I had myself a decent week three, firing a one under par 4-3 record, which brings my season total to 12-9. Of course there was the birdie; picking Florida State to upset BYU and the bogey; taking Georgia Tech to beat Miami. Let’s take the momentum and roll baby!
As always, I’ll start with Notre Dame:
Notre Dame @ Purdue (8 p.m. ESPN): Three quarters ago, this game was a no brainer. But that was before Mike Floyd was lost for the year and Jimmy Clausen suffered a foot injury. Now the Irish walk into Purdue with a limp, which only means they must flex their defensive muscle. Or in other words, they must return to their Nevada form. Even with an injury, Clausen will still be able to slice up the poor Purdue Defense, but Notre Dame must limit the Boilermaker’s run and gun offense. I say they will do so in a big statement win. (In depth preview tomorrow). Prediction: Notre Dame 30, Purdue 20.
Mississippi @ South Carolina (Thursday night): It feels like Mississippi hasn’t even played a game yet this season. They’re ranked in the top five in just about every poll, but they’ve only played the likes of Southeastern, Louisiana and Memphis. Columbia is a very difficult place to win in and Gamecocks quarterback Stephen Garcia is starting to come alive. But like every other college football fan in the country, I’m looking forward to watching Javen Snead and the high powered Rebel offense. However, it's the Rebel's defense that's a let down. Prediction: South Carolina 33, Ole Miss 31.
Iowa @ Penn State: Night game? In Happy Valley? You can almost chalk one up for Penn State as they look to avenge a heartbreaking loss they suffered at Iowa last season. I’m not sure if I consider this a tough game for the Lions, but it’s the first D1 worthy opponent they’ll play so far this year. Prediction: PSU 28, Iowa 14.
Texas Tech @ Houston: This is a simple case of “if a team is up-and-coming, has a wicked offense and is playing a home night game, always, always take them.” This is the story with Case Keenum and Houston. They want nothing more than to prove on ESPN that they’re legit. Texas Tech is good, but they’re running into a wall of Cougars in this one. Prediction: Houston 42, Texas Tech 38.
Miami @ Virginia Tech: Run Tyrod Taylor, run! That’s my one and only message for the Hokies “mobile” quarterback. Tech’s offense has been non-existent this season and with a quick but undisciplined Miami defense entering Lane Stadium, Taylor will be able find holes in the defensive line to exploit. He just better do it fast, otherwise he’ll be buried underneath 290 pounds of muscle. Like I said last week, no one come into Blacksburg and escapes with a win. Not even the “U.” Prediction: Tech 27, Miami 24
California @ Oregon: I’m really going out on a limb here and guaranteeing Jahvid Best goes crazy again and scores at least three touchdowns. But Cal’s road woes continue and they struggle to beat an improving Ducks team. Prediction: Cal 31, Oregon 28.
Arkansas @ Alabama: The Razorbacks are one or two years away from being a top 10 caliber team. ‘Bama is already there. If this game was in Arkansas, it might be a different story. But how can I bet against that Tide defense at home? I’m sorry, I just can’t do it. Prediction: ‘Bama 45, Arkansas 17
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