After Arizona State's victory over Missouri last night, the Sun Devils are now 2-10 against ranked opponents since the beginning of the 2008 season, including non-conference losses the last two years to Georgia and Wisconsin by a combined 4 points.
Arizona State scores the first upset of week 2 with a significant win over Missouri. Missouri, however, is breaking in a new quarterback this season, and while talented, probably did not deserve its preseason ranking. I do, however, promise not to complain about the attention ASU gets in the coming poll for one victory. We here at WGRF were unable to watch much of the game, so as to the total package ASU has to offer, I have no comments. While watching the new Sun Devils QB, however, one 6-8 baby faced giant named Brock Oselweiler, I must say that I was very impressed. The height is a natural advantage in terms of reading coverage and delivering passes over defenders, but I also witnessed the kid rocket a touchdown pass through a window small enough that Brett Favre might have even thought twice about trying to force a pass in it. I don't think Arizona State has the talent to go the distance with Oregon or Stanford, but third place in the Pac 12 is certainly in reach.
In expansion news: forget the rumour I referenced before, Texas has denied that any contact was made with the Big 10. I've also heard nonsense regarding Texas heading to the ACC or trying to start a Texas only conference with Baylor, Texas Tech, SMU, Houston and co. (Aka, SWC II). The rampant speculation and perpetual spinning of the rumour mill suggest to me that actually nothing is happening. Perhaps there will be no expansion this year, and if Texas A&M heads to the SEC as promised, perhaps the Big 12 will grab another team and every other conference will stay the same. Until there is new and reputable information, however, I will refrain from discussing it any more.
In Tennis, we here at WGRF don't like to gloat, because we actually love to. Top four seeds advancing is hardly a prediction, so we'll temper our excitement for the moment. To advance from the Semi's, I like Federer over Djoker and Nadal over Murray. I thought for the longest time that I was going to pick Djokovic to win it all, until I saw the ferocity of Federer's forehands in the match v Tsonga. I don't think he can be beat today. Murray is a solid player and, despite his struggles against John Isner, I think he will hang tough with Nadal. Unfortunately for Murray, Nadal doesn't need to overpower his opponents like Isner does. He can certainly be patient and is as talented as any at pulling out tough gets and staying in every point. I expect Murray v Nadal to have some of the longest rallies of any match this tournament.
What we're watching today
Alabama at Penn State. Alabama was an even better team last year than their lofty record indicates and should spend this entire season in the top 5 (presuming they don't beat themselves). That being said, it's never easy to break in a new QB, so I imagine Alabama will struggle a bit for these first few matchups. If Penn State were returning an experienced team of their own, I would probably lean towards the upset, but in this case I don't see it. The line is Alabama by 10 - my hunch is Penn State can keep it close, so I'm calling it by a touchdown.
Alabama 28-21.
South Carolina at Georgia. I don't care for either of these teams, mostly due to my dislike of both coaches and my general aversion to all overrated SEC East squads, so I can't say I'm watching this game out of interest in either team going far this season. Having laid out my bias on the table, however, I believe that South Carolina's front seven is even more athletic and talented than Boise St's (which roughed up Georgia all last week) and should have their way with the UGA offensive line. In a battle of mascots, I'd take the Bulldogs, but on the football field...
South Carolina 41-23
Upsets I like:
Ball State over South Florida
BYU over Texas
Best of luck to all your teams today, excluding Michigan and Notre Dame who I'm hoping can figure out a way to both lose.
Jabari
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