As the revolving door, that is the number one slot, goes into another weekend, one cannot help but be amazed at how unimportant the Notre Dame vs USC game has become. However, the weekend is still chalk full of nuts...I mean great games. The Auburn v.s. LSU game decides who represents the SEC West in the Dirty Dome and the Michigan v.s. Illinois game decides which team will be duking it out with Ohio State for the Big 11 title. Oregon and Cal are both in games that could prove to be fatal if lost, since they are against conference opponents and finally, Florida looks to get back in the top 10 in a showdown with number 7 Kentucky. Luckily for myself, the Nebraska game is not televised and Georgia is off for the weekend. So, let's see if my good picks from last week transfer to this one as well.
USC 31 - Notre Dame 10
This one shouldn't be close. USC is still pissed off at dropping a home game to Stanford and Notre Dame just isn't any good. The difference in talent between USC and Notre Dame is laughable and look for USC to use that to it's advantage. The "Genius" and his golden domers lose ugly.
Miami 10 - Florida State 17
Talk about a game between two teams mired in mediocrity. The sad thing is that both teams are loaded with talent. This game comes down to the 4th quarter every year and usually is decided by a missed field goal. Florida state is coming off a disappointing loss to Wake Forest and being at home should give the Seminoles a little extra incentive (Not that playing Miami isn't incentive enough). Look for FSU's defense to create enough turnovers for the inept offense to put 17 on the board. FSU by a touchdown.
Auburn 17 - LSU 24
This is the marquee game of the weekend. The winner of this game is, for all intensive purposes, the SEC Wests representative in the Championship game. This game doesn't bode will for the Auburn Tigers. LSU is coming off of a stunning triple overtime loss to Kentucky and gets to play at home at night. The one thing in Auburn's corner is coach Tuberville's impressive road record, especially, against rated opponents. Ultimately, man child Glenn Dorsey and company will limit the Tiger offense and LSU's offense will look much better if Doucet is back in the line-up. LSU wins on a late 4th quarter touchdown.
Tennessee 27 - Sabanation 21
I think Tennessee's game against Georgia was a wake up call (much to my chagrin). If the same Vol team shows up in Tuscaloosa they win big. However, I am expecting the sheer hatred between these two teams to bring out the best. Sr. QB Erik Ainge is quietly putting together a solid year and experience is crucial to winning road games in the SEC. I don't expect Tennessee to have the same result, as the Georgia game, in the running department, which will put more pressure on Ainge to get it done with his arm. On the flip side, Alabama needs consistent play out of John Parker "Bama Bangs" Wilson to give them a shot at victory. All in all this is a fairly evenly matched game. Should be a good one. Vols steal a win on the road.
Cal 28 - UCLA 17
UCLA coach Karl Dorrell is in some nicely simmering water. Inconsistency has dominated his tenure at UCLA and a win here could go along way in terms of job security. Cal's incredible loss (read: Freshman mistake) removes any room for error for the rest of the year. Another conference loss and any hopes for a championship are gone. That being said, look for UCLA to receive a healthy dose of DeSean Jackson and Justin Forsett. Cal's defense is definitely the chink in the armor and if UCLA can attack that they have a shot at pulling the upset. Ultimately, Cal's offense is too high powered.
Florida 31 - Kentucky 27
Urban Meyer has had two weeks to prepare for Kentucky where as Kentucky is coming off of an emotional, triple overtime, victory. Even though Kentucky is the higher ranked team and they beat LSU, I still think Florida is the better team. Florida's offense isn't far behind and from top to bottom has more talent than Kentucky. On the flip side of the ball, Florida's defense is much better than that of the Wildcats. Look for Tim Tebow to have a big game behind an offensive line that shouldn't have much trouble protecting him. The Key to this game is getting pressure on Andre Woodson. If the Gator's fail to pressure Woodson, then he will pick them apart with a vast array of talented receivers. Florida pulls the upset in Bluegrass country.
Oregon 28 - Washington 17
Washington is still a season or two away from rejoining the elite in the Pac-10. Oregon, however, is among the elite. Give me experience on the road any day, unless your name is Reggie Ball. The experience that I am talking about comes from Oregon Sr. QB Dennis Dixon. Add to Dixon, an extremely potent supporting cast, and you have a fantastic offensive football team. Defensively, like most Pac-10 teams, the Ducks leave a little to be desired. Even with a suspect defense, Washington will not be able to keep pace with Oregon's high powered offense. Oregon stays alive in the Pac-10 race.
Michigan 24 - 27 Illinois
This game is a toss up for me. These two teams match up really well. Michigan, however, has no chance without the services of Mike Hart. If Hart plays and is anywhere near 100%, then flip a coin for the winner. The Illini have one of the best running backs you have never heard of in Rashard Mendenhall. That guy is a beast. If Hart plays, be in for a show by the running backs. I am going with Illinois because they are at home and will be pissed off after losing to shitty Iowa. Look for a late 4th quarter field goal to seal the deal for the Illini.
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