(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
No. 8 Cincinnati at No. 21 South Florida (+2.5) — This game is about as high-profile as a game can get for the Big East Conference: A national TV contest with two undefeated and ranked teams vying for first place and increased recognition. Cincinnati boasts the nation’s third-ranked scoring offense, led by Heisman dark horse Tony Pike. South Florida is led by dual-threat QB BJ Daniels and a stout defense that allows fewer than 10 points per game. In a game that will go a long way to legitimizing both programs, I give the edge to the Bearcats.
Cincinnati 20, South Florida 17
No. 20 Oklahoma vs. No. 3 Texas (-3.5, game is in Dallas) — It says a lot about the Longhorns that they lead the nation in scoring offense (47.20 points per game) and many pundits are left unimpressed mainly due to the caliber of their opponents to this point. Oklahoma has Sam Bradford back in the mix and ready to take on the fourth-stingiest defense in FBS. Despite OU’s rough start, this game will ultimately decide the Big 12 title as well as the BCS Championship game. I think the ‘Horns are still salty about last year’s decision to send OU to the Big 12 title game.
Texas 38, Oklahoma 27
No. 11 Iowa at Wisconsin (+2.5) — Amazingly, Iowa will be looking for its 11th straight win when they travel to Madison this weekend, its longest winning streak in 86 years. Their opportunistic defense is second in the FBS in takeaways with 19, which has been a huge factor if their wins coming by three or fewer points. Wisconsin looks to bounce back after a loss at Ohio State, where they failed to secure the ball—leading to two defensive TDs for the Buckeyes, something they can’t afford to do this weekend. I felt an upset brewing with all of Iowa’s close calls and a tough road game, but the Badgers’ turnover issues scared me away from it.
Iowa 24, Wisconsin 20
Arkansas at No. 1 Florida (-25) — The statistics would lead you believe that we may see a track meet this Saturday in Gainesville, with two of the top 11 scoring offenses in the nation matching up. Arkansas has gotten their season back on track after the upset win versus Auburn last week, and will look to knock off another top-ranked team like they did to LSU in November 2007. Florida expended every ounce of energy they had in shutting down LSU in Baton Rouge last weekend, and may have a bit of a letdown against the Razorbacks at home. Fortunately for the Gators, even their letdowns can be impressive.
Florida 34, Arkansas 17
No. 6 USC at No. 25 Notre Dame (+10) — The recent slate of games between these two teams has been anything but competitive, with USC in the midst of a seven-game winning streak. The Trojans’ sixth-ranked defense goes to South Bend having allowed just 256 yards and three points TOTAL in the last two meetings with the Irish. Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen has been brilliant through five hard-fought games for the Irish and has actually eeked into the Heisman picture. USC Freshman QB Matt Barkley may find this even tougher than Columbus. If ever there was a time for a signature win for a player, coach, and a school—this is it. No guts, no glory…
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