Bumbling, Buckeyes, Bruins, Broncos

Each of these things occurred. Buffaloes were completly bumbling, The Ohio State rolled, the Bruins choked and the Broncos bucked the Bulldogs.

Some things to be happy about, others—not so much.

It's like Hangover 2. Same movie, just a new tropical location

So let’s begin and maybe end with the Buffs. The first snap for the offense was a muffed handoff and a recovered fumble. I knew then we were in for trouble.

But let’s look at the stats.

2-12 on third down. 17 total yards rushing. 17. Actually threw for more yards than Hawaii, but it didn’t matter when the ultra-aggressive defense (something I liked) over pursued and was just inches away from complete sack-a-tute.

Still did snag sacks a plenty, but so often, the open of the field was open and Moniz burned the D. Badly.

But the offense essentially looked like the worst of the Hawkins era. Hansen was harassed by a clearly weak offensive line. Plays were late getting into the huddle and only 52 yards for Speedy Stewart. The same amount he got on a screen pass.

I didn’t expect the new-look offense with first-time OC Eric Bieniemy to light anyone up. But we have pretty good receivers and one of the Pac-12′s best running backs. And yet.

And yet.

Once again, the defense had some chances and some nice spots, but big plays were shredding them. Offense was a laugher. Same formula that got Hawkins canned. I expected a 3-win season at best. Here’s hoping I’m wrong.

—Vegas, baby—-

Insert over-quoted, beyond cliche' line from Swingers

A made a game-time audible, waved my hands around wildly at the Silverton sports book and passed on FAU-Florida. Man, that was a good decision. 

So I picked Boise State. Yes, it was in Atlanta. Yes, Georgia’s QB Murray had experience. But this was still an offense without AJ Green and a team that the Buffs beat last year.

No way was Boise going to lose. 

I’m glad the gut told me to go with the marshmallows over the XFL/Sudafed team.

I wish I was colorblind

I think we can safely say, after walking into a hostile crowd and all their previous big game success, Boise is among the elite and now has an inside track to play Stanford or Oklahoma for the national title. Boise deserves it and I really want people to stop talking about them like they magically tricked their way into winning. No, it’s called preparation and being creative. Plus having a great, one-for-the-ages quarterback, no matter the league.

I completely failed to recognize the pathetic Akron offense, however. Ohio State came out a little slow, but turned it on to make a statement. I expected a few garbage time touchdowns by the Zips to help them cover. Instead it was 90 yards Akron, 517 Ohio State.

Oops.

But luckily good old Houston came through. UCLA had some nice moments, a couple flashes that the Pistol is working, but man, Case Keenum came back with a vengeance, just as I expected. UCLA actually had more offense than Houston (which says to me I should always take the over if I bet the Cougs again), but the blocked extra point actually made me money. Clearly Houston would’ve held on for the win, but UCLA would have covered. So here’s to you, Kip Smith.

Hit on two of the three bets, which was nice.

Watched the Buffs do what the Buffs do/did/have done for 5 years.

Enjoyed the home sports book.

But would have been nice to share the fun/misery with someone.