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wscsuperfan
Posts:231
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| 10/03/2007 10:22 AM |
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For the year, CollegeFootballNews.com is 34-10 picking Big 12 games straight up and 17-17 against the spread.
BIG 12 GAME OF THE WEEK
Oklahoma (4-1) vs. Texas (4-1) at Dallas
2:30 p.m. - ABC
There are two ways to look at this. 1) It's a battle of disappointed teams that blew it last week against supposedly inferior opponents, or 2) this is a battle of two desperate teams looking to keep flickering national title hopes alive. Oklahoma collapsed late against Colorado last week, but this is still a BCS-strong team that might have simply been overrun by a bad string of momentum and a few big breakdowns in all phases. This is still a Sooner team that obliterated Miami. This is still a Sooner team that had led the nation in scoring. This is still a Sooner team that must gear it back up, or all of a sudden Texas will have a three-game winning streak in what had become a one-sided series the other way. Texas looked lousy over most of the first four games of the season, mainly getting by with timely defense and just enough offense. After a horrible performance in the 41-21 loss to Kansas State, everything can change with a win this week. If the Longhorns can pull it off, then things open up nicely with Iowa State and Baylor before hosting Nebraska. No matter what, OU will have to gear it back up next week against Missouri.
Why Oklahoma might win
The Texas offense is in disarray. QB Colt McCoy is dinged up with a concussion suffered against Kansas State, he isn't getting enough time to throw, the running game has been pedestrian, even with a nice start to the year from Jamaal Charles, and the receiving corps has been mediocre. It's possible OU could get on an early run and end this before the first quarter is over, while Texas will still have to battle hard if it gets up big early. The Texas secondary, overall, is playing better than it did last year, but it hasn't faced anyone who can throw it more than ten yards down the field. OU leads the nation in pass efficiency, and if the line can give Sam Bradford time, the Sooner receivers should be able to pick apart the Longhorn corners.
Why Texas might win
The Texas defense can't be to blame for the rough early start. No, the linebackers haven't quite played up to snuff, and there weren't any big stops against Kansas State, but last week's loss is on the offense and special teams. The run defense has done a better job than it's being given credit for, considering teams like Texas Christian, Arkansas State, and Central Florida can only move the ball on the ground. The game plan is simple. Stop the OU running game, hope the defensive front can at least hurry Bradford, try to win the field position battle, and take advantage of every opportunity.
Who to Watch
With all the stars and all the NFL talent on display, the spotlight is on two punters. Texas couldn't stop Kansas State's Jordy Nelson last week, and is netting a mere 28 yards per kick. The coverage teams have to be better, but sophomore Trevor Garland, who did a nice job against TCU and Central Florida, has to keep OU pinned deep. Texas isn't likely to go on too many long drives against any top defenses. OU punter Michael Cohen could turn out to be the star of the show if the Longhorns are starting several drives inside their 30.
What Will Happen
McCoy will get batted around, John Chiles will see a little bit of work, and Texas will struggle to get points on the board. OU won't blow up like it did against Miami, but it'll pull away in the second half after a mistake-filled first half.
Latest Spread
Oklahoma is favored by 11 points in the neutral site Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
Prediction
Oklahoma 34, Texas 20
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Kansas (4-0) at Kansas State (3-1)
11:00 a.m. - FSN
Is this the biggest football game in the history of the two schools? If not, it could turn out to be, as Kansas State is flying high after beating Texas 41-21, while Kansas started off its season playing as well as anyone in America, coming into the game ranked first in the nation in scoring defense, fourth in scoring offense, third in total offense and third in total defense. We know about the Wildcats, witha tough defense and tremendous special teams, and we know they're good enough to hang with the big boys. We still don't know anything about KU, with its biggest win coming over Central Michigan, but a win over the Wildcats might mean a monster jump in the rankings. Basically, everyone's waiting to see what the team can do against someone with a pulse. The Big 12 North is suddenly looking nasty, with five real contenders and Iowa State, so a loss will put a serious crimp in any title hopes, while a win will be bigger than it'll probably get credit for on a national scale.
Why Kansas might win
Lost in the win over Texas, and in the near-miss against Auburn, was how the Kansas State offense simply didn't work. Oh sure, it looked great against San Jose State, and put up huge numbers against Missouri State, but the offense went nowhere against Texas and there wasn't any running game to speak of against Auburn. It took a trick pass play to score on the Tigers, and it took a whopping 58 pass attempts to get 289 yards. The KU secondary is still untested, but the run defense has been a rock. If the Jayhawks can avoid the big turnover, cam limit the big special teams play, and can get up early, they should be able to pull off the road win.
Why Kansas State might win
The Wildcats are finding ways to get it done. Whether it's a punt return here, a key sack there, or a timely defensive stop, they're finding ways to make things happen. The offense might not be humming, but the line has been great in pass protection, while the new 3-4 defense has been generating consistent pressure. For the first time all year, the timing of the KU offense will be disrupted, and for the first time all year, KU will have to face a little bit of adversity. Kansas State knows what it can do in tough games with the pressure on. Kansas doesn't.
Who to Watch
In a game like this, things can change in an instant with a big kick return, and these two teams have the best return games in America. Kansas leads the nation in kickoff returns, averaging 32.78 yards per try, led by Marcus Herford, who averages 33 yards per try. Kansas State got a kickoff return for a touchdown against Texas from James Johnson, while Leon Patton is the main man, averaging 26 yards per return. The real stars of the KSU show are the punt returners, leading the nation with a gaudy 27.2 yard average thanks to touchdowns from Deon Murphy and Jordy Nelson. Nelson has been on fire the last two weeks, catching 27 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns, while averaging 57 yards per punt return.
What Will Happen
Kansas won't give up the big turnovers needed for the KSU offense to feed off of. This will be a surprising defensive battle for about a half, and then KU's offensive balance will take over in the second half. The Wildcats will start to press, will turn it over a few times, and KU will pull away late.
Latest Spread
Kansas State is favored by 3 at home.
Prediction
Kansas 27, Kansas State 17
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Oklahoma State (3-2) at Texas A&M (4-1)
6:30 p.m. - FSN
All of a sudden, the Big 12 South looks very winnable. At least, more winnable than it did last week at this time, when Oklahoma was looking like a juggernaut and Texas was still unbeaten. With huge tests ahead for both teams, this might be an elimination game in the Big 12 title race, and at the very least, it'll be a vital win for one team, and the heat will be turned up a bit for the loser. No, Mike Gundy isn't on a hot seat at Oklahoma State, but after making the news for his tirade after the Texas Tech game, he could use all the wins he can get to put the focus back on the field. A&M's Dennis Franchione has to keep winning to save his job, but with four road trips ahead in the next five games, and the final six games against certain bowl teams, including road dates at Missouri and Nebraska from the North, this is as big a game as it gets. If you like running games, this is for you, with A&M ranking fifth in the nation on the ground and Oklahoma State eighth.
Why Oklahoma State might win
Texas A&M can be run on. So far, everyone outside of Louisiana-Monroe has tried to beat the Aggies through the air, with decent success against a secondary that'll give up yards in chunks. If Oklahoma State can start with the ground game, keep hammering with it, and stay committed no matter what, the home runs will eventually be there for the taking. WR Adarius Bowman should see just enough single coverage to make a few big plays, while the ground game has the better potential for backbreaking runs, as opposed to A&M's more grinding style.
Why Texas A&M might win
OSU is just banged up enough to be a possible problem against the run. LB Chris Collins and DB's Andre Sexton and Martel Van Zant are all going to play, but they could wear down after getting hurt a few weeks ago against Texas Tech. Considering the two teams will try to win on the ground, turnovers could mean the difference, meaning A&M has a big advantage. OSU gives it away, and the Aggies take it away. Expect A&M to have a plus-two in turnover margin, and for the offense to capitalize on the mistakes.
Who to Watch
A&M has its blueprint on how to beat OSU from the tapes of Troy's stunning 41-23 win. The Trojans like to work on the ground game, but QB Omar Haugabook was able to make the passing game go be getting on the move and creating time and space for himself outside of the pocket. Aggie QB Stephen McGee can throw, and while the ideal option would be to pound the ball with Jorvorskie Lane and Mike Goodson, passing yards should be there for the taking. McGee threw for 237 yards last weekend against Louisiana-Monroe. If he goes over 200 again, A&M will likely win with ease.
What Will Happen
The two teams will combine for at least 500 rushing yards, but the A&M passing game will be a bit more effective on third downs, and OSU will get killed by two big turnovers.
Latest Spread
Texas A&M is favored by 6 at home.
Prediction
Texas A&M 40, Oklahoma State 27
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Nebraska (4-1) at Missouri (4-0)
8:15 p.m. - ESPN
What was orginally considered a showdown for the North title, has now lost a little of its luster, but it's still a great matchup that'll go a long way to determining the final Big 12 pecking order. Missouri finally gets a chance to show the world it's for real, or at least, it's not that bad, while Nebraska can turn around its quickly nosediving reputation. The Huskers have only lost one game and that was to USC, no shame there, but the last two weeks have been a struggle against Ball State and Iowa State. Meanwhile, the Tigers beat Illinois in the opening weekend, didn't get any love for easily beating Ole Miss in Oxford, and then throttled Western Michigan and Illinois State. This is a respect game, but it's more about survival. The Big 12 North has suddenly become nasty, and there's no margin for error for these two, with Mizzou going to Oklahoma next week, and Nebraska still having to go on the road to face Texas, Kansas and Colorado. Missouri has beaten th Huskers the last two meetings in Columbia, but before that, 1973 was the last time over the Big Red.
Why Nebraska might win
Marlon Lucky. Missouri has been decent at times against the run, but it was ripped apart by Mississippi's BenJarvus Green-Ellis for 226 yards. Mostly, the Tiger secondary has been the issue, especially in the second half when teams start chucking it around in comeback mode, but the Huskers can come out and start blasting away with Lucky on the ground, take the Mizzou crowd out of the game, and keep the Tiger attack off the field. Lucky started out the season with a sensational opener against Nevada, tearing off 233 yards and three touchdowns, and has runhed for over 100 yards in the last two games. If he gets rolling early and keeps things close, the Tigers might get tighter and tighter, having to deal with their first tough test this year.
Why Missouri might win
Something's missing from the Nebraska defense: production. It's looked fine at times, and a blowout loss to USC is hardly the proper indication of how good a D is, but the Huskers have struggled mightily against the run, getting pushed off the ball way too easily, with too many runners getting to the second level without a problem. Missouri has a balanced attack that does a little of everything well, but it all stems from QB Chase Daniel. He'll get plenty of time against the anemic Husker pass rush, he'll pick apart the defensive back seven with ten-yard passes, and Tony Temple will find plenty of open running lanes as the game goes on. In other words, the offense should be able to hum on all cylinders.
Who to Watch
This needs to be the national showcase game for Daniel. An unknown by most fans, and non-existent in the Heisman chase, he's currently fifth in the nation in total offense as the ringleader for the high-octane Tiger attack. He's been fiine over the last few weeks, but he threw two interceptions against both Western Michigan and Illinois State, and needs to keep the turnovers to a minimum, if not be perfectly clean. Missouri has the better team, is at home, and should win without a problem. But if it starts screwing around, and if Daniel isn't on, the Huskers will pull it off.
What Will Happen
America, welcome to Missouri. Nebraska wil have its moments, and Missouri's defense will give up just enough points to keep this interesting, but the Tiger machine will get rolling for good early in the second half on the way to a stunning victory.
Latest Spread
Missouri is favored by 7 points at home.
Prediction
Missouri 41, Nebraska 27
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Colorado (3-2) at Baylor (3-2)
6:00 p.m.
All of a sudden, everything has changed for Colorado after a dominant performance in the 27-24 win over Oklahoma. With the toughest game on the schedule out of the way, now the Dan Hawkins era has officially taken off, and the Buffs are living, breathing players in the Big 12 race. However, they can't take this game lightly after suffering the indignity of being on a two-game losing streak to the Bears. Baylor has been able to rock against the lousy, and hasn't done a thing against the good, losing to TCU and Texas A&M by a combined score of 61 to 10. Things don't get much easier for Baylor ever the next five games, and this might be the best chance at a win before the season finale against Oklahoma State.
Why Colorado might win
All Baylor can do is throw, and Colorado has one of the nation's best pass defenses, ball game. This is a huge hitting CU secondary, while the defensive front is coming off its best game of the year, getting into the OU backfield and pressuring QB Sam Bradford all day long. Baylor might be able to dink and dunk a little bit, but the timing should be off from the start, and after completing passes, the Buffs will blow up the Bear receivers. Offensively, CU should be able to run the ball on a Baylor defense that couldn't stop the TCU ground game, and wasn't even close against Texas A&M.
Why Baylor might win
It's not like the Colorado offense is going to throw 50 points on the board. The Buffs fed off the momentum of the fourth quarter against Oklahoma, but the overall passing game is still inconsistent and shaky, and the running game, while phenomenal against Miami (OH) two weeks ago, has to prove it can control things on the road against a decent team. Baylor is decent at getting into the backfield, and while the D will get run over from time to time, it'll have a few tackles for loss.
Who to Watch
At the moment, there might not be a better linebacker in America than Colorado senior Jordan Dizon, who might be an undersized 225-pound defender, but he hits like a ton of bricks and doesn't miss a tackle. He leads the Big 12, and is third in the nation with 64 stops, and he can also get into the backfield and make plays against the pass. His stats might not be impressive against Baylor, since the Bears don't run, but he'll make an impact on short to midrange passes.
What Will Happen
Colorado will suffer a little bit of a letdown, but Baylor simply doesn't have the offensive talent to get by a tough Buffalo defense. Don't expect too many offensive fireworks.
Latest Spread
Colorado is favored by 8.5 points on the road.
Prediction
Colorado 26, Baylor 17
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Iowa State (1-4) at Texas Tech (4-1)
6:00 p.m.
This is about as close to a must win for Texas Tech as it can get, after losing its opening Big 12 game of the season two weeks ago to Oklahoma State 49-45. There can't be a slip up of any sort here, with the South big boys still ahead, and a road trip to Missouri to worry about. Coming off a 75-7 win over Northwestern State, everything is humming on offense, and now it's time for the defense to show it can play a little. Iowa State is looking for any sign of life, as the good feelings of the Iowa win have quickly faded after losses to Toledo and Nebraska. The Cyclones are competitive, but they simply haven't been very good. There isn't a breather in the bunch the rest of the way, so it's all about improving and getting better week by week for Gene Chizik's club, and it's all about trying to keep pace with the nation's highest octane offense.
Why Iowa State might win
The defense is playing better than it's getting credit for. The offense is the issue, not the D, that's allowing a mere 179 passing yards per game and has only given up one 200-yard game, coming last week against Nebraska. Texas Tech is going to get its yards through the air no matter what, but this should be the first time all season long that the Red Raiders will actually have to work to steadily move the ball. Unlike the Oklahoma State game, Tech won't be able to rip off 600 yards, so can it throw for 350 yards against a decent defense and still win? Probably, because.....
Why Texas Tech might win
....Iowa State doesn't have enough scoring pop to keep up any sort of a pace. If the Red Raiders can score on their first few drives, it'll be over. The Red Raider defense is just good enough to prevent this from being the time when the Cyclones attack finally breaks out against a decent D. It did a great job of moving the ball against Toledo, but the Rockets can't play defense, and Iowa State still lost. Simply put, Iowa State can't outscore Tech.
Who to Watch
The only chance Iowa State has of keeping this close is if the running game is rumbling, since the passing game simply isn't working, but that could be a problem if top back J.J. Bass is out for the second straight week with a shoulder injury. At best, he'll be able to split time with Jason Scales, who ran for 115 yards and two touchdowns on Nebraska last week. Scales is a small, quick back who could break off a few big runs here and there, while Bass is a big, fast back able to carry the offense.
What Will Happen
The Texas Tech offense won't blow up like it has over the first several weeks, but it'll go on a midgame run of points that Iowa State won't be able to overcome.
Latest Spread
Texas Tech is favored by 24.5 points at home.
Prediction
Texas Tech 38, Iowa State 17
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Logan
Posts:2525
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| 10/03/2007 11:21 AM |
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| wow talk about football overload. i'll be at brewskys from 10:30 am til close it looks like. what a great day to watch some great games. |
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dwight, refuting reality one post at a time. |
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vranged
Posts:2896
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| 10/03/2007 11:42 AM |
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| I have a feeling Kansas is going to pull a "Rutgers" and really struggle against the first legit team they play. K-State is way more tested, having played Texas and Auburn. In Manhattan, favored by only 3 points ---- this gambler is taking the Wildcats. |
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After acknowledging that he was desperate, Dwight said "people will resort to saying things they know aren't true when they are desperate." That about sums it up! |
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Logan
Posts:2525
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| 10/03/2007 11:43 AM |
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| i think the cats win the sunflower showdown too. |
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dwight, refuting reality one post at a time. |
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ChiefLongStaff
Posts:180
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| 10/03/2007 11:46 AM |
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| Unless it's a let down game for them. Last year they beat Texas and then got their a$$es kicked by KU and Rutgers. |
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App St 34
Mythigan 32 |
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Logan
Posts:2525
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| 10/03/2007 11:49 AM |
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| i think ksu is a different team this year. i think the folks in lincoln will get to see that first hand too. |
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dwight, refuting reality one post at a time. |
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ChiefLongStaff
Posts:180
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| 10/03/2007 11:53 AM |
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| They've got a pretty nasty defense this year, but they're nothing special on offense. I am glad that NU has them in Lincoln. |
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App St 34
Mythigan 32 |
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ChiefLongStaff
Posts:180
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| 10/03/2007 11:57 AM |
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| Just noticed that ketv is showing the Iowa/Penn St game instead of the OU/UT game on Sat. That phucking sucks! |
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App St 34
Mythigan 32 |
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wscsuperfan
Posts:231
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| 10/03/2007 2:17 PM |
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| KETV changed their lineup for Saturday and will show the OU vs. Texas game instead. |
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ChiefLongStaff
Posts:180
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| 10/03/2007 3:14 PM |
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Posted By wscsuperfan on 10/03/2007 2:17 PM
KETV changed their lineup for Saturday and will show the OU vs. Texas game instead.
SWEET!!! |
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App St 34
Mythigan 32 |
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egami
Posts:5572
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| 10/03/2007 3:16 PM |
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| Like you guys don't want to watch the Iowa game... |
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Posted By Omahan on 11/04/2008 2:24 PM
I've worked very hard to become your friend egami. |
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Logan
Posts:2525
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| 10/03/2007 3:51 PM |
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| all i have to say is thank god for sports bars, espn game plan and satellites. |
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dwight, refuting reality one post at a time. |
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egami
Posts:5572
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| 10/04/2007 7:53 AM |
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| You don't hit the monastery to watch games? |
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Posted By Omahan on 11/04/2008 2:24 PM
I've worked very hard to become your friend egami. |
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wscsuperfan
Posts:231
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| 10/04/2007 9:37 AM |
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Iowa (2-3) at Penn State (3-2)
2:30 p.m. - ABC
It's do or die time for two teams thinking Big Ten title coming into the year, but now are battling to get out of the cellar. Iowa's woes can be forgiven, to a point, with a bizarre rash of injuries and suspensions killing the offense, while the defense hasn't been able to pick up the slack in losses to Wisconsin and Indiana. Combined with a horrible loss to Iowa State, and the season is one game away from going into the tank. Penn State has been the far bigger disappointment, failing to get enough on offense against Michigan and turning it over four times against Illinois. However, with Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Purdue left on the schedule, time hasn't run out quite yet. Iowa has owned the series, winning five straight, with the last game two years ago in a bizarre 6-4 slugfest.
Why Iowa might win
After the first three games, the question was whether or not Penn State's offense could work on a real defense, or was it just putting up big numbers on bad teams. As it turns out, the offense has issues, big ones, from QB Anthony Morelli's inability to get the passing game working consistently, to the mediocre running game that's still trying to find an answer with Austin Scott continually putting it on the ground. The Hawkeye defense has been stellar so far, outside of allowing two long touchdowns against Indiana, led by a killer defensive front. Penn State won't be able to run the ball, meaning it'll be Morelli or bust. That's a good thing for Iowa. Speaking of offense.....
Why Penn State might win
Iowa's simply isn't working. Consider it a minor miracle that QB Jake Christensen was able to throw for 308 yards and three touchdowns last week against Indiana. The receiving corps has been completely gutted, even though there are a slew of interesting, athletic playmakers just needing more time, but the real problem has been an offensive line that's getting Christensen killed. Penn State should be able to crank out at least five sacks, while the linebacking corps will all but erase Albert Young and the ground game.
Who to Watch
Is it Morelli, or is it the receivers? Morelli isn't getting a ton of help, with a few dropped passes here and there against Illinois killing drives, but there hasn't been a spark to get the passing game going. Morelli threw for close to 300 yards against Illinois, but he also threw three picks, coming off a rough day against Michigan when he failed to push the ball deep. While he's still the unquestioned starter, at least in the eyes of the coaching staff, that could change quickly with a rough outing. The more mobile Daryll Clark might start to see a little bit of time, while Pat Devlin, the future of the program, could find his way on the field if things start to go in the tank.
What Will Happen
Don't expect fireworks. Penn State will get one key play on special teams, and will get just enough pressure in the backfield to slug its way to a win that'll temporarily stop the bleeding, but will still keep the current concerns going.
Latest Spread
Penn State is favored by 8 at home.
Prediction
Penn State 24, Iowa 13
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Eastern Michigan (2-3) at Michigan (3-2)
11:00 a.m. - Big Ten Network
With a three game winning streak and a 2-0 Big Ten record, the leak appears to be plugged in the Michigan ship, for now. There's that strange problem of a possible forfeit against Penn State possibly screwing things up (with a ruling waiting to be handed down after allowing an academically ineligible player to see the field), and things haven't exactly gone smoothly with the offense, but still this is a happy place for the Wolverines after a horrendous start. The last time they faced a MAC team, they needed everything in the bag to beat Ball State at the end of last year, but it'll take something truly strange for them to have any problems with an Eastern Michigan team that hasn't done squat on offense so far. Michigan needs an easy blowout to feel better about itself, while the Eagles will take anything positive they can get.
Why Eastern Michigan might win
Let's just say Michigan isn't playing up to its potential. For all the offensive talent, and the all-timer skill players, things simply aren't clicking like they're supposed to. Eastern Michigan is playing the best defense, by far, than it has in several years, with a decent enough line to generate a little bit of pressure, and strong play so far from the secondary. Oh sure, Michigan should win, but it's probably going to be yet another tough struggle to blow up on O.
Why Michigan might win
The Eagles can't score. Against Division I-A (FBS) teams, they're averaging just under 12 points per outing thanks to an equal balance of mediocre rushing and inefficient passing. There simply aren't any playmakers to keep the chains moving, or provide the pop if and when the Wolverines get up by two touchdowns. There's no threat whatsoever of a passing game to give a push to the Wolverine secondary.
Who to Watch
Does Michigan have a quarterback problem? Chad Henne returned from his knee injury to start against Northwestern, throwing for 193 yards and three touchdowns in an efficient performance. However, Ryan Mallett is still getting work, and there's still a thought that Henne's a few lousy drives from getting yanked for an extended period of time. This is a vital game for Henne and the passing game. He has to come out and go lights out to cement his status as the triggerman for the offense, and to show that there's no need to build for the future quite yet.
What Will Happen
This is the game Michigan fans have been waiting for. It'll be a true breather that's over by halftime, and for a brief moment, Michigan will look like Michigan again.
Latest Spread
Michigan is favored by 31.5 at home
Prediction
Michigan 45, Eastern Michigan 10
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Notre Dame (0-5) at UCLA (4-1)
7:00 p.m. - ABC
The Notre Dame horror show goes on location this week with the first of two trips to the West Coast, its final road game until the regular season finale at Stanford. The Irish may be 0-5 for the first time in school history, but there seems to be a sense that the worst of this abominable season is in the rear view mirror. Notre Dame was more competitive in the last two games, climbing withing a touchdown of Purdue in the second half before falling 33-19. While QB Evan Sharpley played well in the loss, Jimmy Clausen is expected to continue his education as the starter upon his return to his home state of California. Since getting shellacked by Utah on September 15, UCLA has regrouped nicely with wins over Washington and Oregon State, meaning the goal of playing a home game in January remains intact. The Bruins will have revenge on their minds this Saturday after losing a heartbreaker in South Bend last season. Although QB Ben Olson has been a microcosm for the program's helter-skelter ways, he's coming off a solid, two-touchdown effort in Corvallis.
Why Notre Dame might win
UCLA proved in Salt Lake City two weeks ago that it can implode without any warning. The Bruins have schizophrenic tendencies on both sides of the line, but especially with a pass defense that was lit up for four touchdown passes in back-to-back games with Utah and Washington. The Irish have yet to win a game in 2007, but the team did get a spark last week, rallying from a 23-0 deficit to put a scare into the Boilermakers. The young receivers, comprised of sophomores Robby Paris and George West, and freshmen Duval Kamara and Golden Tate, are growing up quickly, presenting a challenge for the UCLA secondary.
Why UCLA might win
Who is going to block DE Bruce Davis, or the other members of a Bruin defense that's 16th nationally in sacks, after turning the heat up over the past few weeks? The Notre Dame line has allowed a nation-high 29 sacks through five games, which will have Davis and his linemates licking their chops to get a piece of Clausen. The Irish defense has allowed at least 30 points in every game, doing a particularly feeble job of stopping the run. It's going to have its hands full with the one-two punch of Chris Markey and Kahlil Bell, who've rushed for 926 yards and seven touchdowns between them.
Who to Watch
Bruin CB Trey Brown has been everywhere for the defensive backfield this year, making big stops, batting away balls, and picking off opposing passes. He'll be a four-quarter nuisance for Clausen, who's going to spend much of the evening scrambling out of the pocket and putting passes up for grabs.
What Will Happen
Leaning heavily on the defense and the running game, UCLA will add to Notre Dame's misery, while getting revenge for last year's last-minute loss to Brady Quinn and the Irish.
Latest Spread
UCLA is favored by 20.5 at home.
Prediction
UCLA 40, Notre Dame 17
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wscsuperfan
Posts:231
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| 10/04/2007 9:37 AM |
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wscsuperfan
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| 10/04/2007 9:37 AM |
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Crit40
Posts:2601
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| 10/04/2007 10:18 AM |
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| Iowa and Penn State is going to be a boring game. A defensive battle ultimately won by PSU by a touchdown. |
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Counting the Herd one hoof at a time. |
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egami
Posts:5572
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| 10/04/2007 10:24 AM |
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Posted By wscsuperfan on 10/04/2007 9:37 AM
What Will Happen
Don't expect fireworks. Penn State will get one key play on special teams, and will get just enough pressure in the backfield to slug its way to a win that'll temporarily stop the bleeding, but will still keep the current concerns going.
Latest Spread
Penn State is favored by 8 at home.
Prediction
Penn State 24, Iowa 13
I liked Iowa to upset Penn St. this year, but Iowa is too injury depleted and Penn St. defense is too good for Iowa's injured offense and confused QB.
JoePa remembers and he will be out for revenge and will not stop kicking the Hawks while they are down until the last second ticks off.
Penn St. 31
Iowa 9
Posted By wscsuperfan on 10/04/2007 9:37 AM
What Will Happen
This is the game Michigan fans have been waiting for. It'll be a true breather that's over by halftime, and for a brief moment, Michigan will look like Michigan again.
Latest Spread
Michigan is favored by 31.5 at home
Prediction
Michigan 45, Eastern Michigan 10
I'll believe it when I see it. Even when we're unquestionably strong we tend to play down to our competition...even at home.
Michigan 27
E. Mich. 14
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Posted By Omahan on 11/04/2008 2:24 PM
I've worked very hard to become your friend egami. |
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Logan
Posts:2525
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| 10/04/2007 11:59 AM |
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| don't forget lsu and florida are playing saturday too. |
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dwight, refuting reality one post at a time. |
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Arbitrator
Posts:224
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| 10/05/2007 8:30 PM |
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Posted By wscsuperfan on 10/03/2007 2:17 PM
KETV changed their lineup for Saturday and will show the OU vs. Texas game instead.
The coverage map still shows Iowa - Penn St:
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/iowa/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/psutv.pdf |
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