Poolsville Picks - Week #6

The Converter has had an inexplicable spring in its step this week, for no apparent reason [redundant statement]. Maybe it's apprehended the first arrival of fall not but two hours ago; a raw wind, a little rain and the promise of arctic (or at least non-tropical) air arriving. Odd, that a computing device essentially confined to a climate-controlled surrounding would be so excited to witness the turn of the season. Or maybe, just maybe, it's relief at seeing the Hogs finally exit a horrendous 1-4 September.

So with an elevated processing speed, NCAAFConverter drops its first 5-0 prediction. WITNESSETH:

 

* * *

1.  Oklahoma – Texas Tech (5 point underdog Texas Tech worth a bonus point)
NCAAFConverter : Bringing a cannon to a gunfight.

I would have thought the riflemen of west Texas would have had the advantage over your typical covered wagon - but no, The Converter sees right through conventional wisdom. Who knew the Indian Territories were settled with armament right out of Gettysburg? NCAAFConverter's clearly leaning OU for the win; you can keep your shiny bonus point, O Mayor of Poolsville.

* * * 

2.  LSU – Florida (LSU by 2)
NCAAFConverter : Gator Bait 2.0 a significant upgrade.

Conventional wisdom would indicate that 12 million years' worth of non-evolution would lead to the dominant swamp creature. But that would be wrong! The Converter knows that a floating feline wins the day every day over what is, at the end of the day, just one of many inputs to a stylish alligator boot. LSU for the win; there's only one king of the swamp.

* * *

3.  West Virginia – Texas (6 point underdog WVU worth a bonus point)
 NCAAFConverter : I'm feelin' lucky make my Bevoburger rare.

There is probably a fall analog to the concept of "spring fever"; The Converter's clearly got a bad case of it on this upset pick of the week (or maybe the machine's just enamored with the prospect of picking up the shiny bonus point). College football is surely full of the crazy but something tells me Daniel Boone here takes it to the next level week-in and week-out (bye week included). The Converter may have ghost-written the book on smack-talk but in light of the above, I humbly suggest that Mizzou was the better pick to bring the SEC to an even 14. But over in Big 12 Country it's WVU for the upset win, gimmie that blood-diamond bonus point.

* * *

4.  Georgia – South Carolina (Saukerlina by 2)
NCAAFConverter : This chicken tastes like a heaping hot plate of your worst nightmare, Snoopy.

Yes, UGA has been rolling (the offense, at least) over lesser opponents but they knew this day would come - face to face with the Old Ball Coach. Spurrier's not one to drop his Harley with a hot staffer on-board (there may have been an incident with an intern, a golf cart and a water hazard at some point but that's water under the bridge now). Spurrier's nothing but hot lava white meat and UGA VIXC goes down at the end. Carolina for the win.

* * *

5.  Nebraska – Ohio State (OSU by 3)
NCAAFConverter : Oh so delicious.

 

That's right, even though corn syrup is perniciously present in every bad confection, from Twinkies to Little Debbie, Gummi bears to corn candy, it's the buckeye that lends itself to artisan desserts. So pass me another, and don't think ill of me; it'll be OSU for the win, thank you very much.

Self-awarded bonus point: Arkansas 24 - Auburn 16. Go Hogs! And smile!

Poolsville Picks - Week #5

Week 5 must be the worst week in college football. A dwindling number of undefeated teams lurch uneasily into the heart of the season, apprehensive that some also-ran will catch them napping. Many 3-1 teams (looking at you, USC) are trying to figure out how a season could feel like its over even before its fully begun. The 2-2's are regrouping, reminding themselves that a 10-2 season is still (outside chance) within their grasp. And finally, the 1-3's, you SunBelts and MACs, the C-USAs, are counting up the take on their money trips to Lincoln, to Eugene, to Gainsville, preparing for the beginning of their campaigns for Go Daddy Bowl glory. Or so this is how NCAAFConverter sees it - to me, it's just good-old college football.

The Converter has been subdued this week, coming, as it is, off a 2-3 showing. The swagger has been noticeably absent this week, which has been a good thing. In fact, The Converter's been busily sharpening pencils and jotting down cyphers pretty much non-stop since Monday (taking breaks only to watch The Daily Show and Thursday's SNL Weekend Update prime-time special). So it's on (that is to say, it is literally on, The Converter is switched to 'on') and here we go:

* * *

1.  Baylor - West Virginia (12 pt underdog Baylor worth 2 bonus points)
NCAAFConverter : Do you have this in an extra-large?

Get free shipping at The North Face

Oh, there are no burning couches for this mountaineer. And what relative comfort a burning couch would provide! No, this rugged American classic knows only the kind of hardship and deprivation that would make a Cormac McCarthy novel seem like "a happy place". The Baylor Bears may rule supreme in the land of Whataburger but in West F&#$in' Virginia, there's nothing but pain. WVU for the win, you can keep your bonus points.

 * * *

2,  Ohio State - Michigan State (Sparty by 3)
NCAAFConverter : A little flash of ankle will bring down even the mightiest

Apparently, The Converter stumbled across this original piece of art intended to celebrate the nuptial of a classic House Divided, the marriage of a MSU Spartan and an OSU Buckeye. But so much is left to wonder - what's that creature in the background? A Badger? Wolverine? And does Sparty, even for a second, stand a chance? Guys, you all know how this one's going to end; OSU for the win.

* * *

3.  Tennessee - Georgia (13 point (dang, that's an Arky-sized spread!) underdog UT worth 3 bonus points)
NCAAFConverter : Rocky Top has been infiltrated

I would like to give The Converter credit and indeed, sing the machine's high praises 24-7, but that's kind of hard to do when I found out The Converter bogged down all day yesterday processing images of bulldog puppies at rescue shelters (The Converter's lame excuse was that "gosh they are just soo cute!"). But in amongst the sweetest of sweet ones was this one, UGA a/k/a David O. Dodd, infiltrating enemy lines, wreaking havoc on the boiled peanut supply line down to Knoxville. Wake Up, Volunteer Nation, the Derek Dooley hot seat's gonna be gettin' hotter. UGA for the win and you can keep your bevy of bonus points.

* * *

4.  Texas Tech - Iowa State (Red Raiders by 2)
NCAAFConverter : Up, up and away!

Riders on the Storm

This is where I have to confess that The Converter suffers from a major programming glitch - NCAAFConverter does not know Iowa. At all. Iowa, Iowa State, maybe there is an Iowa Tech in there somewhere, and there's Grenell to factor in. Big 10 (12 members), Big 12 (10 members), and part of the state lies under the CFL's influence (I think). Maybe the Nebraska move to the Big 10 is the biggest confusing factor. But no matter, The Converter is afraid of what it does not understand, so it'll be ISU for the win (and west Texas wept).

* * *

5.  Texas - Oklahoma State (Longhorns by 2)
NCAAFConverter : Too late to close the barn door now, Cowboy

 

In what would appear to be a season in which Mack Brown very subtly courts an HC offer from Jeff Long, The Converter calculates that the Longhorns will run away with this one (the machine is also banking on UT ending the season 8 - 4, with at least one more loss being just a bewilderment to its fans (KSU, your work here is done). Or what about you, Mike Gundy? If you are not going to get it done at OSU, maybe should you step aside for someone who will (and grab lunch with Jeff Long in the meantime)? Another UT win is what The Converter is calling - the remainder of the future is cloudy.

 

WPS!!





Poolsville Picks - Week #4

It is my distinct pleasure to observe that NCAAFConverter is coming off its best week yet here in the second year of its quest for the coveted Ramon Escobar Trophy (http://poolsville.blogspot.com/), landing four winners out of five and nosing out Danny Stehle on the the points total (The Converter did wonder, however, why it is shown as playing under the pseudonym 'Glenn Borkowski'). Yes, The Converter was rather proud of itself and, quite frankly, was starting to get a little annoying about the whole thing. All of that changed, however, when I made a derisive comparison between The Converter and IBM's Watson, and from there forward, The Converter reverted to its sullen old self.


* * *

1.  BYU - Boise State (7 point underdog BYU worth a bonus point)


NCAAFConverter : Bronco comes out on top

 I think The Converter is thinking straight on this one; BYU is probably still in shock after the Ute home crowd stormed the field three times last Saturday. They must have wondered, will it ever end? And the answer is, no, at least not yet. Boise State for the win; keep the bonus point.

* * *

2.  Missouri - South Carolina (10 point underdog Mizzou worth two bonus points)


NCAAFConverter : Tastes like chicken

For a while there, The Converter was practically overwhelmed by images of tigers eating chicken - is that all that the zookeepers feed them? Seems like a very unfair fight to me; hard to see how flightless fowl will ever come out on top. That being said, this Saturday's SEC matchup won't be near as imbalanced and in fact, it'll be a struggle if these tigers come out on top. Nevertheless, Missouri is due at least one high-profile victory in its SEC debut season, and Saukerlina may as well be it. So for two bonus points, I'll take Mizzou for the win.

* * *

3.  Michigan - Notre Dame (6 point underdog UM worth a bonus point)


NCAAFConverter : Leprechaun in charge 

I had no idea what was going on in this picture when The Converter first popped it up. However, on further examination, I am told this is Wolverine Bank's deposits sales and service manager Nick Lyons. Apparently, Mr. Lyons lost a bet and as a result, he had to wear a leprechaun costume on St. Patrick's Day. But I say, shame on, Wolverine Bank, for letting a leprechaun run wild like this; Notre Dame for the win (and keep your bonus point).

* * *

4.  Kansas State - Oklahoma (14 point underdog KSU worth three bonus points)


NCAAFConverter : That cat looks less than comfortable

I think I can see where The Converter was going with this one; while I'm not certain if the classic Radio Flyer properly substitutes for the Sooner Schooner, I am virtually certain that that's a wildcat on board (and a well-fed one at that). So is The Converter calling for the upset here? On that front, I am less sure. I'll be conservative and call OU for the win; you can keep your bonus points.

* * *

5.  Clemson - Florida State (14 point underdog Clemson worth three bonus points)

NCAAFConverter : WWII German Tiger tank paired with Indian motorcycle (with sidecar)

Apparently, The Converter did not use 'Seminole' as its FSU input but instead, the more generic term 'Indian'. And I am so glad it did; I love it when The Converter finds images of this classic motorcycle in various settings. But if I am not mistaken, The Converter is clearly trying to telegraph us with the upset of the week; an Indian motorcycle, even with sidecar, is no match for a German Tiger tank. I'll take Clemson for the win and will happily watch the bonus points pile up by the front door.

* * *

Oh, and be warned; do not click on the link below. Don't do it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0&feature=player_embedded

Poolsville Picks - Week #3

After the Louisiana-Monroe debacle last Saturday The Converter has been running on overdrive, as they say (powered solely on Red Bull and tobacco) trying to determine what happened, how it happened, and what it all means. Alas, the machine found no answers, although it discovered an inexplicable pride in seeing the Razorbacks receive the Tears of Unfathomable Sadness(http://www.sbnation.com/2012/9/11/3316898/arkansas-football-2012), an honor few programs are even qualified to receive. It took a 9 p.m. curfew and mandatory hourly fresh air breaks (and surreptitiously replacing the Red Bull with flat Diet Cokes) to coax The Converter to consider new business.

So no guaranties this week at NCAAFConverter finds five winners for us in week 3 of Div. I college football 2012.

* * *

Florida - Tennessee (Vols by 3)
NCAAFConverter : Get the duck tape outta the truck now and stop taking godd&#ned pictures.

Looks to me like these Volunteers have the Gators under control, but I do suggest that this may not be the ideal time to focus on uploading pictures of your alligator encounter to your twitter feed. Vols for the win; they'll have their hands full but emerge victorious.

* * *

Arizona State - Missouri (bonus point for 6 point underdog ASU)
NCAAFConverter : Classic standoff.

So the designers at Playmobil already gamed out Saturday's contest in Columbia? Well, I don't care how cool your trident is; when your opponent is armed for the Colombian narco wars, you don't stand a chance. Tigers for the win; keep your bonus point.

* * *

USC - Stanford (bonus point for the 8 point undercardinal)
NCAAFConverter : Always put a winner on the cover of your magazine.

Yes, I know, for the past week, The Converter has been dwelling to an unhealthy degree on perhaps the greatest NCAAF upset of all time and surely, this has colored the machine's thinking (it's also picking Louisiana-Monroe for the win against Auburn, even though the Mayor of Poolsville did not choose the game this week). But who am I to say that lightning can't strike twice (or three times)? I'll go with The Cardinal for the win, and I'll take the bonus point. 

* * *

Notre Dame - Michigan State (bonus point for the 3 point underdog Irish)
NCAAFConverter : It's a Stomp Sparty Party.

That's not nice, leprechaun! But what IS nice is the award of a bonus point for going out on a limb for a 3 point underdog. I'll take ND for the win, and I'll take the bonus point.

* * *

BYU - Utah (BYU by 4)
NCAAFConverter : That cougar is more of a pussycat.

Nothing like a painted gourd to round out the picks this week. I'll take the Utes for the win while The Converter looks for the bonus point that should have been hung on this game as well.

Poolsville Picks - Week #2!

I'm late getting The Converter back up and running; my plans to spend spring training and the summer fundamentally overhauling the machine resulted zero progress.  Well, not zero; I did replace some of the baggie ties with real wire (well, the stuff you use for hanging pictures) and I replaced the burned-out bulbs. But the CPU? Same unreliable piece of crap from last year (and on last week's no-image trial run, The Converter is generating wins (3-2) at about the same pace that the Obama Administration is creating jobs.

But it's game time, so let's get to it.

1.  AUBURN v. MISSISSIPPI STATE (State by 3)
NCAAFConverter : Someone call PETA.

I'll throw up my hands and surrender to fate and the strength of the machine on this one; I was of the opinion that Auburn's fall from grace was so great that it was in danger of being eclipsed by State. But maybe not; looks like the Tiger (and sidekick War Eagle) has taken it hard to this poor dog.
AUBURN for the win!

2.  MIAMI v. KANSAS STATE (bonus for 7-point underdog Miami)
NCAAFConverter : Wildcats by a nose.

And this time The Converter appears to be firing on all of the 18 cylinders in its Rolls Royce Merlin engine - America's can-do winning attitude watched the sun set over the British Empire from the cockpit of a Grumman F 4F Wildcat.
KSU for the win!

3.  FLORIDA v. TEXAS A&M (Aggies by 1)
NCAAFConverter : Billboard WHOOP!

What's that ClearChannel - FL, LLC? Someone took a chain saw (and then later, out of compounded frustration, a cutting torch) to one of your $5k-a-month boards? Who the hell was the sales rep on that account, and is maybe is he a damned Texan? Nice start, Aggies.
A&M for the win!

4.  NEBRASKA v.UCLA (5-point underdog Bruins worth a bonus point)
NCAAFConverter : Bear Corn WTF you crazy japanese?!??

Who knew that those crazy Japanese have a whole industry segment dedicated to animating bears in various vegetable forms, including corn? Is there a parallel division where corn takes on the entirety of the animal kingdom? I hope so, and I sure hope The Converter's burning pure ethynol on this one.
UCLA for the win! Gimme the bonus point!

5.  GEORGIA v. MISSOURI (UGA by 3)
NCAAFConverter : another tigers-bulldogs matchup? See AU-MSU above?


Well, Mayor of Poolsville, you managed to piss off The Converter by causing it to use the SAME imputs for two different games. The Converter is now over in the kitchen knocking back Red Stripes like they are Miller Lite. So I'm on my own, and all I can do is search for the face of victory. And I have found it/her. Mizzou, welcome to the SEC.
UGA for the win!

THE POST SEASON IS HERE!

Bowl Week 1 

Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl
Division III Championship
Mount Union - Wisconsin-Whitewater
NCAAFConverter : All Warhawk.

Is it a playoff championship, or a bowl? The Converter don't care. This will be a competitive game but the outcome is all but certain - WIS.-WHITEWATER for the win.

FCS Semifinals
Montana - Sam Houston State
NCAAFConverter : Damn, Grizzly!

Wow, Sam Houston State is undefeated and has home team advantage - I thought this was a runaway Bearkat win until The Converter came up with THIS! Honey Badger does not hold a candle to a grizzly that's determined to win at any cost. Converter gives this one to MONTANA!

Division II Championship
Wayne State - Pittsburg State
NCAAFConverter : Warrior hits the gorilla press...

That's right, not only is The Converter a fan of professional wrestling, but it also knows that Wayne State is known as the Warriors and Pittsburg (inexplicably) is known as the Gorillas. And here, in one image, The Converter shows an image of the Ultimate Warrior (foreshadow alert) subjectingHulk Hogan to the gorilla hold in a match Hogan ultimately lost. I will not argue with The Converter over this one - WAYNE STATE for the win.

Gildan New Mexico Bowl
Temple - Wyoming (Cowboys worth 3 points)
NCAAFConverter : All hat no cattle
 
But that's not the Converter's opinion; that's what Rice Own fan WMD Owl (on http://ncaabbs.com/) thinks of President Obama. WMD Owl can exercise his freedom of expression, and thanks to Mitt Romney (and now that NCAAFConverter has incorporated), so can The Conveter. WYOMING for the win and I'll take that bonus point, thank you very much.

FCS Semifinals
Georgia Southern - North Dakota State (GA SOU worth 3 points)
NCAAFConverter : Catalina Island?

NCAAFConverter is flummoxed on this one. Bison and eagles? California's Catalina Island may have eagles, but bison, too? It is time for the humans to take over, and my read on the situation is that Cali. is closer to ND than it is GA! So it is NORTH DAKOTA STATE for the win. Keep your bonus point.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Ohio - Utah State
NCAAAFConverter : UTAH STATE



R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Louisiana-Lafayette - San Diego State (La La worth three points)
NCAAFConverter : ULL

The New Orleans Bowl is the perfect fusion of Aztec (Triple Alliance) and Cajun traditions and who knows more about this thanAarón Sánchez, the Hebrew-named, Mexican-blooded, Cajun-trained purveyor of Latin flavors on the all-American barbecue. He's a one-man melting pot and he brings to the table the same wonderful product that the Ragin' Cajuns bring to the gridiron. LA LA for the win.

Bowl Week 2
Beef 'O' Brady's St. Petersburg Bowl
Florida International - Marshall
NCAAFConverter : Herding cats.

The Converter clearly remembers  the classic Electronic Data Systems "Herding Cats" Superbowl XXXIV commercial, and who am I to disagree? Gotta give this one to MARSHALL.

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Louisiana Tech - TCU
7 p.m., Dec. 21, ESPN
Line: TCU by 10
* Underdog worth four points
NCAAFConverter : TCU

MAACO Bowl Las Vegas
Arizona State - Boise State (ASU worth five points)
NCAAFConverter : BOISE STATE

This is a picture of a [sun] devil at a rodeo, and even The Converter can tell when something just does not look right. Sun Devils end a disappointing season in charateristic disappointing fashion; BOISE STATE for the win.
Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl
Nevada - Southern Miss (Nevada worth 3 points)
NCAAFConverter : NEVADA

When the Golden Eagles meet the Wolf Pack, The Converter can see how this ends - a six pack of Golden Eagles. I would have thought this indicated a Southen Miss win but apparently, The Converter is going for the bonus points here. Play for the win, baby! NEVADA!
Bowl Week 3

AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl
Missouri - North Carolina
NCAAFConverter : MIZZOU


Little Caesars Pizza Bowl
Purdue - Western Michigan
Line: Purdue by 2
NCAAFConverter : WESTERN MICHIGAN

Belk Bowl
Louisville - North Carolina State
Line: North Carolina State by 2
NCAAFConverter : LOUISVILLE

Military Bowl
Air Force - Toledo
Line: Toledo by 3
NCAAFConverter : AIR FORCE

Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl
California - Texas
Line: Texas by 3
NCAAFConverter : CAL

Champs Sports Bowl
Florida State - Notre Dame
Line: Florida State by 3
NCAAFConverter : FSU

Valero Alamo Bowl
Baylor - Washington (Washington worth 4 points)
NCAAFConverter : BAYLOR
OK, Washington, you might think you are the Alpha Dog right now but when an ice-cold Heisman Trophy winning bear has had his fill of winter frolicking, The Converter knows those huskies don't stand a chance. BAYLOR for the win.

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
BYU - Tulsa
NCAAFConverter : TULSA

New Era Pinstripe Bowl
Iowa State - Rutgers
Line: Rutgers by 2
NCAAFConverter : RUTGERS

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl
Mississippi State - Wake Forest (Wake Forest worth 3 points)
Line: Mississippi State by 6
NCAAFConverter : MSU

Insight Bowl
Iowa - Oklahoma (Iowa worth 5 points)
Line: Oklahoma by 14
NCAAFConverter : OKLAHOMA

Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas
Northwestern - Texas A&M (Northwestern worth 4 points)
11 a.m., Dec. 31, ESPN
Line: Texas A&M by 10
NCAAFConverter : A&M

Hyundai Sun Bowl
Georgia Tech - Utah
Line: Georgia Tech by 3
NCAAFConverter : UTAH

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl
Illinois - UCLA
Line: Illinois by 2
NCAAFConverter : ILLINOIS

AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Cincinnati - Vanderbilt
Line: Vanderbilt by 2
NCAAFConverter : VANDY

Chick-fil-A Bowl
Auburn - Virginia
Line: Auburn by 1
NCAAFConverter : VIRGINIA

Bowl Week 4

TicketCity Bowl
Houston - Penn State (PSU worth 3 points)
NCAAFConverter : PENN STATE

Outback Bowl
Georgia - Michigan State
Line: Georgia by 3
NCAAFConverter : UGA

Capital One Bowl
Nebraska - South Carolina
Line: South Carolina by 2
NCAAFConverter : NEBRASKA

Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl
Florida - Ohio State
Line: Florida by 2
NCAAFConverter : OHIO STATE

The Rose Bowl Game
Oregon - Wisconsin (Wisky worth 3 points)
NCAAFConverter : WISC

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Oklahoma State - Stanford
Line: Oklahoma State by 3
NCAAFConverter : OSU

Allstate Sugar Bowl
Michigan - Virginia Tech
Line: Michigan by 2
NCAAFConverter : MICHIGAN

Discover Orange Bowl
Clemson - West Virginia
Line: Clemson by 3
NCAAFConverter : WVU

AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic
Arkansas - Kansas State (KSU worth 3 points)
NCAAFConverter : ARKANSAS

BBVA Compass Bowl
Pittsburgh - SMU (SMU worth 3 points)
NCAAFConverter :
SMU for the win; gimme the bonus point, please.

FCS Championship
Select winner now from final four:
Montana, Sam Houston State,
Georgia Southern, North Dakota State
NCAAFConverter : NORTH DAKOTA STATE

GoDaddy.com Bowl
Arkansas State - Northern Illinois
NCAAFConverter :
ARKANSAS STATE for the win

Final Game

Allstate BCS National Championship Game
Alabama - LSU
NCAAFConverter :LSU

WEEK OF CHAMPIONS

I originally composed this at a Gibbs PTA event, which means I did not have access to The Converter. At least I had time on my hands to focus on important things, like how can I could the record for number of consecutive 2-3 weeks! Thanks, A&M; I know it is not all on you but I single you out anyway.
***
Texas - Baylor
***
Mack Brown, how do you consistently underperform of late, and yet survive? Do you have dirt on certain members of the ut board of trustees? Is all forgiven so long as you beat A&M in uniquely devastating fashion? But the black arts are more powerful just up the road this year (just ask TCU); BAYLOR for the win.
***
Georgia - LSU
***
Things in the SEC West are pretty good these days. Three members end the season ranked in the top ten. Two will play for the national championship. And one team won a lifetime Unfathomable Tears of Sadness award. And State is about to have a twin sibling in everything from uni color to conference performance. No, Georgia, just be happy your coach pulled together an Outback Bowl (or comparable) season, SEC West division champ continues to roll. LSU for the win. And you can keep your UGA XIV-dropping-sized pile of bonus points.
***
Oklahoma - Oklahoma State
***
Oklahoma State can reach the promised land with one more win in a game against an in-state rival who is having an off-year. And if that in-state rival was named Tulsa, T. Boone Pickens would rejoice. But instead OSU's playing OU, and when it comes to the Sooners, OSU's historical performance says it all - fewer than 20 victories over a century's worth of games. Be glad you lost to Iowa State; you are already a rung down from the pinnacle of crushing defeat. OKLAHOMA for the win.
***
Wisconsin - Michigan State
***
Badgers, what happened? Back to back Hail Mary losses? Well, the Ohio State loss was not really a "toss up", you left the receiver wide open in the endzone. Gimme those bonus points because MICHIGAN STATE has this one. Get all this bad juju out of your system in 2011, UW; maybe there's a Sun Bowl in your immediate future.
***
Virginia Tech - Clemson
***
Clemson, really? You "dominate" USC from your cushy perch in the ACC? Too bad we could not have added you to the SEC East; Tennessee, Florida and Georgia would love to add you to their annual schedules. VIRGINIA TECH, those crazy Hokie bastards, win this one.