The Fearless Friday Forecast
We went 8-2 last week as Tennessee was brought back down to Earth by UCLA and Notre Dame used some questionable clock management and fell at Michigan. That’s a two-week record of 15-5 but starting this week and next week things get a little harder as some of the cupcakes are going to be replaced by conference games.
Without further delay, let’s get to the Fearless Friday Forecast:
1. Georgia at Arkansas: The Bulldogs have had two tough games while Arkansas had last week off. Logically, Georgia should be in real trouble in Fayetteville, which is why they are the underdog according to the boys in Vegas. I just have the feeling that QB Joe Cox is going to play well again. I also think Georgia will be able to run the ball and milk the clock, keeping the ball away from Bobby Petrino’s offense. Georgia 17, Arkansas 14.
2. Tennessee at Florida: Yes, Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin used his mouth to write a check that his team cannot cash. But Kiffin knew that when he accused Urban Meyer of cheating. Kiffin bought himself some good will with the Tennessee fans, but on Saturday the bill finally arrives. What I’m wondering is how long Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton will last in this game before he gives way to Nick Stephens. It is going to get ugly. Florida 48, Tennessee 9.
3. North Texas at Alabama: Wide receiver Julio Jones (bruised kneecap) and running back Roy Upchurch (high ankle sprain) may not go in this game. It won’t really matter as this game should be about getting the offensive line and quarterback Greg McElroy ready for next week’s SEC opener with Arkansas. Alabama 42, North Texas 7.
4. West Virginia at Auburn: West Virginia will never be able to replace Pat White, but they have found a very good quarterback in Jarrett Brown, who had four touchdown passes in last week’s 35-20 win over East Carolina. Auburn has 1,145 yards and 86 points in its first two games. This one looks like a shootout. Auburn 38, West Virginia 31.
5. Florida State at BYU: Florida State coach Bobby Bowden really needs this game. The Seminoles lost a heart breaker to Miami on Sept. 7 and needed to rally with two scores in the final 35 seconds to beat Jacksonville State. BYU has quarterback Max Hall who has a chance to play himself into the Heisman Trophy discussion. The Cougars also know that a win over Florida State, coupled with their Sept. 5 victory over Oklahoma, puts them right in the middle of the BCS discussion. BYU 31, Florida State 24.
6. Boston College at Clemson: The Tigers are still upset about the loss at Georgia Tech last week. They’ll take it out on the Eagles and go to 1-1 in the ACC. Clemson 24, Boston College 14.
7. Nebraska at Virginia Tech: Nebraska is looking for a signature victory to use as a measuring stick of the program’s progress under Bo Pelini. Virginia Tech, thought to be the ACC’s best hope for a national championship contender, needs to win to avoid a 1-2 start. Virginia Tech 17, Nebraska 14.
8. Texas Tech at Texas: Michael Crabtree’s touchdown catch to beat Texas was the signature moment of the 2008 season. The loss simply cost Texas a shot at the Big 12 championship AND the national championship. The Longhorns are determined to win them all in 2009 and get to the BCS championship game. Texas 35, Texas Tech 20.
9. Florida Atlantic at South Carolina: Coach Steve Spurrier let quarterback Stephen Garcia throw it 53 times in last week’s high-scoring loss to Georgia. How many times will he throw it against the Owls of Howard Schnellenberger? South Carolina 31, Florida Atlantic 10.
10. Southern California at Washington: The Trojans, who won a very tough game at Ohio State (18-15) last Saturday, go on the road for the second straight week. This time they may be without Matt Barkley, who has a bruised right shoulder. I can’t go with the Huskies in a straight up win. But this one will be closer than a lot of people think. Southern California 21, Washington 17.
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230 comments Add your comment
chazzo
September 18th, 2009
8:43 am
Good calls. I look for the gators to shut out the vols. I think there will be more scores in the UGA / Ark game. The rest are toss ups. FSU could upset. I think Texas Tech will cover the spread against Texas.
Tom, Resident Georgia Fan
September 18th, 2009
8:48 am
Saint Simpleton … Georgia Tech’s defense is offensive. Hahaha … where are you? Still cleaning up the stands in Miami? hahahaha never pays to run your mouth.
Gen Neyland
September 18th, 2009
8:52 am
Mr. Chin Ho : Had Herschel and Tebow been in the same backfield, Tebow may never have won a Heisman, would never have rushed for a million yards on 100,000 carries. Understand comparing these two are peaches and oranges. Yet if Tebow remains healthty and lawd knows I wish him no ill will, he’ll remain a greater overall impact player for Florida than Herschel was for Georgia…Now Colt McCoy is another of the same ilk as Tebow. Both me and Mark Bradley picked Texas to beat Florida in the BCSCG this year. (Bradley keeps good company)…
Jeff
September 18th, 2009
8:57 am
Jackette’s brought back (crashing) to earth last night. Atlanta Gator- correct statement- I agree totally. My take: UGA 31 Pigs: 17
Gen Neyland
September 18th, 2009
8:58 am
Atlanta Gator : Mama Cox will not allow the Sports Dept budget to accomodate your request. Kinda crappy but you know how the printed rags are struggling to make ends meet and pennies do make dollars…
bamafan
September 18th, 2009
8:58 am
Say what you will about Tech’s offense last night. Their defense was worse.
Jeff
September 18th, 2009
9:01 am
Where is Saint Simons?
Brian
September 18th, 2009
9:02 am
Saint Simons is your typical everyday Nerd Fan. Smack talk with the best but once the hammer comes crashing down (33-17hahahahaha)they are gone for another year
The Alpha Male
September 18th, 2009
9:06 am
Georgia will score 17 in the first two quarters……. on the way to a ROMP.
UgaJersey.com
September 18th, 2009
9:11 am
Get your EXACT Replica of Uga VII’s jersey at http://www.UgaJersey.com.
heeltide
September 18th, 2009
9:13 am
After Florida destroys UT, Kiffin will try to play victim and cast Meyer as a bully. Meyer will look straight into the camera and say, “Bullies pick on high schools like Pahokee and tell recruits they will end up pumping gas. My job is to win football games.”
ReptilesRule
September 18th, 2009
9:18 am
Both defenses too good and much closer than most think>>>> Florida 31 Tennessee 17
Got 12?
September 18th, 2009
9:23 am
As I stated yesterday, Florida’s defense will score at least on touchdown. And Florida’s offense will work with a short field because of mistakes by UT’s offense. UF Defense v UT Offense will play a bigger role in the game than UF Offense v UT Defense. BTW, UT’s defense will eventually wear down. UF will cover the spread.
Lord of The Lizards
September 18th, 2009
9:27 am
Is the bloom off the rose or did Tech players have the swine flu???
BurningRedBleedingBlack
September 18th, 2009
9:30 am
Oh yeah were’s all the crap talking tech fans now????
Lord of The Lizards
September 18th, 2009
9:33 am
If FSU loses to BYU and starts off 1-2 with just a weak win over Jacksonville State, I wonder if Dumbo Fisher will retire along with Bobby B.
Tim
September 18th, 2009
9:36 am
Eric-
You shut up…now I feel better.
War Chicken go Albarn
Dr. Bobby Dodd
September 18th, 2009
9:36 am
Tech has come down with their usually case of larengitis and writers cramp. No need for alarm, we have seen this before. It generally happens in mid to late Sept. IT IS NOT CONTAGIOUS! We have not been able to find a cure-
Starring Harry Morgan as Sherman Potter
September 18th, 2009
9:37 am
Radar alert the unit. We have done all we can here in Miami. Awful carnage son, reminds me of the Marne in the big war. Oh well, time to head North. I feel that the Vols are going to need us in that swamp. The last time Tennessee was in this much trouble was at the Alamo. That Davy Crockett was one heck of a quarterback. Great arm and could run too. But that Mexican take no prisoners defense was too stout. Sophie says UF 41 UT 10.
Lord of The Lizards
September 18th, 2009
9:37 am
BTW, I too have alot of respect for any Monte Kiffin defense and it will be a close game for half. Gators by 10 points. Have seen Monte here in Tampa, great coach, but you can have the kid…
TommyJack
September 18th, 2009
9:40 am
Hey Tony. I like your articles. You’re a GA grad. Fine, I get it. But I have a question or 2 about those idiots you share the stage with on CSS. Aren’t you a tad embarrassed with the animus displayed by most of those other mopes against TN? Maybe a little over the line, huh Tony? What about that talentless guy with the 90’s shaved head? Guy brings absolutely nothing to the table. And the former GA tight end (on another CSS show…calling Jonathan Crompton “Incrompetant”…Not your doing I know. Just wondered you think most of these guys play fair?
Clearly, TN bashing is in right now. Not sure the current level is good TV.
Saint Simon
September 18th, 2009
9:40 am
I’m so stupid- with the loss last night where does that leave us in the Coastal Sewage Division?
Otto
September 18th, 2009
9:42 am
I think Urban hangs 50 on Lane.
UGA vs Arky The winners score in the 30s and the other team in the 20s. Is UGA battle tested or is Arky primed and tuned to play. We will see Saturday.
I hope for all of college football that FSU beats BYU but I’ll go with BYU.
Fisher does not retire unless forced. Fisher gets a big payday next year HC or Coach in waiting per the contract.
Nerd Alert....NERD Alert....
September 18th, 2009
9:42 am
This just in….Reggie Ball will be signing autographs at the NERD-UNC game this week.
Gen Neyland
September 18th, 2009
9:43 am
Before I head out on my run this morning, there is one simple request before the salvos begin on this blog today : Please read carefully the words of the ones you respond to. Really, it does make a difference not injecting conjecture into a debate…
Saint Simons
September 18th, 2009
9:44 am
Ark. 48 ugay 3
Keith
September 18th, 2009
9:45 am
Techies sure were smack talking- and now they’re gone. Did they honestly beleive this day would not come????? ((((((((((((((((33-17))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Otto
September 18th, 2009
9:45 am
Where is Yellow Fuzz with his list of poster that are oddly missing? Should they include:
M
Saint Simon’s
Piss On a Dawg
Supersise that order Mutt
:popcorn:
Lord of The Lizards
September 18th, 2009
9:46 am
What, no “jawbreakers” today?
Jeff
September 18th, 2009
9:46 am
((((((((((((((33-17)))))))))))))))))))))))))))0hahahahahhahahahahhahahahahahahhahahahhahahahahahaah
Blackberry Cobbler
September 18th, 2009
9:50 am
UGA loses in another high-scoring game if the defense plays as poorly as it did last week.
The UGA defense is awful and there’s just no excuse for it. Soft Willie has got to go.
The D never stopped SC last week. SC stopped themselves. The D never had a clue.
hp
September 18th, 2009
9:53 am
GO TEXAS TECH!
MoDawg
September 18th, 2009
9:55 am
UGA’s defense plays better this week, 34-13 UGA
UT plays UF tougher than everybody thinks (for 2 quarters) but can’t generate any offense. 45-10 UF
No contest for ‘Bama, 49-12 ‘Bama
Auburn has found an offense and has always had a “D”, 38-23 Auburn
(And this wasn’t on the list, but I stil like it!)
GT offense spins it wheels and Miami dominates as Paul Johnson reverts to name-calling, 33-17 Miami
Go Dawgs!
shards1967
September 18th, 2009
9:55 am
Has the tech punt returner gotten all of his um , ah, you know, um “issues” settled with the APD now? How did he skip those ra-e charges? Reminds me of the Pizza joint incident back in the early 90s where the tech players ( 3 ) pummeled a small girl and The Tech Fund folks had to “settle” with her our of court.
Canes pistol whipped that poor itty bitty Pop Warner O. tech’s D. No where. Laughing stock CPJ is.
Looking forward to November in front of 48,000 fans all in red baby !!!
War Eagle Beagle
September 18th, 2009
10:02 am
Arkansas will beat GA 31-20.
DawginLex
September 18th, 2009
10:06 am
Tony, agree with all of your picks except for UGA. The game will not be low scoring. I have said 27-20 Dawgs but now I believe UGA will lose a shootout and the WM clock will tick louder than ever. 38-35 Hawgs
Hope I’m wrong. It will be a shame for Cox and company to roll up yards and points and lose.
Watch out for Nebraska. They could pull one there.
Gatorzone
September 18th, 2009
10:09 am
Layla Kiffin is the Best looking Gator EVER!!!
Also, where is ST. Simons and M today?
how2fish
September 18th, 2009
10:14 am
Hey I think the Canes just scored again!
David
September 18th, 2009
10:17 am
Enter your comments here
Mr College football I know you read this so don’t act like you don’t. Gee big shock you go with Ga. Could just one time you act like you are not a Ga homer? Actually with the cupcakes played last week you should have done better. Stop bragging about your picks, cupcake games don’t count.
Miles
September 18th, 2009
10:21 am
The Vols get crushed this weekend as do the Huskies…the Seminoles should beat BYU, i.e., too much speed…Georgia will have their hands full in Fayetteville…
GatorRashad
September 18th, 2009
10:21 am
Come on Mr Football……Florida will top 50 on those Vols…59-6
Also….and I know he is hurt now but why has Bama superstar WR Julio Jones gone without a touchdown in the last 11 games? what gives….in the eloquent words of Keyshawn Johnson…Give him the damn ball…Saban…
BAMA STAN
September 18th, 2009
10:23 am
12 NATIONAL TITLES – 21 SEC TITLES!!!
GT – tough game last night – looked out of sync. Miami really clicked and has depth in fantastic looking athletes – a very fast team.
Just a bad night for a team that looked tired and is banged up.
UGA – PIGS (who don’t care about their campus) vs HOGS!!! Just not sold on Willie Martinez defensive philosophy – let’s concede the field, the game clock, and keep them out of the endzone. 2009 appears to be the same typical Martinez defense – lot’s of penalities, no sacks, and giving up yards by the chunkage! UGA goes down in this one guys – will look like Tech – worn out and tired after two big time games.
UGA can win if:
- The GINGER ASSASSIN lites some fire underneath the OL and they can keep the ball away from Arkansas. Cox is a classic overachiever – hard not to root for this guy.
Hogs win this game by at least 10 – putting the icing with 4th quarter scores.
ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Old Cat
September 18th, 2009
10:24 am
Florida will win easily, BUT they will NOT cover the spread. Florida 35, Tennessee 17
G8R GRAD
September 18th, 2009
10:24 am
Atlanta Gator:
Sure it’s a software issue.
Or maybe, Alzheimer’s?
MoDawg
September 18th, 2009
10:29 am
Bama Stain….’nuff said.
Atlanta Gator
September 18th, 2009
10:34 am
G8R GRAD—-Trust me. It’s not Alzheimer’s or user error. I don’t understand it, but some days I cannot get the WordPress blog software to accept any of my posts that exceed a one or two-sentence paragraph. Like today, I will submit a numbered item post with short responses to each of Tony’s game predictions, but the post will never appear. If you resubmit the same post, you get a duplicate submission error message, which means the first post is in the system somewhere. It’s very weird. Even weirder, I could not get the software to accept my short comment on the South Carolina game, no matter how I rewrote or shortened it. After trying four or five times, I just gave up.
I have inquired of the AJC technical support feedback folks several times, and I have never received a response.
LOL
September 18th, 2009
10:36 am
GINGER ASSASSIN…….good stuff!
G8R GRAD
September 18th, 2009
10:37 am
Atlanta Gator:
They HAVE a tech support department?
Wait, what does “m” do for a living?
Auburn Pride
September 18th, 2009
10:41 am
Hey Bama Stan – enjoy your comments! Agree that the DAWGS are going down Saturday in Fayetteville. Petrino is a fantastic coach and will exploit UGA’s defense and come away with a victory.
I think GEORGIA is playing for a winning season this year – 7-5 at BEST – could go 6-6 or 5 -7. GEORGIA is in transition and the DC is mediocre.
DAWGS will get beat by ARK, LSU, FL and AUB. Potential losses against TN (after LSU game) and KY and GT will have their shots as well. This team just does not look good and lucky to escape SC. Should be 0-2.
WDE!!!
Got 12?
September 18th, 2009
10:44 am
Fearless Monday Prediction: AJC blogs fall eerily silent as Tech and Dawgs fans nurse wounds after losses.