Expect the Unexpected: Top 10 Preview

#1 USC vs. #16 Nebraska

John David Booty and the USC Trojans will have their first big test this weekend against a revived and revamped Nebraska Cornhusker team that says that they are more ready than ever to face the Trojans. I have to agree with them on that one. The Trojans have more riding on this game than Nebraska. The Huskers are playing for respect while the Trojans are playing for their #1 spot. With the Pac 10 banging on the door to put USC down, can Pete Carroll go into Lincoln and win a big one? The Trojans haven't had a good week so far. OJ gets busted in Vegas and now they have to face a very different Nebraska team. If anyone wanted a down-to-the-wire game, then look no further than this one. And expect a surprise in this one. This one will go down to the wire.

Final Score: Trojans 24, Huskers 20

#2 LSU vs. Middle Tennessee

The Tigers have already earned their #1 ranking with a win over Virginia Tech. Unfortunately, the AP and Coaches Polls are losing their minds. Luckily, the Bleacher Report has the right idea. The Tigers have one more warm up before they start the SEC Rundown. LSU will lay the SmackDown! on the Blue Raiders and leave them more black than blue. Not much to say except expect the Tigers to play their backups through most of the 2nd half.

Final Score: Tigers 59, Raiders 3

#3 Oklahoma vs. Utah State

The Aggies will be lucky if they have any of their players left after this game is over. The Sooners have practically scored every time they've had the ball...and times when they didn't. The Sooners will use this game as a message to Texas and Nebraska. Oklahoma has lived up to its potential, and they will continue that with a drubbing of Utah State. The Sooners will most likely remain #3, but they will mount a campaign for #2 with LSU moving to #1 after this weekend.

Final Score: Sooners 77, Aggies 10

#5 Florida vs. #22 Tennessee

This is the game that will determine whether the Gators and Tigers are on a collision course, or if someone will be playing outside of the BCS Championship Game. The Volunteers will need to win to stay on track with the Gators, not to mention they need some of their pride back. After losing to Cal, the Vols will need to beat the Gators to help their chances of going to the SEC Championship. For the Gators, there are still those who feel that last season was a fluke for them, and this game will determine if they're right or not. But since they're in Gainesville, and the Gators are riding an impressive home win streak, I don't see Tennessee getting that pride back this week.

Final Score: Gators 56, Volunteers 20

#6 Texas vs. Central Florida

The Longhorns have a workout coming with the way that the Big XII is shaping up right now. Oklahoma is playing like a team possessed, and Nebraska is enjoying their role as a possible cinderella upset. To ensure that they enter conference play unblemished, they might want to watch out for Central Florida. Though the Knights aren't a Big XII powerhouse, they are still capable of bringing tears to teams that want a championship. However, Colt McCoy is awake now, and the Horns are starting to play like they want it. A blowout could be imminent, but Texas could have some problems.

Final Score: Horns 38, Knights 14

#7 Wisconsin vs. Citadel

There are many who feel like this game is in the bag for the Badgers, but I can't agree with that. Wisconsin eked out a win against the UNLV Rebels, in a game where they didn't play like a team that wants the Big Ten Title. In order to get some credibility back, the Badgers can't only win this game. They have to dominate on both sides of the ball. The Bulldogs haven't been a real threat to anyone, which is why it is a surprise that they still have a football team. Wisconsin should have this one in the bag, but don't be surprised if they have problems here too.

Final Score: Badgers 45, Bulldogs 7

#8 Cal vs. Louisiana Tech

The Golden Bears are a favorite to win the Pac 10 in my book. They have the caliber on both sides of the ball to give USC a run for their money, but they will have to get past a Louisiana Tech team that loves to play the underdog role. The Bulldogs are not an immediate threat, but they still are a threat. Cal will get the job done against a team that isn't ready for the big time...yet. However, Cal had problems last week against the CSU Rams, so I expect Tech to give them a run for their money in this ball game. Cal wins another close one, but they will have to find their offense by the time their first Pac 10 game arrives. Because if they don't, there will be a lot of monkeys jumping on Cal's back throughout the season. 

Final Score: Golden Bears 24, Bulldogs 13

#9 Louisville vs. Kentucky

The Battle of the Bluegrass State has never had more momentum than this game this weekend. The Cardinals almost got upset last Thursday, and looked more vulnerable than ever. The Wildcats are 2-0 going into this game, and have been improving every single season. The Cardinals will not win this one big, if they win it at all. The Wildcats have what it takes to hang with the Big East Nightmares, but to win, they will have to physically outplay them, and mentally outwit them. If they pull this one off, expect the Wildcats in the Top 25 and the Cardinals wondering what just happened. No upsets yet...until maybe now.

Final Score: Wildcats 27, Cardinals 20

#10 Ohio State vs. Washington

The Buckeyes are proving that they can without Troy Smith, but they have another Pac 10 showdown coming up this weekend. Any Big Ten fan will be happy to say that this is a cakewalk for the Buckeyes. Any Buckeye fan will say that Ohio State will dominate. I am not a Big Ten or a Buckeye fan, so I will say this: The Huskies ended the longest winning streak in the country when they beat the Cinderella team of last year, Boise State. The Huskies are getting exactly what they expected: respect. The Buckeyes have a long road ahead of them, but with Michigan unable to get a win this season, it takes a lot of pressure off of Ohio State. Washington is upset minded, and have what it takes to do just that. This will be a nailbiter for anyone who is Pac 10 or Big Ten minded. This game is sure to go down to the wire.

Final Score: Buckeyes 30, Huskies 20

That's the rundown for today. Tune in next week. Later Knuckleheads.