well I will give my picks plus a little commentary that may or may not support my picks or is just food for thought for future weeks matchups.
MV at NC:
Two Interesting Tidbits:
* that MV put up 30+ points on NN!! is that due to MV finding their offensive groove OR is that due to a shaky NN defense?
* : Looking at the stats of NC offense - I would be a little worried if I was a Redhawk Fan. They were only able to generate 30 rushing yards on the Vaunted GBN defense in week 1 and a whopping 14 rushing yards against NV in week 2. They are putting a lot on the shoulders of their passing game at least early on with a lot of new Olinemen.. NV got pressure on NC QB in the second half of their game which disrupted their offense greatly (but didn't handle the Jordan Reed Bubble screens very well) - a road map to defend NC printed by the Wildcats? I'm still picking NC (and big): 38-10
WV at NV: sorry Anom - I can't pick the game for fear of the jinx. But I will offer some commentary:
* WV defended the Edge 1000% better in week 2 versus week 1. However that GBN offense is really really really (really) struggling at present. That was the best first half of football I have seen WV play in quite a while - they were jacked, they executed, and all 3 phases were doing well. I thought it was going to be a running clock game by the 4th quarter UNTIL the second half mistakes and turnovers popped up. Defense really got put in some bad spots and stood tall. Only reason GBN got a TD was our front 4 got a little gassed and GBN started getting 9-12 yards per play running chunks up the gut and by the time we rotated in a few fresh Dlineman - they were at our 1 and still got lucky to score via a missed tackle in the backfield.
* NV - Boy they made some great adjustments at half time against NC! They are a very solid team. We will know a lot more about NV and WV after this game I think. I will be very interested to see NV Oline vs WV Dline and vice versa.
GBN at WWS: Oh My - I think the loser of this game is basically out of the playoffs. It's a super low probability of running off 5 of 6 wins in the last 6 games in the DVC (I know it can happen - but I don't like the odds). Both teams should be Jacked and ready. I'm going to go with the home Team: WWS 21- GBN 3
WN at NN: Wow very intriguing Matchup.
* NN Offense is like the Hot knife Thru Butter
* NN Defense has been like the Butter placed in the microwave for 15 seconds.
* WN ball control offense can keep NN offense off the field if they are executing.
So it boils down to - can WN Defense get some stops against the NN offense?
I am going to say yes and I pick WN 31 NN 28 in a nail biter
LP at DeKalb: These teams played last year and LP came away victorious. I think LP goes to 3-0 this week and sets themselves up for a strong back half run in the DVC. LP 24 DeKalb 14
Voodoo... love you man but you have to pick the WV games, otherwise you risk being ineligible for the trophy presentation at seasons end. That being said, here are my thoughts...
NC over MV
Redhawks will roll. Their offense is fine, they just faced the two best defenses in the DVC, that is all. The most balanced team in the conference wins 42-0. Metea will not win a DVC game this year.
NV over WV
At this early stage in the season, I believe that Neuqua is the 2nd best team in the conference. Strong defense with the offense improving. The game is at Neuqua, and NV historically has had WV's number. Should be a close game- wouldn't be surprised if WV won, however.
WWS over GN
Man, this is a tough game to pick. Honestly I'm just flipping a coin- slight edge to WWS since their at home.
WN over NN
Two nice wins for the Falcons so far- clearly a better team than last year. Solid on both sides. Was hoping to see an improved Huskie defense this past Friday. Unfortunately, they looked terrible. The special teams are a major concern as well. NN does not have the depth of talent like last season. Fortunately they do have Nick Calcagno and Drake Davis, two D1 players that (hopefully) will keep the Huskies close. NN will need at least 42 points to win.
LP over DeKalb *
Nobody has picked DeKalb so far. I think they are better than most think and the game is in DeKalb. This would be considered an upset... the Barbs had the Falcons on the ropes last season. Should be a good game. If I get this pick wrong, I will declare a Voodoo mulligan- and insist it be rescinded as a Voodoo jinx.
*Note: changed my pick to LP Friday 9:18 am.
Ok how about we cut a deal!! I will (very reluctantly) resume Picking the game starting next week (the NC game) if you bring back your "Light Side Rankings"". Deal?