Red Cup Inbox: November 5, 2018
This is a new segment we will be doing on Red Cup News where we ask you, the followers, over Instagram for questions you want us to answer. This will occur every week or so. If you want to ask a question, go follow @redcupcollegesports on Instagram and be on the lookout for the post.
“Hoos winning the ACC Coastal?” – @uva_basketball_
If we look at some of the reasons why UVA collapsed on Saturday those would be: weak rush defense and weak run game. And what two teams do they face ACC-wise? Georgia Tech, one of the scariest offensive schemes to go against in the triple option, and Virginia Tech, a surprisingly good run defense against traditional backs. I liked the Cavaliers chances as they ascended the ladder, but I more so sticking with Pittsburgh to make a big run late in the season.
“Do you think UCF will make the playoffs?” – @_imranhassan10
I wrote an article on UCF recently about how Fresno State poises a better conversation for a playoff run then they do. And I don’t even think Fresno State has a chance. To be quite frankly honest, I don’t think UCF’s schedule is up to par with what they need to get into the playoff.
“Do you think Penn State could make the tournament?” – @natekuntz
I think the obvious answer to this is: Of course! This is a solid team that won the NIT Tournament last year and narrowly missed the NCAA March Madness Tournament. Also, there has been speculation that Pat Chambers might loss his job, but I’m thinking the opposite. I think Penn State gets it done this year and gets a NCAA Tournament berth.
“Is Michigan overrated still? And do they even stand a chance against Ohio State?” – @kolbitus
Michigan was never overrated in the first place. They had dominate wins over Wisconsin and Michigan State to slip them into the category that they held. And their only loss can by a touchdown to an undefeated Notre Dame. And yes, they have a very favorable chance at beating Ohio State. Usually, I just tell the Michigan fans to go home and that they have “no shot” against Ohio State. However, I think Michigan has a strong team this year and gets it done, finally, under Harbaugh.
“Are LJ Scott and Connor Heyward the best RBs in College Football?” – @a_24_._
If anyone told me this I’d laugh in their face. You sir, I just laughed in your face. Yes, these two are great athletes for Michigan State and stand in the room of “above average”. Unfortunately, you cannot have a decent amount of bad games and ask me to name them the best in all of college football.
“Who do you think will be in the Playoff?” – @michael_maerder
This is always the toughest question that I get every year from various people. And to be quite honest, no one can you give you a solid answer until the last 4 weeks of the season. For me I have: No. 1-Alabama, No. 2-Clemson, No. 3-Michigan, No. 4-Notre Dame. This is because these three have played a great, dominating slate of games. Yes, I said three. Notre Dame is guaranteed a playoff spot just because of their name and their record, regardless of actual play. But that is just my opinion.
“Will Baylor make a bowl game?” – @redcupbaylor
Easily. All the Bears must do is secure a win over either Iowa State, TCU, or Texas Tech. Just one win will put them into the postseason mix. I like Baylor in the Liberty Bowl this season and think they could matchup with either South Carolina or Vanderbilt.
“Will West Virginia make the playoff with an 11-1 record?” – @taxicab7
It all depends. If West Virginia wins the Big 12 and stands against Michigan, also 11-1 with a conference championship, I’d still give it to Michigan. This is simply due to the fact that Michigan’s only loss came to undefeated Notre Dame (if Notre Dame finishes as expected). And also, the lack of defense in the Big 12 hurts West Virginia and their staple of putting up points because it is not unheard of in the Big 12.
“Thoughts on Virginia Tech Basketball?” – @haydenfriese22
I like them more than I did last year. Even with the loss of Chris Clarke, the Hokies will have to rely on, most likely, Ty Outlaw. This athlete in Ty Outlaw who hit around 38%-42% of his 3-pointers in his 2016-17 campaign. That is absurd. Yes, he won’t bring the same attributes as Clarke, but his ability to space that floor will be beneficial for Virginia Tech. I might even like them more without Clarke, that’s only if the next-in-line bench player does there part.
Photo Credits: https://www.clickondetroit.com/all-about-ann-arbor/hail/is-this-michigan-football-s-most-dominant-streak-since-1997-national-championship-season-