MartinBlank's Selections for October 24

**MartinBlank** · 10-22-09, 09:37 AM

Starting with Florida State tonight.

What to make of Florida State? They seem to be impossible to predict. As bad as their season has gone---they actually had chances to beat both Miami, FL and Georgia Tech. They can score points, they just can't defend anyone these days. And that is why they are my pick. North Carolina brings in an offense ranked among the worst in all of college football. They struggle throwing it, they struggle running it, they struggle punting it. I don't see how UNC beat them.

UNC is playing at home, but they don't get much of a home field advantage playing there. They scored 3 points against Virginia at home, and didn't put away a very average ECU team until late in the 4th quarter.

I think this is a really good spot for Florida State.

**MartinBlank** · 10-22-09, 10:40 AM

Purdue Write up.

Everyone is expecting Purdue to have a let down emotionally after their big win last week over Ohio State, and that may hold some water if they were playing anyone other than Illinois. Illinois has quit. They have mailed it in. Illinois can't score and they can't defend. Illinois brings in their 105th ranked defense. Illinois has scored a total of 14 points this year on the road, and Purdue does enough defensively to keep Illinois' modest offense in check.

These two teams are in dramatically different frames of mind. Illinois is playing the season out, it can't end soon enough for them, especially after losing to Indiana last week, they are staring at bottom finish in the Big 10 this year. The program is just a few years removed from a Rose Bowl appearance, yet they have fallen fast.

I expect Purdue to jump out early, steal Illinois' last remaining bit of heart and cruise to a solid 17-21 point win.

**MartinBlank** · 10-22-09, 02:07 PM

Washington Write Up.

The Huskies have dramatically improved this season, knocking off USC, losing tight games to LSU, ND, and last week against Arizona State.

It won't be easy for Oregon to win on the road here, especially is Masoli can't go at QB. Last week Costa struggled throwing, getting just 84 yards, while completing approximately 50% of his passes. Locker plays well at home, and in big spots. Home dog spot here, getting two scores. I love the Huskies in this spot. I expect it to be close, with the game being decided in the 4th quarter.

Oregon is playing decent enough defense, but the hinge for me is Oregon going without Masoli, or a dinged up Masoli. That makes a difference here, and I think Washington, playing at home---can keep it close enough to cover this number.

**wal66** · 10-22-09, 03:54 PM

I haven't decided if I'll play or pass tonight. As you correctly stated FSU is so unpredictable. They have so much athletic talent yet they play in such a disfunctional way. No reason with the talent they have to have a record like they do. I know North Carolina can play good defense and especially at home they have an advantage but I look for them to give up some points tonight. I kind of like FSU and the over. No-play yet but considering it.

Good luck on the card this weekend.

**Dbldown11** · 10-22-09, 03:57 PM

Martin I'm not trying to hate here......but be real. How long have you been sitting in this thread hitting refresh getting the views up? You obviously havnt had 1500 views since this morning HAHAHAHAHA

**MartinBlank** · 10-22-09, 04:10 PM

Dbld.... You are preaching to the choir, brutha.

When I saw 1500 views, I was thinking someone was having fun with me.

I made 3 thread the last 3 weekends, and I didn't get more than 80 views. 80....tops. In fact, I think one had 45..lol.

Trust me, I would rather be looking at internet porn than hitting the refresh button.

As I said, I think someone is trying to have some fun. And I don't blame them---11-14 isn't very good.

**Dbldown11** · 10-22-09, 04:15 PM

haha alright fair enough. GL to you this week I'm with you on Florida St. Nothing on the rest of those games

**Cougar Bait** · 10-22-09, 04:40 PM

GL with your plays MB...except the ones I am on the opposite side of (Pitt, Penn State, Notre Dame). I hope you lose those.

I was wondering when I only saw one page and 1500 views...someone has to be messin with ya. Either way, glad you are posting your plays.

**MartinBlank** · 10-22-09, 10:39 PM

GL to you too Coug.

Dbl...nice start to the weekend, Saint Bobby brings one home for us.

**MartinBlank** · 10-23-09, 11:40 AM

Notre Dame write up.

The Domers won me some cash (Nevada), and lost me some cash (Purdue). Normally I would be concerned about ND coming off such a tough loss last week, but the Domers have lost 6 straight to BC. If that doesn't motivate them, I will be very surprised. I don't expect ND to be flat this week at all.

Jimmy Clausen is among the 3-best QBs right now in college football. The kid is tough, accurate, and never quits. He led a frantic comeback bid last week against the best defense he will see this year--in USC. Robby Parris, who filled in admirably for Michael Floyd last week got dinged up near the end of the USC game, but Weis gave him a clean bill of health at his presser yesterday. Statistically, ND brings in the best offense BC will have faced this year. BC brings in a pass defense that ranks in the middle of the pack in the ACC, and a rush defense that is pretty much the same. Virginia Tech attempted only 12 passes versus BC, but managed 206 yards throwing.

The interesting stat is how slowly BC has started on the road. Against Clemson they didn't score in the first three quarters, and they managed one score versus VT in the first three quarters of that game. Now, obviously both Clemson and VT are superior defensive teams to ND, but ND's rush defense has actually been better than expected the last 2-3 games. To beat ND, BC is going to have to throw the football, and I am not impressed with BC's Shinskie. Shinskie is averaging just a tad over 53% of his passes. Not sure that is going to be good enough to get under that number.

BC plays more zone than ND will see this season, so Clausen is going to have to be patient. He has shown a remarkable ability to check down and throw underneath when needed. He did it all last week against USC, and did it against Washington as well.

I think this game is going to be close through the first half, and ND will pull away in the second.

ND by 14-17 points.

Good luck everyone.

**wal66** · 10-23-09, 11:45 AM

**MrMonkey** · 10-23-09, 12:54 PM

Good luck my friend!

**MartinBlank** · 10-23-09, 01:17 PM

Thanks MrM.

You too

**MartinBlank** · 10-24-09, 12:25 PM

I am starting to feel some momentum....Big Ole Mo' seems to be coming this way.

1-0 with FSU.

Pitt and Purdue now doing their part.

I would love me some 3-0 start.

Good luck guys.

**twentyonekid** · 10-24-09, 12:28 PM

good luck martin,i liked pitt all week but all the while i kept seeing s.fla so i laid off....im sorry now

**MartinBlank** · 10-24-09, 01:59 PM

Purdue misses a FG giving me a push.

Damnit.

Pitt did roll though, up 41-7 with just a little change left.

**MartinBlank** · 10-24-09, 06:18 PM

4-2-1 Day.

Profitable day, I will take it!

Best of luck guys!!

**MartinBlank** · 10-25-09, 10:52 AM

Okay, so it was a 4-2-1 weekend, but I made brain dead call.

From here on out, ND is off my dance card.

They were my last selection on my card. I had three games to select from---ND, Georgia Tech, and TCU.

ND had the sligtest edge on my points---.25 over GT and 1.35 over TCU.

I am done with the Domers.