Archive for the ‘Picks of Destiny’ Category

ND’s men’s basketball team won its 34th consecutive home game in a row on Saturday with a nail biting victory over rival Marquette.

Five Irish scored in double figures - Luke Harangody (18), Tory Jackson (14), Kyle McAlarney (12), Luke Zeller (11), and Zach Hillesland (10) - and Haranfody added 11 boards for his 5th straight double-double.

Here’s some highlights from Brey’s post game presser:

On ND’s play at the end of the game:

We played smart. We did a good job not giving up the three-point shot on their last few possessions. Our fans certainly helped us.”

On the success of Notre Dame’s bench players…

Luke Zeller is in such a rhythm right now. Ryan Ayers stepped up again with 9 points today.”

On the upcoming game at UConn:

“We need some rest. This one was a heck of an emotional and physical investment. We need to get our legs back under us before we go to Storrs (Connecticut) and face as hot of a team as us right now. I think they’re better than when we played them in the second game of the (conference) season, but I also think we’re better. I know that they want to get their hands on us.”

On the play of Tory Jackson:

“He was really good. He’s one of the big reasons we are in such a rhythm. When your point guard is playing as well as he is, that certainly helps the rest of the team out.”

Week one was quite successful with Duke and UConn proving to be the only snag towards a perfect record. I’m looking for some more help from the big conference favorites in week two. Without further ado, onto the week two picks.

Nebraska (-8 ½) @ Wake Forest
The only potential hold up here is that the game is on the road for the Huskers. Nebraska was impressive last weekend (albeit against Nevada), but more importantly Wake Forest struggled in a losing effort to a Boston College team that just isn’t that good. The Huskers are for real this year, and they prove it in this one.
Prediction: Nebraska 31 Wake Forest 17

Alabama (-3 ½) @ Vanderbilt
Again, a road game for the favorite, but Alabama is a much better team than Vandy. The impact of a coach like Nick Saban will be evident here. I’m somewhat surprised to see the line this close. The Tide defense should be able to hold Vandy, and the ‘Bama offense will take care of the rest.
Prediction: Bama 28 Vandy 17

Boise State (-3) @ Washington
Road favorite number three in the Chauncey Willingham special of the week. The Huskies’ performance last weekend isn’t enough to sell me on this team; Syracuse is just that bad. Boise St. will be looking for a signature win to boost the resume on the journey to another undefeated year and this is might be their best chance. An inspired Broncos team comes through against a typically enigmatic Willingham squad.
Prediction: Broncos 34 Washington 24

Georgia (-3 ½) v. South Carolina
Georgia looked real sharp last week in a game against Oklahoma St. that many thought they would lose. Matthew Stafford had a big game, leading a very underrated offense to a 35 point performance. Even more impressive was the defense, which kept a high powered OSU offense to just 14 points. The matchup could decide the SEC East, which might keep it close, but I just don’t see it.
Prediction: Georgia 27 South Carolina 14

Texas (-9) v. TCU
Maybe the riskiest pick of the set this week. Texas looked terribly against Arkansas St., leaving the game in doubt late into the 4th quarter. TCU will play inspired, looking to knock off the in-state power along with hopes of boosting their campaign as this year’s mid-major darling. This is Texas though, and the Longhorns are much better than what they showed last weekend. There’s too much power on offense and too much speed on defense for the Longhorns to struggle for a second straight week.
Prediction: Texas 31 TCU 21

Obligatory Notre Dame Prediction of the Week: Notre Dame (+17 ½) @ Penn St.
Last week was ugly in every possible way; the offense couldn’t get anything going, the defense let Tashard Choice run free. One would easily think that the struggles would continue; another new quarterback facing a solid defense and a potentially high-powered offense. However, Anthony Morelli’s inconsistencies in big games could keep the Irish in this one, and if the offense can develop some momentum early on it could be a close game. I see a close game going into the 4th quarter, but another loss for the Golden Domers
Prediction: Penn St. 21 Notre Dame 17

Last Week: 5-1
Overall: 5-1