College FB Preview: Bears, Bulls Surprise; Gators, Horns Survive

This week is full of both big games and trap games.

While West Virginia and USF as well as Cal and Oregon square off in battles of the unbeatens, UF, LSU, Oklahoma, and Texas look to survive until their big matchups next weekend.

Sprinkle in some other intriguing contests on the schedule and Saturday is sure to bring some surprises.  On to the picks...

West Virginia at USF

USF was able to get the upset last year in West Virginia. Between that and their win this year at Auburn, it's obvious the Bulls relish the underdog role on the road.

But how will they fare against the odds at home, where the expectations are bound to be at least a little greater?

Despite WVU's top-five ranking, I've been unimpressed. And although the Auburn win proved to be not much of an "upset" for USF, I think it's the best victory for either team to this point.

The confidence gained from that one, and from USF's 2006 win at WVU, will help the Bulls pull off their second upset of the year.

My Pick: USF

California at Oregon

The big question here is which will be more electric—DeSean Jackson or Oregon's uniforms?

The uni's will certainly be shocking, but I'm expecting Jackson to provide at least one breathtaking play in this prime-time game. And we all know that players score points while jerseys, well...help us know which team is which.

That being the case, I expect the Ducks to reveal themselves to be overrated this weekend. Dixon will have a good game, but it won't be enough—and his Heisman hopes will go up in smoke.

My Pick: Cal

Auburn at Florida

Urban Meyer is perfect at the Swamp.

The Gators are going for their 12th straight victory, which will tie the school record.

And Auburn has won their last three games against top-10 opponents.

Something has to give.

In a series highlighted by the unexpected, I trust Tim Tebow to grind out the victory against the Tigers in any way possible. Look for this game to resemble the UF-UT game more than the Ole Miss game from last weekend.

My Pick: Florida

Kansas State at Texas

Many people are predicting a trap game here for Texas.

The Longhorns have looked less than impressive so far this season, and everyone knows their showdown next weekend with Oklahoma will answer a lot of questions about both teams. Should Texas overlook this Kansas State squad, they'll be upset just like they were last year.

I don't expect that to happen, though, as Colt McCoy will play his best game of 2007 in the runup to the Red River Shootout.

My Pick: Texas

Alabama vs Florida State

Bobby Bowden vs Nick Saban—that right there makes for an intriguing matchup.

Throw in the fact that it's on a neutral field, and this game could turn out to be a memorable one.

Jimbo Fisher has done little to right the ship as FSU's offensive coordinator, and Saban already has one big victory to his credit this year. However, Florida State has had an extra week to prepare—and in these types of games, that alone can be the difference-maker.

My Pick: FSU

Oklahoma at Colorado: Oklahoma
USC at Washington: USC
Michigan State at Wisconsin: Michigan State
Penn St at Illinois: PSU
Clemson at Georgia Tech: Clemson