2013 Mini-Preview

    It has been a very long time since I have posted on here. However, I intend to continue my weekly updates for all of the college football, as I did last season. As the kickoff of the 2013 season begins in a few hours, here is my pre-season top 25 poll, along with a mini-preview for each team.

Top 25

1. Alabama - Poised for another title, someone needs to knock them off.

2. Ohio State - They're on their way, but not quite talented enough to knock off the SEC's best.

3. Oregon - Don't expect many bumps from Kelly's departure.

4. Georgia - Explosive offense will be interesting against the tough defense's in the SEC.

5. Clemson - Ready to break away from underachieving stereotype, dark horse title contender.

6. Texas AM - Off field distractions could derail this team, but should be able to contend.

7. Stanford - Could this be the year? Hopes are high, but championship might be out of reach.

8. South Carolina- While youthful, has experience where it matters most. SEC title dark horse.

9. Louisville - Cupcake schedule will help them, but if not careful will get tripped up.

10. Florida State - Appears to be them and Clemson for the top of the ACC.

11. Michigan - Better than most people think, good chance for BCS bowl berth.

12. LSU - Easily could surprise. Don't count them out vs Alabama.

13. Florida - Will need better QB play to get into BCS. Defense will carry team.

14. Oklahoma State - Out of OU's shadow, OSU is ready to take back the Big 12 title.

15. Notre Dame - Won't be as good as last year, brutal schedule once again.

16. Texas - All offense this year, will look like the rest of the Big 12.

17. Oklahoma - Will look to rebound from a down year.

18. UCLA - Looking to take the next step, Bruins could steal a Pac 12 title if it falls right.

19. Boise State - MWC is tougher, and BSU may find themselves unraked when its over.

20. TCU - Will bounce back from down year and could get a share of Big 12 title.

21. Northwestern - After a great 10-win season, should repeat that total this year.

22. Nebraska - Offense is there, will need defense to step it up after late season collapse.

23. USC - A couple years away, but needs 9+ wins to save Kiffen's job.

24. Oregon State - Could pull surprises, but stuck behind STAN and ORE in Pac 12 North.

25. Wisconsin - After sneaking into Rose Bowl last season, will push on with new coach.


Next 12 In:

26. Michigan State
27. Northern Illinois
28. Kansas State
29. Baylor
30. Virginia Tech
31. Arizona State
32. Washington
33. Miami (FL)
34. Fresno State
35. Vanderbilt
36. Utah State
37. Arizona

College Football Week 11 Recap

    The college football season is winding down, but the action is only heating up as conference races are becoming more clear.

    The five bowl-eligible undefeated teams were cut down to just three. #10 Louisville had an ugly loss to Syracuse. The Cardinals were not in much discussion of the national title yet, but the loss derails any hopes of it. A BCS-berth is still in the mix though.

Texas A&  M quarterback Johnny Manziel

    But the biggest upset was #1 Alabama's loss to #15 Texas A& M. The Aggies were under question as to whether they could compete in the nation's best conference. They solidified themselves in the SEC with a win over one of the most dominate teams with the win over Alabama. 

    Aggie's freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel's play has given him national attention, but he has had games similar to this one many times this season. Manziel, who was just a 3-star prospect by Rivals.com and Scout.com, has taken college football by storm and has a very bright, Heisman-type, future ahead of him.

     With the losses by Alabama and Louisville, it leaves Kansas State, Notre Dame, and Oregon as the only undefeated teams renaming  Ohio State still is 10-0 but is intelligible for the postseason. It would be very interesting to see how the Buckeyes would be viewed with the other three if they were bowl eligible. But as for the other three, there is no clear-cut decision on who the best two are.

    Notre Dame has played the toughest schedule this season, and the only tough game left is vs. USC. The Irish have impressive wins over Michigan State, Michigan, Miami (FL), Stanford, BYU, and Oklahoma. But there are some close wins that could hurt them to Purdue and a 3OT win over Pittsburgh.

    Oregon has the toughest remaining schedule, with games vs Stanford, Oregon State, and Pac-12 South champion. That game will either be vs. UCLA or USC, who play each other this Saturday. Oregon already has a win over USC this year but has not played UCLA. Schedule wise, the Ducks have wins over Arizona, Washington, and USC - quite a few less then Notre Dame. Wins over Stanford and Oregon State, along with a Pac 12 championship win, will close that gap however.

    Kansas State also has tough games coming up vs. Baylor and Texas. The Big 12 has been brutal to teams, and Kansas State has been the only one to avoid a loss. Impressive wins include Miami (FL), Oklahoma, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, and TCU. A win over Texas will add to that list.

    In the end, I see all three of these teams winning out. That is where serious problems arise. All have a good case for a spot in the big game. Oregon is the best team in my opinion, and second is Notre Dame. That would create the best-possible title game at this point. A loss to one of these schools will clear up a lot of confusion, and like what we saw happen to #2 Oklahoma State last year, you can't sleep on any of these remaining opponents.


Top 25

1. Oregon 10-0
2. Notre Dame 10-0
3. Kansas State 10-0
4. Ohio State 10-0
5. Georgia 9-1
6. Florida State 9-1
7. Florida 9-1
8. Alabama 9-1
9. Texas A&M 8-2
10. Clemson 9-1
11. LSU 8-2
12. Stanford 8-2
13. South Carolina 8-2
14. Oklahoma 7-2
15. Texas 8-2
16. Nebraska 8-2
17. Louisiana Tech 9-1
18. USC 7-3
19. UCLA 8-2
20. Kent State 9-1
21. Louisville 9-1
22. Oregon State 7-2
23. Kent State 9-1
24. Michigan 7-3
25. Texas Tech 7-3

Next 5 In:

Northern Illinois 9-1
Central Florida 8-2
Cincinnati 7-2
Wisconsin 7-3
Rutgers 8-1

Other Schools to Watch:

Northwestern 7-3
Tulsa 8-2
Boise State 8-2
San Diego State 8-3
Ohio 8-2
Toledo 8-2
Mississippi State 7-3
Utah State 8-2
San Jose State 8-2


What To Watch

Toledo (8-2) @ Northern Illinois (9-1)
Wednesday, 9:00pm ET, ESPN2

Quietly, the MAC is having its best season as a conference in a long time. Toledo and Northern Illinois are two of the top teams in the conference, and they will have a big clash this Wednesday. A win for Northern Illinois clinches the MAC West division and puts them in Detroit for the MAC title game, and they should clinch that with a win over the Rockets.

Northern Illinois 45 Toldeo 37

Rutgers (8-1) @ Cincinnati (7-2)
12:00pm ET, Big East Network/ESPN3

Rutgers does not have a conference loss this year, and that gives them the small edge over Louisville for the Big East championship. But will that hold? This Cincinnati Bearcats squad is one of the most underrated in the country, and they should drop Rutgers.

Cincinnati 31 Rutgers 20

#18 USC (7-3) @ #19 UCLA (8-2)
3:05pm ET, FOX

A loss for USC will ruin all hopes the Trojans have for a BCS-berth, and they desperately need a win here. UCLA has quietly had a very good season, but USC is just too powerfull. They may not have played to their full abilities this season, but they should this week and take down their rival.

USC 48 UCLA 27

#12 Stanford (8-2) @ #1 Oregon (10-0)
8:00pm ET, ABC

The two best teams in the Pac-12 North go at it, and Oregon's explosive offense should give them another win on their way to the title game. Stanford will put up a fight, but this one won't be very close.

Oregon 56 Stanford 39


Other Predictions

Ball State 35 Ohio 26
North Carolina 28 Virginia 19
#4 Ohio State 27 Wisconsin 17
Michigan State 24 Northwestern 20
#6 Florida State 38 Maryland 10
#24 Michigan 28 Iowa 14
#23 Kent State 27 Bowling Green 24
Central Florida 37 Tulsa 35
Mississippi St. 35 Arkansas 28
Washington 42 Colorado 17
Arizona State 37 Washington State 20
Miami (FL) 34 South Florida 21
Georgia Tech 17 Duke 15
#2 Notre Dame 24 Wake Forest 7
#11 LSU 31 Ole Miss 14
#16 Nebraska 37 Minnesota 14
#25 Texas Tech 37 Oklahoma State 31
#10 Clemson 31 NC State 13
Purdue 21 Illinois 14
#17 Louisiana Tech 44 Utah State 40
Missouri 36 Syracuse 34
#14 Oklahoma 34 West Virginia 28
#3 Kansas State 52 Baylor 27
UTEP 24 Southern Miss 14
Arizona 39 Utah 34
BYU 23 San Jose State 20
#22 Oregon State 35 California 27


BCS Bowl Projections:
Projections based on predicted team performance for rest of season.
* = At large selection

Championship: #1 Oregon over #3 Kansas State

Rose: #2 Notre Dame* over #16 Nebraska

Fiesta: #5 Georgia* over #14 Oklahoma*

Sugar: #8 Alabama over #10 Clemson*

Orange: #6 Florida State over #21 Louisville


   

College Football Week 9 Recap

    The season presses on as we head into week 10 and have a look back on a big week 9.

    #4 Notre Dame took on #9 Oklahoma and proved all doubters wrong with a very strong showing, beating the Sooners 30-13. The Irish have played the hardest schedule this season, and are now 8-0. There are people, however, that have said they have not played anyone, and their record is a fluke.

Notre Dame QB Everette Gholson

    But the Irish have wins vs. Michigan State, Michigan, Miami (FL) #13 Stanford, BYU, and now have one over #14 Oklahoma. All critics should be silenced, and Notre Dame should win it's next four games vs. Pitt, Boston College, Wake Forest, and #16 USC.  Note Dame has the best chance out of the other three undefeated schools with legit title hopes (Alabama, Oregon, and Kansas State), to win out, and they have taken a stake in the national title talks.

    Former #3 Florida was taken down by Georgia, and could quite possibly ruin the Gator's title hopes. #14 Oregon State was upset by Washington, and the Beavers title hopes are gone as well. I think Oregon State was always overrated, and the high rankings in the BCS and AP polls were way too high to me. The loss brings them back down, and the Huskies get a much-needed conference win.

    #6 USC lost all their title hopes too to a crushing defeat to Arizona. The Trojans play #2 Oregon this weekend and hope to salvage a spot in the BCS.


Top 25

1. Alabama 8-0
2. Oregon 8-0
3. Notre Dame 8-0
4. Kansas State 8-0
5. Ohio State 9-0
6. Georgia 7-1
7. LSU 7-1
8. Florida State 8-1
9. Florida 7-1
10. Clemson 7-1
11. Louisville 8-0
12. South Carolina 7-2
13. Stanford 6-2
14. Oklahoma 5-2
15. Texas AM 6-2
16. USC 6-2
17. Boise State 7-1
18. Mississippi State 7-1
19. Texas Tech 6-2
20. Texas 6-2
21. Nebraska 6-2
22. Oregon State 6-1
23. Arizona 5-3
24. Louisiana Tech 7-1
25. Oklahoma State 5-2

Next 5 In:

West Virginia 5-2
Kent State 7-1
Michigan 5-2
UCLA 6-2
Toledo 8-1

Dropped Out:

Rutgers (#17)
Michigan (#20)
NC State (#21)
Ohio (#23)
West Virginia (#25)


Non-BCS schools to watch:

Tulsa 7-1
Northern Illinois 8-1
Louisiana-Monroe 6-2
Utah State 7-2
Ohio 7-1
San Jose State 6-2

What To Watch:

#15 Texas AM (6-2) @ #18 Mississippi St. (7-1)
12:00 pm ET, ESPN

Mississippi State was blown out of the water by Alabama, and they will look to show they are an elite force in the SEC. Texas AM will try to continue their winning streak. The Aggies will make it close, but Mississippi State is just too good, and will shut down the Aggies' high powered offense.

Prediction: Mississippi St. 24 TAMU 16

TCU (5-3) @ West Virginia (5-2)
3:00pm ET, FOX

It's now or never for West Virginia to salvage this season, and now or never for Geno Smith to get back into the Heisman race. Smith's season reminds of Baylor's RGIII last year. He started off very strong but abruptly fell off the map, as did his team. But then he came back at the end, won the Heisman, and the #2 pick in the draft. That very well could be the same for Smith this year, and it could start this week. A bye should help West Virginia get the W.

Prediction: West Virginia 35 TCU 21

#2 Oregon (8-0) @ #16 USC (6-2)
7:00 pm ET, FOX

The two best teams in the PAC 12 square off in Pasadena, and the Ducks have a lot to prove as they have been passed over in favor of Kansas State and Notre Dame in most polls. A big win over a down Trojan squad will go a long way. USC has a good chance of a win here, but Oregon has the upper-hand. 

Prediction: Oregon 47 USC 44

#1 Alabama (8-0) @ #7 LSU (7-1)
8:00 pm ET, CBS

A rematch of last year's title game - this will be Alabama's hardest game of the season so far, and LSU needs a win to keep their title hopes alive. It should be another low scoring game, but Alabama has a better offense. They also have a slightly better defense, and they should roll over LSU like they did last January. 

Prediction: Alabama 13 LSU 6

#25 Oklahoma State (5-2) @ #3 Kansas State (8-0)
8:00 pm ET, ABC

Kansas State has another test vs. a very good Big 12 school. The Wildcats should come away with another win, but we have seen all of the Big 12 beat up on each other week in and week out. It has been hard to distinguish a clear-cut favorite in the Big 12, but a win over the Cowboys could give K-State that label. Don't sleep on an Oklahoma State upset, but Kansas State should win this one. 

Prediction: Kansas State 51 Oklahoma State 41

#23 Arizona (5-3) @ UCLA (6-2)
10:30 pm ET, Pac-12 Network

You never know who will beat who in the Pac 12 this year, and aside from Oregon, the Pac 12 resembles the Big 12. Everyone is beating up on everyone else. Arizona is fresh off a huge win over #16 USC, and will try to also beat the Trogan's rival UCLA. The Bruins are a talented team though, and I am calling an upset here.

Prediction: UCLA 42 Arizona 36

Other Predictions:

Virginia Tech 27 Miami (FL) 21
Washington 27 California 24
#5 Ohio State 38 Illinois 25
Michigan State 24 #21 Nebraska 20
#9 Florida 35 Missouri 10
#14 Oklahoma 38 Iowa State 21
#11 Louisville 27 Temple 18
Michigan 42 Minnesota 7
ECU 36 Houston 30
Air Force 35 Army 26
Tennessee 38 Troy 14
Arkansas 36 Tulsa 28
Auburn 45 New Mexico State 14
Georgia Tech 24 Maryland 17
#13 Stanford 41 Colorado 7
Kent State 35 Akron 14
Utah 27 Washington State 14
#6 Georgia 28 Ole Miss 7
#3 Notre Dame 38 Pittsburgh 10
#20 Texas 38 #19 Texas Tech 36
#24 Louisiana Tech 49 UTSA 14
#10 Clemson 38 Duke 10
UCF 38 SMU 28
Southern Miss 24 UAB 13
#17 Boise State 24 San Diego State 10
#22 Oregon State 35 Arizona State 31
Ohio 42 Eastern Michigan 27

BCS Bowls Today:

Championship: #1 Alabama vs #2 Oregon

Rose: #21 Nebraska vs #3 Notre Dame

Fiesta: #4 Kansas State vs #13 Stanford

Sugar: #6 Georgia vs #10 Clemson

Orange: #8 Florida State vs #11 Louisville

College Footaball Week 6 Recap

    We're almost at the half-way point of the college football season, and week six wrapped up last weekend.

    That also included arguably the top upset of the season, as #2 Florida State blew a 16-0 halftime lead to N.C. State, and lost 17-16. The Seminoles still have a shot at the national title, but they took a big blow after the loss.

N.C. State after their upset of #2 Florida State

    In a completely different game for the Big 10, #12 Ohio State and #20 Nebraska combined for 101 total points, and Ohio State won 63-38. In a down year for the Big 10, it's unfortunate the only team who could compete with other BCS teams is not bowl-eligible.

    The two disappointments of the SEC this year, Arkansas and Auburn, went at it on Saturday to salvage a conference win. Arkansas rebounded after four straight terrible losses and won 24-7. #18 Florida finally proved they are a legitimate title contender by upsetting #4 LSU 14-6. Florida and #6 South Carolina, who had a dominating win over #5 Georgia, appear to be the only teams in the SEC who can take down #1 Alabama. The SEC East may be better then the West this season.


Top 25

1. Alabama 5-0
2. Oregon 6-0
3. South Carolina 6-0
4. West Virginia 5-0
5. Notre Dame 5-0
6. USC 4-1
7. Florida 5-0
8. Ohio State 6-0
9. Kansas State 5-0
10. Oklahoma 3-1
11. Georgia 5-1
12. LSU 5-1
13. Florida State 5-1
14. Clemson 5-1
15. Texas 4-1
16. Louisville 6-0
17. Oregon State 4-0
18. Mississippi State 5-0
19. Stanford 4-1
20. Rutgers 5-0
21. Cincinnati 4-0
22. Michigan State 4-2
23. Michigan 3-2
24. Louisiana Tech 5-0
25. N.C. State 4-2

Next 5 in:

Arizona State 4-1
Ohio 6-0
Nebraska 4-2
Northwestern 4-1
TCU 4-1

Dropped Out:

TCU (#13)
Northwestern (#19)
Nebraska (#20)
Washington (#23)


What To Watch

#9 Kansas State (5-0) @ Iowa State (4-1)
12:00 pm ET, FOX

Iowa State pulled the upset last weekend on TCU, and will look to do it again on undefeated Kansas State. Can they pull it off a seconed straight week? Probably not.

Prediction: Kansas St 34 Iowa St 23


#15 Texas (4-1) @ #10 Oklahoma (3-1)
12:00 pm ET, ABC

The Red River Rivalry's 107th meeting features two top 15 teams, but this game might show Oklahoma's weaknesses, and Texas has a good chance to blow out their rivals. No one is quite sure how good they are, and most think they are overrated. Texas could come away with a blow out here - but Oklahoma's defense should keep it close.

Prediction: Texas 45 Oklahoma 34


#19 Stanford (4-1) @ #5 Notre Dame (5-0)
3:30 pm ET, NBC

Notre Dame has played phenomenally these last couple weeks, and has another opportunity to show the country they are back with a win over Stanford. The Irish defense is one of the best in the nation, and should shut down Stanford's offensive attack.

Prediction: Notre Dame 38 Stanford 16

#6 USC (4-1) @ Washington (3-2)
7:00 pm ET, FOX

Washington has upset USC twice recently in 2009 and 2010. They look to do it again, but USC is better than they have been recently, and they know that one more loss eliminates them from any chance of the BCS National Title. They should roll here.

Prediction: USC 48 Washington 20

#3 South Carolina (6-0) @ #12 LSU (5-1)
8:00 pm ET, ESPN

South Carolina demolished Georgia last weekend, but can they beat an elite team for a second straight week? Both the Gamecocks and Florida are trying to take power back in the SEC from Alabama and LSU. Florida has already beat LSU, and a South Carolina win could knock LSU out of SEC contention. The Tigers have looked bad the last three week, and South Carolina should get a huge win for this program.

Prediction: South Carolina: 24 LSU 17

Texas AM (4-1) @ #24 Louisiana Tech (5-0)
9:00 pm ET, ESPNU

Louisiana Tech is undefeated, and this is where they can prove they could make a push for a BCS-bid. But Texas AM can't afford anymore losses, because once they get deeper into SEC play, the losses will rack up.

Prediction: Louisiana Tech 28 TAMU 27


Other Predictions:

Arizona State 31 Colorado 10
#22 Michigan St. 24 Iowa 13
#16 Louisville 29 Pitt 27
Northwestern 38 Minnesota 17
Houston 52 UAB 24
Wisconsin 35 Purdue 18
Ohio 38 Akron 20
N. Carolina 24 Miami (FL) 22
UCLA 38 Utah 24
Boise State 25 Fresno St. 14
#23 Michigan 28 Illinois 13
#1 Alabama 37 Missouri 10
#17 Oregon State 26 BYU 17
#4 West Virginia 56 Texas Tech 31
#13 Florida St. 24 Boston College 10
#7 Florida 27 Vanderbilt 7
Arkansas 31 Kentucky 14
TCU 34 Baylor 24
UCF 27 Southern Miss 14
#18 Mississippi St. 30 Tennessee 24
#8 Ohio State 35 Indiana 14
California 36 Washington St. 24


BCS Bowls Today:

Championship: #1 Alabama vs #2 Oregon

Rose: #22 Michigan State vs #6 USC

Sugar: #3 South Carolina vs #9 Kansas State

Fiesta: #4 West Virginia vs #5 Notre Dame

Orange: #16 Louisville vs #13 Florida State

College Football Week 5 Recap

    Week 5 proved to be one of the most exciting weekends of football so far, with upsets and many shoot-outs.

    #8 West Virginia and Baylor combined for 133 points, and West Virginia won 70-63. Mountaineer's quarterback Gino Smith is having an outstanding season, and he burst onto everyone's radar with his performance vs. Baylor. Smith threw for 656 yards, and eight touchdowns. He had more touchdown passes then incompletions, as he went 45/51.

Geno Smith, WVU Quarterback

    Baylor quarterback Nick Florence also had his own spectacular game, throwing for 581 yards, 5 touchdowns, and one interception. He was also 29/47.

    But the real hero was Smith, who now is my Heisman favorite. Smith not only has 1,728 yards thus far, and has 20 touchdowns and not one interception. Jaw-dropping numbers.

    #7 Texas and Oklahoma State also had their own shootout, and it came down to the wire. Texas pulled ahead and won 41-36, and did not fall victim to an upset like I had predicted. 

    Even the SEC got into the action with its own shootout. #6 Georgia beat Tennessee 51-44.

    In other games, #11 Stanford was upset by Washington on Thursday night. #15 Ohio State and #18 Michigan State had a close battle. Both teams were very evenly-matched, and the Buckeyes won 17-16. #5 South Carolina had troubles vs. Kentucky, and #3 LSU had problems verse Towson. 

    The Big 10's troubles continued, and only four teams are ranked this week. That is not what the Big 10 is accustomed to. To get a better sense of how bad the Big 10 is, Northwestern looks like they will be in the Big 10 Championship. Think of that, Northwestern could be the best team in the Big 10.

Top 25:

1. Alabama 5-0

2. Florida State 5-0

3. Oregon 5-0

4. LSU 5-0

5. Georgia 5-0

6. South Carolina 5-0

7. Texas 4-0

8. West Virginia 4-0

9. Notre Dame 4-0

10. USC 3-1

11. Kansas State 4-0

12. Ohio State 5-0

13. TCU 4-0

14. Oklahoma 2-1

15. Clemson 4-1

16. Louisville 5-0

17. Oregon State 3-0

18. Florida 4-0

19. Northwestern 4-0

20. Nebraska 4-1

21. Mississippi State 4-0

22. Stanford 3-1

23. Washington 3-1

24. Michigan State 3-2

25. Cincinnati 3-0

Next 5 In:

Rutgers 4-0

Michigan 2-2

Arizona State 4-1

Ohio 5-0

Texas Tech 4-0

Dropped Out:

Michigan (#23)

N.C. State (#21)

Boise State (#25)

What To Watch:

#10 USC (3-1) @ Utah (2-2)

Thursday, 9:00 pm ET, ESPN

The Trojans should pick up a big conference win here, against a down Utah squad. A win can get them back into the national scene.

Prediction: USC 42 Utah 14

#4 LSU (5-0) @ #18 Florida (4-0)

3:30 pm ET, CBS

I haven't jumped on the Florida bandwagon like most have this season, and this is where they have their first test. LSU has had some close games with Auburn and Towson but should roll here. Florida is not yet back as an SEC-contender, and this is the week LSU exposes the Gators's bluff.

Prediction: LSU 35 Florida 21

#14 Oklahoma (2-1) @ Texas Tech (4-0)

3:30 pm ET, ESPN2

Last year Texas Tech upset Oklahoma, and now they look to do it again. The Red Raiders are 4-0, and Oklahoma is coming off a bye week after a loss to Kansas State. The Sooners have looked overrated this year too, and Texas Tech may give them problems. 

Prediction: OU 34 TTU 14

#8 West Virginia (4-0) @ #7 Texas (4-0)

7:00 pm ET, FOX

Both teams are coming off high scoring games, but Texas's defense should keep Gino Smith from putting up those kind of numbers again. The argument many use against WVU is that they havn't played anyone. I don't think Baylor is nearly as good as some say they are, and Texas will be the first real test. This is where Gino Smith needs to have a huge game to stay in the Heisman race.

Prediction: Texas 40 WVU 33

#5 Georgia (5-0) @ #6 South Carolina (5-0)

7:00 pm ET, ESPN

Georgia and South Carolina are the top teams in the SEC East, and neither have shown anything this season to show they are better then the other. This could be the only way to distinguish who is the better team, and this one is a toss-up.

Prediction: South Car 37 UGA 34

#20 Nebraska (4-1) @ #12 Ohio State (5-0)
8:00 pm ET, ABC

Ohio State looks to get revenge for its meltdown against Nebraska last season. The Cornhuskers look to show they are the best team in the Big 10 with a win here. Ohio State proved they can play with top teams last week by beating Michigan State, and Nebraska took a while to get going vs. Wisconsin. Could go either way, but Ohio State has the revenge factor, and Braxton Miller is one of the top players in the country right now. The Buckeyes should match last years win total this Saturday.

Prediction: OSU 27 Neb 22

#23 Washington (3-1) @ #3 Oregon (5-0)

10:30 pm ET, ESPN

Washington shocked Stanford last week, but Oregon is the second best team in the Pac-12 and is head and shoulders above the Huskies. A lot of points will be scored, but the Ducks will still win by three touchdowns. Will look like Oregon's win last week vs. Washington State.

Prediction: ORE 54 UW 28

Other Predictions:

BYU 28 Utah State 14

#17 Oregon State 31 Washington State 19

Air Force 36 Navy 3

Auburn 35 Arkansas 27

#21 Mississippi State 42 Kentucky 14

Boise State 22 Southern Miss 15

#11 Kansas State 45 Kansas 17

#19 Northwestern 21 Penn State 20

Virginia Tech 28 North Carolina 27

#22 Stanford 37 Arizona 34

Wisconsin 42 Illinois 10

#15 Clemson 41 Georgia Tech 28

Michigan 25 Purdue 18

Vanderbilt 25 Missouri 22

Texas AM 37 Ole Miss 21

#25 Cincinnati 34 Miami (OH) 14

#9 Notre Dame 28 Miami (FL) 20

#2 Florida State 21 NC State 10

UCLA 45 California 17

BCS Bowls Right Now:

Championship: #1 Alabama vs #2 Florida State

Rose: #19 Northwestern vs #3 Oregon

Orange: #16 Louisville vs #8 West Virginia

Fiesta: #7 Texas vs #10 USC

Sugar: #4 LSU vs #9 Notre Dame

College Football Week 4 Recap

    Week 4 was filled with some big games, and almost all of them came down to the wire.

    The Big 10's woes continued. This week, many teams struggled vs non-BCS opponents. #14 Ohio State had some bumps vs UAB, #18 Michigan State only pulled away at the end vs Eastern Michigan, and Wisconsin continued their trend of problems vs small schools with an 11-point win vs lowly UTEP.

Ohio St. running back Jordan Hall vs UAB

    And the upsets of Big 10 teams persisted. Iowa lost to Central Michigan at home, and Illinois lost to Louisiana Tech by 28 points at home. It didn't help either that #16 Michigan lost to #13 Notre Dame.

    Penn State was able to pick up another win vs Temple, and Minnesota quietly is 4-0 after a win against Syracuse. Right now, the best team in the Big 10 may be #21 Northwestern. The Wildcats are 4-0, with wins vs Syracuse, Vanderbilt, Boston College and South Dakota.

    #3 LSU survived a potential major upset vs Auburn, #6 South Carolina pounded Missouri, and Arkansas is quickly becoming the biggest disappointment of the season after a loss to Rutgers.

    #19 Kansas State looks like they are legit this year, and #4 Oklahoma looks a bit overrated, as the Wildcats beat the Sooners 24-19 in Oklahoma's first test.

   #2 Florida State also proved that they are back as one of the nation's best in their win over #9 Clemson 49-37.


 Top 25:

1. Alabama 4-0
2. Florida State 4-0
3. LSU 4-0
4. Oregon 4-0
5. South Carolina 4-0
6. Georgia 4-0
7. Texas 3-0
8. West Virginia 3-0
9. Notre Dame 4-0
10. USC 3-1
11. Stanford 3-0
12. Kansas State 4-0
13. Oklahoma 2-1
14. TCU 3-0
15. Ohio State 4-0
16. Clemson 3-1
17. Louisville 4-0
18. Michigan State 3-1
19. Florida 4-0
20. Oregon State 2-0
21. N.C. State 3-1
22. Northwestern 3-0
23. Michigan 2-2
24. Mississippi State 4-0
25. Boise State 2-1

Next 5 In: Virginia Tech 3-1, Nebraska 3-1, Rutgers 4-0, Cincinnati 2-0, Ohio 4-0


What To Watch:

#11 Stanford (3-0) @ Washington (2-1)
9:00 pm ET, ESPN

This is a must-win for the Huskies. They have now become an afterthought to the rest of the PAC 12, and if they can win this one, they can get back into the picture. They do have a chance, but Stanford might just be too much for Washington.

Prediction: Stan 37 UW 24   

Arkansas (1-3) @ Texas A & M (2-1)
12:20 pm ET, SEC Network

It's now or never for Arkansas. A fourth loss to anyone but Alabama or LSU will already make this season a disappointment. TAMU is in a prime position to win a big game vs an SEC-foe.

Prediction: TAMU 31 Ark 28

#15 Ohio State (4-0) @ #18 Michigan State (3-1)
3:30 pm ET, ABC

Both these teams can take controll of the Big 10 with a win. Ohio State has not looked good, and has been slow to start vs all opponents this year. Michigan State was feeling hungover after a loss to Notre Dame, and had problems vs Eastern Michigan last week. Should be intresting.

Prediction: MSU 27 OSU 21  

#7 Texas (3-0) @ Oklahoma State (2-1)
7:50 pm ET, FOX

Oklahoma State is out to prove they are still one of the best teams in the Big 12, and that the Arizona loss was a fluke. After Oklahoma's loss to Kansas State, this game could be a battle for the top of the Big 12 South. Oklahoma State's offense has been explosive, and I am calling the upset here.

Prediction: OSU 48 Texas 41

#17 Lousiville (4-0) @ Southern Miss (0-3)
8:00 pm ET, CSTV

Louisville is on a hot start, and despite USM's struggles, they are a talented team. The Eagles could put up a fight here, but Louisville should pick up their fourth win. 

Prediction: UL 30 South Miss 17  

  

Big 10 Preview

    
ACC   Big East   Big 12   Pac 12    SEC   Other Conferences    Bowls and Top 50

   
    The Big 10 took a step down last year and was not as strong as usual. Teams still made bowl games, but Big Ten teams were beaten badly in most of them. 

    This year may not be much different. Wisconsin is the favorite again, with Michigan, Nebraska and Michigan State close behind. These four teams all have a great shot at a BCS appearance this season. 

Montee Ball, Wisconsin

    Ohio State should be better than last year and post a winning record. But it will not be a record the Buckeyes are accustomed to, and they are still not bowl eligible. 

    Northwestern and Iowa figure to be the next best teams. Both the Wildcats and Hawkeyes will make a bowl game, but will hover around seven or eight wins. 

    Purdue, Illinois, and Indiana will not challenge for the Big 10 title, but they still can make lower-tier bowls this year.

    Minnesota is still a couple of years away and will remain in the cellar.

    The biggest disappointment this year will be Penn State. With the heavy sanctions, having no bowl game, people everywhere rooting against them, and this scandal hanging over their program, it will be hard for Penn State to win more then two games, especially with starters leaving. Penn State will have problems this year and for the years to follow.


Projected Standings:

Leaders:

1. Wisconsin 11-1 (7-1)

2. Ohio State 9-3 (5-3)

3. Illinois 6-6 (4-4)

4. Purdue 6-6 (3-5)

T5. Indiana 5-7 (1-7)

T5. Penn State 2-10 (1-7)


Legends:

1. Michigan 10-2 (7-1)

2. Michigan State 10-2 (6-2)

T3. Nebraska 9-3 (5-3)

T3. Northwestern 8-4 (5-3)

5. Iowa 8-4 (4-4)

6. Minnesota 4-8 (1-7)


Big Ten Championship: Wisconsin over Michigan