Predictions For the Top 5 Games Of Week 2 In the 2010 College Football Season

The first week in the 2010 college football season has come and gone. It provided fans with many ups and downs, ranging from Notre Dame and Florida State’s first wins under their new head coaches to East Carolina's Hail Mary. Looking ahead to week number two, there are many great matchups that will go a long way in shaping this season. Here’s a look ahead to five of the top matchups this weekend:

Miami (Fl) at Ohio State, 3:30 p.m.

What a way to start off the season for both of these established quarterbacks. Terrelle Pryor and Jacory Harris are proven junior quarterbacks. Each of them threw for over 200 yards and three touchdowns in their opening weekend games. Both teams have great defenses to compliment their offenses. I believe if Ohio State can get their RB Brandon Saine going early, it will open up the play action pass against the quick defense of Miami. The Horseshoe will be rocking for this one.

Prediction: Miami (Fl) 27 at Ohio State 34

Florida State at Oklahoma, 3:30 p.m.

Was Oklahoma looking ahead to this game last week? We will find out soon enough as a really talented Florida State team comes to Norman to do battle with the Sooners. Florida State’s offense looked great and the defense stout vs. a weak Samford team. Oklahoma was very lackluster vs. Utah State, a lone bright spot was running back DeMarco Murray who rushed for over 200 yards and had two touchdowns. Look for Oklahoma QB Landry Jones to be better this week and for Oklahoma’s defense to be better vs. a high powered offense led by Florida State QB Christian Ponder. This would be a big statement game for first year head coach Jimbo Fisher, just don’t see it happening.

Prediction: Florida State 24 at Oklahoma 28

Michigan at Notre Dame, 3:30 p.m.

Both of these teams made bold statements in their first games of the season last week, now it’s time for one of them to make another. Notre Dame’s hurry up offense slowed down the vaunted pass rush of Purdue last week. Michigan’s spread offense made Connecticut’s defense look like a high school team. The key in this game will be Michigan’s pass defense and Notre Dame’s run defense. It can be said that both defenses weren’t tested in week 1, but they certainly will be this week. Michigan’s offensive line looks much better and that will be the difference in this one, as Notre Dames defensive line won’t put up a fight.

Prediction: Michigan 27 at Notre Dame 20

Penn State at Alabama, 7:00 p.m.

Joe Paterno must be losing his mind – starting a true freshman at QB? Many thought Penn State would play conservative with Robert Bolden, but after throwing 29 passes vs. an outmatched Youngstown State team, that was thrown out the window. Bolden will have to be able to read the defensive coverage quicker this week against the best defense in the land in Alabama. Julio Jones and company looked great in the opener. Penn State’s defense may surprise Alabama and keep the run production down, but PSU historically has trouble against quality WR like Jones. The key to this game may end up being Penn State’s offensive line. If they can generate blocking for RB Evan Royster and give Bolden time to throw, this one may be closer than many people are predicting.

Prediction: Penn State 13 at Alabama 23

Oregon at Tennessee, 7:00 p.m.

A vaunted two-week stretch for Tennessee, as they get Oregon this week and Florida next week. Both of these teams pitched shut outs in their opening games against weak competition. The difference? Oregon put up over 700 yards of offense, split almost 50-50 with rushing and passing. RB LaMichael James will be back from suspension. RB Kenjon Barner filled in admirably by scoring five touchdowns for Oregon in place of James. Tennessee will be hoping Oregon has jetlag when they arrive at Neyland Stadium. I don’t see this game being close, Oregon has too much firepower.

Prediction: Oregon 52 at Tennessee 17