West Virginia (2-4) vs. #1 Miami (5-0) (-33.5)
Why to watch: Do you want to see the full fury of the "Number 4" team in the
nation? The ‘Canes might get screwed in this whole BCS mess, but they'll do
everything they can to drag the whole system down with them.
One reason why West Virginia might win: Maybe the ‘Canes are looking ahead to
Temple? Miami hasn't faced a really good running back yet and Avon Cobourne could keep
this interesting. The Mountaineers are supposed to get blown out so they can play
extremely loose. The WVU pass defense is the best in the Big East, statistically, giving
up only 133 yards per game.
One reason why Miami might win: The Mountaineers are giving up more than 245 yards per
game on the ground. The Hurricanes offensive line will throw the Mountaineers defensive
line all over the field.
We think: Miami will put together one of its best efforts all year and on national
television will make a case for why just about everyone thinks the ‘Canes should be
No. 1.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 one word: exercise): 3
Collegefootballnews.com's prediction: Miami 49, West Virginia 10
#2 Oklahoma (7-0) at #3 Nebraska (8-0) (-4)
Why to watch: The winner on Saturday will be ranked No. 1, and rightly so, with the
inside track to a Rose Bowl berth while the loser will know what needs to be worked on
before the seemingly inevitable rematch in the Big 12 title game. This is Oklahoma vs.
Nebraska. Enjoy it while you can as the scheduling pinheads gave this must-see rivalry two
years off after this year.
One reason why Oklahoma might win: The option doesn't work against fast defenses with
great linebackers. OU is a fast defense with great linebackers.
One reason why Nebraska might win: The OU offense hasn't been all that sharp and the
Nebraska defense has been outstanding. In close games, teams with the veteran quarterbacks
usually win and the Huskers’ Eric Crouch has seen it all and done it all.
We think: These are two heavyweight defenses at the top of their games. All objectivity
aside, there's not a player more deserving of a huge win in a game like this than Crouch,
but he's not going to get it. OU has proven time and again that when challenged, the
defense will pull off the win. Don't point to the lethargic Baylor or Kansas snoozefests,
this is an elite defense that rises to the occasion. The Nebraska offense has to win the
game while the Oklahoma offensive players just have to make sure they don't screw up so
the defense can clean up. The Nebraska defense and Sooners offense will play to a
stalemate. We're taking the Sooners defense over the Huskers offense.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 one word: exercise): 37
Collegefootballnews.com's prediction: Oklahoma 16, Nebraska 13
#4 UCLA (6-0) (-7) at #20 Stanford (4-1)
Why to watch: Everyone knows what the Cardinal did to Oregon last week with a
surprisingly opportunistic defense and enough offense to win. UCLA is playing amazingly
well on both sides of the ball, but the Bruins' much-hyped defense hasn't faced a real
offense yet.
One reason why Stanford might win: The UCLA defense might statistically be the best in
the Pac-10, but the Bruins have yet to face a really dangerous offense. We're not saying
the UCLA defense is bad or overrated, just untested. Stanford, even with Chris Lewis at
quarterback, can be extremely explosive.
One reason why UCLA might win: The defense is playing with confidence and with
Stanford’s starting QB Randy Fasani hurt, the Cardinal offense just isn't as good.
UCLA QB Cory Paus is playing extremely well and should pick up the slack if the tough
Stanford run defense slows down RB DeShaun Foster.
We think: No one's getting more breaks than the Bruins. They're going to play
Washington, Cal and now Stanford without their starting quarterbacks. Beware Washington
State QB Jason Gesser! The Bruins have been destroying teams, but we don't think they're
going to go unbeaten. They'll lose either this week or next week against Washington State.
Without Fasani playing, it'll be next week.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 one word: exercise): 5
Collegefootballnews.com's prediction: UCLA 38, Stanford 27
Syracuse (6-2) at #5 Virginia Tech (6-0) (-17)
Why to watch: Boston College barely gave the Hokies a push. Syracuse should give them a
full-blown shove. The Orangemen might not win, but with their defensive line this could be
interesting.
One reason why Syracuse might win: Virginia Tech QB Grant Noel has yet to be tested and
with DE Dwight Freeney bearing down on him all game long, he might have to rush his throws
and won't have the time to let WR Andre Davis streak deep.
One reason why Virginia Tech might win: Syracuse QB R.J. Anderson might have thrown for
308 yards against Temple last week, but the Orangemen like to run the ball with RB James
Mungro. No one stops the run better than the Hokies giving up a mere 42.5 rushing yards
per game.
We think: Virginia Tech is the absolute real deal and as good as Syracuse may be,
nothing's penetrating this Hokies defense in their house.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 one word: exercise): 4
Collegefootballnews.com's prediction: Virginia Tech 31, Syracuse 10
#15 Georgia (5-1) at #6 Florida (5-1) (-18.5)
Why to watch: The World's Largest Cocktail Party is always a monster event, but this
year's matchup of the Bulldogs and Gators has some added juice. This will either represent
a possible changing of the SEC guard or a re-energizing of a national title run. Florida
might have more talent from top to bottom than any team in America, but to have a shot at
the Rose Bowl, the Gators need to win big and win big now. Georgia was this/close to
beating South Carolina and coming in undefeated, but the comeback win at Tennessee and the
emergence of some spectacular young talent have made head coach Mark Richt's first season
one to fire up the Bulldog nation. A Georgia win, or even a close loss, will represent
that the program is an SEC title threat NOW and they don't need to look to ahead to what
will be down the road.
One reason why Georgia might win: If Georgia can slow down QB Rex Grossman, that forces
Florida's average running game to control the game and RB Earnest Graham might not be the
same runner after his injury. If things go sour for Grossman early, how will the Gators
respond?
One reason why Florida might win: We're not sure the Bulldogs offense has enough
firepower without RB Musa Smith to stay with the high-powered Gators. If QB David Greene
has a tough time, the Gators could explode by capitalizing on the mistakes.
We think: Even with one loss, the Gators still might be the nation's best team and as
well as Georgia has played so far, nothing will prepare the Dawgs for the passing attack
that's about to hit them. The return of Graham and the loss of Smith means everything as
the Gators should be able to run enough to keep the Georgia defense honest while the Dawgs
are missing a key weapon. To beat the Gators, everything needs to be perfect.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 one word: exercise): 37
Collegefootballnews.com's prediction: Florida 48, Georgia 17
#7 Texas (6-1) (-21) at Missouri (3-3)
Why to watch: Missouri is getting better and better and could make this a good game at
home. Texas is overdue for a bad outing, but we want to see if QB Chris Simms can continue
his red-hot touchdown pace.
One reason why Texas might win: The Longhorns are playing with a purpose. After the
loss to Oklahoma, they've come together and have played their best football over the last
seven quarters. Simms has thrown eight touchdown passes in his last two games.
One reason why Missouri might win: The Tigers pass defense has been really strong,
giving up 158 yards per game. If they can frustrate Simms and get the Columbia crowd in
the game, anything can happen.
We think: Texas will roll the rest of the year. We're amazed at how they've come
together after the devastating OU loss. Mizzou is a much stronger team with QB Kirk Farmer
playing well, but the Tigers aren't ready for the big boys yet.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 one word: exercise): 3
Collegefootballnews.com's prediction: Texas 41, Missouri 17
#8 Michigan (5-1) (-5) at Iowa (4-2)
Why to watch: Iowa has played extremely well at home and appear on the verge of pulling
off a huge upset. Michigan is quietly rolling along with a stifling defense and the steady
play of QB John Navarre.
One reason why Michigan might win: The run defense. LB Larry Foote & Company have
been destroying running games and they should control the tempo of the game by shutting
down RB Ladell Betts and the Hawkeyes’ running attack.
One reason why Iowa might win: The home-field advantage. This is the biggest game in
Iowa City in years and if WR Kahlil Hill can match WR Marquise Walker big play for big
play, the Hawkeyes have a shot.
We think: We ... must ... pick ... Iowa ... but ... we're ... too ... weak. We'd love
to take the Hawkeyes on the emotion factor, but Michigan is a machine right now with all
parts working in perfect harmony. The Wolverines come in business-like, pull off the win,
then leave town.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 one word: exercise): 4
Collegefootballnews.com's prediction: Michigan 23, Iowa 17
#12 South Carolina (6-1) at #9 Tennessee (4-1) (-7)
Why to watch: South Carolina controls its own destiny in the SEC race and a win over
Tennessee is the first in the two-step process. Tennessee doesn't want to lose two home
games in a row and needs this to keep its SEC title hopes alive.
One reason why South Carolina might win: The 1-2 rushing punch of RBs Andrew Pinnock
and Derek Watson got rolling against Vanderbilt last week and the offense might finally
have the consistency they've been looking for. Lou Holtz is already starting to play mind
games, complaining about the potential of crowd noise. We get a sense that Holtz and his
staff could pull off some coaching magic.
One reason why Tennessee might win: The Volunteers’ run defense is amazing. The
Gamecocks’ ground game only gained 68 yards on Alabama and 43 against Georgia.
Tennessee's run D is better.
We think: South Carolina backup QB Corey Jenkins will be a key player. The Gamecocks
can't beat the Vols with their straight offense, so it'll be interesting to see how they
use him. In the end, we're going with the Vols as Tennessee won't lose two games in a row
at home.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 one word: exercise): 5
Collegefootballnews.com's prediction: Tennessee 23, South Carolina 17
#10 Maryland (7-0) at #19 Florida State (4-2) (-7)
Why to watch: Beating Georgia Tech and going 7-0 is one thing. Going into Doak Campbell
Stadium to beat the Seminoles is another. FSU is 11-0 against the Terps and can get the
edge in the ACC race with a win.
One reason why Maryland might win: QB Chris Rix is still throwing for Florida State. If
this is a close game and it comes down to someone screwing up, we think the ‘Noles
might be in trouble as the Terps lead the ACC in turnover margin. FSU will rotate QB
Adrian McPherson into the mix, but he looks even greener than Rix.
One reason why Florida State might win: The Maryland running game hasn't faced speed
like Florida State possesses. Teams have been able to slow down RB Bruce Perry after his
hot start and the Seminoles’ linebackers should be able to keep him from getting the
corner.
We think: Maryland is playing so well, it's hard to pick against them, but this is
still Florida State and the ‘Noles are playing at home. After a big win over Virginia
got their minds back on track, they seem focused on winning the ACC title again.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 one word: exercise): 5
Collegefootballnews.com's prediction: Florida State 31, Maryland 20
#11 Oregon (6-1) at #14 Washington State (7-0) (-2)
Why to watch: These two teams just don't like each other and this should be a blast to
watch. How will the Ducks rebound after the tough loss? Is Washington State good enough to
win the Pac-10? This game begins a murderous four-game stretch for the Cougars.
One reason why Oregon might win: The Ducks have the balanced offense that could give
the Cougars problems. The Cougars defense has played really well, but they were torched by
Brian Allen, Randy Fasani and the Stanford offense.
One reason why Washington State might win: The Oregon pass defense is last in the
Pac-10, giving up close to 300 yards per game. Washington State leads the Pac-10 in
passing offense and the big Cougars receivers should dominate the Ducks’ smallish
corners.
We think: Washington State is the absolute, 100% real deal. Pullman will be rocking and
although we think Joey Harrington will have a huge game, the Cougars will win in a
classic.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 one word: exercise): 5
Collegefootballnews.com's prediction: Washington State 38, Oregon 35
#13 Washington (5-1) at Arizona State (4-2) (-3)
Why to watch: Are the Huskies good enough to be ranked 13th? We don't think so, but
they'll get a shot at showing what they can do against the ever-improving Sun Devils.
One reason why Washington might win: The Huskies might not be able to stop the run, but
they've been awesome against the pass. ASU QB Jeff Krohn has been brilliant with 16
touchdowns and only four interceptions, but this is the first decent pass defense he's
gone against.
One reason why Arizona State might win: This Huskies’ run defense has been lousy
as evidenced by the monster days by RBs DeShaun Foster, Clarence Farmer and Sultan
McCullough. That's ASU RB Delvon Flowers you hear drooling.
We think: Both teams are difficult to figure out. The Huskies have needed late heroics
to beat Arizona, USC, California and Michigan. Some may say that means the Huskies are
great in crunch time. We think it means they're not good enough to put teams away early.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see – 1 one word: exercise): 4
Collegefootballnews.com's prediction: Arizona State 34, Washington 30
#16 BYU (7-0) (-14) at San Diego State (2-5)
Why to watch: Is BYU really that good? After destroying Air Force last week, the
Cougars are making some national noise with the nation's second-best total yardage offense
and No. 1 scoring offense scoring a whopping 48.86 points per game.
One reason why BYU might win: The 1-2 punch of QB Brandon Doman and RB Luke Staley. The
Domanator has thrown 20 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Staley is averaging nine
yards per carry. No one will shut down this offense and there's no way San Diego State has
the O to keep it close.
One reason why San Diego State might win: RB Larry Ned and a solid defense. Ned leads
the conference rushing for more than 132 yards per game while the Aztecs defense has been
solid when the offense provides just a little bit of help. If Ned and the offense can
control the clock and keep the Cougars offense off the field, they might have a shot.
We think: The Cougars aren't the 10th-best team in the nation (ahead of Maryland in the
coaches poll?!), but they're plenty good. The BYU linebackers will keep Ned in check and
the Cougars offense will flirt with the 50-point mark.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 one word: exercise): 3
Collegefootballnews.com's prediction: BYU 48, San Diego State 20
#17 Auburn (6-1) (-2) at Arkansas (3-3)
Why to watch: Auburn's expectations are sky-high with the inside track to the SEC title
game. Arkansas is nasty at home and should give the Tigers all they can handle.
One reason why Auburn might win: The Tigers run defense has been amazing. Arkansas has
absolutely no passing game, so it'll be next to impossible for the Hogs to score.
One reason why Arkansas might win: Weird things happen in Fayetteville and Auburn is
way due for a loss in a close game. The Arkansas defense has given up less than seven
points in three home games against Division I foes this year.
We think: We want to pick Auburn, but we can't. No, there's absolutely no reason on
paper that Auburn should lose to Arkansas, but Arkansas just finds ways to pull off close
wins at home. If you want to argue that we're nuts and Auburn will win, we won't argue.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 one word: exercise): 4
Collegefootballnews.com's prediction: Arkansas 13, Auburn 10
#18 Fresno State (6-1) (-4) at Hawaii (4-2)
Why to watch: How do the Bulldogs get over the pain and angst of the late loss to
Louisiana Tech? Are the Warriors as good as they've been playing the last few weeks?
One reason why Fresno State might win: Fresno State is much better than the last few
weeks have shown. David Carr is still among the best quarterbacks in the nation and he
won't let his team lose two in a row.
One reason why Hawaii might win: There's no quarterback controversy as Nick Rolovich
has been named the starter. The Fresno State pass defense has given up yards in chunks and
the Warriors passing game is the nation's second best, throwing for more than 350 per
game. WR Ashlie Lelie is unstoppable.
We think: Hawaii is playing really well and that’s because their turnovers have
slowed down. Will Fresno State come out ticked off or demoralized? We think the Bulldogs
will be fired up not wanting to lose the WAC, but we wouldn't be shocked by a Hawaii upset
(how's that for waffling?)
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 one word: exercise): 4
Collegefootballnews.com's prediction: Fresno State 38, Hawaii 31
#21 Georgia Tech idle
#22 Illinois idle
#23 North Carolina idle
Northwestern (4-2) at #24 Purdue (4-1) (-6)
Why to watch: This should be a high-octane shootout with a ton of points and yards
racked up.
One reason why Northwestern might win: The Purdue offense hasn't exploded yet. It's
been good, but not great and if this gets wild, the Wildcats have more experience on
offense to handle it. Purdue QB Brandon Hance has been good, but not great, while Zak
Kustok might be the Big Ten's best quarterback.
One reason why Purdue might win: The Wildcats aren't playing nearly as well as they did
last year. They needed a miracle to beat Michigan State, got thumped by Ohio State and
lost to a horrible Penn State team. Their defense isn't stopping anyone with a banged-up
D-line while the offense is starting to fizzle a bit.
We think: Purdue will win ugly. The defense will hold up the Wildcats just enough so PK
Travis Dorsch can win it.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 one word: exercise): 3
Collegefootballnews.com's prediction: Purdue 31, Northwestern 27
#25 Colorado (5-2) (-9) at Oklahoma State (2-5)
Why to watch: Colorado wants to get its groove back with QB Craig Ochs returning to the
lineup. Can the Buffs look as great as they did before the Texas game?
One reason why Colorado might win: OSU can't score. Forget the Texas debacle, the
Buffaloes defense has been playing well and we don't think the Cowboys can keep up with
the Colorado offense.
One reason why Oklahoma State might win: The Colorado pass defense is horrible, giving
up 207 yards per game. QB Aso Pogi and WR Rashaun Woods are forming quite the
pitch-and-catch tandem and could keep the Cowboys in this by themselves.
We think: Colorado is the fourth-best team in the Big 12 and will play like it with
Ochs back.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 one word: exercise): 2
Collegefootballnews.com's prediction: Colorado 31, Oklahoma State 17 |
