AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2007 > August > 31 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USOur Fearless Friday Forecast
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This summer, when we had those 99 days in a row over 100 degrees, I thought this day would never get here.
But here we are. The first good piece of news is the high today might actually be under 90. The second is that it is finally time for the Fearless Friday Forecast of the 2007 season.
Each Friday we’ll pick the best 10 games from the SEC, ACC and Top 25. Some weeks there will be more SEC than ACC games and vice versa. Some weeks, like this one, there won’t be any games outside of those two leagues. In short, it’s going to have to be a pretty compelling national game to make our Top 10. I know that will make my Big Ten and Big 12 friends a little upset. Hey, we’re in the South. I’ve got to take care of my base. Texas-Oklahoma? It’s got a chance. Michigan-Notre Dame? Let’s see how the Irish do with the Techsters.
Remember that these predictions are for entertainment purposes only. Don’t take them to the bank, your bookie, your ex-wife or anyone with the ability to affect your financial future.
And away we go.
1. Georgia Tech at Notre Dame: Playing the Domers in Notre Dame Stadium is never easy. Too many ghosts make the ball bounce funny in that place. But this time Georgia Tech goes up there with the better football team. If the offense plays smart and does not turn it over, the Fighting Chan Gaileys have real shot in this one. Look for RB Tashard Choice to have a good day. Georgia Tech 17, Notre Dame 14.
2. Oklahoma State at Georgia: This one’s pretty simple. If Georgia can run the ball with that baby-faced offensive line, then things will be okay at Sanford Stadium Saturday night. But if the Dawgs can’t run the ball and Matt Stafford has to throw it 35 times, this one turns into a shootout with one of the best offenses in the country. The Dawg Nation does not want that. Georgia 24, Oklahoma State 20.
3. Tennessee at California: A year ago the Berkeley surfer boys came to Neyland Stadium and got smacked in the mouth in the first two minutes of the game. The next thing you knew it was 35-0 and the Bears were looking for the exits. The Vols will have to get physical again if they want to win out on the Left Coast. QB Erik Ainge has a broken pinky but it won’t matter. Tennessee 28, Cal 24.
4. Kansas State at Auburn: The Tigers have been flying under the radar this summer with all of the fuss going on in Tuscaloosa. They are coming out of the box with a pretty good team from the Big 12. Auburn will be pretty good on defense, which will get after Kansas State QB Josh Freeman in a big way. The offensive line is a work in progress and that’s a concern. Auburn 21, Kansas State 14.
5. Wake Forest at Boston College: On paper BC appears to have the edge with the ACC’s best quarterback in Matt Ryan. But the Eagles have a new coaching staff and in the first game all sorts of crazy things can happen. The Deacs, by the way, want to prove that last season was not a fluke. Wake Forest 21, Boston College 20.
6. East Carolina at Virginia Tech: It will be an emotional day in Blacksburg as the school will honor the April 16 shooting victims before the game. But after that the Hokies tune up for next week’s trip to LSU. Watch the play of QB Sean Glennon. That will tell you if Virginia Tech has a shot in Baton Rouge. Virginia Tech 35, ECU 10
7. Troy at Arkansas: This will be a tougher game than most people think. Troy QB Omar Haugabook can make a lot of big plays and the Hogs are trying to fill a lot of holes on defense. But Darren McFadden, the Heisman Trophy favorite, gets rolling in the second half as Arkansas pulls away: Arkansas 31, Troy 14.
8. Louisiana-Lafayette at South Carolina: The Head Ball Coach will keep it pretty vanilla on offense because: A) his starting quarterback (Blake Mitchell) forgot to go to class and will not play and B) Georgia’s coming up next week in Athens. Still, the Gamecocks get off to a good start on what should be another bowl season. South Carolina 30, La.-Lafayette 10.
9. UCF at N.C. State: This will not be an easy opener for Tom O’Brien, the new head coach at N.C. State. George O’Leary’s Knights return 17 starters from a team that underachieved (4-8) last season. Still, N.C. State has enough weapons to win. N.C. State 24, UCF 17.
10. UConn at Duke: This one is significant because Duke will kick a late field goal to win and finally break its 20-game losing streak. Duke 24, UConn 23.
Comments
By Tech Smells
August 31, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
Does this guy watch college football?
1) Tech a 7-5 team vs. a rebuilding Notre Dame.
Thats exactly I can’t stand ND, if they win this game and the next watch out they are going to the BCS.
Really this is the #1? Where is FSU/Clemsun? Common!
By Mirna from smyrna
August 31, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
You are right on the money saying the Dawgs must run and control this game. OK State is the type of team that you can’t let them think they can play with you because they can on any given day and beat you. The dawgs are deeper off the bench and have to have control late in the game. If this happens it should be in hand by the 4th quarter.
By Mirna from smyrna
August 31, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
I know LSU has much more talent than MSU but that looked like they were playing some d-2 team last night. Croom may not make it to the end of the year. His defense looked competitive but the offense had no answer for the LSU defense. Again, LSU is loaded on D but throw some underneth passes and take that killer D line out of the game some.
By Ft Worth Dawg
August 31, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
I wore a UGA shirt to work today. On the elevator ride up there was an Oklahoma State grad. Very nice gentleman. I wish Oklahoma State the best for the rest of the year but I hope we beat them tomorrow. I’ll go contrarian here and predict a 13 - 7 UGA win with good defense and sloppy offense on both sides. I listened to the first part of the LSU game on local radio - their defense sounded good but offense sounded rusty (made me wonder if that will be the standard for most teams’ first game or two).
Tech will beat Notre Dame and NO ONE will admit that ND is overrated so Tech will fly up the polls.
Tennessee will represent the SEC well early and then lose a bowl game. Save this prediction for the next 20 years.
By Tony Barnhart
August 31, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
Didn’t include Florida State-Clemson because it’s on Monday. But if you want the pick, here it is:
Florida State at Clemson: At Florida State, Daddy Bowden opened up the Seminole checkbook for some much-needed help on the coaching staff. It will pay off Monday night at Death Valley. Tommy Bowden has won three of the last four meetings with Bobby. After losing four of his last five games last season, Tommy could really use another one. He won’t get it. Florida State 24, Clemson 20.
By Sooner Nation
August 31, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
Hey UGAY you better get BIG and LOUD. The Cowboys no huddle O’s going to beat up your weak DB’s……
By timetopissontheneoconscumandotherrepubicsublifeforms
August 31, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
Tech will beat ND, but the mutts will have to change flea collars after losing to the Buffalos and getting those pesky cowboy fleas all over their female hormone softened bodies. Athens will be renamed Brokeback Mountain East, and the cowboys of Buffalo land will mount the Dawgs.
By Mirna from smyrna
August 31, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
Timeto*whateveryouareteyingtosay. I guess you think your funny or trying to get a reaction for your own personal demons. I pity you! Saty off the blog if you can’t contribute something worthwhile.
Go dawgs!!!!!
By Wes
August 31, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
TimetopostsomethingontheUGAblogbecauseTECHsucksanditsnotworthpostingonourown,
Doesn’t Dragoncon start today? Better quit blogging and wake your mom up. If she doesn’t get you dressed and in the car in a hurry, you’re gonna be late!
By Rusty
August 31, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Nice picks on KState and Tennessee…
http://www.rustybanks.com
By DeacinGA
August 31, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
Great calls on the Wake & NC State wins…my boyfriend predicted the same scores. He’ll expect his cut of your Vegas winnings via Paypal on Monday.
By StingerSplash
August 31, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
TB, I don’t know if it was you picked the top 25 college football players of all-time from this great state — and I didn’t see where to post a comment there — but how in hell can you leave off three-time All-American Randy Rhino? Shannon Sharpe was a great pro, but he wasn’t even the top dog at Savannah State then. Other than that, I think you’re on track with the picks.
By Rheinhold
August 31, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
I like the methodology used to make these picks. “If the team is from the SEC or the ACC, pick that team to win.” and “If both teams are in the same conference, pick the one closer to Atlanta.” The man knows how to sell papers, give him credit.
By War Eagle
August 31, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
Tony, thank you for all the college preview articles…OUTSTANDING. Don`t agree all the time, but its helped ajc get some circulation they need very bad from all the gravel voices coming from the Opinion section. LSU 28 VaTech 7, next week
By Play that Funky Music Whiteboy
August 31, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Tony I like your take on the ND vs. GT game but I think it will be reversed with ND winning a close one 17-14. If you like running game football, this is the game you are going to want to watch this weekend.
By christoph
August 31, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
Tony, the only one you pick correctly from the first five games is Auburn over K-State. Just wait, watch and learn.
By Skydawg
August 31, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
Sooner Nation..you obviously have no idea who we have in our secondary. Yeah,we’re only returning 1 starter. But every single one of our DBs have already seen substantial playing time and they are all STUDS. Better be careful what you wish for. Reshad Jones, Thomas Flowers, Asher Allen, Bryan Evans, Kelin Johnson, CJ Byrd, Prince Miller and Quinton Banks might take offense to that. WOW what a lists of DBs.
By jon
August 31, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
What a SEC and ACC HOMER! Way to be objective tony.
By Cuz
August 31, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this
CHAN will demonstrate his mastery of the game by defeating Friar Weiss. The FANS OF CHAN have spoken.
By Skydawg
August 31, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
Why is Tony being such a Homer? Outside of USC and Texas where they both have huge base from which to recruit, the SEC and ACC hands down have the best talent and coaches in the country. Its not even close in any other conference. And outside of Texas and USC, which other conference has dominated the national scene in college football over the past decade? I don’t think Tony is being a Homer whatsoever. Don’t worry Tony, I got your back.
By Skydawg
August 31, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this
I’m obviously a UGA fan Cuz..that being said. This is a game I definitely see Tech winning. Chan has a knack for pulling out these big games (ummm…except vs the Dawgs) especially openers (see Auburn). But the problem with Gailey is Tech could just as easily struggle against Samford or lose to a BC team with a new coach the week after that. Up and down, up and down. That’s why we Dawg fans all breathed a big sigh of relief when O’Leary left. We feared O’Leary. Does anyone really fear Chan?
By John
August 31, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this
Hey “Mirna from smyrna,” that’s “you’re” not “your.” Are you a UGA grad?
By jon
August 31, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this
sky-Your such a stud. You would not know a homer if it bite you in the a**!
By bleedgoldnwhite
August 31, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
I have to agree with Skydawg. Chan is a good Coach, but O’Leary was great! Like Donan was a good Coach, Richt is a great coach!
By Spanky
August 31, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this
Skydawg,…..No..in fact, I am a Fan of Chan! I do, however, think that Weiss will outcoach Mr. Chansylvania! ND-14 GT-7, G-34 Ok.S-15,Cal-24 T-20, AU-17 KS-10, WF-19 BC-13, VT-28 EC-3,Ark-29 Troy-10, La.Laf.-18 SC-24, UCF-14 NCS-33.
By Skydawg
August 31, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this
Well Jon, you’re right. I wouldn’t know ANYTHING if it bit me in the a$$. I’ll leave that expertise to you. But I do know this, I know more about college football, especially southern college football than you do. And Tony knows 10 fold more than both of us. So pipe down jagoff!
By jon
August 31, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
sky I doubt that. But if it makes you feel better.
By techhater
August 31, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this
I DESPISE TECH AND WISH THEM ONLY LOSSES. TECH WILL DEMOLISH NOTRE DAME, AND THEN LOOSE EVERY OTHER GAME. YOU KNOW WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT OKIE STATE AND GA TECH? WHERE THE GIRLS ARE GIRLS AND THE BOYS ARE TOO! GO DAWGS!
By YourBoss
August 31, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Ft Worth Dawg… you shouldn’t wear your uga t-shirt to work. It’s hard to talk smak to an Oklahoma State man in an elevator as you’re riding up to his floor to empty his trash cans.
dawgs are pitiful.
.
By not disappointed
August 31, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
Bring it home Jackets!!!! Go Jackets and thanks Tony!
By Concerned Bulldog
September 1, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
It is absolutely essential that Richt keep his eye on his unlicensed drivers prior to the game. We know the Athens cops are picking on them.
By War Eagle
September 1, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this
Western Carolina 17 Bama 7, a dream come true forever!!!
By War Eagle
September 1, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
Auburn lost starting RB Brad Lester(Parkview) for the KS game yesterday… Reason is grades…
By judge56
September 1, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
You have to pull for Tech against ND. It will only help our bowl selection after we beat them in November? Go Dawgs
By yellowblood
September 1, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
Tony,I totally agree with your picks and spreads. Tech will win today IF they avoid turnovers and kick return TD’s. They will also blow a easy game later, probably Maryland. Gailey’s future will come down to the GA game.
By cursive
September 1, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Personally, I’d like to see Tech go into November undefeated… It would make our 7th in a row that much sweeter. I never really had a problem with Tech fans until I moved to Atlanta, but you are mostly sad little creatures that live for one day a year…
As far as picks, I’m in the same boat as Barnhart… I think that there will be one upset from the list, and that will be about it.
Techies, did you get your Rambling piece o’ crap back from the shop yet? I know that you have all been busy with Dragoncon coming and whatnot, but there may actually be 3000 or so people showing up to your home games this year, so you might want to get it ready… Hell, I might even stop by if I haven’t got anything to do on a weeknight!
By springdtm
September 1, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
here’s your Fearless Forecast.
http://www.fearlessfootball.com
By Fat Fullmore
September 1, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
ut and au will both lose. BOOK IT!
By Rheinhold
September 2, 2007 2:18 AM | Link to this
Tennessee fans are quitters. 14 points down, 6+ minutes left, the two orange sections in Memorial Stadium are emptying faster than junk food down Fulmer’s gullet. Fans are just POURING up the stairs and out of the stadium. What kind of fans leave with 6+ minutes to go down by two touchdowns? Were they trying to beat the traffic?
By Jeff
September 2, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
Love your writing. Can’t say much about your Leornard’s Losers ability. Better stick to what pays the bills.