The Fat Lady Ain't Singing...Yet: College Football Top 25 Preview

Since everyone is still nursing off the hangover that has been called "Rocktoberfest," I figured I would remind everyone that there is still some college football left to play. For all the LSU fans who thought they would be celebrating a national championship at season's end, don't sweat. The season isn't over yet. Here's the preview for you.

#1 Ohio State vs. Michigan State

The Buckeyes can now officially concentrate on their real football schedule now that the wannabes are gone. Michigan State gave Wisconsin a run for their money a few weeks ago, and Ohio State hasn't had a reason to sweat their opponents...until now. The Spartans will come out swinging and they won't stop until they make a little upset history of their own. With Illinois coming up shortly, the Buckeyes need to win this one to keep that momentum they have established heading into what is obviously the toughest leg of their schedule. Ohio State wins a close one at home, but eventually, the fat lady has to sing for them too.

Final Score: Buckeyes 37, Spartans 27

#2 South Florida vs. Rutgers

This is the game that everyone believes the Bulls will lose. Everyone thinks that Rutgers is too good to be stopped by South Florida. Does anyone think that now? The Bulls upset West Virginia and most likely put them in the hotseat as far as the Big East title goes. This is one of the games of the week, but not the game of the week. After that Boise State game on Monday night, this game better deliver some fireworks. But don't worry; it will deliver. Originally, this was supposed to be an easy win for Rutgers. I guess South Florida didn't get that memo. The Bulls will win this one, and upset Rutgers at home. Sorry, Knights, but just like the Rockies, there is just too much momentum on their side for them to be stopped.

Final Score: Bulls 31, Scarlet Knights 20

#4 Oklahoma vs. Iowa State

The Sooners are finding new and exciting ways to bring hype to the Big XII Conference. After wins over Texas and Missouri, Bob Stoops has his club talking about the Conference Championship and the National Championship. They will need some much needed help from Rutgers, though. This should be another 50-point game for Oklahoma, and the Cyclones should pray that the pain stops at 50. In all honesty, the only thing this game means is two things: 1) More kudos points in the BCS Computer, and 2) more Heisman points for Sam Bradford. That's about it.

Final Score: Sooners 59, Cyclones 10

#5 LSU vs. #18 Auburn*

Remember about three weeks ago? Auburn went into Gator Country and won. They started the downfall of Florida and have continued that tear with key conference wins. As for LSU, well, they're still in the running for the national title, but now they got to deal with a team that doesn't know the meaning of the word quit. The Bayou Bengals will have their hands full against the Alabama Bengals, and in the end, this could possibly come down to a field goal. Expect less of Matt Flynn in this game, because he doesn't have the leg speed of his counterpart, Ryan Perilloux. If the Tigers (LSU) keep their mistakes to a minimum, they should win this game. Otherwise, expect a lot of crying Bayou Bengals at the end of this one.

Final Score(s): #5 Tigers 45, #18 Tigers 40/#18 Tigers 37, #5 Tigers 34 (depending on TO victor)

#6 South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt

The Cocks want to win this one because they got Florida coming soon. The Commodores want this one because they want to prove something to themselves. Vandy gave the Bulldogs a run for their money last week, and South Carolina is now the front runner to win the SEC with Florida out of contention at the moment. A win would give the Gamecocks what they need as far as momentum going into their showdown with the Gators. A loss, and they might as well play for a good bowl game.

Final Score: Gamecocks 27, Commodores 19

#7 Oregon vs. Washington

No one should doubt the talent of the Washington Huskies, but no one should write off Oregon either. Since that loss to the Bears, the Ducks have been on a tear and are not looking back. With Cal losing last weekend, Oregon can now come out of nowhere and take the Pac 10. No, I'm not forgetting about USC, but at this moment, Oregon is in the driver's seat to capitalize on both the Trojans and Bears mistake. And they intend on starting with the Huskies. As good as they want to be, Washington won't be able to contain the run and gun playing style of Dennis Dixon.

Final Score: Ducks 63, Huskies 21

#8 Kentucky vs. #14 Florida

The Gators are coming off of two bad losses. Their dreams of repeating as National Champions has gone up in smoke because of it. The Wildcats have put pressure on LSU, South Carolina, and even Florida to step up or step out of the way. The Gators need to find a way to contain Andre Woodson. The Wildcats were able to do what Florida couldn't do, which is beat LSU. Now Tim Tebow and co. will have to find a way to beat a psyched up Kentucky team that isn't thinking about basketball season at the moment. The Blue and White Tabbies have too much momentum after that win last week to be stopped by the Green Goblins of Gainesville. Florida loses this one...and that's hard for me to say. On the other hand, a devastating loss like the one to LSU just might be the spark that puts Florida back on the winning side of things. So with that being said, I'm calling an upset in Lexington.

Final Score: Gators 38, Wildcats 28

#9 West Virginia vs. Mississippi State

Normally, anyone could run over the Bulldogs of Mississippi State. But that was then, and they aren't the same speed bumps they used to be. West Virginia lost a heartbreaker to South Florida, and their primetime quarterback may not be ready for this one. This could be a good one as well because it pits the Big East against the SEC. If the gods want it that way, this could be a good way to showcase some talent. This could be a close one, and West Virginia needs to win this one as much as Mississippi State does.

Final Score: Mountaineers 27, Bulldogs 17

#10 Cal vs. UCLA

Anyone who is forced to watch this game should gouge their eyes out. This game would have been good...if UCLA wasn't so bad. After getting knocked around by the winless Irish, the Bruins are more beat up than the Arizona Diamondbacks. This game won't make them feel any better. In all honesty, they should start focusing on basketball and Florida than a bowl bid. Cal should bounce back from that awful mistake they made last week against Oregon State. That cost them big time, and they're upset about it. Expect them to take their aggression and frustration out on a weakened UCLA football team. Maybe they should put the cheerleaders in...you know, just in case it gets a little too hard to handle.

Final Score: Golden Bears 63, Bruins 3

#15 Kansas vs. Colorado

For weeks, the Buffaloes have been under the radar. For weeks, the Jayhawks have found ways to win even when they shouldn't be winning. Something has got to give on Saturday, and in Boulder, anything is possible. Just ask Oklahoma. Colorado has the talent to get things done. Cody Hawkins has been on a tear of his own, and Kevin Eberhart has been the reason for that everyone in Boulder is smiling right now. Expect Kansas' undefeated season to end in Colorado, because as it has been said and proven before: Visiting teams don't leave Folsom Prison alive.

Final Score: Buffs 34, Jayhawks 24

#15 Missouri vs. #22 Texas Tech

The Raiders decimated the Aggies last week, and the Tigers lost a tough one to Oklahoma. Someone is going to be upset with the outcome of this game. Expect a lot of animosity during and after this game. Mizzou is out to prove that they belong in the thick of the Big XII title race. So is Texas Tech. Missouri will have to pull out all the stops to win this one. These Raiders are ready (unlike their counterparts in Oakland). This will come down to who plays better on defense. The offense will take care of things, but the defense will have to keep the lead for whoever has it.

Final Score: Tigers 34, Raiders 30

#24 Michigan vs. Illinois

This is one for the ages. An energized Illinois football team against a resurrected Michigan ball club. The Wolverines have clawed their way back into the thick of things as well as back into the polls. Michigan looks more dangerous than they did when they started the season. A resurgence is exactly what this game will come down to. Who is more ready for this one? I say Michigan. They have looked unstoppable all month, and in all honesty, the fat lady will be singing for the Fighting Illini in this game. The Big House will be rocking once more, and this time, they won't stop even after the final gun has sounded. Sorry, Coach Zook, but us loyal Gator Fans still don't like you. And now, you're in the same position as we are: On the outside looking in. How do you like Dem Apples, Ron Zook?

Final Score: Wolverines 45, Fighting Illini 27

Honorable Mentions

Alabama 30, #20 Tennessee 14

#13 USC 37, Notre Dame 17

#23 Cincinnati 27, Pitt 10

#19 Texas 56, Baylor 3

Oklahoma State 38, #25 Kansas State 35 OT

That's the lowdown, knuckleheads. See ya Thursday for Rutgers vs. South Florida!

*-Double shot prediction based on youngest son's favorite colors