Week 3 (Preview and Picks)

It's 11:00 and I'm currently watching ANOTHER replay of the U.S.C.-Ohio St. game. I think ESPN has shown it 5 times since Saturday. Okay, enough about that game, lets take a look at this weeks games starting with Thursday nights showdown.

In what could be the ACC's best two teams, the Hurricanes of Miami, FL. welcome the Ramblin' Wreck of Georgia Tech. Last week, Tech exploded out to a 24-7 halftime lead over Clemson then held on for a 3 point win. Miami, FL. came back against rival Florida St. How could you not like Jacory Harris ? I love this kid (and I just thought he was a runner) but he threw for over 300 yards and 3 TD's against the Noles'. Georgia Tech comes in with Head Coach Paul Johnson's triple option attack led by QB Josh Nesbitt and Heisman hopefully RB Jonathan Dwyer. Even though the option attack will cause problems, I like the Canes' speed on defense and the Miami offense to rack up points. Harris to Cooper..TD, TD, TD !
PREDICTION: Miami, FL. 38-Georgia Tech 24

Before Saturday's games, another big one, this time on Friday night as the Bulldogs of Fresno St. play host to the 12 ranked Broncos of Boise St. Boise St. comes in 2-0 with a huge opening game victory of Oregon and a blowout victory 43-0 over Miami, OH. Fresno St. is coming off a dissapointing 2 OT loss to Wisconsin. This is a traditionally tough game for Boise as in recent years, Bulldogs coach Pat Hill has had some very competitive squads and always plays a top notch out of conference schedule. This is the opening WAC (Western Athletic Conference) for both teams. I think the fans will be into it and Fresno will keep it close but just too much talent for the Broncos (I know Cooler666 will love this pick !). Broncos sophomore QB Kellen Moore has been impressive and should throw for close to 300. I usually don't focus in on defense backs but as I said in Week 1, Boise St. might have the best pair of corners (as a duo) in the country.
PREDICTION: Boise St. 34-Fresno St. 26

REVENGE...is always a sweet thing and it's something the Longhorns of Texas will get against undefeated Texas Tech. Most can remember last years amazing finish as the Red Raiders spoiled the Longhorns BCS Championship game hopes with a last second pitch and catch from Graham Harrell to Michael Crabtree. Both those players have moved on (although Crabtree looks like he's sitting out the year unwilling to sign with the S.F. 49ers). This will be Texas QB Colt McCoy's Heisman breakout and will put him front and center for this years race. I think McCoy will have a MONSTER game after "subpar" games so far (at least for him). The Texas defense will be fired up and pressure Junior QB Taylor Potts. Potts did throw for 7 TD's last week but this isn't RICE ! McCoy to Shipley....will be ringing over the PA !
PREDICTION: Texas 43-Texas Tech 17

Nebraska travels to Blacksburg, VA to meet up with the Hokies of Virginia Tech. I believe this game will open up some eyes nationally and put the Cornhuskers back in the national spotlight. I know Tech has a nice defense (thanks to longtime defense coordinator Bud Foster) and are always excellent on special teams but this is NOT Bill Callahans Huskers. Pelini has these guys playing at a level. Coming out party for Nebraska QB Zac Lee. I think the Nebraska defense will keep Hokies QB Tyrod Taylor in check and watch for mammoth Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh (honestly, I don't know how to pronounce it !!!) but all I know is what I see and at 6'-4" 325lbs. he might be the most dominating defensive lineman in the college game.
PREDICTION: Nebraska 27-Virginia Tech 13

"And the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner, Jimmy Clausen"....??? Huh ??? As of right now, if you look at quality of play and statistics, Clausen is right up there. As long as Notre Dame wins at least 9 games, he'll be in the top 7 or maybe top 5. You can't blame Clausen for the Irish loss last week (blame some dropped balls, penalties and some bad offensive play calling at the end of the game). That being said, I love Notre Dame to bounce back in a big way at home to trounce Michigan St. The Spartans suffered a heartbreaking loss to Central Michigan on a last second field goal. It won't be that close this time ! Clausen throws for a TON and if WR Michael Floyd is fully healthy (nicked up at the end of the Michigan game) look for a HUGE game from him.
PREDICTION: Notre Dame 33-Michigan St. 10

Do you think Gators coach Urban Meyer has had this game circled since Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin shot his mouth off this spring ??? Claiming that Meyer was "cheating" in recruiting practices and so on. Kiffin is backing off those comments this week but I guarantee you that Meyer might be more pumped than his players ! If the weather is dry...I love the Gators to run it up on the Vols. Tennessee has some injuries on the defense front and Tim Tebow is healthy ! This one could get ugly early !
PREDICTION: Florida 44-Tennessee 10

Another interesting game as the Bearcats of Cincinnati carry the Big East banner to take on the Beavers of Oregon St. "IF" Cincinnati can come away with a win here (where Southern Cal. lost last year) they could make a huge run toward a BCS spot. That being said, I like the overall team speed of Oregon St. Watch for the Rodgers brothers (James & Jacquizz). James is listed at 5'-7 and Jacquizz 5'-8". James is the WR and Jacquizz the RB. Word is, Jacquizz is having ankle problems limiting his practice time this week but should be a go for game time. Cincinnati QB Tony Pike is having tremendous season, so far. The Beaver DB's might bait him this week but I do like Cincinnati to keep it close.
PREDICTION: Oregon St. 35-Cincinnati 27

Now I know I have some Pitt Panther fans checking out my blog. Navy will NOT be an easy game (just ask Ohio St.). They run the option attack (similar to Georgia Tech) which is very difficult to game plan for, especially in one week. I do think if Pitt can stay away from turnovers (which always seem to plague Dave Wannstedt's teams) they can control this game in the trenches. That being said, I'm not sold on 5th year senior QB Bill Stull but the alternative is not much better in backup Pat Bostick (former PA prep superstar). The Panthers of course lost RB "Shady" McCoy and will rely on freshman Dion Lewis and sophomore Shariff Harris. The Panthers have an N.F.L. prospect in WR Jonathan Baldwin (too bad he doesn't have a QB to throw it to him) and have 2 very good offensive lineman in Lucas Nix and John Malecki (both excellent recruits swayed from rival Penn St.). Navy QB Ricky Dobbs is dangerous and can pass as well as run. Navy is a very diciplined team (like most service academy schools). This is going to be very close and Navy could very well pull the upset, it wouldn't surprise me...but I can't pick against my good buddy Hixson !
PREDICTION: Pittsburgh 23-Navy 20

Ten years ago, I never would have thought this one...B.Y.U. will erase Florida St. in a big way. Forget all this so called "athletic ability" of the Noles'. They may be able to run the 40 in 4.3-4.4 but they are one of the most UNDICIPLINED (opposite of Navy) teams I've ever seen. Overated recruiting classes OR lack of good coaching. C'mon, is Jimbo Fisher really the answer to the Seminoles recent offensive woes ? They don't have the "playmakers" as in the past (Deion Sanders, Derrick Brooks, Andre Wadsworth etc...). This will be possibly the last chance for the Cougars to make a NATIONAL STATEMENT (other than conference games Utah and T.C.U.). Max Hall will have another 300 yard plus day with 3 or 4 TD's. Harvey Unga is finally healthy and will kill Florida St. on draw plays and out of the backfield. B.Y.U. has a very underated defense. They fly to the ball, gang tackle and apply QB pressure with various blitz packages. The one bright spot in this game for Florida St. is B.Y.U. losing 2 starters on the O-Line. Might cause problems on audible calls but....
PREDICTION: B.Y.U. 45-Florida St. 17

What is new Husky coach Steve Sarkisians reward for winning his first game last week (and the first for Washington since November 2008) ? A visit from the 3rd ranked Trojans of Southern California. Sarkisian spent 7 years on Pete Carroll's staff (as a graduate assistant, QB coach and the last 2 years, offensvie coordinator). He certainly knows the system. The only problem is lack of talent on offense, defense and special teams. Starting QB Matt Barkley is "questionable" as of this writing (Sept. 17th) due to a sore throwing shoulder. Backup QB Aaron Corp has gotten all the first team reps this week and is ready to step in for Barkley. I think it will be a game time decision to see if Barkley can handle the outside throws on that bad shoulder. Corp is a much more mobile QB than Barkley. Look for the Trojans to use their size advantage along the offensive line and ground it out on the Huskies. I like the Trojans to use their bevy of talented backs ro rush for over 250 yards and make it easy on whoever is behind center. Hey, I love my Huskies but Jake Locker needs more help. He needs some time and a few more playmakers (although WR's Aguillar and Johnson have played will this year).
PREDICTION: Southern Cal. 37-Washington 13

Cal travels to Minnesota. Okay, if the Gophers pull this one out...nope, don't think so. I think California is really focused this season and so far, QB Kevin Riley has looked good. Having perhaps the nations best TB in Jahvid Best is a major plus ! I like Best to have a huge day (another Heisman hopefull).
PREDICTION: California 38-Minnesota 17

The Pre-Season ACC coaches poll had Boston College finishing 6th in the Atlantic Divison. So far B.C. has surprised people. They will continue to do so as they go to into Clemson and take it to the Tigers. C.J. Spiller not fully healthy. Clemson QB Kyle Parker is not that impressive and Boston College ALWAYS has strong line play on both the offensive and defensive lines (check the N.F.L. rosters !). The Eagles have some underated RB's and WR's.
PREDICTION: Boston College 24-Clemson 20

UConn travles to Baylor. Not sure about the health of Husky QB Zach Frazier....but the health of Baylor QB Robert Griffin is great. He is a HANDFUL and the Baylor offense has speed to burn. I like the home team in this one.
PREDICTION: Baylor 33-UConn 14

I'm going out on a limb on this one....I like Arkansas to upset Georgia. The Bulldogs have looked out of sorts so far this year. The usually stingy defense has been less than stellar. The offense picked it up in last weeks win over South Carolina. Razorback coach Bobby Petrino can really put an offense together and I expect them to roll up yards in this game.
PREDICTION: Arkansas 28-Georgia 24

Kansas St. should just stay home this weekend. No letdown for the Bruins as U.C.L.A. should cruise against the Wildcats. The U.C.L.A defense throttled Tennessee QB Jonathan Crompton last week and will do the same to Kansas St. There were a number of suspensions this week on the Bruin team due to diciplinary actions. Hopefully this will not cause a distraction, then again, I don't think it will matter:
PREDICTION: U.C.L.A.-40-Kansas St. 7

Picking my last game was very difficult. I really like the Utah Utes. I like coach Kyle Whittingham. But so far, even though the Utes have jumped out to a 2-0 start, they haven't been very impressive. This is a payback game that Oregon will finally rise to the occasion on (unlike the opening week versus Boise St.). The Ducks piled up 36 points last week (14 of them from the defense). I think Utah is a year away from a great season, they will win 8 this year. The Ducks will show their determination and pride and win their second game in a row.
PREDICTION: Oregon 34-Utah 20