Berg’s Picks: Top Five College Football Games for Week 4
This week has some big games ahead that follow the length of the top 25 and could have some landscape changing results. Let's take a look at some of the match ups to come.
These are my top 5 games of the week. We will take a look at Alabama at Arkansas, West Virginia at LSU, South Carolina at Auburn, Oregon State at Boise State, and Kentucky at Florida.
Who will lead their team to an upset?
Kentucky looks poised and ready to knock off Florida and West Virginia needs this win not only for themselves but a win would also boost the conference outlook for the Big East.
No.1 Alabama at No.10 Arkansas
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This game should be interesting. For the first time in memory that I can recall this game may be a shootout. Yes, Alabama playing in a shootout game. The Arkansas defense is going to be the big difference in this game because their ability to stop, or not stop for that matter, the Alabama rushing attack is huge.
The Alabama rushing attack is a two headed monster with Ingram and Richardson leading the way. Arkansas will have to clog the middle early and often and not bite on the play action calls to Julio Jones that will lead to touchdowns for the Crimson Tide.
On the other side of the coin the Arkansas offense will show to be quite formidable as well. With a talented receiving corps and Ryan Mallett at the helm the Razorbacks should be able to pick up a lot of yards through the air. As talented as the defense is for Alabama at this point, the young guys in the secondary have not yet had a test like the one they face this week in Arkansas.
Arkansas Wins If…The Razorbacks score early and keep the pressure off Mallett. The running game must be able to get some yards to allow the play action to be a factor as well. The Arkansas defense must clog the middle of the line and not bite on the play action from McElroy.
Alabama Wins If…The secondary steps up and gets a few picks. The offense must be able to run the ball and make the Arkansas defense bite on the play action.
Final Score: Alabama 31 Arkansas 24
No. 12 South Carolina at No. 17 Auburn
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Another huge game in the SEC should follow the mid-afternoon special that Alabama and Arkansas is sure to be. South Carolina comes into this game ranked high and with expectations that have not been experienced in Columbia in quite some time. The South Carolina running attack is one that has surprised many but Marcus Lattimore came in with huge expectations.
Auburn is going to have to play a perfect penalty free football game this week. Too many penalties have been thrown on the Tigers this season but they can right the ship. The biggest question is can Auburn plug the middle of the line against this rushing attack for South Carolina and can Garcia answer with his arm.
South Carolina has a big chance to solidify themselves in the top SEC echelon this week with a road win over Auburn. Auburn has a chance to do the same and keep the ball rolling while climbing the polls and skirting the top 10 with a win this week.
South Carolina Wins If…Lattimore carries the ball for over 100 yards. The Gamecocks have to get the running game going early and often to have success. Stephen Garcia has to be able to make throws in this game and avoid pressure. If those things happen the Gamecocks win.
Auburn Wins If…The defense can stop the running game and keep Lattimore at bay. If the offense can get the game started early and get yards and points in the first half, look for Auburn to take the wind out of the sails of the Gamecocks early. Pressure on Garcia is also an important factor.
Final Score: Auburn 34 South Carolina 24
No. 22 West Virginia at No. 15 LSU
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How will the Mountaineers travel? If they can travel well in this night contest in Death Valley, which is very difficult to do, they might come out with a win. Noel Devine is a quick back and Geno Smith has come on strong as a team leader from the quarterback position. This LSU defense has been strong against the pass at times but showed a lot of vulnerability to the pass against UNC earlier this season.
LSU has some weapons of its own with Russell Shepard and Jordan Jefferson, but the question is consistency from this offense. If LSU can make plays early and often and if the defense can stop the Smith and Devine train then the Bayou Bengals should be just fine. The Big East needs a big win out of conference so you know there is a ton of pressure on the Mountaineers as well.
West Virginia Wins If…Devine can break some big runs early. Geno Smith needs to keep up with his passing and if Smith passes for over 250 and Devine can break a few big ones, West Virginia will get the win. No doubt the Mountaineers must stop the offense of LSU as well but inconsistency is a killer.
LSU Wins If…The defense steps it up and puts pressure on Smith and stuff Devine in the backfield. LSU has the talent but their inability to play to a high level has hurt at times. The passing game must answer the call because Stevan Ridley is not the back that LSU has had in the past.
Final Score: LSU 24 West Virginia 14
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No. 24 Oregon State at No. 3 Boise State
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Yes the pictures are true. Oregon State painted their practice field blue to get ready for this week’s matchup with the Broncos. There is a good reason why. The mysticism that occurs on the blue turf is amazing. The Broncos are on a 56 game regular season winning streak on the turf.
With this being the last big game for the Broncos on the schedule, it is very realistic that Boise could take it to the house again and go undefeated. Could that make Boise a national title contender? That’s neither here nor there but it is possible.
For Oregon State to win this game Ryan Katz has to play lights out. Jacquizz Rodgers is going to have to find a lot of running room as well. This Boise defense showed up against Virginia Tech and the hope is that they will do the same against the Beavers on Saturday.
Oregon State Wins If…Rogers and Katz have huge games. The defense is also going to have to step it up and play a heck of a game against the multiple attack of Boise and the new found running game for the Broncos.
Boise State Wins If…Kellen Moore has a big game and continues his dominance of the air. The rushing attack for Boise has not always been as a big of a factor as it is this season but the shared responsibility role that the Broncos backs have has helped the rushing attack. If the Boise defense stands up as expected, the Broncos should get an easy win.
Final Score: Boise State 35 Oregon State 21
UR Kentucky At No. 9 Florida
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This game has upset alert written all over it. Florida has had a tough time starting games so far this year and this contest looks to be no different. Kentucky brings in a balanced offensive attack with enough playmakers to make Florida scramble early.
With the Florida offense lacking identity and the defense of the Gators giving away opportunities in the early quarters so far this season, the Wildcats could pounce the Gators early. Look for Mike Hartline to have a big game and continue his consistency in the passing game. He should hook up with Randall Cobb often.
For Florida to walk into this game lightly would make a loss in the swamp something that is not so hard to fathom. Will Brantley be able to handle the game and manage the passing attack enough to mount the win in this game? That is the question that will make the game difference.
Kentucky Wins If…Mike Hartline has to come out on fire in this game. If Hartline can get to Cobb consistently and Cobb can make some plays this game could see Kentucky up early and level out in the end. Kentucky must start fast and hold on to the lead.
Florida Wins If…The Gators can start the game the way they finished against USF. Florida can’t come out slow against a Kentucky team that can play offense. Kentucky is looking to get a great conference win and jump Florida in the east for the first time in a very long time. If Brantley can make plays and Pouncey can snap the ball the Gators should be alright.
Final Score: Kentucky 24 Florida 21
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