Schlabach predictions

[shakes3858]

Schlabach has the Big ten going 3-7 which is better than Danny Kannell. At least, he has Northwestern covering the spread, so that's nice.

Indiana 42, Duke 38
UCLA 41, Nebraska 21
Central Michigan 34, Minnesota 28
USC 27, Wisconsin 21
Alabama 27, Michigan State 17
Michigan 24, Florida 20
Ohio State 35, Notre Dame 24
Stanford 27, Iowa 24
Georgia 20, Penn State 17

Tennessee 23, Northwestern 17
Why to watch: It's the SEC vs. the, uh, SAT? The Wildcats have been very good on defense this season, and would probably like nothing more than to knock off an SEC opponent in the postseason.

Who to watch: Northwestern sophomore Anthony Walker was named All-Big Ten after leading the Wildcats with 113 tackles, to go along with 19½ tackles for loss, three sacks, three fumble recoveries and one interception.

Motivation for Northwestern: The Wildcats are back in the postseason for the first time since beating Mississippi State 34-20 in the 2012 Gator Bowl, which snapped a nine-game losing streak in bowl games. They can also win 11 games for the first time in school history.

Motivation for Tennessee: The Volunteers have been slowly building under third-year coach Butch Jones, and a victory over the Wildcats in a New Year's Day game would be another brick in the foundation.

 

[NJCat83588]

Schlabach has the Big ten going 3-7 which is better than Danny Kannell. At least, he has Northwestern covering the spread, so that's nice.

Indiana 42, Duke 38
UCLA 41, Nebraska 21
Central Michigan 34, Minnesota 28
USC 27, Wisconsin 21
Alabama 27, Michigan State 17
Michigan 24, Florida 20
Ohio State 35, Notre Dame 24
Stanford 27, Iowa 24
Georgia 20, Penn State 17

Tennessee 23, Northwestern 17
Why to watch: It's the SEC vs. the, uh, SAT? The Wildcats have been very good on defense this season, and would probably like nothing more than to knock off an SEC opponent in the postseason.

Who to watch: Northwestern sophomore Anthony Walker was named All-Big Ten after leading the Wildcats with 113 tackles, to go along with 19½ tackles for loss, three sacks, three fumble recoveries and one interception.

Motivation for Northwestern: The Wildcats are back in the postseason for the first time since beating Mississippi State 34-20 in the 2012 Gator Bowl, which snapped a nine-game losing streak in bowl games. They can also win 11 games for the first time in school history.

Motivation for Tennessee: The Volunteers have been slowly building under third-year coach Butch Jones, and a victory over the Wildcats in a New Year's Day game would be another brick in the foundation.

Duke took a big hit when they lost their best player, Jeremy Cash, who had wrist surgery last week. Dude can really play.

 

[Cat In The Cradle]

Motivation for Tennessee: The Volunteers have been slowly building under third-year coach Butch Jones, and a victory over the Wildcats in a New Year's Day game would be another brick in the foundation.

Wow. What motivation! I can only imagine the pre-game speech: "go out there and get us that 'brick'"!

 

[rmndcat]

Wow. What motivation! I can only imagine the pre-game speech: "go out there and get us that 'brick'"!

It works if you pump Pink Floyd into the locker room...

 

[mybrotha]

I'll say it again we need to come out throwing. It's a shock and will get rid of Thorsons jitters and get him into a rhythm when they are expecting us to run, run, pass! I'd love to see McCall get Long, Roberts and Anderson into the short passing game along with JJ. Then when UT presses tight to the line and get Vault, Shuler or Roberts deep. They all have SEC speed and can stretch the defense.

 

[akavff]

I'll say it again we need to come out throwing. It's a shock and will get rid of Thorsons jitters and get him into a rhythm when they are expecting us to run, run, pass! I'd love to see McCall get Long, Roberts and Anderson into the short passing game along with JJ. Then when UT presses tight to the line and get Vault, Shuler or Roberts deep. They all have SEC speed and can stretch the defense.

If you are going to try to throw you had better block number 9

 

[mybrotha]

If you are going to try to throw you had better block number 9

The idea is to try not to be so predictable. It gets ridiculous at times. I can predict the plays almost every time.

 

[SmellyCat]

The idea is to try not to be so predictable. It gets ridiculous at times. I can predict the plays almost every time.

Right. I'd hate to think the team is spending the month not adding anything new. Yes, you dance with the girl you brought to the dance, and I figure the conservative run-first, don't-make-mistakes offense will likely still be a majority of the game plan (it got NU to 10-2, so you can't fault it completely), but if our offense remains as predictable as ever and Tennessee's got all this time to prepare, they're going to be ready.

 

[Alaskawildkat]

Schlabach is an Alaska product. His dad still sells insurance here in Anchorage and he comes back on occasion to visit. If he is correct that the score will get that close then it is almost as good as predicting a win based on this year's record of the Wildcats having won all their close games.

 

[curtis b.]

will be a good game. hope all who go have a great outing. GO VOLS

 

[gocatsgo2003]

If you are going to try to throw you had better block number 9

Sure am glad you mentioned it. Not sure we would have thought about blocking one of your defensive ends without your sage advice.

PS -- 9.0 sacks is nice and all, but not exactly earth-shattering.

 

[RockyTopRowdy58]

Sure am glad you mentioned it. Not sure we would have thought about blocking one of your defensive ends without your sage advice.

PS -- 9.0 sacks is nice and all, but not exactly earth-shattering.

Derek Barnett impacts the game far beyond the stat line. Losing Curt Maggitt against OU has allowed opponents to double Barnett pretty regularly, which obviously hurts his numbers. As the season progressed, other DL have stepped up, but no one on the level of Maggitt (who had 11.5 sacks in 2014).

Barnety still has 19 career sacks and 32 TFLs as a true sophomore.

Definitely a difference maker.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

Derek Barnett impacts the game far beyond the stat line. Losing Curt Maggitt against OU has allowed opponents to double Barnett pretty regularly, which obviously hurts his numbers. As the season progressed, other DL have stepped up, but no one on the level of Maggitt (who had 11.5 sacks in 2014).

Barnety still has 19 career sacks and 32 TFLs as a true sophomore.

Definitely a difference maker.

Ok? Impactful defensive linemen aren't really new to us playing in the B1G... Or even on our own roster. Lowry's stat line is underwhelming, but he's a very good player. Gibson has been a steady player throughout his career and started playing very well at the end of 2015. Even Washington and Odenigbo are pretty good situational pass rushers.

 

[RockyTopRowdy58]

Ok? Impactful defensive linemen aren't really new to us playing in the B1G... Or even on our own roster. Lowry's stat line is underwhelming, but he's a very good player. Gibson has been a steady player throughout his career and started playing very well at the end of 2015. Even Washington and Odenigbo are pretty good situational pass rushers.

I made no comparison of Barnett to anyone in the B1G or NU... Simply provided some context about him.

Don't be so defensive.

 

[akavff]

Sure am glad you mentioned it. Not sure we would have thought about blocking one of your defensive ends without your sage advice.

PS -- 9.0 sacks is nice and all, but not exactly earth-shattering.

you have been warned....

 

[gocatsgo2003]

I made no comparison of Barnett to anyone in the B1G or NU... Simply provided some context about him.

Don't be so defensive.

1) Not sure if the "so defensive" comment was an intentional pun or not. Either way, I laughed.

2) Apologies if I came off as too defensive. It's kind of my default setting leading up to the bowl game after all the trolls that infiltrated with irrational messages of superiority... such as your friend akavff there.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

you have been warned....

Ok. Then I would also warn you about Gibson also 9.0 sacks) and Lowry (sack numbers limited by moving inside on most pass downs, but kid can play). We give out scholarships to pretty good players, too.

 

[akavff]

Ok. Then I would also warn you about Gibson also 9.0 sacks) and Lowry (sack numbers limited by moving inside on most pass downs, but kid can play). We give out scholarships to pretty good players, too.

I did not say the vols need to come out throwing....

 

[phatcat]

I'll say it again we need to come out throwing. It's a shock and will get rid of Thorsons jitters and get him into a rhythm when they are expecting us to run, run, pass! I'd love to see McCall get Long, Roberts and Anderson into the short passing game along with JJ. Then when UT presses tight to the line and get Vault, Shuler or Roberts deep. They all have SEC speed and can stretch the defense.

What Fitz needs to do is take the ball at first. I dont want to give up a frikkin TD on the first play of the game.

 

[Hungry Jack]

Derek Barnett impacts the game far beyond the stat line. Losing Curt Maggitt against OU has allowed opponents to double Barnett pretty regularly, which obviously hurts his numbers. As the season progressed, other DL have stepped up, but no one on the level of Maggitt (who had 11.5 sacks in 2014).

Barnety still has 19 career sacks and 32 TFLs as a true sophomore.

Definitely a difference maker.

Are you saying Maggitt is legit?

 

[RockyTopRowdy58]

Are you saying Maggitt is legit?

If Maggitt did not have severe issues staying healthy he would be a high round draft pick.

However, he has only played one full year. He has a hip issue that put him out this year, tore an ACL, had a shoulder injury, etc.

 

[gocatsgo2003]

I did not say the vols need to come out throwing....

You haven't said anything worth a damn.

 

[DaCat]

So far in this thread we learned that the Cats need to throw effectively but need to look out for the pass rush. Now that we got that established.... Charles Woodson!

 

[RockyTopRowdy58]

So far in this thread we learned that the Cats need to throw effectively but need to look out for the pass rush. Now that we got that established.... Charles Woodson!

You're really bad at this...

 

[pawildcat]

Schlabach has the Big ten going 3-7 which is better than Danny Kannell. At least, he has Northwestern covering the spread, so that's nice.

Indiana 42, Duke 38
UCLA 41, Nebraska 21
Central Michigan 34, Minnesota 28
USC 27, Wisconsin 21
Alabama 27, Michigan State 17
Michigan 24, Florida 20
Ohio State 35, Notre Dame 24
Stanford 27, Iowa 24
Georgia 20, Penn State 17

Tennessee 23, Northwestern 17
Why to watch: It's the SEC vs. the, uh, SAT? The Wildcats have been very good on defense this season, and would probably like nothing more than to knock off an SEC opponent in the postseason.

Who to watch: Northwestern sophomore Anthony Walker was named All-Big Ten after leading the Wildcats with 113 tackles, to go along with 19½ tackles for loss, three sacks, three fumble recoveries and one interception.

Motivation for Northwestern: The Wildcats are back in the postseason for the first time since beating Mississippi State 34-20 in the 2012 Gator Bowl, which snapped a nine-game losing streak in bowl games. They can also win 11 games for the first time in school history.

Motivation for Tennessee: The Volunteers have been slowly building under third-year coach Butch Jones, and a victory over the Wildcats in a New Year's Day game would be another brick in the foundation.

Obviously, NU's victory over Stanford didn't make an impact on any of these prediction gurus as I don't think I've seen one pick Iowa yet. I'm certainly not saying Stanford couldn't beat Iowa, but giving the two teams' relative performance against NU, it's interesting that the Hawks are getting so little love. I thought the new bowl lineup was supposed to prevent some of the bad matchups the B1G has gotten in the past, but UCLA-Nebraska and Georgia-Penn State don't look wonderful, although Georgia's coaching change and injury situation might make that one more favorable for PSU.

 

[JoeWildcat]

I'll say it again we need to come out throwing. It's a shock and will get rid of Thorsons jitters and get him into a rhythm when they are expecting us to run, run, pass! I'd love to see McCall get Long, Roberts and Anderson into the short passing game along with JJ. Then when UT presses tight to the line and get Vault, Shuler or Roberts deep. They all have SEC speed and can stretch the defense.

We will come out throwing. First play will be a quick pass to Vitale; that seems to be the way we like to start. Maybe we'll through a couple more quick passes in our first possession. My concern is that we will then go into a shell and run, run, run (and then punt).

 

[RockyTopRowdy58]

Obviously, NU's victory over Stanford didn't make an impact on any of these prediction gurus as I don't think I've seen one pick Iowa yet. I'm certainly not saying Stanford couldn't beat Iowa, but giving the two teams' relative performance against NU, it's interesting that the Hawks are getting so little love. I thought the new bowl lineup was supposed to prevent some of the bad matchups the B1G has gotten in the past, but UCLA-Nebraska and Georgia-Penn State don't look wonderful, although Georgia's coaching change and injury situation might make that one more favorable for PSU.

People outside of the NU faithful realize how much better Stanford is today than they were week 1.

Similar to that if TN played OU, they would beat us a lot worse than they did... Or if TN played Florida today, without Will Grier, we are 2 TDs better than them...

 

[rmndcat]

People outside of the NU faithful realize how much better Stanford is today than they were week 1.

Similar to that if TN played OU, they would beat us a lot worse than they did... Or if TN played Florida today, without Will Grier, we are 2 TDs better than them...

That's partly it...I do think though, that there is a tendency to downplay the value of defense, especially when the Stanford has mostly played Pac-12 defenses. Iowa will be one of the better defenses Stanford faces this season.

 

[kreggk]

you have been warned....

 

[LACatFan]

Indiana 42, Duke 38 Seems about right.
UCLA 41, Nebraska 21 Nope. I think the Huskers play the Bruins tighter than that, and maybe even get the W.
Central Michigan 34, Minnesota 28 A 7-5 MAC program that lost to Toledo and Syracuse? Naw, the Gophers win this one.
USC 27, Wisconsin 21 I like the Badgers over SC in this game.
Alabama 27, Michigan State 17 Once again, the pundits underestimate "Mike" Dantonio (nice job, SI). Sparty wins.
Michigan 24, Florida 20 Michigan wins MUCH bigger than by 4 points.
Ohio State 35, Notre Dame 24 I don't think the Domers keep it that close, unless Meyer doesn't have the Bucks up for this game (which is a possibility)
Stanford 27, Iowa 24 I'd reverse that score.
Georgia 20, Penn State 17 Georgia wins by double digits.
Tennessee 23, Northwestern 17 Agree that it'll be a close game, but I think Fitz & team comes out with some surprises to get the win.

 

[beetlemania74]

People outside of the NU faithful realize how much better Stanford is today than they were week 1.

Huh? How exactly is Stanford "much better" than they were in week 1? All season, they've been led by a 5th year senior who had already played in two Rose Bowl games. McCaffrey was fully healthy in week 1. Are they today "much better" than they were in week 3, when they won at USC? When did they become "much better"....after they lost to us?

"People outside of NU" can't accept the fact that we beat Stanford fair and square. I could argue that we're a better team today than we were in week 1. Why does Stanford get the benefit of the doubt, while we don't?

 

[Hungry Jack]

People outside of the NU faithful realize how much better Stanford is today than they were week 1.

Similar to that if TN played OU, they would beat us a lot worse than they did... Or if TN played Florida today, without Will Grier, we are 2 TDs better than them...

Don't disagree at all. Teams change a lot over the course of the season. I put much more stock in the last half results than the first half.

Re the B1G:
Indiana 42, Duke 38 - I can see the Hoosiers putting up 50+, and giving up 40
UCLA 41, Nebraska 21 - Probably. Nebby cannot defend UCLA, IMO
Central Michigan 34, Minnesota 28 - Minny can handle this
USC 27, Wisconsin 21 - Not sure what to make of enigmatic USC team, but they are talented enough to win this game
Alabama 27, Michigan State 17 - seems about right
Michigan 24, Florida 20 - I doubt Florida gets to 20 ponts
Ohio State 35, Notre Dame 24 -I expect a closer game, more points
Stanford 27, Iowa 24 - Stanford is the best team not in the CFP, IMO
Georgia 20, Penn State 17 - Penn State sucks

 

[pawildcat]

People outside of the NU faithful realize how much better Stanford is today than they were week 1.

Similar to that if TN played OU, they would beat us a lot worse than they did... Or if TN played Florida today, without Will Grier, we are 2 TDs better than them...

Or maybe the defenses just weren't that great in the Pac 12. Washington State, which did pretty well in the Pac 12 this year, was damned lucky to get by Rutgers, which might have been the worst team in the B1G, and also lost to Portland State if I remember correctly.

 

[Gladeskat]

The idea is to try not to be so predictable. It gets ridiculous at times. I can predict the plays almost every time.

If unpredictability means running plays for which we haven't the talent or experience to execute effectively, then I'd rather be predictable. We've won 10 games being predictable already.

 

[RockyTopRowdy58]

That's partly it...I do think though, that there is a tendency to downplay the value of defense, especially when the Stanford has mostly played Pac-12 defenses. Iowa will be one of the better defenses Stanford faces this season.

Huh? How exactly is Stanford "much better" than they were in week 1? All season, they've been led by a 5th year senior who had already played in two Rose Bowl games. McCaffrey was fully healthy in week 1. Are they today "much better" than they were in week 3, when they won at USC? When did they become "much better"....after they lost to us?

"People outside of NU" can't accept the fact that we beat Stanford fair and square. I could argue that we're a better team today than we were in week 1. Why does Stanford get the benefit of the doubt, while we don't?

Lets see... Stanford beat USC twice, beat Notre Dame, trounced 4 Pa 12 opponents in a row... Whereas NU got dominated by Iowa and Michigan to the tune of 78-10. Also Stanford's losses were by a combined 12 points.

Not downing NU at all. JMHO that if the game were played again today that Stanford would beat you guys. Do not read that I think Stanford would beat NU by 30... Simply think they would win the game.

 

[beetlemania74]

Lets see... Stanford beat USC twice, beat Notre Dame, trounced 4 Pa 12 opponents in a row... Whereas NU got dominated by Iowa and Michigan to the tune of 78-10. Also Stanford's losses were by a combined 12 points.

Not downing NU at all. JMHO that if the game were played again today that Stanford would beat you guys. Do not read that I think Stanford would beat NU by 30... Simply think they would win the game.

Our two losses were in weeks six and seven of the season. We finished the regular season on a five game winning streak and haven't lost a game in over two months. Sure, if we played Stanford, we'd be underdogs again, but I'd like our chances to win again. Their run defense is decidedly mediocre, and we'd run it down their throats like we did last time.

All hypotheticals, of course. Now we just need to go 1-0 against UT.

 

[Orlando Vol]

Indiana 42, Duke 38 Seems about right.
UCLA 41, Nebraska 21 Nope. I think the Huskers play the Bruins tighter than that, and maybe even get the W.
Central Michigan 34, Minnesota 28 A 7-5 MAC program that lost to Toledo and Syracuse? Naw, the Gophers win this one.
USC 27, Wisconsin 21 I like the Badgers over SC in this game.
Alabama 27, Michigan State 17 Once again, the pundits underestimate "Mike" Dantonio (nice job, SI). Sparty wins.
Michigan 24, Florida 20 Michigan wins MUCH bigger than by 4 points.
Ohio State 35, Notre Dame 24 I don't think the Domers keep it that close, unless Meyer doesn't have the Bucks up for this game (which is a possibility)
Stanford 27, Iowa 24 I'd reverse that score.
Georgia 20, Penn State 17 Georgia wins by double digits.
Tennessee 23, Northwestern 17 Agree that it'll be a close game, but I think Fitz & team comes out with some surprises to get the win.

You picked a heck of a time to quit drinking.

 

[shakes3858]

Why has Stanford clearly gotten better but Northwestern hasn't? Stanford did go from a Kevin Hogan based offense to being Christian McCaffery based. That helped them improve. But McCaffery was again shut down and Stanford could not block NUs defense as we ran 10 defensive lineman out. An 11th came back from injury midseason. So yeah, they improved.

Do you think a first year RS Freshman improved over the year? Hint hint: he did.


Do you think we improved since Michigan and Iowa? Do You think the northwestern team that got blown out in those games would have gone on to win the next 5 games? Would the team that scored 0 against Michigan and couldn't get their Dline blocked beat Penn State and their phenomenal Dline with a. Backup QB?

 

[rmndcat]

Lets see... Stanford beat USC twice, beat Notre Dame, trounced 4 Pa 12 opponents in a row... Whereas NU got dominated by Iowa and Michigan to the tune of 78-10. Also Stanford's losses were by a combined 12 points.

Not downing NU at all. JMHO that if the game were played again today that Stanford would beat you guys. Do not read that I think Stanford would beat NU by 30... Simply think they would win the game.

Not saying Stanford doesn't win, but they won't necessarily break 30 like they did in 12 of 13 games this season. Is NU as a team absolutely better than Stanford? Maybe not, but I think NU likely was the best defense they saw all season.

 

[Gladeskat]

I'm fed up with this Stanford crap! Watch the game and note how we kicked their ass on defense and pulled away in the 4th quarter. The only time they were close to the endzone, we picked them off and would have scored another TD if it wasn't for our head coach's sportsmanship! We called off the dogs on Stanford! If you think they're better, ask yourself if they're more than 17 points better! We kicked their ass! Watch the film!!!