Since NCAA Football desperately needs a playoff, why not create one? Sixteen teams were chosen (11 conference winners and five at-large bids) and placed into brackets. Dan Biggio, Sim Lucien and I will take a look at each game and decide who we think will win the game. The team that moves on to the next round will be the team that gets two votes to win out of the three predictions. The predictions for each game will be posted during the time listed for each contest (i.e. Georgia-West Virginia will be posted 12:00 Friday).
#1W USC (12-0) vs. #2E Penn State (10-1).
Monday, Jan. 2, 8 p.m. ET
Walt's Take:
Unless you’ve just come out of a coma or your brain has melted from watching too many “Extreme Makeover” episodes, you know that Penn State has an unstoppable offense. Meanwhile, USC has permitted more than 260 passing yards six times this season. Michael Robinson would have all the time in the world to find receivers Deon Butler, Jordan Norwood and Justin King. The Nittany Lions’ lethal passing attack would open up running lanes for Robinson and running back Tony Hunt. I’d be shocked if Penn State punted more than once.
USC has an NFL offense. Running back Reggie Bush will be the No. 1 pick in the draft if he declares for it; quarterback Matt Leinart will be No. 2; running back LenDale White is a borderline Heisman candidate; and 6-foot-5-inch wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett has not been stopped all year. But, if there is any team in the country that can contain the Trojans, it’s Penn State. The Nittany Lions have an NFL defense; defensive end Tamba Hali, cornerback Alan Zemitis and linebacker Paul Posluszny will all be first-round selections.
It’s impossible to stop Bush, but the Nittany Lions could contain him to about 150 total yards. Hali and defensive end Matt Rice would apply consistent pressure on Leinart, disrupting USC’s passing attack and perhaps forcing a few turnovers.
It’s a shame that the Nittany Lions don’t even get the chance to challenge USC. They have the talent and the senior leadership to knock off the two-time defending champs.
Penn State 30, USC 27.
NCAA Dan's Take:
In my opinion, the best 2 teams in the land. This championship matchup will feature the size, strength and seniority of the Nittany Lions defense versus speed and pure, raw offensive talent of the USC Trojans. Joe Paterno's team is back, and back with a vengeance this season. The Nittany Lions were a controversial finish in Ann Arbor away from a perfect season in 2005. The Nittany Lions are a classic Big 10 powerhouse team, from a conference that is known for its tough, physcial play and power football. Penn State is battle tested this season too, having found themselves locked in several tough battles, specifically the Northwestern game, Ohio State and Michigan games come to mind.
As for the USC Trojans, what more is there to say? They have as much talent on the offensive side of the football as perhaps any team in the history of the sport. Reggie Bush is the best athlete I have seen in an awfully long time -- virtually unstoppable. And the Trojans are well on their way to establishing a true dynasty in the Pac 10 and all of college football. Pete Carroll has built a tremendous program during his tenure at Southern Cal, and his Trojans are hungry for yet another national title. Who would bet against these guys?
The matchup: The one to watch here is how a stud Nittany Lion defense will attempt to contain a most explosive USC offense (because, in truth, contain is the best anyone can hope to do against these guys). Any team that holds Southern Cal in the 20's should be proud -- it's a tremendous achievement. As I have reiterated in prior Penn State games, Penn State MUST hold on to the football. Turnovers against an offense this good will be that much more damaging. Penn State must be smart with the football. And they must run the football and do their best to play ball control -- because the best defense against a tremendous offense is to keep them off the field. I think the Nittany Lions will be able to score points against the Trojan defense, but will it be enough for them?
The answer, I believe, is no. Look for a highly entertaining game -- as good a game as could be put together by the BCS or any other system. Penn State is the second best team in the land, and the best challenge for the Trojans. But even the Nittany Lions defense will not be able to hold Southern Cal down enough to win the game. USC wins a back-and-forth thriller.
USC 31, Penn State 27.
Sim's Take:
This is the game State College has clamored since November for the national championship Rose Bowl this year. Many of them feel this is an excellent match up and think this will be a spectacular game.
As usual, I must be the voice of reason. Texas is the only team that has the talent, physicality, and speed to hang with USC. In fact, I think Texas will beat the Trojans. USC’s defense isn’t bad, they can get the job done, but they aren’t in position for a third consecutive national title because of it either. The Trojans are all about offense. Leinart, Bush, Jarrett, White, Byrd, and that offensive line are here to pile up yards and points. That will continue to do so against Penn State. Yes, the Lions have a good defense, but they really haven’t played a complete team all season. USC has the line, they can run and they can pass. Ohio State was the most balanced offense PSU has seen, and they’re not even that good.
Penn State will need defensive end Tamba Hali to bring his First Team All American game for this contest. The Lions will also need to find an answer for Bush in the passing game, while double covering Dwayne Jarrett outside, and Dominique Byrd in the middle. By the match ups, Penn State can only hope to slow down the Trojans. Hope , in reality, if the Lions can keep USC from scoring on their first drive, it will be a victory.
USC’s defense will have a flawless game plan because head coach Pete Carroll is a genius. The Trojans will take away Tony Hunt and Michael Robinson’s ability to run the ball. Once Penn State is forced to be one dimensional and rely on Robinson’s arm, the Trojans will have JoePa’s squad right where they want them. The Trojan pass rush will be more than the often shaky Lions offensive line can handle. Defensive end Frostee Rucker will have in addition to a cool name, two sacks, three tackles for loss, and at least one pass deflection. Strong safety Darnell Bing’s ferocious hits will keep Penn State speedsters Justin King and Deon Butler out of the middle of the field. USC’s underrated but talented cornerbacks will be able to cover long enough to let the pass rushers either sack Robinson or pressure him into making bad throws, which he is still prone to doing.
USC cruises to a third national.
USC 56, Penn State 21.
Winner: #1W USC
NCAA Football Tournament 2007
Brackets:
Championship / Final Four
Elite Eight - East / Elite Eight - West
Sweet Sixteen - East / Sweet Sixteen - West
NCAA Football Tournament 2006
Brackets:
Championship / Final Four
Elite Eight - East / Elite Eight - West
Sweet Sixteen - East / Sweet Sixteen - West
NCAA Football Tournament 2005
Brackets:
Championship / Final Four
Elite Eight - East / Elite Eight - West
Sweet Sixteen - East / Sweet Sixteen - West
NCAA Football Tournament 2004
Brackets:
Championship / Final Four
Elite Eight - East / Elite Eight - West
Sweet Sixteen - East / Sweet Sixteen - West
Brackets:
Championship / Final Four
Elite Eight - East / Elite Eight - West
Sweet Sixteen - East / Sweet Sixteen - West
NCAA Football Tournament 2006
Brackets:
Championship / Final Four
Elite Eight - East / Elite Eight - West
Sweet Sixteen - East / Sweet Sixteen - West
NCAA Football Tournament 2005
Brackets:
Championship / Final Four
Elite Eight - East / Elite Eight - West
Sweet Sixteen - East / Sweet Sixteen - West
NCAA Football Tournament 2004
Brackets:
Championship / Final Four
Elite Eight - East / Elite Eight - West
Sweet Sixteen - East / Sweet Sixteen - West
© 1999-2013 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
Privacy Policy
2 5 9