Buell's Eye: Week Eight's College Football Picks

By (Correspondent) on October 22, 2009

169 reads

1

Previous
1 of 25
Next
LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 26:  Head coach Urban Meyer of the Florida Gators waits to take the field with his team before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium on September 26, 2009 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Gett

Love it or hate it, the BCS is upon us.

Love them or hate them, the Florida Gators remain ranked at the top.

Alabama may have jumped over the Gators in the Associated Press Poll, but come the middle of the season, the BCS Standings undeniably take precedence.

Last weekend featured the No. 4 and No. 7 team falling out of the Top 10 after upset losses while Kansas fell from the list of unbeaten schools by losing to a 1-4 Colorado Buffalo team.

Just like with this upcoming weekend, Week Seven provided many toss-up matchups, leading to my 12-6 record and 114-30, overall.

Seven unbeatens remain, one will fall on Saturday, and five upsets overall will take place as the BCS Standings arrive just in time to get completely reshuffled.

Week Eight's Bye Weeks

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 17:  Fans bring down the goal post in the North End Zone after the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 28-23 win over the Virginia Tech Hokies at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 17, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

No. 14 Virginia Tech Hokies and No. 21 Wisconsin Badgers both head into their bye week with a 5-2 record and have the privilege of having extra time to think about their season-wrecking losses last weekend.

However, they are both still on the radar, in the rankings, and have scheduled conference games against North Carolina and Purdue.

No. 25 Kansas Jayhawks (5-1) vs. Oklahoma Sooners (3-3)

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 3:  Quarterback Sam Bradford of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates the touchdown scored by teammate Cameron Kenney #6 in the first quarter of the game against the Miami Hurricanes on October 3, 2009 at Landshark Stadium in Miami G

The sidelines have gotten the majority of the headlines in an Oklahoma season that "should have been."

From one letdown to the other, Kansas tries to regroup after losing its first game of the season in last week's upset loss at Colorado.

The Sooners win without Bradford, "upsetting" the Jayhawks 30-24.

No. 24 South Carolina Gamecocks (5-2) vs. Vanderbilt Commodores (2-5)

TUSCALOOSA - OCTOBER 17:  Head coach Steve Spurrier of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts to a call during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 17, 2009 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Crimson Tide beat the Gamecocks 2

Hey, you've got to hand it to South Carolina; they showed up to play last week against Alabama.

The only problem is that Alabama and Florida appear to be headed to another SEC Championship showdown, showcasing the two best programs in the country as the winner will be the certain favorite in the BCS Championship.

Yet, South Carolina is good, and better than most people originally gave them credit for, including myself.

The Gamecocks improve their record to 6-2 after a 31-14 beating over Vandy on Saturday night.

No. 23 West Virginia Mountaineers (5-1) vs. Connecticut Huskies (4-2)

EAST HARTFORD, CT - SEPTEMBER 12:  Twyon Martin #4 of the Connecticut Huskies celebrates his fumble recovery with teammates Gary Wilburn #21 and Jasper Howard #6 in the second half against the North Carolinia Tar Heels on September 12, 2009 at Rentschler

After such a tragic loss in the death of UConn's cornerback, Jasper Howard, I believe West Virginia will simply be playing the wrong team at the wrong time this weekend, just after hitting the rankings for the first time this season.

A team can have no higher inspiration than playing in the absence of a fallen teammate, just after he has fallen.

This weekend, the Huskies take the memory of Mr. Howard with them on the road to West Virginia, coming away with the upset victory over the Mountaineers 28-24.

No. 22 Arizona Wildcats (4-2) vs. UCLA Bruins (3-3)

LAS VEGAS - DECEMBER 20:  Devon Ross #6, Nic Grigsby #5 and Nate Ness #32 of the Arizona Wildcats celebrate after the team's 31-21 victory over the Brigham Young University Cougars in the Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium December 20, 2008 in Las

Arizona is making noise out West and UCLA is streaky after winning their first three games only to follow it up with a three-game losing streak heading into Week Eight
.
Arizona wins in a close one as UCLA continues to slide 27-20.

No. 20 Pittsburgh Panthers (6-1) vs. South Florida Bulls (5-1)

PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 16: Bill Stull #11 hands the ball off to Dion Lewis #28 of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers against the Rutgers University Scarlett Knights on October 16, 2009 at Rutgers Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.  (Photo by Jared Wi

This is not the first time I have been forced to ask this question, but is the Big East Conference the most competitive in college football?

We constantly try and say they're finally having a down year as a conference but all they do is continue to produce Top-25 programs as they beat each other up, week in and week out.

One of this week's heavyweight bouts features Pitt in one corner, looking to continue creeping toward the top, and South Florida in the other, hoping to bounce back after suffering their first defeat of the season against Cincinnati last Thursday night.

In a fight that goes to the final bell, the Panthers keep rolling as they take down the Bulls 21-18.

No. 19 Ohio State Buckeyes (5-2) vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-3)

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 10:  Quarterback Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes passes against the Wisconsin Badgers at Ohio Stadium on October 10, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio.  (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

There really isn't much to say here.

But, seriously, what was that, Ohio State?

The Buckeyes have seemed to have their destiny in their owns hands every season this decade as they sit comfortably in their usual broken-in chair known as the Top 10.

Losing to Purdue last Saturday was all it took to get that chair pulled right out from under them.

Now, I just feel bad for Minnesota.

The Buckeyes look to bounce back in Week Eight against the Golden Gophers, and although I'm picking it close, this one has the ability to get out of hand in the second half.

Ohio State gets back to their winning ways over Minnesota 24-17.

No. 18 Utah Utes (5-1) vs. Air Force Falcons (4-3)

PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 02:  Brent Casteel #5 of the Utah Utes runs with the ball against the UCLA Bruins during the college football game held on Septemeber 2, 2006 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Bruins defeated the Utes 31-10.  (Photo by

The Air Force Academy tried to steal a win against Texas Christian earlier this season and try to do the same against another ranked opponent in Week Eight, the Utah Utes.

Utah has other plans, however, as they clip the Falcons 30-20.

No. 17 Houston Cougars (5-1) vs. Southern Methodist Mustangs (3-3)

NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 17:  Chris Wilson #26 of the Houston Cougars runs past Taylor Echols #15 of the Tulane Green Wave at the Louisiana Superdome on October 17, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Cougars defeated the Green Wave 44-16.  (Photo by Chris G

Houston remains on "prove it to me" watch as they welcome Southern Methodist to their home field this weekend.

The Cougars take another step on their uphill climb, taking down the Mustangs 38-24.

No. 15 Oklahoma State Cowboys (5-1) @ Baylor Bears (3-3)

STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 5: Quarterback Zac Robinson of the Oklahoma State Cowboys looks to pass against the Georgia Bulldogs in the second quarter of the game at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Christian Pe

I'm fairly certain that Oklahoma State is aware that they take on Texas in two weeks.

However, I don't see them looking ahead as they travel to Baylor this weekend.
The Cowboys win easily against the Bears 37-20.

No. 13 Penn State Nittany Lions (6-1) @ Michigan Wolverines (5-2)

ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 19:  Michigan Wolverines players warm up for their game with the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Michigan Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

This one tends to be a close one.

And a good one.

"The Big House" has gotten some swagger back this season, and it welcomes in the No. 13 Nittany Lions as its guests Saturday afternoon.

In what will prove to be a very entertaining game, Michigan earns the upset win at home over Penn State 31-27.

No. 12 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-1) @ Virginia Cavaliers (3-3)

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 17:  Quarterback Josh Nesbitt #9 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 17, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

A giant win over a Top-5 program in Week Seven has Georgia Tech thinking big things again in Week Eight.

They may be on the outside looking in when it comes to a Top-10 ranking for the moment, but the Yellow Jackets are in prime location to still have their say in National Title talk this season.

Tech looks to add to the conversation with a win over Virginia this Saturday as they take this one 36-24.

No. 11 Oregon Ducks (5-1) @ Washington Huskies (3-4)

PASADENA, CA. - OCTOBER 10: Nate Costa #7 the Oregon Ducks  looks to pass in the third quarter against the UCLA Bruins on October 10, 2009 at the Rosebowl in Pasadena, California. The Ducks Defeated the Bruins 24-10 (Photo by Jacob De golish/Getty Images)

Oregon has not let up or looked back after their opening week blunder versus Boise State.

A tough task lies in Week Eight, however, as the Ducks swim upstream to an improved Washington team.

Washington hangs around for a while but Oregon pulls away 42-24.

No. 10 Miami Hurricanes (5-1) vs. Clemson Tigers (3-3)

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - OCTOBER 03: Quarterback Jacory Harris #12 of the Miami Hurricanes throws a pass against the Oklahoma Sooners at Land Shark Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Miami defeated Oklahoma 21-20. (Photo by Doug Benc/Get

In one of my favorite matchups of the weekend, two explosive and electric offenses take the field in this ACC showdown.

However, the defenses actually make an appearance as Miami outlasts Clemson 20-13.

No. 9 LSU Tigers (5-1) vs. Auburn Tigers (5-2)

AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 19:  Ben Tate #44 of the Auburn Tigers against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Auburn, Alabama.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Yes, Auburn was looking ahead in their home loss to the Kentucky Wildcats. Kentucky is a decent opponent, and LSU is very good.

Yet, in the end, Auburn walks away victorious this weekend, upsetting the LSU Tigers 28-23.

No. 8 Texas Christian Horned Frogs (6-0) @ No. 16 Brigham Young Cougars (6-1)

SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 17:  Max Hall #15 and Jo Jo Pili #26 of BYU Cougars celebrate a touchdown against San Diego State Aztecs at Qualcomm Stadium on October 17, 2009 in San Diego, California.  (Photo by Jacob de Golish/Getty Images)

And then there were six.

TCU has been working all season long to climb their way to the top of the college football rankings.

Traveling to Brigham Young on Saturday will prove to be the end of their climb as the Cougars step on the Horned Frogs, handing them their first loss of the 2009 season by the final score of 33-30.

No. 7 USC Trojans (5-1) vs. Oregon State Beavers (4-2)

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17:  Wide receiver Damian Williams #18 of the USC Trojans runs in for a 41 yard touchdown in the third quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2009 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jonat

Fortunately, USC has already had their usual midseason loss to an unranked opponent this season, so they have nothing to worry about with Oregon State this time around, right?

Right.

The Trojans get their revenge over the Beavers 31-21.

No. 6 Iowa Hawkeyes (7-0) @ Michigan State Spartans (4-3)

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 26:  Head coach Kirk Ferentz of the Iowa Hawkeyes talks with Ricky Stanzi #12 while playing the Penn State Nittnay Lions  on September 26, 2009 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. Iowa won the game 21-10. (Photo

Well, I keep picking against the Iowa Hawkeyes and they just keep winning.

And, although I am still suspicious, there is no denying that as the Hawkeyes sit at the No. 6 ranking heading into Week Eight, they are right in the thick of the national title picture.

East Lansing can prove to be a dangerous place to play, especially for ranked opponents taking a scenic trip there for the weekend.

Iowa wins again, however, over the Spartans 21-10.

No. 5 Cincinnati Bearcats (6-0) vs. Louisville Cardinals

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Zach Collaros #12 of the Cincinnati Bearcats talks with injured quarterback Tony Pike #15 during play against the University of South Florida Bulls October 15, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by

Cincinnati may be without their starting quarterback, Tony Pike, this weekend against Louisville, and either way, I'm expecting a game.

The Cardinals may only be sporting a lackluster 2-4 record heading into this one, but here comes that competitive Big East Conference again.

Cincinnati hangs on in a tight one over Louisville 27-24.

No. 4 Boise State Broncos (6-0) @ Hawaii Warriors (2-4)

BOISE, ID - SEPTEMBER 3: Safety T.J Ward #2 of the Oregon Ducks  tackles tight end Kyle Efaw #80 of the Boise State Broncos in the second quarter of the game on September 3, 2009 at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won the game 19-8. (Photo by

Don't look now, but after Virginia Tech fell out of the Top 5 in their upset loss last weekend, Boise State moves up yet again to No. 4.

The Broncos look to keep moving as they travel across the water to Hawaii Saturday night.

Boise State wins comfortably over Hawaii 45-28.

No. 3 Texas Longhorns (6-0) @ Missouri Tigers (4-2)

DALLAS - OCTOBER 17:  Quarterback Colt McCoy #12 of the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl on October 17, 2009 in Dallas, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Statement game.

The two SEC teams ahead of Texas seem to be lightyears ahead right now.

A big time win on the road against a top-tier opponent would do wonders for the Longhorns and the health of Colt McCoy's wrist will be key.

Texas earns that win Saturday night over Missouri 38-27.

No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (7-0) vs. Tennessee Volunteers (3-3)

TUSCALOOSA - OCTOBER 17:  Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates a field goal during the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 17, 2009 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  The Crimson Tide beat the Gamecoc

Alabama has been up to the challenge each week so far in this 2009 season.

Welcome in the next one, because Tennessee will be showing up in Week Eight.

The home field advantage will play major role in the outcome of this matchup as Alabama, as they have all season, keeps rolling with a 20-14 victory over the Volunteers.

No. 1 Florida Gators (6-0) @ Mississippi State Bulldogs (3-4)

GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Florida Gators rushes upfield against the University of Arkansas Razorbacks October 17, 2009 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida.  (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Though they may not be ranked or even hold winning records currently, the opponents that both No. 1 Florida and No. 2 Alabama are facing this weekend are not to be taken lightly.

After all, we are dealing with the best conference in College Football yet again this season.

However, Florida also wins again in Week Eight, 34-13 as they continue to extend the nation's longest winning streak.

Begin Slideshow
Keep Reading
Flag
Props (1)
This article is

What is the duplicate article?

Why is this article offensive?

Where is this article plagiarized from?

Why is this article poorly edited?

Flag This Article
Crop_45x45
or to post a comment

1 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading comments...
just now posted just now
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

Advertising
College Football

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address

Thanks for signing up.

Things to See in College Football Before You Die Hint: you can use arrow keys to navigate through this channel.