DFC Week Eight

College Games

Northwestern Wildcats (4-2) at #22. Michigan State Spartans (4-2), 11am
Yes, I watched the Cats beat the crap out of Purdue, yes I picked them and yes, I was gleefully happy they won. And yes, I watched Michigan State go down in flames to a superior Ohio State team, and yes, I was very ungleefully happy. This is one of those weeks where I'm just torn all the way around. Winner here stays in the Big Ten title hunt, loser settles for the Galleryfurniture.com bowl or something.
The Wookiee Sez: Northwestern looked good against Purdue (who doesn't?). Michigan State choked against the poison nuts. Maybe Northwestern can take that Chicago is happy vibe (Pale Hose in the World Series baby!) and turn it into a victory but I doubt it. Take the Spartans and the guy who reminds me of Mana Manu the Slender from Necessary Roughness.

#10. Texas Tech Red Raiders (6-0) at #2. Texas Longhorns (6-0), 230p ABC
Most people in the DFC will go for Texas (I'd be shocked if more than two or three went for Tech) but in a battle of two unbeaten, top ten teams, ya gotta pick it. Besides, what happens if Vince Young has an off day? Or they overlook this team because they are gearing up for OK State or Baylor down the road? And more than anything, this truly is the South Division championship in the Big XII, because neither team has much challenge from here on out.
Wookiee sez: I am surprised the quarterback at Texas Tech hasn't had his arm fall off. He threw for over 630 yards last week. If Texas isgoing to choke, this would be the game becuase Texas A&M (they stink) does not concern me at all. If Texas is focused (and they should be because Tech will beat them if they are not) then they should win. Am I the only one who thinks the Horns would beat SC right now? Hook 'em Horns!

#17. Tennessee Volunteers (3-2) at #5. Alabama Crimson Tide (6-0), 230p CBS
This game scares the begeezus out of me, simply because its so simple. Alabama, undefeated, 5th in the nation and in the new BCS rankings, should kill Tennessee. The Vols have no offense (two QBs, neither one very clutch), no defense, and except for that LSU comeback, nothing really special to speak of. So Bama wins, big, right? Right? Like they did against Ole Miss yesterday, they win big... wait... the barely beat Ole Miss. I'm picking Bama, if only because I'm chalking up yesterday to a "look past them to the big game" game. And with John Wilson busted for DUI (the backup QB), you'd better know that the Vols are gunning to take Croyle down at all costs.
Wookiee sez: Part of me says to recommend UT just to tick off all the Alabama fans. Looking at the numbers, I just do not see how I could justify it. However I will say that Alabama better hope the escape at Ole Miss was a case of looking ahead and not what the team is like without Prothro. So I guess an argument could be made for picking UT, but if you want to win this one pick Alabama.


#16. Auburn Tigers (5-1) at #7. Louisiana State Tigers (4-1), 645pm
So, the BCS comes out today... Auburn is ranked 18th. 15th in one poll, 16th in the AP, they lose one to Georgia Tech at the beginning of the season, and the Tigers have gotten no respect. I mean, they have won what, 22 of 23 games now, including 13 straight SEC games, and they are ranked 18th in the BCS? Come on now... you Alabama fans know if you were coming off an undefeated season where you were robbed of a shot at the title (and even you can't deny that) and been as successful as they have this season, you guys would be going nuts. They take LSU. Brandon Cox is shaky--but gets it done.
Wookiee sez: Tubby's boys have looked good since their season opening UPSET to Georgia Tech against some junior high teams. Anybody catch that idiot DC at Arkansas talking about Auburn's "Merry Christmas" schedule? What a goob! I hope he enjoyed watching Santa's elves (Auburn's Offensive Line) grind his defense into the dirt. Merry Christmas Reggie Herring. On the other hand, LSU barely got past a UF team that was drilled by Brodie and the Boys. They even turned it over four times. Anybody remember Les Miles trying to call a timeout after LSU intercepted a pass during the UT game? What a dork! Auburn looks like it should win this game. However, they have had a knack for going into games like this and getting waxed. I have a funny feeling that might be the case again. A shaky nod to LSU but do not be surprised if Auburn eeks it out.

Pro Games

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-1) , 12pm CBS
Ya know... I actually think that the Bengals are good. Maybe he's just lucky this year, or having one crazy, standout season (Kurt Warner, anyone?), but right now, Carson Palmer is the dude. He rocks. The Steelers performance all will depend on whether Big Ben comes back, and if Hines Ward is healthy as well... without Ben & Hines, they barely lost to the pretty good Jags... so if those two come back, how good will they be against a really good Bengal team? (did i just say that?)
Wookiee sez: The Bungles may actually be for real. They went on the road and beat a Titans team that had beaten them 9 out of the last 10 times they had played. The Steelers lost in OT due to the fact that Tommy Maddox couldn't hold on to the ball or remember what team to throw it to. If Roethelisberger and Hines Ward play, then the Steelers could win. With that said I am getting on the Bungles band wagon and don't be surprised if that turns out to be the kiss of death. So be warned. If I were picking for real, I would pick Cincy.

San Diego Chargers (2-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) , 12pm CBS
I really want the Chargers to be like, 16-0, simply because they are too good to be 3-3. LDT is just rocking and rolling this year, running over everyone, on pace for what, 12,400 yards this year? And poor Philip Rivers... Drew Brees waited until Rivers was drafted to finally decide to be relevant. The Eagles welcome the Bolts with a banged up McNabb, the entity known as T.O. and a team that suddenly finds themselves trailing the Cowboys (!) in the East.
Wookiee sez: I am picking San Diego for the sheer fact that I think TO is a freakin' idiot/crybaby. Pick this game at your own risk.

Kansas City Chiefs (3-2) at The Fins of Miami (2-3) , 12pm CBS
The Chefs and Priest Holmes (speaking of suddenly irrelevant...) take on Ricky Williams and the Miami Fins! Ricky will be huffing and puffing all over the field, hoping to be as annoying to the Chefs as a weed in the garden. The whole game takes place down at the Miami joint, and the Fins hope to roll up a big fattie in the W column this week.
Wookiee sez: Miami sure looked great with the return of Ricky "Chronic" Williams against the Bucs huh? Tampa Bay just slapped them around on both sides of the ball and that was with Chris Simms at QB (where have you gone Major Applewhite?). Kansas City defense still stinks but it is a little better than it was. I don't think the Dolphins can hold the Chefs at bay for 4 quarters. Go with KC.

Denver Broncos (5-1) at The New York Football Giants (3-2) , 315p CBS
Like USC, I finally now believe in the Broncos. They completely schooled the Pats yesterday--yes, yes, the Patriots are down, but they manhandled them all over. Winners of five straight, the Horseys go on the road to face off against The Other God Known As Eli and the New York Football Giants, who tossed an OT game to the Cowboys yesterday.
Wookiee sez: If you ask the ESPN Sunday Night Football crew, Eli is the greatest thing ever. They never mention he has never won a start on the road. However this game is at home and he plays really well there. On the other hand, Denver has looked good since they realized they probably should run the football and not rely on Jake Plummer to win the game for them. This game too close to call. My gut says pick the Giants. Or is it saying, "feed me"? You make the call.

TieBreak Game
Alabama/Tennessee total points scored