CBB Picks: B1G Showdown, Ghost of Michael Snaer

Since college football and basically National Football League is done, we have been making picks for college basketball. Let's have some fun with it and see what happens. I should probably record my record, but I will say this is the hardest sport to pick without question.

First Tier Games 
21. Michigan at 3. Michigan State 6:00 pm ESPN - Crazy to think the first time ever, two teams are 6-0 facing off each other in the Big Ten against each other. John Beilein deserves to be Coach of the Year thus far, and Nik Stauskas is red hot right now. Michigan seems to be getting a team effort versus two guys like Mitch McGary and Trey Burke carrying the team like they did last night. They faced rival Michigan State, and they are hurting right now. Sparty will be without Branden Dawson as he broke his hand in frustration and Adreian Payne will also be missing in this one. Gary Harris needs to put himself on the map in this one, and I am not sure he is ready for the moment. I am riding the Wolverines' hot streak. MICH 74-68

4. Villanova at Marquette 1:00 pm FOX Sports 1 - Hmm. The homer in me wants to believe Marquette will play like they did at the end of the second half led by unsung heroes John Dawson and Steve Taylor Jr. The realist in me says this team has not proven they made the turn just yet, and need to be a team like Villanova, who is probably a little overrated given their ranking. Marquette needs to be better at guarding the perimeter as Villanova has four players shooting over 35 percent from 3-point land. My worry about Marquette in this one is James Bell and Darrun Hillard will go off against Marquette's guards, but I do think they can contain JayVaughn Pinkston. I am taking the Wildcats. I don't want to, but until Marquette can beat a high quality opponent, I cannot pick them. NOVA 69-64

Florida State at 15. Duke 11:00 am ESPN - In recent years, Seminoles have been a throne in Duke's side whether it be at home or in Cameron Indoor. Leonard Hamilton does a great job with this team getting them prepared to deal with the Duke environment. This Florida State team nearly beat Michigan and Florida in the non-conference meaning they can compete with this Duke team. I do think Blue Devils figured it out a bit in the last couple of games especially Jabari Parker as he went for 17 and 15 against Miami. He will need to be a factor in this one. I think Florida State's size keeps them in this game, and Duke escapes with a last-second three. DUKE 73-71

Second Tier Games 
Texas at 24. Baylor 12:30 pm ESPN3 - Texas deserves all the credit in the world this season. Rick Barnes' job is saved because Longhorns' head honchos have to see what he is doing without having any seniors, and no matter the result in this one, Texas deserves to be ranked. I do think Texas is running into a buzzsaw. Baylor lost their last three games plus another one to boot in the Big 12. This is a must-win for them, and I fail to see how Baylor does not capitalize at home in this one. BAY 73-64

9. Wisconsin at Purdue 4:00 pm Big Ten Network - You could look at this game two ways if you are Purdue... One, you are playing a Wisconsin team that cannot play defense, and maybe Purdue's offensive woes can be fixed playing them. Two, you are playing a pissed off Wisconsin team that is ready to break their losing streak. Purdue is not a bad team, but they are not a good team either. I would be shocked if they beat Wisconsin. Badgers score enough points, and the defensive holds strong. UW 74-61

20. Pittsburgh at Maryland 5:00 pm ESPN2 - What's up lookahead game?  This has all the makings of Pittsburgh laying an egg. Terrapins are not a good team, but at the same point, they have talented players like Dez Wells who can win them basketball games. Pittsburgh knows they are welcoming Duke on Monday night in a much anticipated game meaning their head might not be there for this one. I would put some chips on Maryland winning this one at the always tough College Park. MARY 64-57

Third Tier Games 
2. Syracuse at Miami 12:00 pm CBS - An old Big East matchup that is now an ACC matchup. Whenever a team is undefeated this late in the season, a bulls-eye developed on the team. Miami would love nothing more than to end the Orange's unbeaten streak. But at the same time, this Hurricane team likely cannot handle a full 40 minutes of the suffocating 2-3 zone, they need to play a perfect game. It is not happening. CUSE 65-53

Utah at 1. Arizona (Played on Sunday) 7:00 pm FOX Sports 1- Improved year for Utah as they are playing well and beating some good teams in the process yet they have not seen a great team like Arizona. Wildcats will have no issues in this game. ARIZ 77-63

Tennessee at 6. Florida 3:00 pm ESPN - This used to be a high-profile SEC game, and now it is just sort of there. I think people have forgotten about Florida due to the SEC being a mediocre conference besides the Gators and Kentucky. Tennessee does have the size to compete with Florida as Jarnell Stokes and Jerrone Maymon can both be factors if they stay out of foul trouble. It is the guard play I am unsure about, and what probably gets the Gators the win. FLA 72-68

Charlie.

BCS Closes its Door With a Classic

Bowl Championship Series started in 1999. After much debate about not having a National Championship, NCAA figured out a way to have a National Championship game with a bowl game posing as the title game. BCS took some major lumps throughout the years ranging from screwing teams out of titles, games and anything else you could think of. Next year, a playoff will begin which is what 75-90 percent of college football fans wanted for the last several years. The final game pitted Florida State against Auburn and it could not have been any better with Seminoles coming out on top, 34-31 in a dramatic comeback including a final award-winning drive by Jameis Winston.

It really felt like this game displayed college football in 2013 perfectly. The whole season was batshit crazy. Like Real Housewives crazy. No one expected Auburn to be there, and hell people thought Florida State would be there last year, not this year. There are many games from this year where people are going to point to and say 'I remember where I was when this happened.' Three of them have involved Auburn, and the third one, the Tigers were on the bad side of things meaning destiny does not always find its date at the end of the night.  

Auburn held an 18-point lead in the first half thrashing everyone's narratives to begin the game. S-E-C chants were being heard from stands in Pasadena. Instead people were starting to drum up another narrative about how Florida State did not play anyone for the entire year because they played in the ACC versus the big bad SEC. People also began comparing Winston's night to Troy Smith's horrendous performance in his only BCS National Championship. Those narratives would also be found stranded by the wayside at the end of the game and end of the college football season. 

Honestly, I feel like one of the biggest drive of the game featured Florida State getting their first touchdown of the game late in the second quarter. They were down 18 points, and severely dominated throughout the first half. Seminoles needed at least a field goal to keep themselves relevant in this game, and were able to get into the end zone with about 90 seconds left in the first half. Noles had a chance to double up as Aaron Rodgers like to calls it as they had the ball first in the second half meaning they could be right back into this game early on in the third quarter. 

Florida State did not really do much in the third quarter besides getting a field goal, but more importantly, the defense started to wake up. It is like they were Junior from Cool Runnings decided to be a 'bad ass mother who don't take shit from no one' and started to start hitting in this football game. Defensive tackle Tim Jerrigen led the charge with delivering big hit after big hit trying his damnedest to stop Auburn's rushing attack at the line of scrimmage. Auburn's offense held at 21 points and Florida State trailed by eight points heading into the final quarter where things got mad real meaning they need sunglasses and Advil in the morning. 

Marshall did not make a mistake all game long which is amazing to think up given how Florida State forces turnovers, and how often Marshall has the ball in his hand. But he made a mistake early in the fourth with Florida State cornerback P.J. Williams pick off a weak pass from Marshall sitting up the Seminoles in their best field possession all game. Winston and company took advantage as they marched down the field to get a touchdown to Chad Abram, the last remaining fullback with a neck roll meaning he probably eats footballs for dinner. Florida State's plan was to go for two, but Devonta Freeman may or may not have pointed the pistols at Auburn's bench leading to a 15-yard penalty forcing the Noles into an extra point. 

Even though Auburn pounded the ball down the field, they were not able to get a responding touchdown instead only three points giving the Tigers are four-point lead. It did not last long as Kermit Whitfield took back the kick 100 yards to give Florida State their first lead since 3-0. The game went from being 'pretty enjoyable' to 'HOLY SHIT, THIS IS GETTING ENTERTAINING AND FULL OF HAM.' People who trust in things like destiny believed Auburn had at least one more drive left in them and truth be told, they had Florida State on the ropes.

Tigers began to pound the football down the field. Florida State's defense started to suck wind, and it clearly showed their lack of fourth quarter games was coming back to haunt them a bit with Jerrigan, their best defensive player on Monday night had to go to the sidelines with cramps. Tre Mason had one of the best losing efforts performances with 196 yards on 34 carries including a 37-yard touchdown to give Auburn the lead again. It is weird to think about it, but Mason and Auburn could have drain this clock to virtually zero never letting Winston get another chance guaranteeing the Tigers second National Championship in as many years yet this is straight revisionist history due to Jameis validating his Heisman trophy with an exclamation point.

Winston started the drive from the 20 yard line heading the same direction Vince Young did many years ago leading Texas over USC. Florida State's talented redshirt freshman went six for seven marching this football team down the field. A couple things about that drive stood out to me... 1.) They never had a fourth down. Usually on these big last second drives, there is at least one fourth down, it did not happen. 2.) Florida State faced a 3rd and 3 and got a delay of game penalty of all things putting them at 3rd and 8 yet Winston kept his composure delivering a ball to the end zone that should have been caught but a yellow flag showed why the receiver did not.

Chris Davis, the hero of Auburn's season as he took back the miraculous Iron Bowl field goal, committed the penalty. If this game did not need another story line, Davis delivered another one. Scott Van Pelt says all the time 'Sports is the greatest reality show' and it is extremely true with Davis' case. Everyone tripped over themselves to buy him a drink after beating Alabama, and now people will probably still be cool with him yet the pass interference will be remembered.  

Seminoles had to finish the drive though down at the goal line. Winston did not leave much theatrics as he found Kelvin Benjamin with a pop pass on the first play. Jameis threw a ball that only 6'6 Benjamin could pull down and he did it giving Florida State the lead once again with under 30 seconds. It showed incredible pose in the moment from a guy whom just turned 20 yesterday. He wanted the moment and took advantage of it. Heisman moments are overrated, but let's be clear, that was the play of 2013, Auburn plays be damned.

Florida State wins their third National Championship ending the seven year reign of SEC dominance setting up another great year of college football with a four-team playoff involved.  Winston will be back for another year with Florida State trying to claim the first college football playoff.  There is a chance people will still  not be happy and ask for the BCS back yet the last one will always be remembered for a great finish. This is how a series finales should end.  

Charlie. 

Sportandfashion-news BCS Championship Preview: Florida State v. Auburn

College football season is over. This is a sad thing for many people. Even though I really do not have a team, college football has become a big part of my life. I really think it is due to their Twitter users are the best out there. CFB Twitter is by far the best Twitter. BCS is also over as the college football playoff will begin next year. It closes with two teams whom have already won a BCS National Championship in Florida State and Auburn. One is more likely to be there with the other trying to finish their date with destiny as well as ensure the SEC had the final seven BCS National Championships.

Thinking back to different BCS National Championship teams, they are loaded with players who are currently playing in the NFL and making a big impact with their collective teams. Florida State might be the next team. They are completely loaded on both sides of the football. All 22 players starting for the Seminoles tonight will get drafted without question, and they are led by their Heisman-winning quarterback Jameis Winston who is having one of the best seasons ever.

People really believe in Auburn's defense, but at the same time, they have given up 30 points multiple times this season even in a winning effort. That should be a major red flag heading into a game against Winston and Florida State as they will break 2008 Oklahoma's record of total points with four touchdowns. Auburn will try to find some ways to break this Florida State team, but how exactly do you stop Winston?  The only thing I could come to is a true zone defense maybe channeling their inner Lovie Smith or Monte Kiffin (ACTUALLY STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM THAT ONE). Winston has been crazy good against the blitz this season meaning the zone will be their friends and a cover two could ensure their secondary is protected better than blitzing leaving a poor defensive backfield on an island.

If there is one defect in Auburn's game, it is their secondary. Tigers do not really have strong cornerbacks, and the only way to save them against Winston might be putting them in zones all game long.  Tigers passing defense could be the unraveling of this team on Monday night though no matter what. Auburn gives up around 260 yards per game, and they do not force many turnovers, only 13 interceptions this season. In no way whatsoever, Kelvin Benjamin cannot get behind the Auburn's secondary or it will be curtains for this defense. Further, Auburn should admit themselves early on that Benjamin will at least have one or two big plays and cut off the head of the other players.

No one thought Auburn would be here at August. People thought they would have an improving year, but a BCS appearance in the Sugar Bowl would have definitely suffice this January. Therefore Auburn is playing with house money. If they win, they carry an SEC torch for another year but if they lose, it was a hell of a season no matter what. Sometimes when a team plays with house money, they play loose and free leading to good things. Auburn is the best rushing team in the nation, and they will go up against one of the best rushing defenses in the country. Hate to sound like John Madden here pointing the obvious, but Auburn will need to run the football efficiently to win the game without question.

If Tre Mason and company are able to run the football and control the clock, they can win this football game. The longer they can keep Winston and Florida State's explosive offense off the field, the better. There is a slight problem though. Florida State's starting defense has not allowed a touchdown all season. I have to think knowing the kind of coach Gus Malzahn is, there will be some trick plays tonight. I expect Auburn to try and catch Florida State off-guard multiple times in this football game as this will be another way for the Tigers to keep the ball longer than expected.  Additionally, they need Nick Marshall to at least complete a couple passes even if they are not the pretty ones Winston is throwing when Florida State has the ball.

Many people are calling for a Florida State blowout.  These are the same folks who were calling for an Alabama blowout last year. I went against the grain last year and took Notre Dame. I cannot pick against Florida State in this game, but I do think five weeks for Malzahn will do more good for Auburn than it will do for the Seminoles and Jimbo Fisher. Additionally, whenever a player wins a Heisman trophy, their following game in the bowl is not a guaranteed great game. In the end, Winston will find a way to win this game late, but Florida State needs to slam the door on destiny before it gets a chance. Florida State 41 Auburn 31

Charlie.

The College Football Change

There are three things that happened or are currently rumored to be happening in college football that in a weird, convoluted way tie together. It is quite possible that I am reaching here, but I really truly believe they are all one in the same when discussing Jameis Winston's Heisman win, Clarett's documentary and the rumors of highly-touted draft picks staying at school.  

Jameis Winston took home the Heisman Trophy becoming the youngest Heisman winner and the second straight Freshman to do it. Many people wondered given the off-the-field issues if Winston would have a close challenger, but instead, he blew them out like Florida State did to many of their opponents. Watching him against Pittsburgh to open up the year in primetime, you could tell the kid was special. I remember having a fantasy draft that night and attempted to talk about him only to get shut down which is fine yet I knew people would realize how good of a player Jameis Winston is and will be for the time the come. 

Winston looks like a player that could honestly go to the league next May.  He is only a redshirt freshman, but there is no question Winston has the size and stature to join the National Football League next season. People will probably ask on Twitter for the entire draft process 'What would it look like if Jameis was in the draft?' It is stupid to think about right now. Yet the thought will probably be enhanced due to a fantastic 30 for 30 documentary ran on Maurice Clarrett after the Heisman. If you remember Clarett challenged college football's rules on their draft rule and nearly won although as the documentary pointed out, he left Ohio State because the administration forced him out instead of just going pro. 

Given with what happened with Johnny Manziel and what's already happened with Winston, I am already wondering what his off-season could entail especially if they win the National Championship over Auburn. My friend Eric has this theory about college quarterbacks that if they win a Heisman, National Championship, there is no reason to stay in school because you have hit the peak of the college career. I could see Winston's sophomore year to be judged with a just as microscope as Manziel. So is there a chance Winston tries to make an attempt at challenging the NFL's rules? Most likely not, but Winston unlike Clarett has an out... professional baseball.  

Winston played on Florida State's baseball team last season and was a contributor on the team as he was both an outfielder and a relief pitcher. I am not saying Winston would do this, but why would not Winston go pro in baseball for a summer if he were drafted. The MLB Draft happens in June and I am willing to bet some team does draft Jameis in the late rounds because there are so many throwaway rounds. Winston could play some baseball over the summer whilst getting a marginal paycheck then train for the National Football League for the 2015 NFL Draft.  While it is highly unlikely Winston will do this, it is still not out of the realm of possibilities. Although what's weird is there is a complete other side of the coin, highly touted quarterback are staying or very much considering staying at school. 

Marcus Mariota already announced he is going to come back school playing another year for Oregon even though he would probably be a top three pick.  Matt Miller of Bleacher Report and others have been saying Teddy Bridgewater is leaning to return as Louisville brings a ton back and given their move to the ACC, the Cardinals could make a legitimate title run. Manziel, a guy whom caught maybe the most flack of anyone in college football, says he might return if the draft grade is not a first round pick. While there might be people like Clarett out there, it seems more than ever, people want to return to college. The question is why?  

I think of two things

1.) The money is not there like it used to be for athletes. With the new NFL CBA, it is not like college kids can bank in Sam Bradford money any more when they come to professional football. Now, they will still make more cash than the broken NCAA yet the fact still remains the money is not there as much as it has been in years past. 

 2.) Take away the summer of Manziel, most of these men are treated like kings at school. They do not face the criticism as a Geno Smith or a Robert Griffin III is getting right now in the obsessive 24/7 media. If they stay in school, criticism might be there at least from a national scope but the people of Eugene, Louisville and College Station bow to them and yes that's a problem yet it is a different topic for another time. Could this mean maybe Winston stays past his three years? Possibly, but more than ever, it is not a guarantee people are leaving when the outside world thinks it is a given. 

College football's overall landscape has changed. Clarett in 2002 was not even nominated for Heisman. He did not make the top ten. Would this happen today?  Probably not. Carson Palmer had a huge year and probably still wins Heisman given Clarett missing a couple games but for him not to be one of the ten best players is a crime. Also in 2002, Mariota, Bridgewater and Manziel would not even think about coming back to school for another year. In a weird way, somehow this all seems to fit together. 

Charlie. 

Ol' Ball Coach is the Troll GAWD

Spurrier: "Somebody told me the Gators are staying home for the holidays, maybe we can get a bunch of Gators to come to our game." #HBC
— Capital One Bowl (@CapitalOneBowl) December 12, 2013

For whatever reason, this seems like a great year for Steve Spurrier quotes. Maybe I am just seeing more of them these days, but it has been fantastic. All year he has been coming with shots and does not really care who knows it.  I really cannot believe there are likely people in this world who dislike Spurrier. He is the man.  His team South Carolina takes on Wisconsin in the Capitol One Bowl in Orlando and took some shots at two of the Florida schools today at the first first press conference for the bowl game.  

Spurrier to Bianchi: "I didn't know Jadeveon's car that could go that fast. He doesn't have a pretty car like those FSU guys used to drive."
— Heath Cline (@heathradio) December 12, 2013

The old school Bobby Bowden diss on the top rope might be one of my favorites honestly. I really enjoyed that one. While it cannot be heard in a tweet, I love how the Ol' Ball Coach says Jadeveon, it's great. 

Charlie.