It’s gobble gobble day and last week’s predictions gave us another tie.  However the overall lead still stands with Jack Simms at 77-66-1 and the guest predictors at 67-76-1.

Oklahoma (-8) vs Oklahoma State

The Sooners are 6 and 5, but yet they have been favorites each games besides the Texas game.  I guess someone is hoping for the proverbial squirrel to find the nut.   The Sooners at home are tough, and if the Cowboys are playing without Robinson, this game could be interesting.

Jack Simms and Guest Predictor Rick pick OSU

Texas (-21) vs Texas A&M

The Aggies have been Jekyll and Hyde all year long, and this is the perfect time to bring out the Jekyll.   However the longhorns have the national title within their sites and they are not going to let it slip away like last yr.  I do think the game will be closer than the point spread however

Jack Simms and Guest Predictor Rick pick Texas A&M

Baylor vs Texas Tech (-20)

Will Texas Tech be able to overcome the all time high after their thrashing of the once mighty Sooners?   Well lucky for them they have the dead duck Bears coming into town

Jack Simms and Guest Predictor Rick picks Texas Tech

Nebraska (-10) vs Colorado

Playing in Folsom Field can always leave a team some bitter feelings.  However the Cornhuskers look to ride high into Big D next week to take on the Longhorns.

Jack Simms  and Guest Predictor Rick picks Nebraska

Pittsburgh vs West Virginia (Pk)

Here comes the roll of the spoilers, the Mountaineers at home against their rivals the Panthers.   Can Wannstedt actually win something win it matters?  The Panthers have quietly made their way into the BCS picture and now have a very good opportunity to get into the Orange Bowl.

Jack Simms picks Pittsburgh and Guest Predictor Rick picks West Virginia

Kansas vs Missouri  (-3.5)

At the start of the year most thought this game could be for the North title, or at least one of the teams would have had a shot.  Now this game is for pride, and most of all the career of the embattled Mangino.  If there was ever a time to right the wrongs that have been done it would be now in the rivalry game against the Tigers.

Jack Simms picks Kansas and Guest Predictor Rick picks Missouri

Alabama vs Auburn (-10)

Gobble Gobble day leads us to one of the most hated rivalries in all of college football.   If the fans could throw frozen turkeys at each other they probably would.   However in the end the only turkey on the field will be the Tigers.  Look for Alabama to finish things off early as they get ready for the Gators and a chance at a National Title

Jack Simms and Guest Predictor Rick pick Alabama.

Florida St vs Florida (-21)

The Gators have been playing uninspired football all year and in comes their in state rival the Seminoles.  Now, although this rivalry doesn’t compare to some of the others, it will still have the Swamp a rocking.

Jack Simms predicts Florida State and Guest Predictor Rick pick Florida

Illinois vs Cincinnati (-21)

The Bearcats haven’t exactly played lights out over the past few weeks, but with mighty Illini coming into town the ship can be straightened out quickly.   Of course, will the Bearcats over look the Illini as they face the Panthers next week for the Orange Bowl.

Jack Simms picks Illinois and Guest Predictor Rick picks Cincinnati

Arizona (-4) vs Arizona State

The battle of the Sun state brings us two embattled teams one with a terrible season, and the other with the disappointment over the last 2 weeks.   The Wildcats have had back to back heart wrenching losses, and look to get back on track against the sunless Sun Devils

Jack Simms picks Arizona and Guest Predictor Rick picks Arizona State

Notre Dame vs Stanford (-10)

Will this be the last hurrah for the almighty Weis?  Although, he thought he was almighty he wasn’t cut out for the College game.   Next stop for Weis is another stop with a NFL team as an offensive coordinator.   Look for Gerhart to lead the way for the Cardinals over the not so lucky Irish.   Note:  Weis if your AD cancels your recruiting trip it means your FIRED!!!

Jack Simms and Guest Predictor Rick pick Stanford

UCLA vs USC (-13)

The Trojans have had a week off to get over their debacle at home against the Cardinals.   Look for them to get back on track to salvage some sense of decency against their inner city rivals the Bruins.   However it would be funny to see the Trojans lose again.

Jack Simms and Guest Predictor Rick picks USC

What would most fans expect from one of the highest paid coaches in all of college football, to go long with several highly paid assistants.   Now even though I have been on both sides as a fan, and a coach.  I will say I have never experienced the luxury that these coaches have experienced.   However, I will say that I as a fan I would expect the best, just like those fans expected of me when I was a coach.  This brings to question the staff at the University of Oklahoma.

For the past several years it just doesn’t seem like Oklahoma has had the same fire in their belly as they did several years ago.   I will tell you this, and that is it all starts with the coaches.  As a coach you are looked up to by your players, just like a son looks up to his father.   If you has a coach don’t have that attitude or fire, then it will carry over to the players.  

Now, it is ok to be cocky, but you need to make sure you have the attitude that shows it.   You need to make sure everyone knows you’re the best, and that show it on the field.  It doesn’t do any good to be cocky, and just think someone is going to lie down for you because of whom you are.   You need to show them, not just tell them.   From what I have seen lately, the Sooners have been acting extremely cocky, but they just don’t show it on the field.  

There doesn’t seem to be any fire or passion inside of them.  

I know as a former coach, I always expected the best out of my players, and if they didn’t perform then they didn’t play.  Some would say that I was a little too firey at times.

Some key observations that I have noticed while watching Oklahoma is that there doesn’t seem to be any fire from the sidelines.  In a sense no one is being held accountable.  This starts with the coaches and goes down to the players.  

One of the keys to winning is to always know when it is time for a change.  Just like a business, there is always a need for a change, because as with time things progress as well.   Just think about the evolution of computers over the past 10 years, where we have gone from 133 mhz processors to 4 plus ghz computers.  The same thing can be said in football, where if you continue to run the same stuff over and over again, you will end up being passed up by the rest of college football.

On the offense there has been plenty of changes for the University of Oklahoma, but we have also seen times where they regress and tend to become way to conservative.  Take for example the no huddle offense that OU runs, where they don’t have a huddle, but yet they lineup at the line of scrimmage and wait for the play to be called.  In essence, the only thing it does is limit the defense from substituting players.  However, Oklahoma continues to run the same plays over and over again, so it isn’t that hard to prepare for.   They have been a lot better of an offense when they hurry up, which keeps the defense off balance.  

I know when I watched OU play this weekend, I was utterly shocked to see Kevin Wilson call several draw plays on 3^rdand long plays and to make matters worse, they were telegraphed by the handoff from Landry Jones to the tailback.   From what I have seen from Wilson, he seems to be ultra conservative in his play calling, especially in the bigger games.   He seems to start out strong, but once they get a lead, he is playing more to conserve the lead, instead of building on it.  

To go along with this, this seems to be the most undisciplined team that I have ever seen play the game.  I have never seen a more ill prepared team than this Oklahoma team, which is extremely sad considering the amount of talent they have on their team.  The offensive line has seemed to regress with James Patton at the helm, and considering the talent that he has had to work with that is pretty amazing.  Patton turned 2 future 1^stround picks in Robinson and Loadholt to 5^th and 2^nd rounders.   The same will be said of once top ten potential draft choice in Trent Williams as he continues play poorly.   Between missed assignments, holding, illegal procedures, and personal fouls I would really like to know what Mr. Patton is teaching these kids. 

You can also look at the fact that he continues to change up his offensive line as well.  Ironically, they start the game with the 3^rdstringer at OG in their biggest game of the season to date.   In regards to the wr coach, Jay Norvell, there is obviously a reason why he isn’t coaching in the pros anymore.   This wr corp seems to have major issue with the dropsies, and it has become a habit of the Oklahoma wr’s since his tenure began.   I am also shocked that they one guy that has dropped over 10 passes to start the year off is still seeing playing time over some of the other players.

In regards to the defense, Oklahoma has been running the same cover 2 scheme over the past 10 years with little to no adjustment at all.   This just makes it that much easier to game plan against Oklahoma.   The same issue with the over middle defense still plagues them today.  As Oklahoma continues to try and cover the crossing patterns, drags ran by the wide receivers, along with the Tight ends with a linebacker.   In most cases it’s usually the Mike, and especially this year with Ryan Reynolds it is becoming prevalent with the slowness of Reynolds at the helm.  This goes along with the ineptness of the other linebacker that rarely seem to be in position or even notice the receiver coming across the middle.  

One of the big issues is that they continue to play their defensive backs or in that case even the linebackers close enough to the line of scrimmage to be able to jam the receivers.   Also, for the past several years, I have not seen a safety understand concept of the cover 2 and covering the deep quarter or half.   Besides this, our corners still don’t how to watch the wr and their moves, as they are continuously beaten on a double move. 

Normally, you would see a substitution when a noticeable pass or run down was coming up, however with Venables at the helm, they continue to run the base 4-3 with same personnel, instead of making the necessary change.   This is part of the reason why Oklahoma is almost dead last at given up 3^rddown conversions on defense.   Other issues is plain and simple the lack of discipline and mental issues that have plagued the Sooners with Venables as defensive coordinator.   Whether it be the DT’s not able to get penetration, the Linebackers forgetting their gap assignments and running into the Dline or the opposing teams Oline, or the corners and safeties not understanding their assignments in a Cover 2 scheme. 

Either it boils down to the OU cover 2 scheme that is old and outdated, or the players just don’t grasp the concept of the cover 2.   Now there are various versions of the Cover 2, and for one is the one ran by Bud Foster at Va Tech, but as with most everyone else there are adjustments being made to go along with the times except at Oklahoma.

This boils down to the egos of the Sooner coaches thinking that they are some sort of messiah of college football, instead of actual trying to instill some heart and soul into our players.  Something that makes you has a player want to go out there to fight for it.   If you as a coach don’t show that same heart and soul and fire, then it is easy to see why the players just don’t perform to a level of excellence to be able to carry around the crystal ball.   As the head coach you need to be willing to make changes from time to time, and you will always need to make adjustments in a game.  

In today’s college football you just can’t sit back and think things will be handed to you, you have to go out there and perform to get the job done.   If the coaches don’t provide the leadership for the players to follow, then the players won’t peform.   The coaches need to realize that the same thing that worked 10 years ago will most likely not work today.  Whether it involves Mr. Stoops letting go of some of his coaches or finding the same passion when he started at Oklahoma things need to be changed before they start to get worse. 

Until then Oklahoma will continue to be known as Choklahoma.

Heading into week 4,  I have still not had a break out week.  Though I still hold a 2 win advantage over the Guest Predictors it is still to close for comfort

Missouri -7 vs Nevada- This one is a little odd as well, as Missouri should easily handle the overmatched Wolfpack.  It’s clear that the Wolfpack isn’t has high powered as they used to be in the past via the air, which doesn’t bode well if there are any hopes of upset over the Tigers. 

Jack Simms- Missouri

Guest Predictor Paul- Missouri

 Iowa State -10 Army- Let’s face it this just seems to be to big of a point spread to give to Iowa State.  Their 2 wins have been against North Dakota and Kent State.  Now sure Army isn’t a world beater but they are a little better team than those two.   This should be a close game, with either team having a chance for victory.

Jack Simms- Army

Guest Predictor Paul- Iowa State

 A&M -13.5 vs UAB- After the game against Utah State, I would think this point spread was a little high.  However UAB doesn’t really have much of anything.  Their defense is extremely poor with giving up close 500 yards of total offense on avg., while their offense claims a run/pass quarterback that isn’t that great of a passer.  This helps the Aggies as they clearly don’t have that good of a secondary.

Jack Simms- Texas A&M

Guest Predictor Paul- Texas A&M 

Kansas -12.5 vs So. Miss- This one is a little hard to judge as this will be clearly be a step up in competition for Jayhawks.  However, the Achilles heel of the eagles is their pass d, which happens to be the strength of the Jayhawks.   Now USM, doesn’t have the greatest of offenses, but it does seem to be well balanced.   With this game being at home, it should be another double digit for the Jayhawks.

Jack Simms- Kansas

Guest Predictor Paul- Kansas

 Texas -36 vs UTEP- It is clear the Longhorns have trouble covering the spread, and considering the emotional game they had last week.  I just don’t think they will win by 36.  They will most likely win by around 32 or so.

Jack Simms- UTEP

Guest Predictor Paul- Texas

Nebraska -27 vs ULL-  With the spread at 27 and the Cajuns only losing by 28 to LSU it would seem that the best bet would be to give the points.  However, the Cajuns don’t have a world beater offense, and the Huskers offense is a little better than the Tigers.  I will say it is hard to tell how a team will come off a big loss, when they could have won the game.  However, in the case with the game being Lincoln,  look for the Huskers to cover the spread again.

Jack Simms- Nebraska

Guest Predictor Paul- Nebraska

Houston vs Texas Tech (o/u-73)-  Instead of the point spread, I am taking the over at 73.  This will be a classic high scoring affair, as both teams run the same offense, and ultimately should put up some crazy passing numbers.   Both teams have an improved defense, but in the end the Red Raiders will probably face a little let down with the Cougars getting the win.

Jack Simms- Over /Houston

Guest Predictor Paul- Over/Tech

Ole Miss -3.5 vs South Carolina- This one should be a good one with the improving Gamecocks and upstart Rebels.   The Rebels have a really good offense, and the Gamecocks have been really good defense as of late.   However, the Rebels defense should stimey Garcia, and the Rebels will have too much fire power on offense.

Jack Simms- Mississippi

Guest Predictor Paul- South Carolina

Bama -19 vs Arkansas- Initially after seeing the Georgia game, and not having seen Bama it would seem this was a high point spread.  However, the Crimson Tide has a good offense which should light up the weak Razorbacks.  The defense for the Crimson Tide is also one of the best in the nation, and I just don’t think Arkansas will have the ability to go crazy on Bama like they did on the Bulldogs

Jack Simms- Alabama

Guest Predictor Paul- Arkansas

Cal -5.5 vs Oregon- This game comes down to one thing and one thing alone, the ability to stop Javhid Best.  If the Ducks can slow down the best, then they will have a fighting chance in this game.  This game is at home for the Ducks, and it is always hard to win in Eugene whether it be the play of ducks, fans, or the refs.

Jack Simms- Oregon

Guest Predictor Paul- California

Miami -2.5 vs Va Tech- Are the Hurricanes for real?  This is a legitimate Va Tech team, that is tough to play at home.  The Hokies are tremendous on D, especially against the pass.   The Hurricanes are a very well balanced Offense with Harris, James, and Cooper.  This game is going to come down to the offense, and their ability to not have turnovers.  If the Hokies can create a passing game, then they might have a chance.  If not, and they are one dimensional then it will be another big victory for the Canes.

Jack Simms- Miami

Guest Predictor Paul- Virginia Tech

OSU -14 vs Illinois- This point spread is way to low as the Buckeyes should manhandle the Fighting Illini.  The offense is virtually one dimensional with the loss of Benn, and the defense is shall we say porous at best.  Look for TP to have a break out game, even if it didn’t come against that great of a team.  

Jack Simms- Ohio State

Guest Predictor Paul- Ohio State

After a poor performance last week in going only 5 and 7.  I look to get back on track this week with a better performance to increase my lead over the Guest Predictors.  Please remember to email me at big12today@gmail.com, if you would like to be the guest predictor for the week.

Colorado(-7) vs Wyoming-  Hawkins job still appears to be safe, however will it still be safe after they play Wyoming.  This is yet another game that they should be able to win, however it is easier said than done.   I do think Colorado will finally get on track, however I don’t think they will cover the spread.  This game is played in Boulder, but for the most part all of their fans have pretty much checked out already.   This isn’t a big name school, which makes thing a lot less interesting in the eyes of the Buffs.

Jack Simms- Colorado

Guest Predictor Zeke- Colorado

Kansas(-22) vs Duke-  The Jayhawks are off to a 2-0 start and should easily extend it to 3 and 0 after this week.   The fans in Lawrence will be fired up as usual, and in the end they will be thinking about being able to beat the Blue Devils in basketball by as many as they do this weekend.

Jack Simms- Kansas

Guest Predictor Zeke- Kansas

Kansas State vs UCLA (-12)-  Snyder is treading water, as the Wildcats look to fall back into abyss.   The point spread is way too low, and UCLA will show that after dominating the Wildcats.    For all intense purposes the Wildcats, are not looking at this year for a Snyder miracle, but they instead are banking on the next coming years.

Jack Simms- UCLA

Guest Predictor Zeke- UCLA

Nebraska vs Va Tech (-4)-  The Cornhuskers will finally face their first real test of the season.  Now, it is true that they have managed to cover the spread in each of their first 2 games, however it isn’t like they actually blew away the competition, which happened to be severely overmatched.  The Hokies will present a major challenge for the Blackshirt Defense, and considering this game is in Blacksburg makes it even harder for the huskers.   There also will be a feeling of payback by the Hokies, as the Huskers derailed them last year back in Lincoln.  With the point spread being so low, look for the Hokies to cover in this conest, and hand Pelini his first loss on the year.

Jack Simms- Virginia Tech

Guest Predictor Zeke- Virginia Tech

Oklahoma State (-32) vs Rice – Just how will the cowboys respond to their upset loss to the hands of Cougars.  Either way, they may start off a little slow, but they should still pound on the Owls to alleviate some built up aggression.   With or Without Hunter the Cowboys will have more than enough fire power on hand.  This will also be a game for the defense to try and get back to the basics.

Jack Simms- Oklahoma State

Guest Predictor Zeke- Oklahoma State

Oklahoma (-16.5) vs Tulsa- This one will be interesting as this will be the first true test for the Sooners after the abysmal Bengals of Idaho State.   This will bring a lot of challenges in many different ways.  First of, the tight end passinggame, is non existent with loss of Gresham, and the wide receivers have been poor to put it mildly.  Any coach could see that their only threat is Broyles, and if they double teamed him, then that would leave just the running backs for the Sooners.  Even after the shutout win, the defense is still suspect in the middle of the field, and in the secondary.  The once mighty corner tandem has been playing d league football at best.   If they don’t get back to their old selves this might be a long afternoon for Stoops and Co.   Look for the Sooners to get back some respect, and win by 3 td’s in the end.

Jack Simms- Oklahoma

Guest Predictor Zeke- Tulsa

Baylor (-10) vs UCONN- The Bears are coming off a bye week, while Huskies are still reeling from their loss to the Tar Heels.  The Huskies will still be feeling the effects of the loss to UNC, and thus will have a long day with Mr. Griffin and company.  Bears win this by at least 2 td’s at home.

Jack Simms- Baylor

Guest Predictor Zeke- UCONN

Iowa State (-3) vs Kent State- This one should be the second win of the year for Paul Rhoads.  However, it will probably be their last one.  The Cyclones dominated the Golden Flashes last year, and should win again this year in a closer than expected game.

Jack Simms- Iowa State

Guest Predictor Zeke- Kent State

Texas A&M (-19) vs Utah State- The battle of the Aggies.  This one shouldn’t even be a contest.   Just like the New Mexico game look for A&M to destroy Utah State as it is never an easy place to play among the infamous 12^th man lore.

Jack Simms- Texas A&M

Guest Predictor Zeke- Texas A&M

Texas (-17.5) vs Texas Tech- This will be an all out war.  There is definitely no love loss between these two schools and with what happened last year look for Austin to be on fire this weekend.  Now here comes the interesting thing, Longhorns have missed the point spread the passed 2 weeks by only a few points.  Can they cover it this time?    This one just might be the game for them to cover the spread.  Look for the Longhorns to make a statement by crushing the Red Raiders.

Jack Simms- Texas

Guest Predictor Zeke- Texas Tech

Miami (-4) vs Ga Tech- Orange Bowl here we come.  This one just doesn’t seem to be a good matchup for the Yellow Jackets.  The Miami D is stout as always against the run, and this is Yellow Jackets bread and butter.   Ga Tech also had controlling the passing game of Clemson last week, which doesn’t bode well considering the coming out party of Jacory Harris.

Jack Simms- Miami

Guest Predictor Zeke- Georgia Tech

Florida (-29) vs Tennessee- This will be the welcoming party to the SEC for Lane Kiffin.  After everything that Kiffin said about the Gators when he was first hired by the Vols, this should get ugly.  The Gators have the best coach in the game, and he has always had that take no prisoners attitude.  Look for the Gators to annihilate the Vols, and leave Kiffin for dead.   This should be a blow out of epic proportions.

Jack Simms- Florida

Guest Predictor Zeke- Florida