Saturday, August 27, 2011

2011 DBTH Top 25 Countdown to Kickoff: #19 and #18

Today we will continue the Don't Buy The Hype 2011 College Football Countdown, showcasing teams #19 and #18 in the polls.


Here's what you've missed so far:
#25 Arizona State
#24 BYU
#23 Clemson
#22 Southern Miss
#21 Michigan State

#20 Oklahoma State


I will be predicting the games from each teams' schedule, using this key:
Sure Win  Swing Game Win  Swing Game Loss  Sure Loss




#19 OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

2011  Season Forecast
9/3 Akron
9/10 Toledo
9/17 @ Miami (FL)
9/24 Colorado
10/1 Michigan St.
10/8 @ Nebraska
10/15 @ Illinois
10/29 Wisconsin
11/5 Indiana
11/12 @ Purdue
11/19 Penn St.
11/26 @ Michigan

My Take:  This is the most tenuous selection in my Top 25.  The Buckeyes' are still under investigation by the NCAA, although it appears unlikely that any further sanctions will be levied before this season begins.  Luke Fickell begins his head coaching career in a pressure cooker, and you can assume that will cost Ohio State at some point this season.  As you can tell by the schedule, there are eight games that I think could go either way for the Buckeyes.  Even though they will be without some key players early, there is enough talent remaining to get the job done.  Also, I believe these other guys will be playing with a purpose, to prove that Ohio State football isn't about entitled thugs.  They have a  proud tradition in Columbus and if Fickell can rally the troops, Ohio State will exceed expectations.

Final Prediction:  9-3


#18 ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS

2011 Season Forecast
9/3 Missouri St.
9/10 New Mexico
9/17 Troy
9/24 @ Alabama
10/1 Texas A&M (Jerry World)
10/8 Auburn
10/22 @ Ole Miss
10/29 @ Vanderbilt
11/5 South Carolina
11/12 Tennessee
11/19 Mississippi St.
11/25 @ LSU

My Take:  After the recent season-ending injury to SEC-leading rusher Knile Davis, many people are discounting the potential of the 2011 Arkansas Razorbacks.  Let me say this: Ronnie WIngo and Broderick Green will pick up the slack just fine, and Arkansas will still be good.  The road to Atlanta is very tough for the Razorbacks, as they have to face the two best in the West (Alabama and LSU) on the road.  They also have a date with a very good Texas A&M team in the House that Jerry Built.  If they can pull off one of the tough road games, especially at Alabama, Arkansas could be in Atlanta in December with a chance to play for a national title.

Final Prediction:  9-3 

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