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#2 LSU @ #3 Clemson
This game of Tigers, no short for nicknames, has been dubbed "The Game of the Century," "Sibling Rivalry," and "The Battle of the Death Valleys," and pits the two RUTS teams that have finished #1 and #2 in each of the first two dynasty seasons. In a rivalry that exceeds the competitiveness of Venus/Serena, Peyton/Eli, Belichick/Mangini, or Coke/Pepsi, UTVOL54 leads the 2nd ranked Tigers into Clemson to face younger brother utvo27.
"This is a game that will be won on the field, not with trash talk," said LSU Coach UTVOL54. "Although...I'm the brother with the capitol letters in my coaching name, which is clearly a sign of dominance and confidence."
These teams, which seemed destined to meet in last season's national championship game (thanks TCU!), haven't faced off on the field since week 2 of season 1. On that day, an underdog Clemson team made its statement that would propel its team to RUTS supremacy with a 56-9 win in Baton Rouge. LSU, with 3rd string QB Jarrett Lee sitting idle on the bench, threw 9 interceptions that day, leading for an easy win for Clemson. Since then, Lee has commanded the Tigers offense to a 24-2 record, throwing 93 TDs and only 12 INTs. Clemson has a plethora of dominant defenders who are sure to test an LSU offense that has emerged as one of the highest scoring units in the nation.
In week 1, Clemson was held to no offensive touchdowns, but its defense came through by returning 2 interceptions for touchdowns in the 20-7 win at Florida. The Tiger offense will have to get back on track if it hopes to knock off LSU this week.
ESPN Gameday will be on campus, and Clemson has opened as an early 2 1/2 point favorite.
However, late breaking news has come out of the Clemson camp that blazing fast tailback Blake Miller is out for the game with an injury, which he suffered in the win against Florida. Miller, who will be out for two weeks, will be tough for the Tigers to replace.
The RUTS staff is conflicted on its pick for this game...LSU seemingly has more speed, more talent, and better uniforms, but playing on the road at Clemson is never easy, and utvol27 will have his team geared up and ready to make a statement yet again. With only 1 loss on its RUTS Dynasty career record, we predict a hard fought matchup that will go down to the wire...but the Tigers in purple and orange will come out victorious.
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#8 Miami vs. #11 Florida
In another huge rivalry game, Miami swoops into The Swamp with its patented "Hurricane Pain Train" looking to continue its climb back to national prominence. The Canes will be facing off against a Gator team that touts perhaps the best defense in RUTS, which will make it very difficult for Miami's running game to control the line of scrimmage. Florida's offense, however, has been in a recent slump. Dating back to last season, its offense has been held out of the endzone in 2 of its last 3 games. The Gators are looking to JUCO transfer Carlos Phillips to lead the team this season. Phillips got the nod in the season opener, but threw 3 INTs and 0 TDs. Could another QB change be looming in Gainesville?
Miami's defense held 9th ranked Illinois scoreless in week 1, so this game could be a grind-it-out, defensive slobber-knocker. Forecasts in Gainesville are predicting heavy rain, as Tropical Storm Condoleeza takes aim on central Florida.
"I hope it rains cats, dogs, mice, and men," said StuBucksman. "The HPT thrives in wet conditions, and we will do whatever it takes to win this game...whatever it takes!" When asked to clarify his statement, StuBucksman shoved the tv reporter and camera man and exclaimed "DID I STUTTER?"
Yes, the intensity in the Miami/Florida rivalry runs deep. Both teams enter this game at a crossroads...a Miami win means a further climb up in the polls and much needed momentum before heading to Baton Rouge to face LSU in week 3. A Florida win puts the Gators back in the national title picture with only 1 loss and provides them with the confidence they need to make a run through a difficult season 3 schedule.
Coach StuBucksman has never beaten Coach robtheblob51, and Stu will certainly have his game face on for this game. There is no secret to Miami's game plan...POUND THE ROCK. If Miami can control the line of scrimmage, protect the football, and play sound defense, they will have the upper hand. Florida has the mental advantage heading into this tussle though, and we have to believe that in the back of StuBucksman's, Graig Cooper, and Robert Marve's mind, they know they have never beaten the Gators, let alone beaten them in THE SWAMP. This one is almost too close to call, but this is why we get paid the big bucks....Miami's running game will be limited, but its defense will force a turnover at a critical time...and in a close, hard fought game, Miami will defeat the Gators 20-14.
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#6 Florida State @ #18 Texas
This game is a rematch of last season's Fiesta Bowl. In that game the Seminoles cruised to an easy victory, but this year's group of Longhorns has a decidedly different look and attitude. Although they came up short in week 1 at LSU, the Longhorns showed a propensity for making big plays on offense. Lead by senior QB Sherrod Harris, the Longhorns passing attack is a force to be reckoned with, especially when a defense has to take into account Harris' mobility. Playing at home this week will be a big confidence booster for the Longhorns, as Coach zeejaydee looks to earn his first ever win over another RUTS coach.
Florida State Qb Christian Ponder is the favorite to win the season 3 Heisman Trophy and will look to build upon the strong showing he put on last week against Nebraska. However, Ponder will need to avoid the dreaded Sports Illustrated cover jinx if he hopes to lead the Noles to victory.
All signs in this one point to a big Seminole victory, but look for this one to be closer than the experts think. Florida State will come out on top, but Texas will solidify itself as a force to be reckoned with by giving the Noles all they care to handle.
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TCU @ Nebraska
On behalf of the entire RUTS Dynasty league office, its sponsors, its television affiliates, and anyone with a clear conscience....GO HUSKERS!!!
TCU brings its ugly mascot and uniforms into Lincoln this week, and new Nebraska Coach ccut has been given strict orders...win and win big. The Cornhuskers feature one of the nation's best backfields, lead by strong tailback-fullback combo Roy Helu, Jr. and Quentin Castille. Look for Nebraska to use its balanced, hard nosed offense to wear down the Horned Frogs.
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