Midterms Come Early: Top 25 Preview

In the wake of a huge Saturday that already got a jump start with Miami’s upset over Texas A&M last night, it’s time to see who else will be getting down in the trenches and come up smelling like roses. Here’s the Top 25 Rundown Preview.

#1 USC vs. Washington State

The Trojans underestimated several teams last season en route to a Rose Bowl appearance against Michigan. I doubt that Pete Carroll will be taking any team lightly this season with the SEC (and Big XII, respectively) on their coattails. The Cougars are not a huge threat to USC, but they are a threat, nonetheless. Expect the Trojans to have this wrapped up by the 4^th quarter.

Final Score: Trojans 56, Cougars 10

#2 LSU vs. #12 South Carolina

This is the first test for the Tigers, and it won’t be a Big Easy one (no pun intended). The Gamecocks have a shot to beat LSU. A small shot, but they have a shot regardless. The Bayou Bengals have to deal with the ol’ ball coach, or head ball coach, depending on whether you love him or hate him. Everyone has been saying “Beat the Cock” all week. I have to follow suit with the consensus. LSU will only have two teams to truly worry about this season: Florida and Alabama. Sorry, USC #2, but LSU is too dangerous to be stopped by you.

Final Score: Tigers 45, Cocks 27

#3 Florida vs. Ole Miss

The Gators earned their spot last week in a beatdown of Tennessee. Urban Meyer is undefeated against the rivals of Gator Nation, and they will improve to 2-0 in the SEC against the Rebels on Saturday. Depending on what happens with the top 2 teams, Florida could be striking fear in both of them after this weekend. Not much to say here except this: IT’S GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA GATOR!!

Final Score: Gators 62, Rebels 10

#4 Oklahoma vs. Tulsa

The Sooners have been racking up the points nonstop. They have officially turned tragedy to triumph. The Sooners will most likely win the Big XII, but finishing undefeated isn’t in the cards. Everyone loves an underdog story, and it won’t get any more underdog-ish than when Bob Stoops faces his rivals…in his own conference. The only Hurricane that will be blowing in this one will be the Sooners offense. Oklahoma will win this one…BIG.

Final Score: Sooners 73, Golden Hurricane 13

#5 West Virginia vs. East Carolina

The Pirates gave the Hokies a run for their money. Expect them to not be so lucky against a Mountaineers team that is out to prove that they are better than they are ranked. Even with a stingy red zone defense, East Carolina will have their faces buried in the dirt, and they may not be able to recover after the first onslaught of scoring.

Final Score: Mountaineers 48, Pirates 7

#6 California vs. Arizona

The Golden Bears are opening Pac 10 play this weekend against the Wildcats. Arizona doesn’t have much to boast about, and it won’t start this weekend. Cal has had some problems this season with some easy opponents, but they will look to rebound against Pac 10 foe Arizona.

Final Score: Golden Bears 24, Wildcats 7

#7 Texas vs. Rice

The Longhorns barely got out of Central Florida alive. In fact, Texas has been squeaking past opponents all season. If they want to be back in the Top 5, they need to blow out Rice in a huge way. The Owls won’t be screaming “Who” this weekend. The Horns will be squeaking out another victory this weekend, and that will drop them another few notches. Sooner or later, luck has to run out.

Final Score: Horns 30, Owls 24

#8 Ohio State vs. Northwestern

The Buckeyes had no problem against Akron last weekend, and they won’t have many problems with the Wildcats tomorrow. Ohio State looks ready to move up in the standings and just as ready to face Wisconsin and Penn State. I would include Michigan, but beating Notre Dame doesn’t justify much. Strike up the band. The symphony of destruction is playing in Columbus on Saturday afternoon.

Final Score: Buckeyes 31, Wildcats 3

#9 Wisconsin vs. Iowa

After two close calls, the Badgers need to wake up. The Big Ten is officially calling, and Iowa is answering the page. The Hawkeyes lost a close one to Iowa State, and will look to rebound against a vulnerable Wisconsin squad. If Wisconsin is to win, PJ Hill can’t do all the work. No matter how good he is, everyone else has to step up and play. If this happens, Wisconsin wins. Otherwise, expect an upset in Madison. Ironically enough, Wisconsin can still win, and still play lousy.

Final Score: Badgers 30, Hawkeyes 20

#10 Penn State vs. Michigan

Ah, Michigan. You finally got a win. You’re out of the donut basement. You won…against a below mediocre Notre Dame Stinkin’ Irish team. Bravo. It won’t be that easy against Penn State. Despite beating Joe Paterno consecutive times, the Nittany Lions are a little different. They’re ready…and they will make the Wolverines cry some more on Saturday. Sorry, but Lloyd Carr is on the hotseat, and will continue to be that way until the Wolverines have more wins than losses.

Final Score: Nittany Lions 40, Wolverines 17

The Rest of the Pack

#13 Oregon vs. Stanford

Final Score: Ducks 31, Cardinals 10

#14 Boston College vs. Army

Final Score: Eagles 27, Cadets 3

#15 Clemson vs. NC State

Final Score: Wolfpack 20, Tigers 14

#16 Alabama vs. #22 Georgia

Final Score: Crimson Tide 42, Bulldogs 20

#17 Virginia Tech vs. William & Mary

Final Score: Hokies 49, Tribe 0

#18 Louisville vs. Syracuse

Final Score: Cardinals 38, Orangemen 17

#19 Hawaii vs. Charleston State

Final Score: Warriors 30, Buccaneers 3

#21 Kentucky vs. Arkansas

Final Score: Wildcats 38, Razorbacks 35 OT

#23 South Florida vs. North Carolina

Final Score: Bulls 27, Tar Heels 10

#24 Nebraska vs. Ball State

Final Score: Huskers 24, Cardinals 7

#25 Missouri vs. Illinois State

Final Score: Tigers 56, Redbirds 6

That’s all she wrote, knuckleheads. See ya Sunday.