Cram Session - Week 10

Most of the country will be focused on the World's Largest Cocktail Party in Jacksonville, FL between the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs, or the battle of Texas between the #1 Texas Longhorns and the #7 Texas Tech Red Raiders. However, the biggest game of the weekend to me is what used to be the best rivalry in all of college football, Oklahoma/Nebraska.

Games That Matter to Me That May Not Matter To You

Nebraska (5-3, 2-2) at #4 Oklahoma (7-1, 3-1)

Sticking this game here rather than in the Top 25 because it seems that to most people this game doesn't matter anymore. Can't really fault anyone for that, Nebraska hasn't been a major program in 7 years and Oklahoma has dominated the rivalry as of late. In the 70's and 80's back when the Big 12 was the Big 8 these two played each other every year and almost every year an Orange Bowl berth was at stake. For the Cornhuskers this game will be a matter of pride and a victory could propel the program back to becoming big time again. For Oklahoma it is about survival and keeping alive their slim national title hopes. I think the Huskers will keep this closer than people think but will be unable to pull off the upset.

Prediction: Oklahoma 41, Nebraska 27

Pittsburgh (5-2) at Notre Dame (5-2)

Notre Dame avoided a letdown last week and crushed Washington while Pittsburgh waited a week longer than I expected and played themselves out of the Top 25. Notre Dame needs to win this game to again quiet the critics who say they have gotten off to a good start based on a subpar schedule. Notre Dame is undefeated at home this year and I believe that continues and hopefully finally vaults them into the Top 25.

Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Pittsburgh 28

Top 25

#1 Texas (8-0, 4-0) at #7 Texas Tech (8-0, 4-0)

Another week, another huge challenge for Texas. This time they have to go on the road and play one of their state rivals, the Red Raiders. More people are predicting Texas to finally fall but QB Colt McCoy get's the job done.

Prediction: Texas 44, Texas Tech 38

Arkansas State (4-3) at #2 Alabama (8-0)

Alabama get's a virtual bye week against Arkansas State.

Prediction: Alabama 30, Arkansas State 13

Washington (0-7, 0-4) at #5 USC (6-1, 4-1)

I will lay off Ty Willingham now that he has been fired. USC won't be so kind.

Prediction: USC 66, Washington 7

#8 Florida (6-1, 4-1) vs. #6 Georgia (7-1, 4-1)

Florida is the popular pick here with the theory being the Gators will be looking for revenge after Georgia's team celebration last year. Once the game starts though that won't mean anything and Knowshown Moreno will run all over the Gators.

Prediction: Georgia 31, Florida 27

Iowa State (2-6, 0-4) at #9 Oklahoma State (7-1, 3-1)

Oklahoma State earned a lot of respect with the effort they put forth at Texas last week. They can exert half that effort this week and still win.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 34, Iowa State 12

#10 Utah (8-0, 4-0) at New Mexico (4-5, 2-3)

Utah is just biding its time until they play BYU and TCU.

Prediction: Utah 31, New Mexico 9

#11 Boise State (7-0, 3-0) at New Mexico State (3-4, 1-2)

See above. Boise State is just biding its time until they play Fresno State.

Prediction: Boise State 31, New Mexico State 14

#13 TCU (8-1, 5-0) at UNLV (3-5, 0-4)

Another easy win for this potential BCS buster.

Prediction: TCU 48, UNLV 21

#14 Missouri (6-2, 2-2) at Baylor (3-5, 1-3)

Missouri clobbered Colorado and I forsee a similar fate for Baylor.

Prediction: Missouri 53, Baylor 27

#15 Florida State (6-1, 3-1) at Georgia Tech (6-2, 3-2)

The Seminoles have quietly moved up in the polls but this road test will be too much for them.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 28, Florida State 27

Northwestern (6-2, 2-2) at #17 Minnesota (7-1, 3-1)

One way to have an amazing turnaround like the Golden Gophers are having is to not have to play either Penn State or Ohio State.

Prediction: Minnesota 31, Northwestern 24

#18 Tulsa (8-0) at Arkansas (3-5)

Not often you will see a team from a non-BCS conference favored on the road against an SEC team. Arkansas keeps it interesting but Tulsa wins and further cements that the Big 12 is better than the SEC.

Prediction: Tulsa 38, Arksanas 31

Tulane (2-5) at #19 LSU (5-2)

LSU and more specifically their defense could use a break from the SEC.

Prediction: LSU 35, Tulane 17

#20 BYU (7-1, 3-1) at Colorado State (4-4, 2-2)

It has been a rough couple weeks for BYU and Colorado State has been tough at home. I smell upset.

Prediction: Colorado State 17, BYU 14

Wisconsin (4-4, 1-4) at #21 Michigan State (7-2, 4-1)

The Spartans exorcised their Michigan Wolverine demons but this is exactly the kind of game Michigan State has been prone to losing for the past 10 years.

Prediction: Wisconsin 28, Michigan State 20

#23 South Florida (6-2, 1-2) at Cincinnati (5-2, 1-1)

Upset Thursday will pounce on the Bulls.

Prediction: Cincinnati 23, South Florida 20

#24 Oregon (6-2, 4-1) at California (5-2, 3-1)

Tough game for Oregon as Cal is a good home team. Cal upsets Oregon and gains some confidence heading into next week's game at USC.

Prediction: California 45, Oregon 31

West Virginia (5-2, 2-0) at #25 Connecticut (6-2, 2-1)

Connecticut doesn't impress me, West Virginia doesn't impress me much either but QB Pat White will carry the Moutaineers to their first road win under coach Bill Stewart

Prediction: West Virginia 24, Connecticut 17

Last Week: 17-5
Overall: 71-25