Autzen Craziness, Penn State Whiteouts: Week Four Predictions

Week Three was a weird one. Huskies humbled Trojans, Convicts beat Mormons, and the Gators proved that they might be human after all. So what’s going to happen in Week Four? The VFA has its predictions.

Ole Miss vs. South Carolina

Let’s just hope this Thursday’s game involving Ole Miss and South Carolina will be more exciting that the Cocks’ 7-3 adventure against NC State on opening day—perhaps the dullest game on the planet.

Suddenly, Spurrier’s men are scoring points in bunches—including a very entertaining loss at Georgia in Week Two, when they were a hair’s breadth away from an unlikely victory. This week South Carolina’s defence will be facing Jevan Snead and a high-octane offence. Care to pick a winner?

Prediction: Ole Miss by damn! And by seven.

TCU at Clemson

The Frogs might have a great offence this year, and they had their way with an ACC team (Virginia, if you can call the Cavs an ACC team the way they are playing!), in Week One. Clemson—on the road—will be a different matter.

Prediction: Tigers roar in the upset! Clemson by seven.

Arkansas at Alabama

The ESPN guys spent all ‘College Football Final’ talking about how great Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett is. Get this—the Razorbacks are a lot of fun to watch. Their offence is a lot of fun—second ranked in the country—but their defence is laughable. Alabama also has a top 10 offence—and a defense to match.

Prediction: Alabama gets the running game going, and wins by 10

Washington State vs. USC

Will the State of Washington provide a ‘twin-killing’ on Saturday by disposing of USC at The Coliseum? No.

Prediction: USC in a laugher, and by 30

Florida vs. Kentucky

Kentucky isn’t an easy place to play for No.1 seeds—just ask LSU back in 2007. Kentucky seems to always play the big schools hard at home, and this year won’t be any different. The Gators HAVE to improve after a fairly ordinary performance against a fairly ordinary Tennessee side. We expect they will.

Prediction: Close again. Florida by 10.

Illinois vs. Ohio State

Illinois’ trip to Ohio State served up a cracker last time. Remember how Juice Williams led that incredible drive through the whole of the fourth quarter to lead the Illini to victory and spoil Ohio State’s Rose Bowl hopes? No? Don’t be surprised if we see a nailbiter on Saturday, either.

Prediction: Ohio State in a war of attrition. Win by a field goal.

California vs. Oregon

Cal’s Jahvid Best is the best running back in college football. Cal’s Kevin Riley isn’t the best quarterback in college football or the Pac-10. Having said that, Oregon doesn’t exactly have a wonderful defence, although the high-octane offence has suddenly woken up after its dreadful performance in Boise. You can’t help but thinking that this’ll go to the last drive.

Prediction: Oregon in a monster, monster upset.

North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech

It’s weird—North Carolina are ranked 22nd and has done nothing all year, while Georgia Tech’s season has been a lot of fun—including ESPN Classic's against Georgia Tech and a butt-surfing by Miami. Tech—now unranked—going to come out for the kill and their own scalp.

Prediction: Goodbye Tar Heels! Georgia Tech by 14.

Miami vs. Virginia Tech

Miami probably won’t face a faster team than Florida State…which it dealt with. It probably won’t face a better running offense than Georgia Tech this year…which it dealt with. But will how will they deal with the one of the fastest defences in college football in one of the land’s most intimidating atmospheres ?

Prediction: Lane Stadium loud. Tech by a field goal.

Iowa vs. Penn State

Both teams have been pretty dreadful this year. With the ‘banner win’ for the combined Hawkeyes-Lions programs a road win at Iowa State and victory over Syracuse, this game will be more about the atmosphere—110,000 on hand in Happy Valley for a College Gameday revenge game—than the actual game.

Prediction: Penn State by 10, but it won’t be that interesting.

Now, back to whiteouts...