Temple 2-5 at No.1 Miami 6-0 (-42)
Why to watch: Sure, the Hurricanes are blowing everyone out with relative ease,
but they're not looking all that sharp in doing so. Will Miami finally look like the No. 1
team it probably is?
One reason why Temple might win: Jason McKie is running the ball really well. The
Temple defense still has talent and if they can get the ground game going and the defense
can come up with some big plays, maybe they can pull off the shocker ... and keep it
within 30.
One reason why Miami might win: The Owls pass defense has been horrible. Miami WR
Andre Johnson has grown into a star and should torch the Temple secondary.
We think: Backup QB Frank Gore will see plenty of action as the ‘Canes should
be up by 30 after three quarters. Temple couldn't handle Pittsburgh's lame offense so this
could get ugly.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 1
Our Prediction: Miami 48, Rutgers 3
No. 2 Nebraska 9-0 (-29) at Kansas 2-5
Why to watch: How much will the Huskers let down after their epic win over
Oklahoma last weekend? Kansas has always played Nebraska tough at home and almost beat
them in 1999.
One reason why Nebraska might win: The Jayhawks just have no offense. Everyone
always focuses on QB Eric Crouch and the Huskers rushing attack, but the defense has been
the main reason Nebraska is at the top of the BCS standings. The Jayhawks don't have
nearly enough horses to make a run.
One reason why Kansas might win: Nebraska could be looking ahead to Kansas State,
Colorado and the Big XII title game.
We think: Kansas has the worst run defense in the Big XII, giving up more than 229
yards per game. Uh oh. The Jayhawks hung tough with Colorado, Oklahoma and Missouri and
beat Texas Tech, but the lack of run defense will be the difference.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 2
Our Prediction: Nebraska 42, Kansas 10
Tulsa 1-6 at No. 3 Oklahoma 7-1 (-41)
Why to watch: So how will the Sooners react after the tough loss to Nebraska?
How will they handle the quarterback situation with Jason White out and Nate Hybl still
thinking he's Little Bo Peep from the concussions he's taken.
One reason why Tulsa might win: The Sooners might have to call on J.C. Watts, Dean
Blevins, Danny Bradley, Jack Mildren, Bobby Warmack and Cale Gundy to play quarterback.
Even at full strength, the Sooners haven't blown anyone out other than Air Force.
One reason why Oklahoma might win: Take away the 51 points the Golden Hurricane
scored against Indiana State (without Larry Bird) and Tulsa has averaged 14.5 points.
They'll need a few more points than that.
We think: OU sleepwalks to an easy win.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 1.5
Our Prediction: Oklahoma 48, Tulsa 9
Vanderbilt 2-5 at No. 4 Florida 6-1 (-35)
Why to watch: The Gators have been a little sluggish in their last two games and
they need to show they're still the bloodthirsty destroyers they were before the Auburn
game. Vanderbilt is just trying salvage some pride in a miserable season.
One reason why Vanderbilt might win: The Gators have given the ball up nine times
in the last two games. If that trend continues, Vanderbilt might be able to stay in the
game. Florida might be looking ahead to South Carolina, Florida State and Tennessee.
One reason why Florida might win: As bad as the Commodores’ pass defense is,
the run defense is worse, giving up an SEC worst 220 yards per game. RB Earnest Graham is
healthy and should have a huge game.
We think: QB Rex Grossman steps up his Heisman campaign with a 350-yard,
four-touchdown game. The Gators will rack up about 600 yards of offense.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 2
Our Prediction: Florida 52, Vanderbilt 13
No. 5 Texas 7-1 (-32) at Baylor 2-5
Why to watch: No one's paying the Longhorns any mind, but they keep on rocking
and rolling. They lost 14-3 to Oklahoma and Missouri came within 19 points. No one else
has come within 26.
One reason why Texas might win: Baylor doesn't score, averaging a little more than
13 points. The Bears have lost 26 straight Big XII games for a reason.
One reason why Baylor might win: Texas might be looking ahead to Kansas?! The
Longhorns are overdue for a big-time clunker, but it might not happen.
We think: RB Cedric Benson will run for 100 yards in the first half and QB
Major Applewhite will play the whole second half.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 1
Our Prediction: Texas 48, Baylor 13
No. 6 Michigan 6-1 (-6) at Michigan State 4-2
Why to watch: Barring a major collapse, the Big Ten title should be Michigan's
with a win over the Spartans. With Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio State left on the
schedule, the Wolverines would have to lose twice to lose the Big Ten title if they can
get past the Spartans. However, Michigan State matches up well with the Wolverines.
One reason why Michigan might win: The Wolverines run defense is the nation's best,
giving up a mere 54.43 yards per game. RB T.J. Duckett should be taken completely out of
the game plan.
One reason why Michigan State might win: QB Jeff Smoker has been more than up to
all challenges, throwing for eight touchdowns and only four interceptions. The Wolverines
pass defense has been lousy which means WRs Charlie Rogers and Herb Haygood could explode.
We think: Michigan State is going to pull off the upset, but it'll be a fight, as
the Michigan passing game should roll with WR Marquise Walker sure to have a huge outing.
Wisconsin WR Lee Evans blew through the Spartans last week for 228 receiving yards and
three touchdowns, so Walker could put on a show.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 5
Our Prediction: Michigan State 24, Michigan 20
No. 7 Tennessee 5-1 (-7.5) at Notre Dame 3-4
Why to watch: Can these two teams recreate the magic of Tennessee’s last
visit to South Bend? In 1991, the Vols won 35-34 after QB Andy Kelly rallied them from a
24-point deficit.
One reason why Tennessee might win: Notre Dame will probably be without starting QB
Carlyle Holiday with shoulder and ankle injuries. Without him, the Irish offense will be
totally stagnant under QB Matt LoVecchio.
One reason why Notre Dame might win: The Volunteers might let up a tad. They're
right in the hunt for the SEC title and if they're not focused, the fired-up Irish could
catch them napping.
We think: The Irish couldn't contain Boston College RB William Green last week or
West Virginia RB Avon Cobourne on Oct. 13. RB Travis Stephens will run for 130 yards and
two touchdowns. The Irish running game will be totally shut down by a Volunteers defense
that gives up a little more than 85 yards per game on the ground. This will be ugly.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 2
Our Prediction: Tennessee 38, Notre Dame 10
Arizona State 4-3 at No. 8 Oregon 7-1 (-10)
Why to watch: Suddenly, Oregon is right back in the hunt for the Pac-10 title
and might even be assured of a BCS game if it wins out. Arizona State has been explosive
at times and had Washington beaten last weekend, but couldn't stop the Huskies on their
final drive.
One reason why Arizona State might win: The Ducks have the worst pass defense in
the Pac-10, giving up nearly 300 yards per game, which means QB Jeff Krohn and WR Shaun
McDonald should go wild. McDonald is averaging 22.5 yards per catch and Krohn has a passer
rating of 165.3.
One reason why Oregon might win: The Oregon running game has been explosive. RBs
Onterrio Smith and Maurice Morris have combined for 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns in eight
games. If the running game gets going, it'll keep Krohn and company off the field.
We think: Arizona State is close to being really, really good, but there's no way
the Ducks will lose two home games in a row.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 4
Our Prediction: Oregon 48, Arizona State 35
No. 9 UCLA 6-1 at No. 16 Washington State 7-1
Why to watch: In a two-week span, the loser will go from a national title
contender to the middle of the Pac-10 pack. Can UCLA gear it back up after a demoralizing
loss? Will Washington State be able to fortify its run defense?
One reason why UCLA might win: Oregon ran through, around and over the Cougars last
week. RB DeShaun Foster has been kept in check ever since his huge game against Washington
but could explode if WSU tackles like it did against Oregon RB Onterrio Smith.
One reason why Washington State might win: UCLA QB Cory Paus is out with a hand
injury. Scott McEwan wasn't bad in a relief role against Stanford, but he's not as good as
Paus.
We think: We're sticking with our original theory. The Bruins defense is very good,
but they didn't face a good offense until Stanford last week. 463 yards later, UCLA's
defense is the one we all know and love. Washington State's offense will pick up where the
Cardinal left off.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 5
Our Prediction: Washington State 31, UCLA 27
No. 10 Stanford 5-1 (-1) at No. 11 Washington 6-1
Why to watch: No Pac-10 team is playing better than Stanford after it rolled
through Oregon and UCLA. Washington bounced back from the UCLA debacle to sweep through
the State of Arizona by beating the Wildcats and Sun Devils on two late, game-saving wins.
The winner is still in the hunt for the Pac-10 title and a berth in a BCS game.
One reason why Stanford might win: The Washington run defense is average at best
and RBs Brian Allen and Kerry Carter have been a fantastic 1-2 rushing punch for the
Cardinal. They tore up UCLA for 189 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s win.
One reason why Washington might win: While he beat Oregon and UCLA in place of the
injured Randy Fasani, we're not sold on Chris Lewis. The Stanford quarterback threw three
interceptions against the Bruins and might have a rough time against the solid UW pass
defense.
We think: We might be underestimating this Washington team. Many see the glass as
half full, pointing to UW's ability to pull out close wins and make unbelievable
fourth-quarter comebacks look routine. We see the glass as half-empty, thinking the
Huskies can't put teams away. We can't believe we're going to take Stanford on the road
with a backup quarterback in a close game, but we’re doing it.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 5
Our Prediction: Stanford 31, Washington 27
No. 12 Virginia Tech 6-1 (-19) at Pittsburgh 2-5
Why to watch: Pittsburgh finally broke through its slump with a 33-point outing
over Temple last week. Virginia Tech finally hit a wall when it couldn't do anything
offensively against Syracuse. Which trend will continue?
One reason why Virginia Tech might win: The sleeping giant is awake. With everyone
ripping on the Hokies for their schedule, they want to reestablish themselves as a
dominant national force and should put up some monster offensive numbers. Even in the
loss, the Hokies defense played unbelievably well against the Orangemen and should shut
down the Panthers lame offense.
One reason why Pittsburgh might win: The Panthers won't be able to run the ball, so
fortunately the 1-2 receiving punch of WRs Antonio Bryant and R.J. English are as good as
any in the conference.
We think: Virginia Tech rolls up a huge win as the Panthers run defense isn't good
enough to stop the Hokies.. We'll be shocked if the Panthers score as the Hokies defense
will control and dominate.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 3
Our Prediction: Virginia Tech 48, Pittsburgh 7
Thursday Colorado State 4-4 at No. 13 BYU 8-0 (-14)
Why to watch: The BYU offense is rocking and rolling, blowing away bad teams and
averaging more than 50 points and 532 yards. Colorado State is starting to play much
better as QB Bradlee Van Pelt is growing into the position.
One reason why Colorado State might win: The Colorado State defense is giving up 20
points per game and played well against the high-powered Louisville and Fresno State
offenses. In an up-and-down year, knocking off the Cougars would be a feather in Colorado
State's cap and you know the Rams are going to bring their best shot.
One reason why BYU might win: The Rams don't have the firepower to hang around with
the Cougars. Even if the Rams slow down the Cougars offense, we don't think CSU can put
enough points on the board.
We think: This isn't BYU's biggest test. That'll come when the Cougars play Utah in
two weeks, but we won't rule out a spectacular performance by the CSU defense. In BYU's
four home games, the Cougars have averaged 59.75 points and haven't scored less than 52.
The last time we thought Colorado State would get thumped in a nationally televised road
game, the Rams lost to Louisville 7-2.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 3
Our Prediction: BYU 44, Colorado State 20
No. 14 Florida State 5-2 (-7.5) at Clemson 5-2
Why to watch: Will the real Chris Rix please stand up? The Florida State
quarterback has looked unbelievable at times with his 158.8 passer rating but he can also
keep the other team in the game with his penchant for throwing bad interceptions. If you
need a reason to watch QB Woody Dantzler to play, go read something else.
One reason why Florida State might win: Speed. This is still a young team, but the
team speed on defense was able to keep Maryland in check enough to win and should contain
Dantzler.
One reason why Clemson might win: Dantzler. The Tigers are 5-0 when he puts on a
show, 0-2 when he's off his game. If he gets rolling, the Tigers will win.
We think: The focus will be on Rix vs. Dantzler, but the Florida State running game
will be the difference. Rix can run a little as well and the ’Noles will continue
their ACC roll.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 4
Our Prediction: Florida State 44, Clemson 35
Troy State 4-3 at No. 15 Maryland 7-1 (-22)
Why to watch: Can Maryland bounce back after the tough loss to Florida State?
Can Troy State hang tough against another big-time program?
One reason why Troy State might win: Teams that let down against the Trojans are in
for a fight. They gave Nebraska and Miami a decent battle, then whupped Mississippi State.
If Maryland lets down after the Florida State loss and is looking ahead to Clemson, the
Trojans might pull off the upset.
One reason why Maryland might win: The Terps running game should blow through Troy
State. RB Bruce Perry should get back on track.
We think: Troy State QB Brock Nutter will throw for 300 yards against the lousy UM
pass defense, but Troy State will still get thumped.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 2
Our Prediction: Maryland 48, Troy State 20
Wofford 3-4 vs. No. 17 South Carolina 6-2
Why to watch: If you've ever wanted to know what the Gamecocks offense looks
like when it scores a ton of points, this is the game.
One reason why Wofford might win: The Terriers have a nice running game led by
Melvin Jones. If South Carolina is taking Wofford lightly, maybe the Terriers can control
the game on the ground ... for a quarter.
One reason why South Carolina might win: The Wofford defense is just not all that
good. The Gamecocks are coming off a loss and even though Florida is coming up next week,
they won't let up.
We think: Wofford hangs tough for a little while, then the USC running game takes
over an makes this a blowout.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 1
Our Prediction: South Carolina 49, Wofford 13
No. 18 Georgia is idle
No. 19 Syracuse is idle
No. 21 Illinois 6-1 at No. 20 Purdue 5-1 (-3)
Why to watch: The winner takes over second place in the Big Ten while the loser
is out of the race. The two quarterbacks, Kurt Kittner and Brandon Hance, should be in a
battle.
One reason why Illinois might win: Kittner and WR Brandon Lloyd have had two weeks
off to rest up and prepare. They'll have a new wrinkle or two for the Boilermakers. Don't
discount how much the extra week off to rest and recuperate will mean.
One reason why Purdue might win: The Boilermakers have the Big Ten's best pass
defense, giving up less than 200 yards a game through the air. The overall defense has
been extremely strong.
We think: The Illini will have its hands full. The offense has been amazing, but
the Purdue defense will be strong enough to keep Kittner and company in check. The
Boilermakers are struggling, but they'll come through at home.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 4
Our Prediction: Purdue 24, Illinois 20
Thursday No. 22 North Carolina 5-3 at No. 23 Georgia Tech 5-2 (-4)
Why to watch: These are the ACC's two best defenses. Can North Carolina keep up
this torrid pace? Can Georgia Tech jump back into the ACC race? The winner of this game
still needs another Maryland loss to have a shot at the ACC title while the loser is out
of the hunt.
One reason why North Carolina might win: No college football team is hotter or
playing with more confidence. The Heels have won five in a row without a cupcake in the
bunch, beating Florida State, North Carolina State, East Carolina, Virginia and Clemson.
The UNC defensive line has been destroying everyone.
One reason why Georgia Tech might win: The Tar Heels offense is hardly imposing and
could have a tough time scoring or moving the ball against the stingy Tech defense. The
Yellow Jackets have lost two games, both in overtime, and have been dominating in their
other five games.
We think: Georgia Tech is the better team. With a complete defense and juggernaut
offense, the Yellow Jackets might be the ACC's best squad. So of course we're taking North
Carolina. The Heels have been red-hot and playing too well not to take them right now. We
said we were going to take them the rest of the year until they lost again.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 4.5
Our Prediction: North Carolina 23, Georgia Tech 20
No. 24 Texas A&M 7-1 at Texas Tech 4-3 (-3)
Why to watch: The Big XII South race is now wide open and Texas A&M controls
its own destiny, but the last three games (at Texas Tech, at Oklahoma and Texas) are as
murderous as they come. Texas Tech is coming off its most explosive game of the year
— a blowout of Baylor — but the Aggies will provide a far more difficult
test.
One reason why Texas A&M might win: The Red Raiders run defense is 11th in the
Big XII, giving up almost 204 yards a game. With A&M freshman RB Derek Farmer
establishing himself as a top back, the Aggies ground game could control the tempo.
One reason why Texas Tech might win: The A&M pass defense has faced one decent
passing team so far, Colorado, but hasn't had to deal with anyone possessing the aerial
weapons the Red Raiders have. With RB Ricky Williams getting the ground game going, Tech's
offense doesn't have any weaknesses.
We think: Texas Tech is a dangerous team at home and has found the total offense at
just the right time, but Texas A&M is something special. We know the Aggies haven't
faced the real big boys in the conference yet, but the defense is starting to play really
well and QB Mark Farris might match QB Kliff Kingsbury passing yard for passing
yard.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 4
Our Prediction: Texas A&M 34, Texas Tech 31
Missouri 3-4 at No. 25 Colorado 6-2 no line
Why to watch: Colorado has been struggling with QB Craig Ochs hobbled by a foot
injury. Missouri is playing better and has a real shot at going to a bowl game, but the
Tigers must win this one to get in contention.
One reason why Missouri might win: Colorado's offense has sputtered and coughed
with QB Bobby Pesavento under center. If Ochs can't go, the Tigers will crowd the line and
force Colorado to win through the air against the outstanding Mizzou pass defense. We're
not sure Colorado can do it.
One reason why Colorado might win: The Missouri offense hasn't been too strong. The
Buffaloes run defense is strong enough to close down RB Zach Abron and the Tigers running
attack. We're not sure that QB Kirk Farmer can beat Colorado through the air.
We think: This will be an ugly game. Neither team is playing very well as the Buffs
haven't been the same the last few weeks. Colorado wins with a stronger defense, but we
wouldn't be shocked is Mizzou pulled off the upset.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 go get your nails done): 2
Our Prediction: Colorado 27, Missouri 23 |
