(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Unlike past weeks, there were no major upsets last weekend. Color me shocked, as I figured Boise State would be residing in the number 4 spot right about now. Of course, we come into a weekend that would have looked great around Week 2, but seems to have lost some of its luster now. More on this later. Now, on to the Touchdown.
1) No. 1 Florida at No. 4 LSU – 8:00 on CBS
You know, two weeks ago I would have figured this would be a laugher, complete with Les Miles curling up in the fetal position at midfield for every Florida fans enjoyment. Oh the changes we’ve seen in those two weeks.
Most important was the shot to the head that Tim Tebow took in the Kentucky game, leaving him questionable for this game. This means that John Brantley and his college career of 58 pass attempts might get to lead the defending National Champions into one of the harshest opposing stadiums in college football.
I think there is something else important at play here. With all the upsets of Week 4, LSU catapulted to No. 4 in the rankings and everyone promptly dismissed them (myself included). We figured the pretenders would be vanquished by Georgia and all would be right with the world (minus Boise State moving to the No. 4 spot). However, LSU proved themselves worthy of the spot, by beating Georgia.
Even if Tebow starts, he won’t be at 100 percent, and probably won’t be carrying the ball as much. With that, this game comes down to the team that can stop the run. Both teams have very good defenses, yet LSU relies on its defense to keep games close for its anemic offense.
Florida only needs a few chances and its run game can win this for them. I think they beat LSU, but it’s going to be a lot closer than anyone will be comfortable with.
2) No. 3 Alabama at No. 20 Mississippi – 3:30 on CBS
The two teams are going in two opposite directions. Alabama is the best team not from Florida or Texas and has been beating every opponent silly. Ole Miss, on the other hand, lost to South Carolina and had issues against Vanderbilt. Bama is not the team you want to face when you are having issues.
Over the last two games, we’ve learned why Mack Brown picked Colt McCoy over Jevan Snead. Against South Carolina, Snead couldn’t complete a pass. Against Vandy, he completed them, just to the other team.
Ole Miss is a dangerous team because they have one of the best defenses in the nation. If the offense starts to click again, you better watch out.
Alabama just seems like a team willing to crush everyone in its path. They can beat you by running and passing the ball. The defense is pure Saban, nasty and smart. Teams can’t sit back and wait for the Alabama defense to make a mistake.
If Snead gets back on track, this game could be very good. If his struggles continue, it’ll be a long game for Ole Miss. Unfortunately for Ole Miss fans, you can’t work out your problems against a team like Alabama. Alabama wins it. Roll Tide!
3) Michigan at No. 12 Iowa – 8:05 on ABC
Just when I jump on the Michigan bandwagon, they lose. Granted, I pretty much predicted they would lose, but that’s not the point.
You know what this means? It means that if you are a LSU fan, you should be making hotel reservations in Pasadena.
This game really is a toss-up. Michigan has a really good, but young team. Nearly every game has been close, which either means they have trouble putting away teams or really are a middle of the road team making the best with what they have. Forcier is an extremely talented QB who has a great future in front of him.
Iowa needs to keep doing what it has been doing, which is play strong defense and serviceable offense. Stanzi needs to keep the ball out of the hands of the Michigan secondary. While a team like Arkansas State can’t capitalize on those mistakes, Michigan can.
In a close game, the Iowa home field crowd, experience, and coaching will make this a win for the Hawkeyes.
4) No. 13 Oregon at UCLA – 3:30 on ABC
I asked the Duchess which game I should put at number four and she said “Ducks”, so here we go. Actually, it’s a pretty good pick for someone’s whose college football knowledge comes exclusively from reading the Touchdown.
After Oregon’s disastrous opening game that would have sent lesser teams into a tail spin, they’ve ripped off four straight victories and are suddenly the team to beat in the Pac 10. The only question for this game is if Jeremiah Masoli will be able to play, after his knee injury against the practice squad …. er, I mean, Washington State.
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