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Nebraska Football: A Better Way To Predict the 2010 Season

August 17th, 2010

Season previews. We've all seen them, we've all done them. Most of the time, they're exercises in guesswork about what's going to happen in a particular game two to three months down the road. That's hard work, and a lot of guessing about the future. I've always thought it was, at best, an imprecise science.

I've started doing season previews in a little different way. Instead of trying to guess the outcome of each game, I break the schedule down into four categories: Better Win, Should Win, Might Win, and Won't Win. By doing so, rather than trying to guess specific outcomes, you can look forward and have a pretty good idea of what to expect.

Then, once you've divided the schedule into one of those four categories, you can get a very good idea of what the final record would look like. Obviously, you expect a team to win every Better Win game and lose every Won't Win game. You expect a team to win a majority (but not all) of the Should Win games, and win a minority (but not all) of the Might Win games.

Of course, it's also a lot of fun to pick the individual games and see how you do, so we'll have some of that as well. So, without further adieu, here's how I see Nebraska's 2010 season:

WESTERN KENTUCKY: In only their second year as an FBS school, the Hilltoppers should provide NU with a warm-up for the rest of their season. BETTER WIN (Fearless forecast - NU 38, WKU 3)

IDAHO: The Vandals not only went to a bowl last year, but won it in thrilling fashion. While the best of the non-conference home opponents, that's not saying a lot. BETTER WIN (Fearless forecast - NU 45, UI 10)

at WASHINGTON: Jake Locker might be an NFL first-rounder, but he can't throw the ball to himself. Or play defense. SHOULD WIN (Fearless forecast - NU 28, UW 13)

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE: An embarrassing remnant from the Steve Pederson era. BETTER WIN (Fearless forecast - NU 55, SDSU 6)

at KANSAS STATE: Look-ahead game to the Red Out Around The World, road game, night game, Thursday night ESPN game, everything screams danger. And that's without thinking about Daniel Thomas running the ball. NU is better, but the stars could align poorly. SHOULD WIN (Fearless forecast - NU 24, KSU 20)

TEXAS: This grudge match has been brewing since early June. But Garrett Gilbert is still a first-year signal-caller that can't move much going against what might be the best secondary in the country. SHOULD WIN (Fearless forecast - NU 13, UT 9)

at OKLAHOMA STATE: The 40-year-old coach is trying to resurrect Mike Leach's Air Raid offense in orange and black. Unfortunately, he seems to have brought Leach's defense, as well. BETTER WIN (Fearless forecast - NU 38, OSU 21)

MISSOURI: It doesn't matter that NU beat the Tigers in Columbia last year. Blaine Gabbert is still going to be a marked man by NU fans and players, and Mizzou isn't as good this year as they were last. BETTER WIN (Fearless forecast - NU 28, MU 17)

at IOWA STATE: Speaking of memories, every NU player from the squad last year will remember the 'Clones celebrating in Memorial Stadium last year and will be looking for payback. BETTER WIN (Fearless forecast - NU 38, ISU 7)

KANSAS: God bless Turner Gill. He'd better, because Mark Mangino left the cupboard pretty bare for the former Nebraska great. I think Gill can be successful at Kansas, but it won't be this year. BETTER WIN (Fearless forecast - NU 42, KU 10)

at TEXAS A&M: NU's toughest road test of the year, against the type of quarterback in Jerrod Johnson that can give Pelini's defense fits. The Aggies don't play a lot of defense, but NU's offense hasn't shown themselves to be able to win a shootout, particularly on the road. MIGHT WIN (Fearless forecast - A&M 41, NU 31)

COLORADO: The swan song for the Big XII conference, and likely the swan song for Dan Hawkins after another tough season in Boulder. A beaten and likely-non-bowl-eligible Buffalo team will be more concerned about getting ready for the Pac-10 and less concerned about keeping a manufactured rivalry with Nebraska alive. BETTER WIN (Fearless forecast - NU 31, CU 17)

That leaves us with eight Better Win games and zero Won't Win games, so we start with NU at 8-0. We have three Should Win games, and we know that NU will win a majority (but not all) of those games. We'll put them at 2-1 for those games, moving NU toi 10-1. That leaves one Might Win game, and a minority of one is closer to zero than one, so we'll chalk that up as a loss.

That leaves the prediction for NU at 10-2 for the season, and thought through in such a way that makes the prediction a little more objective and a little more reality-tested and reliable.

Of course, I have NU at 11-1 in my Fearless Forecasts, not at 10-2. And you can bet that if they end up 11-1, I'm going to say that I called it. See how smart this system is?

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Posted in College Football, Nebraska Huskers Football, Preview/Prediction

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Maize and Blue Since 1969: HäMMëR’s Take on Michigan Wolverines Football

August 15th, 2010

As a lifelong University of Michigan football fan, born in the year that would be Glenn Edward “Bo” Schembechler’s first season as Wolverines head coach, I can remember the past 34 seasons of Michigan Wolverines football.  The Michigan football program that I grew up with during the 1970s and 80s was one of the toughest programs in the country, bar none.

I don’t have many memories at all of the 1990 season, because by late September, I had deployed with the 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas, for a port-side warehouse in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.  After a couple of months in the port city, my boss and I headed out to the desert for what would eventually become the ride of our lives.

That, my friends, is another story all unto itself.

I find it interesting how fans describe their “fanhood” in years, but at what age or in what year does that first, true memory really begin?

For me, that first season would have to be the 1976 campaign.  Running back Rob Lytle was All American and quarterback Rick Leach was All Big Ten Conference.

For each of us as “little Wolverines,” watching the game with dad and asking a gazillion questions was how we started out.  Due to my father’s line of work, it was not uncommon for my family and I to be out visiting with other folks on a Saturday afternoon, and I would listen to Michigan football on the car radio in the family 1974 Chevrolet Impala.

Among my favorite annual rituals was watching the Rose Bowl with pops.  As Bo’s usual fortune would have it, the University of Southern California found a way to win the 1977 contest that concluded the Wolverines’ 1976 10-2 finish and final No. 3 ranking.

I enjoyed tremendously watching the game heroics of quarterback Ricky “The Peach” Leach.  What a blast.

I loved to listen to the game on the radio as a boy—listening without Ufer will never be the same—what a joy.  The suspense and thrill of listening to the call, sitting on the edge of my seat, and going absolutely crazy when Butch Woolfolk or Leroy Hoard made a great run.

Those were the great days of Michigan football, when they opened the season with Wisconsin, even on occasion when it didn’t go in the Wolverines’ favor.

I can’t stand Notre Dame football, or hockey, or Notre Dame anything athletic for that matter, and all I wanted to see was Michigan kick the living dog snot out of the Fighting Irish every year, year in, and year out.  Not just beat them, mind you; I’m talking about merciless beatings with one foot on the opponent’s throat and the other stomping the gas pedal to the floorboard.

The same can be said for the Wolverines whuppin’ up on the Michigan State Spartans and the Ohio State University.

Probably the loss to Notre Dame I despised the most was the September 16, 1989 contest.

As a young, twenty-year-old Cav Trooper, I found myself on the duty roster during the Michigan vs. Notre Dame game, but the good news was that I would be able to watch the game in the greater Killen-Fort Hood metroplex.

The major who was on duty with me was rooting for Notre Dame to win, and he got his wish, as the No. 2 ranked Wolverines lost to the No. 1 ranked Fighting Irish at Michigan Stadium by the final score of 24-19.

That same major a-hole ended up in Leavenworth.

I was flat-out pissed over the Michigan loss to Notre Dame to say the least.  I spent a very angry evening “guarding everything within the limits of my post.”

When I deployed for Operation Desert Shield, I took two books with me.  Book “A” was The Good Book (KJV Schofield study version).  Book “B” was Bo.

I must shamefully admit that I am not a man who is well read.  The books that I have actually read from cover to cover a few and far between, and I must say that Bo is the first book I ever read from cover to cover.

Guess I just needed a timeout in the sandbox in order to read!

Following the illustrious 20-year career of Bo Schembechler, it would be men from Bo’s coaching tree who would lead the Wolverines forward: first Gary Moeller, and then Lloyd Carr.

Both of my sons were fortunate to be attendees at Michigan football camp, and it was wonderful to hear both coach Schembechler and coach Carr speak.

Those are my memories of Michigan football.

Unfortunately, I haven’t seen Michigan football in several years.

In fact, the closest thing resembling “Michigan football” is being played in East Lansing, down in Columbus, and out in Iowa.  The folks out in Lincoln have a coach named Bo too, and they might like to show the Wolverine faithful a thing or two about “Michigan” football, as Schembechler begat Miles, and Miles begat Pelini.

In either event, Bo knows football.

Whether former athletic director Bill Martin satisfied, maximized, or optimized the selection of Rich Rodriguez as the school’s head football coach at this point is irrelevant.  Winning football games, however, is more relevant now than it has ever been in Ann Arbor.

My guess is that David Brandon will not hesitate to pull the trigger on releasing the embattled Wolverines head coach should the team fail to win meaningful games this fall.  Not winning in the Big Ten is completely unacceptable, and when lousy calls by the referees are the only thing that helped Michigan beat the Crimson and Cream from Bloomington, you know you’ve got trouble deep, friends.

As has been my paradigm throughout my lifetime, the University of Michigan football team should never lose a football game.  I know that to be an unrealistically high standard of excellence, but that’s how I feel.  I want the Michigan Wolverines to be the powerhouse football team that knocks the other team off the ball and knocks the daylights out of their ball carriers and receivers.

No slack due, gentlemen; no slack due.

For me, it would be very difficult to continue on with the present coaching administration should the team fail to win eight games during the 2010 Michigan Wolverines football campaign.  Fortunately, I’m not charged with making that decision.

Every single Michigan Wolverine football fan from coast to coast and around the globe wants nothing but success for the most storied program in all of college football.  I know I do.

Regardless my desire for coach Rodriguez and his staff to find absolute success during the 2010 season, Michigan football is not a program that can be allowed to fall from grace by not winning, plain and simple.

Should the unthinkable happen and the 2010 season ends in ruin, I’m for bringing home the kid from Ann Arbor Pioneer.  You know, the guy that Bo told he wouldn’t play a down of Michigan football if he didn’t get his act together.

I think it’s pretty safe to say he got his act together.

Rich Rodriguez will need to do the same to survive another year in Ann Arbor.

Whatever the outcome yields this season, I’m true Blue all the way, and I’m looking forward to sharing some great stories with you this fall.

Wear Maize!  Go Blue!

HäMMëR



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Posted in Big Ten Football, Bo Schembechler, College Football, Michigan Wolverines Football, NCAA, Preview/Prediction

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Red River Rivalry: Dominance Is a Matter of Perspective

August 15th, 2010

The annual Red River Rivalry game played between the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas has a long and storied history. It is a hotly contested football game played between the flagship universities of bordering states where there is not much love lost.

It is also a deciding factor early in the season on who may have an inside track towards a possible championship run. Since the formation of the Big 12, either the Sooners (6) or Longhorns (3) have won 9 of the 14 conference titles. They have each won a national championship in the last decade and played in the game four other times. They are two of the most elite programs in the country and look to be contenders on a national scale on a regular basis.

From my experiences, the fans of both schools are very similar. They are passionate about their teams and show that support loudly and proudly. Preferably to the opposing teams' fans whenever possible.

Sooner fans point to their seven national championship banners and Longhorn fans brag about their nearly 60% winning percentage in the series. OU fans may then shout that they have six Big 12 titles to only three for their rival, while UT fans shout back they have won four of the last five R.R.R. games AND still own a nearly 60% winning percentage in the series.

This whole series record thing can really steam the Sooners because they have no comeback. Facts are facts and UT has an almost insurmountable 59-40-5 edge in the series that started in 1900. As an OU fan, what can you say?

Well, while it is true that Oklahoma would have to go on an epic winning streak of biblical proportions to catch up, there may be hope in the facts themselves.

What do I mean? I'm talking about looking at the series from personal perspective. Of looking at it in eras and different contexts.

The series and the very game of football itself has changed drastically since the rivalry began. In 1900, the game was labeled a scrimmage between the Texas varsity and an Oklahoma team with a history of 10 total games played since 1895. Even though I wasn't there, I am pretty sure it looked nothing like what we will witness in the Cotton Bowl during the Texas State Fair this October.

Simply said, it was a completely different era than what we are used to seeing today. The forward pass wasn't even legal yet. A big player would be considered anyone close to 200 pounds. Helmets, when worn, were made of a soft leather that barely gave more protection than a modern beanie cap.

I thought it might be interesting to look at the series from a few different perspectives.

First, some all time facts. As we already know, the series started in 1900 with Texas owning an advantage of 59-40-5. If you average the scoring over the years, it has resulted in a UT win of about 17-16.

Oklahoma owns the largest margin of victory at 52 points set in a 65-13 victory in 2003. They also have the second of 50 points in 1908 (50-0), the third at 49 points in 2000 (63-15), the fourth at 45 points in 1956 (45-0), the fifth at 39 points in 1973 (52-13) and the sixth at 35 points, doing it in back to back years in 1986-87 (47-12 & 44-9, respectively).

The Longhorns are down the list at eighth, with two 33 points margins of victory. The men from Austin have accomplished this feat twice, most recently in 2005 with Vince Young leading them to a 45-12 hammering of the hapless Sooners. They also did it in 1940, winning 40-7.

This shows that without the occasional blowout by Oklahoma, the margin of victory would tilt more heavily in UT's direction.

Neither team was ranked in a game until the 1945 season when TU entered with a ranking of #10. OU did not enter as a ranked team until 1947, at #15. Since then, the Sooners have been ranked 36 times and the Longhorns have been ranked 34.

The game has been played in Dallas annually since 1929, the year of the stock market crash and the beginning of the Great Depression. Only six games have been played in Oklahoma, four in Norman (last in 1923) and two in Oklahoma City (1905, '06). One game was played in Houston (1913). Ten games have been played in Austin with the last  taking place in 1922.

They have played twice in the same year, in 1901 and again in 1903. They did not play at all from 1924-1928. They also didn't play in 1918 or 1920-'21.

The record from 1929 in Dallas to present is 45-32-4 for Texas. Average score 17-17.

From the year the game became an annual grudge match in Dallas till the the beginning of the modern era (1929-1944), the Longhorns owned a 12-3-1. The average score was 13-6, Texas.

If you look at the records from the modern era, this is where things start to look better from a Sooners' perspective. While OU went only 11-26-2 over the first 39 games and were outscored by an average of 14-8, since 1945 things start to even out.

Why did I choose 1945? This is widely considered the modern era of football, as WWII had just ended and millions of battle hardened G.I.'s returned from overseas. Many went on to college on the G.I. Bill and formed the backbones of the explosion in college football.

From 1945 to the present, the record is still in UT's favor, owning a 33-29-3 advantage. However, the average score is now at 20-18 in OU's favor.

A four game advantage in the 65 games played in this era isn't exactly dominance. I'm not even going to mention that none of these games have been played in the Sooners' home state. Oh wait, I guess I just did.

Well I certainly won't mention that a few Sooner fans have, uh, "questioned" many calls by the mostly Texas born referees which seem to go against the our team more frequently than normal. Sorry, did it again. My bad.

I know, I know, it's a played at a "neutral" site, halfway between Norman and Austin. What's not completely "neutral" about playing in the biggest city in Texas in the middle of the State Fair of Texas? I mean, come on. How much more "neutral" could it be?

Now I will look at it from a more personal perspective, starting the first year I remember paying attention to the game at all.

That would be 1971 and I was five years old. OU, ranked #4, beat the third-ranked Longhorns, 48-27. The series record since I can remember it is 19-17-3 in Oklahoma's favor. The average score is 19-17 for OU. Still very close but definitely swinging towards the Sooners.

So when Texas fans say anything about their dominating Red River Rivalry record, I say "What are you talking about?"

From my perspective, I don't see any dominance by either team. Well, maybe I remember the occasional stomping the Sooners have put on them. I have tried to block out Vince Young, but still have the occasional nighmare.

However, more often than not, it is a classic, hard fought game that can usually go either way.

And when I think about the history, I prefer to put it into perspective.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in College Football, Oklahoma Sooners Football, Opinion, Texas Longhorns Football, college football history

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Golden Viper: Why Randy Orton Is Primed For Title Reign Number Seven

August 15th, 2010

As we all know, the biggest party of the summer is set to take place on August 15th at the WWE's second biggest Pay-Per-View of the year, SummerSlam.

Compared to SummerSlams of the past, this year's card is less than "acceptable", most of the matches on the card haven't been properly hyped or built up, and unless the Team WWE vs. Nexus match can pull a surprise out of the hat, the PPV is almost destined to be a let down.

One of the matches that has been a victim to poor hyping is the most important match of the night: the WWE Championship Match-Sheamus vs. Randy Orton.

The match shouldn't be ignored, despite the little attention it's been given, although it's a replay of the match-up at the 2010 Royal Rumble. With the no outside interference stipulation, we finally get to see the outcome of this match.

In one corner, you have a bright new star in the WWE, Sheamus, who has already beaten John Cena to become WWE Champion on two separate occasions.

"The Celtic Warrior" is a physically impressive man and has shown a wide variety of maneuvers in the ring.

He has "ended the career" of Jamie Noble, taken John Cena out of the WWE Title Match picture, and somehow always finds a way to win a match, regardless of the odds up against him.

All that is good and well, but Sheamus is slowly becoming one of the biggest current "paper champions" in WWE history. He has never defended and retained the WWE Title cleanly and the one match he did win without help was a Table Match, where John Cena accidentally fell.

Having Sheamus beat his SummerSlam opponent and retain the belt would clearly bring him up a level. Older fans could take the guy a bit more seriously and no longer would he be the punch-line to mayonnaise jokes.   

But this is no easy task for "Mayo-Man", he has to "cut the head" off the WWE's "Viper", Randy Orton.

Sheamus's future with the WWE seems endless.

But, I don't think Sheamus will be able to complete that task.

As the title of this article oh so clearly puts it, I believe Randy Orton will leave SummerSlam with the biggest prize in sports entertainment.

Throughout 2010, the WWE has made Randy Orton look like he is the second coming of "The Texas Rattlesnake", Stone Cold Steve Austin.

I think that is an unfair comparsion, but the younger audience buys into it.

Well, if the WWE is trying to mold Orton into this "Anti-Hero" and Stone Cold is the character that they are trying to emulate, why would Randy Orton be pushed around by someone so "inferior" to him?

If my memory serves me correctly, Steve Austin was never "punk'd" out by any of his opponents and, when push came to shove, Austin usually ended his feuds and rivalries walking out with WWE Championship.

Giving Orton the belt would certainly back up his "tough guy" claim.

"The Apex Predator" of the WWE has yet to taste WWE Gold in 2010 and giving their second biggest star the WWE Title, at the second biggest PPV of the year, would be more then enough to make up for the little role he played at WrestleMainia.

To be real, plenty of wrestlers in WWE history have made a career out of multiple WWE Title reigns, but relatively short reigns, Sheamus will just have to be thrown into that category for the time being.

A perfect example of this is Sheamus's fellow performer, Edge, he has been a nine time Heavyweight Champion in his career, but has never had a reign of more then three months.

Probably unfair, but hey, it's just the way the business works.

Most have probably thought of this reason or something at least similar to it and don't think it's "backed up" enough to ensure that Randy will walk out the Champion.

I have one other reason that the IWC should think about before tabbing Sheamus as the winner at SummerSlam in their prediction articles.

Balance in Raw's next PPV main-events.

Don't understand? Let me explain. 

More times then not, in a WWE Championship Match, there will be a "heel", the bad guy, and there will be a "face", the good guy. In some instances, two "faces" will lock horns as shown in the Wrestlemainia 26: Shawn Michael's vs. The Undertaker.  But two "heels" will never battle, due to less reaction from the crowd.

The SummerSlam WWE Championship Title Match clearly has that, Randy Orton is a "face" and Sheamus is a "heel".

If Randy Orton were to win the WWE Title match, look at all these possible match-ups that could take place.

WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. Edge

WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho

WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. John Cena

WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. Sheamus (rematch)

WWE Champion Randy Orton vs. The Miz

All of these matches clearly have a "face" vs. "heel" battle in them with the exception of the Cena vs. Orton match, which would be "face" vs. "face" unless Orton turned "heel".

Erase Randy Orton from those matches and insert Sheamus, these match ups would clearly be different.

You would have "heel" vs. "heel" and there would be no balance in the matches.

Edge turned "face" earlier this year and WWE Universe wouldn't fall for the same trick twice. It just wouldn't be believable.

Chris Jericho simply plays a "heel" too good and has stated that this new, "Best In The World" gimmick will stick around for a while. Also, I don't really think Jericho vs. Sheamus would sell that much.

We have seen Sheamus vs. John Cena a billion times already on PPV and on cable.

Like Jericho, it doesn't seem like Miz will be turning "face" anytime soon. And to be honest, Miz vs. Sheamus won't sell AT ALL.

Giving Orton the belt would bring a some what, "fresh feel" to these matches.

With Triple H out for most of 2010, letting Sheamus keep the belt would hurt the future title defenses even more.

I like Sheamus, but until the Nexus storyline blows over and "The Game" comes back from action, I just can't see him having a significant reign as the Champion.

If Sheamus turned "face", it would help this situation out, but I don't think Sheamus is the type of guy fans would get behind. With the white "phantom" skin which has been the subject to jokes and the cocky European accent, Sheamus was born to be an elite "heel".

I could be wrong, a new "face" mid-carder could be elevated into the main event spot and be a possible new rival for Sheamus.

John Morrison or R-Truth would be the only guys that would fit the bill, but they haven't done anything recently to be put in a place like that.

Any how, I'm really looking forward to the result of this match and what the WWE plans to do if Sheamus wins.

But as of right now, my SummerSlam WWE Title Match prediction is that Randy Orton will walk out the Champion.

Thanks for reading.

As always, VOTE ON THE POLL!

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Posted in Breaking News, Chris Jericho, Pro Wrestling, Randy Orton, WWE

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NFL Scores: Saturday Night Football Primer With QB Rotations

August 15th, 2010

Here are the preseason news and notes, quarterback rotations, and key player injuries from OffshoreInsiders.com 

Vikings vs. Rams 

The Minnesota Vikings may get great inspiration from the scheduled miracle return of LB E.J. Henderson. He is coming back from a gruesome fractured left femur injury, which was considered career threatening. 

Percy Harvin is out for the Nordic Explorers. The star WR continues to have migraine headache issues. Two Pro Bowlers, Adrian Peterson and Sidney Rice, have also missed significant camp time because of mystery injuries. Rice is definitely out. Bernard Berrian and Jaymar Johnson get the starts at WR. 

Rams star RB Steven Jackson will see very little if any time tonight and throughout the preseason. There is a three-way competition for the backup spot: Kenneth Darby, Chris Ogbonnaya, and Keith Toston. 

This marks the debut of Rams QB Sam Bradford, but he will be the No. 2 behind journeyman AJ Feeley. Feeley will play two or so series and Bradford may play into the third quarter. 

St. Louis is very thin at CB with Ron Bartell and a bunch of nobodies. They are furthermore weakened by injuries. 

Top expert pick on this game: GodsTips of OffshoreInsiders.com has this side among two Wise Guys. 

Browns vs. Packers 

The Cleveland Browns have a revamped QB rotation with Jake Delhomme the starter, followed by Seneca Wallace and rookie Colt McCoy. The rookie from Texas should see significant playing time in the second half. Brett Ratliff may see mop-up duty. 

Cleveland’s secondary is a work in progress. Eric Wright just got hurt and is questionable. First round pick Joe Haden has gotten mixed reviews in training camp thus far. 

Titans vs. Seahawks 

Tennessee is very thin at TE. Starter William Hayes is doubtful. Top draft pick Derrick Morgan is also likely out and Jacob Ford has missed several practices with a hip flexor. T Jason Jones has been playing a few snaps at DE. 

The Titans starters will be in for 12-15 plays. Vince Young starts at QB, but Chris Simms and Rusty Smith will see a lot of time. Kerry Collins may not play at all. 

For Seattle, QB Matt Hasselbeck isn’t expected to play more than a series—certainly two at the most. He will give way to Charlie Whitehurst, who will play a lot, then followed by J.P. Losman says Mike Godsey of OffshoreInsiders.com 

Seattle is very thin at LB because of injuries. Two recent signings, guys not even expected to make the team, will be forced into action: Alvin Bowen and Tyjuan Hagler. The big position battle for the Birds is at WR. 

Top expert pick on this game: Matt Rivers, who was the winningest handicapper ever—nobody came close—on a large network of sites. It’s his only pick of preseason NFL betting so far. He also has MLB winners up. 

Lions vs. Steelers 

Detroit is very thin on the OL, and RG Stephen Peterman is questionable. S Louis Delmas is out for the Lions. He played in 15 games making 94 tackles last season. 

Ben Roethlisberger is eligible to play in NFLX. He may see some time with the first team. Also expected to play at QB for the Steelers at QB is Byron Leftwich, Charlie Batch, and Dennis Dixon. Starters will play 8-12 snaps. 

For Detroit, it’s Matthew Stafford, Shaun Hill, and Drew Stanton. They will be without RB Kevin Smith, who rushed for 747 yards last year and TE Brandon Pettigrew, who had 30 catches last year. 

Texas vs. Cardinals 

Of course Arizona will have a new starting QB with the retirement of Kurt Warner. Biblical bust Matt Leinart continues to struggle and presumed backup, former Browns starter Derek Anderson may make a run at the top spot. 

Leinart will play the first quarter. Derek Anderson will then take over, but the offensive line is expected to play into the second quarter. Conversely, the defense may not play as much. 

For Houston, backup Dan Orlovsky will get the most snaps at QB, says Bob Warner of Lines-Maker.com. He will play about two quarters 

John David Booty will also play, as starter Matt Schaub won’t play much. “More than a series for Schaub would be a shock,” says Warner. 

Despite their regular season success, the Redbirds are 2-10 straight up under Ken Whisenhunt. 

For bettors who like position battles, the Texans have a big one at RB. Arizona will have a lot of crowd support as the game is sold out. 

Buccaneers vs. Dolphins 

Tampa starters will play about 12-15 snaps. Colt McCoy and Josh Freeman will each get 12-15 snaps at QB. 

It’s the first year as starting QB for Dolphins Chad Henne. He will be followed in the rotation by Tyler Thigpen, Chad Pennington, and Pat White. Thigpen and White may each play more than a quarter. 

Thigpen has been horrible in practice, throwing a lot of interceptions reports Brian Kayma of ScoresOddsPicks.com 

Tampa is without TE Kellen Winslow, CB Aquib Talib, CB Myron Lewis, among others. 

Bears vs. Chargers 

Chicago starters could play as much as the entire first half tonight said coach Lovie Smith. 

LB Shawne Merriman is out, having just ended his holdout. WR Vincent Jackson and LT Marcus McNeil are holdouts, making San Diego very thin at LT. Merriman’s backup Larry English is doubtful. RB Darren Sproles is out while LT Tra Thomas is also out. 

Chicago has a revamped offensive line and has struggled greatly against 3-4 defenses in the past. They’ve been practicing against a 4-3. 

Top expert pick on this game: ScoresOddsPicks is already off to a big start against the NFL odds and has their Inter-conference Best Bet of the Preseason on this contest.

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Posted in NFL, Preview/Prediction

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