Game 9- #17 Ohio State (6-2, 4-1) vs New Mexico State (3-5)

Where: Ohio Stadium

When: Noon EST

TV: Big Ten Network (deservedly so)

Don't expect the stands to be filled for the entire game.

Don't expect the band to come out with an extra kick in their step when they run out of the tunnel.

Don't expect too many people to care about this game at all, because it's the first ever New Mexico State week in the history of OSU football.

This is no offense to the NMSU program, really. I am not going to sit here and trash their program at all because I don't have a legitimate reason to. It all just comes down to the fact that this is the only game that separates Ohio State from beginning its gauntlet of November match ups which will include Penn State, Iowa and of course the Maize and Blue.

But back to my main point: this really isn't me sitting here and bashing the Aggie program. If anything, I think that OSU is excited for this game. Why? Because Tressel doesn't want a repeat of Purdue for one thing. He has been pounding it into the media and team's head this week that he wants to come out with "all barrels loaded" from here on out, no matter who the opponent is. I LOVE that mentality. I always hate how OSU isn't one of those teams that consistently beats up on the teams that they should murder. Florida, USC, Texas, etc. all pour on the points and big time stats against the New Mexico State's of the world, while OSU generally plays down to their competition. I want to see Tressel turn a new leaf (which probably isn't likely) and attempt to score over 50 in this game. We will see how that goes...

I hate that this game is being played now, but what can you do? Brandon Saine and Jordan Hall will be the premier backs in this game (Saine has been cleared to play after suffering a mild concussion against Minnesota) and they should both expect a lot of carries/yards, but I think everyone knows that this game could be important for Terrelle Pryor in terms of getting reps and throwing the ball down the field. If he is going to truly become a great teammate and quarterback, he is going to need to keep his confidence up. I dare you to come up with a better way to boost one's confidence than making some huge plays, albeit against an awful team, a week before the Penn State game. Let this kid think that he has the ability to move the ball down the field against anyone. Let him play! He is our only hope of going 3-0 in the month of November and winning another Big Ten championship.

Here is a brutally honest statement: this game sucks. But there is a lot to see with how Pryor plays going into November. The Buckeyes win big as they prepare to travel to Happy Valley in one of the games of the year in the conference.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 48

NM State- 7

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 9

#5 USC (6-1) @ #10 Oregon (6-1)

This is definitely my game of the week. This will go a long way in determining what happens in the BCS race, and obviously it could determine whether USC continues its Pac 10 dominance which has spanned over the past seven seasons. With a victory, Oregon would have to lose two of its remaining games just to TIE for the conference championship. In other words, the chances are extremely high that Oregon will be a shoe in to go to the Rose Bowl (or with some luck maybe further) and become the first team to win the Pac 10 not named USC since 2001. The Trojans have a very good football team. They were outplayed for awhile out coached against Ohio State, but then USC put one drive together and won the game. It was legendary stuff for Matt Barkley, who led his team to a victory despite a bum shoulder. The road win over Notre Dame featured shot after shot taken from each offense, with USC eventually holding on. In other words, SC doesn't lose big games, and it has continued this season. But seriously...Barkley is a true freshman. And the defense isn't playing completely up to par as opposed to past Pete Carroll defenses. Something has to give, and I think that Oregon will squeak out a victory in Eugene Saturday night. USC is too young, while Oregon is clearly playing the best football in the conference. The Pac 10 crown (at least for a season) will finally be handed over to a worthy adversary: the Oregon Ducks.

Prediction:

USC- 24

Oregon- 27

#3 Texas (7-0) @ #14 Oklahoma State (6-1)

This would have maybe trumped USC/Oregon for the game of the week if Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant was eligible to play. He isn't, and this game has lost some luster. That doesn't mean that Oklahoma State's underrated defense can't step up to the occasion, QB Zac Robinson can't manage a mistake free game or RB Kendall Hunter can't break off a few big plays to spring the upset over the Longhorns. Realistically though, Texas is a very good team even though it hasn't looked like it much this season. I think that UT goes into Stillwater, plays an efficient game, and hangs on after taking a big lead to beat the other highly ranked team in the Big 12 South (which was supposed to be Oklahoma).

Prediction:

Texas- 35

OSU- 23

#1 Florida (7-0) vs Georgia (4-3)

This is more of a game of the week by necessity. There really aren't anymore amazing match ups that jump off the page at you this Halloween. Florida-Georgia is traditionally a great rivalry game to watch, and this year won't be any different in terms of the passion that both sides will bring. UGA needs this win to salvage what has been a highly disappointing season thus far. Florida just wants to keep winning, baby. And they will continue to win, but Georgia will give them a hell of a game for at least one half of football. I don't see Florida losing this season to be honest, but as of right now they have a date with Alabama in the SEC Championship Game that should be very interesting...

Prediction:

Florida- 41

Georgia- 20

Big Ten Rundown-

#17 OSU (6-2) vs New Mexico State (3-5) TBA ...haha

#4 Iowa (8-0) over Indiana (4-4)

#12 PSU (7-1) over Northwestern (5-3)

Wisconsin (5-2) over Purdue (3-5)

Michigan State (4-4) over Minnesota (4-4)

Michigan (5-3) over Illinois (1-6)

BCS Predictions

Championship- Alabama Crimson Tide (13-0) vs Texas Longhorns (13-0)

Rose- Oregon Ducks (10-2) vs Iowa Hawkeyes (11-1)

Fiesta- Boise State Broncos (12-0) vs USC Trojans (10-2)

Sugar- Florida Gators (12-1) vs Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2)

Orange- Cincinnati Bearcats (11-1) vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (11-2)

My Top 10- Week Nine

1. Alabama (8-0, Bye Week)

2. Florida (7-0, vs Georgia)

3. Texas (7-0, @ Oklahoma State)

4. Cincinnati (7-0, @ Syracuse)

5. Iowa (8-0, vs Indiana)

6. Boise State (7-0, vs San Jose State)

7. TCU (7-0, vs UNLV)

8. USC (6-1, @ Oregon)

9. LSU (6-1, vs Tulane)

10. Oregon (6-1, vs USC)

Outside Looking In...

Penn State (7-1)

Georgia Tech (7-1)

Oklahoma State (6-1)

Game 8- #19 Ohio State (5-2, 3-1) vs Minnesota (4-3, 2-2)

Where: Ohio Stadium

When: Noon EST

TV: ESPN

I'm really not in the mood to comment on this game, because the next two weeks are the worst thing to go through after an unexpected loss. Mediocre teams after a loss = boredom and highly critical fans rambling on until you play your next real opponent. Playing Penn State will get this fan base back on track, but that isn't for another two weeks. Instead of talking about Minnesota, here are a few things that I want to see out of this team by the end of the season:

1. Run the spread offense out of the shotgun effectively. Lower level WAC teams can run this offense, but OSU can't and it is way too frustrating. It can most certainly be fixed, but we will need to be patient about it. The talent is there, but all of the young pieces (the majority of this offense are sophomores) need to all be on the same page.

2. NO HUDDLE. QUICK PLAY CALLING. This will instill a sense of urgency in the offense and will allow Pryor an opportunity to simply make plays as opposed to thinking too much and hurting the offense. It would be more effective than what is happening now.

3. Showing promise against teams like Penn State, Iowa and Michigan to earn a BCS bowl spot so the Buckeyes can still prove themselves against top competition in January. Whatever bowl game OSU plays in could and should be a launching pad for what should be an amazing 2010 team. But first things first: beat Minnesota, NMSU, PSU, Iowa and Michigan.

4. Be patient. Everyone. The coaches, fans, media, etc. Troy Smith ran all of the time and wasn't a good quarterback until after the 2005 Penn State game in the middle of his redshirt junior year. Because Pryor was so heavily recruited, we would expect to see an astronomical leap with him this season. To put it simply though, it isn't going to happen this season...unless it is after the Michigan game. He is an amazing athlete, so utilize him as such. Run him! Be creative! Under Tressel this probably won't happen, but it might need to if anyone expects to win out and be crowned a Big Ten champion for the fifth time in a row.

Oh, and OSU beats Minnesota. The offense will look better, obviously, but not too pretty while the defense will suffocate the Golden Gophers.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 27

Minnesota- 10

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 8

#8 TCU @ #16 BYU-

The sad fact of it is that this is the national game of the week...and this week in college football is the typical let down week where no great games are scheduled. Hopefully some upsets occur...but moving on, I like TCU more than I do BYU. I have always like what coach Patterson has done down in Forth Worth and like the style of football that the Horned Frogs play more than the Cougars (or the Mormons). However, TCU is due for a loss and this is probably their only legit chance of failing on the national stage. BYU is more battle tested and should squeak this one out late in the fourth quarter. For the second year in the a row it should be a true classic.

Prediction:

BYU- 20

TCU- 16

#13 Penn State @ Michigan-

It is odd picking the winner of this game simply because I am still not a believer in Michigan's football team, yet I know that Michigan owns this series, especially in the Big House. I fully comprehend the Wolverine's progression from an awful team to an exciting team, but exciting and good aren't always necessarily the same thing. The defense isn't as strong as I expected, while the offense still hasn't had a completely dominating performance against a good defense. They will most certainly play a good defense this Saturday. Penn State will play their style of football and ultimately win this game, but big blue will hang around most of the day to put a scare into the Lions. If Michigan puts up more than 30 on this defense, than maybe I'll finally respect the Wolverine offense fully. I doubt it happens, though.

Prediction:

Penn State- 27

Michigan- 23

Oregon State @ #7 USC-

Yeah...it is that bad of a week. This isn't exactly game of the week material, albeit this was a game that sent shock waves throughout the country last September when the Beavers upset USC. The Trojans have had this game circled on their calendar, which means that they won't overlook their opponent and they will probably win. I don't see any reason to think differently. The last REAL test of the season for USC comes next week when they travel to Eugene to take on the red hot Oregon Ducks.

Prediction:

USC- 34

OSU- 14

Big Ten Rundown:

Minnesota (4-3) @ Ohio State (5-2) TBA

Penn State (6-1) over Michigan (5-2)

Iowa (7-0) over Michigan State (4-3) ...closer than the experts think.

Northwestern (4-3) over Indiana (4-3)

Purdue (2-5) over Illinois (1-5)

Projected Bowl Teams

Iowa (11-1) Co- Big Ten Champs

Ohio State (10-2) Co-Big Ten Champs

Penn State (10-2) two conference losses

Wisconsin (9-3) another Outback bowl

Michigan (8-4) could give Rich Rod first bowl win in Ann Arbor

Michigan State (7-5) Who knows

Northwestern (7-5) Who knows

Minnesota (6-6) Who knows

My Top Ten- Week Eight

......... I feel like an idiot. But I'll move on soon.

1 a. Florida (6-0, @ Mississippi State)

1 b. Alabama (7-0, vs Tennessee)

3. Texas (6-0, @ Missouri)

4. USC (5-1, vs Oregon State

5. Boise State (6-0, @ Hawaii)

6. Iowa (7-0, @ Michigan State)

7. Cincinnati (6-0, vs Louisville)

8. LSU (5-1, vs Auburn)

9. Miami, FL (5-1, vs Clemson)

10. Georgia Tech (6-1, @ Virginia)

Outside Looking In...

TCU

Oregon

Penn State

Oklahoma State

Virginia Tech

Where's OSU? 20th for me....

Game 7- #7/7 Ohio State (5-1, 3-0) @ Purdue (1-5, 0-3)

Where: Ross-Ade Stadium (West Lafayette, IN)

When: Noon EST

TV: Big Ten Network

I don't have much to brag about, but I will say that I accurately predicted the score of the Wisconsin game this past weekend. I went the entire week without mentioning it to anyone, while others might have boasted the fact. I figured this was an appropriate venue to say FINALLLYYYYY it's been years since I've predicted a final score correctly.

Moving on, the Buckeyes may have in fact scored 31 points, yet only ten of them were accrued by the offensive side of the ball. How is that even possible? I don't even want to hear all of the excuses because they all amount to one simple aspect of football: not executing. That, and only having the ball for barely even ten minutes. Regardless of the offensive ineffectiveness displayed by Terrelle Pryor and the offense, the defense played its fifth straight outstanding game. The silver bullet defense truly looks like one of the best in the nation (yet again) and may be even more nasty than the units that featuring Laurinaitis, Jenkins, Gholston and Freeman. Special teams played a near perfect day, even if they did give up a fake field goal touchdown in the first half. To summarize the Wisconsin game, it is evident that Ohio State has a very good football team with or without an explosive offense. At the end of the day, that is the sign of a pretty solid team.

The attitude in the locker room with the players and coaches seems to be that of immense confidence in what the offense will achieve the rest of the season, starting with Purdue this weekend. Coming off a horrid performance, that is the kind of mentality i like to see in a young team. Pryor, Saine, Small, Posey and Ballard are all players who have come out and said that the offense is clicking for the first time all season and that they are ready to light up the scoreboard.

Hmmm....this is a good weekend to start, considering they are playing one of the worst defenses in the Big Ten to go along with the fact that Purdue turns the ball over more than anyone else in the conference. If you go by the facts, then the Bucks will have plenty of opportunities to put up points on offense in West Lafayette.

Look for RB Brandon Saine to be a huge benefactor in the offense this weekend, to go along with big games from WRs DeVier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher and of course (shock) Terrelle Pryor. I am calling for Pryor to have the best game of the season, which will lead to two straight weeks of consistent play from him leading into the Penn State game. The defense will, as always, hold up its end of the bargain which means that in the end Purdue won't have too much to toot their horns about (get it?). It will get UGLY in West Lafayette on Saturday. The only thing Boilermaker fans should be excited about is that they have a good new head coach in Danny Hope to go along with some nice weather for Saturday. Then again, I'm quit the optimist. Maybe they should just go ahead and quit before OSU's team bus arrives tomorrow night.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 41

Purdue- 10

Path to the National Championship

I have it all figured out, and it really isn't rocket science. To be honest, it is quite rational and highly likely.

Ohio State will be in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game in Pasadena, CA on Thursday, January 7th on ABC.

How is this possible you ask? Let's break it down...

These are the current projected BCS rankings (the first official poll will be released on Sunday afternoon) :

1. Florida Gators (undefeated)

2. Alabama Crimson Tide (undefeated)

3. Virginia Tech Hokies (one loss)

4. Texas Longhorns (undefeated)

5. Boise State (undefeated)

6. USC (one loss)

7. LSU (one loss)

8. OHIO STATE (one loss)

9. Cincinnati (undefeated)

10. Iowa (undefeated)

You must be a conference champion to play for the national championship. Keep that in mind as we continue...

Florida or Alabama will be eliminated from championship contention by virtue of this rule. Theoretically, this moves OSU ahead a spot. Oh, wait, make that two spots because Boise State will never play for the national championship and if OSU keeps winning they would ultimately jump the WAC powerhouse.

This leaves teams like Texas, Virginia Tech, USC and LSU ahead of the Buckeyes. Hmmm.... what did I say about the SEC? Only one team will qualify, and there are three teams ahead of the Buckeyes. Eliminate LSU from this conversation, please. They aren't good enough.

Texas hasn't looked quite up to par this season, and have a legitimate shot to lose this weekend to Oklahoma, if not down the stretch. If they lose a game, and win out to win the Big 12 championship then they will probably get to the big dance. I don't think this will happen, though. I have a hunch that Oklahoma will win out by virtue of having a better defense and having their Heisman winning QB back from injury. A two loss OU team wins the Big 12, eliminating Texas.

Virginia Tech and USC are the only two teams in the way of the Buckeyes at this point. If you look from a historical standpoint, the ACC teams will all beat up on each other leaving a 2 or 3 loss conference champion. I don't see why this season won't be any different. I like Virginia Tech, but only as a two loss conference champion. Bump the Hokies from contention.

It comes down to USC again????? That just isn't fair. Well, technically it is fair because the Trojans took down the beloved Buckeyes back on September 12th, but you know what I mean. USC has to play on the road at Notre Dame and red hot Oregon, while also needing to not fall prey to yet another low level opponent.

In short: if USC's competence against lesser opponents, matched with two tough road games, is what stands in front of OSU getting to the national championship game against the SEC champion (I assume), then I guess I am somewhat confident.

Oh, and Cincinnati will lose. It's not even a conversation to be had, really.

Here is how I see things shaking up at the end of the season....

Rose Bowl-

Oregon (10-2) vs Boise State (12-0) ...... I picked this simply for intrigue purposes

Sugar Bowl-

Alabama (12-1) vs Virginia Tech (11-2)

Fiesta Bowl-

Texas (11-1) vs USC (10-2)

Orange Bowl-

South Florida (10-2) vs Oklahoma (11-2)

BCS National Championship Game-

Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1) vs Florida Gators (13-0)

By the way, I understand OSU and its inept offense have to win out in order to play for the national championship.

I also understand that the offense WILL improve, and that this defense is just as good as Alabama's, Florida's, etc.

Alabama features sheer power; Florida pure speed. OSU has a little bit of everything.

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 7

#18/20 Oklahoma (3-2) vs #2/3 Texas (5-0) in Dallas -

The annual Red River Rivalry (aka the Red River Shootout) always has a lot at stake simply because it is one of the best rivalries in college football. It was supposed to be one of the greatest this season, yet has failed to live up to the hype. The reason? Sam Bradford's injury in their season opening loss to BYU. You figure that if Bradford was healthy the Sooners would have been able to at least fend off BYU and more than likely beat Miami. Regardless, it looks like Oklahoma has everything to gain and Texas has everything to lose. The Longhorns have A LOT of pressure to win this game. I feel like Colt McCoy is the QB to get it done for Texas this season, yet Oklahoma has way too much to prove in this game. I liked Texas all throughout the off season to beat their rivals, however I am calling for the upset as Oklahoma upsets the Longhorns to remain in the race to win the Big 12 championship.

Prediction:

Oklahoma- 30

Texas- 24

#5/6 USC (4-1) @ #25/25 Notre Dame (4-1) -

Does anyone else feel as if the Fighting Irish should be ranked a little bit higher considering all the praise that ESPN gives them? I think they might deserve to be slightly higher, but not too much higher considering how they had to fend off both Washington and Purdue late, and needed a lot of luck to beat Michigan State. Despite these close losses, it seems as if Charlie Weis has the tools to finally beat the Trojans. Good luck with that one, Chuck. I like USC to go into South Bend, run the football effectively, and open up the game for Matt Barkley throwing the ball down field to his talented receivers. It won't be pretty early, but it will be beautiful late in the game for USC when they shut down Jimmy Clausen and the Irish.

Prediction:

USC- 34

ND- 17

#4/4 Virginia Tech (5-1) @ #19/20 Georgia Tech (5-1) -

Everyone is sleeping on Georgia Tech. Why? They have one of the top rushing offenses in the country to go along with an improved passing attack. I don't have many reasons behind what I'm about to say, but I think Virginia Tech will lose one more game this season...and this is it. I love Virginia Tech's team, but I like them just enough to say that they finish 10-2 and then go on to win the ACC championship. Georgia Tech gets one more touchdown that VT in a surprising defensive battle en route to an upset of the fourth ranked Hokies.

Prediction:

GT- 23

VT- 16

Big Ten Rundown...

Michigan fell to Iowa (expectingly), and everything else went as expected I suppose. Look for this week to fall under the same category....with the exception of Iowa going down in Madison.

#7/7 Ohio State (5-1) @ Purdue (1-5) : TBA

Wisconsin (5-1) over #11/12 Iowa (6-0)

#13/14 Penn State (5-1) over Minnesota (4-2)

Michigan (4-2) over Delaware State

Michigan State (3-3) over Northwestern (4-2)

Illinois (1-4) over Indiana (3-3)

UPSET ALERT!!!!

This week in college football might as well be considered a trap for any favored team playing, because there are way too many upset alert games for the majority of top 25 teams. The traps have been set to snare many unsuspecting victims this week, but who will lose? Let's look at the match ups...

#11/12 Iowa (6-0) @ Wisconsin (5-1) -

I will go ahead and say that Iowa has a legit defense, a great head coach and seems to have an aura about them in clutch situations this season. I will call their bluff and say that they will lose to an extremely physical Wisconsin football team. The Badgers will remind Iowa that offense is a key to winning football games 9 times out of 10, and the Hawkeyes won't be able to muster enough points. Verdict: UPSET

#22/22 South Carolina (5-1) @ #2/3 Alabama (6-0) -

In the SEC many greats teams haven fallen to seemingly unworthy opponents, yet still go on to achieve great things (see Florida or LSU the past three seasons). This could be yet another example. The Gamecocks have a swagger on defense to go with much improved play by QB Stephen Garcia which has led to some great victories this season, most especially the win over Ole Miss. I guess I will go with some simple math here: SC beat Ole Miss close, while Bama killed the Rebels. In short, Bama will beat South Carolina in a close game. Stupid equations aside, I do think Alabama will almost fall to South Carolina but will be too powerful along the line of scrimmage in the fourth quarter for coach Spurrier's team to handle. Verdict: No Upset.

#8/9 Cincinnati (5-0) @ #21/21 South Florida (5-0) -

I don't need to explain myself here, and I will go ahead and say what everyone already knows I'm going to say: Cincinnati will lose Thursday night. South Florida was my preseason favorite to win the Big East conference, and has proven to be just as powerful of a team without star QB Matt Groethe. I won't back off of them now, seeing as how they have improved each and every week this season. UC won't be able to generate enough defensive stops and USF will send the "best team in Ohio" back home with an even bigger chip on their shoulder as usual. GO BULLS! Verdict: BIG TIME UPSET

My Top 10 - Week Seven

1. Florida (5-0, vs Arkansas)

2. Alabama (6-0, vs South Carolina)

3. Texas (5-0, vs Oklahoma)

4. Virginia Tech (5-1, @ Georgia Tech)

5. USC (4-1, @ Notre Dame)

6. Ohio State (5-1, @ Purdue)

7. Boise State (5-0 , @ Tulsa)

8. Iowa (6-0, @ Wisconsin)

9. Cincinnati (5-0, @ South Florida)

10. LSU (5-1, Bye Week)

outside looking in....

TCU

Penn State

Miami, FL

Oregon

Game 6- #8/8 Ohio State (4-1, 2-0) vs #25 Wisconsin (5-0, 2-0)

Where: Ohio Stadium

When: 3:30 EST

TV: ABC Regional (ESPN or ESPN2 in some areas)

This game brings back a lot of memories for me, which mostly are negative ones. I became a big time fan of OSU football near the tail end of the Cooper era that featured two straight home losses to Wisconsin to end his career. One of which was against the eventual Rose Bowl champions in 1999 that saw the Buckeyes take a 17-0 halftime lead. Wisconsin won 42-17. In 2001, Tressel's first year on the job inheriting what Cooper had left at OSU, OSU was once again up 17-0 only to see that lead diminish into a 20-17 loss to Wisconsin. Since Tressel has taken over, the series is knotted up at 3-3. Why is this stat important? Well, not only does it show that these games have been extremely physical and competitive, but also that Tressel does not have a winning record against the Badgers. They are the ONLY team that Tressel doesn't have a winning record against. This game may not seem big in terms of their ranking (only ranked in one poll at #25) or in terms of how this game may not even end up registering a blip on the Big Ten championship radar, but it is big for Jim Tressel and this Ohio State football team. If they beat Wisconsin, they generally own every single team in their conference. That's a lot of incentive in my opinion.

It will obviously be a physical contest, featuring a mistake free QB at Wisconsin named Scott Tolzien and a strong, big bodied RB John Clay and a typical large Badger offensive line, but the defense does not impress me that much. They have had to survive many football games this season by registering three turnovers or more against inferior competition. If Wisconsin can achieve three turnovers in this football game, then I guess they deserve to win. However, the weather is looking calm and cool without any precipitation, and OSU has been holding on to the ball relatively well lately (they average a turnover a game when the weather is fine...which isn't good but I'm just saying it's not bad either). I know that OSU had fumbilitis against Illinois, but there was a downpour for that entire game. Throughout the game, there will be moments where Wisconsin will be knocking on the door and have an opportunity to seize momentum. I know the Buckeye defense far too well to know that Wisconsin won't have a prayer in doing much of anything consistently throughout the day.

I expect a defensive battle for the first half, with Terrelle Pryor, Brandon Saine and Boom Herron taking control of the game for the Buckeyes in the second half. The defense will score a touchdown late to seal it, and OSU will march on to 5-1 with an undefeated record in the Big Ten. If Iowa loses to Michigan, then the Bucks will have sole possession of first place in the conference. Why is that important in early October? I suppose it is not that important....I just hope that Ohio State will be #1 come the end of November and USC is #1 in the Pac 10....

Prediction:

Ohio State- 31

Wisconsin- 13

Games of the Week/ Big Ten Rundown 6

#1/1 Florida (4-0) @ #4/4 LSU (5-0) -

If Tim Tebow can't go in this one, then LSU should win this game. Losing a Tim Tebow isn't something that can be fixed by simply putting in another guy who can run the system effectively. You are losing the heart, soul and fire behind the undefeated, defending national champions. With all of this aside, I do think that Tebow plays in this game because, as I mentioned before, he is the heart of this team and will refuse to not play in a game on such a big stage. It will be close heading into the fourth quarter, but Tebow will lead a touchdown drive to secure the lead while the stellar defense will do the rest. LSU will prove they aren't a joke, but Florida will be Florida and win this big game.

Prediction:

Florida- 28

LSU- 20

#3/3 Alabama (5-0) @ #16/20 Ole Miss (3-1) -

Another big time SEC showdown will define this week's action, although I don't see it being quite as intriguing as a Florida-LSU match up. In my opinion, Alabama is the most well balanced team in college football and are most suited to play for the national title and win if the game were being played today. The Crimson Tide defense should do everything in their power to keep Ole Miss from pulling any fast ones early in the game, and will force Mississippi QB Jeavan Snead to win the game with his arm. He will throw for two touchdowns, but it will be too late. Alabama will already be up by several touchdowns.

Prediction:

Alabama- 30

Ole Miss- 14

Michigan (4-1) @ #12/14 Iowa (5-0) -

Iowa is widely considered to be the favorite to win the Big Ten after beating Penn State in Happy Valley. Am I buying into that? Well, they are a safe team to pick because they are physical, they run the football well, their QB doesn't make mistakes and they have a hell of a coach. I am highly unimpressed with their offensive production, though, and think that their defense is beatable. Michigan will come into Iowa City and put A LOT of scare into the Hawkeye faithful, but Iowa's defense will step up and make some plays down the stretch to secure a very close victory. What?? Michigan is human after everyone declared them back among the conference's elite?? Who saw that coming??? .....I did....

Prediction:

Iowa- 23

UM- 17

Big Ten Rundown-

Other than Ohio State, Iowa and Wisconsin, no one is looking too awesome at the moment. Penn State and Michigan have both dropped games that they should've won, while everyone else just loses it seems like. Iowa and Wisconsin are both 5-0, while OSU might as well be 5-0 after the way they played against USC. Their three point loss to the Trojans was probably the best thing to happen to Big Ten football since...well...when OSU won the national title after the 2002 season. An undefeated team might fall this weekend in conference play. But who will it be: Iowa or Wisconsin?

Wisconsin (5-0) @ Ohio State (4-1) TBA

Michigan State (2-3) over Illinois (1-3) Dantonio has this team focused after a rough start.

Iowa (5-0) over Michigan (4-1) Too much defense for the little QB that could Tate Forcier.

Minnesota (3-2) over Purdue (1-4) Purdue just can't play defense. Minnesota can score a lot.

Penn State (4-1) over Eastern Illinois (????) Who cares.

Northwestern (3-2) over Miami OH (0-5) Who cares, part II.

Indiana (3-2) over Virginia (1-3) FIRE AL GROH!! He's done at Virginia...for real this time.

My Top 10 - Week Six

1. Florida (4-0, @ LSU)

2. Alabama (5-0, @ Ole Miss)

3. Texas (4-0, vs Colorado)

4. LSU (5-0, vs Florida)

5. Virginia Tech (4-1, vs Boston College)

6. Boise State (5-0, Bye Week)

7. USC (4-1, @ Notre Dame)

8. Ohio State (4-1, vs Wisconsin)

9. Cincinnati (5-0, Bye Week)

10. TCU (4-0, @ Air Force)

Outside Looking In...

Iowa (5-0)

Oklahoma State (4-1)

Miami, FL (3-1)

Oregon (4-1)

Penn State (4-1)

I finally backed down on ranking Ohio State ahead of USC. I do believe that OSU is a better team than the Trojans, however it is wasted energy to still be stewing about that match up. I will worry about who should be ranked higher if it comes down to earning a national title bid....

The Florida-LSU match up suddenly looks like it could be a hell of a game with HUGE national title implications. I don't think LSU will be in the national title conversation because Alabama should beat them, Ole Miss is still hanging around and Florida is clearly better, but you never know in this day and age who will win what games. I was completely wrong about this LSU team (especially their defense), so I expect a classic in Baton Rouge Saturday night.

Game 5- #9/9 Ohio State Buckeyes (3-1, 1-0) @ Indiana (3-1, 0-1)

Where: Memorial Stadium (Bloomington, IN)

When: 7:00 PM

TV: Big Ten Network

Short and sweet: Ohio State will MURDER Indiana. I don't buy into Indiana's pistol offense. I don't buy into their run defense being among the best in the Big Ten. I don't buy into their "revamped" home field advantage. Until I see a change, I will always be under the impression that OSU will have almost as many fans in the stadium as there are IU fans.

It will be ugly, and IU will quit just after halftime.

Sorry to be so blunt about it, but this will be a snoozer.

Brandon Saine scores twice, along with Pryor accounting for three total touchdowns, as the Buckeyes destroy yet another opponent....even though I don't have the guts to call for a third straight upset.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 42

Indiana- 3

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 5

#8/8 Oklahoma (2-1) @ #17/21 Miami FL (2-1) -

Miami was supposed to make their comeback to the national stage last week against Virginia Tech, but they must have booked their plans for another date and time. Perhaps for this Saturday night against traditional power Oklahoma? I doubt it. Oklahoma has hardly given up any points this season, including two consecutive shutouts since losing to BYU the first week of the season. Even is Sam Bradford isn't back for the Sooners, I like the favorites to come away with a victory in Coral Gables. Miami just won't be able to match the physicality that OU will bring to the table.

Prediction:

OU- 27

The U- 13

#4/4 LSU (4-0) @ #14/18 Georgia (3-1) -

I think that LSU is very talented, skilled and ready to explode at any moment in the SEC. I also think that at this point in the season they are highly overrated. Georgia has shown improvements on the defensive side of the ball while being able to score in bunches this season. I think that Georgia will benefit from LSU's lack of defensive tenacity and be able to score early and often against the Tigers. LSU will have it's moments but ultimately they will be caught looking ahead to Florida and will drop a game on the road to Mark Richt and Georgia.

Prediction:

UGA- 33

LSU- 20

#7/7 USC (3-1) @ #19/24 California (3-1) -

Both team aren't the most impressive teams I have seen this season, but both are obviously pretty damn good when on top of their games. When they aren't on the top of their games...well...losses to Washington and a massacre by Oregon will occur. Cal will put all of their energy into forcing Matt Barkley to win the game for USC, while the Trojans will focus on taking on Jahvid Best and the Cal running attack. I like USC's defense much more than I do Cal's, so I will take Southern Cal to win. It's not that I do not like California anymore, but you can't go against USC in a big conference game. The Trojans resume, which includes a gutsy win over Ohio State, is much more impressive at this point.

Prediction:

Cal- 14

USC- 26

Big Ten Rundown-

I will make it short and simple here and pick what I think will happen. Not much to report on at this point in conference play.

Michigan State (1-3) over Michigan (4-0) UPSET

Wisconsin (4-0) over Minnesota (3-1)

Northwestern (2-2) over Purdue (1-3)

Penn State (3-1) over Illinois (1-2)

Iowa (4-0) over Arkansas State

Ohio State (3-1) @ Indiana (3-1) TBD