Thursday Night Football Preview: Week 13 Houston vs. Philadelphia

Eagles mascot hopes to have something to cheer for - Kevin BurkettMichael Vick leads the high powered offense of the Philadelphia Eagles will welcome the Houston Texans and Matt Schaub to Lincoln Financial Field.

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NFL Betting Lines: Broncos at Chargers on Monday Night Football at Bodog

Points. Points everywhere. That's the weather forecast for our Week 11 Monday Night Football matchup between the Denver Broncos and the San Diego Chargers. Neither team has done well against the spread this year, but combined, they've got the OVER checking in at 13-5. You can't ask for much more than that when you bet on football.

San Diego (4-5 SU and ATS, 6-3 OVER) is a 9-point chalk at Qualcomm Stadium, but the question this week is whether there's enough betting value in the OVER with the total set at 50 points. The OVER is 6-2 in the last eight games between these two AFC West rivals, but only once has the total reached 50 points during that span. That was the 2008 regular season finale in San Diego. The Chargers needed the win to take the division title and make the playoffs; they got their wish, burying the Broncos 52-21 as 7-point favorites.

Some of the marquee names from that blowout will be missing on Monday night. Denver (3-6 SU and ATS) traded QB Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears in a package deal that brought QB Kyle Orton to Mile High. That turned out to be a successful deal for the Broncos – Orton has upped his completion rate from 55.3 percent in Chicago to 62.1 percent, and he's thrown just five picks this year to go with 16 touchdowns. As for the Chargers, RB LaDainian Tomlinson is gone, replaced by rookie Ryan Mathews (4.4 yards per carry).

At least, that was the plan. Mathews has been limited by a bad ankle and is listed as doubtful for this matchup after missing Saturday's practice. But San Diego has also gotten good production from FB Mike Tolbert (4.5 yards per carry, seven TDs), and the Chargers still have Darren Sproles (5.0 yards per carry) operating as a supporting tailback as well as returning punts and kicks. Denver has the No. 30-ranked rushing defense in the league in terms of efficiency according to Football Outsiders. If the Broncos can't stop San Diego on the ground, they can't be expected to cover the NFL odds.

That's because they can't stop the Bolts through the air, either. Philip Rivers might be the best quarterback in the league today. He leads the NFL in passing yards (2,944), touchdown passes (19) and yards per pass attempt (8.9). Rivers has a passer rating of 102.9, the third year in a row he's topped the century mark. But it appears he'll have to work without TE Antonio Gates (40 catches, nine TDs) and WR Legedu Naanee (11 catches), both of whom are listed as doubtful for Monday.

The Chargers could probably send one of their cheerleaders out wide and find her in the end zone for a touchdown. The Denver pass defense is even less efficient than its rush defense, ranking No. 31 in the league – only the Houston Texans have performed worse. This game really should be in the bag for San Diego. But the Broncos have that proverbial puncher's chance that comes with the No. 2-ranked passing offense in the NFL. If you go by the advanced DYAR (Defense-adjusted Yards Above Replacement) metric at Football Outsiders, Orton is the league's most productive QB with 1,110 DYAR, ahead of Tom Brady (1,054 DYAR) and Rivers (993 DYAR).

Too bad Orton isn't getting much support out there. The running attack, which used to churn out 1,000-yard tailbacks like clockwork, has fallen to No. 31 overall in efficiency (the Carolina Panthers were No. 32 after Week 10). Coach Josh McDaniels has completely overhauled his backfield over the past two years; the hope in Denver is that 2009 first-round pick Knowshon Moreno (3.7 yards per carry, two TDs) has shaken off his injury concerns after finally posting his first 100-yard game in last week's 49-29 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs (–1 at home).

The Chargers defense (No. 4 overall and No. 6 against the run) has thrived this year even with – or because of – the release of three-time Pro Bowl LB Shawne Merriman. Bad knees have kept Merriman (now injured and inactive with the Buffalo Bills) from regaining that form. However, San Diego has allowed at least 23 points in each of the last three games since his release, cashing in the OVER twice. Playing the total is definitely worth consideration again, especially if it doesn't creep up to 51 points by kickoff.

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The Bronze Turkey: A Division III Football Classic

Nov 24, 2010 John Pulliam

Far from the bright lights of ESPN and ABC, two small liberal arts colleges in west-central Illinois have been playing each other in football since 1888. On the quiet, rural campuses of Monmouth College and Knox College, football is far down the list that begins and ends with academics.

Except when the two schools meet each other for the Bronze Turkey.

While fans of bit-time football programs pack stadiums seating 100,000 or more, crowds are usually numbered in the hundreds for games at the Knosher Bowl in Galesburg, Ill., home of the Knox Prairie Fire, and April Zorn Field in Monmouth, where the Monmouth College Fighting Scots tee it up in Midwest Conference action. This, despite the fact that admission is free to all games at both schools.

The rivalry between the colleges, separated by about 12 miles of the four-lane Chicago-to-Kansas City Expressway (U.S. 34), goes far beyond the gridiron. If one school is named as among the top institutions of higher learning by U.S. News & World Report, the public relations person from the other will be on the phone to local newspapers and radio stations to make sure their rating is also reported.

While there are exceptions, most people from Knox simply don't like their counterparts at Monmouth and vice versa.

So, while the battle for the Bronze Turkey pits true student athletes against each other, most who will wrap up their football careers upon college graduation, the outcome of this game is as important to alumni as the Illinois vs. Iowa Big Ten game is in Champaign and Iowa City.

One thing Knox doesn't like about Monmouth is its success on the football field. While Monmouth has a 61-50-10 lead in the series, the Scots trailed before winning the past 12 games in a row. That includes this year's 42-6 rout of Knox on the Fire's home field this year, even without the services of D-III All-American Quarterback Alex Tanney.

Tanney, who broke most of his brother's passing records for the Fighting Scots during his junior year, went down in the third game this year, injuring his right arm in a game against the Grinnell Pioneers. No, you probably didn't read about it in USA Today or in an Associated Press story, but it crippled Coach Steve Bell's squad.

After finishing ranked 18th in the nation last year, big things were expected on the football field in Warren County this year. The Scots managed to finish 6-4, even without their All-American, while the Prairie Fire finished a typical 1-9. But Tanney's injury meant there would be no return to the play-offs.

Still, the Nov. 6 win wasn't about Alex Tanney or the Division III playoffs. It was about 5,300 people coming to watch a college football game played in the original spirit of college football. Student athletes, meeting in competition. No "naming rights" stadium, no booster club paying the players under the table, no worrying about which team was about to go on probation.

Sure, many of the fans at the Bronze Turkey game – there is an actual bronze turkey, although one school often steals it from the other and hides it for years – went home and watched the "big game" on ESPN. But, for a few hours on a cloudy Saturday afternoon in rural western Illinois, the clock was turned back, as it is every year.

Don't expect a team from the Midwest Conference to win the Division III football playoffs in the near future. Perennial conference powerhouse St. Norbert was annihilated by CCIW champions North Central, 57-7 in the first round.

But what fans of Monmouth and Knox football can expect each year is a game little tarnished by the excesses of their big brother schools in Division I. College football, as pure as it gets, played in two tiny "stadiums" in two small towns, with all the fun and excitement, all the tradition, that was and is the true definition of college football.

Yes, it's exciting that TCU or Boise State might slip into the BCS championship game this year, but the "big boys" will soon figure out a way to exclude these party crashers. Everyone is warmly welcomed to the excitement of the Bronze Turkey game and many other traditional rivalries on D-III campuses across the country. For my money – or for no money at all – that is the true joy of college football.

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  Knox College - College logo

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Steve Johnson: Rising NFL Fantasy Football Star

Nov 24, 2010 Elaine Mink

Steve Johnson (a.k.a. "Stevie" or "Stevie Styles"), a third-year wide receiver with the Buffalo Bills and virtual unknown prior to the 2010 NFL season, has averaged nearly one touchdown per game in his first 10 games of the season. Johnson started only seven of those games, but figures to be a fixture in the Bills' starting line-up for the remainder of the season.

Terrell Owens' Departure Opens the Door for Steve Johnson

Johnson scored two touchdowns on 10 receptions in his rookie year, but barely registered a peep in the 2009 season (two receptions, no touchdowns) after the Buffalo Bills signed Terrell Owens to a one-year contract. The Bills decided not to resign T.O. at the conclusion of their dismal 2009 season, opting instead to find out what their young guys had to offer.

Despite that vote of confidence from the Bills' front office, it's doubtful many armchair fantasy football GMs went out on a limb to pick up the stylish former 7th round draft pick, known more for his dreadlocks, rapping skills and winning smile than scoring on the football field.

Steve Johnson's Rising NFL Fantasy Football Value

Johnson's ascent began after the Buffalo Bills switched from quarterback Trent Edwards to Ryan Fitzpatrick in week 3 of the 2010 season (Edwards was cut one week later). That week's game marked the start of a five-game streak where Johnson scored at least one touchdown in each game. After a two-game dry spell in weeks 9 and 10, Johnson answered with a three-touchdown performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in week 11.

After one of his touchdowns in the Bengals game, Johnson lifted his jersey to reveal a t-shirt with the words "Why So Serious?" written in black marker. The playful Johnson took on "the persona of the Joker" in response to the Bengals' so-called Batman and Robin tandem of Terrell Owens (the man Johnson replaced in Buffalo) and Chad Ochocinco.

Johnson may not be serious, but fantasy football GMs should seriously consider starting Johnson in their line-ups. Johnson's yardage ranks 10th in the league, but his more valuable touchdown total is tied for 3rd place. That total is more impressive considering that Johnson has only started seven out of 10 games, while wide receivers Dwayne Bowe and Calvin Johnson (#1 and #2 in touchdowns, respectively) started all 10 of their games.

Steve Johnson's Remaining 2010 NFL Season Opponents

If Johnson wasn't on his opponents' radar prior to his three-touchdown game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he is now. While Johnson modestly attributes his ability to get open to his low profile as a little-known receiver, Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick points to Johnson's rare elusiveness as the secret to his success.

Look for Johnson to continue to improve as he develops his game with Fitzpatrick. Defenses will up their pressure on Johnson, but they won't be able to smother him while also containing speedster #1 Bills WR Lee Evans. The Bills' remaining 2010 season opponents are not strong on pass defense (see below), with the exception of the Miami Dolphins, so Johnson should be able to build his confidence through the second half of the 2010 season.

NFL pass defense rankings through week 11:

Steelers = #22

Vikings = #15

Browns = #23

Dolphins = #5

Patriots = #31

Jets = #16

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  Steve Johnson's Fantasy value is no - Photo by filthysize of flickr

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Michigan Wolverines vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Football 2010

Michigan has assured itself a winning season - that's all fine and good. But nobody in Ann Arbor is fully satisfied unless the Wolverines beat Ohio State.

The Wolverines will get their chance Saturday, Nov. 27, when they face the No. 8-ranked Buckeyes in a Big Ten Conference football finale at Columbus, Ohio. The question is if that opportunity will turn out to be anything more than a shot in the dark.

Michigan has taken some strides in 2010 under coach Rich Rodriguez. They've ended a streak of two straight losing seasons, and have become bowl eligible. Yet success in college football's winningest program is measured heavily on how it measures up against Ohio State, and the Wolverines haven't done well there lately. And Saturday's test will be another difficult one.

The Wolverines (7-4 overall, 3-4 Big Ten) do feature one of the nation's most dynamic players in quarterback Denard Robinson. But Ohio State (10-1, 6-1) has a highly touted QB of its own in Terrelle Pryor. And the Buckeyes have something that Michigan has been sorely lacking. It's called defense.

Coach Jim Tressel's OSU squad ranks third in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in total defense (241.5 yards allowed per game) and is fifth in scoring defense (13.9 points). Michigan, meanwhile, is 112th in total defense (445.2 yards) and 99th in scoring defense (33.6 points).

The Wolverines will also have to face a team that will be playing for a conference title. Ohio State is in a three-way tie with Michigan State and Wisconsin for first place in the Big Ten, and can clinch at least a share of its sixth consecutive conference crown by beating Michigan.

The Buckeyes kept pace with its Big Ten co-leaders with a thrilling 20-17 comeback victory at No. 24 Iowa. Michigan, meanwhile, is coming off a 48-28 loss to No. 5 Wisconsin.

Saturday's matchup is scheduled for Noon EST and will be telecast by ABC. It will mark the 107th meeting between Michigan and OSU. The Wolverines hold a 57-43-6 series lead, but Ohio State has taken the last six meetings — including a 21-10 decision last year at Ann Arbor.

The Wolverines haven't topped OSU since posting a 35-21 win in 2003 and hasn't won at Columbus since a 38-26 triumph in 2000. Their prospects in 2010 hinge heavily on how well they hold up against Pryor and a well-balanced Buckeyes offense.

The Ohio State Offense

The Buckeyes are ninth nationally in scoring offense (39.6 points) and they're pounding out an impressive 446.2 yards per game. They've thrown 12 interceptions — 10 by Pryor — but they've lost only two fumbles. So their overall turnover count is one of the lower ones in the FBS. Pass protection has been rather average, with OSU yielding 21 sacks.

Pryor's completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 2,331 yards and 23 touchdowns, and he's second on his team in rushing with 590 yards and four TDs. Hard-nosed Dan Herron has been the go-to back, rushing for 893 yards and 14 touchdowns, and catching 18 passes for 180 yards. Backup Brandon Saine has added 304 rushing yards with two TDs, and hauled in 18 passes for 184 yards and five scores.

Ohio State also has two productive wide receivers in Dane Sanzenbacher (49 catches, 817 yards, 9 TDs) and DeVier Posey (45 receptions, 696 yards, 5 TDs). Another option is tight end Jake Stoneburner (15 catches, 150 yards, 2 TDs).

OSU has done well controlling the ball, ranking seventh nationally in time of possession (32 minutes, 37 seconds per game). That could be pivotal against Michigan, because keeping the Wolverines offense on the sidelines can't be a bad thing for the Buckeyes.

The Michigan Offense

The Wolverines haven't been in peak form offensively the past couple games, but they're averaging 36.8 points per game. They rank fifth in the FBS in total offense (514.5 yards per game) and are 10th in rushing offense (257.4 yards). But turnovers have been a problem, with Michigan losing the ball 24 times.

Robinson has run for 1,538 yards and 14 touchdowns, setting the FBS record for single-season rushing by a quarterback. Plus, he's connected on 63.4 percent of his passes for 2,229 yards and 16 touchdowns, and his speed is one reason the Wolverines have yielded only 10 sacks. On the other hand, the sophomore has thrown 10 of his team's 13 interceptions.

The receiving corps features Roy Roundtree (58 catches, 839 yards, 6 TDs), Darryl Stonum (35 receptions, 493 yards, 4 TDs) and Junior Hemingway (28 catches, 544 yards, 4 TDs). A bevy of running backs includes Vincent Smith (571 yards, 5 TDs), Michael Shaw (331 yards, 8 TDs) and Stephen Hawkins (151 yards, 4 TDs). Shaw sat out the Wisconsin game because of concussion-like symptoms.

The most interesting matchup of the game could be the collision between Michigan's explosive ground atttack and Ohio State's suffocating run defense.

The Ohio State Defense

The Buckeyes are third in the nation in run defense, giving up only 86.4 yards per game and 2.9 yards per attempt. And they're strong against the pass, too, allowing only 155.1 yards per contest. Ohio State's also been very opportunistic, with 17 interceptions among 26 takeaways. The pass rush has been more pedestrian, with OSU managing only 18 sacks.

Brian Rolle has lifted the Buckeyes with a team-high 62 tackles. The weak-side linebacker has made eight tackles for loss, in addition to a pair of interceptions. Middle linebacker Ross Homan has contributed 55 tackles, and safety/linebacker Jermale Hines has 53 stops.

Cornerback Chimdi Chekwa paces Ohio State with three interceptions and eight pass breakups, and has made 34 tackles. The other corner, Devon Torrence, has two interceptions, six breakups and 38 stops.

End Nathan Williams leads the Buckeyes with 3.5 sacks and has seven tackles for loss. He's part of a sturdy line that also includes highly touted end Cameron Heyward (36 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks) and tackle John Simon (33 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss).

The Michigan Defense

Michigan's pass defense (263.9 yards per game) ranks 111th in the FBS, but don't expect Ohio State to get all crazy with the aerial game. The Wolverines, after all, are only 92nd in run defense, yielding 181.3 yards.

The Wolverines have received some admirable efforts. Linebcker Jonas Mouton has made 102 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions. Safety Jordan Kovacs, a former walk-on, has 95 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss. Other key players include safety/linebacker Cameron Gordon (68 tackles, 2 interceptions), end Craig Roh (39 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss) and linebacker Kenny Demens (61 tackles).

Michigan will need huge games from interior iinemen like Greg Banks (32 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks), MIke Martin (30 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks) and Ryan Van Bergen (25 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks). And more big plays would help. Michigan's managed only 17 takeaways and 16 sacks this season.

Special Teams

The Wolverines also need improvement in its kicking and return games. Seth Broekhuizen and Brerndan Gibbons have combined to make only four of 13 field goal attempts, and the longest has been from 37 yards out. Michigan's punt return average is only 4.3 yards, and kickoff returns haven't been anything special, either. On the plus side, Will Hagerup is averaging a solid 43.6 yards per punt, and kick coverage has been sound.

Ohio State kicker Devin Barclay has been sharp, nailing 16 of 19 field goal attempts with a season long of 48. Punter Ben Buchanan has been more ordinary, averaging 40.9 yards with one kick being blocked. Overall, OSU has had three kicks blocked, but two came on field goal attempts of more than 50 yards by kickoff specialist Drew Basil.

Jordan Hall has provided spark on both punt and kickoff returns, posting respective averages of 10.1 and 25.4 yards per runback. Freshman Jamaal is also managing 25.4 yards per kickoff return. But the Buckeyes have been inconsistent in coverage. Opponents have returned two kickoffs and one punt for touchdowns. They're netting 12.7 yards per punt runback.

 

 

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