Cram Session - Week 6

There are some interesting games this weekend but most of them are taking place outside of the Top 10. However, #1 Alabama faces a third straight difficult game, as they take on #19 South Carolina on the road. The Huskers face what could be a difficult road test tonight, when they face Big 12 rival and fellow unbeaten Kansas State. The Fighting Irish look to carry over momentum from their beat down of Boston College last Saturday, when they return home to take on Pittsburgh.

Games That Matter to Me That May Not Matter to You

Pittsburgh (2-2) at Notre Dame (2-3)

Notre Dame got a much needed win last weekend at Boston College. I was tempted to pick the Irish to lose because they have always played poorly at BC but when looking at BC's roster I knew they were an awful team. They certainly played like it as on Notre Dame jumped on them early and never really looked back. QB Dayne Crist was impressive and the Irish were able to establish a running game behind Armando Allen, Jr. I would like to see Michael Floyd be a bit more involved, but sophomore Theo Riddick has emerged in the last few weeks as another weapon at wideout. The defense played much better and shockingly didn't let a freshman making his first start make them look silly. Pitt had high expectations entering the season but those were tempered after an opening night loss to Utah and then an embarrassing home loss to Miami. Sophomore RB Dion Lewis has been a huge disappointment. He missed last week's rout of Florida International with an injury but even prior to that had only been averaging 3.0 yards a carry. Sophomore RB Ray Graham started in place of Lewis last weekend and had 3 touchdowns. Even if Lewis is to return for this game, the Irish should expect a healthy dose of Graham. The Panthers are led by sophomore QB Tino Sunseri. Sunseri has 4 TDs, and 2 INTs and is completing 63% of his passes. He is not spectacular but efficient. The schedule lightens over the next three weeks for the Irish after this game so a win would be a huge momentum lift. A few weeks ago I probably wouldn't have given the Irish a chance in this game, but Pitt isn't all that impressive. I think Notre Dame's confidence from last week's win will carry over to another win.

Prediction: Notre Dame 27, Pittsburgh 23

Top 10

Thursday, October 7

#7 Nebraska (4-0, 0-0) at Kansas State (4-0, 1-0)

After a weekend off, the Huskers kick off their final Big 12 season in prime time in Manhattan, Kansas. The Wildcats will be looking for revenge from last season, when the Huskers defeated them in the final game of the season to take the Big 12 North. The lost not only denied the Wildcats a spot in the Big 12 championship game, but also a bowl bid. The Wildcats have a couple of impressive wins, including a season opening win against UCLA, and a Big 12 win over the improving Cyclones of Iowa State. The Huskers answered the mail in their last road test, when they lambasted Washington. This game reminds me of last year's prime time Thursday game between Nebraska and Missouri. Missouri came into that game unbeaten and dominated the first three quarters, before Nebraska shocked the Tigers in the fourth. The crowd will be jacked for this game, so the key for Nebraska will be to get the crowd out of it early like they did at Washington. The Huskers last game was a very poor showing against South Dakota State. QB Taylor Martinez finally played like a freshman and the entire offense looked out of sorts. He has to bounce back and manage the game. Senior RB Daniel Thomas is who the Blackshirts will have stop. Thomas already has 628 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on the season. Central Florida was able to slow him down last weekend so hopefully Jared Crick and the rest of that defensive front can follow suit. The Huskers can't be caught looking ahead to Texas next weekend or they will lose this one. I don't think the Huskers fiery coach Bo Pelini will let that happen. It won't always be pretty but Nebraska will remain unbeaten.

Prediction: Nebraska 24, Kansas State 19

Saturday, October 9

#1 Alabama (5-0, 2-0) at #19 South Carolina (3-1, 1-1)

I knew Alabama was good but I didn't think they were capable of manhandling the Gators like they did. The road gets no easier as they now have to take on the Ol Ball Coach Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks. South Carolina looked like they might be finally turning the corner after a 3-0 start, but then a loss to Auburn and now this game with Alabama could derail those plans. For the Gamecocks to have any chance they can't allow RB Mark Ingram to rush for 246 yards on them like he did last year. The Crimson Tide running game is overwhelming and almost impossible to stop with Ingram and Trent Richardson. QB Stephen Garcia will get the start for the Gamecocks and will be entrusted to get over his fumbling problems that got him yanked against Auburn. Arkansas proved a few weeks ago that with the right game plan teams can hang with Alabama. South Carolina will be energized by their crowd but they simply aren't good enough.

Prediction: Alabama 35, South Carolina 24

Indiana (3-1, 0-1) at #2 Ohio State (5-0, 1-0)

The Buckeyes had far more trouble with Illinois than I think most people expected. Indiana did all they could to try to upset Michigan but proved unable to slow down Denard Robinson. Buckeyes QB Terrelle Pryor isn't as electric but he will certainly give the Hoosiers fits.

Prediction: Ohio State 38, Indiana 17

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

After falling behind to Stanford 21-3 it looked like Oregon would be exposed as massive fluke frauds. Instead they ended up whipping the Cardinal 52-31. This game against Washington State will essentially be a bye for the Ducks.

Prediction: Oregon 64, Washington State 17

Toledo (3-2) at #4 Boise State (4-0)

Boise State crushed New Mexico State 59-0 but still dropped behind Oregon in the polls. At this point I think it is obvious that Boise State is simply playing to be a BCS crasher and has no real chance at playing for the national championship. Toledo actually knocked off Purdue on the road a few weeks ago so they aren't completely terrible, especially if you ignore that they lost to Arizona 41-2 to open the season. However, the Broncos knocking around the Rockets won't impress anyone outside of the potato state.

Prediction: Boise State 38, Toledo 9

Wyoming (2-3, 0-1) at #5 TCU (5-0, 1-0)

I will continue to tout TCU who I believe has been unfairly overlooked due to the media's love for Boise State. Boise State whipped Wyoming 51-6 on the road, so hopefully the Horned Frogs can do even better.

Prediction: TCU 52, Wyoming 6

#8 Auburn (5-0, 2-0) at Kentucky (3-2, 0-2)

For the second straight year, Auburn coach Gene Chizik has the Tigers off to a 5-0 start. Last season the wheels somewhat fell off after that start so I am sure Tigers fans are being cautious of getting too excited. The Tigers are loaded on offense with QB Cameron Newton having already thrown for 12 TDs. Newton is also the team's leading rusher, and the Tigers also have RB Onterio McCalebb who averages 8.0 yards a carry. As for Kentucky, they just lost to shitty Ole Miss. Enough said.

Prediction: Auburn 27, Kentucky 17

Oregon State (2-2, 0-1) at #9 Arizona (4-0, 1-0)

I never see Pac-10 football so not much to say about this one. Arizona has a good defense, Oregon State has a good offense, good defense usually beats good offense.

Prediction: Arizona 31, Oregon State 20

#10 Utah (4-0) at Iowa State (3-2)

The Utes will face a challenge to their unbeaten season at Ames this weekend. The Cyclones lit up Texas Tech at home last weekend but should get more fight from a tough Utes defense. The Utes haven't had a true road challenge so it will be interesting to see how they respond. Oh what the hell, I'll pick the upset.

Prediction: Iowa State 28, Utah 27

Last Week: 8-0
Overall: 45-4