Cram Session - Week 3

Week 2 didn't really live up to the hype as none of the games between ranked teams were even that close. There is only one game this weekend between ranked teams, as #9 Iowa travels to Arizona, to take on the 24th ranked Wildcats. Some of the other Top 10 teams could have some challenges ahead of them as well.

Games That Matter to Me That May Not Matter to You

Notre Dame (1-1) at Michigan State (2-0)

The Irish and the Spartans meet under the lights this Saturday. This will be Michigan State's first true challenge of the season, while the Irish continue their tour of the Big Ten. Notre Dame suffered a bitter defeat at the hands of Michigan last weekend, as the defense was absolutely gashed by Wolverine QB Denard Robinson. The Irish defense will have another challenging QB to face in the Spartans Kirk Cousins. Cousins put up good numbers last season but hasn't been overly impressive in the Spartans games against Western Michigan and Florida Atlantic this season. The Spartans rushing attack has been potent and could be the difference. RBs Edwin Baker and Le'Veon Bell are both averaging over 9 yards a carry. I am not really sure what to make of the Spartans. I don't think they are that good but I am not very confident in the Irish being able to win at East Lansing under the lights. Irish QB Dayne Crist must stay healthy as it was obvious how far ahead he is of the other QB's on the Irish depth chart. I think the Irish will fight hard but fall short.

Prediction: Michigan State 26, Notre Dame 21

Top 10

#1 Alabama (2-0) at Duke (1-1)

The Blue Devils have actually become competitive since hiring David Cutcliffe a few seasons ago. However, they haven't faced a test like the #1 Crimson Tide. Alabama is actually getting better this weekend, with the return of Heisman winning RB Mark Ingram. This one will likely get very ugly. If Wake Forest can put up 54 points on Duke, how many could Alabama potentially score?

Prediction: Alabama 58, Duke 14

Ohio (1-1) at #2 Ohio State (2-0)

The Buckeyes defense was the story in their victory against Miami last weekend. The next four weeks of the Buckeyes schedule should be a cake walk, starting with the Bobcats.

Prediction: Ohio State 40, Ohio 10

#3 Boise State (1-0) at Wyoming (1-1)

Boise State saw their hopes at a national championship shatter when the Chokies shit the bed against James Madison. They will need a lot of teams around them to lose to have any shot and of course will have to go undefeated. The Cowboys crowd will definitely be pumped for this but the Broncos have proven they can handle much worse.

Prediction: Boise State 48, Wyoming 14

Baylor (2-0) at #4 TCU (2-0)

This game could be more competitive than people might initially think. Baylor has an exciting, and very good QB in Robert Griffin III. If the game was in Waco I would give the Bears more of a shot.

Prediction: TCU 37, Baylor 20

Portland State (1-1) at #5 Oregon (2-0)

Portland State got absolutely destroyed at Arizona State a few weeks ago. Oregon is far better than Portland State. Oregon just got done thrashing Tennessee at Tennessee. Avert your eyes if you don't like completely lopsided scores.

Prediction: Oregon 73, Portland State 7

#6 Texas (2-0) at Texas Tech (2-0)

Everyone remembers the last time the Longhorns traveled to Lubbock. Michael Crabtree stretching for the touchdown in the final second, giving the Red Raiders an upset win over the Longhorns. Things have changed quite a bit since then, no more Michael Crabtree and no more Mike Leach. This will be the first big game of the Tommy Tubberville era. Texas has won their first two games but as expected is struggling a bit with all of their new pieces. The atmosphere will be electric and a great test for Longhorns QB Garrett Gilbert. I want to pick the upset but don't have the guts.

Prediction: Texas 33, Texas Tech 21

Air Force (2-0) at #7 Oklahoma (2-0)

Well I read way too much into Oklahoma's unimpressive performance against Utah State. I thought it would mean that Florida State would pull off the upset, but instead the Sooners killed them. Maybe the Falcons will put up a better fight, especially after how good they looked against BYU last weekend. One problem, the Sooners don't lose at home.

Prediction: Oklahoma 27, Air Force 17

#8 Nebraska (2-0) at Washington (1-1)

The Cornhuskers get their first test of the season as they travel to Seattle to take on QB Jake Locker and the Huskies. Locker has had some Heisman hype surrounding him and it will ratchet up if he can play well against the Huskers defense and lead the Huskies to a win. Nebraska has played no one of consequence so far, so this will be my first chance to really know what to make of them this season. In Week 1, the offense shined and the defense played poorly, and it was the exact opposite in Week 2. I am really excited about the Taylor Martinez era and this will be a good first test for him. This is definitely a game Nebraska should win and I think they will.

Prediction: Nebraska 27, Washington 14

#9 Iowa (2-0) at #24 Arizona (2-0)

Still not sold on the Hawkeyes, although I admit they have looked impressive in their first two games. Arizona hasn't played anyone either so this will be our first glimpse into what these teams can bring. This might even be a possible Rose Bowl preview. Both teams are pretty loaded at the skill positions. Wildcats QB Nick Foles has been extremely accurate in his first two starts, completing 49 of his 59 passes. The Hawkeyes offense has looked much improved from last season but it remains to be seen if that's a by product of playing cupcakes. I think these teams are evenly matched and home field advantage will win out.

Prediction: Arizona 21, Iowa 20

#10 Florida (2-0, 0-0) at Tennessee (1-1, 0-0)

This game has certainly lost most of its shine in recent years with the downfall of the Volunteers football program. Tennessee was shellacked by Oregon last week at home and it gets no easier with the Gators coming to town. Florida has steadily dropped in the polls despite winning both of their games. This will be the first road test for Gators QB John Brantley, but I think he will be fine. Neither team has shown us much thus far, but there is no denying how much better the Gators are at their worst than even Tennessee would be at their best.

Prediction: Florida 28, Tennessee 14

Last Week: 8-2
Overall: 17-3