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Nothing 2nite Shiprec, take it easy!!!!!!
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Thank you sir. have a great night!Comment
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USA Today.com/Eric Smith
No. 1 Southern California vs. Arizona, 3:30 p.m.
After trailing at halftime in their last two games, Pete Carroll will make sure the Trojans start fast this week and are not looking ahead to their trip to Notre Dame. Southern California 49, Arizona 10.
No. 2 Texas vs. Oklahoma, 1 p.m.
Five straight wins by the Sooners by a combined margin of 189-54 has the Texas faithful ready to exact some serious revenge. OU, off to its worst start under Bob Stoops, appears vulnerable. Adrian Peterson is hurt. Rhett Bomar is shaky at quarterback. However, Mack Brown is on the Longhorns sideline, meaning the game will not be won easily. Texas 21, Oklahoma 17.
No. 3 Virginia Tech vs. Marshall, noon
Marcus Vick wasn't making an obscene gesture at West Virginia fans last week. He was just telling them that the Hokies belonged at No. 1 in the polls. Virginia Tech 40, Marshall 3.
No. 4 Georgia at No. 7 Tennessee, 3:30 p.m.
Last year, the Volunteers won the SEC East by going into Athens and upsetting the Bulldogs. Georgia gets to return the favor in Knoxville. Georgia 20, Tennessee 19.
No. 5 Florida State vs. Wake Forest, noon
The Demon Deacons have not been pushovers in this series, holding the halftime lead in two of the last three games. Don't be surprised if they again stay close into the third quarter. Florida State 34, Wake Forest 17.
No. 6 Ohio State at No. 18 Penn State, 7:45 p.m.
Are the Nittany Lions really back? The win against Minnesota at least puts Joe Paterno's team in the conversation. A win against Ohio State makes them the talk of the Big Ten. Penn State 17, Ohio State 16.
No. 8 Miami (Fla.) vs. Duke, 3:30 p.m.
If Blue Devils fans were not already focused on basketball season, watching this game should do the trick. Miami (Fla.) 45, Duke 6.
No. 9 California at No. 16 UCLA, 7:30 p.m.
The two other unbeaten teams in the Pac-10 decide who is the top contender to Southern Cal. The Golden Bears should control both lines of scrimmage, which usually decides most games. California 26, UCLA 24.
No. 11 LSU at Vanderbilt, 7 p.m.
The Commodores were one of the stories of September. October started with a loss to Middle Tennessee and doesn't get any better with the Tigers and Georgia up next. LSU 30, Vanderbilt 14.
No. 13 Texas Tech at Nebraska, 4 p.m.
Bill Callahan continues to keep the Huskers unbeaten with smoke and mirrors. Those drinking the Kool-Aid in Lincoln should note this is the only ranked opponent on Nebraska's schedule. Don't make your reservations to the Rose Bowl just yet. Texas Tech 28, Nebraska 21.
No. 14 Wisconsin at Northwestern, noon
With four of their next five games on the road, the unbeaten Badgers will be asked to prove themselves as Big Ten contenders. The Wildcats never go quietly at home. Wisconsin 30, Northwestern 24.
No. 15 Florida vs. Mississippi State, 12:30 p.m.
Yes, there is already a firecoachmeyer.com website. Nice to know it only took five games for Florida fans to lose patience. Ron Zook must be smiling in Champaign. Florida 41, Mississippi State 10.
No. 17 Boston College vs. No. 25 Virginia, 1 p.m.
Before taking over the Eagles, Tom O'Brien spent 15 years as an assistant under George Welsh in Virginia. You think he is eager to win in his first crack against the Cavaliers? Boston College 27, Virginia 17.
No. 20 Arizona State vs. Oregon, 10:15 p.m.
The last two teams to play Southern California had similar results with strong first halves and disappointing efforts in the final 30 minutes. The team that reverses the trend will win. Arizona State 35, Oregon 28.
No. 22 Louisville vs. North Carolina, 4:30 p.m.
This looked like a mismatch before the season. But now the Tar Heels have posted two quality wins and the Cardinals suddenly have questions after their loss to South Florida. Louisville 31, North Carolina 24.
No. 23 Georgia Tech vs. North Carolina State, 7:30 p.m. (Thursday)
Wolfpack coach Chuck Amato is feeling the heat after a losing record last year and a slow start in 2005. But at least he has his red shoes and white sunglasses to distract his detractors. Georgia Tech 26, North Carolina State 23.
No. 24 Michigan vs. Minnesota, 1 p.m.
It didn't take long for the Wolverines to fight their way back into the Top 25. The overtime win at Michigan State could be the catalyst for the start of something big, especially against the Gophers, who were dismantled by Penn State. Michigan 30, Minnesota 21.
Last week's record: 17-2 (11-7-1)
This season's record: 81-14 (49-38-2)Comment
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Gotta go guys, will post the rest tomorrow(unless someone would like to help{fat chance}) and fades on saturday, also need espn insider.Comment
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thanks BlackbeardComment
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http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/sp...ats/cfootball/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home in CAPS | Greg |Mickey|Brett |Aaron | Matt |Roger |Robert| John |
Fav (LINE) | B. | C. | C. | C. | D. | F. | F. | H. |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
Thu. Oct. 6th | | | | | | | | |
GT (4.5) Ncst | GT | GT | GT | Ncst | GT | GT | GT | GT |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
Fri. Oct. 7th | | | | | | | | |
CONN (6) Syr | Syr | CONN | Syr | CONN | CONN | CONN |*CONN | CONN |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
Sat. Oct. 8th | | | | | | | | |
Wis (7) NW | Wis | Wis | NW |*Wis | Wis | NW | NW | Wis |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
FSU (20) Wf | FSU | FSU | FSU | Wf | FSU | FSU | FSU | Wf |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
VT (35) Marsh | Marsh| Marsh|*VT | Marsh| VT | Marsh| Marsh| Marsh|
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
BC (7) Va | BC | BC | Va | Va | BC | BC | Va | BC |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
at Dallas, TX | | | | | | | | |
TEX (13.5) Okla | TEX | TEX | Okla | Okla | Okla | TEX | Okla | TEX |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
MICH (7.5) Min | MICH | MICH | Min | MICH | MICH | MICH | Min | Min |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
MIA (35) Duke | Duke | MIA | MIA | MIA | MIA | MIA | Duke | Duke |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
USC (37.5) Ari | USC | Ari | USC | Ari | Ari | Ari | Ari | USC |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
TEN (3) Ga | Ga | TEN | Ga | TEN | TEN | TEN | Ga | TEN |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
Txtch (4) NEB | NEB | NEB | Txtch| NEB |*Txtch| Txtch| NEB | NEB |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
COL (3) Txa&m |*COL | COL | COL | COL | COL | Txa&m| COL | COL |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
UCLA (1.5) Cal | Cal | Cal | Cal | UCLA | UCLA | Cal | Cal | Cal |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
Osu (3) PSU | PSU |*Osu | Osu | Osu | Osu |*PSU | Osu |*PSU |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home in CAPS |Frank |Scott | Tony |Scott |Steve |Craig | Fran | Pat |
Fav (LINE) | H. | H. | M. | R. | S. | S. | S. | T. |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
Thu. Oct. 6th | | | | | | | | |
GT (4.5) Ncst | GT | GT | GT | GT | GT | GT | GT | GT |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
Fri. Oct. 7th | | | | | | | | |
CONN (6) Syr | Syr | CONN | CONN | Syr | CONN | Syr | CONN | CONN |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
Sat. Oct. 8th | | | | | | | | |
Wis (7) NW | Wis | Wis | Wis | Wis |*NW | Wis | NW | Wis |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
FSU (20) Wf | FSU | FSU | Wf | FSU | Wf |*FSU | FSU |*FSU |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
VT (35) Marsh | Marsh| VT | VT | VT | VT | VT | Marsh| VT |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
BC (7) Va | BC |*BC | BC | BC | BC | BC | BC | Va |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
at Dallas, TX | | | | | | | | |
TEX (13.5) Okla | TEX | TEX |*TEX | TEX | Okla | TEX | TEX | Okla |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
MICH (7.5) Min | MICH | MICH | MICH | MICH | Min | Min | MICH | MICH |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
MIA (35) Duke | MIA | MIA | MIA | MIA | MIA | MIA | MIA | MIA |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
USC (37.5) Ari | USC | USC | USC | USC | USC | USC | Ari | USC |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
TEN (3) Ga | TEN | TEN | TEN | TEN | TEN | Ga |*TEN | Ga |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
Txtch (4) NEB | NEB | NEB | NEB | NEB | NEB | NEB | NEB | NEB |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
COL (3) Txa&m | COL | COL | COL |*COL | COL | COL | Txa&m| Txa&m|
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
UCLA (1.5) Cal |*Cal | Cal | Cal | UCLA | UCLA | Cal | Cal | UCLA |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
Osu (3) PSU | PSU | PSU | PSU | Osu | PSU | Osu | PSU | PSU |
-----------------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|------|
Consensus - GT, CONN, Wis, FSU, BC, TEX, MICH, MIA, USC, TEN, NEB, COL
Cal, PSU
Split - VT/Marsh
Consensus Choice - GT
* - Best Bet
10/06 19:25:46 ETComment
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Sorry, I don't know how to straighten them outComment
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Thanks Gamblin1, much appreciated. its impossible to format that type of stuff, but it works for counting the fades, thanks buddy.Comment
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foxsports cfb
Games of the Week
Oklahoma at No. 2 Texas — Saturday at 1 p.m. ET
Line:
Texas -14
It's the 100th meeting between the two superpowers, and Texas hopes this marks the beginning of a new era in the series. Over the last five years, Texas has gone 0-5 against Oklahoma and 56-6 against everyone else. There have been defensive battles in the five game streak, and there have been blowouts, but they've all built up to the point of becoming a mega-ton monkey on Mack Brown's back.
Finally, this should be the year Texas gets over the hump and beats its arch-rival boasting its best team yet, while Oklahoma is stuck trying to rebuild. Texas doesn't want to just win this game, it wants to make a statement that it really is a contender for the national title. Oklahoma might be 2-2, but it's 1-0 in the Big 12 and can be on its way to yet another conference title with the win. In other words, if Texas doesn't win this time around, it'll probably be a very, very ugly next 12 months in Austin no matter what happens the rest of the way.
Vince Young already holds a special place in the hearts of Longhorn fans after winning the Rose Bowl and beating Ohio State earlier this year. He will grow into an even bigger legend with a win over the Sooners this week. Oklahoma will play inspired defense and keep Young from going nuts, but this is the Longhorns' year to end the hex.
Prediction: Texas 31 ... Oklahoma 20
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 5 Georgia at No. 8 Tennessee — Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Tenn. -3
While the rest of the SEC East big boys have been slugging it out in titanic battles, Georgia has been able to ease its way into the season starting off 4-0 against Boise State, South Carolina, UL Monroe and Mississippi State. Along the way, the Bulldogs have been getting more and more respect in the rankings due more to the record than actual play. After a stunning opening day win over Boise State, the team has slogged through with just enough offense to get by and a defense that's doing it normal killer job.
Now, the Dawgs will face their first real test. Or will they? Tennessee earned a major measure of respect after its stirring comeback win over LSU, but the offense has only performed well for about a half this year. Is this a case of a team relying on its amazing defense and not opening up the attack, or is Tennessee's offense really that average. After losing to Florida 16-7, all hopes of an SEC title will go bye-bye for the Vols with a home loss this week, while Georgia can put itself in the driver's seat with the only two true SEC tests to come are at a neutral site (the Cocktail Party vs. Florida) and at home vs. Auburn. Tennessee pulled off the 19-14 stunner last year that paved the way for a berth in the SEC title game. Georgia is hoping to return the favor.
Any sort of offensive explosion with these two defenses involved would be a major shock. Georgia has been one of the best SEC road teams over the last few years and will keep the average-playing Tennessee offense from getting into any sort of a rhythm. In a tight game like this, go with the better quarterback.
Prediction: Georgia 20 ... Tennessee 17
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
In the Spotlight
No. 6 Ohio State at No. 16 Penn State
Saturday at 7:45 p.m. ET
Line:
OSU -3.5
Everyone noticed Penn State's 4-0 start, but didn't' think much of it. After all, beating South Florida, Cincinnati and Central Michigan isn't any big deal, while the team needed a last second pass to beat Northwestern. And then came the Minnesota game. The Nittany Lions not only beat the unbeaten Gophers 44-14, it did so in a brutal, physical fashion playing smashmouth when it needed to on offense, while the defense stiffened against Laurence Maroney and the great Minnesota ground game. That was good, this would be better. Ohio State has had two weeks off to rest up after throttling Iowa 31-6. This will be the team's first road test of the year, and it'll be a nasty one before hosting Michigan State. While the Buckeyes already have a ton of national respect, a convincing win would prove that they're truly still in the Rose Bowl hunt, while a Penn State win would get everyone around Happy Valley thinking Pasadena; at least until next week's road trip to Michigan.
Prediction: Ohio State 19 ... Penn State 13
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 10 Cal at No. 20 UCLA
Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET
Line:
UCLA -1
Considering that UCLA still has to face USC and Arizona State, and Cal still has to play USC, this showdown in the Rose Bowl is probably an elimination game in the Pac 10 race. In the respect department, the winner will take a big leap up in the eyes of the pollsters and the rest of the Pac 10. The Bears are 5-0, but are untested with its best win coming over, well, Illinois? Arizona? Washington? Yeah, they haven't faced anyone of note. Even so, this is a strong team getting better every week despite inconsistencies in the offense and injuries on the line. UCLA earned a measure of respect with a 41-24 thumping of Oklahoma, but came out shaky against Washington needing a late drive to win 21-17. With three road trips in the next four games, the Bruins have to end their four-game home stand with a win. lot of questions will be answered this week. UCLA will be jacked up to make a statement and will be sharp enough in the passing game to overcome several Cal home runs.
Prediction: UCLA 38 ... California 34
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Rest of the Top 25
Wake Forest at No. 4 Florida State
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
FSU -21
This could be a sneaky-tough game for Florida State if it isn't paying attention. Jim Grobe's Wake Forest team always plays hard and has been known to pull off some stunning wins out of the fire. While this would be a major upset of epic ACC proportions, the Demon Deacons aren't planning on just getting rolled over after beating Clemson 31-27 last week. Florida State has one of the best defenses in America and an offense that's improving week after week. After starting out with a gutty, ugly win over Miami, the Noles have won three straight by a total of 128 to 41. Unless Wake Forest has developed some sort of big-time passing game, Florida State makes another statement that it belongs in the national title discussion.
Prediction: Florida State 45 ... Wake Forest 13
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 14 Wisconsin at Northwestern
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
Wisc. -7
Northwestern occasionally been a thorn in Wisconsin's side. In 2003, the Badgers were a solid 6-1 coming off a win over defending national champion Ohio St., and then it came up with an inexplicable clunker in Evanston losing 16-7 kicking off a string of five losses in six games. The Badgers are 5-0 with a win over Michigan under its belt. This game marks the beginning of the tough stretch with three road games in four weeks, so they can't get off to a bad start before going to Minnesota. Northwestern has had two weeks off to lick its wounds after a heartbreaking 34-29 loss to Penn St.. With road games at Purdue and Michigan St. ahead, this becomes a must win for the Wildcats if they have hopes of a bowl.
Prediction: Wisconsin 31 ... Northwestern 23
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Marshall at No. 3 Virginia Tech
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
Va Tech -34.5
If you're counting on seeing the next great NFL quarterback that comes from the MAC, you better surf on over to ESPN Classic. Marshall now plays in C-USA and is nothing like your daddy's Herd. Oh, and while he is improving, QB Bernie Morris is not going to conjure up images of Byron Leftwich any time soon. Marshall has labored in Mark Snyder's first season, becoming Central UCF's first victim in two years a couple of weeks ago and needing overtime to beat SMU last Saturday. While the defense has kept them in every game. After disposing of West Virginia in Morgantown, No. 3 Virginia Tech has become the next best thing to the consensus Top 2 of USC and Texas.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 44... Marshall 7
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Mississippi St. at No. 13 Florida
Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Florida -27
Florida will be an angry team returning back to the friendly confines of The Swamp after getting roasted on national TV by Alabama 31-3. The Gators aren't just looking to get back on track in the SEC race, they're hoping to avenge last year's stunning 38-31 loss to the Bulldogs. With the Florida game, MSU finishes one of the tougher three-game streaks anyone has had to deal with all year losing to Georgia 23-10 and LSU 37-7. The goal for Sylvester Croom's team is to keep improving each week against the big boys, and this is another important step in the program's development. Florida will be much, much happier at home. This will be the game the Gator D gets its groove back.
Prediction: Florida 40 ... Mississippi State 6
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Virginia at No. 18 Boston College
Saturday at 1 p.m. ET
Line:
BC -7
The Cavs and Eagles are very similar teams with no-nonsense head coaches and the same goal this week - stay alive in the ACC race. The winner remains in the hunt. The loser can start thinking about a trip to the MPC Computers Bowl. B.C. has re-established its footing since losing to Florida State three weeks ago, but Virginia will slog into Alumni Stadium after getting trounced by Maryland. Fans of the NFL Draft could get a chance to watch three of next year's first rounders - DE Mathias Kiwanuka and CB/WR Will Blackmon of Boston College and LB Ahmad Brooks, provided his sprained ankle doesn't keep him out of pads.
Prediction: Boston College 33... Virginia 21
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Minnesota at No. 21 Michigan
Saturday at1 p.m. ET
Line:
Michigan -7.5
All of a sudden, with one kick through the uprights in East Lansing, Michigan went from being possibly out of the bowl picture with Wolverine fans calling for Lloyd Carr's whistle, to being right back in the hunt for the Big Ten title. The Wolverines found their groove again thanks to the return of RB Mike Hart, along with more of an attitude after losing to Wisconsin 23-20. However, all the positive momentum can go right back into the tank if Minnesota can exorcise its demon and beat Big Blue. Minnesota hasn't won the Little Brown Jug since 1986, and needs the upset with Wisconsin and Ohio State coming up.
Prediction: Michigan 30 ... Minnesota 23
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Duke at No. 9 Miami (FL)
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Miami -35
A once-in-a-lifetime type upset is not going to happen here, but it's still worth investing the time because it's Miami, and it's a chance to see if the 'Canes can finally create some strong gusts on offense. The defense is fast and ferocious, but the offense has sputtered weekly, averaging less than 20 points a game in regulation. QB Kyle Wright isn't going to show up on any All-America ballots, but the team's problems have hardly been all his fault. The offensive line has been atrocious all year, preventing Wright from getting set in the pocket and getting him sacked 17 times through just four games. Miami will coast to their first shutout of 2005, allowing Wright a rare opportunity to search for a rhythm without having an opposing linebacker in his face.
Prediction: Miami 48... Duke 0
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Arizona at No. 1 USC
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
USC -37.5
On FSN
USC survived its first two tests of the season by blowing out Oregon and running past Arizona State, and now it has to make sure it doesn't look ahead to next week's sure-to-be-overhyped game at Notre Dame. The Trojans, for all of their dominance on both sides of the ball, could use a little tuning up hoping to come out of the gate strong for the first time in a few weeks and not have to scramble in the second half. Arizona is hoping to not get blown out of the water. The Wildcats are 1-3 with close calls against Utah and Purdue, but is coming off a 28-0 loss to Cal. The mega-upset would do wonders for Mike Stoops' program, and there's a bit of a precedent set for the team to come up with a shocker thanks to last year's out-of-the-blue season ending win over ASU.
Prediction: USC 48 ... Arizona 13
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 15 Texas Tech at Nebraska
Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Tex Tech -4
70-10. 70-10. 70-10. 70-10. It's a score Nebraska fans will have etched in their brains as one of the lowest points in the proud program's history when Texas Tech bombed away on the hapless Husker secondary. Now, Nebraska hopes to get its revenge by beating the highly ranked Red Raiders and declaring that it's a true player in the Big 12 race. Texas Tech has still not beaten anyone of note, at least, not unless you count Kansas, but many are thinking this could be the big sleeper in the race for the Rose Bowl with this game and the road trip to Texas in a few weeks the biggest barriers to an undefeated season. After this game, one team will see the media spotlight shine a lot brighter and will go flying up the rankings.
Prediction: Texas Tech 27 ... Nebraska 20
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
North Carolina at No. 23 Louisville
Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET
Line:
L'Ville -13
Just two weeks ago, the Heels and Cards were in separate galaxies, the latter dreaming of a perfect season and the former still searching for its first win of 2005. However, after USF brought Louisville back to Earth and Carolina bagged back-to-back upsets, the two programs now reside in the same area code, making for a sneaky good game in the 'Ville. The Cards may have been humbled in Tampa last month, but they're still a Top 25 team with a star-studded offense that's capable of putting up half a hundred on just about anyone. Since starting 0-2, Carolina is thinking post-season again after shocking rival NC State for the second straight year and beating Utah behind an opportunistic defense and the improved play of QB Matt Baker.
Prediction: Florida State 27... Syracuse 3
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 11 LSU at Vanderbilt
Saturday at 7 p.m. ET
Line:
LSU -15.5
Screw Vandy's loss to MTSU ... this is still a preview of the SEC title game, right? O.K., so the 'Dores came back down to earth in a puzzling 17-15 loss last week, and now their bowl hopes are in some trouble. Even so, they're 2-0 in SEC play and are in the midst of a five-game home stand. LSU finally had a breather with a good 37-7 performance at Mississippi State last week, and needs this win with Florida and Auburn coming up. With only three games under its belt, LSU needs all the reps and all the live action it can get. A Vandy win would mean the team is absolutely for real, while an LSU win is needed to gain more confidence on the way to what it hopes will be a run for the Rose Bowl. For about a quarter and a half, Vanderbilt will be thinking it can pull off the upset. And then the LSU lines will kick in and the Tigers will pull away.
Prediction: LSU 31 ... Vanderbilt 17
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 25 Oregon at No. 17 Arizona State
Saturday at 10:15 p.m. ET
Line:
ASU -10
On FSN
It's a battle of bridesmaids as Arizona State and Oregon can compare notes on how they each lost to USC. The Sun Devils got up early, and then couldn't stop the Trojan running game. The Ducks got up early, and then couldn't stop the Trojan passing game. While UCLA and Cal might have something to say in the matter, this might be the battle for the number two spot in the final Pac 10 pecking order. Oregon was able to get on track last week with an easy win over Stanford, and it can go on a terrific run with a win over the Sun Devils considering Washington and Arizona are up next. ASU gets Stanford and Washington in the next two games, so it should go on a bit of a tear with a win. If nothing else, this should be a good old-fashioned Pac 10 track meet between two offenses that combine to average over 1,000 yards and 79 points per game.
Prediction: Arizona State 45 ... Oregon 35
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTraxComment
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GL this weekend BB!
Comment
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(sorry guys for the tough read but this is how I get it e-mailed to me)
More questions than answers this weekBy Rich Podolsky
Special to ESPN Insider
This week's games include some matchups that will tell us a lot
about the
future of this season. And they provide more questions than
answers. Can
Georgia win for a third straight time at Tennessee? Can Joe
Paterno's Penn
State Nittany Lions continue their magic at home against a great
Ohio
State team? Can UCLA come back to show the kind of fire they had
beating
Oklahoma when they face California Saturday? Does Nebraska have
enough
defense to stop the vaunted Texas Tech attack and avenge last
year's
mauling at Lubbock? Can the Oklahoma Sooners stop Texas one more
time?
Tuesday
Troy +2 over North Texas: These teams were ravaged by graduation
and are
just a shell of last year's quality, but North Texas seems to
have gone
back much farther than Troy. The Mean Green have lost their last
two games
54-2 (at home vs. Tulsa) and 54-7 (at Kansas State). In those two
games,
North Texas had 17 possessions that lasted three or fewer plays.
The
vaunted running game of the past has not shown up this year
despite the
return of star RB Patrick Cobbs. UNT was able to garner a 14-7
victory
over Middle Tennessee in the opener, however, thanks to forcing
five
turnovers and breaking out for a 99-yard interception return.
The Troy Trojans have been more competitive vs. better teams,
playing
tough against UAB, and for more than a half against Missouri and
South
Carolina. They also have the running game to take advantage of
North
Texas' decimated defense, and Troy's defense is ranked second in
the Sun
Belt this year. But they've got to do better on turnovers, having
lost
that battle 10-0 in their last three games.
The pick: Troy. The Mean Green have won 16 of their last 19 at
home, but
this year's team obviously isn't in the same class as previous
years' have
been.
Wednesday
Northern Illinois -2½ over Miami (Ohio): The only MAC team the
Northern
Illinois Huskies have lost to on their home field in the last
three years
has been Toledo. The Huskies are coming off a bitter overtime
loss at
Akron, where they came from three touchdowns behind to send the
game into
overtime. Despite the loss, they found out how good a passer
quarterback
Phil Horvath is. He threw for six TDs and 486 yards at Akron,
which bodes
well for the Huskies' ability to balance the running of Garrett
Wolfe
against Miami.
The RedHawks beat up on an inexperienced Cincinnati team last
week but
still haven't matched the success of past seasons. Last year's
team, which
was better, lost at Cincinnati and Marshall. This team isn't good
enough
to win on this field.
The pick: Northern Illinois (best bet). The Huskies have way too
much
power for Miami to stop.
Thursday
NC State +4½ over Georgia Tech: Expect the Wolfpack of NC State
to look
more like the team that battled Virginia Tech to the wire in the
season
opener, rather than the team that was caught by surprise by rival
North
Carolina. Chuck Amato's team is much better than they showed vs.
the Tar
Heels, and have had a week off to work on execution.
Georgia Tech has a terrific defense but never seems to pull away
from
anyone at this level. Also, NC State has been an excellent road
team under
Amato, winning at Virginia Tech last year, for example.
The pick: NC State. This game should be close and very well could
go the
Wolfpack's way.
Friday
Connecticut -6½ over Syracuse: The big question about UConn
entering this
year was at quarterback and Matt Bonislawski has answered that
question
positively so far for the Huskies. He looked like he was doing it
for
years in his team's easy victory over Army. In the previous game
he was
blitzed unmercifully by a great Georgia Tech defense, and coughed
up three
interceptions, but Syracuse has no such defense to match.
The Orange look like last year's team despite the coaching
change, playing
well at home and so-so on the road. Last week Florida State had
an easy
time going through the air, something the Huskies should also be
able to
accomplish. And UConn should continue to have success running the
ball
with Terry Caulley and Cornell Brockington.
The pick: Connecticut. The Huskies led at Georgia Tech until the
final
seconds of the first half and hung tough the rest of the way.
Can't see
Syracuse staying that close.
Saturday
Kansas +6 at Kansas State: Kansas is a gritty team and fought
back last
week at one of the toughest places in the nation to play a road
game: at
night in Lubbock against Texas Tech. Coach Mark Mangino still is
shuffling
quarterbacks but his defense is starting to look like last year's
version,
which challenged everyone in the Big 12.
Kansas State was humbled at Oklahoma last Saturday, but also
looked
unprepared, making big mistakes on special teams. After barely
beating a
bad Marshall team and looking sloppy against an undermanned
Florida
International, Kansas State was lulled into thinking everything
was OK
when they beat a troubled North Texas squad 54-7. This team isn't
ready
for Big 12 intensity yet.
The pick: Kansas.
Oklahoma +14 over Texas: Oklahoma's won this game five years
running. The
Sooners got off to a slow start but got a huge lift last week
with an easy
victory over Kansas State. The defense is getting sharp.
Quarterback Rhett
Bomar is starting to look much better as a passer, not just
running for
his life. Yes, Texas has the better talent this year and could
win by a
blowout margin. It's possible. The running game should decide
things.
Under coach Mack Brown, the Longhorns are 63-0 when they've
outrushed
their opponents. And although Texas is averaging 310 yards per
game
running this season, Oklahoma is only yielding 65. It will be
interesting
to see who wins that battle. In this kind of rivalry on a neutral
field,
don't expect Oklahoma to give up its crown so easily.
The pick: Oklahoma.
Colorado -3 over Texas A&M: It's not like A&M should have been
caught by
surprise in last week's overtime win over Baylor. Despite being a
22-point
favorite, the Aggies should have been ready because the Baylor
Bears beat
them last year. The Aggies looked totally sluggish, and haven't
shown much
since they lost their opener at Clemson.
Colorado, on the other hand, seems to be coming together nicely.
The Buffs
weren't quite as good as their 34-0 victory indicated at Oklahoma
State
last week, but are playing very good defense, as evidenced by
allowing the
Cowboys just two first downs in 17 third-down chances. Hugh
Charles is
emerging as a top running back for Colorado, running for 82 yards
against
Miami and 120 vs. Oklahoma State.
The pick: Colorado, providing they can keep A&M's Reggie McNeal
under
control.
TCU +6 at Wyoming: It's obvious TCU has found a quarterback in
the
versatile and talented Jeff Ballard. Ballard filled in two weeks
ago in
the second half for the injured Tye Gunn and brought the Horned
Frogs from
behind at BYU for a 51-50 triumph. Last week against a good New
Mexico
team Ballard was 16-for-28 passing for 192 yards and 2 TDs and
also ran 9
times for 79 more yards, scoring four TDs himself. He's dynamic
and the
team obviously responds to him. Too bad he doesn't also play
defense.
Wyoming is a quality team that is very experienced for coach Joe
Glenn.
They had a big win on the road two weeks ago at Mississippi, and
put away
UNLV easily last week. They are also very tough at home because
Laramie is
difficult place to play for any visitor. Expect this game to be
fought
bitterly to the end.
The pick: TCU. Got to go with the hot hand of Ballard.
Cal +1½ over UCLA: This game might come down to which team wins
the
running game and that should be California. Cal has a one-two
punch at
running back with the return of Marshawn Lynch (who ran for 107
last week
vs. Arizona) added to Justin Forsett who rushed for 235 yards two
weeks
ago vs. New Mexico State.
UCLA may get a lift from its last-minute drive that brought the
Bruins
from behind to defeat Washington, but their execution problems
and
defensive lapses -- especially on the corners -- is going to have
to
improve fast.
The pick: Cal. (best bet). Cal has won 8 of its last 9 road
games, losing
only 23-17 at USC last year. Not bad.
UCF +2 over Memphis: Central Florida is much improved this year
under
coach George O'Leary. The Golden Knights nearly beat South
Carolina on the
road in their opener, then ended the 17-game losing streak with a
victory
over Marshall two weeks ago. Last week they drove half the length
of the
field in the final four minutes to kick the winning field goal at
UL-Lafayette.
Memphis is coming off of two tough games: a 37-31 overtime loss
at Tulsa
and last week's 27-20 victory over a difficult UTEP team. Next
week they
have another tough game at Houston. It wouldn't be surprising if
the
Tigers took UCF a little lightly in what appears to be a sandwich
game for
them. If UCF comes out with the fire we expect, they'll still
have to find
a way to stop Memphis' great running back DeAngelo Williams,
who's run for
nearly 500 yards in his last two games.
The pick: UCF (best bet).
Passing Thoughts
Georgia has won 17 of its last 19 road games under coach Mark
Richt and
has won its last two trips to Tennessee. ... Hawaii lost a
heartbreaker
against Boise State last week and now must travel all the way to
Ruston,
La. to take on Louisiana Tech. No easy task. ... It's Ohio
State's defense
against Penn State's freshmen and home field in a game that will
send the
loser to the Big Ten bench. ... Don't be surprised if Missouri
lays down
against a weak Oklahoma State. Can't see how they'll focus on the
road
after the Texas massacre. ... Nebraska will be up to avenge last
year's
70-10 whipping Texas Tech handed the Huskers, but can they stop
that
spread attack? And can they score at least 21 points if they do?
... Last
week's double-digit home dogs went 2-3 experiencing their first
losing
week in two years. This week's DDHD's are Vanderbilt, Temple,
Buffalo and
New Mexico State. Don't be too surprised if Vandy is too deflated
to put
up a fight against LSU this week after losing on a blocked field
goal at
game's end last Saturday, and possibly seeing the dream of a bowl
game go
down with it.
Last Week: 7-4; Season: 25-33
Best Bets last week: 2-1; Best Bets, season: 5-8
Rich Podolsky went 88-85-1 in 2004 and 92-76-3 in 2003 picking
college
football games for Insider.Last edited by soxx9; 10-07-2005, 04:21 PM.Comment
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Thanks Soxx!!!!!
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Week Six
3:30 p.m. ET (CBS) No. 5 Georgia (4-0) at No. 8 Tennessee (3-1)
You have to admire Rick Clausen for having faith in his talent when Nick Saban (at LSU) and then Tennessee's Phil Fulmer didn't believe in him. That said, the Vols QB was just named "Vols Scholar Athlete of the Week," even though he graduated last December and is currently taking grad courses in Recreation and Leisure Studies.
Georgia 14, Tennessee 13
7:30 p.m. ET (TBS) No. 10 California (5-0) at No. 20 UCLA (4-0)
These two have more in common besides being California's other undefeated Pac-10 teams. There's the obvious ursine connection between the Golden Bears and the Bruins. Then there's both schools' unrelenting commitment to the cursive form, as the helmets bear (no pun intended) witness. No one outside of Berkeley or Westwood seriously thinks either of these two will be back in Pasadena come January, but I guarantee this game will be entertaining.
California 33, UCLA 31
7:45 p.m. ET (ESPN) No. 6 Ohio St. (3-1) at No. 16 Penn St. (5-0)
Nittany Lion quarterback Michael Robinson earned his advertising and public relations degree last December, and I'm pegging him as my early favorite to become the next "Vols Scholar Athlete of the Week." If Robinson can move the ball against the nation's No. 1 rush defense, then Happy Valley will be upgraded to Giddy Valley.
Ohio State 21, Penn State 20
10 p.m. ET (Fox Sports Net) No. 25 Oregon (4-1) at No. 17 Arizona St. (3-2)
Most humbled QB of last week? Former Dallas Cowboy and current Survivor: Guatemala cast member Gary Hogeboom, who must have seethed as host Jeff Probst described his Yaxha posse as being "the less athletic of the two tribes." Runner-up? Sun Devil Sam Keller, who tossed five picks in the loss to USC after throwing 131 passes in a row without an interception.
Arizona State 35, Oregon 27
1 p.m. ET (ABC) Oklahoma (2-2) at No. 2 Texas (4-0)
Here's the idea: After every Oklahoma touchdown, a fan in the Oklahoma student section turns his back toward the opposing team's fans, bends over and drops trou. And we shall call him the Sooner Mooner. Who's with me here?
Texas 44, Oklahoma 16
1 p.m. ET (ABC) Minnesota (4-1) at No. 21 Michigan (3-2)
Don: Hey, Napoleon. What did you do last summer again?
Napoleon Dynamite: I told you! I spent it with my uncle in Alaska, hunting wolverines!
Don: Did you shoot any?
Napoleon Dynamite: Yes, like 50 of 'em! They kept trying to attack my cousins. What the heck would you do in a situation like that?
Will the Golden Gophers enter the Big House with a Napoleon Dynamite Complex? Doubt it.
Michigan 38, Minnesota 21
4 p.m. ET (TBS) No. 15 Texas Tech (4-0) at Nebraska (4-0)
Now this is fun: The Red Raiders boast the nation's No. 1 scoring offense (57.25 points per game) while the Cornhuskers counter with the country's top scoring defense (9.0 ppg). That's a 48-point difference. You ain't gotta be Diane Keaton to realize that something's gotta give.
Texas Tech 44, Nebraska 27
1 p.m. (ET) ABC Virginia (3-1) at No. 18 Boston College (4-1)
We interrupt this Weekend Pickoff to print the musings of reader Jason Wilborn of Chesapeake, Va.: The [exception to a rule] that gets me is intentional grounding unless you spike the ball to stop the clock. Why can't the quarterback who gets flagged for intentional grounding argue that he noticed the clock ticking and wanted to stop it?
"The fact that the linebacker was about to sack me was pure happenstance!"
Boston College 27, Virginia 21
3 p.m. ET (Not Televised) TCU (4-1) at Wyoming (4-1)
How to tell you are not a BCS conference: The showdown between your top two schools is not being televised. Too bad for the Mountain West Conference, as the Horned Frogs and Cowboys already have wins against BCS schools (Oklahoma and Ole Miss, respectively) this season.
Wyoming 31, Texas Christian 30
Noon ET (ESPN) No. 14 Wisconsin (5-0) at Northwestern (2-2)
Here's how to over-think a pick: 1) The Badgers have only played one road game, and it was a desultory 14-5 win in Chapel Hill, 2) the Wildcats had Penn State on the ropes and their win against Northern Illinois looks more and more impressive, 3) Northwestern is coming off a bye week while Wisconsin is playing its sixth game in as many Saturdays. I know I'll be sorry, but ...
Northwestern 29, Wisconsin 28Comment
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