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Harmon Forecast NCAA
Game of the Week
Auburn 23, *Georgia 17
In the South's oldest rivalry, we take Auburn to win at Georgia. Auburn leads the all-time series 52-48-8, including last year's 24-6 victory.
Week of Nov. 11
Major Colleges - Div. I-A
*Alabama 23 LSU 20
*Arizona 31 Washington 30
Arkansas 21 *Mississippi 14
*Army 20 Massachusetts 6
*Boston College 26 North Carolina State 21
*Colorado State 29 San Diego State 14
Central Florida 23 *UAB 17
*Eastern Michigan 28 Ball State 19
Florida 24 *South Carolina 21
*Florida Atlantic 16 North Texas 14
Florida State 27 *Clemson 23
*Fresno State 34 Boise State 28
Georgia Tech 23 *Virginia 20
*Hawaii 41 Utah State 10
*Houston 33 Southern Methodist 17
*Kent State 24 Buffalo 14
*La.-Lafayette 22 Florida International 17
Louisiana Tech 30 *Idaho 14
*Louisville 34 Rutgers 21
*Iowa State 23 Colorado 20
Maryland 23 *North Carolina 21
*Michigan 30 Indiana 17
*Middle Tennessee 28 Louisiana-Monroe 24
*Missouri 27 Baylor 14
*Minnesota 35 Michigan State 31
*Nebraska 23 Kansas State 21
Nevada 31 *New Mexico State 14
New Mexico 24 *Utah 17
*Notre Dame 36 Navy 20
*Ohio State 31 Northwestern 23
Oregon 35 *Washington State 27
*Oregon State 31 Stanford 28
*Pittsburgh 27 Connecticut 24
*Purdue 30 Illinois 17
South Florida 17 *Syracuse 7
Southern California 35 *California 31
Southern Mississippi 23 *Marshall 20
*TCU 24 UNLV 17
*Tennessee 23 Memphis 13
*Texas 44 Kansas 13
Texas A&M 31 *Oklahoma 24
*Texas-El Paso 44 Texas Southern 6
Texas Tech 38 *Oklahoma State 21
Troy 17 *Arkansas State 14
Tulane 23 *Rice 10
*Tulsa 28 East Carolina 17
*UCLA 38 Arizona State 31
*Vanderbilt 29 Kentucky 13
West Virginia 27 *Cincinnati 17
*Western Michigan 23 Central Michigan 21
*Wisconsin 31 Iowa 26
*Wyoming 28 Brigham Young 27 -
GL this weekend BB!Comment
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Mejia Ncaa fb
Southern Mississippi 17 Marshall 13
West Virginia 34 Cincinnati 14
Fresno State 38 Boise State 30
Louisville 38 Rutgers 20
Notre Dame 34 Navy 17
Ball State 45 Eastern Michigan 41
Kent State 20 Buffalo 10
Army 23 Massachusetts 6
Western Michigan 54 Central Michigan 10
Vanderbilt 30 Kentucky 27
Rice 27 Tulane 17
Tulsa 41 East Carolina 10
Tennessee 33 Memphis 17
Nevada 51 New Mexico State 31
UAB 31 Central Florida 27
North Texas 13 Florida Atlantic 10
Louisiana Tech 36 Idaho 34
La.-Lafayette 24 Florida International 7
Arizona 45 Washington 10
UCLA 44 Arizona State 27
Houston 28 Southern Methodist 27
TCU 38 UNLV 3
Troy 27 Arkansas State 24
Texas-El Paso 37 Texas Southern 10
Oregon 42 Washington State 27
Hawaii 41 Utah State 17
LSU 17 Alabama 13
North Carolina 20 Maryland 16
Mississippi 27 Arkansas 23
Georgia 20 Auburn 6
Minnesota 37 Michigan State 27
Middle Tennessee 35 Louisiana-Monroe 13
Missouri 32 Baylor 27
Nebraska 21 Kansas State 13
Utah 27 New Mexico 24
Boston College 30 North Carolina State 13
Wyoming 27 Brigham Young 23
Southern California 55 California 17
Ohio State 34 Northwestern 20
Oregon State 31 Stanford 20
Syracuse 20 South Florida 17
Texas Tech 48 Oklahoma State 31
Pittsburgh 24 Connecticut 23
Purdue 48 Illinois 6
Colorado State 34 San Diego State 20
Florida 37 South Carolina 24
Michigan 33 Indiana 13
Clemson 24 Florida State 16
Iowa State 27 Colorado 10
Oklahoma 34 Texas A&M 10
Texas 43 Kansas 10
Virginia 27 Georgia Tech 9
Wisconsin 37 Iowa 31Comment
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Bump and Can I get a sticky Please?Comment
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USA Today/Eric Smith
No. 1 Southern California at California, 3:30 p.m.
This promised to be one of the toughest tests for the Trojans before the season. But the Bears have struggled with quarterback Joe Ayoob. USC doesn't have those concerns with Matt Leinart calling the signals. Southern California 42, California 21.
No. 2 Texas vs. Kansas, 3:30 p.m.
The Jayhawks may have the most underrated defense in the country. After shutting down Brad Smith and Missouri and stuffing Nebraska, the task gets a whole lot tougher for the nation's fifth-ranked defense this week with Vince Young on the other sideline. Texas 38, Kansas 10.
No. 3 Alabama vs. No. 5 LSU, 3:30 p.m.
No, there hasn't been enough offense these days in Tuscaloosa. Just don't discount the Tide's defense, which has allowed just 16 points in five games. This game will be close and the home team will find a way to make a play or two that gets it over the hump. Alabama 16, LSU 13.
No. 4 Miami at Wake Forest, 3:30 p.m.
Be careful, Hurricanes. The Demon Deacons don't appear to be a threat, but their offense is hard to defend and they will still have motivation to achieve one big win before the season is done. Miami (Fla.) 26, Wake Forest 17.
No. 7 Notre Dame vs. Navy, 1 p.m.
Too much on the line for Charlie Weis and Notre Dame for them to give the Midshipmen an opportunity to end their 41-game losing streak to the Irish. Notre Dame 48, Navy 21.
No. 9 Georgia vs. No. 17 Auburn, 7:45 p.m.
D.J. Shockley returns for the Bulldogs, though he won't be at 100%. If he can still bring some mobility to his game, that should be enough to allow the defense to carry Georgia past its rivals. Georgia 20, Auburn 14.
No. 10 Ohio State vs. Northwestern, noon
With his first 100-yard receiving effort and a touchdown in four straight games, the missing persons report on Ted Ginn Jr. can be closed. The Buckeyes offense now seems to finally be hitting full throttle at the key stretch of the season. Ohio State 40, Northwestern 20.
No. 11 Oregon at Washington State, 10:15 p.m.
The Ducks survived California with the combination of Dennis Dixon and Brady Leaf replacing Kellen Clemens. This duo aren't quite Batman and Robin, but they are good enough to keep Oregon rolling toward the top 10. Oregon 27, Washington State 20.
No. 12 Florida at South Carolina, 12:30 p.m.
Let's put aside the Spurrier-Florida angle for a minute. The Gators clearly were not prepared for Vanderbilt last week. They'd better be ready for the Gamecocks, who have been surging the last few weeks with Blake Mitchell healthy at quarterback. Florida 24, South Carolina 20.
No. 13 Texas Tech at Oklahoma State, 2 p.m.
Don't expect any heroics by the Cowboys, like their first half against Texas. The Red Raiders score early and often. Texas Tech 48, Oklahoma State 13.
No. 14 UCLA vs. Arizona State, 7 p.m.
The shoe finally dropped for UCLA. The surprise was that it happened at Arizona and in such dominating fashion. Teams that lose an unbeaten record in November typically struggle with the rest of their games. The Bruins should be no exception. Arizona State 35, UCLA 30.
No. 15 West Virginia at Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m. (Wednesday)
If Bearcats fans were looking ahead to hoops season already, this should do the trick. West Virginia 34, Cincinnati 16.
No. 17 Florida State at Clemson, noon
As the injuries keep piling up, it is amazing that the Seminoles have already locked up a berth in the ACC title game. They just hope to get there in one piece with Clemson and Florida still left on the schedule. The game could hinge on whether Tigers quarterback Charlie Whitehurst is able to play his final home game. Florida State 23, Clemson 21.
No. 18 TCU vs. UNLV, 7 p.m.
With the Mountain West title already clinched and LaDainian Tomlinson on hand to have his jersey retired, the game should be anti-climactic for the Frogs. TCU 42, UNLV 10.
No. 19 Wisconsin vs. Iowa, 3:30 p.m.
Last home game for Barry Alvarez. The Badgers send him out in style against the deflated Hawkeyes. Wisconsin 24, Iowa 17.
No. 20 Fresno State vs. Boise State, 8 p.m. (Thursday)
Game of the Year in the WAC. Boise State has won 31 straight conference games and has beaten Fresno State four straight times. This year is different as the Bulldogs will take the final step toward setting up a big showdown with USC next week. Fresno State 35, Boise State 24.
No. 21 Colorado at Iowa State, 7 p.m.
Colorado hasn't lost in Ames since 1983. The Cyclones must reverse this ominous trend or the Buffaloes will wrap up their third Big 12 North title in four years. Colorado 27, Iowa State 21.
No. 22 Michigan vs. Indiana, noon
Lloyd Carr and the Wolverines are like Freddie and Jason. Just when you think they are dead, they rise from the ashes. With two more wins and a stumble by Penn State, Michigan will tie for the Big Ten title. Michigan 38, Indiana 13.
No. 23 Louisville vs. Rutgers, 8 p.m. (Friday)
The Cinderella story of Rutgers came to a screeching halt against South Florida. Midnight has struck and the Scarlet Knights are back to being pumpkins. Louisville 49, Rutgers 17.
No. 24 Georgia Tech at Virginia, 3:30 p.m.
Crunch time for the disappointing Cavaliers. With five wins and Virginia Tech and Miami on deck, this is their best chance to be bowl-eligible. Georgia Tech, meanwhile, quietly is still in contention in the ACC Coastal division after three straight wins. Virginia 21, Georgia Tech 19.
No. 25 Boston College vs. N.C. State, 7:15 p.m.
Does it just seem like Bobby Bowden gifts his former assistants with upsets right when they come under fire? Chuck Amato was the grateful recipient last week. The Wolfpack, however, are still two wins from a bowl, so the heat could be turned up quickly if they are home for the postseason. Boston College 20, N.C. State 16.
Last week's record: 17-2 (14-5)
This season's record: 153-30 (96-77-4)Comment
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Foxsports NCAA fearless predictions
Game of the Week
No. 5 LSU at No. 4 Alabama — Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
LSU -3
It's part one of Alabama's attempt to be a part of the Rose Bowl discussion with two, and potentially three, huge games in a row. A Tide win and an Auburn loss to Georgia means Mike Shula's bunch will be playing for the SEC title, but they have even bigger dreams than just the conference championship. To have any hope of playing for the national title, the Tide can't just beat LSU, it has to beat LSU convincingly.
The Tigers have been treading water ever since an overtime win over Auburn with blowout wins over North Texas and Appalachian State. With Ole Miss and Arkansas ahead, it's not a stretch to think this will be their shot to win the SEC West title, and even get a few big votes of their own in the human polls. The team has yet to put together a great game from start to finish, while Alabama has been taking shots for its offense. Someone will start to receive a whole lot more in the national respect department after this week.
Alabama's overdue to have a break go the wrong way, and the LSU defense is going to be responsible. It's not going to be a pretty game; it's going to be a brutal, hard-hitting defensive battle with LSU coming up with one big touchdown in the second half that Bama won't be have an answer for.
Prediction: LSU 13 ... Alabama 10
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
More Top 25 Matchups
No. 1 USC at California
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
USC
-19
It's been 31 games since USC lost to Cal in triple overtime, and it was last year when Aaron Rodgers sailed a pass through the end zone that could've ended the Trojans' dream season. For whatever reason, Cal always plays USC tough winning three straight from 1998 to 2000, lost in a blowout in 2001, and then played three straight classics. That's way everyone is thinking this will be the game that finally trips of the Trojans. This will be the end to the dynasty, and this will be the game Alabama and Miami fans hope will change the season. Of course, USC knows this. After hearing over and over again about the 2002 game and last season's near-miss, this should be a pumped up team that's just three steps away from playing in Pasadena. Cal has been a slight disappointment blowing games late against UCLA, Oregon State and Oregon for a pedestrian 3-3 conference record.
Prediction: USC 48 ... California 23
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Kansas at No. 2 Texas
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Texas
-33.5
All non-Texas fans keep wondering when the big test is really going to come, and when Texas will blow its shot at the national title. While the simple fact is that it might not happen, but there are likely three more decent tests before Longhorn fans can book their tickets to Los Angeles. Texas A&M is always going to play hard in the big rivalry game and Colorado, who'll likely win the North, is better than it was a few weeks ago when it got blasted by Vince Young and the boys, but the real battle might come this week against Kansas and the nation's number one run defense. The Jayhawks had last year's battle seemingly in hand, but they saw their ten-point fourth quarter lead evaporate in a 27-23 Longhorn win with Young converting a 4th and 18 leading the offense to 14 points in the final few minutes. Can this year's battle be just as tight?
Prediction: Texas 45 ... Kansas 6
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 3 Miami (FL) at Wake Forest
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Miami
-17.5
This suddenly got a lot more interesting. Even after the crushing 27-7 win over Virginia Tech, the Canes still have work to do to get to the ACC title game with tough games against Georgia Tech and Virginia ahead, and a battle with a jacked up Wake Forest team this week. This is the Demon Deacons' final game of the year, and they're treating this like their bowl game knowing they have a chance to ruin all of Miami's newfound Rose Bowl dreams. Wake has played well over the last six weeks, but is banged up. Miami has almost as many injury issues losing star RB Tyrone Moss for the season and with Devin Hester struggling with a bum hamstring. This should be a lot tougher a game than many Cane fans would like.
Prediction: Miami 24 ... Wake Forest 17
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Navy at No. 7 Notre Dame
Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Notre Dame
-23.5
41 games. Notre Dame has beaten Navy 41 straight times with the wins coming in all shapes and sizes with the last few years with very competitive, very spirited battles. Navy got over the loss to Rutgers to blowout Tulane 49-21, and it needs one more win to become bowl eligible. With Temple coming up next week, that's all but assured, but Paul Johnson's crew would love nothing more than to make a big national splash and ruin Notre Dame's Fiesta Bowl hopes. If the Irish beat Navy, Syracuse and Stanford, it'll be in the mix for the BCS and will be the first at-large team snapped up. Few teams are playing as well as Notre Dame, who gave USC its best fight of the year and then blew out BYU and Tennessee.
Prediction: Notre Dame 45 ... Navy 20
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 15 Auburn at No. 9 Georgia
Saturday at 7:45 p.m. ET
Line:
Georgia
-3
This could be part one of the SEC championship, but a lot of things have to happen for these two to meet in a few weeks to decide the title. Georgia, looking to get over the loss to Florida two weeks ago, will clinch the East with a win, or if Florida loses to South Carolina. An Auburn win could set up next week's game with Alabama as the SEC West title game, but Tiger fans need to (gulp!) cheer for the Tide to beat LSU. Forgetting about all the implications and everything this game will mean for the SEC pecking order, this should simply be one whale of a battle. The Bulldogs get their groove back with the return of QB D.J. Shockley from an injured knee that caused him to miss the Florida game. Auburn has one decent win this year beating South Carolina 48-7, and has a whole bunch of big wins over also-rans. Beating Georgia at Georgia would certainly quiet any critics.
Prediction: Georgia 16 ... Auburn 10
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 25 Northwestern at No. 10 Ohio St.
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
OSU
-18
Ohio State is still in the mix for the outright Big Ten title needing to win its final two games and hoping for a Michigan State win over Penn State next week. But first, the Buckeyes have to deal with an exciting Northwestern team coming off a thrilling 28-27 win over Iowa to become bowl eligible. The Wildcats can still win a share of the Big Ten title by getting a Nittany Lion loss, and beating Ohio State this week and Illinois next week. The Buckeyes throttled Illinois 40-2 and has scored more than 40 points in three straight games. Since the loss to Penn State, the supposedly dull Buckeye attack has averaged 40.25 points per game, while Northwestern is seventh in the nation in total offense averaging 508 yards per game. Northwestern will push Ohio State hard for about a half, but the Buckeye defense dominate against the run and get consistent pressure on Basanez.
Prediction: Ohio State 40 ... Northwestern 23
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 11 Oregon at Washington St.
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Oregon
-4.5
ON FSN
Washington State be 3-6 and on a six-game losing streak, but it's the nation's most exciting 3-6 team on a six-game losing steak. Forgetting about the blowout loss to USC (getting blown out by the Trojans isn't an exclusive club), the Cougars have lost four of their last five games by four points or fewer. Meanwhile, Oregon has been every the total opposite coming through in the second half several time on its five-game winning streak including in a thrilling overtime victory last week against Cal. While the Ducks are still technically alive for the Pac 10 title, they're more than likely shooting for second place. They'll likely play in the Holiday Bowl if they win out. Washington State has to win one of these close games, doesn't it? The Cougars will finally be on the right side of a close game.
Prediction: Washington State 38 ... Oregon 34
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 12 Florida at South Carolina
Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Florida
-4
If only there was some sort of storyline to go with this one. There's pressure, and then there's what Florida head coach Urban Meyer has to face dealing with Florida's favorite son, Steve Spurrier, looking to do the near-impossible and take South Carolina to the number two spot in the SEC East. While Gators fans certainly want to see their team win, the love for the Ball Coach is still so blinding that there'll be a whole bunch of mixed feelings this Saturday. While the Gamecocks can finish behind Georgia in the SEC East standings with a win (tied with Florida, but winning the tie-breaker), the Gators can represent the East in the SEC Championship game with a win and an Auburn victory over Georgia. LSU-Alabama might be the most intense game of the weekend, but this might be more fun to watch.
Prediction: South Carolina 19 ... Florida 17
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 13 Texas Tech at Oklahoma St.
Saturday at 2 p.m. ET
Line:
Texas Tech
-23.5
Oklahoma State is still searching for its first Big 12 win of the season, while Texas Tech is hoping beyond all reasonable hope to be the South champion needing Texas to lose its last two games against Kansas and Texas A&M. The Red Raiders have a great shot at a ten-win regular season as long as the offense keeps rocking like it did against Texas A&M rolling up 627 yards of total offense. The Cowboys are on a five-game losing streak after getting their doors blown off in the second half of the 47-28 loss to Texas two weeks ago. Oklahoma State will play well for a while in the final home game of the year, but won't have the offense to keep up the pace Texas Tech will set.
Prediction: Tex Tech 38 ... Oklahoma St. 13
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Arizona St. at No. 14 UCLA
Saturday at 7 p.m. ET
Line:
UCLA
-3.5
This should be a classic Pac-10 shootout with the nation's sixth (UCLA) and ninth best scoring offenses squaring off. ASU got back into the bowl mix after going on a two-game winning streak sweeping the Washington teams, but with Arizona suddenly playing well Dirk Koetter's crew would like to wrap up the sixth win now against a UCLA squad still shell-shocked from last week's amazing 52-14 loss to Arizona. After weeks of flirting with disaster needing comeback after comeback to stay unbeaten, the Bruin defense was blown apart for 519 yards of Wildcat offense and 315 rushing yards. With the USC game coming up in three weeks, a loss to the Sun Devils might mean a three-game slide.
Prediction: Arizona State 34 ... UCLA 30
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 17 Florida St. at Clemson
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
FSU
-1.5
Could this be the last Bowden Bowl? Probably not, but Clemson head man Tommy Bowden is under a hot seat needing to beat Florida State and South Carolina next week to get a winning record and become bowl eligible. Bobby Bowden doesn't have any job problems, but his team is slipping losing two of its last three and in danger of going on an awful run with a trip to Florida up next week. The Seminoles have already clinched the Atlantic Division title, but has to start playing much better to have any reasonable hope of winning the ACC title game. Despite having almost nothing to play for, Florida State is going to come out like its back is against the wall.
Prediction: Florida State 23 ... Clemson 16
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
UNLV at No. 18 TCU
Saturday at 7 p.m. ET
Line:
UNLV
-29
TCU has already wrapped up the Mountain West title after beating Colorado State 33-6 last week, but it would like to close out the season in style with its tenth win and on a high note with at least a month before playing in a bowl game. UNLV has lost three straight and has the league's bottom spot all but wrapped up, but Mike Sanford's program needs to play well over the final two weeks of the season to have something positive to get excited about going into next year. TCU won't be fired up, but it will want the ten-win regular season. UNLV has been too lousy on the road to think it can win on the road against a team playing as well as TCU.
Prediction: TCU 38 ... UNLV 14
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Iowa at No. 19 Wisconsin
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Wisconsin
-3
It's the final home game for Wisconsin head coach Barry Alvarez as he tries to get his team back in contention for a share of the Big Ten title after getting walloped 35-14 by Penn State last week. A win over the Hawkeyes would assure the Badgers of finishing no lower than second in the conference, but they likely wouldn't be alone. If Penn State loses to Michigan State, and Ohio State loses to either Northwestern or Michigan, a win this week would mean Alvarez would go out with a piece of another Big Ten title, but would still likely be third in the bowl pecking order. Meanwhile, Iowa still has to find a way to become bowl eligible after losing in heartbreaking fashion to Northwestern last week. The Hawkeyes still have Minnesota to play next week, so they would love nothing more than to ruin Alvarez's going out party.
Prediction: Wisconsin 23 ... Iowa 20
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
Indiana at No. 21 Michigan
Saturday at Noon ET
Line:
Michigan
-24.5
Indiana is still battling for a bowl bid needing a miracle this week to stop a four-game losing streak, and then has to beat Purdue in the season-finale. Meanwhile, Michigan is still playing for the Big Ten championship and will get the BCS bid if it beats Indiana this week and Ohio State next week, Wisconsin loses to Iowa and Penn State loses to Michigan State. Get all that? In any event, the rested Wolverines should be ready for the finishing kick, while the Hoosiers will try to at least keep it close after getting blown out by double-digits in four of their last five games. Michigan will be way too physical for the Hoosiers. The IU passing game will connect on a few big plays, and unlike last week, the receivers will hold on to the ball, but the Wolverine rushing attack will roll for 250 yards and will control the game.
Prediction: Michigan 44 ... Indiana 17
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 22 Colorado at Iowa St.
Saturday at 7 p.m. ET
Line:
Colorado
-2.5
Colorado can clinch the Big 12 North title with a win, but it has to get by the red-hot Cyclones first. Iowa State is on a solid three game winning streak beating Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Kansas State by a combined score of 124-41 (an average of 41.3-13.7) and can be the North representative in the conference title game with a win this week, a win over Kansas, and a Colorado loss to Nebraska. O.K., so that's asking for a lot, but at the very least the Cyclones can move high up the Big 12 bowl pecking order by winning out and finishing the regular season 8-3. The Buffs as looking to keep improving before the likely rematch with Texas for the conference title. Colorado is better than its being given credit for, but it'll have to wait until next week to clinch the North title.
Prediction: Iowa State 27 ... Colorado 24
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTrax
No. 24 Georgia Tech at Virginia
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line:
Vandy
-12.5
Virginia might be 2-3 in ACC play, but no team will play a bigger role in the Coastal Division race playing Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Miami to close things out. While the Cavs need a lot of help to be division champs, they can make things very interesting down the stretch. At 3-2 in the conference and with Miami still to play, Georgia Tech is still in the hunt. More than likely, Virginia and Georgia Tech are playing for the bowl pecking order as it'll get very crowded if teams like North Carolina, NC State and Maryland keep winning. The Yellow Jackets have gotten hot at the right time winning three straight, but with the Canes and Georgia ahead, must come away from Virginia with a win. The Cavs have won two of their last three and need this win to become bowl eligible.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 17 ... Virginia 13
Complete Fearless Prediction | GameTraxComment
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Miami herald/Jeff Shain
• Miami 34, Wake Forest 13: Anyone say letdown? Not judging by UM's track record. Not only are Canes unbeaten the past five times as an underdog, but they've pounded each of the following week's foes by at least 33. Wake RB Chris Barclay leads ACC in rushing, but it isn't enough. (Favorite: UM by 16 ½.)
• Florida 20, South Carolina 17: Tough week for Gators, focusing on SEC East race with all the hubbub over facing the Ol' Ball Coach. Gamecocks don't look like a Spurrier-coached offense, averaging just 310 yards and 23.7 points per game. (Favorite: UF by 4 ½.)
• FSU 27, Clemson 23: After falling to N.C. State, Seminoles either punch their way out of a corner or start an ugly tailspin. We'll side with urgency, picking apart a Clemson pass D that gave up 300-yard games to both Temple and Duke. This likely comes down to the wire. (Favorite: FSU by 1 ½.)
• LSU 10, Alabama 9: Loss of C J.B. Closner (leg) further hurts Tide offense, where they already were at a disadvantage to LSU's defensive front. Hard to see Bama cracking the end zone this week, either. Not that Tigers will do much better, but one TD could well be enough. (Favorite: LSU by 3.)
• Georgia 17, Auburn 13: Dawgs get QB D.J. Shockley back, which might have been enough to beat UF and stay unbeaten. Last week's open date should put him close to 100 percent. Auburn leads SEC in offense, but Tigers' slate thus far has featured LSU and no one else of note. (Favorite: Georgia by 3.)
• So. California 37, California 20: Trojans revisit site of their last loss more than two years ago, not that it should matter much. Bears would be wise to control clock behind RBs Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett, but USC has plenty of wins when trailing in possession time. (Favorite: USC by 18 ½.)
• Ohio State 41, Northwestern 31: Buckeyes suddenly have juggernaut on offense, scoring at least 35 in past four outings. That shouldn't change much against Wildcats defense that gives up 494.4 yards per game, dead last in Division I-A. Cardiac Cats still make it entertaining. (Favorite: OSU by 18.)
• Last week: 4-3. Add me to the crowd left amazed by UM's dominating show at VaTech, especially when Kyle Wright briefly joined Tyrone Moss on the sideline. Against spread: 4-3.
• Season: 40-25 (34-30 vs. spread).Comment
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Good luck this weekend BB!
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ESPN Insider
Friday
Louisville -22 vs. Rutgers: We're going to keep going to the well until its dry. Louisville has now won 10 consecutive home games by 21 points or more, and chances are, Rutgers will be victim No. 11. The only question here is the health of power RB Michael Bush, who injured his foot in last week's victory over Pitt. Both Bush and coach Bobby Petrino have said he should be ready to play. Without him, the Cardinals would still dominate, but with Bush running people over, it's more likely to happen earlier in the game.
Rutgers became bowl eligible two weeks ago and played like it didn't need to win last week, and didn't. USF's defense made the Scarlet Knights look bad on their own field, although QB Ryan Hart did manage a few late scores. But Hart, who has very little mobility, will be a sitting duck for the feared Louisville rush if he's healthy enough (shoulder) to play. If not, Mike Teel, who is also recovering from a sore shoulder, will again start.
The pick: Louisville keeps on rolling, unless, for some reason, they get bored.
Saturday
North Carolina -3 vs. Maryland: North Carolina continues to impress, especially at home, and now its in a drive to get to another bowl game. Since getting thrashed at Louisville a month ago, the Tar Heel defense has been outstanding. Last week it shut down Boston College in the team's 16-14 victory. QB Matt Baker seems to make the big plays when they're needed and RB Ronnie McGill is an NFL tailback in the making. It usually takes several defenders to pull him down. Maryland, on the other hand, has been playing quarterback roulette and needs to win two of its last three games to be bowl eligible. Their 35-27 loss at Florida State, after blowing a lead two weeks ago, had to be deflating, but the Terps have had a week off to put it behind them.
The pick: North Carolina continues the solid play for coach John Bunting.
Tennessee -18 vs. Memphis: After facing possibly the toughest schedule in the country, Tennessee's season is all but over. The Vols can take out their frustration on instate rival Memphis, which is banged up again. The Tigers, down to their fourth-string quarterback, don't have a passing game to speak of, and picked the wrong defense to spring its running game on. The Vols run defense is ranked fourth nationally. Last week, Notre Dame was held to 46 rushing yards against UT. Unless the Vols are in a total funk, this one should be easy. Helping Tennessee's below-average offense will be a banged-up Memphis defense, ranked 101st overall. Also, the Tigers' great running back, DeAngelo Williams, hurt his ankle in his last game against UAB and didn't practice last week. He is, however, expected to play. What this comes down to is that Memphis' only weapon might not be at full strength.
The pick: Tennessee.
San Diego State +7½ at Colorado State: The heat's on Colorado State to win one more game and become bowl eligible. The Rams have two to go and look like a sure bet to win one of them. After last week's resounding defeat at TCU, 33-6, coach Sonny Lubick will have the Rams' attention. After defeating Nevada, Air Force, Wyoming and New Mexico in the MWC, the Rams look like they should easily dispose of San Diego State. Not so fast, my friend.
The Aztecs have been an up-and-down team this year; they have played very well when up and very poorly when down. They had a respectable 27-6 loss at Ohio State, crushed San Jose State and had surprisingly easy wins over BYU and on the road at Utah. SDSU also played conference champion TCU down to the wire, falling 23-20. But in between, the Aztecs lost at UNLV and had an ugly loss at home to New Mexico. Which Aztec team shows up at Colorado State? We think the good one does. The Aztecs had a bye last week and have played incredibly well coming off a bye week recently. Last year, they barely lost at Michigan, 24-21, and the previous three seasons they defeated Utah, UNLV and Colorado State, all coming off a bye week. And the Colorado State and UNLV wins were on the road.
The pick: San Diego State in a possible upset, catching the Rams off-guard.
BYU -4½ at Wyoming: Wyoming owns the recent history of this series, but this Cowboys team only seems to be headed for the showers at season's end. After starting the year 4-1, they have dropped four straight, and now must win the final two games to qualify for a bowl. Their last two defeats were at Colorado State and Utah, yielding a total of 82 points and eight turnovers.
BYU has majored in scoring points this year, scoring 50 against conference champion TCU, 62 against Air Force and 55 last week at UNLV. There's no doubt BYU will move the ball and score easily against the Cowboys. The only question is whether they will score enough. Wyoming's only home losses the past two seasons have been to TCU this year and Utah last year -- the conference champion each year.
The pick: BYU to continue its surge and become bowl eligible.
Utah -6 vs. New Mexico: Utah's 18-year-old quarterback Brian Johnson has been devastating the last two games for the Utes, passing for seven touchdowns and running for another. Last week against Wyoming, he threw for nearly 400 yards as Utah paddled the Cowboys, 43-13. And they did that without the services of bruising RB Quinton Ganther, who ran for 155 yards and three TDs in only 10 carries at UNLV. Ganther is back at full strength this week and the one-two punch should be too much for New Mexico. The Lobos fell apart last week in the second half at home against Colorado State, blowing a 22-5 lead that could have made them bowl eligible had they held on. The Lobos, like everyone in the MWC except TCU, have been up and down this year and are forced to go with backup QB Chris Nelson because starter Kole McKamey is out with a bad back.
The pick: Utah (best bet). We like their momentum and the big crowd that's sure to turn out. A win gets them bowl eligible.
Clemson +1½ vs. Florida State: FSU is coming off of a tough loss in which NC State exposed just how weak the Seminoles offensive line is. And now the Seminoles' defensive line will be weakened by the loss of their best pass rusher, DE Kamerion Wimbley, to a knee injury.
Clemson is 5-4 with three of those losses coming at the wire to Miami (lost in double OT), Boston College (lost 16-13) and at Georgia Tech (lost 10-9). After having a nice breather against Duke, the Tigers are peaking for their best effort and are hoping QB Charlie Whitehurst (shoulder) is back. Last week he rested his injured shoulder while backup Will Proctor guided the Tigers to an easy 49-20 win over the Blue Devils. Florida State has already clinched a spot in the ACC title game. The Seminoles own this series between father and son coaches but the last time they ventured north to Death Valley the Tigers won, 26-10. FSU also may be thinking about Florida in two weeks.
The pick: Clemson. The Tigers have more to play for.
Arizona -13 vs. Washington: Fans stormed the field last week at Arizona for the first time in years after the Wildcats crushed previously undefeated UCLA, 52-14. An aggressive defense and a new star quarterback, freshman Willie Tuitama, were the reason. It was the Wildcats second straight Pac-10 victory and Washington should become the third victim this week.
Washington's had a brutal schedule, having to play Cal, Notre Dame, UCLA, USC and Oregon, and has now lost 14 straight conference games. Last week, the Huskies defense came to the fore and held Oregon State to 18 points in the rain, but only scored 10 themselves. Coach Tyrone Willingham switched quarterbacks at halftime to no avail, trying ****** DuRocher, but now DuRocher is out after breaking his non-throwing wrist. A bigger loss for the Huskies is senior LB Joe Lobendahn, who Willingham calls "the heart and soul of not just our defense, but our team." Lobendahn, who is second on the team in tackles, is out for the year with a knee injury. Besides the injuries, Washington's two biggest problems are a leaky pass defense and the lack of a running game. Because of the above, Arizona's new wave of emotion and confidence should rule the day.
The pick: Arizona (best bet).
USC -18 at California: Berkeley might not look anything like South Bend, but if Cal coach Jeff Tedford can put together another great scheme, it might look exactly the same to USC. Cal isn't as healthy as it was a month ago but the Bears have been peaking for this game and with Marshawn Lynch running the ball might be able to scare the heck out of the Trojans. At least for a half. The difference is that USC coach Pete Carroll has seen this movie before and will have his team ready. The other major difference is at quarterback for Cal. Last year it had Aaron Rodgers, now in the NFL. This year it's backup Joseph Ayoob, who has not looked particularly sharp. The Trojan offense is second to none and their defensive secondary has looked much improved lately. Despite the fact that Tedford has been able to keep the last three games close, and gave USC its last loss in 2003, we're getting the feeling that the Trojans want to teach the Bears a lesson.
The pick: USC.
Iowa State +2½ vs. Colorado: Here's another game in which the wrong team might be favored. Iowa State is on such a roll you have to wonder if Texas or USC could beat them. Last week, the Cyclones buried Kansas State after burying Texas A&M and Oklahoma State the previous two weeks. The defense is playing the best it has in two years and quarterback Bret Meyer is as sharp as he has ever been. The new discovery, though, is RB Stevie Hicks. Hicks carried the ball 49 times in the last two games for 271 yards and three touchdowns.
Colorado needs the victory to keep its lead in the Big 12 North, but a loss would allow Iowa State to pull within one game. Colorado is 7-2 and has a generally had a pretty easy time with everyone except Miami and Texas. The Buffaloes have won the last four meetings between these two teams, but last year at Colorado they needed Mason Crosby field goals of 60 and 54 yards to win 19-14. In that game, Iowa State held Buffs QB Joel Klatt to 90 yards passing and forced him into a pair of interceptions. A similar showing here will equal a fourth straight win for Iowa State.
The pick: Iowa State (best bet).
LSU -3 over Alabama: LSU is loaded with talent and looks destined to play for the SEC title game because it finds ways to win. At 7-1, the Tigers showed grit coming back to win at Arizona State and in overtime against Auburn. They also beat Florida in a game in which Florida dominated the stat sheet. Alabama is undefeated but is winning on defense alone. That can't go on long in this league.
The Tide will also be without starting center J.B. Closner, who had surgery this week on a broken bone in his leg. The injury comes at a tough time, as Alabama has only being able to score one TD in the last 13 quarters against SEC competition (and eight of those quarters were against Mississippi and Mississippi State).
The pick: LSU. The visitor has dominated this series the last nine years, going 8-1 against the number. Also, LSU coach Les Miles has positive big-game experience.2010 One play a day record
22-19-1 51%
+0.74 units
Passes: 7 days
Streak: L2Comment
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