Ohio State vs. Oregon

Rose Bowl

January 1st 4:30 ET ABC

To some the 2009 season was a success as the Buckeyes won an outright Big Ten Title and earned a Rose Bowl appearance, to others it’s a season of what could have been.  The 10-2 Bucks lost to a USC team in Columbus which had a horrible season by their standards.  Their second loss was even worse as they were beaten by a sub .500 Purdue team.  Many fans will view the 2009 season as an opportunity lost; where a Rose Bowl appearance isn’t good enough to take away the sting of not playing for the BCS trophy.

The 09 season was filled with dominating performances by a defense that is one of the best in the nation.  DT Cameron Heyward, DE Thaddeus Gibson, LB Brian Rolle and Safety Kurt Coleman were stalwarts of the stingy defense.  On offense, as usual with a Jim Tressel coached team, the play calling lacked imagination; often keeping lesser teams in the game and clearly cost the Buckeyes the game against USC.  Finally, the much maligned offensive line started to gel as OSU racked up significant rushing yards in a critical three game stretch to end the season.  The two headed attack of Brandon Saine and Boom Herron controlled the clock leading OSU to victories over Penn State, Iowa and Michigan.  Sophomore QB Terrelle Pryor progressed as the season wore on showing glimpses of greatness.  Coach Tressel finished the regular season in typical fashion with a victory over rival Michigan.  The victory moved Tressel to 8-1 against Michigan.

The Oregon Ducks started the season on an auspicious note not only losing to Boise State but they also lost their stud RB LeGarrette Blount as he threw a punch after the game.  Despite all that, Head Coach Chip Kelly managed to rally the troops as Oregon put it all together.  The Ducks won seven games in a row following the Boise State loss which set up a
pseudo Pac 10 title game against rival Oregon State.  The Ducks won the civil war in dramatic fashion 37-33.  The 10-2 Ducks are led by unorthodox QB Jeremiah Masoli who threw for 2,066 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 659 yards and 12 scores.  Freshmen RB LaMichael James was sensational rushing for 1,476 yards and 14 scores.  Another addition to an already stacked cupboard is Garrett who returned to the field during the Oregon State game.

Prediction: Much has been made regarding Ohio State’s struggles with a spread offense.  They will get their chance to vindicate themselves when they face the versatile offense of the Oregon Ducks.  The Bucks will have to maintain gap integrity and prevent Masoli, James and Garrett from getting in space.  OSU will put eight in the box in an attempt to force Masoli to beat them through the air and apply pressure with a fantastic front four.  On offense, OSU will play conservatively while pounding the ball with Saine and Herron.  The key will be to get Saine as many touches as possible through the air.  When linebackers cover Saine it’s a tremendous mismatch.  Although Pryor is suffering from a knee injury he will make big plays with his feet and to fellow sophomore, WR Devier Posey.  Ohio State’s defense dominates the game as the Buckeyes break their bowl skid.  Ohio State 31 Oregon 20

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

Cincinnati vs. Florida

Sugar Bowl

January 1st 8:30 ET FOX

The Cincinnati Bearcats will take the field for the first time since their thrilling victory over Pittsburgh.  The victory not only sent the Bearcats to a BCS Bowl but preserved an undefeated regular season.  On December 5th walking off of Heinz Field in the bask of a big victory, all was rosy in the Queen City.  Bearcats fans were elated with the upcoming announcement of the biggest game in the school’s history which turned out to be powerhouse Florida.  Then the ball dropped, the magic ended, the euphoria was silenced; the announcement came that Head Coach Brian Kelly had accepted the head coach position at Notre Dame.  Fans were outraged and players were stunned, yet that is the nature of the hypocritical NCAA.  With the incredible amount of time between the last game of the season and the bowl game, coaches are forced to make a decision during that time span.  Brian Kelly built the UC program then when he reaches what could be their pinnacle, leaves his team to fend for themselves.  This happens in no other sport.  The NCAA needs to forbid teams from speaking to a coach who is involved in a bowl game.  The interim coach will be Jeff Quinn who has already signed on to be the Head Coach at Buffalo.

The defending National Champion Florida Gators have experienced some drama in their own right.  The Gators suffered a tough loss in the SEC Championship game to Alabama which ended their pursuit of a repeat.  Many speculated the Gators would not be motivated for a game against the Bearcats, then the Urban Meyer news broke.  Reports surfaced quickly that Meyer was leaving Florida due to health reasons.  Not only would Gator Nation watch the last game of the greatest player in their history but they would also watch one of their greatest coaches in his last game.  The news stunned the college football world but soon thereafter Meyer had a change of heart.  Meyer is now stating he will only take a leave of absence to get his priorities and health in order.  He plans to coach against UC then take a leave of absence until August.  No doubt, despite all of the drama the Gators will come to play.

Prediction: Despite their perfect record, the Bearcats haven’t faced the talent level of Florida.  On both the offensive and defensive lines, the Gators will have the advantage.  Despite the big play ability of the Bearcats, the Gators hold the overall speed advantage on both sides of the ball and will unleash a fierce pass rush.  The Bearcats will use three step drops and quick slants routes to avoid the pressure of the Gators.  Stud WR Mardy Gilyard will need to have a big game for the Bearcats to have a chance as will QB Tony Pike who will look to bounce back from a miserable performance in last year’s bowl game.  Cincinnati may also use backup QB Zach Collaros who is a multidimensional threat.  On defense, Cincinnati will have to contend with one of the greatest players in the history of college football, Tim Tebow.  Tebow, a former Heisman Trophy Winner, has led Florida to two national championships.  Tebow is a machine on the ground and a fearless leader.  He is the heart and soul of the Gators.  The difference in the game will be the Bearcat defense which has struggled mightily of late.  They will not be able to stop the depth and speed of the Gator offense.  Tebow will have a monster game in his farewell performance as the Gators chomp the Bearcats.  Florida 47 Cincinnati 31

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

Oakland Raiders at Cleveland Browns

December 27th 1:00 ET

The Cleveland Browns had a record breaking day at Kansas City, at least two of their stars did.  In the 41-34 victory Jerome Harrison set the single game Browns rushing record and Josh Cribbs broke the career kickoff return for touchdowns record.  Harrison ran for 286 yards which included three touchdowns while Cribbs broke the record then returned another kickoff for a touchdown with each 100 yards or greater.  On defense the Browns struggled mightily against both the pass and the run.  As typical when they face an average QB, the Browns defense was vanilla and as result was lit up.  QB Matt Cassel threw for 331 yards and two scores and Jamaal Charles ran for 154 yards and a score.  The defense is missing several key components due to injury but the secondary has no excuse for their performance.  Skirt (Brandon McDonald) should at the very least be benched for his obvious lack of effort.  Each week he avoids contact and gets burnt routinely.  The secondary must be addressed either in the draft or via free agency this off season.

Tom Cable’s Raiders are now 5-9 on the season and 3-2 in their last five.  In their last game, the Raiders defeated rival Denver on the road 20-19.  QB Charlie Frye was injured in the game which forced the much maligned JaMarcus Russell into action.  Russell was solid leading the Raiders to the winning touchdown but the story of the game was the running attack.  The Raiders rushing attack was tremendous and their run defense was as well.  Oakland ran for a whopping 241 yards while holding the Broncos to 80 yards.

Prediction: Charlie Frye will likely be the starter when he returns to his old stomping grounds.  In a twist of fate he will face the QB that replaced him, Derek Anderson.  The Statue will once again be the starter following the season ending injury to Brady Quinn.  The Browns defense struggled mightily last week against the Chiefs and will find no lesser of a challenge when they face the three headed rushing attack of the Raiders.  Michael Bush, Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden.  They should find some success but the Browns may be able to limit their effectiveness by stacking the line and forcing Charlie Frye to beat them.  On offense the Browns will attack the line of scrimmage with Jerome Harrison (who should have been getting the majority of the carries for the past two seasons) in a conservatively called game.  If the Statue (Derek Anderson) doesn’t turn the ball over the Browns should get the victory.  In new President Mike Holmgren’s first game, the Browns pull out an ugly victory in front of the home faithful.  Cleveland 23 Oakland 13

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs

December 20th 1:00 ET

The Cleveland Browns are coming off of their biggest victory of the season as they defeated arch rival Pittsburgh.  The Brown’s offense struggled but their defense played with heart and passion; harassing Ben Roethlisberger throughout.  Josh Cribbs was magical as usual and the defense accumulated eight sacks giving the Browns their first victory over Big Ben.  King Kong Bernard came out of nowhere getting two sacks as did Brian Schaefering who also sacked Big Ben twice.

The 3-10 Chiefs are coming off a lackluster home loss to Buffalo.  RB Jamaal Charles was sensational rushing for 143 yards and a score.  QB Matt Cassell struggled again throwing four interceptions on the day.

Prediction: The crowd will be a factor as Arrowhead Stadium is still a very difficult place to play.  The Browns defense was hold Jamaal Charles in check and force Cassell into mistakes.  Brady Quinn and the offense is starting to gel.  They are not turning the ball over and have very few penalties.  Against the Chiefs, Quinn and WR Massaquoi will have to make big plays for the Browns to gain a victory.  In the end, Mangini keeps the momentum going as players are starting to get it.  Cleveland 27 Kansas City 20

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

Cincinnati Bengals at San Diego Chargers

December 20th 4:00 ET

The Bengals traveled to Minnesota to face a very good Vikings team.  Against the Vikings the Bengals proved they are not yet ready to play with the big boys.  They were dominated throughout showing that when they fall behind they are in big trouble.  Carson Palmer threw for only 94 yards in the 30-10 loss.  The defense made some plays but eventually fell apart against the powerful running game of the Vikings.

The San Diego Chargers faced the Cowboys in their new digs and were unfazed.  The Charger running game struggled but the aerial attack is one of the best in the league.  Phillip Rivers was solid throwing for 272 yards and a score.  Stud WR Vincent Jackson hauled seven balls for 120 yards in the 20-17 Charger victory.

Prediction: This game could potentially decide the #2 seed in the playoffs which results in a first round bye.  With a win the Bengals will claim the AFC North title.  The Chargers are on a roll and one of a handful of teams that could win the Super Bowl.  The Bengals will attempt to keep the San Diego offense off the field by pounding the ball behind Cedric Benson.  The Chargers will air it out and test a Bengals secondary which has played well.  In the end, the Chargers passing game will execute at a very high level and be the difference.  San Diego 34 Cincinnati 17

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

The Cross Town Shootout

Cincinnati (6-1) at Xavier (5-3)

December 13^th 7:00 ET

The 2009 version of the Cincinnati Bearcats will remind fans of a Bob Huggins coached team.  They are not pretty to watch but are very athletic and rugged.  They struggle mightily on the offense end but bring it defensively.  They are led in scoring by wide body Yancey Gates.  The 260lb sophomore center is averaging 11.6 PPG and 7.7 boards.  Ballyhooed freshmen Lance Stephenson is living up to the billing.  He is very athletic with an explosive first step.  He is averaging 11.6 PPG and 6 boards on the young season.  Senior guard Deonta Vaughn has been very unselfish taking less shots and getting the youngsters involved.  The Bearcats were looking forward to the addition of guard Cashmere Wright last season but an injury forced him out for the season.  Wright still is shaking off the rust but will be very good in the near future.

The Xavier Musketeers do not look like the same team without former Head Coach Sean Miller.  Much was expected from the 09-10 Muskies but they have started slowly going 5-3 in their first eight games.  The addition of Jordan Crawford, a transfer from Indiana, was thought to be the piece that made Xavier a national power this season.  Crawford is having a good start to the season averaging 18.5 PPG and 5 RPG.  He is very athletic but his shot selection can often be questioned.  In Xavier’s three losses Crawford didn’t have off nights he was absolutely atrocious.  He was a combined 15 of 52 against Marquette, Baylor and Kansas State.  Xavier big man Jason Love is averaging a double-double with 10 PPG and 10 RPG.  Guards Terrell Holloway and Mark Lyons have been solid.  Athletic junior forward Jamel McLean is a tease.  He possesses a tremendous talent but rarely puts it all together.

Prediction: This is a rivalry game so anything can happen.  In addition Xavier’s home crowd will no doubt be a factor.  For Xavier to have any chance they will have to keep one of the best rebounding teams in the nation off of the glass.  Jason Love will need to have a big game against Yancey Gates and force him away from the basket.  Jordan Crawford and Dante Jackson will be matched up against the athletic guards of UC which is an intriguing match-up.  If Crawford lets the game come to him he will find success.  The Bearcats struggles on the offensive end will keep the game close but their power and defense will be the difference.  Behind a very good performance by Yancey Gates and senior Deonta Vaughn the Bearcats escape the Cintas Center with a big win.  Cincinnati 67 Xavier 63.

Scott Dryden

Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

December 10th 8:20 ET

The Browns hosted one of the best teams in the league when the high flying San Diego Chargers visited Cleveland on week 13.  Although they lost 30-23 the Browns showed a bunch of heart despite playing without their three best players on defense.  Unfortunately the defense had their weekly blown coverage, this time to a slow full back.  Mike Tolbert rumbled down the sideline for a 66 yard touchdown on what was a simple five yard completion on a flat route.  On offense Cleveland was led by QB Brady Quinn who threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns.  Finally, finally yes finally WR Brian Robiskie was active and got some playing time.  Robo responded with four catches for 69 yards.  The biggest story of the day was TE Evan Moore who was activated from the practice squad.  Moore showed very good hands as he hauled in six balls for 80 yards.  The Browns are starting to play much better on offense and will get a chance to prove that against the hated Pittsburgh Steelers.

Even though the Browns are just 1-11 this is a huge game for not only Quinn and Mangini but the whole city of Cleveland.  The Browns desperately want to beat rival Pittsburgh and keep continuing their improvement on the offensive side of the ball.  What is best for the long term success of the Browns?  Is it to win games and instill confidence in a very young offense?  Or is it improve and lose in order to get the most dominating player to come down the line in a long while?  Ndamukong Suh is an absolute beast and will likely be the #1 pick in the 2010 draft.  Many compare him to large d-tackles such as Warren Sapp but he has more to offer than that.  To me he could be the next Reggie White.  If so, Suh lining up beside Shaun Rogers would instantly make the Browns defense extremely good.  Either way despite the horrible season, the remaining games could be very entertaining for Cleveland fans.

Prediction: The Steelers have everything to lose with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.  They will be without WR Hines Ward which could hamper their offensive play calling even against a Browns secondary which is struggling mightily.  On defense, the Steelers have been getting lit up  through the air even by the likes of Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski.  The Browns will find success through the air but offensive coordinator Brian Daboll will not open it up enough to gain the victory.  His conservative play calling combined with a defense that will have difficulties getting off of the field will result in another Pittsburgh victory in Cleveland.

Pittsburgh 31 Cleveland 27

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

Cleveland Browns vs. San Diego Chargers

December 6th 4:15 ET

The Browns laid another egg at Cincinnati.  Their offense was listless and their defense gave up long scoring drives aided by horrible tackling in the 16-7 loss.  Many point to the lack of talent on the defensive side of the ball.  The fact is talent is not required to be in the correct position, display fundamentals and more importantly show hustle and heart.  I want to support Mangini but it is increasingly more difficult to do so with Brian Daboll still calling plays, Brian Robiskie deactivated while a practice squad player was on the field and Hank Poteat still on the team.  Poteat is like the kid on the play ground who has never played football.  You tell him to guard someone he immediately face guards the kid, never looks at the ball and runs around like a chicken with its head cut off.  The good news was the lucky pickup of Matt Roth.  The Dolphins cast him aside despite his talent and work ethic.  Roth was picked on Thursday and played very well on Sunday.

This week the Brown host a dangerous San Diego team.  The 8-3 Chargers are led by QB Phillip Rivers.  Rivers is as tough as they come and has two very good receivers in Vincent Jackson and TE Antonio Gates.  The running game has struggled behind LaDanian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles.  The Lightning Bolt defense has been inconsistent but can bring the heat.

Prediction: The Browns defense will be without Shawn Rogers for the rest of the season.  LB Kamerion Wimbley and safety Brodney Pool may also miss the game.  Pool had another concussion which could place his career in jeopardy.  The DB combination of Toast and Skirt will get burnt and burnt often as Rivers will have a field day.  Cleveland’s offense can have success providing Brian Daboll decides to run routes beyond ten yards which is a 50/50 proposition.  The Chargers will be way too much for the Browns no matter the weather conditions.  San Diego 37 Cleveland 17

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer