The Five Best Games of the Upcoming College Football Weekend- Week 5

The University of Notre Dame.

No game last weekend was really worthy of discussing, but we've got a great slate of College Football games to look forward to this weekend. Here we go....

Wisconsin @ Ohio State (Saturday 8:00 p.m. on ABC)

I wish I could be more excited for this game. Maybe if it was being played at Camp Randall or maybe if Wisconsin had beaten Arizona State two weekends ago. However, the 3-1 Badgers will be traveling to Columbus this weekend to face off against the Buckeyes, and I expect Ohio State to win by at least two touchdowns.  Yes, Wisconsin does have a solid running game and yes, Ohio State’s rush defense leaves much to be desired. Nevertheless, Coach Urban Meyer isn’t going to let the Buckeyes play poorly in their first real game of the season. However, what will be interesting from this game will be how Coach Meyer handles the Braxton Miller-Kenny Guiton situation. I expect Miller to start, but if he struggles early on, I wouldn’t be surprised if Meyer threw Guiton in the game. Think Everett Golson-Tommy Rees last year or Matt Saracen-J.D. McCoy. Who doesn’t love a QB battle?

USC @ Arizona State (Saturday 10:30 p.m. on ESPN2)

 
Neither of these teams are currently ranked in the AP Top 25 poll, however this is still a very compelling game for a couple of reasons. First, the outcome should be a major factor in the hierarchy of the PAC-12 South. While I still expect UCLA to win this division, thanks to ASU’s quarterback play and USC’s solid defense, I wouldn’t be surprised to see either of these teams in the PAC-12 Championship Game. Additionally, this is probably a must win game for Coach Lane Kiffin. USC has easily the best receiving corps in the PAC-12, yet Kiffin’s offense has been anemic through four games this season. With an impatient fan base and cross-town UCLA getting all the recent praise, don’t be shocked if Kiffin is canned after a loss this weekend. I’m expecting a low-scoring affair here; however the stakes will be considerably high.

Oklahoma @ Notre Dame (Saturday 3:30 p.m. on NBC)

Although Notre Dame won’t be in the National Championship game this year thanks to their loss at Michigan, they still might be BCS bound come January. The Irish are currently 3-1 and have a number of showcase games remaining on their schedule including, of course, this weekend’s home game against the Sooners. However, the Notre Dame offense has looked particularly sloppy in their first four games. Oklahoma, on the other hand, already looks like the best team in the Big 12 (not much of a compliment) thanks to a stingy defense and Junior QB Blake “The Belldozer” Bell. Yet, thanks to the current state of the Big 12, the Sooners will likely have to go undefeated to play for a National Title. Basically, the stakes are high for both teams and I expect a stellar matchup in South Bend. Note: I’ll be attending this game and live tweeting my entire weekend in South Bend, follow me @SeanColeTPC.

LSU @ Georgia (Saturday 3:30 p.m. on CBS)

After last weekend, where the entire SEC seemingly played an ITT Tech Satellite Campus, it’s refreshing to see some powerhouse SEC matchups on the schedule. The major story here is Zach Mettenberger, who thanks to new Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron, looks like easily the best LSU QB since Matt Flynn. Add to that a solid running game and it seems like the Tigers should roll the Bulldogs this weekend. However, the LSU Defense is a little off this year and I expect Georgia QB Aaron Murray and running back Todd Gurley to take full advantage of that. Expect a close game where both teams score about 30 points. However, regardless of outcome, this is big-time SEC football and that’s always going to be a must watch.

Ole Miss @ Alabama (Saturday 6:30 p.m. on ESPN)

If this game were being played in Oxford, there’s a chance I might have predicted an upset here. However, this very talented Ole Miss team is still too young and Saban is too good of a coach for the Rebels to pull off a win over the Crimson Tide. Nevertheless, Ole Miss is off to a stellar start and I want to see how the Hugh Freeze’s squad stacks up against the best college football team in the country. Additionally, true freshman Defensive End Robert Nkemdiche will be back on the field for the Rebels come Saturday, so I’m curious  ofwhat he’ll be able to do against the Crimson Tide Offensive Line. Basically, Alabama is playing a ranked SEC Team, it’s a very big deal.

The Five Best Games of the Upcoming College Football Weekend- Week 3

Sorry for missing last week, I had some scheduling issues. Though I’m assuming most of you were able to find South Carolina-Georgia and Notre Dame-Michigan on your own. Anyway, here are the five best college football watches this weekend.

Louisville at Kentucky (Saturday 12:00 p.m. on ESPN)

Sadly, this might be Teddy Bridgewater’s toughest test of the year. Yes…..I’m not joking. That’s how easy their schedule is. A road game against Kentucky is probably Bridgewater’s best chance to prove to Heisman voters he’s worthy of the trophy come December. For that reason alone, this game is one of the best watches of the week. If Bridgewater plays a near flawless game against the Wildcats, say 25-30, with 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, expect to see him in Radio City Music for the Heisman Celebration. However if Teddy struggles, he’ll most likely become an afterthought for the rest of the football season.

Wisconsin at Arizona State (Saturday 10:30 p.m. on ESPN)
 
This is the first real test of the season for First Year Badger Coach Gary Anderson. If the team is still a legitimate Big 10 contender, they’ll have no problem winning a tough game in Tempe, Arizona Saturday night. However, something tells me the Badgers aren’t ready for this. Yes they haven’t allowed a touchdown yet this season, but their first two games were against Mass and Tennessee Tech. Additionally, I think Badger Quarterback Joel Stave will face serious problems against the elite Sun Devil Pass Rush led by Defensive Tackle Will Sutton. Regardless of what happens, it’s suppose to be 100 degrees in Tempe on Saturday Night and I expect Sun Devil Stadium to be crazy. Definitely the best late night watch of the weekend.

Ole Miss at Texas (Saturday 8:00 p.m. on The Longhorn Network)

How good is Ole Miss and just how bad is Texas? There’s a good chance we’ll have answers to both of those questions come this Saturday in Austin, Texas. Ole Miss has looked great their first two weeks, thanks to stellar play from true freshmen Wide Receiver Laquon Treadwell and Safety Tony Conner. Additionally, QB Bo Wallace has been a solid game manager for the Rebels. On the other hand, the Longhorns were upset to the BYU Cougars last weekend and just fired Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz.  Still, Longhorns QB David Ash has been solid his first two weeks and Texas always plays great for home night games. All this makes for a very compelling game with the stakes equally high for both teams.

UCLA at Nebraska (Saturday 12:00 p.m. on ABC)


I’m always interested in games that feature a highly touted  program from California going to the heartland. I just love the animosity the home crowd has for the flashy West-Coast team and their utter lack of Midwestern values. Well come Saturday afternoon the UCLA Bruins travel to Lincoln, Nebraska to play the Cornhuskers. Expect the home crowd to be energized here, as there’s nothing Nebraskans like more than beating a coastal team. However, more importantly, this game is a great test for both the Bruins and Cornhuskers, as both teams are ranked in the AP Top-25. Additionally, this will be an emotional game for the Bruins, as their walk-on wide receiver Nick Pasquale died last week after being hit by a car while walking in San Clemente, California. Basically, there’s going to be a lot of passion from both teams here and that always makes for a compelling game.

Alabama at Texas A&M (Saturday 3:30 p.m. on CBS)

 What will ultimately be the “Legend of Johnny Football?” If he loses on Saturday, he’ll surely be remembered as a great Texas A&M QB that won the Heisman trophy in 2012 and led the Aggies to relevance for a two-year period. However, he’ll mostly just be remembered as a cautionary tale for letting success get to a player’s head. Then, barring any great NFL success, Johnny will soon be forgotten. Sure he beat Saban’s Crimson Tide once, but so did Cam Newton and Tim Tebow. Yet, if Johnny Manziel wins Saturday, his legend will forever be engrained in the minds of College Football fans as the Quarterback who bested Nick Saban twice-in-a-row. Imagine, in the midst of creating one of the great College Football Dynasties ever, Nick Saban was defeated two consecutive times by a cocksure quarterback who stands as one of the most polarizing athletes in sports today. Manziel would go down with Tom Landry and Davy Crockett as a Texas folk hero. This is one of the most important College Football games of my lifetime. And, like most fans, I have no idea who to root for? Do I root for an unlikable rich kid who disrespects his own coach (poor Kevin Sumlin) or do I root for Nick Saban’s unstoppable Crimson Tide dynasty? I’m completely conflicted, which only adds an extra element of drama to this game. This is College Football at its best.

5 Things we Learned from the College Football Weekend: Week 1

Here's five mostly unfounded opinions and reflections on the College Football Weekend that was:

This guy plays the Crimson Tide on September 14.

Number 5: The future looks bright for Ole Miss.

When word got out that Coach Hugh Freeze had managed to deliver a top ranked recruiting class for the 2013 season, expectations were high in Oxford. However, after watching just sixty minutes of the young Rebels play against Vanderbilt, I’m ready to say that this Ole Miss recruiting class is going to live up to the hype. Freshman Wide Receiver Laquon Treadwell had nine receptions for 82 yards last Thursday night and thanks to the young man's combination of size and speed, reminds me of Dez Bryant at Oklahoma State. In just his first game, Treadwell has already become Quarterback Bo Wallace’s favorite security blanket. Additionally, the consensus number one player coming out of high school, Defensive End Robert Nkemdiche, put up two tackles for the Rebels. Further, freshman Tight End Evan Engram caught five passes for 61 yards. If Coach Freeze can continue to recruit these blue chip prospects and properly develop them to maximize their potential, Ole Miss might be a sleeping giant in the SEC West.

Number 4: Ohio State looks pretty meh.
 
 With a Heisman Candidate at quarterback, an easy schedule, and Coach Urban Meyer entering his second year with the program, Ohio State looked like a sure bet to win the Big Ten. However, when your defense gives up 258 yards and 20 points to the Buffalo Bulls, nothing is really a sure bet anymore. I know it’s just week one and the Buckeyes have ten new starters on Defense, but if Coach Meyer doesn’t develop these young players in a hurry it’s going to be a very disappointing fall season in Columbus, Ohio.

Number 3: Don’t sleep on LSU

 With the help of new Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron, the Tigers put up 448 yards on the formidable Horned Frogs defense. What’s more, for the first time since Mattt Flynn, LSU looks like they have a serviceable quarterback. I know he only went 16 for 32, but Mettenberger managed the game well and was able to make some tough down the field passes. Although the defense doesn’t look as fearsome as last years, the “Mad Hatter” might just have one of his most complete teams ever.

Number 2: The A.C.C. might finally have legitimate title contenders this year.

 
Clemson beat Georgia!!! I can’t begin to stress how big of a deal this is. Clemson had the advantage on both sides of the ball here and Tigers Quarterback Tajh Boyd was electrifying with 270 passing yards and 42 rushing yards. Not to mention, Clemson has possibly the most complete offense in the nation, with Tigers Running Back Roderick McDowell and Wide Reciever Sammy Watkins each contributing over 100 yards of offense. If they win out, their guaranteed a spot in the National Title Game. Then on Monday Night Jameis Winston, in his first ever start for the Seminoles,  led Florida State to a blowout win over Pitt by putting up an astonishing 356 passing yards and four passing touchdowns. I know it was only Pitt, but I’m already comfortable calling this kid “Famous” Jameis Winston.

Number 1: Alabama @ Texas A & M is going to be awesome.

In their opener against Virginia Tech, the inexperienced Bama Offensive Line looked like a possible Achilles Heel for the Crimson Tide. What does this mean? It means Bama doesn’t necessarily look like an unbeatable force of nature this year. Counter that with Johnny Manziel’s impressive second half performance against Rice, and their showdown in College Station on September 14^th already looks like one for the ages. What’s more, thanks to Manziel’s tumultuous offseason and disrespectful antics on Saturday, most of America has no clue who to root for in this game. Who’s the bad guy here? Is it Saban and his reigning Crimson Tide Dynasty or is the oil-rich, self-promoting, constantly chirping Johnny Foosball? I’m still not sure who I want to win this game, which just adds an extra layer of intrigue here. I can’t even wait.  

12 Underrated Songs from the Past 10 Years- Part IV

Here's the very controversial final three. Let the debate begin.

Number 3: Natasha Bedingfield “These Words” 2004

If there was ever a truly perfect pop-song, this was it. In 2004 Natasha Bedingfield released “These Words”, the second single off her debut album. The song was very popular across Europe, but only enjoyed mild Billboard success in the US. My only guess as to why “These Words” didn’t become a monster smash hit is that it was a little ahead of its time. The American appeal of Euro-dance pop was not yet a proven entity in 2004 and as a result, her record label didn’t promote “These Words” the way they would now. Nevertheless, all it takes is one listen to this song and you’re hooked. The composition here is highlighted by a drum machine that adds hip-hop flavors to an otherwise traditional pop song. Further, Bedingfield has a great voice with the right amount of confidence to really sell the hook in this song. This is as good as music gets.

Number 2:The Killers “Read my Mind” 2006

 I expect a lot of backlash for putting a Killers song on a list that uses the word underrated. I know it’s not cool to like this band anymore, but I don’t care. “Read my Mind” is my favorite rock song of the past ten years. The song never made it to the Billboard Top 40, but it did receive some critical praise. In fact, Rolling Stone listed as the 12^th best song of 2006. However, that’s not enough. This is one of the best rock songs of all time. The song’s sound is best characterized as a mixture between Bruce Springsteen and 80’s British New Wave pop. That of course makes for a unique blend, but the songs energy and passion are what make it a classic. Brandon Flowers vocals build slowly throughout the song until they reach epic arena style heights when Flowers sings “I wanna breathe that fire again.” What’s more, this song was featured in the famous “Mud Bowl” episode of Friday Night Lights. Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose.

Number 1: Birdman & Lil Wayne “Stuntin’ Like my Daddy” 2006

There are plenty other rap songs that are certainly more important, more revolutionary, more artistic, and more impactful. However, this is simply the greatest rap song ever made. Don’t believe me? Listen to this song while driving fast in your car three different times over the next week. If you still don’t think it’s the greatest rap song of all time, then feel free to troll the Boat Shoes and Burritos message boards all you want.

In the mid-2000’s Lil Wayne transformed himself from a mildly popular New Orleans rapper into the King of Hip-Hop. So in the time period between 2005 and the release of the Carter III, Lil Wayne seemingly appeared in every other rap song. As a result, when “Stuntin’ Like my Daddy” was released in the Summer of 2006 it unfortunately got lost in the shuffle of about 30 other rap songs Weezy had dropped that same Summer. However, anyone who’s heard this song more than once recognizes its greatness. Lil Wayne’s flow is never better than it is here and the song contains the tightest rap lyrics I’ve ever heard. The song’s composition contains a cool brass sound and has all the energy of a Southern Marching Band. However, what’s so refreshing about this song is its just straight-up rap featuring no samples or Macklemore style self-importance. Give it a listen. The true greatness of this song cannot be described, but can only be heard.

12 Underrated Songs from the Past 10 Years- Part III

Dying for more underrated songs? Here's your fix...........numbers 6 through 4.


Number 6: Timbaland featuring Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake “Give it to Me” 2007



It’s understandable why this song has been overlooked. It was released during the homestretch of Timbaland’s two year long dominance of the pop-music industry. From “Promiscuous Girl” by Nelly Furtado to One Republic’s“Apologize”, Timbaland owned 2006 and 2007. His crowning achievement from this era was certainly Justin Timberlake’s FutueSex/LoveSounds, most of which was produced by Timbaland and is widely considered one of the best pop albums of the 2000s. However, his best individual song from this 2006-2007 period was “Give it to Me.” The song has a unique futuristic sound featuring percussion bass, breathless drums, and digitalized keyboards. However, for as complex as the Timbaland’s composition is, the overall sound feels simple and laid-back. Additionally, the lyrics in the song are great, with Timbaland spending his entire verse dissing fellow producer Scott Storch. This song did reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100 briefly in 2007, however it has been mostly forgotten since then. This confounds me; since I still think it’s the best song either Timbaland, Furtado, or Timberlake have ever been a part of. This song should be on regular rotation in every bar and club in America. Until then, it remains one of the most underrated songs of the past 10 years.

Number 5: Diddy featuring Keyshia Cole "Last Night" 2007

Diddy needed a big hit in 2007. The late 90s were a long time ago and Diddy had just spent the past five years as the host of MTV’s Making the Band, rather than pumping out hip-hop hits. With “Last Night”, Diddy may have only created a minor hit, but still proved why he’s capable of being one of the best producers in the rap game. Sampling the drum beat from Prince’s “Erotic City”, “Last Night” has a fun and energetic 80s feel. However, Keyshia’s vocals on the song are what make it a classic. The contrast between her powerful voice and Diddy’s low key rapping style are fantastic and the song features a memorable hook. It’s really the perfect song to listen to while driving fast on a hot summer night.

Number 4: Rilo Kiley "Silver Lining" 2007
 

 “Silver Lining” was the second single off of Rilo Kiley’s album Under the Blacklight. This is definitely one of the coolest songs I’ve ever heard. It features a mixture of alternative rock, country-western twang, and George Harrison style guitar riffs, which come together to create an iron-clad classic. Additionally, Jenny Lewis has a great, soulful voice and belts out an incredible chorus here. However, despite receiving immense critical praise, this song was never able to reach the Billboard Top 40. However, it’s not too late to discover this song now. If you’re a fan of Fleetwood Mac style rock, or just good music in general, you’ll certainly connect with “Silver Lining.”

12 Underrated Songs from the Past 10 years- Part II

Here's three more underappreciated songs for you to enjoy on your Labor Day Saturday. Let's keep it going with 9 through 7.

Number 9: Eric Church “Drink in my Hand” 2011



It never makes sense to me why some country songs become cross-over hits, while others fail to. Eric Church’s “Drink in my Hand” reached number one on the country charts in 2011, but was never able to crack the Billboard Top 40. This is astonishing to me because “Drink in my Hand” is one of the best party anthems of the recent past. With its tight lyrics, catchy melody, and energetic vocals, I initially thought Eric Church had created a monster mainstream hit. (Think Carrie Underwood “Before he cheats.”) Instead, most of my friends who are not diehard country fans have never heard of this song.  Even “Red Solo Cup” had more cross-over appeal than “Drink in my Hand.” This is heartbreaking since “Drink in my Hand” is a perfect example of how country music in the recent decade has filled the void left by the disappearance of heartland and southern rock. Eric Church isn’t just a country artist, but he’s also today’s Bob Seger or Marshall Tucker. Rock fans alienated by the current state of their genre should perhaps look to country music. They might like what they find.

Number 8: Company of Thieves “Oscar Wilde” 2009



This is certainly one of my favorite alt-rock songs of the past ten years. Company of Thieves front woman Genevieve Schatz has a mesmerizing voice, and it’s on full display here as she passionately belts out these melancholy lyrics. The guitar riffs in “Oscar Wilde” have a cool mid-90s alt-rock feel, but Schatz’s refined vocals feel very now, giving the song an interesting blend of both old and new. However, this song never made the Billboard Top 40. This is surprising since soon after Florence and the Machine’s “Dog Days are Over” was able to achieve mainstream success. I don’t know, maybe the song’s nineties sound confused people as to whether this a new band they should care about? Whatever the reason, it’s still a great song.



Number 7: Chris Brown “She Ain’t You” 2011



I know, I know, Chris Brown is a monster. However, I’m not judging him as a human being, I’m simply judging his music. In 2011, Brown released his best song to date and one of the best R&B jams I’ve ever heard. However, most Americans simply ignored this song or quickly dismissed it because it was made by America’s most hated pop-star. However, I dare everyone to give it a few listens and tell me they don’t love it. “She Ain’t You” features a Michael Jackson sample, which gives the song a fun eighties feel. Additionally, Brown’s lyrics have a soft and refreshingly good-natured vibe. Basically it’s extremely catchy and energetic, but its mid-tempo beats make the song a classic.

12 Underrated Songs from the Past 10 years- Part I

Disclaimer: You could argue that not a single song on this list is underrated. Every song here was released as a single and received National Radio play. Some, you might even argue, were overplayed when they were originally released. However, for some reason or another, none of these songs is widely considered a classic. Some of these songs happened, but were quickly forgotten. Others have remained popular, but are still not considered the masterpieces they deserve to be. Nothing grinds my gears more than a great song being dismissed as lesser work. Consequently, I’ve decided to make it my crusade over Labor Day weekend to let the American public know what songs they’ve either forgotten about or taken for granted over the past 10 years. I’ll unveil three songs per post, with the best three songs being revealed at the end. Here we go....

Number 12: John Mayer “Shadow Days” 2012




Okay, I get why people initially dismissed this song. John Mayer’s pretty annoying and this song is basically about Mayer trying to convince himself and the American public that he’s actually a good guy. John Mayer is basically that guy whose really earnest, but in a bad way. However, if you forget about Mayer’s personality and dating life, and just listen to the music, you’ll hear one the best Southern Rock style ballads of the past ten years. The song is a mix of traditional Mayer, with a country-western vibe thanks to Mayer’s expert use of the steel guitar. You’d be hard pressed to find guitar riffs better than Mayer’s in “Shadow Days.” Also as cringe-worthy as some of the lyrics are, they are deeply sincere and awfully catchy. However, this song was never able to reach the Top-40 in the US which is certainly a shame because it’s great jam, with a vintage sound reminiscent of The Allman Brothers.


Number 11: Maroon 5 “One More Night” 2012



This song was almost a tad too popular to make my list. Afterall, it stayed number one on the Billboard Charts for nine weeks and still remains popular today. However, why wasn’t this song nominated for like 5 Grammies? This was easily the best song of 2012, regardless of genre. If anyone but the guy from The Voice had released this song it would have been considered this generation’s “Beat It.” The songs beat contains a unique blend of hip-hop, pop, rock, and reggae, and has an irresistible hook. Also, these are some of greatest lyrics I’ve ever heard “Try to tell you no, but my body keeps on telling you yes/ Try to tell you stop, but your lipstick got me so out of breath.” Adam Levine reached a new level of douchey-awesomeness with this song.


Number 10: Jay Z. featuring R. Kelly “Big Chips” 2004



Before Watch the Throne there was Best of Both Worlds. Best of Both Worlds was a joint venture between Jay and Kelly both still at the top of their respective games, where they produced two albums and a stadium tour. “Big Chips” is easily the best song from this collaboration and one of the best rap songs of the decade, but for some reason never caught on like Watch the Throne’s “Ni**as in Paris.” The song has a laid back sound, with a minimalist theory regarding it’s use of bass and drums. The song is basically just a party song, where Jay and Kelly brag about how awesome their lives are. However, it still has one of the coolest and most unique rap beats of the 21^st century.