Cram Session - Week 6

The Red River Rivalry, Shootout, whatever the heck it is called is the big game this weekend. Despite Bob Stoops saying he didn't really give a crap if Oklahoma continued playing Texas every year, fans of the Sooners and Longhorns would heartily disagree. Texas finally seems to have a quarterback, or I should say quarterbacks with David Ash and Case McCoy. The question is, can they rely on a freshman and a sophomore to upset big, bad Oklahoma?

Games That Matter to Me

Saturday, October 8

Ohio State (3-2, 0-1) at #14 Nebraska (4-1, 0-1)

I wasn't expecting a win at Wisconsin and I certainly thought it had a chance to get ugly, but man, that was an embarrassing night to be a Huskers fan. The reality is Nebraska can't compete with the best and haven't been able to compete with the best for a decade now. It is what it is I suppose. Now, they have their first Big 10, really 12, home game of the season against the scandal ridden Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes were hoping to get back RB Dan Herron and WR DeVier Posey for this game, but they were suspended an additional game for not being able to keep their hands out of the cookie jar, or at least being smart enough not to get caught. The Buckeyes are an absolute mess on offense and make Nebraska look like a powerhouse on that side of the ball. The Huskers troubles on defense this season are well documented, but if they allow the Buckeyes to push them around then I will be convinced that Bill Callahan is somehow back coaching this team and not the Pelini brothers. Taylor Martinez is the only chance Ohio State has of winning this game. He started off strong at Wisconsin, and then completely fell apart, throwing three crippling interceptions. He can't turn the ball over in this game. The Buckeyes have a strong defense and can force Martinez into mistakes. The Huskers can't get cute, stick to what they do best and do well, pound the ball down the Buckeyes throats. If they do that, they win by two touchdowns.

Prediction: Nebraska 28, Ohio State 14

Air Force (3-1) at Notre Dame (3-2)

Turns out I gave Purdue way too much credit. They weren't even in Notre Dame's league and that game was basically over when it started. Michael Floyd continues to make his case that he is the best receiver in the country. Tommy Rees was strong and the Irish finally went a game without a turnover. The only thing that went wrong for Notre Dame that night was Rees sister getting arrested for being drunk and disorderly. The Irish now welcome the Falcons, who are fresh off a thrilling rivalry win over Navy. Like the other military academies the Falcons love to run the ball and pass only when necessary. That plays right into the Irish's hands as they are very strong against the run. The Falcons best weapon is RB Asher Clark who is averaging a little over 9 yards a carry. He was a beast against Navy, rushing for 91 yards on 8 carries and scoring 2 touchdowns. The Falcons will hope to wear down the Irish with their ground attack, then choose their spots passing and hopefully hit something. I hope the Irish remain focused, just because they have won three in a row doesn't mean a thing. After an 0-2 start this season can still end up being a success as the only true game they would be an underdog in is at Stanford.

Prediction: Notre Dame 33, Air Force 24


Top 10 - Thursday, October 6

California (3-1, 0-1) at #9 Oregon (3-1, 1-0)

Oregon has been tearing through teams since getting stomped by a very good LSU team in Week 1. They have put up 69, 56, and 56 points in their last three games, all wins of course. The Golden Bears lost their first Pac-10 game on the road to Washington, so the odds of them going to Autzen and pulling out a win are slim. LaMichael James continues to shred defenses and I don't expect the Bears to do much to slow him down.

Prediction: Oregon 45, California 28

Friday, October 7

#5 Boise State (4-0) at Fresno State (2-3)

So I talk Kellen Moore up, basically guarantee he will have a great game against Nevada and he went out and laid an egg. It didn't matter as the Broncos still won handily in their revenge game against Nevada. Next up they travel to Fresno State. The Bulldogs aren't afraid to play anyone, but they couldn't even beat Ole Piss at home, no chance they win against Boise State.

Prediction: Boise State 42, Fresno State 20

Saturday, October 8

#17 Florida (4-1, 2-1) at #1 LSU (5-0, 2-0)

This game has lost a ton of luster with John Brantley being out for the Gators at quarterback. Brantley isn't an amazing or anything but he is a far better option than the overwhelmed freshman Jeff Driskel. The Gators running attack could get nothing going against the Tide and this weekend they face what may be an even better defense. The only thing that will keep this game from being a complete massacre is LSU's inability to do much on offense. Jordan Jefferson is back from his suspension and itching to play, so it will be interesting to watch if him and Jarrett Lee split duties.

Prediction: LSU 27, Florida 10

Vanderbilt (3-1, 1-1) at #2 Alabama (5-0, 2-0)

Bama was dominant in the Swamp and now gets the over matched Commodores at home. Their only possible slip up before the November 5th meeting with LSU is against Tennessee the week prior. Until then, they will continue to slaughter offenses and work to get better.

Prediction: Alabama 35, Vanderbilt 9

#3 Oklahoma (4-0, 1-0) at #11 Texas (4-0, 1-0)

I would love to be able to attend this game one year even though I don't like either team. Watching on TV it always seems like an awesome event and a good time. Texas fans are eager to proclaim the team back after last season's 5-7 nightmare. They certainly have looked better on offense since Garrett Gilbert was displaced. The Sooners are the far superior team when it comes to passing the ball but the Longhorns may be able to control the game with their running attack. Freshman Malcolm Brown is their main back but their goal line weapon is Foswhitt Whitaker, who has 4 touchdowns. Sooners QB Landry Jones has 10 touchdowns but is prone to mistakes as his 5 INTs will attest. Texas has to control clock and force Jones into mistakes. This game will be exciting but the Sooners are just a little bit better.

Prediction: Oklahoma 27, Texas 21

Kansas (2-2, 0-1) at #6 Oklahoma State (4-0, 1-0)

Oklahoma State made me look great by not only beating Texas A&M as I predicted but by beating them by one point as I also predicted. Kansas will make them look great this weekend as they don't believe in playing defense.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 57, Kansas 23

Colorado (1-4, 0-1) at #7 Stanford (4-0, 2-0)

What the hell happened to Colorado football? Dan Hawkins truly was a terrible coach there. The Buffaloes have been competitive this season but haven't been able to earn wins. The Cardinal, behind Andrew Luck continue to do what good teams do, beat up on inferior opponents. This weekend should be another comfortable win, but next weekend should present a challenge when they travel to Pullman to take on a rejuvenated Washington State team.

Prediction: Stanford 40, Colorado 15

Boston College (1-4, 0-2) at #8 Clemson (5-0, 2-0)

The Eagles are awful, how in the hell do you lose to Duke at home? Can't wait for Notre Dame to play them later this season. Clemson is most definitely for real after a 3 weeks stretch saw them beat Auburn, Florida State, and embarrass Virginia Tech. It is up to their coach Dabo Swinney to keep them level-headed and not start to read too much of their press clippings. They have the players to be a contender throughout the rest of the season, starting with a name you should get familiar with, their QB Tajh Boyd. Boyd has 14 TDs and just 2 INTs and is completing 61% of his passes. Even better news for the Tigers is he is just a sophomore.

Prediction: Clemson 28, Boston College 16

#15 Auburn (4-1, 2-0) at #10 Arkansas (4-1, 0-1)

The Auburn Tigers are another that made me look good, going on the road and beating highly overrated South Carolina. A lot of people were down on the Tigers because of how many starters they lost. That makes sense but I also thought that the Tigers had enough good players coming back, and the right amount of coaching to stay competitive. It doesn't get any easier this weekend as they now have to travel to Arkansas. The Razorbacks overcame a huge deficit to knock off Texas A&M but still need a win here to avoid an 0-2 start in SEC play. If this game was at Auburn I would go with the Tigers but home field is enough for me to pick Arkansas.

Prediction: Arkansas 28, Auburn 24

Last Week: 8-0!!!! (I have gone 17-0 my last two weeks)
Overall: 42-4