The Frogs O' War staff tries to rebound from a less-than-stellar week of picks.
It's that time of the week again, as we all try desperately to look like we know what we're doing. Melissa dominated week 3 with a stellar 11-2 record. Swayze was a pick behind her, while the rest of us wallowed in our mediocrity.
Here are the standings heading into week 4:
Rank
Name
This Week
All Time
% Correct
Closest Score
1
Melissa Triebwasser
11-2
38-5
88.4%
9
2
RustyFrog
9-4
37-6
86%
4
T-3
HToadSwayze
10-3
36-7
83.7%
6
T-3
Andrew Felts
8-5
36-7
83.7%
5
T-5
Mason Jamboogie
8-5
34-9
79.1%
4
T-5
Marshall Weber
8-5
34-9
79.1%
4
T-5
Scott Boase
7-6
34-9
79.1%
2
T-8
Simone Elices
8-5
33-10
76.7%
3
T-8
Jamie Plunkett
8-5
33-10
76.7%
3
10
Samantha Calimbahin
9-4
32-11
74.4%
4
11
Hawkeyed Frog
8-5
31-12
72.1%
4
12
Warrior Horned Frog
7-6
28-15
65.1%
3
And now, here are the picks.
Big 12
Kansas @ Rutgers
Jamie Plunkett: Kansas 17, Rutgers 13 - This is it. This is the game where Kansas puts one in the win column. Rutgers is without their head coach, and the seven players that have been arrested for a slew of heinous crimes over the past month.
Marshall Weber: Rutgers 28, Kansas 24 - Beatty will pull this thing together. Clearly just not this year, however.
Melissa Triebwasser: Kansas 35, Rutgers 30 - yep, I am calling for an upset here. Rutgers might be the only program in America that can say it's a bigger mess than the Jayhawks right now, and with David Beatty keeping the juices flowing in Lawrence and Rutgers coach in a forced MIA for the weekend, KU gets a signature win early in the season.
Hawkeyed Frog: Rutgers 34, Kansas 27 - Another week of good signs for Kansas that doesn't end in a win. This will be the story of the season for KU this year.
Andrew Felts: Rutgers 31, Kansas 14 – [trash can emoji] [fire emoji]
Warrior Horned Frog: Rutgers 28, Kansas 14 - Start your Saturday morning with an episode of Biggest Loser.
Rusty Frog: Rutgers 17, Kansas 10 – I don’t know what to think about this game. Rutgers whooped Norfolk State in Week 1 before losing the past 2 weeks. But Kansas is still Kansas. Sorry, Jayhawks.
Scott Boase: Kansas 24, Rutgers 23 - KANSAS WINS! KANSAS WINS!
Samantha Calimbahin: Kansas 27, Rutgers 21 - Both teams have been on the down end in their past two games. The game is ugly, lots of punts and fumbles that end up becoming punts. But Kansas survives this one and finally gets its first win of the season.
Mason Jamboogie: Rutgers 34 Kansas 17 - When wast the last time you chose Kansas to win away against another Power 5 team?
Simone Elices: Rutgers 24, Kansas 14 - Having not watched Rutgers that much this year, I still think Kansas is bad enough to lose any game they play.
HToadSwayze: Rutgers 35, Kansas 20 - Kansas loses again. I should just start copying and pasting this every week.
West Virginia vs. Maryland
Jamie Plunkett: West Virginia 42, Maryland 10 - Maryland is not good. Meanwhile, West Virginia could very well be a top 3 team in the Big 12 when all is said and done. This one will not be close, or very fun for Maryland fans.
Marshall Weber: West Virginia 45, Maryland 28 - Maryland isn't great, but West Virginia gets a big win and continues to be the darkhorse of this league.
Melissa Triebwasser: West Virginia 52, Maryland 14 - The rout is on. WVU is for real, friends. This team can score in bunches and plays the kind of nasty, aggressive, angry defense that makes Frog fans feel nostalgic.
Hawkeyed Frog: West Virginia 46, Maryland 20 - West Virginia hits the road in a big way, crushing Maryland and showing that they're ready to make noise in the Big 12 this season
Andrew Felts: West Virginia 38, Maryland 21 – West Virginia improves to 3-0 on the year with an easy home win against a Maryland team that just can’t keep up. The Mountaineer defense, which could be the best in the Big 12 so far (?), holds the usually high scoring Terps to just three scores offensively. Skyler Howard leads the ‘Eers with three passing touchdowns while Wendell Smallwood tacks on another.
Warrior Horned Frog: West Virginia 56, Maryland 35 - Look for lots of production by both offenses as West Virginia shells some Turtle.
Rusty Frog: West Virginia 42, Maryland 35 – West Virginia will run right past the Terrapins (that’s how you say "turtle" in Maryland, apparently) and get their 4th win of the season.
Scott Boase: West Virginia 32, Maryland 27- I think this game will be pretty close, even though Maryland looks to be regressing and West Virginia looks much improved.
Samantha Calimbahin: West Virginia 50, Maryland 17 - The Mountaoneers cruise through this one and play their highest-scoring game of the season. West Virginia's defense forces a crazy ton of turnovers, while quarterback Skyler Howard breaks records and all those fun things. A win as nice and easy microwavable macaroni and cheese.
Mason Jamboogie: West Virginia 42 Maryland 20 - It's weird to hear this when I say it aloud, but the Mountaineers could field the best defense in the conference this year (Gary please forgive me). Maryland is playing in the town where couches come to burn, therefore....couches will burn this weekend as WVU handles the Teenage Mutant Ninja Terrapins.
Simone Elices: West Virginia 42, Maryland 27- West Virginia will be looking to finish on a high note going into Big 12 play.
HToadSwayze: West Virginia 35, Maryland 17 - West Virginia's defense is pretty salty this year. They should handle Maryland pretty easily. Thank God at least this rivalry game is still happening.
No. 5 Baylor vs. Rice
Jamie Plunkett: Baylor 56, Rice 24 - Baylor's defense struggled (for a half) against SMU and Lamar, and now they face a Rice squad that hung 462 yards of total offense on Texas. Five turnovers kept Rice from winning, but they can move the ball pretty well. It won't be enough, but the Owls will make things interesting for a bit.
Marshall Weber: Baylor 63, Rice 40 - Baylor, well--Baylors. Mediocre first half and garbage time points keeping box score-only chumps pleased with Briles' squad.
Melissa Triebwasser: Baylor 63, Rice 24 - We will know a lot more about Baylor once they finish the JV schedule. For now, another easy noncon win.
Hawkeyed Frog: Baylor 66, Rice 37 - Another typical Baylor game. The Bears strike out a lead and continue to build it as the game goes on, even as Rice makes a few game rallies to make the final score more interesting than the game actually was.
Andrew Felts: Baylor 56, Rice 28 – Art Briles might not know where his coaches are, but he knows how to beat Rice. The Bears score early and often, en route to an easy win that does little to strengthen their strength of schedule. Seth Russell continues to put up impressive numbers, leading the charge with 300 yards passing and four touchdowns. Rice gets a couple of scores against Baylor’s pedestrian defense, but it isn’t enough to keep things interesting. With the Baylor win, former Southwest Conference teams currently competing in the Big 12 improve to 5-0 against former SWC teams currently competing elsewhere.
Warrior Horned Frog: Baylor 70, Rice 35 - Bears eat Owls. What else can you say?
Rusty Frog: Baylor 66, Rice 38 – The Bad News Bears had a week off to recuperate from two games that were a lot scarier than expected. They’ll be itching to play and Rice won’t be able to keep up.
Scott Boase: Baylor 56, Rice 30 - Waco sucks.
Samantha Calimbahin: Baylor 44, Rice 38 - Let's say the Earth turns on its side just a little bit, and Rice puts up a fight against Baylor in Waco. Of course, Baylor stays on top for the whole game, with Rice teasing closely behind, scoring just enough to pose a threat to the Bears. But the Owls can't seem to finish, and Baylor still wins.
Mason Jamboogie: Baylor 56, Rice 37 - Baylor's offense has gave up 31 points 2 weeks ago against an FCS opponent in Lamar. It's good to see that we aren't the only team with concerns on defense. Baylor will win this one because it is Rice, but it won't be a surprise when Rice hangs around during the first half, just like Lamar and SMU.
Simone Elices: Baylor 48, Rice 21 - Rice comes out strong and keeps it a game for the first quarter before Baylor does their job and puts the game to bed.
HToadSwayze: Baylor 63, Rice 38 - Baylor continues to have trouble getting their offense going early. They trail early in the first half; TCU fans are happy. They blow Rice out in the second half. Oh well....
Texas vs. No. 24 Oklahoma State
Jamie Plunkett: Oklahoma State 30, Texas 23 - Heard may be the new Texas quarterback, but he'll slump against a decent Oklahoma State team.
Marshall Weber: Oklahoma State 49, Texas 38 - Heard does well, but the Pokes' defense is much better than the dismal one he saw last weekend. He's going to be good, but he, and Texas, get a reality check this weekend in Austin.
Melissa Triebwasser: Oklahoma State 35, Texas 28 - Buoyed by a solid offensive performance, the Texas D looks much better through three quarters against Mason Rudolph and the Cowboys. But two ints in the final frame doom the Horns at home, and they will travel to Fort Worth winless.
Hawkeyed Frog: Oklahoma State 52, Texas 40 - The Horns fall just short again as Heard shows he still has some growing to do before he's a real threat- but watch out next year
Andrew Felts: Oklahoma State 34, Texas 24 – Nelly’s "Hot in Herre" takes on a whole new meaning to Charlie Strong after the Longhorns drop another home game, this time to the high-flying Cowboys. Mason Rudolph leads Oklahoma State to a victory after throwing for 250 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Jerrod Heard struggles in the first half but is able to keep Texas close in the second half. The City of Austin begins to panic as Texas is at serious risk of starting their season 1-5.
Warrior Horned Frog: Oklahoma State 21, Texas 14 - Did you notice Bevo is doing Lincoln commercials for extra income now? He should open a liquor store in Iowa. Cowboys score less than if this was in their house.
Rusty Frog: Texas 52, Oklahoma State 49 – Probably gonna lose some OSU friends on this one. Texas almost came back against Cal last week. Their kicker missed the tying PAT with 1:11 remaining in the game. Now they’re all motivated and stuff facing Oklahoma State. OSU is a second-half team so far, so Texas will get some key touchdowns early, before OSU’s defense wakes up from their first-half nap. But the second half will be a battle of the QBs. I went back and forth on this one. But based on strength of pre-Big 12 schedule, I’m giving this to Texas.
Scott Boase: Oklahoma State 38, Texas 33 - Heard might just be Texas' answer at quarterback, but I'm betting he will throw an interception or two in this game that seals it for OSU.
Samantha Calimbahin: Oklahoma State 45, Texas 21 - *sigh* Texas. If non-conference play didn't go well, conference play just makes exacerbates everything. Oklahoma State just plain walks all over Texas, although the 'Horns get a few touchdowns on the board late in the game when it doesn't really matter anymore.
Mason Jamboogie: Oklahoma State 37, Texas 30 - With the resurgence of the Horns' offense against Cal last week, confidence for the team has to be higher than it was after week 1, despite the shot to the nuts that was last week's loss. It's up to Mike Gundy and his squad to kick the Horns confidence back in the gutter. This game will come down to a big defensive stop and I say the Pokes get it.
Simone Elices: Oklahoma State 35, Texas 31 - Jerrod Heard has another solid game for Texas but they come up just short against a good OSU team.
HToadSwayze: Texas 35, Oklahoma State 31 - I didn't see either of these teams last weekend, but OSU has no running game. Texas' defense will only get better. I'm picking the Longhorns in the upset.
No. 3 TCU @ Texas Tech
Jamie Plunkett: TCU 59, Texas Tech 55 - This is going to be an old fashioned shootout, and a late stop by TCU's battered defense is what seals the win in Lubbock.
Marshall Weber: TCU 59, Texas Tech 49 - The Frogs' defense doesn't have to be great Saturday. No one is asking them to be last year's defense in Lubbock. They just need to win a shootout, and the defense needs to do just well enough for that to happen. I don't care how many yards they give up, this is a learning process--and should the Frogs walk out of Lubbock with a win; I really think they do just fine until they get to West Virginia. And by then, the new look defense will have a month to prepare for that gnarly November. If we know each other personally, I apologize in advance for not texting you during the game--my phone will be on do not disturb.
Melissa Triebwasser: TCU 56, Texas Tech 55 - This one is going to be a barn-burner, folks. I an see it going a hundred different ways, but I won't pick against the Frogs until I have a real reason to do so. I want to believe that the wagons have been circled, the troops have been rallied, and the under-Frogs will rise above seemingly everything going against them to win in Lubbock. A signature Boykin fourth quarter drive leads to a long Jaden Oberkrom field goal and a massive early season win for GP and crew.
Hawkeyed Frog: TCU 73, Texas Tech 66 - This is a game that is going to set the perception of Big 12 defenses back a decade, but with both defenses struggling you have to pick the more consistent offense, even on the road. I trust Boykin to take care of things on the road and in the big moments- that gives the Frogs the edge
Andrew Felts: TCU 56, Texas Tech 49 – It seems like every time there’s a game between two ridiculously high-scoring teams, the final score is always lower than anticipated. But I think this game is an exception to that observation. Texas Tech’s offense should be able to pick up significant yardage through the air against a suspect TCU secondary that struggled somewhat with SMU. However, in a true quarterback showcase, Trevone Boykin outduels Patrick Mahomes and leads the Frogs to a huge conference road win. In a game that should feature well over 1,000 total yards of offense, the deciding factor might just be which team has the ball last.
Warrior Horned Frog: TCU 35, Texas Tech 28 - Tech will have their guns up, but Frogs will spit blood! The next men up will have their work cut out for them, though, in a very, very, angry Lubbock.
Rusty Frog: TCU 45, Tech 42 – It’s gonna be close, folks. We don’t have much of a defense left, but Tech doesn’t have one either. This will go back and forth between QBs and whoever has the ball last will win. Hopefully it’s us.
Scott Boase: TCU 63, Texas Tech 48 - This is going to be a shootout, and I'm excited for it. Obviously the first major test for TCU's young defense. As with most games, I think this one will come down to turnovers; as well as Mahomes can sling it around, he can be a little careless with the football at times, and I think the secondary just might be able to take advantage of that.
Samantha Calimbahin: TCU 46, Texas Tech 42 - I am reasonably nervous for this game. The Frogs' wounded defense against the Red Raiders' high-power offense in Lubbock? *shudders* It's up to Boykin and the offense to save this one. And Jaden Oberkrom. Lots of Oberkrom. As in game-winning field goal Oberkrom. Be clutch today, dear. Please.
Mason Jamboogie: TCU 56, Texas Tech 52 - I absolutely hate this pick. I wish it was 100 to -100, but alas this feels like a trap game. I'm reminded of 2 moments from last season at the moment. Tech is a team that is 3-0 and is about to host a top 5 team and they aren't lacking confidence at the moment. This is a lot similar to the TCU vs. Oklahoma game from last year, with Tech being TCU. I'm also reminded of the game on Thanksgiving where UT was acting like TCU was a 5 win team and then got annihilated. Let's hope it turns out like the latter. This game is going to come down to a late game winning touchdown drive from Boykin to bring the shootout to an end.
Simone Elices: TCU 56, Tech 42 - Despite what you may think, there are going to be two defenses, though neither of which will play well. In the end, TCU's high powered offense will prove too much for Patrick Mahomes and the Red Raiders.
HToadSwayze: TCU 63, Texas Tech 56 - Holy touchdowns Batman. This game will have a whole bunch of them. Don't worry about any wacky fair catch penalties this time. There won't be enough punts for that to happen.
Around the Country
No. 14 Texas A&M vs. Arkansas (Arlington, TX)
Jamie Plunkett: Texas A&M 42, Arkansas 10
Marshall Weber: Texas A&M 50, Arkansas 35
Melissa Triebwasser: Texas A&M 37, Arkansas 24
Hawkeyed Frog: Texas A&M 50, Arkansas 23
Andrew Felts: Texas A&M 35, Arkansas 27
Warrior Horned Frog: Texas A&M 28, Arkansas 21
Rusty Frog: Texas A&M 34, Arkansas 21
Scott Boase: Texas A&M 45, Arkansas 38
Samantha Calimbahin: Texas A&M 45, Arkansas 35
Mason Jamboogie: Texas A&M 41, Arkansas 20
Simone Elices: Arkansas 31, Texas A&M 28
HToadSwayze: Texas A&M 35, Arkansas 24
Kentucky vs. No. 25 Missouri
Jamie Plunkett: Kentucky 24, Missouri 20
Marshall Weber: Kentucky 20 , Missouri 17
Melissa Triebwasser: Missouri 31, Kentucky 24
Hawkeyed Frog: Kentucky 17, Missouri 13
Andrew Felts: Missouri 27, Kentucky 24
Warrior Horned Frog: Kentucky 28, Missouri 24
Rusty Frog: Missouri 21, Kentucky 19
Scott Boase: Missouri 27, Kentucky 23
Samantha Calimbahin: Missouri 31, Kentucky 17
Mason Jamboogie: Kentucky 27, Missouri 17
Simone Elices: Missouri 21, Kentucky 17
HToadSwayze: Kentucky 28, Missouri 24
No. 16 Arizona vs. No. 9 UCLA
Jamie Plunkett: UCLA 35, Arizona 27
Marshall Weber: UCLA 45 Arizona 42
Melissa Triebwasser: UCLA 42, Arizona 27
Hawkeyed Frog: UCLA 40, Arizona 37
Andrew Felts: Arizona 31, UCLA 27
Warrior Horned Frog: UCLA 28, Arizona 22
Rusty Frog: UCLA 34, Arizona 31
Scott Boase: Arizona 42, UCLA 30
Samantha Calimbahin: UCLA 38, Arizona 35
Mason Jamboogie: UCLA 45, Arizona 33
Simone Elices: UCLA 48, Arizona 34
HToadSwayze: UCLA 31, Arizona 24
No. 13 Oregon vs. No. 18 Utah
Jamie Plunkett: Utah 28, Oregon 27
Marshall Weber: Oregon 45, Utah 38
Melissa Triebwasser: Oregon 45, vs. Utah 31
Hawkeyed Frog: Utah 34, Oregon 22
Andrew Felts: Oregon 40, Utah 28
Warrior Horned Frog: Oregon 28, Utah 17
Rusty Frog: Oregon 29, Utah 27
Scott Boase: Oregon 45, Utah 42
Samantha Calimbahin: Oregon 41, Utah 31
Mason Jamboogie: Oregon 48, Utah 26
Simone Elices: Oregon 48, Utah 31
HToadSwayze: Oregon 38, Utah 24
Syracuse vs. No. 8 LSU
Jamie Plunkett: LSU 49, Syracuse 7
Marshall Weber: LSU 35, Syracuse 14
Melissa Triebwasser: LSU 49, Syracuse 20
Hawkeyed Frog: LSU 45, Syracuse 13 - And the Tiger fans are going to drink Syracuse dry as well.
Andrew Felts: LSU 35, Syracuse 10
Warrior Horned Frog: LSU 49, Syracuse 28
Rusty Frog: LSU 45, Syracuse 17
Scott Boase: LSU 35, Syracuse 14
Samantha Calimbahin: LSU 27, Syracuse 20
Mason Jamboogie: LSU 48, Syracuse 13
Simone Elices: LSU 34, Syracuse 3
HToadSwayze: LSU 45, Syracuse 17