Welcome to The 3-4, a website dedicated to NFL analysis, predictions and recent events. We wrote 32 extensive team previews and will be writing about all things football throughout the year. We will be scouting players off game tape, evaluating them, predicting NFL and NCAA games, and much more! If you would like us to write about something in particular, let us know!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Video of the Day - Zac Etheridge and Rodney Scott

This is absolutely incredible.  I am amazed at the video productions that ESPN puts together.  I had the chills during this entire 5 minute clip.

NFL Week 8 Picks Against the Spread



Date & TimeFavoriteSpreadUnderdog
10/31 1:00 ETSan Francisco
(At London)
-2Denver
10/31 1:00 ETAt Dallas-6.5Jacksonville
10/31 1:00 ETAt Detroit-2.5Washington
10/31 1:00 ETAt NY Jets-6.5Green Bay
10/31 1:00 ETAt St. Louis-2.5Carolina
10/31 1:00 ETMiami-1At Cincinnati
10/31 1:00 ETAt Kansas City-7Buffalo
10/31 4:05 ETAt San Diego-5Tennessee
10/31 4:15 ETAt Arizona-3Tampa Bay
10/31 4:15 ETAt Oakland-2Seattle
10/31 4:15 ETAt New England-5.5Minnesota
10/31 8:20 ETAt New Orleans-1.5Pittsburgh





Monday Night Football Point Spread
11/1 8:35 ETAt Indianapolis-5.5Houston

Saturday, October 30, 2010

College Football: Week 9 Pick'em

Last Week's Win/Loss: 6-4
Total Win/Loss since Week 2: 47-23

Purdue at Illinois
Alex's pick: Purdue
Why: After an embarrassing loss to Ohio State, Purdue will clean its act up in a big way. On the road against a surging Fighting Illini team, the Boilermakers win by 6
#5 Michigan State at #18 Iowa
Alex's pick: Iowa
Why: With Michigan State sliding by opponents the past three weeks, Iowa poses a huge roadblock to the undefeated Spartans. Iowa's front seven will shut down the running game of Sparty, and Ricky Stanzi will propel the Hawkeyes to a bounce-back win against Michigan State.
#6 Missouri at #14 Nebraska
Alex's pick: Nebraska
Why: Missouri was primed to beat #1 Oklahoma last week, however Nebraska seems locked and loaded for a resurgence as the top dog in the Big 12. After a disappointing loss to Texas, Nebraska outgunned a strong Oklahoma State team that was then undefeated and raising Big 12 championship talk. Similarly to Oklahoma State, Missouri is undefeated and coming off a string of impressive victories. At Lincoln, Nebraska, this game has upset written all over it...even if it shouldn't be called an upset. 
#15 Arizona at UCLA
Alex's pick: Arizona
Why: With so many weapons to go to on offense, it doesn't matter who is playing quarterback for the Wildcats. Nic Foles returns from injury, and it is unclear whether or not he will start this Saturday, however, the balanced attack of Arizona should be able to put up points against an otherwise unimpressive UCLA defense. Rendering 60 points to the Oregon Ducks last week, UCLA will be sure to come back furious and fighting from the first whistle, yet Juron Criner's effectiveness at receiver should draw double teams from safety and corner, leaving the middle of the field wide open. If the Wildcats utilize the middle of the field and play ball-control, this game could easily get out of hand. Arizona by 17

Georgia at Florida
Alex's pick: Georgia
Why: Disappointing starts by both of these SEC East teams seem to be the storyline here. Florida especially cannot put together any sort of consistency, and has fluttered all season long offensively. Losing Tim Tebow's physical skill hurts, but what may be the biggest concern is the lack of leadership in the Gators locker room. The void in leadership seems to be the biggest reason for late game lapses, lack of discipline, and failure to capitalize in key situations. A.J. Green and Janoris Jenkins will prove to be the matchup to watch this weekend; Green looks to continue his impressive senior campaign and improve his draft stock in this SEC showdown. Aaron Murray has shown vast improvements since week 1, and his mobility in the past weeks has put Georgia in a position to make an SEC East title run. Georgia by 7
#25 Baylor at Texas
 Alex's pick: Baylor
Why: Texas has no identity on offense; when you have no identity, anyone can beat you...even Iowa State. Baylor's qb Robert Griffen is a machine when it comes to offensive production, and I believe there is nothing standing between him and another big time performance. The offensive line for Baylor has dominated at the point of attack lately (averaging over 290 rushing yards in their last two games), and Texas' front seven on defense has shown many inconsistencies. Baylor runs away with this one by 17
#13 Stanford at Washington
Alex's pick: Stanford
Why: A matchup of NFL 1st round quarterbacks, Andrew Luck and Jake Locker, this Stanford v. Washington matchup could come down to the wire. Seemingly unshakeable Andrew Luck has not let down the scouts who so highly rated him this preseason; Jake Locker on the other hand, after a series of inconsistent flashings of optimism and doubt, has scouts worried about his NFL "readiness". In a game that is sure to sport a number of scouts, both quarterbacks have a primetime light to showcase their talents. Winners of the last two team meetings, I feel Stanford's physical style of play will overpower the Washington Huskies. Stanford puts the Washington Huskies winless in the last 3 years against the Cardinals, Stanford by 3. 
Kentucky at #23 Mississippi State
Alex's pick:Mississippi State
Why: Although the bell cows have been banned by the SEC, don't expect to see this raucous crowd to go down without a fight. Keep those ears ready for some noise makers of Mississippi sorts, as Mississippi State and their strong running attack look to defend their home turf against the Kentucky Wildcats. Mike Hartline of Kentucky has been very impressive as of recent weeks, upsetting SC and showing off his rocket arm. Look for Mississippi to grind 'em out in this SEC fist fight that should stay under 30 points total scored offensively. Mississippi State by 10.
#8 Utah at Air Force
Alex's pick: Utah
Why: Air Force puts up a good fight every week; they just seem to lack the firepower on offense. Utah continues to stake its claim in the BCS picture with a defining win, leading up to their matchup with top 5 team TCU. Utah by 21
#2 Oregon at USC
Alex's pick: Oregon
Why: Darren Thomas and LaMichael James pose the nastiest 1-2 punch since Pat White and Noel Devine. The balanced power of the Ducks offense will overtake a rather underwhelming USC ballclub. Oregon by 28

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Alex Brown's 2011 Big Board: Week 8


Rank (PR)
Stock
Change
Name
College
Position
Height
Weight
1. (1) = 0
Andrew Luck*
Stanford
QB
6’4
235 lbs
2. (2) = 0
Patrick Peterson
LSU
CB
6’1
225 lbs
3. (3) = 0
A.J. Green*
Georgia
WR
6’4
210 lbs
4. (7) = +3
Da’Quan Bowers*
Clemson
DE
6’4
280 lbs
5. (6) = +1
Adrian Clayborn
Iowa
DE
6’4
285 lbs
6. (4)= -2
Prince Amukamara
Nebraska
CB
6’1
205 lbs
7. (8)= +1
Robert Quinn*
UNC
DE
6’4
267 lbs
8. (10)= +2
Ryan Kerrigan
Purdue
DE
6’4
263 lbs
9. (9)= 0
Ryan Mallet
Arkansas
QB
6’6
260 lbs
10. (13) = +3
Cameron Jordan
California
DE
6’4
283 lbs
11. (12) = +1
Mark Ingram*
Alabama
RB
5’10
215 lbs
12. (5) = -7
Jake Locker
Washington
QB
6’3
230 lbs
13. (11) = -2
Marcel Dareus
Alabama
DT
6’4
305 lbs
14. (14) = 0
Janoris Jenkins*
Florida
CB
5’11
184 lbs
15. (15) = 0
Bruce Carter
UNC
OLB
6’3
235 lbs
16. (16) = 0
Derek Sherrod
Miss. St.
OT
6’6
305 lbs
17. (18) = +1
Stephen Paea
Oregon St.
DT
6’1
311 lbs
18. (19) = +1
Anthony Castonzo
BC
OT
6’7
308 lbs
19. (20) = +1
Demarco Murray
Oklahoma
RB
6’1
207 lbs
20. (21) = +1
Julio Jones
Alabama
WR
6’4
220 lbs
21. (24) = +3
Nick Fairley*
Auburn
DT
6’4
298 lbs
22. (25) = +3
Von Miller
TAMU
OLB
6’3
243 lbs
23. (17) = -6
Cameron Heyward
Ohio St.
DE
6’5
288 lbs
24. (NA) = NA
Akeem Ayers
UCLA
OLB
6’4
255 lbs
25. (22) = -3
Ras-I Dowling
Virginia
CB
6’2
200 lbs
26. (29) = +3
Allen Bailey
Miami
DE
6’4
285 lbs
27. (28) = +1
Nate Solder
Colorado
OT
6’9
315 lbs
28. (26) = -2
Ryan Broyles
Oklahoma
WR
5’11
183 lbs
29. (NA) = NA
Blaine Gabbert
Missouri
QB
6’5
235 lbs
30. (32) = +2
Daniel Thomas
Kansas St,
RB
6’2
230 lbs
31. (27) = -4
Marvin Austin
UNC
DT
6’3
310 lbs
32. (31) = -1
Greg Jones
Michigan St.
ILB
6’1
240 lbs