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)