Game 5- #2 Ohio State (4-0) @ Illinois Fighting Illini (2-1)

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: Noon EST
TV: Big Ten Network

After a 73-20 victory over Eastern Michigan, the two main topics of conversation revolved around how great the offense is so far this season and how many points the defense gave up against the winless Eagles from the MAC. I completely agree about both points, but what about the way the defense played against Miami and the teams not named Eastern Michigan? They will be fine... no, more than fine actually because they will be great. Both the defense and offense are ranked in the top ten in the nation, so I'd say things are pretty good right now. Now, finally, it is off to the Big Ten schedule.

This isn't what you would necessarily call a "thrilling" conference opener, but it is on the road and against a familiar opponent, nonetheless. It is always a good feeling when October rolls around and it is time to prepare for Big Ten foes each and every week. The first two games, Saturday at Illinois and Indiana, can be excused from the schedule please. These should both result in victories whether they look pretty or not. The real fun begins October 16th at Wisconsin, with three of the final five games after that coming against current top 25 teams. It will be a lot of fun this season in the Big Ten (soon to be a member larger with Nebraska joining), and it all kicks off Saturday in Champaign.

There isn't much to say... Illinois will try to run the ball with their backfield of QB Nate Scheelhaase and RB Mike Leshoure in order to set up a more easy-going passing attack in hopes that they can shock the #2 and unbeaten Buckeyes. I highly doubt that happens, and OSU will win this game.

Illinois will commit at least three turnovers, with OSU scoring on each of them to run up the score in what will otherwise be a snoozefest. Pryor will have at least one score on the ground to complement a couple throws into the endzone, which should open up the running game for Boom, Saine and the younger Hall and Berry. I'll call for a comfortable - if not sexy - win over Illinois. Bring on Indiana!!!! (SIGH)


Prediction:

Ohio State- 41
Illinois- 13

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 5

#8 Oklahoma (4-0) vs #16/21 Texas (3-1) in Dallas
- The Longhorns embarrassed themselves last week against UCLA, turning the ball over left and right and failing to provide any threat offensively. They looked like a team that was disinterested and used to relying on the arm of Colt McCoy to win them football games. Oklahoma has played exceptionally well in these types of games lately against good opponents. I want to say that Texas will bounce back and win, but I just don't see it happening as the Sooners are too good offensively and should have plenty of defense to take care of QB Garrett Gilbert and the Texas offense. The Red River Shootout should be anything but a shootout. It'll be close, but the Sooners will be the better team.

Oklahoma- 21
Texas- 17

#7 Florida (4-0) @ #1 Alabama(4-0)
- This is one of the those games where you get the feeling that Florida might be clicking at the right time before they take on the team that destroyed them en route to a national championship last December. Despite the improvements that the Gators have made, I also have a feeling that Alabama won't lose at home this year; they are just too good as of right now. I will say that it should be entertaining, but the Crimson Tide will roll to a victory in T-Town.

Florida- 20
Alabama- 28

#9/13 Stanford (4-0) @ #4 Oregon (4-0)
- I am highly intrigued by this game, and it has nothing to do with how good the offenses have been so far this season. It all has to do with the fact that Stanford was the only team in the Pac 10 to beat the Ducks last season, and it seems as if the Cardinal might be even better in 2010 (they certainly are more physical). I think that Stanford will be able to control the line of scrimmage, which will give QB Andrew Luck all kinds of time to throw and make plays. Stanford will score a lot of points... but Oregon is playing at home in the Autzen "Zoo", and I simply can't ignore that. Oregon wins a shootout in a revenge game. Believe it or not, like it or not, Oregon is a national championship contender. I don't think they are that great but the offense is certainly good which usually gets you far in the Pac 10. As long as that defense takes the field then I will continue to say that if the Ducks played 'Bama or OSU today that they would get KILLED.

Stanford- 45
Oregon- 48


Big Ten Rundown-
#2 Ohio State @ Illinois- TBA

#9/11 Wisconsin (4-0) @ #21/24 Michigan State (4-0)
- I want to say that Michigan State will pull off the upset here, but I just don't see MSU being able to slow down the Wisconsin running game for four quarters. It will be the closest Big Ten game of the day, however the Spartans will come up just shy of the upset. I like Michigan State a lot, for the record.

#20/22 Penn State (3-1) @ #17/18 Iowa (3-1)
- Unfortunately for PSU it requires a seasoned quarterback, generally, to pull off an upset against a nasty defense that will look to pin their ears back and blitz you all day long. Penn State features a true freshman at QB, and Iowa has a crazy good defense. I know that Arizona did what they did against them, but they are still a good group. Iowa will win by at least 10.

#19 Michigan (4-0) @ Indiana (3-0)
- I could go either way on this one, but UM is playing very well offensively right now, and I do not anticipate the Hoosiers being able to slow down QB Denard Robinson all day long. Indiana will score over 20, but this one will go to the surprising Wolverines.

Northwestern (4-0) @ Minnesota (1-3)
- I personally think that Northwestern should be ranked here pretty soon. They will be a tough out in whatever bowl game they play in and have an outstanding head coach. There is no doubt in my mind that they will beat the Golden Gophers in Minneapolis.

My Top Ten- Week 5

1. Ohio State (4-0, @ Illinois)
2. Alabama (4-0, vs Florida)
3. Oregon (4-0, vs Stanford)
4. Boise State (3-0, @ New Mexico State)
5. Oklahoma (4-0, vs Texas in Dallas)
6. TCU (4-0, @ Colorado State)
7. Florida (4-0, @ Alabama)
8. Nebraska (4-0, Bye Week)
9. Wisconsin (4-0, @ Michigan State)
10. Stanford (4-0, @ Oregon)

Outside Looking In...
Utah (4-0)
Auburn (4-0)
Arizona (4-0)
LSU (4-0)
Iowa (3-1)

Eastern Michigan Preview....

I refuse to break down this match up.

The Eagles haven't won a game since 2008, and OSU will shut them out on their way to a big victory over Eastern Michigan.

It will get ugly -- and boring -- early.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 52
E. Michigan- 0

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 4

#1 Alabama (3-0) @ #10/11 Arkansas (3-0) -
I gotta tell you that I must've lit a spark under the Crimson Tide by having the Buckeyes ranked ahead of them from day one. I'm assuming that the average household reads this blog, especially every football player in America, so Bama must have seen that they were only ranked #2 to begin the year. They have looked very, very impressive so far en route to a 3-0 start. Their first road game is this weekend when they travel to Fayetteville to take on Heisman candidate QB Ryan Mallett and the red-hot Arkansas offense. I think this will be a game where Arkansas gets off to a great start only to see the Tide climb their way out of an early deficit to reclaim the lead. Then... here comes the UPSET. I like Mallett to lead another game winning drive against an SEC team to beat the Crimson Tide and send everyone into Razorback pandemonium (don't worry, they are no better than a 9-10 win team... but they are good enough to beat Alabama on a rainy day I think).

Alabama- 24
Arkansas- 27

#24/NR Oregon State (1-1) @ #3 Boise State (2-0) -
I'm going for broke here... you can't tell me that Oregon State doesn't have the talent to beat a top flight non-BCS school. They almost did, and quite frankly should have beaten TCU to begin the year. I am a big believer in what OSU can bring to the table, and I am picking the ill-guided upset this weekend. Sounds like a lot of upsets, but anything can happen.

Oregon State- 31
Boise State- 28

#21/22 West Virginia (3-0) @ #12/15 LSU (3-0) -
A Big East team visiting an SEC team sounds like manslaughter, but the Mountaineers have enough pieces to make sure that this thing doesn't get ugly. I like LSU's defense to save the day and ultimately give the Tigers the victory, but never count out the pesky big play combo of RB Noel Devine and WR Jock Sanders. West Virginia keeps is very close heading into the fourth quarter before two LSU touchdowns seal the deal.

West Virginia- 20
Louisiana St.- 34

Big Ten Rundown-

A very boring week of Big Ten football... the fun begins in October.

Eastern Michigan @ Ohio State- TBA
Austin Peay @ #10/11 Wisconsin- ...Badgers win.
Ball State @ #18 Iowa- ... Hawkeyes rebound and win.
Bowling Green @ #21/22 Michigan- Blue wins by more than 5.
Temple @ #20/23 Penn State- A close game; edge to PSU.
Northern Colorado @ #23/25 Michigan State- Sparty wins for their coach.
Central Michigan @ Northwestern- Close 1st half with 'Cats winning.
Akron @ Indiana- The Hoosiers light up the scoreboard.
Toledo @ Purdue- UPSET! I think Purdue will lose to Toledo on Saturday.
Northern Illinois @ Minnesota- The Gophers prevail.

My Top Ten- Week 4

1. Ohio State (3-0, vs Eastern Michigan)
2. Alabama (3-0, @ Arkansas)
3. Oregon (3-0, @ Arizona State)
4. Oklahoma (3-0, @ Cincinnati)
5. Texas (3-0, vs UCLA)
6. TCU (3-0, @ SMU)
7. Nebraska (3-0, vs South Dakota State)
8. Boise State (2-0, vs Oregon State)
9. Florida (3-0, vs Kentucky)
10. Wisconsin (3-0, vs Austin Peay)

Outside Looking In...

South Carolina (3-0)
Arkansas (3-0)
Utah (3-0)

Top two teams = impressive again. Not much of an argument there.

Oregon remains my third ranked team due to how explosive and dominant they have looked so far this season. They have also beaten teams like New Mexico and Portland State, so they have an opportunity to drop far once they play an angry Arizona State team on the road and then Stanford on October 2nd.

Oklahoma struggled against a lesser opponent for the second time this season, but how can you ignore the beat down of Florida State? They stay put for now.

Texas and TCU did what they had to do to stay put. TCU needs to take care of any opponent that is ranked lower than them (which is every team the rest of the season), while Texas proved it can win a tougher conference game on the road with a relatively younger team. Oklahoma vs Texas is in two weeks...

Nebraska is a good team, and we all need to get used to that fact. It has been awhile since the Cornhuskers were a legit BCS contender, but alas that is the truth of the matter. After playing South Dakota State and a bye week (might as well be two bye weeks), they have another road test against an upstart Kansas State team.

Boise State has a chance to move up in the polls -- maybe -- when they take on Oregon State Saturday in Idaho. Once they play OSU, they have no more viable opponents on their schedule. Even if they beat the Beavers, I would have to have a gun pointed to my head to even remotely condone the Boise State Broncos playing for a national championship. Sorry, it just doesn't make sense. They have a nice program, but they don't deserve a chance when they play Utah State and New Mexico State every year. Doesn't cut it with me.

Florida just doesn't look too good. Urban Meyer had QB Brantley take more snaps under center instead of the shotgun to prevent snap issues, yet the aforementioned mistakes still happened. Other than Demps, the "fastest player in college football" (I put that in quotes because I really haven't seen everyone run, so I have no idea if he really is or not...everyone seems to think so though), the offense has been pretty bad. They are a top ten team by plain unadulterated reputation at this point, but that will probably change once they play Alabama in two weeks.

Wisconsin is just along for the ride after Iowa lost last night to Arizona on the road. The Badgers won on a blocked extra point in the fourth quarter, so they have faced some adversity this season. They had to come back to beat UNLV on the road for a kickoff that was at 9:30 PM Madison time, then they barely beat Arizona State yesterday. What does this all mean? Well, they have found ways to win for one thing. Also, we don't know their true mettle yet against a big time opponent, although we know that they can prevail against sluggish starts against lesser teams. If they can go on the road in two weeks and beat Michigan State and enter the Ohio State game on October 16th undefeated, then that may be one of the games of the year in college football's young season.

Memo to Arkansas: if you beat Alabama, welcome to the top ten.

Game 3- #2 Ohio State (2-0) vs. Ohio Bobcats (1-1)

Where: Ohio Stadium
When: Noon EST
TV: Big Ten Network

Are we missing something here? First, in what usually a less-than-stellar opening game under Jim Tressel, the Buckeyes committed murder in the Shoe on a Thursday night. Then the greatest miracle of them all happened: OSU outplayed their opponent in a big time game AND came out with a victory (an ass kicking is more like it). Again I ask: am I missing something? Aren't the undefeated Bucks in need of a game that shakes the foundations of the fan base and make every fan question Tressel's play calling and if Pryor really is a quarterback or not? This might be that game if history shows us anything.

The Ohio University Bobcats = a huge thorn in the side of the Buckeyes. In both 1999 and 2008, the last two meetings between the two in-state schools, OSU had to come back in order to beat OU in games that were sloppy, boring and quite frankly just terrible games to witness. OU features a senior QB in Boo Jackson that had quite a game against the Buckeyes in 2008 as a sophomore, yet has struggled as the full time starter this season. Boo has thrown four interceptions compared to only one touchdown, so don't expect fireworks from him on Saturday.
What can be expected is a team full of players that didn't get any offers to play for the Buckeyes to play aggressive, sound football for at least one half. I expect the Bobcats to keep this one close for awhile before the overall talent of the OSU roster takes over the game.

Pryor will have a nice day, but the running game will steal the show as both Boom Herron and Brandon Saine break off big plays and each score a touchdown. The defense will suffocate Mr. Boo and pressure him until he breaks to give Ohio State their third dominating win of the season. Some notable things to mention: OSU will NOT give up a special teams touchdown OR a big play, and I think this game will prove for the third week in a row that the Ohio State Buckeyes have the best defense in college football. Just my opinion.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 34
Ohio U- 7

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 3

#9/10 Iowa (2-0) @ #18/24 Arizona (2-0) -
Well... here is your game of the week. It is arguably the most watered down week of the year in college football, but regardless we press on and appreciate being able to sit around and watch something other than baseball all day. This is a classic big time offense vs. big time defense match-up, and usually the defense prevails. That would go in favor of the Hawkeyes, and I am confident that they should be able to sneak away from Tucson with a win. QB Nick Foles will keep Zona in the game throughout, which opens the door for an upset. I'm going with the top ten Iowa Hawkeyes.

Iowa- 23
Arizona- 21

#8 Nebraska (2-0) @ Washington (1-1) -
Everyone on ESPN keeps saying how amazing and great Jake Locker is and how he could be the #1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. I'm sorry ahead of time for speaking out of place because I am far from having an eye for pro talent but I just don't see it. I am not the biggest Locker fan that you will meet this year, so you can see where I am going with this. If he represents Washington's only chance of winning this game, then it is safe to say that the Huskers will take the game. Too much defense and just enough offense out of Bo Pelini's confident bunch should do the trick.

Nebraska- 27
Washington- 20

Notre Dame (1-1) @ Michigan State (2-0) -
The hot pick in this game is to go with the Irish, who are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the other Team Up North. Good news for ND: Denard Robinson is playing in Ann Arbor this week, so they won't be torn up by a mobile quarterback. Other than that, I do not see many advantages for Notre Dame this week. MSU needs a win like this to continue the ego boost that coach Dantonio has been trying to instill since he took the job, and I think that he gets a victory here. Greg Jones and the rest of the Spartan defense will hold whoever is at QB for the Irish at bay en route to a close victory at home.

Notre Dame- 26
Mich State- 28

NOTE: This is a TERRIBLE week of big time games. Then again, mediocre football is better than having no football at all.

Big Ten Rundown-

#2 Ohio State vs Ohio- TBA
#9/10 Iowa @ Arizona- See Above
#11 Wisconsin (2-0) vs Arizona State- The Badgers won't let former Michigan QB beat them.
#20/22 Michigan (2-0) vs UMass- Denard will pad his one-man show stats then rest his feet.
#20/22 Penn State (1-1) vs Kent State- PSU should rebound for sure after an SEC beat down.
Michigan State (2-0) vs Notre Dame- See Above
Northwestern (2-0) @ Rice- Trap game for the 'Cats, but the Big Ten prevails vs. CUSA.
Purdue (1-1) vs Ball State- Look, Purdue isn't very good...but they still beat the Cardinals.
Illinois (1-1) vs Northern Illinois- I am very close to picking N. Illinois, but I just can't do it.
Indiana (1-0) @ Western Kentucky- The Hoosiers will rack up the points in this one.
Minnesota (1-1) vs #18/NR USC- As unimpressive as the Trojans have been, they should kill the lowly Gophers who almost certainly will finish last in the conference.

My Top Ten- Week 3

1. Ohio State (2-0, vs Ohio U.)
2. Alabama (2-0, @ Duke)
3. Oregon (2-0, vs Portland State)
4. Oklahoma (2-0, vs Air Force)
5. Texas (2-0, @ Texas Tech)
6. TCU (2-0, vs Baylor)
7. Boise State (1-0, @ Wyoming)
8. Iowa (2-0, @ Arizona)
9. Florida (2-0, @ Tennessee)
10. Nebraska (2-0, @ Washington)

Outside Looking In...

Wisconsin (2-0)
South Carolina (2-0)
LSU (2-0)

Two nice wins for Ohio State and Alabama cement the best teams in college football at the top of my polls. OSU essentially won 36-10, so lets assume that one was a laugher disguised as an interesting game. Bama handled PSU as they should have and looked pretty good doing it. They are an offensive machine for sure.

Oregon and Oklahoma... wow. I know that Oregon had to come back in order to blow out Tennessee but it was on the road and it looks like the Ducks are a team that will be in the national championship conversation throughout the year. Oh, and in the event that you haven't noticed it appears that Oklahoma is legit. I am leaning more and more toward the Sooners each day in their match up with Texas that is only a few weeks away.

TCU deserves to be ranked where they are, but what do we make of Boise State now? Their "huge" win in week one now seems irrelevant considering the Virginia Tech Hokies are now 0-2 following a loss to FCS team James Madison. Boise State's strength of schedule takes a massive hit, which voters will need to keep in mind come November and December.

Iowa, Florida and Nebraska are all in the same position to me. Iowa has looked good, but hasn't played anyone of note. Florida has looked extremely flaky yet we all know how talented and fast they are. Finally, there is Nebraska who I picked to be a dark horse national title contender at the beginning of the season. If the Huskers win on the road at Washington I should be able to give them a boost in the polls... depending on how the teams ahead of them fare.

A team that is still absent from my radar? The Michigan Wolverines. That defense may be slightly improved but it is FAR from good. Denard Robinson is the real deal working in Rich Rod's offense that helps athletes like DR thrive, but seriously listen to me when I say that you cannot jump on the bandwagon just yet. Wait until they get to their Big Ten schedule, because if you recall they started off 4-0, then 5-2 last year only to fall to a bowl-less 5-7 year with only one conference win. Ouch. Be patient with your emotions about this team until they've beaten a truly good team. The real test for this team: three straight weeks in October playing Michigan State, Iowa and then Penn State on the road. Let's talk about the Wolverines then, because we all know that they will be at least 4-1 and probably 5-0 before that stretch begins and the nation will be enamored with Robinson and the Wolverines.

Game 2- #2 Ohio State (1-0) vs. #12 Miami Hurricanes (1-0)

Where- Ohio Stadium
When- 3:40 PM EST
TV- ESPN

Due to its controversial nature (despite 98% of NCAA officials agreeing with the call), this is the play that fans remember from the 2003 national championship game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLqrAcQuqVo&feature=related

Despite what Miami fans or anyone else thinks, this is all I remember and quite frankly all I care about. It is a memory that will last with me and the rest of Buckeye nation until the day I die.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGQYgyOOP2s&feature=related

No need to sugarcoat the facts here; this is a HUGE game. I think that this game will be the biggest litmus test for the Buckeyes in this young season, which isn't a far fetched statement considering the next four opponents are Ohio University, Eastern Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. If OSU is able to win this game, whether it is by the smallest of margins or a complete blowout, it should give them loads of confidence to be able to handle the rigors of their remaining Big Ten schedule from October through November that includes games against Wisconsin, Penn State, Iowa and maybe -- just maybe -- a resurgent Michigan team.

I feel as if there isn't as much to say as in the past with big games such as these. We have witnessed plenty of good times in big games over the past decade to complement the most recent disappointments. When the spotlights come on though the Buckeyes refuse to run away, but rather take on their opponent head on as all powerhouse programs should do. The key here is that the last time there was a game of this magnitude it was for a Rose Bowl championship and the Buckeyes were able to bring home a victory to Columbus against Oregon, 26-17. The monkey is off the back, the elephant is out of the room, insert another saying/analogy/metaphor -- the days of losing these type of games is OVER.

The twelfth ranked Hurricanes boast a lot of talent stemming from their ability to recruit the Sunshine State very well as of late, and seemingly believe that after a 9-4 season they are more talented and simply a better team than the Buckeyes. Da U has also issued such statements as to say that this represents a revenge game from the 2003 Fiesta Bowl national championship game, that Miami is a lock to win it, and that we are too "slow" (that last one never gets old for me). Here's the deal: they haven't done anything since before the last time these two teams met back in January of '03. The Miami program is certainly on the rise, but that is what you would expect from a program that went from arguably being the best in college football to winning 7, 5 and 7 games in recent years before rebounding with last year's 9 win output. They still recruit well, don't get me wrong, but Florida and now even Florida State are able to sway recruits out of the Miami area. Miami is all swag with not quite enough juice to back up their talk. It's cool that they talk, because it makes my week all the more enjoyable, but it just isn't the way to go if you are a big underdog.

I could go on and on and on about how Miami has been bashing the Buckeyes, or how even Head Coach Randy Shannon has had some choice words to say about Columbus and the OSU football program in the past, but that isn't going to matter once the game starts. It is all about the major factors that play into football games: line play, quarterback play, mistakes (or lack of them), coaching, experience, talent, and intangibles. Ohio State has my edge in terms of line play, despite the fact that Miami likes to gloat about their eight sack performance against the might Florida A&M Rattlers. Come to think of it, OSU has the advantage in each and every one of those categories, which mathematically means that the Buckeyes will roll to a huge victory over the Hurricanes.

As Lee Corso would say, not so fast! Ohio State will win this game because of everything I mentioned above, but Miami will make this a game at some point. They are too talented and too hyped for this game to just sit back and get blown out by the might second ranked Buckeyes. I think that Jacory Harris will throw for at least two touchdowns to keep Miami's upset hopes alive, but there will be too much of the OSU offense and too much action from the Silver Bullet defense to escape Columbus with a victory.

Terrelle Pryor will have a third straight confident, poised performance en route to throwing for at least two touchdowns (I'll go out on a limb and say that the players on the receiving end will be TE Jake Stoneburner and WR DeVier Posey) and rushing for one as the Buckeyes top the Hurricanes on Showdown Saturday.

Ohio State is the better team, is hungry and hasn't taken too kindly to the things that Miami has had to say all offseason and all this week.

Good luck, 'Canes. You are in for an angry reception once you arrive at the Horseshoe.

Oh, and I just checked the weather for Saturday, and it reads as follows: 60% chance of rain during the game, but no strong winds or heavy rain anticipated.... even though I thought that a hurricane was coming to town. Hmm, interesting. It must've left its talent down in South Beach.

Prediction:

Ohio State- 34
Miami- 17

Interesting Take from Miami....

Apparently the Horseshoe isn't all it is cranked out to be in big games.

Well, Miami should find out what it is like to have a consistent, passionate fan base pack the stadium each week to support the team whether it is against Youngstown State or the mighty 2010 Hurricanes of the University of Miami, FL in Coral Gables (AKA Thug U).

I give Da U the benefit of the doubt, though. They haven't been able to sell out since...............anyone know the answer to that question? Don't get cute with me because I know that they just about sold out versus Oklahoma last year, but you get the picture. Once a year doesn't cut it for me.

http://www.fanfeedr.com/ncaa-football/2010/09/08/the-horseshoe-is-hardly-hostile

Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 2

#14/18 Penn State (1-0) @ #1 Alabama (1-0) -
Plain and simply, PSU doesn't have much of a shot to win this game. However, that could be their biggest asset going into this big time showdown in Tuscaloosa. Here me out: the Lions know that they are traveling to their own funeral this weekend, and know that they have to play perfect football to be in the conversation against the defending champs. That motivation will keep them in this ball game for at least the first half. I think that freshman QB Robert Bolden will play efficient enough early on due to a solid performance by Evan Royster on the ground, but the second half will unravel as 'Bama tightens up their D and runs away with two big touchdown drives to crush any hopes PSU had of an upset. But then again, who really thinks they can win this game anyway? I'll reiterate: I don't think they do at all....but they will fight.

Alabama- 34
Penn State- 16

#17/18 Florida State (1-0) @ #10 Oklahoma (1-0) -
The biggest topic surrounding this game seems to be about the offenses that will take the field, and rightfully so. Both Oklahoma and FSU have big time, talented air attacks to complement sound running games. Whether it is QB Christian Ponder, WR Bert Reed and a very good offensive line for the Seminoles, or QB Landry Jones, RB DeMarco Murray and WR Ryan Broyles for the home team, there will most certainly be many opportunities to score touchdowns all game long for both teams. I've gotta tell you that I don't think it is going to be touchdown after touchdown after big play after big play. Florida State has a much improved, athletic defense while Oklahoma should have a great defense this season. The Sooners win because they simply do not lose at home, but it won't be a high scoring affair in my humble opinion. This should be fun to watch (too bad I'll be at the OSU game).

Oklahoma- 27
FSU- 23

#19/22 Georgia (1-0) @ #24/25 South Carolina (1-0) -
Woahhhhhh nelly! Stud WR A.J. Green has really hurt the Georgia Bulldogs after being suspended three more games by the NCAA for selling a game-worn jersey in Athens. Oops, there goes the biggest weapon that UGA has. South Carolina will always have a good defense, but this season the offense figures to be much improved behind a nice running attack and seemingly improved QB play. I think that Georgia has a chance to get to the SEC championship game - especially after the way Florida looked last weekend- but this won't be their game to win. It will be hard fought just as it usually is in this annual conference opening game, but I like SC's prospects in this game more. I'm calling for the upset.

S. Carolina- 22
Georgia- 17

Michigan (1-0) @ Notre Dame (1-0) -
I say this every year, and I hope to keep saying it as long as I live: I love watching this game. It is such a classic match up that symbolizes why college football is so great. This is a fine rivalry game and one of my favorite early season games to check out each season. I do not expect the 2010 edition to be any different. It will be difficult for Notre Dame to stop the running ability of QB Denard Robinson and subsequently the running game as a whole for Michigan. If the Wolverine offensive line plays up to their ability for a second week in a row, then they will probably win this game. I don't see that happening, however. Notre Dame has been knocked for bad defensive play in recent years, but this is going to be a different year for the Irish. It will be the defense of Notre Dame, not the offensive fireworks, that wins them this game in South Bend. This game generally goes back and forth each year, so I'll take the home team.

Notre Dame- 24
Michigan- 23

Big Ten Rundown

So last week could have probably gone a little better, but all in all it wasn't a bad week. The team that looked the most impressive outside of the top contenders -- OSU, Iowa and Wisconsin -- would have to be the Michigan Wolverines. Before you lecture me on how I could be getting on their bandwagon a little too soon, you should take a deep breath and understand that I am right there with you! I don't think they are a good team... yet. They have the makings, as we all expected, of having a nice offense that should be able to keep them in just about any game (outside of OSU). The defense is what really impressed me against UConn, but we will see how they do against Notre Dame on the road. QB Denard Robinson was electrifying on the ground and had a nice day through the air en route to a 200 yard performance both throwing and running. Keep an eye on the Wolverines in the early going. Other than that, Minnesota looked like a joke playing Middle Tennessee State. Henceforth, my opinion on them hasn't changed. They should be the worst team in the Big Ten in 2010.

#12 Miami, FL @ #2 Ohio State- TBA
Michigan @ Notre Dame- See Above
#14/18 Penn State @ #1 Alabama- See Above
Iowa State @ #9 Iowa (The Hawkeyes won't overlook their in-state rivals)
San Jose State @ #11 Wisconsin (Wisconsin will play a much cleaner game on Saturday)
Florida Atlantic vs. Michigan State at Ford Field (MSU should take care of things)
Illinois State @ Northwestern (Sigh)
Western Illinois @ Purdue (Sigh part II)
Southern Illinois @ Illinois (Sigh part... wait, how will that Illinois QB situation look?)
South Dakota @ Minnesota- (Sigh, sigh, sigh. I can't wait for Big Ten season)

My Top Ten- Week 2

1. Ohio State (1-0, vs Miami, FL)
2. Alabama (1-0, vs Penn State)
3. Oregon (1-0, @ Tennessee)
4. Texas (1-0, vs Wyoming)
5. Boise State (1-0, Bye Week)
6. Florida (1-0, vs South Florida)
7. Iowa (1-0, vs Iowa State)
8. TCU (1-0, vs Tennessee Tech)
9. Nebraska (1-0, vs Idaho)
10. Virginia Tech (0-1, vs James Madison)

Outside Looking In...
Miami, FL (1-0)
Wisconsin (1-0)
Oklahoma (1-0)

A lot to talk about here, because the way that I rank now is more based on what have you done lately to earn your spot than in the past. I hate the way that the polls are done with the media and coaches. It's all politics and homering when it comes to those things. Here is how I break down my poll...

Who stays put because of the way that they played:
Ohio State
Alabama

The top two teams in the nation did what they had to do to stay on top, and that was win big against inferior opponents. If OSU struggled against Marshall and Alabama still played the way that they did, I would probably have the defending champs on top.

Who improved their positioning:
Oregon
Boise State
TCU

Obviously, Boise State had a huge win last night for their program after a comeback in the final two minutes to beat Virginia Tech 33-30. They deserve to be given more consideration despite a terrible schedule. TCU has a tougher schedule and beat a good Oregon State team, however they still have more teams to beat in order for me to put them ahead of Boise State. We will see how that goes. The bottom line is that they have a quarterback that is very highly respected around the nation - deservedly so - that just also happens to turn the ball over a lot in big games. That needs to change for them to be the best non-BCS team in America. Boise is ahead of the game in terms of the look test, but TCU can change all of that with a tougher Mountain West schedule.

And then there is the Oregon Ducks. Wow. They didn't have their best player on the field in sophomore RB LaMichael James and they still won 72-0 against New Mexico. I understand that New Mexico isn't an amazing season opening opponent, but Oregon was the best looking team in college football this weekend. With the way that they looked, plus a schedule that will give them every opportunity to defend their Pac 10 title and go to the national championship game, I have them at #3 in the nation now.

The rest of the bunch:
Texas
Florida
Iowa
Nebraska
Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech lost obviously, but I think that they are going to give a lot of people trouble down the stretch assuming the defense improves (which I think they will). Texas started slow but looked good, along with Iowa and Nebraska. Florida really didn't look impressive, but you have to take that with a grain of salt. OSU has had these type of games all the time, and they still seem to figure things out. UF has tons of talent, but these guys are used to being led by big names like Tim Tebow, Brandon Spikes, Maurkice Pouncey, Joe Haden, Major Wright, Carlos Dunlap, etc. Teams like Florida reload, but it certainly takes time. Let's see how they play against South Florida, a game in which they should definitely be up for as opposed to a team that went 1-11 in 2009.