College Football Weekend Preview

We have a big weekend of College Football coming up with some huge games on the line.

Oklahoma St. at Missouri

We have a big game here between two pass happy teams. QB Chase Daniel is putting up Heisman-like numbers with 1665 yard and 15 TD. Jeremy Maclin has been one of the top WR out there. Oklahoma St. meanwhile has been putting points at will too. The Cowboys have put up 50+ points in 4 of their 5 games this season. Expect a shootout in this one. We may have a case where the last offense on the field will win this game.

The Pick: Missouri

Penn St. at Wisconsin

This should be the Nittany Lions' first true test this season and Madison is a tough place to play. The Badgers played Ohio St. tough at home, we should have another great game on our hands. PSU QB Daryl Clark is a tough Michael Robinson like QB and their WRs are among the best in the nation. The Nittany Lions' offense can put up some points and move the chains, Wisconsin needs their defense to step up if they want to come away with a tough home win; they're very capable of doing just that.

The Pick: Penn St.

LSU at Florida

This is a must win for the Gators if they want any part of a national title shot. Florida's dynamic offense will take on LSU's stellar defense. Florida must stop the Tigers' dominant front four if they want any part of LSU. LSU meanwhile has had QB troubles thus far, but expect this to be another down to the wire battle as it's been in the past.

The Pick: Florida

Upset of the Week:
Mississippi St. over Vanderbilt

MSU is a different team at home. They've lost some tough games this season. Vanderbilt has been impressive thus far, but only at home. Their only road wins have been at Miami (Oh) and a close one at Mississippi. This should be a close game and look for the Bulldogs to hang tough and upend the Commodores at home.

D-1AA (FCS) Game of the Week
James Madison at Richmond

The #1 team in the FCS, JMU, has a tough road game here against the Richmond Spiders. Both teams are usually among the top in the country. JMU has been impressive thus far with some big wins. They upset then number 1 Appalachian St., plus had an impressive win over UMass. This may be a do or die game for the Spiders if they want a part of the CAA Title.

The Pick: James Madison

Game of the Week

Texas vs. Oklahoma

This is definitely the game of the week. Texas lost last season to OU but has won 2 of the past 3 games vs. the Sooners. Expect this to be a close game both ways. QB Sam Bradford has been one of the best in the country and OU's defensive front is phenomenal. Meanwhile, Texas's QB Colt McCoy has put up some impressive stats as well and is arguably the Heisman front-runner right now. Texas' depleted secondary may hold the Horns back on this one.

The Pick: Oklahoma

Best catch ever? I think so

Did you see this catch by Morgan State WR Edwin Baptiste last Saturday? This has to be the best catch ever; I have no idea how he pulled it off. Check it out...

Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

Gotcha! Now to the real topic...

College Football Weekend Preview

Ole Miss at Florida
Ole Miss is an improved team this season with former Texas QB Jevan Snead at the helm. Snead has been pretty impressive, throwing for 844 yards and 6 TD thus far. The Gators defense has improved drastically compared to last season and part of that has to do with confidence. Brandon Spikes up the middle, Carlos Dunlap on the line, and Major Wright deep in the secondary are all underrated playmakers. Tebow hasn't been quite as impressive as last season yet, but his passing has improved. The Gators speed could be too much for the Rebels.

The Pick: Florida

Wisconsin at Michigan
The Wolverines are just god-awful this season. Rich Rodriguez just doesn't have the players that fits his system. The defense has given up way too many big plays and the QB situation is a mess. Wisconsin, on the other hand, has got the job done. P.J. Hill looks like his old self. The defense has been pretty tough, shutting down a good offense in Fresno St. earlier.

The Pick: Wisconsin

Illinois at Penn St.
This could be an intriguing and high-scoring affair. Penn St. may be one of the most surprising teams thus far. Illinois hasn't been too bad, they just need both sides of the ball to be a little more consistent. It seems like everybody has stepped up for the Nittany Lions, the special teams have, (dare I say it) been special. This game could have some big implications on the Big Ten.

The Pick: Penn St.

Tennessee at Auburn
The Vols were terrible vs. Florida last week, and that's an understatement! They had so many mistakes and mental meltdowns it was unbelievable. The pressure could be looming on Phil Fullmer soon. Auburn is coming off a tough loss at home to LSU. This is a must win for both teams.

The Pick: Auburn

Upset and Game of the Week (Combined for this week)
Alabama over Georgia

Yes, I am starting to jump on the Bama band wagon. They have been so impressive lately and Georgia hasn't been as dominant as I initially thought. I think the Bama offense can put up some points on the Dawgs D. Look for Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno to be contained, but not stopped. This should be one hell of a game.

D-1AA (FCS) Game of the Week
Northern Iowa at Southern Illinois
The winner of this should have the early inside track at the Missouri Valley Title.

The Pick: Northern Iowa

Great West Conference to Expand Beyond Football!

The Great West Conference, formerly known as The Great West Football Conference is expanding into an all-sport conference. The announcement came today. Joining together to make the conference are the University of North Dakota, the University of South Dakota, Utah Valley State, Texas-Pan American, Houston Baptist, and New Jersey Institute of Technology.

The Great West Football Conference includes the University of North Dakota, the University of South Dakota, Cal Poly, UC Davis and Southern Utah. Football-only members Cal Poly and UC Davis will remain in the Great West for the balance of their athletic teams, while Southern Utah will continue to compete in the Summit League.

North Dakota and South Dakota, new football members that will begin play in the fall, as well as Houston Baptist are currently in their second year of transition up to the Division I level. All three schools will become NCAA Division I counters for scheduling purposes in 2009-10. Texas-Pan American has been a member of NCAA Division I for many years, while Utah Valley University and NJIT become active Division I members in 2009-10.

I'm all for independents finding a home, especially since I go to the University of North Dakota. Finding a conference home is the next step in the D-1 transition and this will surely benefit all schools involved, and that's what counts. It will be really interesting to see where this goes but to me it seems as though The Great West will be used mainly as a stepping stone for independents (like they have been in the past for football). There is also a couple speculated/expected acceptees in the futures. Expected to join soon are Seattle University and Chicago State.

This is a really exciting time for a lot of athletes, students, coaches, and fans. I myself am a little excited. I think the Great West really has something to offer to the D-1 transitionee's (notice how I no longer said independents!)

FCS (1-AA) Playoff Predictions

With FCS being the highest division of College Football with a playoff system, it seems fitting to do some predictions; It's too bad my fellow 10-1 NDSU Bison can't be a part of this...

First Round
Northern Iowa 38
New Hampshire 24

Delaware 30
Delaware St. 20

Southern Illinois 31
Eastern Illinois 18

UMass 24
Fordham 16

McNeese St. 27
Eastern Washington 21

Appalachian St. 34
James Madison 24

Montana 34
Wofford 26

Richmond 32
E. Kentucky 30

Quarterfinals
Northern Iowa 27
Delaware 23

Southern Illinois 18
UMass 16

Appalachian St. 27
McNeese St. 24

Richmond 34
Montana 31

Semifinals
Southern Illinois 27
Northern Iowa 21

Appalachian St. 37
Richmond 32

FCS Final
Appalachian St. 26
Southern Illinois 23

Appalachian St. will win their 3rd straight FCS (Formerly 1-AA) Title. Half way through the season they struggled a bit, even after beating Michigan, and they were unhealthy as well with their QB Armanti Edwards being out. But now their team is fully healthy again and are looking to be a top FCS football once again.

College Football Weekend Preview

Auburn at LSU
Just imagine if Auburn knocked off LSU here and took the SEC West lead. Auburn has been playing pretty well lately, but LSU is looking to avenge their loss against Kentucky from last week. LSU's Defense should give fits to Brandon Cox and Auburn's Offense.

The Pick: LSU

Oregon at Washington
This may be a tough game for the Ducks. Washington usually plays pretty well at home and can match up individually with Oregon. The secondary could give Dennis Dixon some trouble as well.

The Pick: Washington

Texas Tech at Missouri
This is a big game for both teams as each is vying for a Big XII Championship appearance. Texas Tech's Offense can score no doubt on Mizzou but can their defense slow down Chase Daniel and the rest of the Tigers' Offense? Expect a game in the 40's.

The Pick: Missouri

Michigan at Illinois
I would have to say this is a must win for both teams if either of them want to contend with OSU for the Big Ten Title. Michigan has been on a roll lately after their embarrassing start to the season. Illinois's talent and overall athleticism will help them play with Michigan.

The Pick: Michigan

Upset of the Week
Colorado over Kansas
Kansas is a good team but other than Kansas St., they really haven't been challenged this season. Should be a pretty good game in Boulder.

D-1AA (FCS) Game of the Week
McNeese St. over Nichols St.
This game will probably determine the Southland Champion.

Game of the Week
Florida at Kentucky
Can Kentucky make it back to back big time wins at home? I have a feeling that the winner of this game will probably be vying with South Carolina for the SEC East Title. Florida desperately needs a win here if they want to play in the SEC Championship or want a BCS Title berth for that matter. We may have another classic here like last weeks game in Lexington.

The Pick: Florida

NDSU Bison ready to bring it... Again

It's Gopher week here on NDSU's Campus. The fans, students, university, and especially the players have been waiting a year for their revenge on the Minnesota Gophers, after the heartbreaking 10-9 loss last season.

The NDSU Bison are currently ranked 1 in the FCS National Rankings and are looking for more votes and possibly, just possibly some FBS votes as well when they beat the Minnesota Gophers this upcoming Saturday.

The Bison are are 6-0 right now while the Gophers are 1-6. The Bison have looked amazingly impressive while the Gophers, well, that's another story...

In a Minneapolis Star Tribune article today, Minnesota's coach Tim Brewster made some interesting comments. "I know about the little guys in green coming to Minnesota ... a lot of the psycho-drama that [the media] loves to play out," Brewster said. "Well, you know what? We're going to be ready to play."

Well all I have to say is, NDSU will be ready to play to. Last year they smacked a much better Gopher team all over the field. And this years NDSU team looks like they may be better then last year. And Mr. Brewster, one of those little guys, *ahem* Joe Mays, I'm sure you've heard of him, yeah, he'll be knocking some of your players on their ass all day long.

Tim Brewster, you mention that your guys remember last years game and will be ready to play hard. Well, the Thundering Herd remember this as well. They had the game won last year but it slipped away in the closing seconds.

Last year there were about 10K fans in gold and green and I am surely expecting that to be doubled this Saturday.

It will be very tough, Mr. Brewster, to get your program to a national program when at least a quarter of your regular fans won't show up this Saturday.

Have fun looking up in the stands and seeing a good amount of your fellow Gopher fans' seats being given away to Bison fans; and worst yet, it will be even tougher to get your program back to national prominence after you get embarrassed by the little green guys from a state called North Dakota this Saturday.

College Football Weekend Preview

LSU at Kentucky
We possibly have an upset alert here. With the way this season has been you can no longer look past anyone. Kentucky has the offense to stay with LSU. Andre Woodson and Co. will need to bring their best game so far if they want any piece of the Tigers.

The Pick: LSU

Texas A&M at Texas Tech
The two Texas rivals will square in what is basically an elimination game for a Big XII Title berth. Stephen McGee looks to lead A&M with his arm and legs, while the Red Raiders' high-powered offense will try to make the Aggies keep with the tempo.

The Pick: Texas Tech

Washington at Arizona St.

Washington looks to be Arizona St.'s first "true" test. The Huskies are looking to bust out of their 3 game losing streak.

The Pick: Arizona St.

Wisconsin at Penn St.
A win here would be pretty big for both teams. Wisconsin was finally taken down by upstart Illinois and Penn St. has struggled recently. Loser will most likely be eliminated from Rose Bowl contention.

The Pick: Wisconsin

Auburn at Arkansas
Pivotal SEC match up this week. If any of these two teams want a piece of LSU for the SEC West Title, this is a must win. Darren McFadden looks to continue to be the Heisman favorite and Auburn looks to show the Florida win was no fluke.

The Pick: Arkansas

Upset of the Week
Sorry, no upset for this week.

D-1AA (FCS) Game of the Week
Southern Illinois at Northern Iowa
This may as well be the Gateway Conference Championship Game. This is a big match up between the 3rd and 7th ranked FCS teams. Two electrifying QBs will go at it in S.Ill's Nick Hill and N.IA's Eric Sanders.

The Pick: Southern Illinois

Game of the Week
Missouri at Oklahoma
We may have the Big XII Championship preview on our hands here. Mizzou proved they're one of the elite Big XII teams after pummeling Nebraska and a win here would only propel a potential magic season even more. I expect this FSN game, which should be on ABC or ESPN, to be down to the wire.

The Pick: Oklahoma

College Football Weekend Preview

Ohio St. at Purdue

With both teams being undefeated this may be the Big Ten Championship, but we won't know till the end of the season. Purdue has been pretty impressive offensively but the defense has been pretty susceptible to big plays and has had a hard time holding it's own. OSU's Offense has been able to put up points and the defense has been electrifying.

The Pick: Ohio St.

Wisconsin at Illinois
Who could have imagined this being a game for me to keep an eye on at the beginning of the season? This Fighting Illini team is the real deal and it looks like Zook finally has this team where he wants it. The talent and all-around athleticism of Illinois will keep them in just about every game. Wisconsin has struggled this season and have been pretty inconsistent on both sides of the ball; They squeaked out another close one last weekend against Michigan St.

The Pick: Wisconsin

Oklahoma vs. Texas
The Red River Shootout isn't as glamorous as it used to be but it's still a big game. Both teams are coming off losses before playing one another since 1999. The winner of this game will likely win the Big 12 South.

The Pick: Oklahoma

Georgia at Tennessee
One of plenty great SEC match ups that I am looking forward to this weekend, I would have to say this is a must win for both teams if they want to win the SEC East.

The Pick: Tennessee

Nebraska at Missouri
This could possibly be the Big 12 North title game, but Kansas St. will have something to say about that. Well, the winner will have the inside track with KSU in the end. It's really a toss up right now. Nebraska has been pretty disappointing lately and Missouri, lead by Chase Daniel, has been very impressive so far.

The Pick: Missouri

Cincinnati at Rutgers
I can't believe I am previewing this match up right now. Cinci looks like the real deal and Rutgers is a good team as well. Cinci's Offense has been putting up point after point while Rutgers' Defense has been off and on the whole season. Expect a close game till the end.

The Pick: Cincinnati

Upset of the Week
Clemson over Virginia Tech
Well, this isn't that much of an upset; V-Tech has underachieved all season long and Clemson has been pretty good all-around. Clemson's Offense, with the exception of the last week, has put up some good numbers with the surprising performance of QB Cullen Harper and the terrific RB duo of James Davis and C.J. Spiller.

D-1AA (FCS) Game of the Week
Youngstown St. at Southern Illinois
The 10th ranked FCS team will take on the 7th ranked team in a showdown of Gateway Conference rivals. The winner will only see their playoff chances increase.

The Pick: Southern Illinois

Game of the Week
Florida at LSU
I've been anticipating this game all season long; if the Gators want any chance at repeating as national champions, they'll need to step up their game and top the number two team in the land in one of the toughest places to play in the country. The defense will need to bring it all night if they want to play with the Tigers.

The Pick: LSU (Sorry fellow Gator fans)

College Football Weekend Preview

I'm ready for some College Football. Last week I went a horrible 3-4.

West Virginia at South Florida
This is one of the Big East games of the year. South Florida is on a roll after big wins against Auburn and North Carolina. West Virginia's Defense needs to step up and prove they can contend for a National Title against a pretty good South Florida Offense, lead by QB Matt Grothe. I expect this to be a great game, but WVA's Offense should not have too much trouble moving the ball and scoring.

The Pick: West Virginia

USC at Washington
Washington should be a good test for USC, especially with the game being played in Seattle. USC has been very impressive and I believe they are the most balanced team in the country. This could be a good game, but the Huskies must be able to put up points if they want any part of the Trojans.

The Pick: USC

Auburn at Florida
The Gators look to get revenge after their collapse last season at Auburn; but again I guess it wasn't that big of a deal anyways. (National Champs). Tim Tebow has been amazing thus far and should put up more impressive numbers on the Tigers' D. This is a must win for both teams since both have 3 other big conference road games later on in the season.

The Pick: Florida

Michigan St. at Wisconsin
Michigan t. has looked somewhat good this season and Wisconsin has looked pretty mediocre so far. I wouldn't be surprised if Michigan St. pulled off the upset here (Complete Sports thinks so), Wisconsin has been God-awful and I am very surprised they haven't lost yet. But good thing the game is at Camp Randall.

The Pick: Wisconsin

Alabama at Florida St.
This is a very interesting match up. Two good coaches and historic programs will face off for the first time in nearly 33 years. Bama struggled early and late last week vs. Georgia and FSU hasn't had an impressive win yet.

The Pick: Alabama

Upset of the Week
Georgia Tech over Clemson

I know Georgia Tech has struggled lately, but Clemson hasn't really had an impressive win yet. Their offense has been pretty productive and I really love their rushing attack. But I think Tashard Choice and Jonathan Dwyer should be able to do some spectacular things against the Tigers' D.

D-1AA (FCS) Game of the Week
Delaware St. at Hampton
Big MEAC game here as the winner will have an inside shot at the conference title and an FCS Playoff berth. Hampton QB T.J. Mitchell has been solid this season with 773 yards passing and 9 TD.

The Pick: Hampton

Game of the Week
California at Oregon
Two high-powered Pac 10 Offense's will battle it out this Saturday in a key conference showdown. This is basically an elimination game as the winner will likely battle with USC and UCLA for the 1, 2, and 3 spots. Both QB's have put up some gaudy numbers and I expect it to be a slugfest in Eugene.

The Pick: California

College Football Weekend Preview

Time for some predictions and analysis. Last week I was 5-3. Just bare with me here with a rather lackluster weekend of College Football.

Iowa at Wisconsin
Wisconsin has struggled lately and Iowa could knock them off here. Iowa did lose to Iowa St. last week, but I do expect them to bounce back and give the Badgers a good fight. P.J. Hill will carry a heavy load in this game.

The Pick: Wisconsin

Penn St. at Michigan
The Nittany Lions Defense has been pretty solid so far and the offense has been impressive as well. Michigan looked good last week against Notre Dame, but who knows how they will play this weekend; plus it doesn't help that Chad Henne is still out. They can't afford another loss in the Big House. PSU is one of the favorites for the Big Ten Title and a win here vs. Michigan would be huge, which is something they haven't done in 11 years.

The Pick: Penn St.

Georgia at Alabama
One of the better games of the week. Georgia struggled two weeks ago against a pretty good defense in South Carolina. Alabama's Defense isn't bad but their offense has flourished with John Parker Wilson throwing for 666 yards and 4 TD, while DJ Hall has 291 yards receiving and 2 TD. Should be a close game the whole way.

The Pick: Alabama

Kentucky at Arkansas
This should be a high-scoring affair with both defenses being sub-par. The offenses can no doubt put up points. Arkansas will have a hard time containing Andre Woodson, but Kentucky has to put up with the best running back duo in the country in Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.

The Pick: Arkansas

Upset of the Week
North Dakota St. over Central Michigan
I may have rose colored glasses, but this one just makes the most sense. NDSU can put up points all day on CMU's D. But I am concerned about NDSU's Secondary, who has given up numerous big plays thus far. Rhett Bomar tore them apart last week and with CMU's big WRs and good QB it will probably be the same. I don't think CMU will be able to run on NDSU's front seven though. Joe Mays, Ramon Humber, and Matt Maresh are probably the best LB unit in the FCS. It's going to be a close game. But this is a similar situation to before NDSU's game vs. Minnesota last year. They weren't supposed to line up with the Gophers. They were supposed to tear the Bison apart and NDSU smacked them right in the mouth the entire game; they didn't win, but NDSU showed they can play with 1-A competition. CMU better not be looking ahead to N. Illinois, or else they'll be looking back to Sept. 22 for the rest of the season.

D-1AA (FCS) Game of the Week
Appalachian St. at Wofford
App. St. is no doubt the best FCS team, but Wofford could give them some fits. Woffords Offense has put up some respectable points, blowing out Charleston Southern and put up 353 total yards vs. NC St. Other than Michigan, this could be the Mountaineers biggest test of the regular season.

The Pick: Appalachian St.

Game of the Week
South Carolina at LSU
SC could actually give LSU a test in Baton Rouge. Their defense has been solid and their offense is averaging 27.3 PPG. Steve Spurrier finally has this team where he wants them and their sneaking up on people. But LSU on the other hand does indeed have the best defense in the country; it looks like Matt Flynn will be out again, but SC will need to be perfect in order to top LSU.

The Pick: LSU

More Predictions: Complete Sports

College Football Weekend Preview

College Football is upon us again and it's time for some more analysis and predictions. Last week I went 6-4.

USC at Nebraska
USC looked mediocre at best against Idaho in week 1. But expect the Trojans to look like their old selves again. USC is still the best team in the country. They should be a 14 point favorite. Nebraska looked iffy for awhile to beat Nevada and last week squeaked out a win at Wake Forest. Since the game is in Lincoln, they definitely can play with USC and make it a game, at least till the 4th quarter, but that last quarter will be the difference.

The Pick: USC

Louisvile at Kentucky
This should be a shootout with two high octane offenses and okay defenses going at it. Two of the best QBs in the nation will square off in Brian Brohm and Andre Woodson. Louisville's defense is a cause for a concern giving up 42 disheartening points to Middle Tennessee. Kentucky is very capable of pulling off an upset and in order for the Cards to win they need their defense to make some stops.

The Pick: Louisville

Ohio St. at Washington
Washington is a better team then I expected thus far. Ohio St. looked okay their first two games. But sometimes it does take sometime for an offense to adjust with a new QB. I particularly like Washington's upset over Boise St., here's another chance for the Huskies to strut their stuff with the toughest schedule in the nation. But OSU is better coached and just has more play makers.

The Picks: Ohio St.

Boston College at Georgia Tech
BC's offense hasn't had any trouble putting up points. I expect this game to be in the 30's. Tashard Choice is an underrated RB and shouldn't have any trouble producing against BC's Defense. Georgia Tech has had no trouble putting up points either but they have yet to play a quality opponent. Let's see how they fare against a ranked conference foe.

The Pick: Georgia Tech

Arkansas at Alabama
The Crimson Tide will look to get revenge on Arkansas after a heart breaking loss to them last season. Bama will need to contain Darren McFadden, the best RB in the country. Bama is sitting pretty nicely right now because the Razorbacks have quite a few key players out with injuries in this game. This should be a great game once again.

The Pick: Alabama

Upset of the Week

UNLV over Hawaii
UNLV took a very good Wisconsin Badgers team down to the wire. Hawaii's Defense is mediocre and UNLV's isn't bad and could possibly hold down Colt Brennan and Hawaii's Offense. Also, Hawaii had to go into O.T. last week to beat a bad Louisiana Tech team.

D-1AA (FCS) Game of the Week
Sam Houston St. at North Dakota St.
Two of the best FCS QBs will take the field as the 14th ranked FCS team takes on the 4th ranked FCS team. (I will be in attendance as will grittysquirrels). NDSU did struggle in the opener vs. Stephen F. Austin, but 5 turnovers didn't help their cause, which included 4 INTs by NDSU's Steve Walker (he had 4 all of '06). Also, LB Ramon Humber will be back after missing last weeks game due to a suspension. But Sam Houston St. didn't look too good either in their opener with a 17-13 win over D-2 Angelo St. As for NDSU, last week was only their first game and most coaches will tell you that teams make their best stride between the 1st and 2nd game of the season.

The Pick: NDSU

Game of the Week
Tennessee at Florida
Another game that I am pumped up for is the annual showdown between the rivals of Tennessee and Florida. Tennessee didn't impress me much against Cal and they looked okay against Southern Mississippi. Erik Ainge doesn't have anyone to throw to and the defense has struggled so far; and now they're playing against one of the best offenses in the country in Florida. There's no doubt in my mind Florida will be able to put up a boat load of points against the Vols' D, but can their young defense make some stops and keep them out of the game? Good thing the game is in the Swamp.

The Pick: Florida

College Football Weekend Preview

Time for some analysis and predictions.

Miami at Oklahoma
This game will be closer then one might think. Miami's Defense will keep them in the game. The difference maker will be how both of the QBs perform. OU's Sam Bradford was pretty impressive last week vs. N. Texas, but this week he will be facing one of the best defenses in the country. Bradford must make good decisions and keep his turnovers and mistakes to a minimum in order for OU to win. OU's Defense is pretty underrated and Miami's freshmen QB Kirby Freshmen needs to be almost perfect for Miami to win this one.

The Pick: Oklahoma

Nebraska at Wake Forest
Nebraska's offense looked pretty stagnant at times last week vs. Nevada. But towards the end of the game they finally got it together. Wake is still a team to be reckoned with, no one should take them lightly; they are very well coached, and have a lot of play makers. This should be a very good game. Wake's D gave up some big plays to BC last week and will need to step up in order to top Nebraska's offense.

The Pick: Nebraska

Oregon at Michigan
It will be interesting to see how Michigan bounces back after their embarrassing loss to Appalachian St. Oregon believes they can play right with Michigan and provide some problems for them. Michigan's Defense made way too many mistakes last week and they can't afford the same vs. Oregon. This is a must win for Lloyd Carr.

The Pick: Michigan

Notre Dame at Penn St.
Notre Dame looked horrible last week vs. Georgia Tech. Jimmy Clausen will get a chance to strut his stuff vs. a talented Nittany Lions team. Penn St. looked impressive last weekend, but then again they were playing Florida International, arguably the worst team in the the FBS (1-A).

The Pick: Penn St.

South Florida at Auburn
South Florida has a very good chance at knocking off Auburn. But last week they struggled vs. FCS - Elon. Auburn didn't impress me either vs. Kansas St., but KSU is a much improved team. I think Auburn is a little overrated this year. Should be a good close game.

The Pick: Auburn

BYU at UCLA
BYU is a good team with a tough defense. They took it to Pac 10 foe Arizona last week. UCLA has a lot of experience back but they didn't necessarily impress me last week vs. Stanford. This should be a defensive battle with not a lot of TDs, expect a FG to determine the outcome.

The Pick: UCLA

South Carolina at Georgia
The winner has an inside shot at winning the SEC East, this is a big game for both teams. Georgia looked pretty impressive vs. Oklahoma St. Matthew Stafford is a good QB and his WRs made some plays last Saturday. Oklahoma St. looked mediocre at best and I thought they would have given UGA a better fight. I guess we'll find out more about Georgia after this game.

The Pick: Georgia

Upset of the Week
TCU over Texas
Texas struggled against Arkansas St. and definitely didn't look like the number 4 team in the country according to the Associated Press. This will a good hard-fought game and whoevers defense performs better will win this game. I like TCU's Defense in this one.

D-1AA (FCS) Game of the Week
South Dakota St. vs. Youngstown St.
Both teams are coming off tough losses. SDSU has a very good defense but Youngstown St.'s Offense is very explosive. I still see this being a high scoring game.

The Pick: Youngstown St.

Game of the Week
Virginia Tech at LSU
V-Tech struggled last week vs. ECU, but LSU shouldn't view that game as a measuring stick. The Hokies are still just as talented as LSU. LSU's Defense was very impressive in the season opener last week and in my opinion is the best defense in the country. The offense was okay and didn't impress me at all, the reason they scored so much was because of their D and they also were playing Mississippi St. Expect this to be a relatively low scoring game with arguably the nations two best defenses clashing in Baton Rouge Saturday night.

The Pick: LSU