Staff Predictions: Purdue Week

Mike: Nice selection of games this week.  No blockbuster games, mind you...but a bunch of nice solid games.

James: Once again, excited about the Nebraska game as another chance to see Tommy Armstrong play. That said, this is the typical Bo let-down spot against an underdog with a first-year head coach (and first-year, first game starting QB). I don’t think Nebraska fans need to worry too much about this game though.

Cobby: I’M EXCITED ABOUT BOILERMAKER WEEK AND ALL THAT IT ENTAILS! WHICH IS PRETTY MUCH ME POURING A SHITLOAD OF BOILERMAKERS DOWN MY NECK AND PLAYING GRAB ASS TILL MY CHEEKS ARE CRIMSON FROM ALL THE SLAPPING!!! I CALL THAT "GETTIN’ ME SOME ALABAMA".

Andy: I’m just depressed about what might go down against Misery. Might have to join Cobby, at least in the drinking like a pig part of things. Not looking to get the actual crap beaten out of me though.

Salt Creek: Will Missouri winning make you more or less depressed, Andy? Because Georgia’s offense might look like 2009 Nebraska after last week’s re-enactment of a MASH triage. *shivers*

David: This always happens, just when I think I’m going to have a nice, relaxing weekend to enjoy the Huskers on the road and a full day of college football, it goes and gets chalked full of things to do.  Sigh...glad I have a DVR…

Brian: I suppose if I really wanted to, I could head down to the Tx State Fair and watch whatever fan base is losing at halftime get mad and rage eat all the fried things, but it’s gonna rain tomorrow, and I have things to do man.

Oklahoma (-14) vs. Texas

Nathaniel: Well when Mack Brown gets fired at least he will be left at the Texas State Fair instead of LAX.  Sooners 56 Shorthorns 20

Jon: Texas sucks. Oklahoma rolls. Oklahoma 42, Texas 17

Husker Mike: Only question is whether Mack Brown arrives back in Austin with a job after this one.  Sooners 49, Tejas 10

Cobby: HAHA, YES, ALL THE TEXAS FANS WILL MESH WITH SOONER FANS IN THE WEST END YELLING HOW IT’S THEIR YEAR WHILST SHOVELING SHINER AND CHICKEN FRIED STEAK IN THEIR MOUTHS. FUNNY THING IS, AFTER SHOVELING THE SCRATCH OUT TO WATCH THEM HORNS GET RAN OVER LIKE A TREADMILL IN A YMCA THE WEEK AFTER NEW YEARS, THERE WILL BE NOTHING BUT FRIED BUTTER, OR CORNY DOGS, OR OREOS, OR LONE STAR LIGHT. IN OTHER WORDS, HORNS FAN, SELL YOUR TICKET TO ANOTHER SUCKER AND GO HIT UP HARRY HINES, CAUSE THE TALENT THERE IS MUCH BETTER THAN TEXAS, BUT THE CLAP IS WORSE THAN WHAT YOU’LL GET FROM MACK. BOOMA SOONA BABYYYYYYYYY.

Andy: Welcome to this week’s installment of "Coach For Your Job!" Last week, Texas survived by more traditional means as its opponent, the least penalized team in the Big 12, found itself the victim of 10 flags for 118 yards and horrifying non-fumble call on the 2. Good to see that the more things change, the more they stay the same. However, short of the entire team catching the flu, there won’t be enough laundry to save the ‘Horns this week. If this one gets too ugly, expect another tarmac firing..but it might not. OU 38 Clapclapclap 27

Salt Creek: Well, Mack, you’ll always have your wins over Nebraska. If Oklahoma scores 70, I have to play Boomer Sooner for an hour. On repeat. I guess I better spin it up. OU 72, TX 31.

David: I’m cheering for chaos.  The question is, does more chaos come by OU hammering Texas and sending the Longhorn faithful to Mack’s door with pitchforks in tow or by Texas winning, keeping the calls for his head at bay and UT fans to walk around with that odd confused/happy/furious look that comes when you want your coach gone but you love beating your rival?  Against my better judgment, I’m taking Texas 60-58 after OU fails to get the two point conversion in the fifth overtime.

Brian: The sad this is, that EVERYONE involved with the game knows it’s Mack’s final chance to save whatever legacy he has and win not only this game, but win the Big 12. Not happening though, as OU has actually come together and become a pretty good team. I do think UT keeps it close, but at the same time, it’s going to be another year of the Golden Hat in Norman.

Missouri (+8) at Georgia

James: I think Georgia is going to be in for a dog fight here, and I think Mizzou keeps it within a field goal or wins outright. Tigers are much improved and actually competitive in the SEC this year, who whudda thunk?

Andy: I see a bad moon rising here. Feels like half of the Bulldog starters are on cheap hammocks dripping gore while Hawkeye & Trapper chop and saw away. Sutherland and Gould, that is, not Alda and Farrell, those whimpering dicks. Missouri 28 Georgia 27

Aaron: Missouri has quietly put together a good first half of the season. They can beat this Georgia team, especially if the Bulldogs are looking past them or still basking in their last couple victories. Tigers 42, Bulldogs 31

Nathaniel: Thanks to Pig Howard, Georgia escaped Knoxville with a win.  Now the Bulldogs head back more into their comfort zone on home turf where they have beaten South Carolina and LSU this season.  Georgia 41 Mizzou 27

Jon: Georgia is so beat up, it’ll be a matter of who they can find that can score points. Aaron Murray is so accurate and such a fighter, this one should stay within the spread, but I’ll take Mizzou even though they’re on the road. Mizzou 31, Georgia 30

Cobby: COLUMBIA, MO IS STILL THE ONLY TOWN IN WHICH I’VE EVER SCREAMED "RAPE!". I MEAN, IT WAS THE DRUNK TANK, AND MAYBE I DID DARE THE BASTARD, BUT WHO THE HELL RAPES CORN??? DAWGS 35 MISERY 20

Husker Mike: Two weeks ago, I’d have picked Georgia to win this game handily. But injuries to Georgia’s top two running backs and three of their top receivers add way too much uncertainty. That might be too much for the Dawgs to overcome, even with the Pinkel Factor in town.  AJ the Huskerh8r will be celebrating all weekend long.  Tiggers 38, Dawgs 34

Salt Creek: Where are y’all finding this offense for Georgia? (I cannot confirm reports that Aaron Murray is currently living in a giant ball of bubble wrap.) If Georgia wins this (and they will) it’ll be because Missouri found a way to go full Gary Pinkel. Look for a last second FG to win it for the Dawgs. And take the under.

David: Mizzou might be better than I thought at the beginning of the season, but they’re not good enough to top the Dawgs between the hedges.  UGA wins 27-17

Brian: I know the Dawgs are hurt, but like Salt said… #PINKELFACTOR always is in play, especially against a ranked team. I think Georgia finds a way to win.

Indiana (+10) at Michigan State

James: I’m excited to see the Indiana offense against the MSU defense. I’m not sure if Indiana can move the ball on MSU, but if they can, they are an attractive pick here. Let’s take MSU to win, but again I’d like the points if I was putting money on it.

Aaron: Indiana probably should have beaten Michigan State last year. This year? They have been a slow starting team. Against MSU, that shouldn’t keep them out of the game and I think they can win a close one. Hoosiers 27, MSU 23

Nathaniel: Obviously the match up to focus on this is Indiana’s offense vs. Michigan State’s defense.  There’s an old saying that goes offense wins games, defense wins championships so I’m taking the Hoosiers in an upset.  Indiana 34 Sparty 30

Jon: Sparty’s offense can’t score - we all know that.

Cobby: I’M THINKING THAT A HUGE GREEN FOAM WAR HELMET COULD GET A BROTHER A FREE DRINK OR TWO IN EAST LANSING. SOME GUY IN A SPARTY COSTUME LAYING FACE DOWN AND HATLESS IN AN ALLEY AFTER TAKING A SACK OF DIMES TO THE HEAD IS A SMALL PRICE TO PAY FOR FREEBIES.JUST SAYIN’. I AM COBBY-CUS!!! WHOSE-EARS 22 MASCOT-LESS SPARTY’S 13

Andy: The Penn St. beatdown was nice, but as the Nitti-ninnies continue to feel the scholly deficit, it won’t be their last. And, like the bookmakers, I’m not sold on Indiana yet. Until they rack up a win against a semi-quality opponent, they’re just doing an impression of one of those Minnesota decent starts that always ends badly. Sparty can’t score, but Indy’s D sorta sucks - Stoppable Force meets Movable Object. Also, Upstart Offense meet solid defense. Mich St 31 Indiana 20

Husker Mike Last week, Indiana shocked the Big Ten by pulling away from Penn State late. Then the Spartans shocked the Big Ten by being able to complete a few passes.  Still not convinced completely on either front, but I think it’s more likely that the Spartans have finally found some sort of offense.  Sparty 20, Indiana 9

Salt Creek: Indiana takes this, keeping that odd possibility that they win the East alive and well. (No one’s keeping track of these picks, right?)

David: Sneaky good game of the weak...er...week.  Classic game of strength vs. strength and weakness vs. weakess.  If this game were in Bloomington, I’d be inclined to take Indiana, and as much as I’d love for it to happen, I just can’t see it.  Michigan St. has had some success vs. bad defenses and will find enough vs. that porous defense of Indiana’s and will come up with a couple of key turnovers to hold off the Hoosiers.  MSU wins 31-29.

Brian: This is a really tough game, I mean, you wanna think that Michigan State can get to 17 points, but then your brain starts going WTF at that idea. Then again, Indiana against that Sparty D is going to be a pretty good show. If this game was in Bloomington, I would probably take the Hoosiers. But it’s not, and for me, that’s the difference. Michigan State in this one.

Florida (+7.5) at LSU

James: LSU is going to win and cover here, Mettenburger is great and it should be a nice chance for him to show off. I’m not sure Florida’s defense will be able to keep them clamped down.

Aaron: LSU has a great offense this year and should be able to score enough at home to take down Florida. LSU 35, Florida 21

Nathaniel: Florida has the slight edge on defense and LSU has the slight edge on offense.  I’m gonna go with offense again on this one.  Tigers 30 Gators 24

Jon: Florida is 92nd nationally in scoring offense at 25 points per game and someone made them a 7.5 favorite?

Andy: Not only that, Jon, I think I saw in one of those stat happy e-mails that the Gators run the ball about 75% of the time this year. Wow - Air Force out of the gun. And in really crappy fashion given the points per game. Like the inbred offspring of both schools hidden away during holiday picture time, this one will be ugly, but the Tigers should squeeze out enough. Funniest tweet I saw from UGA/LSU - "LSU’s QB looks like a blogger." LSU 24 Fla 10

Cobby: DOES ANYBODY KNOW WHERE ONE CAN FIND NINJA APPAREL FOR A LARGE EAR OF CORN WITH A FOAM FINGER? OH, AND A PADDED FLASK POCKET TOO. I OWE LES SOME PAYBACK AND I DO NOT WANT THAT SONOFABITCH TO HEAR ME COMING. TIGERS 33 GATORS 17

Husker Mike: No, LSU is a 7.5 point favorite.  The plus sign indicates that Florida is getting 7.5 points from the bettors.  But it doesn’t matter here.  LSU wins this one going away.  LSU 38, Florida 17

Salt Creek: I still think LSU is going to shock us all and win the SEC West. Taking LSU by 14 here.

David: The ghost of Tim Tebow Past will keep this one in doubt for a while, but in the end, Mettenberg will do his best Ghostbusters impression and the Tigers walk away with this one.

Brian: I don’t get how Florida is going to score 14 in this game, and I’m pretty sure that LSU is playing well enough on offense to get to 21, and in Death Valley at night, that’s all they will need. Tigers win.

Northwestern (+10.5) at Wisconsin

James: Can Northwestern come back from a devastating loss to Ohio State? The reality is, Northwestern didn’t do exactly what their whole offseason was supposed to be about: finish. I think this is a major hangover game, it’s in Camp Randall, and I don’t know that they can deal with Wisconsin’s heavy running and defense. Hard to not like the double-digit dog here, but I’m taking Wisconsin to cover.

Aaron: Northwestern will have a hangover from their near miss last week against Ohio State. This is probably the worst draw they could have gotten from the schedule makers. Wisconsin 45, Northwestern 21

Nathaniel: Northwestern will continue to be Northwestern.  I think their defense will struggle against Wisconsin’s running game but their passing game could cause problem’s for Wisconsin’s secondary.  Wisconsin still pulls it out at home.  Wisconsin 37 Northwestern 31

Cobby: SO I’M JUST SPITBALLING HERE - WHAT WOULD WE HAVE TO DO TO GET THE INAUGURAL 2013 BIG 10 MASCOT DEATH MATCH GOING? FOR SOME REASON, BUCKY BADGER MADE ME THINK OF THIS. (AND THE BEAUTY IS THAT ONLY THE CLOWNS INSIDE THE COSTUMES DIE!! 2014 DEATH MATCH? FIND ME 12 MORE SUCKERS!! AND WELCOME RUTGERS & MARYLAND) BADGERS 35 CATS 30

Andy: Tall order for Northwestern for all the reasons mentioned above and Wisconsin has has a bye week to recover from their Buckeye battle. I think hangover weeks CAN be overrated, but this looks like too much for NW to overcome. Wiscy 31 NW 17

Husker Mike: I’m not sure that Northwestern left much in their tank after last Saturday night. Wiscy 35, NW 17

Salt Creek: That 10.5 line seems big here...Northwestern loses by less than a field goal, after winning the first three quarters. Because if we’ve learned anything, it’s that Northwestern is still Northwestern. The fourth quarter is a bigger threat than Wisconsin’s running backs.

David: Tough draw for the Cats.  They’ll put up a fight. They always do, but Wisconsin will wear them down.  They’re just so strong up front.  Melvin Gordon and James White will have big days on the ground.  Wisconsin wins this one.  31-17

Brian: Someone that drives me nuts somedays said on Monday that Wisconsin will win "because their offense and defense is simply better". /HEADSLAM

I don’t think Wisconsin’s offense is better than NW’s, but I do think the hangover of the Ohio State game will matter in this aspect. While I’ve kinda gone back and forth, right now I think the Badgers should win this one.

Michigan (-2.5) at Penn State

James: This will be interesting. Michigan isn’t great. Penn State isn’t good. Penn State is coming off of their first ever loss to Indiana. Michigan coming off a bunch of unimpressive wins. I like Michigan to win and cover, but I think this will be an ugly game overall.

Aaron: Michigan has been walking a fine line all season. I think Penn State will bounce back this weekend and beat the Wolverines. Penn State 24, Michigan 21

Jon: Michigan seems to be pulling games out despite the other team’s best effort to lose. I was shocked last week at how ineffective Penn State’s offense was. Michigan 28, Penn State 21

Nathaniel: Michigan has been very underwhelming this season but so has Penn State.  I still think Michigan pulls it out but it won’t be a comfortable game to watch for Wolverine fans. Michigan 24 Penn State 23

Andy: The nation’s most overrated QB with the nation’s silliest QB number leads the nation’s #2 most overrated undefeated team (Fresno #1) against the nation’s most embarrassing institution. (Yes, I know they’re on their best behavior now, but no one’s come to take that title away yet). Big names - mediocre game. Mich 33 Penn St 21 Bleh.

Cobby: THOSE MICHIGAN WOMYN ARE SOME MEAN, SCARY BROADS. DON’T START ANY SHIT WITH THEM BECAUSE THEY’LL TAKE A SLICE OF SHOULDER MEAT WHEN THEY START SWINGIN’ THOSE PROTEST SIGNS AT YA. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THERE’S A CHILL IN THE AIR WHICH MEAN IT’S TIME FOR THEM TO PUT SOME SLEEVES ON THOSE ARMPIT MUFFS!! WOLVIES 29 GROWLERS 16

Husker Mike: Reality is starting to hit home at Penn State.  Depth is becoming an issue.  That being said, I’m still not all that impressed with the Weasels.  But that’ll be enough.  Weasels 27, We-Are!-Not-Good 17

Salt Creek: I look forward to sad Hoke. Lions by 5.

David: This has potentially huge ramifications on the Legends West Division race.  Michigan should probably be better than Penn St., but I think we see some major fight from BOB’s bunch and Hackenberg’s coming out party spells doom for the Wolverines in a classic.  PSU wins 28-27.

Brian: BOB was a little pissed off at the end of last week’s game. So mad, he wouldn’t even address it and told folks that "we’re ready for Michigan". Well, be careful what you wish for folks. Gardner is Gardner and Hackenberg is still really a raw project. Wolverines in this one.

Nebraska (-14) at Purdue

James: This line is too low for how bad Purdue is (though making a home team a double digit underdog isn’t something Vegas does lightly).I think Tommy Armstrong and the Husker offense doesn’t have a problem here though, and the defense should be able to tee off on a freshman QB starting his first game with an inadequate pass protection. I like the Huskers to cover here and sail into the bye week 5-1.

Aaron: Game of the week. Nebraska should roll the Boilers, but Purdue will have a few new wrinkles in their offense with a freshman starting. How good will he be? Nebraska 48, Purdue 17.

Jon: There is so little interest in this game it’s amazing. Nebraska should destroy Purdue, and with $3 tickets available it shouldn’t be a road game. Ameer Abdullah has another 200-yard day, while the receivers shred the Purdue secondary. Nebraska 45, Purdue 20

Nathaniel: Outside of Southern Miss, this might be the Huskers easiest game of the season.  It’s important for the Huskers to keep it simple and avoid making silly mistakes (like missing 2 XPs).  Though I have a feeling by the end of this game, Ryker Fyfe will be getting some snaps.

Huskers 55 Boilermakers 20

Cobby: GRANTED, IT’S A DISTANT 2ND, BUT I’LL SAY THAT THIS IS THE WEIRDEST STATE IN THE COUNTRY AFTER FLORIDA. LOTSA HOME SCHOOLING, RADIO PREACHING & MIDNIGHT BEATINGS AND PET MUTILATION IN THE NAME OF OUR FATHER. BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE JUST DON’T FIT AND NEED A SLIGHT PUSH OUT OF TOWN FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE COMMUNITY. AFTER ONE NIGHT WITH THE GOOD FOLK IN THAT "HOOSIERS" BARBERSHOP, I’M SURPRISED GENE HACKMAN DIDN’T CARRY A 12 GAUGE EVERYWHERE HE WENT INCLUDING THE CLASSROOM. I’LL WATCH THIS ON THE TELLY, THANKS. HUSKERS 77 SHOT & A BEER 17

Andy: After 5 straight weeks in front of the Oldest & Whiniest Best Fans in the Country, the Huskers pack their bags for awhile, with only three home appearances after Oct. 5. This one shouldn’t make them feel too homesick. Purdue is offensively & defensively one of the worst teams in the country. Their lone victory was a squeaker against Indiana St. Among others, they got blown out by a Cincinnati team that was handed its ass by Illinois.

Go ahead and let those last two sentences sink in for a moment.

They did give Notre Dame a close call, but that’s more a of a testament to how grossly & perennially overrated Notre Dame is - even when they’re good. (See Game,  National Championship) So this one’s a blowout by any possible measure which means the non-existent QB controversy gains more steam as Armstrong gets to face his 3rd straight really shitty defense. If you have a relative on the bench, they probably play. NU 59 Purdue 10

(PS, if this stays close for a quarter, NU may become the 1st team to be audibly booed by its own fans on the road.)

Husker Mike: I think we’ll see another improved performance out of the Huskers this week.  Danny Etling is the type of quarterback that a Bo Pelini defense usually handles pretty well.  Unleash Avery Moss and Randy Gregory, and let the fun begin.  On offense, just give the ball to Ameer Abdullah, Imani Cross, and even Terrell Newby. Don’t ask Tommy Armstrong to win the game; just let him manage it.  NU should roll:  Huskers 63, Boilermakers 10

Salt Creek: This one’s for you, Bill Jennings. Nebraska takes the points lead (by a fantastic margin) and evens the record books in our first of many, many games with Purdue. Similar to Purdue’s victory in 1958 leading to many of their alumni landing on the Moon, Nebraska’s alumni will land on Mars by the end of the 2020s.

David: They’re saying rain could be in the forecast tomorrow.  That could make things interesting, though they’re not calling for it until the afternoon, so hopefully that won’t be a big factor.  There’s really not a better scenario the Huskers could have drawn up for this squad.  First road game of the year vs. a manageable opponent, likely with plenty of red in the stands.  If they don’t try and get cute, the Huskers should win.  The running backs should be in for a big day, led by Abdullah, but this should be an opportunity for Cross and Newby to get their share of carries as well.  Huskers need to be wary to not wear down Ameer before that November stretch.  The extra bye should help.  But, that said, it should be another big day on the ground for the Huskers.  Look for them to top the 300 yard barrier, maybe a special teams TD, too.  Why not.  NU rolls 49-17.

Brian: It shouldn’t even be a fair fight on offense for Nebraska. There are days that you challenge your OL to a number and tell em if they can’t get there, it’s hot dogs and ramen all week at the training table. For Nebraska’s OL this week, it’s 400 yards rushing. Tommy Armstrong Jr won’t need to throw much, and while Etling will get some yards and they will score a few points, this game should be over by halftime. 38-10 Huskers.