At the request of my wife, with so many good games going on this weekend, I'll give some thoughts on what I expect to see this weekend in games all across the college football landscape.
West Virginia at Maryland
It will be interesting to see how Maryland fares in only its second game of the season. Boise State displayed a bit of rust tonight before pouring it on in the second half. Maryland can ill afford a slow start. West Virginia got off to a slow start themselves last week against Norfolk State. But the West Virginia offense is extremely potent. The Maryland defense was pretty stifling against Miami on Labor Day. Edsall walked into a good situation and a good team. However, I'm not convinced that Maryland can score enough to keep up with West Virginia. West Virginia 31, Maryland 24.
Penn State at Temple
A lot of people seem to be calling for this upset. Al Golden did wonders to get this program moving forward from where they were, however, he didn't get them that far that they can match up athletically with a BCS conference team that takes them seriously. Last season they only lost by 9 to Penn State on the road. So there is reason for optimism, and this is probably why so many people are calling for the upset. However, I think that is exactly the reason why they get blown out: Penn State will not overlook Temple and the Nittany Lions will be looking for an opportunity to get rolling after getting completely stifled by Alabama last week. Heck, after playing Alabama, everyone should look easy to this offense. Penn State 31, Temple 13.
Auburn at Clemson
The defending National Champs get their first road test of the season against a Clemson team that hasn't exactly taken off this season, even in starting 2-0. After a come-from-behind win over Troy, they struggled to put away in-state FCS opponent Wofford in week two. I think if Clemson can keep it close late, they can pull out the win against the twice tested, but unbeaten Auburn Tigers. Their first two games took a lot out of them, literally winning both games by inches. Now they have to go on the road: if it's a game in the 4th quarter, look for Clemson to be the team making the plays. Forget about it. Auburn 31, Clemson 20.
Pittsburgh at Iowa
Iowa is coming off a disheartening triple overtime loss to their in-state rival (and now 3-0) Iowa State Cyclones. It was a pretty physical contest by all accounts, and certainly a long one too. Pitt comes in with a still young but not inexperienced QB that hasn't lived up to expectations. Pitt's D hasn't been overly impressive in games against inferior competition. Now they have to take their show on the road to Iowa City. That's a tall order for the 2011 Panthers right now. Iowa 21, Pitt 16.
Colorado State vs. Colorado
I've got to pick this one, living in Denver and having my commute this morning disturbed by a CSU pep rally downtown today. CU needs the win to have any chance at getting to a bowl game (though I think those hopes went out the window with the 0-2 start anyway). CSU needs the win to put themselves back on the football map after a few consecutive losing seasons. I think it'll be closer than it should be, but the ground attack for CU wins this one. It better, because if CU can't run against the smaller front seven for the Rams, it will be a tough road to sled the rest of the season with the preseason most difficult schedule in the country. Colorado 27, Colorado State 17.
Texas at UCLA
I think the pride of Texas football showed last week in the second half against BYU. I think they have another opportunity to showcase that against UCLA, which embarrassed them last season in Austin. There are a lot of question marks with this Bruin squad, as there is with Texas. The Bruins had a strong second half effort leave them just short at Houston and had an inexplicably close game against San Jose State last week. Texas' issues were at QB, but I think Texas found their QB in that second half against BYU and I expect things to take shape a bit for them this season. While I don't think their QB play is enough to compete for the Big XII this season, it will be enough to remind the Bruins that Texas > Southern California. Texas 27, UCLA 13.
Tennessee at Florida
I haven't seen either of these teams yet this season (except for a few possessions of Tennesse last weekend while eating a brisket sandwich in an Austin cafe), but I'm going out on a limb and calling Florida's defense really good. This is certainly their toughest test yet, but I think they can limit Tyler Bray and Tennessee enough for their playmakers on offense to put up enough points to win. Florida 24, Tennessee 12.
Michigan State at Notre Dame
I will admit, it is fun to pile on Notre Dame the past few seasons. However, the offense moved the ball against a quality D in South Florida (just couldn't stay away from turnovers) and they scored enough points to beat Michigan at Michigan last week. Michigan State's offense plays into their hands a bit: they want to pound the ball. The front seven for Notre Dame is the strength of their D. If Michigan State hopes to just run right at them, they'll fall too far behind to catch up, not saying they can't with that Notre Dame secondary, but I don't think they will. Notre Dame 34, Michigan State 27.
Arizona State at Illinois
The Sun Devils had a big win in overtime at home against Missouri last Friday night, despite trying to give the game away repeatedly in the fourth quarter. However, this is a road test. Their last non-conference road win came in 2006 against 2-10 Colorado. Their last win east of the Mississippi River came in 2004 against a 6-6 Northwestern team. Illini fans should turn out in droves for this night kickoff and I think they score the "upset" against a pretty good Arizona State team (earlier in the week, ASU was favored, but Vegas has turned the tides, giving Illinois the 1-point W). Brock Osweiler looks good at QB for ASU. Vontaze Burfict is a full-grown man at MLB. However, Illini, at home, roll the Devils, who aren't accustomed to long road trips to exciting destinations (sorry, Pullman, WA, you don't count!). Illinois 31, Arizona State 17.
Ohio State at Miami
A lot has been made about the return of Jacory Harris at QB for Miami, and rightfully so. He is a better QB than what they threw out there at Maryland. However, it's his first game THIS season and it's against a good Ohio State defense. There is bound to be some lumps taken. Timing will be a bit off. The physicality of the game will take some time getting used to. Is he in game shape to lead a game-winning fourth quarter drive? Running away from Buckeye defenders is a lot different than running towards boosters handing out cash, sex, and other improper benefits. I like Ohio State, in this game that is, not at all in real life. Ohio State 27, Miami 23.
Oklahoma at Florida State
The Sooners had a week off after a solid effort against Tulsa in week one. Will they be rusty or will they be rested? Given that they didn't show any rust in game one, I wouldn't expect them to have any this week either. The Oklahoma Sooner team, at the end of last season and the start of this season, has looked a lot like those 2000-2004 teams that just pounded everybody. Their depth at LB, however, will be tested with a very athletic QB. The secondary will be tested with a very experienced WR group. It will be up to the front four to collapse the pocket and make EJ Manuel a thrower. I am not buying into the Florida State hype yet though. I believe they can easily win 10 games this season, but I don't think that means they're back yet (it just means that the ACC stinks). Oklahoma is a step up from Florida State right now. Oklahoma 38, Florida State 24.
Oklahoma State at Tulsa
Tulsa is 1-1, with a blowout loss at Oklahoma and a blowout win at Tulane. They get a chance to come home, but they face an offense nearly as potent as Oklahoma's. While OK State doesn't have the same D as OU, I don't think Tulsa can hang for four quarters. Oklahoma State 38, Tulsa 27.
Stanford at Arizona
Robert Anae's offense failed it's first test, managing only 14 points against OK State last week. They get another big one this week with Stanford rolling in to Tucson. Arizona cannot run the ball and their best WR is doubtful to play tomorrow. Meanwhile, Andrew Luck and Stanford are dealing right now. They can run, they can throw, and they can score points. They put up 27 second half points on the road last week. They just keep coming. I don't think the offensive line of Arizona will be able to corral the Stanford LBs. Stanford 34, Arizona 17.
Other Winners (UPSETS IN ALL CAPS):
Bowling Green over Wyoming, Georgia Tech over Kansas, Ole Miss over Vandy, Minnesota over Miami (OH), Texas Tech over New Mexico, ARMY OVER NORTHWESTERN, Wisconsin over NIU (take NIU on spread), FIU OVER UCF, South Carolina over Navy, SDSU over Washington State, Kentucky over Louisville, and Hawaii over UNLV (take Rebels on spread).
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