THERE aren’t many teams that can carry the word “reliable” across their backs these days, are there? In fact, this season is eerily reminiscent of 2007, when there were so many upsets and so many twists and turns that a two-loss LSU team won the national championship.
It could happen again, folks. After all, there are some mighty, mighty programs — USC, Ohio State, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma — with at least one blemish already, and we’re barely into October.
And with quarterback issues at Florida, and Texas more or less being untested, it’s hard to even say how good those teams are right now.
Which leaves us, of course, with Alabama. In a season filled with drama and surprises, the Crimson Tide — perhaps fueled by their awful end to last season — just keep rolling along.
“We have been efficient in throwing the ball, and we have been effective enough running it and the balance that we’ve created has probably been the key to our success,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “A key to future success is that we continue to do that.”
The Tide can play some defense, too, Coach. Alabama, in cruising to a 5-0 mark, has outgained opponents by at least 50 yards, and in three cases earlier in the season, by 300 yards. But, as always, there’s work to be done. Last week, in fact, the Crimson Tide allowed their most points and their most yards in a 38-20 win over Kentucky.
“In any situation, even outside of football, a wakeup call or a shock or anything that will open your eyes is always good,” Alabama defensive back Javier Arenas said. “I think it gets you back on track and helps you maintain positive focus. That was it for us.”
Which is not the best of news for Ole Miss, Alabama’s next opponent. The Rebels — now that all of the preseason hype has subsided, and they’ve proven they are not Top 5 caliber — can enter this home game with little pressure and an upset on their mind.
Ole Miss has plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, certainly. But quarterback Jevan Snead has been terribly inconsistent, and while 3-1 is nothing to sneeze at, the wins were over Memphis, Southeastern Louisiana and Vanderbilt.
“It’s obviously a big game,” Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain said, “because it’s against a very good team that is very well coached. We’re going to do our best to try and stop their offense and win the game.”
We think they will. Alabama (-6) is the pick.
TONIGHT
MISSOURI (+3) over
Nebraska: The Cornhuskers are further along in the process certainly, but the Tigers are highly athletic, they’re at home, and have a national stage to show everyone they’ve moved past Chase Daniel.
SATURDAY
West Virginia (-10) over SYRACUSE: We love the Orange’s grit and determination, but speed killed them last week vs. South Florida, and the Mountaineers have plenty of it, too.
VIRGINIA TECH (-13½) over Boston College: A big number, but the Hokies have motivation aplenty after a lackluster effort vs. Duke. And the Eagles have to have a slight letdown after two surprising home wins.
ARKANSAS (+2½) over
Auburn: Road wins don’t grow on trees in the SEC, and the Tigers picked up a big one at Tennessee last week. Perhaps, the Razors finally started to put it all together last week vs. Texas A&M.
Georgia (+1½) over
TENNESSEE: Both teams return after tough conference losses. We’ll side with the better offensive team that, under coach Mark Richt, has an impressive history on the road.
Oklahoma State (-6) over TEXAS A&M: Grab the line value as the Cowboys’ issues seem to have Las Vegas a little concerned. But Oklahoma State has better depth, has had a week off, and needs this one too much.
UConn (+8) over PITT: Both teams have a shot in the Big East, and certainly the home team is more dangerous. But the Huskies know how to compete on the road, and are a safety vs. North Carolina away from being unbeaten.
UCLA (+7) over Oregon: The Bruins are getting healthier, and have proven to be a tough out at home as an underdog under Rick Neuheisel.
OHIO STATE (-16) over
Wisconsin: Perhaps the Buckeyes are ready to carry the “reliable” label as well, as they’ve covered every game since the opening hiccup vs. Navy.
OREGON STATE (pick) over Stanford: The impressive Cardinal can run the ball with the best of them, but that plays into the Beavers’ strength, and now that we’re into October, this is usually when Mike Riley’s teams make their run.
Texas Christian (-10) over AIR FORCE: The Horned Frogs are no strangers to the Falcons’ unique offense, as they meet every year. TCU, having already covered at Virginia and Clemson, knows what it takes away from home.
Florida (-8) over LSU: Yes, the Tigers have won 32 straight home games at night. But how many of them were against the No. 1 team in the country?
IOWA (-8) over Michigan: Give the Wolverines credit for battling back last week, but Michigan State easily could have blown Michigan out. The Hawkeyes have trouble with the layups — Arkansas State and Northern Iowa — but the tough jumpers — at Penn State, for instance — they’re usually up for.
Arizona (-3) over
WASHINGTON: Trap of the week? The Huskies, having covered vs. LSU, USC and Notre Dame, are home underdogs? Run far, far away.
OFF THE GRID
KANSAS (-19½) over Iowa State: The Jayhawks will be focused for this early kickoff, after an unexpected battle last week vs. Southern Miss.
OKLAHOMA (-25) over
Baylor: The Sooners have this bounce-back thing licked, perhaps because they’re so used to it these days.
FLORIDA STATE (-3) over Georgia Tech: Crazy, we know. But the Seminoles are used to the Yellow Jackets’ offense, and may just have one left in the tank for ol’ St. Bobby.
Last week: 9-6 Overall; 2-1 Best Bets; 1-1 Off The Grid.
Season: 34-40-1; 5-10; 9-5.