College Morning Picks: Big Games in California

To Hell With...Eh: Michigan @ Notre Dame

My Maize and Blue blood is boiling after listening to Charlie Weis put down the Michigan program in real awkward fashion.

Someone tell Charlie the game hasn't been played yet, so we can't make excuses yet.

This is going to be uglier than last year's thrashing at the Big House. It won't be a blowout in either direction, but it will be ugly in the sense that there’s bad weather on the front, both offenses are in a state of transition, one being more ahead than the other, and the defenses are both further along.

Michigan has the superior defense, which will be the reason the Wolverines are sticking around in this one. They may need a defensive score to aid them, but I think they'll give Jimmy Clausen nightmares once again.

Speaking of nightmares, I get them after watching Lou Holtz shout, "We're Notre Dame and we’re special!" Objective much, Dr. Lou?

I may be going Dr. Lou on you though. While it didn't work out well in the first week, I've yet to take faith in Notre Dame turning the corner after they struggled to put up points against San Diego State. I may take Michigan with a narrow 2-0 victory via the safety.

The Other Big Game: Wisconsin @ Fresno State

You say there is a big game in California being played today?

Yeah, there are two, and this one I consider to have just as much impact as Southern Cal and Ohio State playing. There is just as much riding on Wisconsin and Fresno State playing.

Wisconsin could take advantage of an Ohio State loss and maybe rally their team into a National Title picture.

Then again, they have a pesky group of Bulldogs to deal with first.

Fresno State has BCS aspirations after dismantling Rutgers in the second half. Pat Hill isn't afraid of stiff competition, and the Badgers are just an example in that belief.

I'm feeling frisky, because the Bulldogs have been chomping at the bit, no pun intended, to welcome the Badgers into their home stadium. The game has been on their mind since the first week and they will not disappoint.

I'm going with Fresno State to pull the upset and the second big BCS buster victory of the year.

Ho Hum, Who's Playing?: Ohio State @ Southern Cal

I thought I already covered the big game in California?

Oh well, might as well bow down to the big matchup like everyone else has.

The injury to Chris "Beanie" Wells doesn't impact my opinion on this game. He would be the offensive player for both teams with the most experience and talent if were playing.

It will probably make it easier for the Trojans' defense, but don't overlook the fact that Ohio State has a ferocious group on that side of the ball as well.

I think, when it comes down to it, there won't be a lot of points thrown up on the board. There is too much talent on the defensive side of the ball for this to get out of hand either way.

USC's game plan must center on making Todd Boeckman beat them. Ohio State needs to control the tempo and keep USC's offense off the field. A classic defensive chess match and I'm expecting that from the get-go.

I like Southern Cal on a late defensive turnover to seal the deal and roll on as the No. 1 team in the nation.

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