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Nick in Cleveland Offline
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Post: #1
Nick's Picks Week #1
I don't know that I'll have the time to do these weekly like I've done in the past but here is a quick view of week #1 as I see it.

Hope everyone on this board is doing well and most certainly thoughts and prayers to everyone on Texas & other parts of the southeast who are in need during these awful storms.

===============

Thursday, August 31
Minnesota 37 - Buffalo 13
New coach, new attitude, and oh by the way, the "row the boat" guy fell into taking over a 9-4 team. UB just can't seem to get that program going under the current leadership, which is surprising. Gophers win relatively easy.

Toledo 55 - Elon 10
Hard to pick this game as Elon has never played a I-A team before and suffered through a 2-9 season last year. A lot of UT guys will be playing in this game which should be over by the 2nd quarter.

Central Michigan 28 - Rhode Island 13
I don't know much of RI but I do know Central is pretty good but does not have that killer offense like they've had at times over the past decade. CMU will win by at least two TDs

Friday, September 1
Eastern Michigan 33 - Charlotte 21
I am "giddy" about EMU this year, love the coach and their QB. Hoping they can keep it going for another winning season in Ypsi and I believe they will be off to a good start on Friday night.

Boston College 27 - Northern Illinois 16
I expect a very close and hard fought game until the end before BC pulls away late. Hope I'm wrong.

Saturday, September 2
Illinois 34 - Ball State 30
Another game that I hope I'm wrong about as IU is a mess. If BSU can play any sort of defense they can win this game. Expect a very entertaining and close game.

Michigan State 38 - Bowling Green 14
MSU is physically far superior to BG and over the four quarters of this game will just plain wear them down. BG is a difficult non-conference schedule.

Penn State 37 - Akron 13
I'm not sold on PSU being a #6 team in the country but I also don't believe the Zips can hang with them much after halftime. Like the MSU/BG game above, PSU will beat up Akron as the game goes on and pull away.

Clemson 58 - Kent State 10
Why is this game being played?

USC 48 - Western Michigan 17
Would love to have seen last year's WMU team play USC...not a fun game to begin your coaching career if you are Western. They can physically match USC but cannot contain all of their skilled weapons.

Miami 31 - Marshall 27
Maybe the best game of the MAC schedule this first week...I like Miami to begin their Eastern Conference title run against an old-MAC rival.

Ohio 44 - Hampton 16
OU is far too talented to keep this close.
08-30-2017 09:17 AM
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Boca Rocket Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
(08-30-2017 09:17 AM)Nick in Cleveland Wrote:  I don't know that I'll have the time to do these weekly like I've done in the past but here is a quick view of week #1 as I see it.

Hope everyone on this board is doing well and most certainly thoughts and prayers to everyone on Texas & other parts of the southeast who are in need during these awful storms.

===============

Thursday, August 31
Minnesota 37 - Buffalo 13
New coach, new attitude, and oh by the way, the "row the boat" guy fell into taking over a 9-4 team. UB just can't seem to get that program going under the current leadership, which is surprising. Gophers win relatively easy.

Toledo 55 - Elon 10
Hard to pick this game as Elon has never played a I-A team before and suffered through a 2-9 season last year. A lot of UT guys will be playing in this game which should be over by the 2nd quarter.

Central Michigan 28 - Rhode Island 13
I don't know much of RI but I do know Central is pretty good but does not have that killer offense like they've had at times over the past decade. CMU will win by at least two TDs

Friday, September 1
Eastern Michigan 33 - Charlotte 21
I am "giddy" about EMU this year, love the coach and their QB. Hoping they can keep it going for another winning season in Ypsi and I believe they will be off to a good start on Friday night.

Boston College 27 - Northern Illinois 16
I expect a very close and hard fought game until the end before BC pulls away late. Hope I'm wrong.

Saturday, September 2
Illinois 34 - Ball State 30
Another game that I hope I'm wrong about as IU is a mess. If BSU can play any sort of defense they can win this game. Expect a very entertaining and close game.

Michigan State 38 - Bowling Green 14
MSU is physically far superior to BG and over the four quarters of this game will just plain wear them down. BG is a difficult non-conference schedule.

Penn State 37 - Akron 13
I'm not sold on PSU being a #6 team in the country but I also don't believe the Zips can hang with them much after halftime. Like the MSU/BG game above, PSU will beat up Akron as the game goes on and pull away.

Clemson 58 - Kent State 10
Why is this game being played?

USC 48 - Western Michigan 17
Would love to have seen last year's WMU team play USC...not a fun game to begin your coaching career if you are Western. They can physically match USC but cannot contain all of their skilled weapons.

Miami 31 - Marshall 27
Maybe the best game of the MAC schedule this first week...I like Miami to begin their Eastern Conference title run against an old-MAC rival.

Ohio 44 - Hampton 16
OU is far too talented to keep this close.

Elon has played Duke, Wake Forest, North Carolina, and Ga Tech over the past 5 seasons.

2012 NC 62 Elon 0
2013 Ga Tech 70 Elon 0
2014 Duke 52 Elon 13
2015 WF 41 Elon 3
08-30-2017 10:39 AM
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toddjnsn Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
Ball State vs Illinois is a tough one to call, as I see both Improving. It's @Illinois, and they'll be fired up to start getting the wind behind their program's back, so I have to go with Illinois winning strong. If BSU plays solid, it will be a real test for Illinois' program & Lovie Smith.

BGSU vs MSU is a tough one to call in terms of margin of victory. MSU could be anywhere from 4-8 to 8-4 this year. Most likely in the middle, but who the hell knows. BGSU should be improved, and they've walked into dangerous stadiums before, so this shouldn't rattle them. I agree with a 38-14 game as a likely result. If BGSU plays solid, and it's a close game -- look out for WMU @MSU.

WMU vs USC is an easy one to call as far as a solid win by USC. The word on the street is that USC is getting it's offensive gears still tuned... but their D is solid as a rock. They did give up high-40s against Penn State at the end of last year, which is a good sign for WMU's solid running game and at least talent at new QB to be able to put some points on the board to avoid a virtual shutout... but that's going to come down to how well-minded & gelled the WMU offense will be... and how much WMU can keep USC's strong running game contained within reason. WMU could lose 48-3, they could lose 38-21. It'd be so much better if WMU played the D1AA team first, then Idado, Then USC -- under the reasonable assumption WMU doesn't come out surprisingly on-point, out of the gates.
(This post was last modified: 08-30-2017 12:30 PM by toddjnsn.)
08-30-2017 12:28 PM
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CMichFan Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
(08-30-2017 09:17 AM)Nick in Cleveland Wrote:  I don't know that I'll have the time to do these weekly like I've done in the past but here is a quick view of week #1 as I see it.

Hope everyone on this board is doing well and most certainly thoughts and prayers to everyone on Texas & other parts of the southeast who are in need during these awful storms.

===============

Thursday, August 31
Minnesota 37 - Buffalo 13
New coach, new attitude, and oh by the way, the "row the boat" guy fell into taking over a 9-4 team. UB just can't seem to get that program going under the current leadership, which is surprising. Gophers win relatively easy.

Toledo 55 - Elon 10
Hard to pick this game as Elon has never played a I-A team before and suffered through a 2-9 season last year. A lot of UT guys will be playing in this game which should be over by the 2nd quarter.

Central Michigan 28 - Rhode Island 13
I don't know much of RI but I do know Central is pretty good but does not have that killer offense like they've had at times over the past decade. CMU will win by at least two TDs

Friday, September 1
Eastern Michigan 33 - Charlotte 21
I am "giddy" about EMU this year, love the coach and their QB. Hoping they can keep it going for another winning season in Ypsi and I believe they will be off to a good start on Friday night.

Boston College 27 - Northern Illinois 16
I expect a very close and hard fought game until the end before BC pulls away late. Hope I'm wrong.

Saturday, September 2
Illinois 34 - Ball State 30
Another game that I hope I'm wrong about as IU is a mess. If BSU can play any sort of defense they can win this game. Expect a very entertaining and close game.

Michigan State 38 - Bowling Green 14
MSU is physically far superior to BG and over the four quarters of this game will just plain wear them down. BG is a difficult non-conference schedule.

Penn State 37 - Akron 13
I'm not sold on PSU being a #6 team in the country but I also don't believe the Zips can hang with them much after halftime. Like the MSU/BG game above, PSU will beat up Akron as the game goes on and pull away.

Clemson 58 - Kent State 10
Why is this game being played?

USC 48 - Western Michigan 17
Would love to have seen last year's WMU team play USC...not a fun game to begin your coaching career if you are Western. They can physically match USC but cannot contain all of their skilled weapons.

Miami 31 - Marshall 27
Maybe the best game of the MAC schedule this first week...I like Miami to begin their Eastern Conference title run against an old-MAC rival.

Ohio 44 - Hampton 16
OU is far too talented to keep this close.

CMU is switching to a spread offense with a new OC and new starting QB(s), so it's tough to say. However, the Rams gave up 36.4ppg last season, so I think 28 might be on the low side for us.
08-30-2017 09:46 PM
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T4C8 Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
(08-30-2017 10:39 AM)Boca Rocket Wrote:  
(08-30-2017 09:17 AM)Nick in Cleveland Wrote:  I don't know that I'll have the time to do these weekly like I've done in the past but here is a quick view of week #1 as I see it.

Hope everyone on this board is doing well and most certainly thoughts and prayers to everyone on Texas & other parts of the southeast who are in need during these awful storms.

===============

Thursday, August 31
Minnesota 37 - Buffalo 13
New coach, new attitude, and oh by the way, the "row the boat" guy fell into taking over a 9-4 team. UB just can't seem to get that program going under the current leadership, which is surprising. Gophers win relatively easy.

Toledo 55 - Elon 10
Hard to pick this game as Elon has never played a I-A team before and suffered through a 2-9 season last year. A lot of UT guys will be playing in this game which should be over by the 2nd quarter.

Central Michigan 28 - Rhode Island 13
I don't know much of RI but I do know Central is pretty good but does not have that killer offense like they've had at times over the past decade. CMU will win by at least two TDs

Friday, September 1
Eastern Michigan 33 - Charlotte 21
I am "giddy" about EMU this year, love the coach and their QB. Hoping they can keep it going for another winning season in Ypsi and I believe they will be off to a good start on Friday night.

Boston College 27 - Northern Illinois 16
I expect a very close and hard fought game until the end before BC pulls away late. Hope I'm wrong.

Saturday, September 2
Illinois 34 - Ball State 30
Another game that I hope I'm wrong about as IU is a mess. If BSU can play any sort of defense they can win this game. Expect a very entertaining and close game.

Michigan State 38 - Bowling Green 14
MSU is physically far superior to BG and over the four quarters of this game will just plain wear them down. BG is a difficult non-conference schedule.

Penn State 37 - Akron 13
I'm not sold on PSU being a #6 team in the country but I also don't believe the Zips can hang with them much after halftime. Like the MSU/BG game above, PSU will beat up Akron as the game goes on and pull away.

Clemson 58 - Kent State 10
Why is this game being played?

USC 48 - Western Michigan 17
Would love to have seen last year's WMU team play USC...not a fun game to begin your coaching career if you are Western. They can physically match USC but cannot contain all of their skilled weapons.

Miami 31 - Marshall 27
Maybe the best game of the MAC schedule this first week...I like Miami to begin their Eastern Conference title run against an old-MAC rival.

Ohio 44 - Hampton 16
OU is far too talented to keep this close.

Elon has played Duke, Wake Forest, North Carolina, and Ga Tech over the past 5 seasons.

2012 NC 62 Elon 0
2013 Ga Tech 70 Elon 0
2014 Duke 52 Elon 13
2015 WF 41 Elon 3

He probably read the same Elon article that I did that was wrong and said it was their first
08-31-2017 07:18 AM
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Slinkin Street Flash Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
(08-30-2017 09:17 AM)Nick in Cleveland Wrote:  <SNIP>
Clemson 58 - Kent State 10
Why is this game being played?
<SNIP>

Kent State will be lucky to get one score. Looking back at our paycheck games, we did score 13 on Penn State last year, but our record has been:

2016 Penn State 33-13 (7 points was on a fumble return)
2016 Alabama 48-0
2015 Minnesota 10-7 (7 points was on a 80-yard fumble return)
2015 Illinois 52-3
2014 Virginia 45-13 (UVa finished 5-7 that year)
2014 Ohio State 66-0
2013 Penn State 34-0
2013 LSU 45-13

I'd bet Clemson wins by 6 touchdowns, with Kent State getting no more than 7 points.
08-31-2017 07:34 AM
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pono Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
I think there is a chance WMU gives the Trojans a game. They have the line and rbs to control tempo against most teams, although SC is not most teams. They also have a lot back on defense and special teams. Question is do they carry over confidence from last year or need time to adapt to new schemes and QB?

Wouldn't be surprised to see BG hang around at MSU. The Spartans have talent in spots but their dline will look more like a MAC unit and is playing mostly walk ons and young guys so if BG executes they will have a chance to move the ball.

Ball St vs Illinois is likely the best upset hope. NIU hosting BC ten years ago would have been a wild scene but all the midweek football has shrunk their fan base and they will need energy cuz BC has a physical gritty squad.
08-31-2017 12:31 PM
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george14 Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
(08-31-2017 12:31 PM)pono Wrote:  I think there is a chance WMU gives the Trojans a game. They have the line and rbs to control tempo against most teams, although SC is not most teams. They also have a lot back on defense and special teams. Question is do they carry over confidence from last year or need time to adapt to new schemes and QB?

Wouldn't be surprised to see BG hang around at MSU. The Spartans have talent in spots but their dline will look more like a MAC unit and is playing mostly walk ons and young guys so if BG executes they will have a chance to move the ball.

Ball St vs Illinois is likely the best upset hope. NIU hosting BC ten years ago would have been a wild scene but all the midweek football has shrunk their fan base and they will need energy cuz BC has a physical gritty squad.

Agreed on all accounts aside from WMU. I just think they lost too much from last year to keep this game close. Even though I'm supposed to hate WMU, I always pull for the MAC in OOC games. BG-MSU is interesting because I don't think MSU will be bad again this year. But it's the first game of the season so I could see it being 28-13 or something like that.
08-31-2017 04:15 PM
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NIU05 Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
Thanks Great hearing from you Nick! Love your picks and thoughts on the MAC.
08-31-2017 09:22 PM
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Nick in Cleveland Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
3-0 so far...

===============

Picked: Minnesota 37 - Buffalo 13
Actual: Minnesota 17 - Buffalo 7
UB defense was quite good...UB offense...not so much

Picked: Toledo 55 - Elon 10
Actual: Toledo 47 - Elon 13
Went pretty much as advertised after the second half got underway

Pick: Central Michigan 28 - Rhode Island 13
Actual: Central Michigan 30 - Rhode Island 27 (OT)
I stated I didn't know much about R-I but either they are better than the average CAA team or Central is in for a long season
09-01-2017 08:39 AM
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CMichFan Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
(09-01-2017 08:39 AM)Nick in Cleveland Wrote:  3-0 so far...

===============

Picked: Minnesota 37 - Buffalo 13
Actual: Minnesota 17 - Buffalo 7
UB defense was quite good...UB offense...not so much

Picked: Toledo 55 - Elon 10
Actual: Toledo 47 - Elon 13
Went pretty much as advertised after the second half got underway

Pick: Central Michigan 28 - Rhode Island 13
Actual: Central Michigan 30 - Rhode Island 27 (OT)
I stated I didn't know much about R-I but either they are better than the average CAA team or Central is in for a long season

New QB, new offense, new OC = rough offense last night. Lots of errors. Mostly correctable, I think, but there needs to be a great week of practice. A turnover off a bad snap almost did us in, along with a bad fumble from a veteran RB.
09-01-2017 11:00 AM
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george14 Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
(09-01-2017 11:00 AM)CMichFan Wrote:  
(09-01-2017 08:39 AM)Nick in Cleveland Wrote:  Pick: Central Michigan 28 - Rhode Island 13
Actual: Central Michigan 30 - Rhode Island 27 (OT)
I stated I didn't know much about R-I but either they are better than the average CAA team or Central is in for a long season

New QB, new offense, new OC = rough offense last night. Lots of errors. Mostly correctable, I think, but there needs to be a great week of practice. A turnover off a bad snap almost did us in, along with a bad fumble from a veteran RB.

Yeah that was one of those games where if you take out 1 particular play, we probably would have won by 30. But being up 13-0 and driving, then fumbling literally turned the entire game around.

Could be a long season for us.
09-01-2017 11:03 AM
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toddjnsn Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
Quote:New QB, new offense, new OC = rough offense last night. Lots of errors. Mostly correctable, I think, but there needs to be a great week of practice.

Dunno. When you're given 6 INTs by a lower-end FCS team, at home, I would think that it would be enough to win by 10 and avoid an OT given the circumstances. Just sayin. Not that there can't be some improvement, but I don't think a great week of practice is going to make that go from night to day so swiftly.
09-01-2017 02:52 PM
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Kittonhead Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
(09-01-2017 08:39 AM)Nick in Cleveland Wrote:  Picked: Minnesota 37 - Buffalo 13
Actual: Minnesota 17 - Buffalo 7
UB defense was quite good...UB offense...not so much

Pick: Central Michigan 28 - Rhode Island 13
Actual: Central Michigan 30 - Rhode Island 27 (OT)
I stated I didn't know much about R-I but either they are better than the average CAA team or Central is in for a long season

It's week 1 I wouldn't read too much into these scores.

Even if the MAC is on the right side of the ledger.

Any D can show up for one game. Let's see how that D looks in week 9 or 10 when some injuries mount.
09-01-2017 05:46 PM
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NIU007 Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
CMU also has a new QB with a decent chance of getting better game to game.

NIU has a junior QB that isn't getting better apparently. I don't think we have anyone that can develop QBs now.
09-02-2017 09:57 AM
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TheWoodenNickle Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
Solid but unspectacular win for EMU over Charlotte. EMU kept it very vanilla on offense, possibly saving things for Rutgers. Roback and the receivers look strong. Defense got better as game progressed. First MAC win over a FBS school this year.
(This post was last modified: 09-02-2017 11:37 AM by TheWoodenNickle.)
09-02-2017 11:23 AM
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
Looks like the Fightin' Treadwells of Kent State didn't skip a beat from the 2013 Miami team. I know it's Clemson, but 3rd and 28 draw plays? Like five penalties already on offense?
09-02-2017 11:39 AM
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Kittonhead Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
Kent is forced into playing a sacrificial lamb game because they couldn't find any other takers, IMO.
09-02-2017 02:14 PM
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Love and Honor Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
Murphy's Law strikes again, this time for Ball State and the last four minutes of their game.
09-02-2017 02:19 PM
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pennies4everybody Offline
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RE: Nick's Picks Week #1
(09-02-2017 02:19 PM)Love and Honor Wrote:  Murphy's Law strikes again, this time for Ball State and the last four minutes of their game.

That was the Ball Stateyist of Ball State endings. Ugh...
(This post was last modified: 09-02-2017 02:28 PM by pennies4everybody.)
09-02-2017 02:27 PM
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