Week 7 of Zultan's Fearless College Football Forecasts

Zultan is sad to report that after the Iowa Hawkeyes self-destructed in Happy Valley on Saturday, Mom had to be carted off the premises by the guys in the white coats.

Now in rehab, Mom sings the Iowa Fight song from sun up to dusk.  The only thing that can possibly restore her sanity is a win this week over the ever-ruinous Northwestern Wildcats.

After all, Zultan needs Mom to cook his meals.  Come on black birds—win one for the old lady!

The All-Seeing Seer is also forced to report that the “Show-Me” state showed little in the way of winning last Saturday as Missouri failed to upend the Kansas State Wildcats in a Big Z upset.

Okay Bill Snyder, you “showed” up the mighty Zultan in Week No. 6.

The ultimate lesson came from Northwestern and their newly refurbished quarterback who showed all the right signs to upset the Michigan Wolverines making their first road trip—but sadly, Persa failed to deliver and Zultan was saddled with three—count them, three losses.

Still - it was better than four from the previous week.  The dozens of you who outguessed the mighty Zultan will be applauded at the end of this article and given your due respect by the All-Seeing magnanimous one.

It is now time to turn our focus to the crystal ball and week seven.  At the conclusion of this weekend of action, the BCS will unload their ranking for the first time this season.  We are already halfway through the 2011 season.

Click here to enter your picks for this week’s slate of ten games and see if you can surpass the mighty Zultan this week. Zultan feels mighty lucky but that could be from a lack of Mom’s Goodwill brownies.


Game 1: Big 10—(11) Michigan (6-0, 2-0) at (23) Michigan State (4-1, 1-0)

This is gonna be the big game in the Big Ten this weekend as both of these teams are ranked in the top 25.

The problem so far with the Big Ten is that there is no clear picture of who is good and who is pretending. The crystal ball remains fuzzy on that detail. Zultan is hoping that picture comes into focus very soon.

Michigan State had a week off to shore up their offense which has offered nothing to write home about so far in the 2011 season. The Spartans are a cut above on defense but unable to journey often enough to their own end zone.

Michigan on the other hand has done nothing but score. So what will happen this weekend?

Will the Spartan defense be able to contain Denard Robinson’s offense and more importantly—will the Michigan defense be able to shut down the Michigan State offense?

Zultan prays not to be burnt by Michigan two weeks in a row!

Pick Michigan State at home.

Game 2: Big 10—Purdue (3-2, 1-0) at Penn State (5-1, 2-0)

Penn State has got to be feeling mighty fine this week as they host the Purdue Boilers because the Lions got the big Hawkeye monkey off their back, shutting down one of the more prolific Big Ten offenses in week six of the 2011 season.

Iowa had Penn State’s  number in eight of their last nine encounters prior to last Saturday’s contest. But, this time the Penn State defense shot down the high-flying birds, putting salt on their tail and rendering them powerless except for one scrawny field goal in the first quarter.

Purdue, on the other hand, blistered the Minnesota Gophers, who are struggling in every conceivable way a football program can struggle. But traveling to Happy Valley will not bring the same results. Penn State will notch another win in the 2011 Big Ten season. The Lions are in the hunt for the Leaders championship!

Pick Penn State at home.

Game 3: Big 10—Indiana (1-5, 0-2) at (4) Wisconsin (5-0, 1-0)

Wisconsin had a bye last week although they hardly needed it after crushing Nebraska the previous week. The Badgers rolled through the Big Red machine like a US tank through enemy lines in 1944.

Wisconsin made the Cornhuskers look anemic and underfed. It was a substantial beat-down.

Indiana gave the Illinois team a scare in the first quarter, shooting out to a 10-0 lead. The euphoria, however, could not last as Illinois regained their composure and came back to send the Hoosiers crashing to earth.

This week’s contest against the Badgers will not be pretty.

Pick Wisconsin at home.

Game 4: Big 10—Ohio State (3-3, 0-2) at (16) Illinois (6-0, 2-0)

Ohio State was so close to defeating Nebraska in Lincoln that Big Z was sweating bullets by the end of the game.

But once the Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller was injured in the third quarter, leaving the game, the Ohio State team fizzled on offense and the Buckeye defense shuddered and died as well in the fourth quarter, no longer able to hold their own.

It was an ugly loss for Ohio State after look so good in the first half—like the Ohio State teams we are used to seeing on the gridiron. Illinois also stumbled coming out of the gate, but in the end, regained their feet and rumbled to a win over the Indiana Hoosiers.  This week will be a different matter. Ohio State has many more weapons including a couple more more suspended players back in action.

Still the game is at home for the Illini and even though Miller is coming back, you have to wonder about his effectiveness nursing a sprained ankle.

Pick Illinois at home.

Game 5: Big 10—Northwestern (2-3, 0-2) at Iowa (3-2, 0-1)

This is a pivotal game for both middle of the pack squads. A loss for either will leave that team winless in the Big Ten and nobody in their right mind wants that.  No, Mom!  I was not making fun of you!  Jeez, she is so sensitive these days.

Iowa looked completely undone against Penn State last week. Vandenberg’s inability to move the ball, drove him to try to force the action which led to ultimate disaster as he tossed up two interceptions and amassed only 169 yards.  Without the passing threat, the Iowa running game stalled and died like an engine without gas.

Northwestern looked very impressive in the first half but were completely shut down in the second as they fell to the Wolverines at home despite the return of their vaunted quarterback Dan Persa.  This is the same Dan Persa who last year threw the winning touchdown pass to seal Iowa’s defeat on the road and end the Hawkeyes’ conference title hopes.

You think the black birds have forgotten that.  Hardly.

Pick Iowa at home.

Game 6: Big 12—(6) Oklahoma State (5-0, 2-0) at (22) Texas (4-1, 1-1)

Well the good news is that Texas is playing at home this weekend and that they are not facing Oklahoma again but only the No. 6 ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys who barely broke a sweat last weekend running over the Kansas Jayhawks 70-28.

The bad news is that the Cowboys are undefeated and have a massive propensity to score at will.  Granted, Texas will slow them down and maybe grind the Okie State offense to a halt a few times; but the state of Oklahoma looks like a lethal combination for the Longhorns who suffer in the pocket without tested, experienced leadership.

Pick Oklahoma State

Game 7: PAC 12—(18) Arizona State (5-1, 3-0) at (9) Oregon (4-1, 2-0)

So what happened to the Oregon Ducks in 2011?  Probably nothing. They lost their opener to LSU in week one; but since that loss, the Ducks have strutted their way back into top ten contention.

In their game last week, running back LaMichael James dislocated his right elbow and may not be playing this weekend against the Sun Devils. The Ducks started slow and trailed early but soon caught up and passed the California Golden Bears winning the game 43-15.

Arizona State’s defense put Utah on hold most their game, winning 35-14. The Sun Devil’s defense was stifling. Their only loss this season came at Illinois 17-14, otherwise the Devils are undefeated in the PAC 12 and a definite favorite to capture the PAC South.

But the Oregon offense will be a step above any offense Arizona State has encountered this year.  In their own backyard, you just have to favor the Ducks.

Pick Oregon at home


Game 8: Big 12—(20) Baylor (4-1, 1-1) at (21) Texas A&M (3-2, 1-1)

After Baylor broke open and took command of their game against Iowa State last weekend, the Bears rose to No. 20 in the AP rankings with one loss to date in Big 12 play.

Baylor lost their league opener to Kansas State  36-35.

After a slow start allowing the Cyclones to hang around as the score remained tied 14-14 midway through the second quarter, Baylor finally reeled off 21 unanswered points as part of their 49-26 win in Waco.

Texas A & M could not seem to shake Texas Tech in their contest last week. This pattern seems to part of the Aggies “MO” as they play week after week. Sometimes the inability to put a team away has cost them big time. After leading at half-time against Oklahoma State and Arkansas, Texas A & M folded in the fourth quarter to let double digit leads fade away.  But they Aggies held on to finish the job, winning 45-40 against the Red Raiders.

This one is almost too close to call; but playing at home Zultan favors the home team.

Pick Texas A & M at home

Game 9: SEC—Florida (4-2, 2-2) at (24) Auburn (4-2, 2-1)

So far this season, the Florida Gators have lost to No. 1 ranked LSU and No. 3 ranked Alabama.  Next week the Gators must face No. 24 ranked Auburn, last year’s national champion.  Life is hard in the SEC.

Auburn, which expected a drop-off after losing Cam Newton plus a number of starters from last year’s championship team, has been doing a little better than expected. The Tigers have lost to a surprising Clemson team plus a resurgent Arkansas team.

Of the two teams, Florida, with weapons like Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps in the backfield along with a fully-healed quarterback John Brantley, has the most talent. While Auburn has put up some points on the board, their defense remains too porous against the more talented offenses in the SEC.

Once again, Zultan must bet against the Tigers.

Pick Florida on the road

Game 10: ACC—(19) Virginia Tech (5-1, 1-1) at Wake Forest (4-1, 3-0)

As long as the Virginia Tech Hokies take care of the ball, they should prevail over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.  To date, you have to admit that Wake Forest has been the big surprise out of the ACC, winning four in a row after losing their opener to Syracuse.

The Hokies struggled on defense trying to contain Miami on the ground but should have an easier time with Wake Forest’s running game.  If quarterback Logan Thomas plays as well as he did against Miami, Virginia Tech’s offense should be in good hands. The Hokies must believe this was the birth of another first-rate Virginia Tech quarterback as well as a harbinger of things to come.

On the other hand, the Hokies suffered some injuries on defense as some key players were led or carried off the field early in the game. There is no indication yet whether they will be returning to action.

For Wake Forest who just defeated Florida State in a minor upset, the prospect of hosting the Hokies who defeated them by 31 points a year ago is sobering.  Winning this game would extend the Demon Deacons win streak to five games.

This is a tough one. It is giving Zultan a headache!

Pick Virginia Tech on the road.  

The Results

As usual, Zultan was bested by the most brilliant football minds in the nation, listed below. These Saturday geniuses lay in wait for the All-Seeing Seer to make his humble predictions consulting their own measure of charts and stars for superior insights.

But this week, it will be difficult for many to surpass the mighty Zultan because Mom has guaranteed perfection, if the Hawkeyes finally defeat the Wildcats on Saturday.

Still—you must try.  It is understandable. We shall see.

10-0
Jack Darland, Jr. (Cedar Falls, IA)
Erik Lawhead (Bolingbrook, IL)
Ken Ripp (Eau Claire, WI)

9-1
Craig Bancroft (Coralville, IA)
Jeff Coffey (Columbus, OH)
Tom Phillips (St. Petersburg, FL)
Pete Pluckenbaum (no city given)
Sports Chump (Tampa, FL)
Glenn Seiler (Midlothian, VA)
Rick “Turk” Steffens (Wilton, IA)
Carl Stine (Kingman, AZ) 9-1
Eric Stipp (Dublin, OH)
Joe (State College, PA)
Betty (no city given)

8-2
Dale Collins (Charleston, SC)
Roger Gostnell (Rolling Prairie, IN)
Brandon Heitsch (Columbus, OH)
Michael Lindsay (Fairfax, VA)
Larry Olsen (Boise, ID)
Dean Pfeifer (Wolfeboro, NH)
Josh Shrable (Ocala, FL)
Dean Studt (Melbourne, FL)
Skipper Woodham (Atlanta, GA)

Zultan’s Fearless College Football Predictions for October 8

It was an agonizing week for the all-seeing seer as four of his ten picks went South on October 1. In retrospect, Zultan offers these occult words of wisdom to the Iowa State Cyclones, “In the future, if you are going to shoot yourself in the foot, do not use a sub machine gun.” 

Prior to the Texas vs. Iowa State debacle, Arkansas came back to thwart Texas A & M as the Aggies failed by five points. Zultan could not believe his eyes as he watched A&M’s second collapse in a row. Someone must tell the Aggies that the game lasts 60 minutes, not 45.

Even playing in Columbus, Ohio State could only hold on, losing by three. It could have been even uglier. But MSU quarterback Kirk Cousins spared the Buckeyes abject humiliation by doing his own Spartan version of self-destruction in key moments.

Zultan blames his cloudy crystal ball which continues to conjure up images from 2010.

But the pigskin prognosticator’s biggest miss was Clemson who stomped on Virginia Tech 23-3 without mercy. This Tiger is all business and will claim the ACC in 2011.  Zultan made a note to himself—C Rules in ACC.

What is more—to heap on massive degradation— almost three score of you recorded better results that the Mighty One. Zultan has barricaded himself in Mom’s garage, pouting and throwing rocks at a poster of Paul Rhoads.  Where was the triple overtime win when you really needed it, Coach?

Those surpassing the great one will be listed at the end of this article along with appropriate, if begrudging accolades. 

Next up for the all-seeing seer—Week 2 in the Big Ten, Week 6 overall in the college football season. 

Zultan offers you another week of difficult picks daring you to try to outguess him again.  If you feel lucky, or even if you don’t, click here to make your picks and see if you can surpass the big Z this coming Saturday.

Game 1: Big Ten - Minnesota Gophers (1-4, 0-1) at Purdue Boilermakers (2-2, 0-0)

Oh, this is a tough one. Can the Gophers win a Big Ten game?  This might be Minnesota’s only chance to enjoy a Big Ten victory. Too bad the game is on the road for Minny. 

Hopefully the Gophers learned that it is advisable to stick to the game plan the coaches established during the week.  After losing their Big Ten opener to Michigan 58-0, Minnesota needs to find improvement in every aspect of their game. That rout has to sting coaches and players alike.

Purdue will be looking to begin their Big Ten campaign with a victory at home. After being squashed by Notre Dame last week 38-10, the Boilermakers seek a positive as they begin Big Ten action. Defeating the Minnesota Gophers at home would go along way to making some headway as conference action heats up.

Pick Purdue Boilermakers to win at home.

Game 2: Big Ten - (19) Illinois Illini (5-0, 1-0) at Indiana Hoosiers (1-4, 0-1)

Illinois will finally hit the road to play the Indiana Hoosiers in Bloomington. It will be their first real road test of the year. The Illini, behind quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase, managed to sneak past the Northwestern Wildcats last week 38-35.

Last Saturday, Indiana almost equalled Penn State on the gridiron but fell short in the last quarter, losing 16-10. It was the Hoosiers fourth loss of the young 2011 season. New starting quarterback Dusty Kiel had his hands full trying to gain significant yardage against Penn State. The Hoosiers are hoping to improve their football fortunes by winning their first Big Ten Contest. Unfortunately, they will fall short again. 

Pick Illinois to win on the road.

Game 3: Big Ten - Iowa Hawkeyes (3-10 0-0) at Penn State Nittany Lions (4-1, 1-0)

This is a big one for Mom’s team, the Iowa Hawkeyes. Traveling to Happy Valley to play the Penn State Nittany Lions is nothing Big Ten teams relish. Lately, however, the Hawkeyes have enjoyed some success against the Lions—winning eight of the last nine games the two have contested. Plus, Iowa is coming off a bye week.

Penn State struggled to get past Indiana last Saturday as the Lion offense once again found it difficult to score. Shuffling quarterbacks in and out of the lineup has not worked well for two seasons now as Penn State has been unable to decide who should stand in the pocket. Maybe it is time to settle into a one-quarterback system. While the Penn State defense seems solid, their offense has struggled to put points on the board. 

Mom insists on this one!

Pick Iowa to win on the road.


Game 4: Big Ten - (12) Michigan Wolverines (5-0, 1-0) at Northwestern Wildcats (2-2, 0-1)

Dan Persa’s early departure during last week’s contest against Illinois caused some concern about a re-injury to his tendon. But Persa will back in full force as the Wildcats welcome Michigan into Evanston. Last week, Northwestern came up a little short against Illinois, losing 38-35. The Wildcats fell to 2-2 overall, losing their first Big Ten conference game.

Michigan, on the other hand ran roughshod over the lowly gophers who were powerless to stop the Wolverine assault. But this is also Michigan’s first authentic road game of the season, plus, they will be playing under the lights in a hostile environment— so there is room for some nerves on the field.  Michigan enters the game undefeated so far in 2011.

Because they game is highly significant and much anticipated, Northwestern will attack it with a vengeance.  They like nothing better than upsetting favorites. The real crux of the contest will come down to defense. Which defense can more easily shut down the other team’s offense.  Although you love a never-say-die guy like Persa, you gotta give the nod to Michigan’s defense in this game being better able to shut down the Wildcats on offense than vice-versa.

This is one of those dart-board choices the Big Z has to make once in a while!

Pick Northwestern to win at home.


Game 5: Big Ten - Ohio State Buckeyes (3-2, 0-1) at (14) Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-1, 0-1)

The Cornhuskers will be stewing over their loss in Madison last Saturday, ready to do battle against Ohio State. Nebraska came out strong last Saturday, scoring first while stemming the tide of the Wisconsin Badger running game. Then came the second quarter. Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez seemed to fall apart, losing his way, trying to force the issue. That is when the spate of turnovers began.  The Badgers went on to win this contest going away,  48-17.

Ohio State managed to hold back the Michigan State Spartans defensively. The Buckeyes allowed MSU only 10 points in four quarters but could not score themselves against the potent Spartan defense. A touchdown scored as time expired were the only points for the once-vaunted Ohio State team.

Some of the suspended players expected to return this week for OSU are facing further sanctions and will not be making the trip to Lincoln.

Pick Nebraska to win at home.

Game 6: SEC - (17) Florida Gators (4-1, 2-1) at (1) LSU Tigers (5-0, 2-0)

You just gotta like a team whose home field lies in “Death Valley.” The Florida Gators must go to Death Valley to play the LSU Tigers one week after being humiliated at home by Alabama 38-10.  Life does not get any easier for the Gators who must travel to Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge without their starting quarterback John Brantley. Starting in his place will be freshman Jeff Driskel who will need more than a hope and a prayer to get through the rigors of playing LSU in Tiger Stadium.

LSU on the other hand has an abundance of quarterbacks as the Tigers welcomed back former suspended quarterback Jordan Jefferson who joined starter Jarrett Lee as part of a potent offense with speed so indicative of SEC teams.  LSU remains undefeated and looks to stay that way until they meet Alabama in Tuscaloosa on November 5.  That will be the critical match-up of the season.

Pick LSU to win at home.


Game 7: Big 12 - (3) Oklahoma Sooners (4-0, 1-0) at (11) Texas Longhorns (4-0, 1-0)

So begins another Red River Rivalry. The annual contest will be held inside the Cotton Bowl as both Oklahoma and Texas arrive undefeated, 4-0 on the season. Oklahoma has lost their No. 1 ranking without losing a game. But such is the fortune of college football today with the current ranking systems.  Right now the Sooners are content to take care each obstacle as it arrives on the schedule.  So far, Oklahoma has done just that under the leadership of Bobby Stoops with Landry Jones in the pocket.

Texas, meanwhile, is attempting to recreate a Longhorn legend as Case McCoy takes over the quarterbacking duties leading the Longhorns just as his brother Colt McCoy did. But the younger McCoy is not alone in pocket. He shares duties with David Ash as Mack Brown shuttles the two quarterbacks in and out of games.  When will these head coaches ever learn?  “Less is more!”

Oklahoma has the more complete package on offense and defense.

Pick Oklahoma to win at the Cotton Bowl.


Game 8: ACC - Miami Hurricanes  (2-2, 0-1) at (21) Virginia Tech Hokies (4-1, 0-1)

You have to wonder what happened to the Virginia Tech Hokies last week as they faced the Clemson Tigers at home. The Hokies displayed an anemic offense that sputtered, often shutting down or died trying to make up for miscues with long third down attempts.  The defense looked a step slow, caught by surprise on a few occasions. Special teams were really not that special for Virginia Tech.  The Hokies lost 23-3.  But as Coach  Frank Beamer stated—it is only one game.  Redemption is still possible.

Miami is coming into Blacksburg hoping to come away with a big win.  So far this season Miami has defeated Ohio State and Bethune-Cookman while losing to Maryland on the road and Kansas State. They have shown moments of excellent speed and powerful running.  But they have given up almost as much as they have gained. Most of the suspended Canes will be back on the field this Saturday and that could provide another key for success. 

You just have to assume the Hokies will regroup and take the field not allowing two defeats in a row at home. Another dartboarder!

Pick Virginia Tech to win at home.


Game 9: Big 12: Missouri Tigers (2-2, 0-1) at (20) Kansas State (4-0, 1-0)

The Missouri Tigers get to travel to Manhattan, Kansas after a week off.  The Tigers have defeated K-State the last five times the teams have met on the football field. The last time they played, the Missouri Tigers lost to the then No. 1 ranked Oklahoma Sooners in Norman 38-28.  This will be the Tigers second ranked opponent in a row on the road.

Kansas State knocked off the No. 15 ranked Baylor Bears last weekend to earn a spot in the AP top 20 for the first time.  Linebacker Arthur Brown intercepted a pass thrown by Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III that set up a field goal, allowing the Wildcats to pull ahead 36-35. It was Griffin’s only interception of the season and ultimately it cost Baylor the game.

Still it is hard to believe in Kansas State this early in the season.  Missouri has had an extra week to prepare for this game.

Pick Missouri on the road.


Game 10: SEC - (15) Auburn Tigers (4-1, 2-0) at (10) Arkansas Razorbacks (4-1, 0-1)

Auburn has lost to Clemson so far this season and Arkansas has lost to Alabama. 

The Razorbacks also showed the right stuff by battling their way out of a huge hole to Texas A & M last weekend. The Hogs trailed the Aggies by 18 points at half-time and came back to win the game in the closing minutes 42-38.  It was an impressive showing for a team that was supposed to be “rebuilding” this year.

Meanwhile, last year’s BCS champs, the Auburn Tigers, were also supposed to be suffering through a “down” year but came back to upset the No. 10-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks on their home field.

These are two teams playing with confidence and poise in the SEC.  The game will be played in Fayetteville at night televised on ESPN. 

When in doubt, Zultan takes the home team.  You see well this logic served him last week. 

Pick Arkansas to win at home.


The Results from October 1, 2011:

It was great to see some of the old names back again as you pitted your puny prognosticating skills against the mighty Zultan.  As you know, Zultan has suffered greatly over the summer being held captive as the Big Ten morphed into these aberrant divisions called “Leaders” and “Legends.” Nebraska joined the Big Ten, crowding Iowa on the West. But, now the great one is free, ready to do his football bidding.

Here are the hundreds of you who bested a weakened Zultan last week!  This week, the Mighty One feels the force—so be prepared!  Congratulations to:

10-0
Sam Wingo (world traveler)

9-1
Tommy Cornelis (Washington, DC), Andrew Dorsey (Anaheim, CA), Daniel Lint (Des Moines, IA), Christian Moellenhoff (Austin, TX), Darrel Rohrer (Hebron, OH)

8-2
Craig Bancroft (Coralville, IA), Jeff Coffey (Columbus, OH), Dale Collins (Charleston, SC), Jack Darland Jr. (Cedar Falls, IA), Brandon Heitsch (Columbus, OH), Jason Jobke (Milwaukee, WI), Eric Lawhead (Bolingbrook, IL), Dennis Ristau (Eleva, WI), Kent Seering (Phoenix, AZ), Rick “Turk” Steffens (Wilton, IA), Carl Stine (Kingman, AZ)

7-3
Nathan Branch (Thomasville, GA), Dave Eck (Cedar Falls, IA), Craig Fudge (Woodbury, MN), Ryan Gott (Newton, IA), J.A. Greer (Boulder, CO), Trevor Knuth (Iowa City, IA), Matt Myers (Grand Island, NE), Larry Olsen (Boise, ID), Eric Stipp (Dublin, OH), Sports Chump (Tampa, FL), Guy Wohlford (Radford, VA), Skipper Woodham (Atlanta, GA)

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.