Big John’s Big Thoughts: Boise State Wins Again, Masoli loses, and NFL 2010 Predictions

Boise State Does it Again

Watching the game last night, you had to know when Boise State got the ball with two minutes to go they were going to get a touchdown. Kellen Moore made the right throw at the right time, waiting for and taking exactly what Virgina Tech defense was giving him. His game winning play action pass was anabsolutely perfect ending to another great Boise State drive.

The game as a whole was an exciting affair. It featured everything from a couple blocked punts to kickers missing key field goals. It also featured two of the best quarterbacks in all of college football.

Va Tech’s Tyrod Taylor did everything he could possibly do by running and throwing all over the field. Yet, Taylor was unable to bring Va Tech all the way back. With only thirty seconds to go and 4th down, Taylor almost completed a deep pass, but the ball just grazed the finger tips of receiver Jarret Boykins.

With this win, Boise State shows it has one of the best offenses in all of football. They are led by one of the best quarterbacks in the country, Kellen Moore, with a ton of great weapons around him. Their defense looked like the real deal by stopping Virgina Tech’s great running attack and their constant pressure of Tyrod Taylor.

With both sides of the ball covered, and solid special teams, Boise State should be able to win out. If Ohio State or Alabama should lose a game, I would hope an undefeated Boise State plays in the national title game.

Karma Game of the Week-

With the Jeremiah Masoli ruling overturned, which allowed Masoli to play on opening weekend, it looked like Ole Miss’ season could turn around. Ole Miss faced off against Jacksonville State, so a sure win right? Not quite, but the Rebels appeared to have the game won on a couple of occasions. Yet, Jacksonville State somehow kept coming back and stunned Ole Miss with a victory.

Jacksonville State managed to score 21 points in the 4th quarter and complete two ridiculous passes on back to back plays in double overtime to get the win. Watching the game, it almost seemed like some force was keeping Ole Miss from winning.

You have to wonder if Ole Miss would have chosen to go another route and not used the tainted/talented Masoli, they may have won this game. Instead, they proved once again that if you try to cut corners, eventually karma is going to catch you. As they say, karma can be a b*tch sometimes.

NFL Predictions-

With the NFL season literally days away, here are my predictions for the upcoming season:

NFC

East - Philadelphia Eagles
North - Green Bay Packers
South - Atlanta Falcons
West - San Francisco 49ers
Wildcard - New Orleans Saints
Wildcard - Dallas Cowboys

AFC

East – New York Jets
North – Pittsburgh Steelers
South – Indianapolis Colts
West – San Diego Chargers
Wildcard – Baltimore Ravens
Wildcard – Oakland Raiders

Playoffs
NFC 1st Round
Green Bay over New Orleans
Cowboys over Falcons

AFC 1st Round
Jets over Raiders
Ravens over Chargers

NFC 2nd Round
Packers over Eagles
49ers over Cowboys

AFC 2nd Round
Jets over Steelers
Ravens over Colts

NFC Semi-final
Packers over 49ers

AFC Semi-final
Ravens over Jets

Super Bowl
Ravens over Packers 34-27

MVP - Aaron Rodgers
Offensive Player of the Year – Ray Rice
Defensive Player of the Year – Patrick Willis
Offensive Rookie of the Year – Mike Williams
Defensive Rookie of the Year – Ndamukong Suh
Coach of the Year – Tom Cable

What to Watch this Week

NFL Season Begins

The Saints and Vikings kick off the NFL season Thursday night. The entire NFL community gets the luxury of seeing a NFC Championship rematch the very first week. With both teams looking to get back to the championship, this game could well determine home field advantage in the playoffs. If it is anywhere close to as exciting as the last time these teams matched up, it should be a great start to the season.

MLB – Dodgers at San Diego

After San Diego appeared a guaranteed lock to make the playoffs, the Padres have gone in full free fall mode. The Dodgers, on the other hand, have been god awful on the road this season and are on their own 3 game losing streak. Could this be the series where the Padres get back on track? Or could we see the Giants atop the west by tomorrow?

#21 Auburn vs. Mississippi State

The only real college football game of note before the weekend. You have to expect Auburn to handle Mississippi State, but it is SEC football. If there is one thing I have learned it is that you can’t guarantee any win in SEC play.