Take Em' To the Bank: Spankin' New College Football Predictions

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Jim Grobe might lose sleep trying to plot a way to stop the triple option.

Last week, I presented to readers the world over my new article, titled "Take Em' To The Bank," in which I picked winners against the spread for five of the biggest college football games of the weekend.

If you missed it, or just need a refresher, check it out here.

So, how'd I do in my first week?

I'm glad you asked, because it was a solid overall effort last go-round': 5-0 straight up, 3-2 against the spread.

While not the absolute perfection I predicted, it's a good start.

But can you really blame me for thinking Okie State would keep it respectable? Sheesh.

And honestly, I expected a much better effort (and better unis) from UGA, especially coming off a bye week.

Oh well, no reason to cry over my metaphorical spilt milk, so let's move on to something new and fresh, shall we?

LSU at Alabama

So there's no playoff system in college football, you say?

Well, on November 7th, a National Quarterfinal game is set to be played.

That's right, LSU at Bama' might as well be a playoff game, because the winner is going to control their own destiny in the National Championship race.

Dont't get it? Let me explain.

If LSU wins, they (likely) win the SEC west, and will play UF in the SEC championship, with the winner (almost certainly) going to the National Championship.

If Bama' wins, well, the exact same scenario is in place: The Tide will play the Gators in the SEC championship game. Win in Atlanta, and the sky's the limit.

As for the game itself, it should be a barn-burner.

It's a match up of two top-15 defenses, with neither team allowing more than 12.1 points per game.

Offensively, Louisiana State struggled mightily to start the season, scoring only 23 points combined against Florida (a loss) and Georgia (a win). However, since their bye weekend in October, LSU has absolutely shelled Auburn and Tulane, racking up 831 yards and 73 points in the two wins.

Bama, on the other hand, has only really struggled on offense in one game, two weeks ago against a resurgent Tennessee, when they only scored 12 points and were very nearly upset. A finally healthy Julio Jones should help prevent a repeat this Saturday.

Honestly, I think Bama just has too much momentum to lose this football game. Playing at home, in front of a sold out Bryant-Denny, will be too much for LSU to overcome. Sure, Jordan Jefferson has looked better lately, but he was not playing the Tide's ferocious defense.

Stone Cold Lock : LSU keeps it close early, but the Tide wins and covers -7.5.

Ohio State at Penn State

There will probably be whiteout conditions Saturday at Beaver Stadium, and I'm not talking about the weather.

The Big Beave' has become (unless you're Iowa!?) one of the most difficult places in the United States to win if you don't call University Park home.

The Buckeyes are playing for their Big 10 lives and a Rose Bowl berth Saturday; win out and they're in, lose out and Iowa probably earns the privilege of being tattooed by the Pac 10 champ.

However, the Buckeyes really haven't found their identity on offense, and Terrelle Pryor spraying interceptions and fumbles everywhere has not helped one bit.

Unfortunately, Penn State allows only 9.3 points per game, tops in the nation.

Uh-oh.

I smell a Buckeye Barbecue, with Daryll Clark throwing at least three touchdowns against an OSU team that will struggle to move the ball all day.

Stone Cold Lock : I'll take PSU, both to win and cover that -3.5 point spread.

Oregon at Stanford

While this is an absolutely huge game for Oregon and their Pac-10 title hopes, it might be an even bigger game for Jim Harbaugh and his Stanford program.

For a Cardinal program seeking to regain its former national prominence, Saturday's home game against the 7-1 Ducks is an opportunity that cannot be missed. At 5-3, and with only two losses in conference, Stanford is not completely out of the Pac-10 title race, either.

For Stanford to capitalize, they will have to continue to lean heavily on RB Toby Gerhart, who has racked up almost 1000 yards this season in only eight games. No turnovers from solid QB Andrew Luck would be a boon for the offense, as well.

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