Stand And Deliver: Top 25 Preview

We're going to make this short and simple.

First off, the Bayou Bengals will not be playing for the national championship.

Sorry, but it's true.

Second, there will be an upset this weekend.

And finally, life is definitely not scripted and nothing is etched in stone. With that being said, here's your rundown of this weekend's action.

#1 Ohio State vs. Illinois

Todd Boeckman has to win this one. Everyone wants to see the Buckeyes lose to the Wolverines. However, Ron Zook is used to playing spoiler from his days in Gainesville.

But honestly, Zook is in over his head in this one. If he is expecting a barn burner, this is it. There's no question that the Illini are upset that they won't be playing for a national championship, but they're happy if they can stop the reign of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Unfortunately, this is one game they won't be winning. The Buckeyes will polish off Illinois by the middle of the fourth quarter, and Michigan would do themselves a favor by taking notes.

Final Score: Buckeyes 31, Illini 17

#2 LSU vs. Louisiana Tech

There isn't much to say about this matchup except that the Tigers will win big. I hate to say it, but I cannot see the Bulldogs pulling a Gardner Webb and winning in their backyard. The Tigers seem to play better at home versus on the road.

However, no matter what they do, they will most likely get a BCS bid, but it will probably be against the Sun Devils rather than the Buckeyes.

I just can't see LSU playing for the national championship this year. But then again, I am also a certified lunatic.

So who in their right mind would think I know what I'm talking about?

Final Score: Tigers 55, Bulldogs 7

#4 Oklahoma vs. Baylor

The Sooners regularly racked up 50+ points in each of their first few games. But after a disappointing trip to Folsom Prison, they haven't been the same.

I'm not surprised at the vulnerability that Bob Stoops' team is showing. I'm more surprised that Baylor University still has a football program. They are literally the punching bag of the Big XII Conference.

Oklahoma will add another bruise to the Bears' already jacked up psyche, and they can officially campaign for the Big XII Championship Game and the BCS Championship as well.

Final Score: Sooners 63, Baylor 10

#5 Kansas vs. Oklahoma State

The Jayhawks are 9-0.

WHAT?

That's right, I said the Jayhawks are 9-0.

It's shocking which team decides to become the George Mason of the gridiron. In this case, Kansas is the Boise State of the 2007 season.

The Jayhawks should win this game by quite a bit—however, I'm a guy who likes to throw a few logs on the fire before I call it good.

Oklahoma State has been a spoiler over the last few seasons. Regardless of whether they're playing for pride or a bowl berth (the latter awaits them at the end), the Cowboys don't bow out so easily.

So with that being said, here's my upset special of the weekend: The Cowboys will beat the Jayhawks.

WHAT?

I said the Oklahoma State Cowboys will beat the undefeated Kansas Jayhawks this weekend. Why? Because they're still po'd about what happened in Texas.

Final Score: Cowboys 24, Jayhawks 17

#7 Missouri vs. Texas A&M

The most surprising team in the Big XII has to be the Missouri Tigers.

Everyone's used to hearing everything about the basketball team, but this is by far the best season for Mizzou yet. They have a chance to keep on pace with Oklahoma and Kansas.

In all honesty, the winners of those games will have to lock horns for the title. Mizzou will take care of the Aggies in the Show Me State, and while they're at it, they'll send a message to the other six teams above them: WE AIN'T DEAD YET! WE READY!!

#8 Boston College vs. Maryland

After a heartbreaker last week, the Eagles will bounce back against Maryland. Matt Ryan had a holiday last week, but this week against the Terps soft defenders, he can throw touchdowns while sitting in a lounge chair having a beer.

Maryland used to be intimidating, but lately, they haven't even been scary to their cheerleaders. Only way Maryland wins this game: If Matt Ryan throws up every single play and can't concentrate. Other than that...

Final Score: Eagles 37, Terrapins 14

#9 Arizona State vs. UCLA

The Sun Devils didn't get the job done in Eugene. But don't sweat, because they will finish what they started. Dennis Erickson & co. know they have to win and get some help to clinch the Pac 10 Title.

As far as the Bruins go, they know who's coming up. They know they have the Trojans coming soon, but they want to play spoiler first. A loss ends the Sun Devils' chances of a championship. A win puts even more pressure on Dennis Dixon.

Expect the Devils to win this one because as good as UCLA should be, it won't be enough to stop Arizona State.

Final Score: Sun Devils 31, Bruins 10

#10 Georgia vs. #18 Auburn

The Bulldogs enjoyed big wins over Florida and Troy. However, their win over the Trojans wasn't as big as everyone thought.

As for Auburn, their streak got snapped against LSU due to some cocky calls. The Tigers are upset-minded, and Georgia could be their next victim. Enjoy this one, because the Bulldogs won't.

The kickers better get ready and limber, cause this one will come down to the wire.

Final Score: Tigers 24, Bulldogs 14

The Rest of the Pack

#11 Virginia Tech vs. Florida State

Final Score: Seminoles 27, Hokies 20

#12 USC vs. #24 California

Final Score: Golden Bears 30, Trojans 21

#13 Michigan vs. Wisconsin

Final Score: Wolverines 27, Badgers 17 

#14 Hawaii vs. Fresno State

Final Score: Warriors 63, Bulldogs 27

#15 Texas vs. Texas Tech

Final Score: Longhorns 20, Red Raiders 14 

#16 UConn vs. Cincinnati

Final Score: Huskies 30, Bearcats 20

#17 Florida vs. South Carolina

Final Score: Gators 27, Gamecocks 14

#19 Boise State vs. Utah State 

Final Score: Broncos 41, Aggies 14

#20 Clemson vs. Wake Forest

Final Score: Tigers 20, Demon Deacons 14

#21 Alabama vs. Mississippi State

Final Score: Bulldogs 24, Crimson Tide 14

#22 Tennessee vs. Arkansas

Final Score: Volunteers 20, Razorbacks 17

#23 Virginia vs. Miami (FL)

Final Score: Cavaliers 20, Hurricanes 13

#24 Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt

Final Score: Wildcats 27, Commodores 14

That's it for now, knuckleheads. See ya this weekend.