly final.

Indiana has an impressive aerial attack (sixth in the country at 313.6 yards per contest) while scoring a healthy 31.1 points per game. But with wins versus Akron, Arkansas State, Towson State, and Western Kentucky, it's awfully hard to take them seriously.

Senior Ben Chappell has already piled up 2,137 yards and 17 touchdowns through the air, but Northwestern counters with senior Dan Persa, who has amassed 1,850 yards of his own in his first season as a starter. The Wildcats have a more physical, balanced attack.

The Hoosiers are at home, but this game is pretty close to a pick 'em. In cases like that, I ride with the better defensive team, which is clearly the ‘Cats.

Pick: Northwestern


Big Ten Game No. 3: (5) Michigan State Spartans at (18) Iowa Hawkeyes

You can look at Michigan State in two ways: either as the grittiest, most resilient 8-0 team in the country—having rallied from a 17-7 halftime deficit to clip Northwestern, 35-27, this past weekend—or as a team that's going to fool around and soon dig themselves into one hole too many.

Iowa, behind senior Ricky Stanzi (1,732 yards passing, 16 TDs) could easily muscle them into the latter category should the Spartans not come to play until the third quarter.

The Hawkeyes, on the other hand, kicked off a two-game homestand in dubious fashion, taking it on the chin, 31-30, at the hands of No. 13 Wisconsin. Iowa gave up two fourth-down conversions on an 80-yard drive that culminated in an eight-yard TD run with just 1:06 remaining in the game, erasing a 30-24 advantage for the underdogs.

This is often referred to as "snatching defeat from the jaws of victory."

It could be argued, however, that MSU is not currently soaring with the eagles. So is Michigan State overrated, or was the nation sleeping on the Wildcats? I'll say that the truth always lies somewhere in the middle.

There is no shame in losing––even at home––to a strong Wisconsin team coming off a huge victory over then No. 1 Ohio State. The Badgers were riding a wave of emotion that carried them to the win. (The gutsy fake punt call didn't hurt the cause, either.)

I think the Spartans, by contrast, might be relying on the illusion that they will always find whatever they need to pick up wins. I get the sinking feeling that this weekend at Iowa City, they're going to be like Officer Hoyt from Training Day, looking out the window in the fourth quarter and being told, to their horror, "There ain't nothing out there for you."

The Hawkeyes will even their 2010 mark against teams in the top 25 at 2-2 with the upset, and return back up the polls next week.

Pick: Iowa (upset special)

Big Ten Game No. 4: Michigan Wolverines at Penn State Nittany Lions

This is an intriguing match up, and one of the most difficult to call all weekend.

On one hand, Michigan (5-2, 1-2) had a bye week to stew over a two game losing streak, including their 38-28 home loss to the Hawkeyes on October 16. On the other hand, Penn State (4-3, 1-2)  broke a two game losing skid with a 33-21 victory over the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis. Home field and momentum resides with Penn State.

The problem for the Nittany Lions, though, is simple: they don't have enough offense to cope with the better teams in the Big 10. They've only scored 19 points in their three losses this season (3 each versus Alabama and Iowa on the road, and 13 at home in a loss to Illinois) and they are a lowly 99th in Division I (out of 119) in total points scored (142, or 20.3 per contest). Michigan is on the other end of the spectrum. The Wolverines score prodigiously (36 ppg, 17th in the country in Division I) but give them up almost as quickly (28.4 per outing, 80th in D-I), including a total of 72 in back-to-back losses.

Look, I love and respect Joe Pa, but I don't think he can bring it week-in and week-out anymore. I respect Penn State for not pushing him out the door ignominiously (unlike the indecencies foisted upon my favorite college coach of all-time, Bobby Bowden, who was forced out by Florida State) yet I have to wonder if the school wouldn't be better served by an innovative young head coach.

With an extra week to prepare, Michigan’s offense will click on all cylinders, led by the scintillating dual-threat sophomore signal-caller, Denard Robinson. He has a respectable 1,319 yards through the air (with 9 TD tosses) and an eye-popping 1,096 yards rushing (8.0 yards per carry and 9 more TDs on the ground). He's Tim Tebow without all the hype.

Robinson makes the difference Saturday night on ESPN and ESPN3.

Pick: Michigan


Big Ten Game No. 5: (11) Ohio State Buckeyes at Minnesota Golden Gophers

Are you kidding me? You're really going to test the powers of the Almighty Seer with this match up?
My late grandmother could pick this one, God rest her soul. No offense, Granny Stella. . .

So what is there to say? Ohio State (7-1, 3-1) is one of the most explosive offenses in the country, (41 ppg, sixth nationally) yet they're also a stingy bunch (just 112 total points, 14 per game, ninth in the land). It's one of only four teams in the top 10 nationally in both categories.

They are led on offense by junior Terrelle Pryor, another dual-threat QB. Pryor was hyped as a Heisman candidate before he even stepped foot on campus in Columbus. He has struggled mightily at times, but now with 2,183 total yards and 21 touchdowns (18 passing, 3 rushing), Pryor has arrived. He is unlikely to win the Heisman this winter, but he should be a preseason fave next fall.

Minnesota (1-7, 0-4 Big 10) opened the season with a 24-17 victory over Middle Tennessee State of the Ohio Valley Conference. Interestingly enough, another woebegone team, the University of Memphis, also holds a 24-17 victory over MTSU as their only triumph of the campaign. It's not the kind of comparison you'd like to make if you're the Gophers.

Both programs need some serious rebuilding. But while the Tigers snagged Larry Porter, a two-time Rivals Recruiter of the Year, Minny landed interim coach Jeff Horton after Tim Brewster was fired just over a week ago. Advantage Memphis.

Hell, I had to say something about the Gophers, and that was the best I could do.

Pick: Ohio State


PAC Ten Game No. 6: (2) Oregon Ducks at USC Trojans

Don't get me wrong, the USC Trojans (5-2, 2-2) are a proud team with a tremendous pedigree of brilliant success engineered by the now-departed Pete Carroll. Early expectations for the Lane Kiffin era were off-the-charts.

After two heart-breaking losses in consecutive weeks (32-31 at home to Washington, 37-35 on the road to now-No. 16 Stanford), there's next to no hope of winning the PAC-10. Trojan fans should accept that eventuality.

But don't be too quick to dismiss the Men of Troy, especially when they're at home.

The Oregon Ducks are the most explosive team in all of college football, leading the country in total offense (569.1 ypg) and scoring offense (55.1 ppg), and ranking third in rushing yards per game (308.4), while being 12th in the nation in fewest points allowed (15.9 per game). Quicksilver sophomore running back LaMichael James (134 carries, 971 yards, 11 touchdowns) has inherited the mantle at the new Tailback U.

Meanwhile, at the original Tailback U, Kiffin has yet to find a ball-toter worthy of O.J Simpson, Marcus Allen, and Reggie Bush. But their tailback-by-committee approach, led by two powerful backs, senior Allen Bradford and junior Marc Tyler, has effectively balanced a potent passing attack, landing the Trojans in the top 25 in total yards, points scored, yards rushing, and yards passing.

It's on the defensive side of the ball that this shootout will be settled. The bend-but don't break Ducks should have more than enough firepower to outscore the Trojans, remain undefeated, and stay in contention for a National Title.

Pick: Oregon


Big 12 Game No. 7: (6) Missouri Tigers at (14) Nebraska Cornhuskers

These aren't your father's Cornhuskers (6-1, 2-1), but the results are eerily similar.

They don't line up and pound you with the Wishbone. They run a potent pro-style offense, focused around the multi-talented red shirt freshman QB Taylor Martinez (1,046 passing yards, 870 yards rushing, 20 total TDs). The 'Huskers are fifth in D, first in rushing offense with 290 per game, and 10th in points scored (38.9 ppg). Yet their old Blackshirts heritage is still intact, as they surrender a stingy 17.9 ppg. A win Saturday afternoon on ABC would likely catapult them into the top 10 nationally.

Then again, Missouri (7-0, 3-0 Big 12) doesn't want such an ascension to come at its expense. Especially not after they earned their current No. 7 ranking with a thrilling 36-27 win last weekend over then No. 1 Oklahoma, rallying from a 21-20 fourth quarter deficit. QB Blaine Gabbert led the charge, completing 30-of-42 for 308 yards and a TD, while the Tigers also rushed for 149 yards.

This should be a fantastic football game, matching two superior defenses (Mizzou is fifth in the country, allowing a mere 13.1 ppg) and a pair of exciting offenses. Nebraska scores a few more points per game, Missouri gives away fewer. Nebraska rushes for significantly more yards while Missouri passes for far more. Nebraska has the edge in total yards per game and the home field.

It's hard to see Missouri knocking off Oklahoma and Nebraska in consecutive weeks, especially with the Blackshirts at home. I also don't see the 'Huskers making as many mistakes as the Sooners did last week. Missouri cost Okie their No. 1 ranking and toppled them from the dwindling ranks of the undefeated.

The 'Huskers will give Mizzou a taste of their own medicine Saturday in Omaha.

Pick: Nebraska


SEC Game No. 8: (1) Auburn Tigers at Mississippi Rebels

Auburn (8-0, 5-0 SEC, No. 1 BCS, No. 3 AP & Coaches' polls) has clawed its way to the top of the BCS rankings.

The way teams have swooned in that spot should give them pause on the Plains.

The numbers just don't add up right for Auburn to be No. 1 for very long. Though undefeated, they've given up 26 to Arkansas State (!), 34 to Kentucky, and 43 to then-No. 12 Arkansas. It's an offense that relies heavily on the rush game (303 ypg) to score 38.6 ppg, good for 11th in the nation.

The ring leader is Heisman candidate Cam Newton, a junior from College Park, GA and one more in a long list of dual threat QBs scorching the landscape this fall. Newton has tossed for 1,364 yards and 13 touchdowns—respectable figures—but is even better as a running threat: 1,077 yards, 6.9 yards per attempt, and 14 touchdowns. He sprinted for 217 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-17 victory over LSU that wasn't nearly as close as the final score indicated.

Mississippi (3-4, 1-3 SEC) has an impressive rushing attack too (211.1 per contest to rank 20th in the country), but the overall level of talent on their sideline can't touch Auburn. That's going to be the difference when the Tigers invade the Grove this weekend.

Pick: Auburn


PAC Ten Game No. 9: (15) Arizona Wildcats at UCLA Bruins

The Arizona Wildcats (6-1, 3-1) have ridden a stout defense (13.4 ppg for seventh in the country) and a high-flying offense (298 yards per game, to rank 14th) to second place in the PAC-10. Last week they ended the Heisman hopes of Huskies' QB Jake Locker. Locker was held to 183 yards passing and negative-24 yards rushing in a rout. Wildcat junior QB Matt Scott regained his starting position and strafed the Huskies, completing 18-of-22 attempts for 233 yards and two touchdowns.

UCLA (3-4, 1-3) has been on a roller coaster, causing prognosticators fits all season long.

Thus far, its year can be divided into three sections: two ugly losses to begin the campaign (including a brutal 35-0 whitewashing at the hands of then-No. 25 Stanford); three consecutive wins (including a 34-12 shocker over then-No. 7 Texas); followed by two more stinkers (being defeated by a cumulative 95-20 to Cal and Oregon).

The Bruins' strong rushing attack (22nd in the nation) was not enough versus the Bears and the Ducks, and there's no reason to think that the run defense of the Wildcats (yielding a meager 91 yards per outing) won't stifle the Bruins and send the home team to its third consecutive defeat.

Pick: Arizona


PAC Ten Game No. 10: (13) Stanford Cardinal at Washington Huskies

Jake Locker of Washington (3-4, 2-2 PAC-10) saw his Heisman hopes come crashing to earth, as I just explained, last week in the loss to Arizona. The senior will likely end his career with close to 8,000 passing yards, and his potential NFL hopes should stanch the blow. Locker has prototypical size (6'3", 230 pounds) and is mobile enough to escape the pass rushes he will face on Sundays.

The Huskies will miss him, yet struggle to score points with him. Between the offensive woes (24.9 ppg, 76th in the country) and even worse defensive issues (33.1 surrendered per contest, 102nd in D-I), it's a wonder that the Huskies are 3-4 overall and .500 in PAC-10 play.

The Cardinal (6-1, 3-1 PAC-10), on the other hand, are extremely explosive on offense (42.6 ppg, fifth in the nation) and competent enough on defense (24.3, 60th) to remain on the fringes of national contention. Most of their stiffest tests lie in the rear view mirror, and with a strong closing kick, Stanford could still find themselves in the Rose Bowl or some other lucrative postseason tilt. Their balanced offense (39th in passing, 16th rushing) is led by junior Andrew Luck (1,728 yards passing with 19 TDs and 253 yards on the ground) and sophomore Chris Polk (636 yards, 5.2 yards per rush, four TDs). Stanford comes in riding the momentum of a 38-28 victory over Washington State.

Can't see the Huskies protecting the home turf this Saturday.

Pick: Stanford


The Rest of the Story:

These are the ten folks who went 9-1 in Week 8, out-guessing the Mighty One: Ken Ripp - Eau Claire, WI; Brigid Reiner - Montrose, CA;  Jack Darland Jr. - Cedar Falls, IA; Adam Gibbs - Logansport, IN; Mar Stephens - Land O' Lakes, FL; Dale Collins - Ladson, SC; Dallas Palmer - New Virginia, Iowa; Kelly Ruschman - Milwaukee, WI; Kenneth Zuerner - Iowa City, IA; Nathaniel Woods - Huntsville, AL

The Top Ten with Multiple Victories over The Zultan so far in 2010
5 Wins
Phillip Murphy – Muscatine, IA

4 Wins
Ryan Sparrow – Channahon, IL
Craig Bancroft – Coralville, IA

3 Wins
Dennis Ristau – Eleva, WI
Ryan Burk – Denver, IA
Kenneth Zuerner – Iowa City, IA
Ken Ripp – Eau Claire, WI
Rick “Turk” Steffens – Wilton, IA
Kyle Swingle – West Chester, OH
Dallas Palmer – New Virginia, IA

There are also 13 with 2 wins over Zultan and 72 with one win.

Because there were so many who wished to participate by picking winners for Zultan, we gave the first opportunities to those with the best record against the Mighty One.  Next week the No. 1 man, Phillip Murphy will have the honor for Week 10. Others will be notified soon of their Week to Pick!

Make your picks this week and come back next week to see how you do against the cream of the Zultan crop!

Let's hear it for the Mad Man!


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

Zultan's Fearless College Football Forecast: Big Ten Plus Five in Week 8

October 19, 2010

Upcoming Week 8 is a nightmare for college football prognosticators—as was the previous week. No team can claim invincibility.

Upsets abounded in Week 7 as ranked teams tumbled and fell.

Nebraska stumbled and died at home.  Ohio State blundered on the road.

The Big 12 teams rolled over Mighty Zultan en masse, crushing his chances to come out on top in Week 7.
Hordes of you [22] out-guessed Zultan who may have to go in for rehab very soon. Be sure to to make your selections for Week 8 against your weakened Master Soothsayer.

Zultan shall be seeking one of you to fill in for him in Week 10. Details of this aberration as well as a list of those who outguessed the Mighty One will follow at the end of this forecast.

Game No. 1: Big 10 - (7) Michigan State Spartans at Northwestern Wildcats
Michigan State, (7-0, 3-0, Big 10) facing Illinois last week, did not swoon after their big upset in Ann Arbor of instate rival Michigan during Week 6. Early on, it looked like Illinois might have the Spartan’s number, but the Michigan State squad regained their equilibrium and came back strong in the second half to seize the victory 26-6.

Next Saturday No. 7 Michigan State travels to Northwestern (5-1, 1-1, Big 10).
Make no mistake, the Wildcats love to upset highly ranked teams and they are capable of rising up to do just that. Coming off a bye week Northwestern last lost to Purdue 20-17 at home.

Can the Cats do it on Saturday?

No way. The Spartans will continue to climb, remaining undefeated going into Week 9.

Game No. 2: Big 10 - Penn State Nittany Lions at Minnesota Gophers

The “old” coach faces the team with “no” coach as Penn State (3-3, 0-2, Big 10) travels to Minnesota (1-6, 0-3, Big 10) on Saturday. Minnesota fired Coach Tim Brewster after the Gophers lost to Purdue 28-17 last Saturday.

Everyone knew it would happen. Perhaps, it was a self-fulfilling prophecy since all knew going into the game that either Brewster deliver a win or he would pack his bags.  He is packing.

On Saturday the Gophers face Penn State who is also teetering so far this season as they struggle with new players adjusting to the front lines in the Big Ten.

Even though there is always the prospect of a backlash, the Nittany Lions will get a little stronger as they come home with a win over Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Game No. 3: Big 10 - Purdue Boilermakers at (10) Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State (6-1, 2-1, Big 10) suffered an upset by Wisconsin on Saturday. You might just say the Badgers outplayed the Buckeyes from start to finish in that game. Therefore, you must feel sorry for Purdue (4-2, 2-0, Big 10) as they head into the unlucky (for Purdue) horseshoe on Saturday.  The Buckeyes will be an angry mob to face.

Ohio State must try to salvage their season by winning at home on Saturday.

It is remarkable that Purdue, having lost their running back, their wide receiver and their quarterback, like the Energizer Bunny, just keeps coming and what is more, winning. The Boilermakers upset the Buckeyes last year but, that will not happen on Saturday when they face the incensed Buckeyes in Columbus.

Ohio State wins at home.

Game No. 4: Big 10 - Indiana Hoosiers at Illinois Fighting Illini

Zultan's Fearless College Football Forecast: Big Ten Plus Five More in Week 7

October 12, 2010

For the first time in his brief career as a college football prognosticator, the Mighty Zultan took a bath in Week 6, dipping under 500.

It was a bad week to pick the supposed favorites. New dogs are barking at the gate––well, some old dogs, too, with new teeth and a gruesome bite. It does not, however, get any easier for your self-proclaimed seer in Week 7.

Needless to say, many people who entered the contest fared better than the befuddled Zultan.
It might prove simpler to list those of you who did worse than the Mighty One––but then, that would not be according to Hoyle.

Those who bested Zultan will be listed at the end of this article. But "down" does not mean "out," so jump into the fray and make your own picks for Week 7.  Zultan, from his less lofty perch, challenges you to try to outguess him again. Here are this week's games: 

Game 1: Arkansas State Red Wolves (2-4) at Indiana Hoosiers (3-2) 12 p.m., ET
Indiana had a bad day Saturday. Welcome to the Club, Hoosiers. We all suffered. Take it in stride and move on! The Hoosiers, whose football prowess typically sparkles on offense met a very good defense when they played Ohio State last Saturday. The best the Hoosiers have met all season.

The Buckeye defense rushed and harassed Indiana QB Ben Chappell into mistakes, causing the Hoosiers to lose big-time on Saturday, 38-10.  But, then, we expected as much.  This Saturday, the Hoosiers will be able to run their offense without so much opposition against the Arkansas State Red Wolves, who sit in the middle of the pack in the Sun Belt Conference.

The Hoosiers will bounce back, winning this game at home in Bloomington.

Game 2: Big 10 - Illinois Fighting Illini (3-2) at (13) Michigan State Spartans (6-0)
This game features a couple of sunrises in the Big Ten. Illinois has quietly been playing some good football. Their 33-13 dismantling of the Penn State Nittany Lions, however, was a big surprise to most so-called experts.

By the same token, the Michigan State Spartans took their chutzpah on the road and into the face of Michigan, who was riding high on the play of Denard Robinson. By denying the Heisman-hyped quarterback the ground to run on, the Spartans doomed Michigan to turnovers, stirring up instead an ineffective offense. The Spartans won 34-17 and sent the Wolverines back down.

So what will happen when the newly invigorated and confident Illini come calling in East Lansing, the home of the Spartans?

Can Michigan State hang on to its will and determination and win this game at home? Zultan says yes—it will be done.  Michigan State will win at home and enter Week 8 at 7-0. 

Game 3: Bi g 10 - Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-5) at Purdue Boilermakers (3-2)

Poor Minnesota. Poor Purdue. No, wait, Purdue was another game Zultan failed to predict last week since they had no tested quarterback, no star wide receiver or running back—all sidelined with injuries—and they were playing "at" Northwestern.

Yet, Purdue managed a win.  Here is a team with real heart and inspired leadership. Northwestern self-destructed at home with multiple chances to win, but the Wildcats could not pull the trigger.
Minnesota was manhandled by Wisconsin, who continued to pour it on long after the outcome was decided. Guess the Badgers were trying to make up for their previous shortcomings by lording it over the lowly Gophers.

Expect the Golden Gophers to stay in the bottom-dwellers cellar. Purdue lives on to battle for its place in the sun in the Big Ten by winning at home on Saturday. 

Game 4: Big 12 - (21) Missouri Tigers (5-0) at Texas A&M Aggies (3-2)
Here is one of the games that will determine the real power of the Big 12 North.  So far Missouri stands undefeated but they have not played a team that offered any real opposition so far.

The Tigers managed to defeat Illinois during their opener but Zultan wonders if this team could defeat the Illini today?  Missouri is tied with Nebraska for the lead in the Big 12 North and both will be tested this weekend. Missouri will face the Aggies in their back yard on Saturday.

The Aggies have suffered two losses in a row, both close contests to Oklahoma State 38-35 and to (11) Arkansas 24-17. But Texas A&M will bounce back and win this one at home to ruin Missouri's undefeated season. 

Game 5: Big 10 -  (15) Iowa Hawkeyes (4-1) at Michigan Wolverines (5-1)
This is an important game to win for Iowa and perhaps made more difficult by Michigan’s defeat because now Iowa will be expected to win a bit easier at Michigan, something they have not managed to do often in the past.

Iowa had a bye week and no doubt spent their time studying to prepare for Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson and crew.

Robinson was exposed in action against Michigan State last weekend, losing their first game of year in Ann Arbor.  Last year against Iowa, Michigan played the Hawkeyes tough losing by two points, 30-28, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.

Michigan will not go down easily in Week 7, especially after losing at home to Michigan State. Iowa will be in for a real dog fight but must win this one on the road to keep their title hopes alive.

Iowa will win this close one against Michigan on the road for another agate to add to all the marbles! 

Game 6: Big 12 - Texas Longhorns (3-2) at (5) Nebraska (5-0) 
Another Big 12 North puzzler.  Is Nebraska real or a pretender?  They should be able to defeat Texas at home if they are for real.  So far Texas (3-2) has lost to UCLA and Oklahoma. Nebraska (5-0) is a fierce home field defender.  It is like marching into the lion’s den surrounded by cornfields. So far it seems

Nebraska has not really been tested except by South Dakota State.  Zultan feels the Cornhuskers have not faced the fire yet this season.

Texas should be a good test but will not be able to deliver a knock out punch to the Cornhuskers who will stand tall against the Longhorns.  Nebraska will win at home.

Game 7: SEC - (12) Arkansas Razorbacks (4-1) at (7) Auburn Tigers (6-0) 

Whoa! What happened in the SEC? Alabama lost at home to South Carolina and LSU barely squeezed past Florida.  That puts Auburn, who also scrambled for survival in Week 6, in a dead heat for the driver’s seat with LSU. Alabama’s Crimson Tide is riding their bumper from behind in the West.

This week the Auburn Tigers (6-0) face the Arkansas Razorbacks (4-1) at home.  Even though history favors Arkansas, the Auburn Tigers at home will defeat the Razorbacks in a another nail-biter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. 

Game 8: Big 12 - (20) Oklahoma State Cowboys (5-0) at Texas Tech Red Raiders
Oklahoma State is tied with Oklahoma for the lead in the Big 12 South.  The Cowboys remain undefeated as are their in-state rivals, the Sooners.  But like many teams thus far, the Cowboys have not really been tested.

For sure Oklahoma State will feel the heat in Lubbock. Texas Tech has lost to Texas and to Iowa State so far in this season of surprises.  But Oklahoma State has not won in Lubbock for 66 years and that is quite an obstacle to overcome.  We don't look for history to change.

Texas Tech will win at home and keep their dominance over the Cowboys intact for another year. 

Game 9: Big 10 - (1) Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0) at (18) Wisconsin Badgers (5-1) 

With the fall of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Ohio State took over as the new No. 1 ranked team.  As a reward, they get to travel to Fort Randall in Madison, Wisconsin to face the Badgers on Saturday night.

To date, Ohio State has had their way with a ranked Miami squad, a feisty Illinois team, plus the Buckeyes trampled the Indiana Hoosiers last weekend. Overall, the Buckeyes remain undefeated.  The Badgers, on the other hand, have one loss on the season, to the Michigan State Spartans.

They cannot afford another one in the Big Ten and have a shot at winning the conference title.  Plus, they hardly ever lose at home. But, they will on Saturday––lose to Ohio State.

Game 10: PAC 10 - (17) Arizona Wildcats (4-1) at Washington State Cougars 
Arizona should still be riding high after upsetting then ranked No. 9 Iowa in Tucson in Week 3.  It is Iowa’s only loss on the season.  But Arizona lost at home in heart-breaker to Oregon State last weekend, 29-27.  It bounced the Wildcats out of the top 10.

Now the Wildcats will travel to Pullman to face the Washington State Cougars.  Arizona will be hoping to right the ship and find their way back to the top of the Pac-10.  But Washington State will be looking for a chance to redeem their season, hoping the Wildcats might be overlooking them.
So far the Cougars have only one win on the season. This would be a real upset. But it will not happen.

Arizona will win this one on the road. 

Winners in Week 6 Who Beat Zultan
So who beat Zultan? The question should be "Who didn’t?!" Here are all the people who were luckier that the mighty one in Week 6. 
7-3
M.Miller - Las Vegas, NV
Doug Olney - North Liberty, IA
Dennis Ristau - Elva, WI
Stan Levesque - Canton, MI
Ryan Sparrow - Channahon, IL

6-4
Jeff Harmeyer - Windsor Heights, IA
Nathaniel Woods - Huntsville, AL
Dallas Palmer - New Virginia, IA
Tom Heathershaw - Iowa City, IA
Bobb - no city given

5-5
Dave Krueger - Omaha, NE
Kenneth Zuerner - Iowa City, IA
Jim Wagner - Epworth, IA
Corey Myers - Perry, IA
Rick "Turk" Steffens - Wilton, IA
Phillip Murphy - Muscatine, IA
Keverley Swantz - Kalona, IA
Brian Lawhead - Northfield, OH
Alex Goedken - Kansas City, KS
Eric Lawhead - Bolingbrook, IL
Siddarth Killekar - Mumbai, India
Mike - No city given

Will this list never end? OK, you won in Week 6. But can you win again in Week 7? The gods have given every indication that Zultan will bounce back strong after last week.

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

Zultan's Fearless Football Forecast: Big Ten Conference Games (+) Five In Week 6

October 5, 2010

Zultan missed two calls during Week 5.

He failed to predict the Washington Huskies would kick a field goal with no time left on the clock to defeat USC at home in LA Coliseum.

His crystal ball shut down at the end of regulation.

The All-Seeing One also failed to place enough weight on home-field advantage for the Michigan State Spartans, who rose up to defeat the Wisconsin Badgers while their coach watched from his hospital bed.

Still, Zultan picked 8 of 10, which is 80 percent for you math-challenged folks.  There were eight of you who did better at 90 percent––listed at the end of this article.

As we enter Week 6, the contest increases in complexity as we head deep into conference play. Are you ready to throw caution to the wind and challenge Zultan’s predictions for Week 6?

All you have to do is select your own slate of winners and have your name included in next week’s article––as well as being eligible for prizes if you can outguess the Mighty One.

Give the wheel a spin and take your chances––you've got nothing to lose.

Game #1: Big 10 - Indiana at (2) Ohio State


Last week Indiana played in an offensive lover’s dream game. Two teams, the Indiana Hoosiers and the Michigan Wolverines did what they do best––score a lot of points with exciting plays executed by highly skilled quarterbacks. Denard Robinson’s stellar play continued in Week 5 and was matched almost blow for blow by Indiana quarterback Ben Chappell who set several Indiana single game records.

But this week Indiana will face something they did not see against Michigan––a hardened defense.

Ohio State had its hands full with Illinois in Week 5, especially when QB Terrelle Pryor left the game with a left quadriceps injury. Pryor returned in time to lead the Buckeyes back to take the game 24-13. But, a vastly improved Illini team exposed some vulnerability in Ohio State.

Expect Ohio State to curtail Indiana’s offense enough to win this game at home in Ohio Stadium.

Game #2: Big 10 - Illinois at Penn State


Penn State’s offense was encased like a caterpillar in a cocoon by Iowa’s overpowering defense. Unable to break through the walls, Penn State remained impotent, trying to score against the Hawkeyes, but instead took a 24-3 loss.

It was all over after the first half. Nonetheless, this young Penn State team learned some valuable lessons and maintained their poise in the loss.

They will not face another defense quite as dominate in the Big Ten––and certainly not from Illinois. Although the Illini have made great strides forward  this season, the Illini will not be able to hold Rob Bolden and company off the scoreboard in Happy Valley.

Penn State will win this contest at home and continue to improve on offense.

Game #3: Big 10 - Minnesota at (20) Wisconsin


For Minnesota, the Gophers best chance to win a Big Ten contest came on Saturday against the the Northwestern Wildcats especially since the Cats seemed to give the ball away, suffering turnovers and miscues galore. By scoring the final three points in this see-saw contest, Northwestern secured the win and broke the hearts of the Golden Gophers.

Unfortunately for the Minnesota team, they must travel to Camp Randall to face an embarrassed Wisconsin Badger team upset by an inspired Michigan State team on Saturday.

The Badgers will show no mercy against their underdog opponents, as Wisconsin seeks redemption back home.

Pick Wisconsin to dominate the Golden Gophers of Minnesota in Week 6.

Game #4: Big 10 - (17) Michigan State at (18) Michigan

This is the toughest game to call in Week 6.

Michigan State (5-0, 1-0) is coming off an upset victory over the Wisconsin Badgers under the lights, during prime time coverage at home in East Lansing.

Michigan (5-0, 1-0) is riding high on the shoulders of their messianic quarterback, Denard Robinson who singlehandedly seems to be saving Michigan football.

For Michigan, they will face the toughest defense they've seen all season––one that can zero in on Denard Robinson to try to stop him in his tracks.

The question is, can the Spartans do that? Can anyone contain this Michigan quarterback?
Michigan State is a legitimate contender for the Big Ten title in 2010. But in order to capture the title, they must win on the road this week at Michigan.

Zultan cannot defy the odds to pick Michigan State––although that is what he wishes to do.

Instead, the more conservative muse of the Seer says to stick to the home team and pick Michigan in this one at home.

Game #5: Big 10 - Purdue at Northwestern



Purdue had a bye week and now must leap back into the fray to face Northwestern at home.
Northwestern struggled at Minnesota, turning the ball over numerous times but the Wildcats managed to limp away with a win.

Normally, Northwestern would not be able to do that as comfortably against Purdue.

Purdue, however, has lost their quarterback Robert Marve for the season after he tore his left ACL.
Prior to that, the Boilermakers lost their No. 1 receiver Keith Smith in Week 3 following an earlier loss of Purdue running back Ralph Bolden.

Now it appears wide receiver Justin Siller will miss Saturday’s game against the Wildcats.

To say things are not going well for Purdue in 2010 is a vast understatement.
With a hobbled offense coupled with an unproven defense, Purdue will not succeed on the road.

Expect Northwestern to win this game at home.

Game #6: SEC - (1) Alabama at (20) South Carolina

Alabama seems to grow stronger with each excursion out onto the football field.
This week they must travel to Columbia and Williams-Brice Stadium to play Steve Spurrier’s South Carolina Gamecocks.

The Top 20 ranked team will play host to the No. 1 ranked team in the nation and also enjoy serving as host to ESPN’s Game-Day Crew.

But, after that, all the fun will be over because the Gamecocks will not be able to stop the juggernaut that is also called the Crimson Tide in college football.

Alabama will win this game on the road and the team from South Carolina will be left to regroup after a high profile loss on national television.

Game #7: SEC - (12) LSU at (14) Florida



Florida came undone last Saturday against Alabama in Tuscaloosa, losing 31-6.

All of their second tier efforts and vulnerabilities were fully visible for the world to see.
That is what happens when you play a superior team and your own play suffers with set backs and tepid attempts to overcome impending defeat.

So what do you do in the following week?

You accept your loss and learn from it, becoming stronger because there is still a lot of season left.

Nothing irretrievable is lost.

But if the Gators don’t defeat LSU at home, it will be.

LSU, like Alabama, is also undefeated in the SEC West.

But that is the only comparison you can make between LSU and Alabama.
Florida will win this one at home against the Tigers and start the rebuilding process with their offense.

Game #8: ACC - (23) Florida State at (13) Miami

For once this storied rivalry contest will be played between two ranked teams.

Miami feels they are back at the top of their game and ready to move into the Top Ten.

As one of college football’s most colorful rivalries, the games between the Seminoles and the Hurricanes seldom fail to disappoint.

On Saturday these two teams will face each other once again in Sun Life Stadium as the nation looks on.

At this point in the season both teams have one loss.

The Canes lost to Ohio State on the road while FSU lost to Oklahoma in Norman.
When these two teams play each other, it is always exciting and always close.

On Saturday night expect the home team, the Miami Hurricanes, to shut the door on the Seminoles and notch another victory everyone will be talking about on Sunday.

Game #9: PAC 10 - USC at (16) Stanford


The PAC Ten suffered some serious surprises on Saturday as USC lost at home to the Washington Huskies while the Stanford Cardinals blew a lead and surrendered to the Oregon Ducks on the road.

Not many people in the football nation envisioned USC losing in the Coliseum, but lose they did 32-31 in the waning moments of the game.

Stanford, which shot out to 18-point lead in the first quarter, could not sustain their efforts to contain the speed and determination of the Ducks as the game wore on.

Eventually the Cardinals fell 52-31 in Eugene.

As the two losers of these contests face each other this week with USC falling out of the Top 25, it will have to be the team that absorbs the loss, learns from it and moves on who wins.

That will, no doubt, be Stanford whose foundation is just a bit more stable this year.

Expect the Cardinals to bounce back from the knock down they received from Oregon and dominate USC at home.

Game #10: Big 12 - Colorado at (24) Missouri

The Big Twelve has become the Conference almost nobody is talking about this year.

Out of the North we have Colorado––who is leaving the Big Twelve at the end of this year to join the PAC-10 where they will probably be just as bad but enjoy more scenic road trips.

The Buffaloes will face the Missouri Tigers on Saturday with the outcome largely overlooked.

True, the Buffaloes handed Georgia an upset at the worst possible moment, adding to the Bulldogs sinking football fortunes.

Missouri, however, will be another matter because the Tigers have owned Colorado the past four years.

It is hard to look past the team that shut them out in 2008 by the score of 58-0 the last time the Buffaloes played in Columbia.

In 2009, the score was more respectable playing at home in Folsom Field.

But, this year will again belong to Missouri as these two teams open their Big Twelve play.  Missouri Tigers will ride roughshod over the Buffaloes.

Zultan Announces His Week Five Winners

Those Who Outguessed Zultan in Week 5:

Zultan managed to guess eight of ten football contests correctly in Week 5. These eight individuals outguessed Zultan, getting nine of ten:
Kyle Swingle - West Chester, OH; Beverly Swantz - Kalona, IA; Ryan Burk - Denver, IA; Ryan Sparrow - Channahon, IL; Rod Carr - Bellevue, IA; Lance Cook - Washington, DC;
Gary Doll - Canton, OH; Craig Bancroft - Coralville, IA.

Join in the fun and see if you can cut the mustard––make your own choices in this week’s contest.

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

Week 5 Of Zultan's Fearless College Football Forecast

September 28, 2010

The Northern Illinois Huskies and the Toledo Rockets derailed Zultan’s perfect 14-0 Week 4.

These MAC teams accomplished what the SEC, Pac-10, and Big East conferences could not––confound the All-Seeing One by bringing out previously hidden talent to overrun the supposedly more talent-laden Big Ten teams––Purdue and Minnesota.

But now, as conference play gets underway, the prognostication game grows deadly serious. There are no more gimmes on the horizon, for all appearances to the contrary.
The lopsided scoring by the top-ranked Big Ten teams over cupcake opponents is over. This begins the run for conference titles and other guarantees of glory in the postseason.

Zultan has never dipped below .500 in his two-year stint forecasting games; but this could be the week.
Don’t miss your opportunity to outguess the Seer of Seers. Make your own picks for Week 5.

But, be warned, Zultan has polished up his crystal ball, tweaking his football radar as he readies himself for that all-important first step in Week 5.

Game 1: Big 10 - Ohio State (2) at Illinois


The Ohio State Buckeyes (4-0) are perfect on the season. Their toughest opponent to date was No. 12-ranked Miami. The Buckeyes handled the Hurricanes, 36-24, in Ohio Stadium, sending them back to the Sunshine State without a victory.

The Ohio State throttling of Eastern Michigan in Week 4 seemed way over the top––but perhaps was sent out as warning to future Big Ten opponents. Don’t mess with the Buckeyes.

Illinois (2-1) will host the Buckeyes in Memorial Stadium.  After opening their season with a loss to Missouri, the Illini defeated both Northern Illinois and Southern Illinois.  Now, as the floodgates open and Ron Zook and his team have to face the top dog in the Big Ten right off the bat, chances are that this

Illinois team will not be able to hold back the Buckeyes, nor will they be able to score against the potent Buckeye defense. Zultan picks the Buckeyes to prevail over the Illini, but says the game will not be an embarrassment to the improving Illini.

Game 2: Big 10 - Michigan (19) at Indiana

Zultan remains unconvinced that Michigan (4-0) is that good. Yes, Denard Robinson is truly a major force in college football. Big Blue beat up on Notre Dame (1-3), who has won one game this year. They defeated an overrated Connecticut team (2-2) that has managed two wins over lesser opponents.

The Wolverines managed to hang on to win over UMass (3-1), which fielded a very good team but in a lesser conference. The same can be said about last week’s opponent, Bowling Green (1-3), out of the MAC. The Wolverines first Big Ten opponent is Indiana, whose offense sparkles but whose defense leaves something to be desired.

Like Michigan, Indiana (3-0) has not exactly faced primo opponents so far this season. The Hoosiers' three wins really tell us little about the state of their game in 2010. Saturday’s matchup will occur in Bloomington, and Indiana’s quarterback Ben Chappell, who has enjoyed back-to-back 300-yard games, throwing nine touchdowns and zero interceptions, will lead an impressive Indiana offense onto the field.

The real question in this contest does not center on the running ability of Michigan quarterback Robinson or the passing ability of Indiana quarterback Chappell. The bottom line rests on the play of the defense and special teams. Which football team has the better overall defense and the more effective special teams, especially the kicking units?

Zultan feels that the edge will go to Michigan in this contest because of the Wolverine depth on defense. The Wolverines will prevail in Bloomington.

Game 3: Big 10 - Penn State (22) at Iowa (17) 


After Iowa redeemed themselves at the expense of the Ball State Cardinals, winning their contest in the friendly confines of Kinnick Stadium, 45-0, life seemed to return to normal for the Iowa faithful. The loss to the Arizona Wildcats in Week 3 begins to fade in importance now that the Big Ten season gets underway.

Penn State, however, did not have such an easy day last Saturday, as they trailed the Temple Owls at halftime 13-9. Temple had the game won in the first half, but in the second half, the real Penn State defense took the field and shut out the Owls. Temple’s Bernard Pierce, who scored twice on the Lions, left the game with a right ankle injury and, after that, the Owls sputtered on offense.

Most of Penn State’s offense came off the toe of kicker Collin Wagner, who scored on a record-setting six field goals, although Evan Royster gained 187 yards on the ground. The fans relaxed only after Penn State finally scored a touchdown in the waning moments of the game.

But Penn State has not shown the “right stuff” so far this season––although upsets are always possible.
This will not happen against Iowa, who is champing at the bit to show that the Arizona loss was a fluke. Iowa will win this one at home against Penn State.

Game 4: Big 10 - Wisconsin (11) at Michigan State (24) 

This is a tough one.

After hanging on by a thread to defeat Arizona State in Week 3, the Badgers (4-0) annihilated the Austin Peay Governors, 70-3, as they should have in Week 4. Wisconsin has played only once on the road in Las Vegas, defeating UNLV, 41-21.

Michigan State (4-0) had their big win in overtime over Notre Dame (1-3), after which coach Mark Dantonio suffered a heart attack. He has still not rejoined the team. The true test for both these teams comes on Saturday when the Badgers travel to East Lansing to face the Spartans in their Big Ten opener.

Kirk Cousins is an adept and experienced quarterback, as is his counterpart for the Badgers, Scott Tolzien, who also exhibits depth and competence in engineering the Badger running game.  The difference in this contest will be defense and turnovers. If the Badgers can hang onto the ball, they should win this game because they have the better defense.

On a wing and a prayer, Zultan picks the Badgers to win this one on the road.

Game 5: Big 10 - Northwestern at Minnesota


You have to wonder when the Minnesota Gophers (1-3) are going to find release from their self-imposed prison of under-performance, breaking free into the sunlight.  This is one dead-in-the-water team unless someone or something propels them out of the hole they have dug for themselves. A good start for the Gophers would be defeating the Northwestern Wildcats (4-0) when they visit the TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Saturday.

Yet a team that cannot defeat South Dakota or Northern Illinois at home will be hard-pressed to upend a Pat Fitzgerald-coached team.

Northwestern could not conceive of a better start than 5-0.  Zultan would be a fool to pick the Gophers over the Wildcats and, after Week 1, Zultan refuses to be the fool again.  He will side with the other experts and pick Northwestern to win this road contest against Minnesota.

Game 6: Big 12 - Texas (21) at Oklahoma (8) 

The one thing Zultan was especially grateful for in Week 4 was that he decided not to select UCLA vs. Texas (3-1) as one of his games of the week. Whew––dodged a bullet on that one because who would have believed that the Bruins could defeat the Longhorns in their own backyard?

That must be the biggest upset of the week and maybe of the 2010 season. The reason––five Longhorn turnovers. Too much for any team to overcome.  Now the Longhorns must play both Oklahoma (4-0) in Dallas as a pivotal game in the Red River Rivalry, and follow that up with a trip to Lincoln to play the No. 6-ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-0).

Oklahoma has not looked overly impressive to date, although they have hung on to win each of their four non-conference games, playing generally to the level of their competition.  Most of all, the Oklahoma defense has allowed some big plays against them, keeping teams who should not bother them in the game.

The inconsistency on defense is a worry as Oklahoma heads into the the meat of the Big 12 season.
For the Longhorns, it is hanging onto the ball and avoiding miscues and turnovers.

So who will win the game on Saturday in Dallas? Zultan favors the Sooners, who have found a way to win every game even giving up big yards.

The All-Seeing One will go with Oklahoma to win on Saturday.

Game 7: SEC - Florida (7) at Alabama (1) 


Mama told me not to come...is what the Florida Gators will be singing at the conclusion of this game in Tuscaloosa on Saturday.  Alabama’s offense seems to be gaining in potency as the season wears on.
Running back Mark Ingram is back and looks solid once again along with sophomore RB Trent Richardson.

Alabama’s QB Greg McElroy continues to improve, having completed 70.9 percent of his passes, including seven touchdowns. The Alabama defense is giving up the fewest points per game at 9.8. The Crimson Tide has made eight interceptions, four at the hands of safety Robert Lester.

Florida, under coach Urban Meyer, has struggled with offensive mechanics, suffering miscues on snaps, enduring 14 fumbles. Out of all the mistakes, Florida has only turned the ball over six times. The offensive line appears to be holding up well, allowing only two sacks of QB John Brantley so far in 2010.

The Gators so far have a balanced running and passing attack. On defense, Florida is forcing turnovers––14 in all for the season. The Gators' aggressive, attacking defense will hope to hurry Alabama into making mistakes.

These are two fairly evenly matched teams, but Zultan picks the Alabama Crimson Tide to keep the home fires burning bright by winning at home over the forlorn Gators.

Game 8: PAC 10 - Stanford (9) at Oregon (4) 

Zultan knows that if they were playing the game in Stanford, he would feel differently about the outcome because Stanford definitely shines more brilliantly at home. But by playing on the road at the home of the Ducks in Eugene, the rivalry outcome leans toward the North in the Mighty One’s estimation.

Both of these teams are well-coached units with powerful offenses. The Ducks, however, were burned by Arizona State for 597 yards, exposing some vulnerability on Oregon’s defense. Stanford, on the other hand, has revealed no similar weakness in their well-tuned defensive arsenal. The Cardinal, of course, has the ability to put up 500 yards of offense as well.

This is a season-defining game for both Pac-10 teams with a chance for Oregon, if they win, to solidify their top-five spot in the BCS, keeping them alive in the conversation for the BCS championship game.
Stanford, on the other hand, by defeating Oregon in Eugene could find themselves replacing Oregon in the top five.

Zultan must take the speedy Ducks at home to run over the Cardinal of Stanford in Week 5.

Game 9: ACC - Miami (16) at Clemson


The Miami Hurricanes (2-1) must travel to the home of their ACC rivals, the Clemson Tigers (2-1), this Saturday. Miami is coming off a substantial win over Pittsburgh, 31-3. After suffering a setback against Ohio State earlier in September, Miami is hoping to solidify its position by winning on Saturday––allowing them to move steadily into the top ten rankings.

The Canes are riding their early-season success on the back of a stifling defense, leading the nation in tackles-for-loss. The Hurricanes are aiming for inclusion in the ACC title game in December.

Clemson, on the other hand, is still stinging over their lost opportunity as they fell to Auburn in overtime, 27-24, on September 18. They also lost their quarterback Kyle Parker to bruised ribs, but were fortunate to have a bye week in order to allow him plenty of time to heal before this week’s contest against Miami.
The main battle will center on the Tiger offensive line trying to keep Miami’s pass rush in check, protecting Parker and allowing the passing game to flourish.

Maybe Clemson has enough to prevail, but Zultan feels that it is Miami’s turn to win this one on the road as the Canes blast their way to the top of the ACC.

Game 10: PAC 10 - Washington at USC (18)


Last year the Washington Huskies upset the then No. 3-ranked USC Trojans in Seattle, 16-13. That game marked the beginning of a fall by the perennial powerhouse team from Southern Cal.

This year, USC (4-0) rode a perfect non-conference record into the Pac-10 season, having beaten Hawaii, Virginia, and Minnesota before upending Washington State last weekend. Now they prepare to welcome the Washington Huskies (1-2) into LA Memorial Coliseum on Saturday.

Will revenge motivate USC?

The Washington Huskies suffered a real beatdown at the hands of the Nebraska Cornhuskers on September 18, losing 56-21 at home. Ouch! True, the Huskies are rebuilding, but they have surprised a couple of teams in the last two years with coach Steve Sarkisian at the helm.  This year, however, the Huskies will not sneak up on Southern Cal. The Pac-10 remains the mystery conference, with teams losing a couple then springing back to knock off ranked teams.

The ebb and flow of Pac-10 fortunes leaves Zultan a little queasy.

Washington, so far, has looked anemic. Further––it is hard to tell about USC because they have not played a team with any starch, yet. Since the Trojans will be playing at home, Zultan picks USC to stay perfect at 5-0 heading into Week 6.

The Results Show


Zultan’s powers were particularly potent in Week 4.

Only two managed to outguess the All-Seeing One:
(1) At 14-0: Marshall Ungethuem—Alexandria, VA.
(2) At 13-1: Les Adkins—Columbus, OH.

Try your hand this week by casting  your picks, mustering all your mental reserve to defeat Zultan in Week 5.

Zultan dares you once again to try to outguess him, and be eligible to win prizes as well as seeing your name in print for thousands, or hundreds, to read.

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

Zultan's Fearless College Football Forecast: Week 4 in the Big Ten, Plus More

September 21, 2010

Unfortunately this week, Zultan, the Great Prognosticator, has locked himself inside his room and refused to come out ever since the Iowa Hawkeyes lost to Arizona last Saturday night in Tucson.

He can still be heard moaning and mumbling into the wee hours of the morning. His crystal ball was finally located in the freezer, wrapped clumsily in a black and gold shroud.

Zultan shoved a scribbled list under his door. No doubt this is the week you should challenge the Big Z, because his powers have been desiccated by western desert winds. Gain the advantage by out-guessing the mighty Zultan as he makes his picks in Week 4.

The Big Ten plays its latest slate of non-conference games in the house by going up against supposed home-baked cupcakes this week.  But there might be a couple of genuine upsets in the making.

Central Michigan Chippewas at Northwestern Wildcats
MAC Conference member Central Michigan, 2-1, suffered their only loss to the Temple Owls.  Northwestern who has managed to escape Vanderbilt, Illinois State and Rice to remain undefeated should manage to notch another win against the Central Michigan Chippewas. 

Northwestern bakes another cuppie and wins this one at home. 

Northern Colorado Bears at (25) Michigan State Spartans
The Bears, 2-1, out of the Big Sky Conference, suffered their only loss of the season to Weber State.  But they will be no match for the Michigan Spartans on Saturday in East Lansing.

Good thing for an exhausted Michigan State team whose coach Mark Dantonio was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of a heart attack after the Spartans defied God by winning a game in overtime against Notre Dame. The Spartans gambled in the waning moments apparently seeking to tie the Irish with a field goal in the first OT.

But it was a fake and Aaron Bates threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Charlie Gantt executing a perfect fake field goal in overtime, giving the Spartans a 34-31 victory over the Irish.

Spartans win this one at home over the Bears—for the coach.

Bowling Green Falcons at (21) Michigan Wolverines
Bowling Green (1-2) out of the MAC lost to the Troy Trojans and Tulsa Hurricane so far in 2010.  They will lose again at Michigan Stadium against the Wolverines on Saturday.

The Michigan team had their hands full with UMass last weekend, but managed to scramble to another shaky victory behind the outstanding play of their quarterback Denard Robinson, who had to score in bunches—345 yards and three touchdowns—himself to overcome a poor showing by Michigan on defense.

Sooner or later teams are going to figure out all they have to do to stop Michigan is to stop Robinson.  Even Zultan’s Mom sees that coming.  Who doesn’t? 

Michigan, however, brings down the Falcons in Week 4.

Austin Peay Governors at (11) Wisconsin Badgers
Talk about “by the hair of your chinny, chin chin!”  Wisconsin just barely escaped the Arizona State Sun Devils in Camp Randall.  Finally, after almost losing the game for the Badgers, special teams stood up tall to salvage a one-point victory over Arizona State.

Jay Valai blocked a game-tying extra point which would have drawn the Sun Devils even and perhaps would have sent the game into overtime. Next week the Badgers can pretty much coast, as they have for most of their 3-0 season thus far.  Wisconsin welcomes the Austin Peay Governors to Camp Randall. Sounds more like a tea party then a football contest.

So far the Governors have lost to the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders out of Big Sky Conference while collecting two wins. But Saturday, they will lose again. 

Badgers sit the Governors down and win this home contest.


Ball State Cardinals at (18) Iowa Hawkeyes
The Ball State Cardinals out of the MAC West have played three games so far this season, winning one but losing to the Liberty Flames out of the Big South and Purdue, out of the Big Ten.

They have the privilege of coming into Kinnick Stadium after the Hawkeyes lost their first game of the season on the road at the home of the Arizona Wildcats. This game featured—a Hawkeye punt blocked, a Hawkeye kickoff returned for a touchdown, 100 yards no less, and a Hawkeye pass intercepted and returned for a score. After shooting themselves in the foot over and over again, the Iowa rushing game had to be set aside.

The Hawkeyes played lackluster, error-prone football. Even so they managed to scrap their way back to a tie in the fourth quarter. But it was not to be—after playing so poorly, the football gods decreed this team was due to lose. Lose, they did.

Ball State will either meet a down and discouraged football team or as Zultan dictates, a team re-dedicated to playing football and not reading their press releases. 

Hawks resume their winning ways on Saturday. 

Toledo Rockets at Purdue Boilermakers

The Toledo Rockets out of the MAC won twice after losing to the Arizona Wildcats in Week 1. They go into West Lafayette to face the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday where the Boilers will be without their No. 1 receiver Keith Smith. Smith is now out for the season after suffering a knee injury.

But another Smith has taken the reins—Cortez Smith who caught two touchdown passes on Saturday as Purdue defeated Ball State 24-13.

Purdue, unfortunately, may be running out out healthy bodies to throw at the opposition as their starting QB Robert Marve suffered a left leg injury on an unsuccessful fourth down try. But the Boilers should hang on long enough to defeat the Toledo Rockets in Week 4 and hope some players mend quickly.

Purdue wins at home.

Eastern Michigan Eagles at (2) Ohio State Buckeyes
The 0-3 MAC Eastern Michigan Eagles have lost to Army, Miami (OH) and Central Michigan in their first three starts.  Even Zultan’s more conservative aunts predict that the Eagles will be 0-4 after traveling to Columbus on Saturday.

What else can be said about the cream of the "Cupcake Matchups" on Saturday. 

Ohio State and their marching band win this one going away.

Temple Owls  at (23) Penn State Nittany Lions

Yowser! Penn State may have inherited the toughest opponent of all the Big Ten teams on Saturday as they face the MAC leader, the Temple Owls (3-0).

The Owls have beaten Villanova, Central Michigan and Connecticut—not exactly patsy opponents. Still, the great thing about Joe Paterno is that he never underestimates his opposition, and he never allows his teams to look beyond their next opponent.

Therefore, Penn State will be ready to face the Owls, handing the Owls their first defeat of the season on Saturday.

Akron Zips at Indiana Hoosiers
The Akron Zips out of the MAC seemed to be misnamed.  There is little “zip” left in them as they opened their season 0-3 losing to Syracuse, Gardner-Webb and Kentucky.  It is more like they have been “zapped” thus far.

On Saturday the Zips travel to Bloomington to take on the Indiana Hoosiers, who are 2-0 heading into Saturday’s contest.  Zultan picks the Hoosiers to remain perfect heading into the Big Ten season. 

Indiana wins this one at home.

Northern Illinois Huskies at Minnesota Golden Gophers

Zultan sighs as he ponders the fate of the Golden Gophers who managed to keep it close and give themselves opportunities to win against the USC Trojans last Saturday.  The Gophers kept the door open but they lost—again—at home.

A team that continues to lose at home also loses fans and drains away player belief.  Northern Illinois comes into TCF Bank Stadium having suffered two losses so far this seasons, to Iowa State and Illinois.  This is do or die week for Coach Brewster—either he wins or he suffers an abbreviated season with the Gophers in 2010. 

Zultan says the Gophers will win this one at home, finally.

(1) Alabama Crimson Tide at (10) Arkansas Razorbacks
The undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide out of the SEC, for those of you who may have spent the football season under a rock, is the No. 1 team in the nation.  To date in 2010 the Tide has defeated San Jose State, (18) Penn State and Duke.  Alabama wins by dominating the clock and by their defense.  But their secondary may prove to be vulnerable as the season wears on.

The equalling undefeated Arkansas Razorbacks of the SEC so far have defeated Tennessee Tech, Louisiana-Monroe, and Georgia with last second heroics last weekend.  They have an explosive offense led by an equally explosive quarterback Ryan Mallett.  Alabama must travel to Fayetteville where Arkansas has a good chance to upset the Tide if they make no mistakes and score hard and fast.
That said, however, teams rarely go error free and Alabama will take advantage of every mistake. 

Alabama wins this one on the road on turnovers. 

(24) Oregon State Beavers at (3) Boise State Broncos 2-0

Oregon State out of the PAC Ten has spent their first two opportunities defeating Louisville and losing a close one to nationally ranked TCU.  Boise State defeated Virginia Tech in an eagerly anticipated opening match up and then the Broncos blew away Wyoming last Saturday.

This will be Boise State’s last real test of the season because when Conference play gets underway, there is no one to test Boise in the WAC. The game is being billed as the “Smurf Turf War” because of Boise’s blue field. No really, blue.  ESPN’s game day crew will be on hand to make the proceedings extra special and to unofficially pronounce the Broncos as BCS-worthy contenders.

Boise State will win this at home where they have lost two games since the year 2000.  No, really 63-2 at home.  This my friends is what you call “home field” advantage.  

Broncos win this one for sure in a “Smurfy” way. 

(12) South Carolina Gamecocks  at (17) Auburn Tigers
Another top 20 SEC contest will be savored on Saturday as the South Caroline Gamecocks travel to Auburn to play to the Tigers.  Both SEC teams are undefeated. So far this season, the Gamecocks have defeated Southern Miss, Georgia and Furman.  Auburn has overcome Arkansas State, Mississippi State and Clemson.

This contest promises to bring out the gamesmanship in both teams. In the end, as is always the case, the team with the strongest defense will win the day. South Carolina has the reputed better defense against the run but this game is at home in Auburn and Zultan, burned so horrendously in Week 1 will take the Auburn Tigers to prevail at home this week when the contest is otherwise—too close to call. 

(22) West Virginia Mountaineers at (15) LSU Tigers
Big East member West Virginia ranked No. 22 has defeated Coastal Carolina, Marshall and Maryland in the first three games and go into Saturday’s contest undefeated. LSU out of the SEC is also undefeated having beaten North Carolina, Vanderbilt and Mississippi State so far in 2010.

Both teams will be looking to make a statement about themselves and their respective conferences but only LSU will be heard over the din of 92 thousand plus fans packing Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. 

LSU defeats the Mountaineers at home in Week 4. 

Zultan pays homage to his betters in Week 3

Seventeen lucky souls actually bested the Mighty One in Week 3—three with perfect scores at 14-0: Mark Thalacker – Ashburn, VA;  Jane Littrel – Blue Grass, IA;  Gary Doll – Canton, OH.
Thirteen of you went 13-1 to out-guess Big Z:  Dan VanHusen – Dowagiac, MI; Craig Bancroft – Coralville, IA;  Rick “Turk” Steffens – Wilton, IA;  Phillip Murphy – Muscatine, IA; Ryan Burk – Denver, IA; Jason Bangs – Omaha, NE; Alex Kutz – Manhattan, KS;  John Crummer – Omaha, NE; Matt McCurdy – Cedar Rapids, IA;  Alex Goedken – No City Given; Kaleb Lund – Anita, IA;  Kyle Swingle – West Chester, OH;  Brandon Heitsch – Kabul, Afghanistan;  Michael Rothermel – Lebanon, PA.

Try your hand this week by casting your picks, mustering all your mental reserve to defeat Zultan in Week 4. 

Zultan dares you once again to try to out-guess him and be eligible to win—once you click you will find out the prizes.

Published on September 21, 2010 in Bleacher Reports and Sports Then & Now by JA Allen.