VIEWERS GUIDE WEEK 12 - NON WEEKEND PORTION

Week 12 is not only a massive week for yours truly.... it's a biggin for the College Football Landscape. On Saturday we have not just one battle between ranked opponents but we have 6. You read that right: SIX. It all starts on Tuesday this week but first, how did the Picks come out this past weekend?

A stellar 14-9 this past week puts me above .500 on the year
The Year: 79-75-3

Mid Week #MACtion

Sometimes you need a little mid week appetizer to get you ready for the big games on the weekend

Tuesday

Double Dose that starts at 6pm Eastern

Toledo at Bowling Green (-7) - Suppertime on the Deuce
The surest bet in college football plays host to the Rockets of the PEAK RUST BELT City. Expect ALL OF THE POINTS.

Ball State at Ohio (-9) - 7pm on the U
The Bobcats play host the Redhawks in the second MACtion option the night. It'll be the night cap you need as you dread having to work tomorrow.

Wednesday

Central Michigan (Pick) at Kent State - The U at 8pm
Directional Michigan A travels to one of the most unexciting small towns in America in Kent Ohio as it seeks to improve its MAC record to 5-2 and to become eligible. The main course is actually the next game.

Western Michigan at Northern Illinois (-3) - 8pm on the Deuce
Directional Michigan plays in the much more intriguing game of the evening against a Huskies team where the winner remains alive for the MAC title game. This one will keep ya entertained.

Thursday Night Ball

East Carolina (-15) at Central Florida - 730 on the Mothership
There's still free beer being served in Orlando and that trend will continue unless ECU decides to disappoint me once again. I'll continue to bet on Ruffin McNeil, no matter how much it costs me.

LATE NIGHT #FUNBELT ALERT -930 on the U
Two very bad teams doing battle in a lil Fun Belt action? Yes please and take Texas State -3 over ULM.

Friday Night Lights

Cincinnati at South Florida (-2.5) - 8pm on CBSSN
I'm very impressed with what South Florida showed against Temple this past week. I'm fairly convinced they repeat.

Air Force at Boise State (-12) - 930 on the Deuce
After watching the Smurfs lose as 30 point favorites to Footbaw Bawb I fully expect the Smurfs to unleash hell. I'm sorry Air Force.

Saturday to follow......

Slept On It: Miami

Another Saturday and another Carolina win in the books. This win was about as easy as the previos weekend's win over Duke. After steamrolling two consecutive, bowl bound ACC Coastal Squads, Carolina put themselves in the unique position of rattling some cages as they work themselves up the National Rankings. What I saw yesterday afternoon was a football team that continues to play on a mission and with a chip on their shoulder. Rather than buckling after the tough Sakerlina loss, this unit's gone out each and every game, competed, and tried to play a better game than the previous. What's amazing is in their toughest three games of the 2015 season (the last three played ) Carolina's come out and handled each opponent the way they needed to. I can certainly knit pick about how we still haven't closed the door completely on an opponent they way we need to (in the eyes of the coaches, and certain perfectionist fans; me), but what's most important is we're 9-1 and a win (or a Pitt Loss) from clinching a trip to Charlotte.

What I saw on Offense:
As much as I've read, heard and listened to about how some folks don't want to give the credit to this coaching staff I must raise you the first half we watched on offense against Miami. For those who follow the game, you may have heard that most offenses will script anywhere from the first 15 to 20 plays of each ballgame. Carolina's offense is no different. Only will teams get off script if something extreme were to happen such as: an injury to a star player, getting routed in the first quarter, etc.. Coaches often make adjustments following this script and we saw a prime example on Saturday. Carolina's offense didn't come out firing the in the first couple of series like we saw against Duke. Instead, Carolina punted on their first two series (including sputtering to a three and out on the second series). Adjustments were made and the offense ripped off scores in 9 of their next 10 possessions. The adjustments made by the offensive coaches led to this route. Miami minimized Carolina's effectiveness of the outside zone plays and zone read the first two drives. Carolina recognized the unbalanced looks the front seven of Miami showed and drew up a series of counters and powers utilizing the pulling blockers to put a hat on the extra unblocked man. The best example of this came on Marquise's 46 yard rumble on the field goal drive. Landon Turner swallowed Miami's defensive end who was playing contain.

Another adjustment the coaches made on offense was recognizing how the Miami secondary's press coverage could be used against them. This allowed the receivers to fit into their run blocks quicker, plus helped create mismatches on the edge often resulting in splash plays or Miami penalties (yep, most of the 12). The coaching staff did an excellent job of recognizing that the way to gash this Miami team would be on the ground rather than through the air.

What I saw on Defense 
I saw a defense that was gettin' after it for the most part of the game. The defensive line looked solid in their run fits and I like how the Carolina defense attacked this week after giving up over 300 yards on the ground to Duke. North Carolina was absolutely adamant about stopping the run against Miami and they lived up to that calling. Miami was also unable to exploit Carolina with the deep ball. Miami did have some success hitting the intermediate routes in the game but otherwise this team took out Miami's threats on offense. I do believe this defense is not elite enough to completely shut down an
opposing, as we have yet to see it this year. With another year of  a thing.on the defensive line, this could very well become a thing. As for the rest of the year, this defense defense must continue to make opposing offenses one dimensional in favor of the Heels. If Virginia Tech can run the ball at will, the Heels will have to find answer against what I thinks an improving offense in Blacksburg.

What must improve:
Two things: I touched on it earlier, but I'm still waiting for Carolina to completely close out a game. While the offense has done a great job at running up the scoreboard, the defense has yet to be dominant for an entire 60 minutes. The opportunity lies ahead to exert this kind of dominance this weekend in Blacksburg. Will the defense rise to this challenge?

I'm also looking for consistent play from the front 4 on defense. To give credit where it's due; Carolina showed this in spurts this past week. However, Carolina often needed  a 5th or 6th rusher to truly rattle Brad Kaaya. With the defensive backs currently in the rotation, I know that Chiz and Co want the DL to get on the same level as what we're seeing in the rear. Defensive Tackle play must continue to improve.

What to finish with:

My hat goes off to this coaching staff and group of seniors who've done an excellent job of rallying this team around one another. Two goals still outstanding:

1. Win the ACC Coastal
2. With the State Championship.

Carolina can wrap one up this weekend and handle the next one the Saturday following Turkey Day.
One game at a time. Let's go win in BBurg.

VIEWERS GUIDE WEEK 11

After being sick for the better part of last week it's time to get back to the weekly tradition known as the Viewers Guide. Going back a couple week's let's review how we did in picks


Week 9: Perfect Thursday 4-0; Friday a dreadful 1-4; Saturday 7-6 for 12-11 on the week
Overall: 65-66-3 so we're almost even on the year

WEDNESDAY NIGHT #MACtion
We get a double dose!

Northern Illinois (-7) at Buffalo - 8pm on the U
Bowling Green (-3) at Western Michigan - 8pm on the Deuce
These two above are UNDEFEATED and the winner will have the inside shot at Detroit.

Thursday Night Ball

Virginia Tech (+3.5) at Georgia Tech - 730pm on the Mothership
Virginia Tech has the opportunity to end Georgia Techs bowl hopes. I believe they do.

Ragin Cajuns at South Alabama (-3) - 730pm on the U
I can't figure out why you'd want to watch this game but it's there...

Friday Night Lights

Southern Cal (-16.5) at Colorado - 9pm on the Deuce
A solid #PAC12AfterDark option that'll keep you occupied till well past midnight. Southern Cal's been hot since Coach Sark left, gotta think it keeps up.

Football Saturday

High Nooners

Pitt(+3.5) at Duke - Noon - ESPNNews
The battle for second place in the Coastal heads to Durham this weekend as Pitt and Duke, fresh on 2 game losing streaks seek to extend their streak of high scoring thrillers. A loss by either eliminates them from Coastal contention.

UGA at Auburn (-2) - Noon - CBS
Had no clue CBS did Noon games. Talk about a downgrade from what we thought would be two division contenders going at it in November.

Florida at Sakerlina (+8) - Noon - The Mothership
Florida with nothing to play for against a team that always gives them fits.... GROSS

Ohio State at Illinois (+16.5) - Noon - ABC
Should be a high scoring affair in Champaign. Would easily be a top 3 funny upset of the day

NC State (+10) at FSU - 1230 - ESPN3/ACC Net
OH lordy this one could be good one between teams trending in different directions. Clemson didn't entirely bad in a losing effort to Clemson.

Mid-Afternooners

Bama (-8) at Mississippi State - 330 on CBS with the GAWD
While I'm be pulling for CLANGA I fully expect a Zombie Alabama to show up in Starkville. Bama seems to play much better on the road in 2015.

Wake Forest (+27) at Notre Dame - 330 on NBC
Don't sleep on Wake's defense. Notre Dame wins easy but Wake covers.

Carolina vs The U - 330pm on the U
More on this one later... line is currently UNC -12.5

Clemson at Cuse - 330pm - ABC/Deuce Combo
You'd have to pay me lots of money to sit through this ball game in its entirety. A lot of money.  Oh yea, Cuse covers.

The Michigan Man at Indiana (+13) - 330 ABC/The Deuce
Indiana seems to give every a tough time.... why would I think it'd be different for a Michigan team that struggled with the Gophers last week.

Oklahoma State at Iowa State (+14) - 330 on the Mothership
Oklahoma State looked like the best team in the Big12 this past week... gotta think thy'll struggle in Ames, a very difficult place to play.

Night Games

Memphis at Houston (-7) - 7pm on the Deuce
The winner of this ballgame sets himself up to one day closer to a big payday. Gotta think the winner of this one's on the inside track to take the Southern Cal gig.

The Battle for the Golden Boot - 7pm on the Mothership
Taking the Hawgs +7.5 in what could be a 2nd consecutive week of man ball xmas. While I see the Hawgs giving the Tigers trouble the pure talent of a Saturday Night In Death Valley could  just be too much for BRET.

Oregon at Stanford (-10) - 730pm on FOX
This ballgame is usually one that determines the PAC12 North Race, this year expect a Stanford blowout.

Oklahoma at Baylor (-2.5) - 8pm on ABC
Ranked teams are 0-9 in Waco the last 5 seasons, why would I think it'll be any different this year?

Late Night

Utah (-6) at Arizona - 10pm on FS1
Utah just demoralizes an Arizona team that's currently a dumpster fire.

New Mexico (+30) at the Smurfs  - 1015pm on the U
Should be a free money snoozer.

Wazzu (+10.5) at UCLA - 1045pm on the Mothership
Y'all are really gonna make me say up till 3am to watch this #PAC12AfterDark special....

Should be a great weekend.

WFP

Slept On It: Duke

No words really necessary.....

Just gonna leave this here

http://espn.go.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400756975

On to the U


Go Heels.

A NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER

Went PFTCommenter style again, sorry for any spelling errors and fragments

Unless you've been under a rock or viewing the college football landscape through biased eyes, there's a team located in Chapel Hill that's starting make some serious noise in the ACC race. Heading into this season many, including this guy, had their doubts about UNC being a serious contender in the ACC Coastal. After showing the doubters what this team's made of after a disappointing opening game to Sakerlina, Carolina's ripped off a series 7 in a row including a 4-0 record in the ACC. While bowl eligibility in October is definitely something to pat yourself on the back for, there's still a great sense among the program and fan base of that being enough. It's a feeling that I'm glad the aforementioned groups aren't satisfied with. Carolina is and must be better than Bowl Eligibility. Carolina must win the ACC Coastal.

The road to the Coastal, while not a gimme, is attainable. Carolina's last 4 games come against familiar foes, each with it's own reason to knock Carolina off their run.

Tomorrow: A Furious Duke Team because of last week

November 14th: A Jump Start Miami Team with a new coach

November 21st: in Blacksburg for Beamer's Finale

November 28th : in West Raleigh against a team that whopped our ass in 2014

Let me make it clear, tomorrow is essentially an ACC Coastal Elimination Game. Without a win over the rival 8 miles to our north, Carolina faces an uphill battle to get to Charlotte, while Duke just has to worry about getting past Pitt the following week before closing out against UVA and Wake.

As for tomorrow let's look at the biggest match ups

• The Officials vs The World 
• There's a key component working against Carolina. For starters, all eyes will be on the ACC Officiating Crew that completely botched the Miami and Duke game (not just the final call). If there's any indication for how things work in the ACC, expect to see this crew on 
• a. Their Best Behavior, and 
• b. a make up call in favor of the Blue Devils.
• Carolina will have to play sound. There's no need for any gimme penalties in the form of late hits, retaliation or dirty play
• Duke's Offensive Line vs Carolina's Front Seven
• Duke's starting offensive line has not missed any starts this year. Carolina's defensive line has been a mixed bag week to week. Carolina's yet to see Nazair Jones take snaps since getting chopped over a month ago against Georgia Tech. The Defensive Line has been hampered for the better part of the season with most of the two deep missing at least a game. Carolina will need reinforcements against what I consider a solid offensive line. The front seven must force Duke into second and third and longs. Duke doesn't have an explosive offense like Carolina's and is ranked 101st in yards per play against the FBS (source: Inside Carolina). Carolina should like their odds of defending against the big play, as they rank 6th in plays given up longer 20 yards in the FBS.
• Marquise Williams vs Jeremy Cash
• If you've paid any attention to Duke in the last couple of years, the name, Jeremy Cash, should ring a bell. The former four star recruit and Ohio State transfer (no, contrary to what many think, this wasn't a diamond in the rough by dook) has been all over the field in his senior campaign. Duke likes to use him in a similar role the Steelers used Troy Polomalu during his prime: a moving rover. Expect Cash to be lined up all over the field and to come on the blitz from every angle. Between the Carolina offensive line and Quise Williams, Carolina must know where Cash is lined up and exploit the voided zone. Carolina did an excellent job last year with their dose of read zone and quick hitting passes last year in Durham. Expect Larry F and Seth L to have something up their sleeves to force Cash into a traditional safety role. 
• Carolina Crowd vs The Roadie Dook
• Homecoming. Bragging Rights. The Victory Bell. First Place in the Coastal. What else do you need to get you fired up for a rivalry game? Duke's won 12 of their last 13 games on the road with the lone downer coming at the hand win the lone loss coming at the hands of the Miami Hurricanes in early 2014; Other than than Dook's been perfect on the road for almost 3 seasons. The Kenan Stadium crowd must be the 12th Man tomorrow. Show up. Be Loud. Lift Up This Carolina Squad. 

My Prediction: Coming into the season I saw Carolina coming into this game 6-2 after forecasting a loss on the road to Pittsburgh; so yea, I was wrong. Instead Carolina's 7-1 heading into the biggest game at Kenan Stadium in what, 18 years? While none of us want to go back and focus on Carolina's flop on judgement day in 1997, I do want to focus on the "mentality changing games" this program's faced since Larry Fedora took the help. 

• Virginia Tech (2012) Win - One of Two Wins Carolina has over VT since the Hokies joined the ACC
• NC State(2012) Win - A first over NC State in 6 years
• at UVA (2012) Win - Rebounding on a short week after getting WAXED by Georgia Tech
• at Sakerlina (2013) Loss - Initial Loss of a dreadful 1-5 start
• at Georgia Tech (2013) Loss - Carolina continues the winless streak in Atlanta after blowing second half lead
• Miami (2013) Loss - Carolina blows another big second half lead on Zero Dark Thursday
• at ECU (2014) Loss - After getting blown out the year before, Carolina gets skull drug again by the Pirates.
• at Duke (2014) Win - Break two game losing streak to Duke during best performance of the year
• NC State (2014) Loss - Final nail in defensive staff's coffin. Embarrassing Loss after dominant performance against Duke
• Sakerlina (2015) Loss - Carolina loses a game they had no business losing to not a great Sakerlina team
• Georgia Tech (2015) Win - First Win in Atlanta since 1997
• Pitt (2015) Win - Control Destiny in Coastal

Larry's overall record in these games stands at 6-6. Dead even. 

What I think tomorrows game comes down to is "will."

Will Carolina withstand the fury of anger Duke's has stemming from last week?

Will Carolina take care of the ball and win the turnover battle?

Will Carolina finish off an opponent like they've only done twice to FBS competition this year?

I think the answers to each of those questions is a definitive "Yes."

Tomorrow is Carolina's coming out party. Behind a steady dose of #34 and precision from #12 Carolina controls the pace of play and the defense forces Sirk to make the first real mistakes we;ve seen in a few weeks. Carolina's offensive fire power is too much for Duke's O to handle.

Carolina 38 Duke 28

Fire up your tailgate with this mix. You'll be ready to run through a brick wall.

This time tomorrow, the November to Remember stands at 1-0. 

First #WFPTop20 In Some Time

Had a couple extra minutes and with Carolina sneaking into the polls for the first time in 6 years, it's time for a much overdue WFP Top 20

Who'd get my votes for the College Football Playoff

1. Clemson (8-0)
Clemson took care in business against an NC State that was clamoring for an upset. Left on the schedule as far as games to be concerned about are the Florida State game and the ACC Titlle Game (if they make it). If Clemson's undefeated December 6th, I'll be shocked if they don't make the playoff.

2. LSU (7-0)
LSU enjoyed a off week prior to their upcoming war against Alabama. That game will be a virtual play in game for the playoff.

3. TCU (8-0)
TCU continues to win ugly and take care of biz even when you think they wont. Their upcoming game against Baylor, like LSU vs Bama, will be a play in game for the playoff.

4. Stanford (7-1)
Stanford, continues to look like the 2015 of Ohio State, with their fluke loss to Northwestern. After escaping this past weekend at Wazzu, my prior thoughts of them blowing Notre Dame into smithereens should be a tad adjusted.

Just a bit outside.....

5. Bama (7-1)
Beat LSU, you get back in the playoff. Simple formula, Crimson Tide.

6. Oklahoma State (8-0)
Oklahoma State conquered a very sneaky Texas Tech squad that gives everyone fits in Lubbock. Do not be surprised if the two headed qb monster of Mason Rudolph and JW Walsh has this team sniffing the CFP in the final weeks

7. Baylor (7-0)
Took advantage of the BYE Week and hopefully found an answer at QB with Seth Russell out for the year.

8. Ohio State (8-0)
This team keeps the uneasiness alive with JT Barrett getting a DUI this past week. Who knows what'll happen in the last week for the Buckeyes.

9. Notre Dame (7-1) 
Notre Dame won another late victory over a very good Temple football team. I get to watch Notre Dame in person this upcoming weekend when they travel to pesky Pitt.

10 Iowa (8-0)
Still undefeated. I'm beginning to worry what a world with an undefeated Iowa team in the B1G championship looks like.

11. FLOrida (7-1)
Go GATA avoided the inevitable let down game against rival Georgia this past weekend and put Mark Richt on the scorching seat with their win.

12. Michigan State (8-0)
The edged out the bye week 23-16 this past weekend after looking dreadful for the first three quarters.

13. Memphis (8-0)
Fuente just keeps on winning and his earning potential for 2016-2020 keeps on rising as well.

14. Houston (8-0)
See Justin Fuente for Tom Herman.

15. Utah (7-1)
Still reeling from the loss to USC.

16 Oklahoma (7-1)
Zombie Oklahoma could make some noise with TCU, Baylor AND OK State still on the horizon. Could be all sorts of fun.

17. North Carolina (7-1)
HELLO HATERS

18. THE MICHIGAN MAN
Win ugly but still winning.

19 Toledo (7-0)
Rockets keep flying high.

20. Pitt 6-2
Pitt's still a very good team and could very well win this weekend.

Close
Ole Miss (you gross)
Temple
Wisky
Miss St
A&M

Slept On It: Beating Pitt

Trekking into Heinz Field this past Thursday Night I didn't know exactly what to expect from the Tar Heels in the first games I've watched them in person in 2015. What I saw was a team that did exactly what they needed to win on the road.

In the first half, Marquise Williams played his sharpest 30 minute span of the year. Between him ad the play calling Carolina's offense was aggressive and forced Pitt to defend Carolina's balanced of a physical run game and air raid over the top. The offensive line was very sharp in the first half with the one noticeable mistake of Jo Heck whiffing on Quise's Bomb to Switzer. Quise absolutely BAILED out the right tackle. Heck, on that pass play; But like they say, Players Make Plays. The offense in the second half was much more vanilla than in the first, with Carolina relying on the clock control game and less on on the vertical attack. I wasn't enamored with the playcalling in the second half either. Carolina's offense seemed very predictable in the second half, especially for the opposing defense. Credit to Pitt on their second half adjustments; it seemed like they were in Carolina's huddle at times.

On defense, the gold stars must be given to the secondary. Throughout the night we watched one of the best wide receivers in the country get blanketed and frustrated to the highest degree. The only plays that Boyd managed to make were ones that only uber talents, like he is, were able to make. The defensive line took advantage of the coverage the secondary showed and racked up 5 sacks on the evening, most of which being coverage sacks. Give the DL the credit to have the motors to get those sacks, as they were absolutely earned. Another positive is Carolina didn't allow explosive plays and stiffened in the red zone. They forced Pitt to chew up time being down 3 scores and kept the game in front of them at all times.

The one item of Thursday's game that rubbed me the wrong way was how ineffective Carolina was at closing out the game. When up 20-3, Carolina should have gone for the jugular and put Pitt away, but they didn't. Instead Carolina allowed Pitt to hang around, but not ending any second half drives with a touchdown and allowed Pitt to chew their way back to within striking distance. Carolina special teams gave up a second half punt block, shanked a pair of punts and gave up a fake punt early in the 4th quarter. With the 4 game stretch to finish up 2015, it'll be imperative that Carolina closes games out better than they did this past week at Heinz Field.

Instead of nitpicking I'll shift back to the big picture. Carolina went in, on the road and beat a very fundamentally sound, ranked team that is very well coached. Pittsburgh is a good football team and they should finish second in the coastal this year if Carolina closes out the season they way they should. The difference in Thursday Night's game has to be attributed to Carolina's explosive players and plays made on offense. Without that bunch of skill players, I'm afraid we would have witnessed an outcome more accustomed to Carolina's football fanbase.

Time to shift to an angry Duke; a team that I don't think that good, but will certainly play inspired after how their game ended Saturday Night.