Cram Session - Week 8

The Mountain West Conference takes top billing this weekend in college football. The game between TCU and BYU is the only game between ranked teams in Week 8. My favorite teams Nebraska and Notre Dame both fell out of the Top 25 and look to get their seasons back on track.

Games That Matter to Me That May Not Matter to You

Boston College (5-2) at Notre Dame (4-2)

The one attainable remaining goal for the Irish the rest of the way is to run the table and give themselves a shot at a BCS bowl. The road is easier than it has been in most years but that goal could die this weekend when they host the Eagles. Boston College has been a thorn in Notre Dame's side for many years, including last year when they shut the Irish out. The Eagles have been dominant at home, including last weekend's blow out of North Carolina State. On the road they are just 0-2, losing by a combined score of 73-21. QB Dave Shinskie has done a decent job thus far, throwing 9 TDs against 4 INTs. The Eagles have a dangerous RB in Montel Harris. Last week against NC State, Harris rushed for 264 yards and 5 TDs. This game scares me a lot and I know it will be close, but am counting on the Irish coming through with some late game heroics.

Prediction: Notre Dame 33, Boston College 30

Iowa State (4-3, 1-2) at Nebraska (4-2, 1-1)

It is unknown at this time whether Nebraska will stick with Zac Lee at QB or go to the heralded freshman Cody Green. Personally, I wouldn't mind if the Huskers went with Green as I have grown tired of them churning through quarterbacks every two years. If they get Green experience now, they could have a bonafide quarterback for at least 3 1/2 seasons. Lee has not done a good job moving the offense when playing real competition, and I think the team could use a lift. The Cyclones record isn't the greatest but they actually aren't as bad as I originally thought. Their QB Austen Arnaud is a weapon both throwing and passing the ball. I think the Huskers can contain him but this game will come down to how the offense produces. I expect Huskers coach Bo Pelini to make the conservative decision and stick with Lee, and at least this week it will pay off with a win.

Prediction: Nebraska 28, Iowa State 21

Top 25

#1 Florida (6-0, 4-0) at Mississippi State (3-4, 1-2)

Gators coach Urban Meyer faces his former assistant, Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen. Mullen has the Bulldogs playing more competitively, and the Gators have shown that they aren't invincible like everyone believed coming into the season. I think the Bulldogs will put up a good effort but not good enough.

Prediction: Florida 35, Mississippi State 17

Tennessee (3-3, 1-2) at #2 Alabama (7-0, 4-0)

Alabama is the true number one team in the country and they get a chance to cement that when they host the Volunteers. Florida had some problems with Tennessee at home. If the Crimson Tide can blow them out, I will fail to see why anyone would keep the Gators at #1.

Prediction: Alabama 28, Tennessee 13

#3 Texas (6-0, 3-0) at Missouri (4-2, 0-2)

Texas won in ugly fashion against Oklahoma and continues to be pretty unimpressive. The atmosphere at Missouri will be difficult as that crowd can get loud especially for a night game. It is hard to compare weeks but if the Huskers could handle that crowd, I think the Longhorns will be fine.

Prediction: Texas 27, Missouri 14

#4 Boise State (6-0, 1-0) at Hawaii (2-4, 0-3)

Hawaii hasn't been the same ever since June Jones left for SMU and their program was taken over by a homophobe. The Broncos would like to get a convincing win here, as their last two wins have allowed people to start picking at how good they really are.

Prediction: Boise State 31, Hawaii 17

Louisville (2-4, 0-2) at #5 Cincinnati (6-0, 2-0)

The big question mark in this game is whether Bearcats QB Tony Pike will be able to start. Pike was injured in the win at South Florida last week, but was capably replaced by Zach Collaros. The Cardinals have lost six in a row on the road but I think this could be a trap game for the Bearcats. I am not calling the upset, but the game will be closer than people expect.

Prediction: Cincinnati 34, Louisville 21

#6 Iowa (7-0, 3-0) at Michigan State (4-3, 3-1)

Iowa keeps winning, so much like the Denver Broncos in the NFL, I have to stop calling them a fraud. I want to pick them to lose this game at East Lansing but I keep being wrong when picking against the Hawkeyes.

Prediction: Iowa 24, Michigan State 21

Oregon State (4-2, 2-1) at #7 USC (5-1, 2-1)

USC has a very good QB in Matt Barkley. I doubted Barkley but he absolutely shredded Notre Dame's defense and showed a lot of poise in a tough environment for the second time this season. I think the Trojans win this game against the Beavers with relative ease.

Prediction: USC 35, Oregon State 17

#8 TCU (6-0, 2-0) at #16 BYU (6-1, 3-0)

TCU has managed to stay pretty under the radar for a team that is 6-0 and has only been seriously tested twice. BYU, save for that embarrassing home performance against Florida State, has been very good as well. The Horned Frogs have a fantastic defense that is only giving up 13.7 points a game. Their weapons on offense include QB Andy Dalton, and RB Joseph Turner. Something will have to give in this one as the BYU offense is as potent as the TCU defense. QB Max Hall has thrown 16 TDs but is prone to errors as he has also thrown 10 INTs. TE Dennis Pitta is their leading receiver with 34 receptions and 5 touchdowns. I think the Cougars will find a way to get some points and not blow another important home game, knocking TCU out of the BCS buster race.

Prediction: BYU 19, TCU 17

Auburn (5-2, 2-2) at #9 LSU (5-1, 3-1)

The shine has really come off of Auburn in the last two weeks, as they were blown out by Arkansas and then lost at home to Kentucky. Their high powered offense was shut down by the Wildcats last weekend, and they face a very fierce LSU defense. LSU has had problems on offense all year so that will keep the game interesting.

Prediction: LSU 23, Auburn 17

Clemson (3-3, 2-2) at #10 Miami (5-1, 2-1)

This is a game Miami should definitely not overlook. Clemson RB C.J. Spiller is a game changer and will likely bust off a big play in this game. Unfortunately, the talent around him is lacking and will allow the Hurricanes to escape with a victory.

Prediction: Miami 30, Clemson 23

#11 Oregon (5-1, 3-0) at Washington (3-4, 2-2)

The Huskies lost in heartbreaking fashion at Arizona State last weekend and continued their season of incredible highs and lows. Their crowd will be ramped up for Oregon, who has reeled off 5 straight wins since their embarrassing opening night loss at Boise State. I think another close, late loss is in order for the Huskies.

Prediction: Oregon 35, Washington 28

#12 Georgia Tech (6-1, 4-1) at Virginia (3-3, 2-0)

After a nightmarish start to the season the Cavaliers have won three in a row and are legitimate contenders in the ACC. They've done it behind excellent defense, as they haven't allowed double digits in points during the streak. They face a very good Georgia Tech offense and the Yellow Jackets are coming off an emotional win at home against Virginia Tech. This is another game that tempts me to pick an upset but I have been burned picking against the Yellow Jackets multiple times this year.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 24, Virginia 20

#13 Penn State (6-1, 2-1) at Michigan (5-2, 1-2)

Travelling to Michigan has always been a nightmare for the Nittany Lions. Penn State QB Daryl Clark had a terrible game in his last major game against Iowa. I expect more of the same in this one.

Prediction: Michigan 31, Penn State 21

#15 Oklahoma State (5-1, 2-0) at Baylor (3-3, 0-2)

Not much to say.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 37, Baylor 20

SMU (3-3, 2-0) at #17 Houston (5-1, 1-1)

The Cougars return home for the first time in a month and play a pretty big game for them against a team ahead of them in the Conference USA standings. Although 2-0 in C-USA, I don't think SMU is really that good.

Prediction: Houston 35, SMU 24

Air Force (4-3, 3-1) at #18 Utah (5-1, 2-0)

Air Force's suffocating defense will likely give the Utes some problems. The Utes will have to have better ball control than they had against UNLV last weekend. Another game with a close call but the favorite wins out.

Prediction: Utah 20, Air Force 13

Minnesota (4-3, 2-2) at #19 Ohio State (5-2, 3-1)

The Buckeyes suffered a shocking loss at Purdue last weekend and sloppy play by QB Terrelle Pryor has Buckeye fans calling for a change. A home date with the Gophers should get him and the Buckeyes back on track.

Prediction: Ohio State 28, Minnesota 10

South Florida (5-1, 1-1) at #20 Pittsburgh (6-1, 3-0)

The Panthers are in the Top 25 after starting 3-0 in the Big East. If the Panthers can keep winning it could set up a huge season finale for the Big East against Cincinnati. South Florida was handled pretty easily at home by the Bearcats and I think it is time for them to start their annual late season swoon.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 28, South Florida 19

UCLA (3-3, 0-3) at #22 Arizona (4-2, 2-1)

Who the heck has Arizona beaten to be ranked despite being just 4-2? UCLA has not seen a revival thus far under coach Rick Neuheisel and have looked awful in Pac-10 play.

Prediction: Arizona 38, UCLA 17

Connecticut (4-2, 1-1) at #23 West Virginia (5-1, 1-0)

The Huskies will play this one with heavy hearts following the stabbing death of CB Jasper Howard. The Huskies will likely be struggling all week to think about this game and not the loss of their friend and teammate. I think they will come out inspired but a tragedy such as this doesn't lend well to game preparation.

Prediction: West Virginia 27, Connecticut 20

Vanderbilt (2-5, 0-4) at #24 South Carolina (5-2, 2-2)

The Cocks fought hard at Alabama but came up short. They essentially get a bye week with the Commodores coming to town.

Prediction: South Carolina 24, Vanderbilt 12

Oklahoma (3-3, 1-1) at #25 Kansas (5-1, 1-1)

Oklahoma likely lost QB Sam Bradford for the year, after he reinjured his shoulder against Texas. Kansas proved to be frauds as they were taken down by a bad Colorado team. The Sooners are still a top notch team defensively, but without Bradford their offense suffers greatly. Kansas is a terrible defensive team but I think they can force Sooners QB Landry Jones into some mistakes. Todd Reesing will take care of the rest for Kansas.

Prediction: Kansas 27, Oklahoma 24

Last Week: 12-5
Overall: 110-32