Ohio State vs. Wisconsin And The Top Ten Must-See College Football Games Week 7
With BCS Standings to be unveiled for the first time on Sunday, the time has come for the real teams to stand up and show themselves.
With a little more than a handful of undefeated teams left in the land it has become clear that every week one or two of these teams will be knocked off one by one. The only question is who is going to get beaten next?
Last week in our weekly predictions, Danny V accurately predicted the Crimson Tide getting knocked off by Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks; while I foresaw the victory for the Spartans in Ann Arbor.
This week there are some intriguing games that have both conference and national implications, that will surely play a part in the order in which things will shake out in those first polls released Sunday.
No. 19 Nevada Wolfpack at Hawaii Warriors
1 of 10
X-FACTOR:
Colin Kaepernick and Vai Taua need some help in the passing game so I look for the sneaky good tight end Virgil Green to get in the end zone a few times.
Matchup to watch:
Nevada pass rusher Dontay Moch is the only legit NFL player on the defensive side of the ball for the Wolf Pack. He already has 3 sacks and 24 solo tackles. He has been a freak in college, now entering his senior season of WAC play.
If Hawaii tackle Austin Hansen and the entire offensive line fails to slow him down it will be like the Warriors of a few years ago. The Wolpack could expect to crack the top 15 in the BCS.
Why Hawaii can win:
Quick, who has the number one offense in the nation?
Also, Colt Brennan is no longer the quarterback, and in fact QB Bryant Moniz leads the nation in total yards per game with an astonishing 388. He has been spectacular and has a pair of WR’s who both are in the top five in the nation in RYPG.
Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares remind many of the wonderful duo of Davone Bess and Jason Rivers. Both wideouts are a force to be reckoned with and will give the Wolfpack’s secondary major issues. Nevada ranks 82nd in the nation getting burned for 230 YPG against mediocre competition thus far, the exception being the Cal game.
The program is on the right track and a win in this one will go a long way to getting the attention directed back on the island.
Why Nevada can win:
What a matchup we have at quarterback as Colin Kaepernick is currently sixth in the nation in total yard per game. He is averaging 326 YPG and has a few targets of his own that are successful at stretching the field.
His big tight end Green is a solid playmaker and receivers Brandon Wimberly and Rishard Matthews are under-the-radar contributors who can beat you deep every now and then, though they are mainly possession players.
This team is fifth in rushing and is all about Kaepernick, but Taua has quietly rushed for 95 yards or more in every single game this season and is one of the main hogs that drives this Wolfpack offense. Hawaii is already giving up 172 YPG on the ground, which ranks only 85th in the nation.
The Pack need to get a head of steam going if they want to be the ones that bring the Broncos of Boise to their knees.
FINAL SCORE:
Danny V's Pick: NEVADA 38, HAWAII 35
JFAV's Pick: NEVADA 45, HAWAII 30
No. 20 Oklahoma State Cowboys at Texas Tech Red Raiders
2 of 10
X-FACTOR:
Running back Baron Batch is the ultimate X factor as he totaled over 100 yards and had 2 TD’s last weekend against Baylor. If the Red Raiders can play keep away, then they will pull off the upset.
Matchup of the Game:
Tech receiver Detron Lewis against OK State corner Andrew McGee-Lewis has put together a solid season, and if the Red Raiders are going to win they must need Lewis to step up.
Why Texas Tech can win:
Texas Tech has one of the most talented Wide receiving cores in the Big 12 and are led by Lewis and Lyle Leong who combine for 150 YPG. They also proved they can get to the passer as they put just enough pressure on Robert Griffin for the win.
They also have the offense to win any game, this one included.
Why Oklahoma State can win:
The Pokes are as balanced as any team in the nation with star back Kendall Hunter and star receiver Justin Blackmon. They both have made QB Brandon Weeden look like an All-Big 12 quarterback.
Some have them as a sleeper to win the conference, and a beating on Tommy Tuberville's boys would make a statement in their favor.
FINAL SCORE:
Danny V's Pick: TEXAS TECH 38, OKLAHOMA STATE 34
JFAV's Pick: OKLAHOMA STATE 34, TEXAS TECH 17
No. 21 Missouri Tigers at Texas A&M Aggies
3 of 10
X-FACTOR:
Tailback Christine Michael, the speedy sophomore, rushed for 79 yards, and a TD in a close loss to Arkansas. If he and the Aggies can play ball control, then they should have no problem staying in this game for four quarters.
Matchup of the Game:
A&M Wide out Jeff Fuller vs Mizzou CB Carl Gettis & Kevin Rutland- Fuller tore apart the solid secondary of Pig Suey last weekend, and if the Aggies are to have any success at moving the football, they must be able to hit the deep the ball from Johnson to Fuller.
Why Mizzou can win:
Blaine Gabbert is a bit nicked up with a sore hip pointer that he suffered against Colorado last weekend. However, he is expected to play and is still an elite QB in the Big 12 that has a lot of weapons.
Freshman receiver T.J. Moe and TE Michael Egnew have been a tough duo to handle this season. Missouri currently ranks 25th in the nation in passing offense and 26th in scoring offense. They can score with the best of them.
The Tigers are trying to move up the ranks before the big one against the Huskers, and this is a good test.
Why A&M will win:
Jerrod Johnson did not turn the ball over against Arkansas until the final play of the game (Hail Mary heave) and if he keeps this up, the Aggies can play with anybody on their schedule.
They are a force on offense, but it is the defense that is quietly playing very well. Though Arkansas did not show much on offense preparing for Auburn this weekend, Von Miller and the defense can force errant throws from the opposition.
FINAL SCORE:
Danny V's Pick: TEXAS A&M 31, MISSOURI 24
JFAV's Pick: TEXAS A&M 28, MISSOURI 24
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Illinois Fighting Illini at No. 13 Michigan State Spartans
4 of 10
X-FACTOR:
Illinois WR AJ Jenkins has been sensational all season long for the Illini. We had Illinois losing nearly every single game in the Big Ten this season, but they now look like a lock to reach a bowl game. Main reason being is their ability to throw the football with QB Nathan Scheelhase AKA Lil' Pryor.
Matchup of the Game:
Cornerback Chris L. Rucker will not be dressed for this game due to violating team rules. Illinois WR AJ Jenkins and Jarred Fayson may put a scare into this Spartans secondary after a week in which they came away with a huge win in Ann Arbor.
Why Illinois can win:
Michigan QB Denard Robinson threw 3 picks, but unlike Illinois he received zero help from any of his backs. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhase has a stud back by the name of Mikel Leshoure who is averaging 6 YPC and has over 500 yards on the season.
Also a factor in all of Illinois' games is the fact that they are a team that's willing to gamble with uncertainty surrounding Ron Zook's future. Expect them to pull out all the stops to beat a team that some have put atop the Big Ten.
Why Michigan State can win:
Those guys in Vegas says this is an upset in the making and although I am not sold by Sparty as a legit top ten team yet, they are as balanced as any team in America. Le’Veon Bell and Edwin Baker have combined for 14 TD’s and have been unstoppable.
Michigan State has some tough games coming up beyond this week, though they should win this week, it is not a lock, and they should come prepared.
FINAL SCORE:
Danny V's Pick: MICHIGAN STATE 30, ILLINOIS 24
JFAV's Pick: MICHIGAN STATE 21, ILLINOIS 16
California Bears at Southern California Trojans
5 of 10
X-FACTOR:
USC wide receiver Robert Woods is a true freshman and is absolutely lighting up the Pac 10. If he continues his onslaught against the competition, he will be billed as a future All-American. USC still has the horses, but they just cannot stay consistent enough on offense. They have many more issues on the other side of the ball, though.
Matchup of the Game:
Cal WR Marvin Jones against USC corner Shareece Wright. Wright better be ready because the Trojans are having issues on that side of the ball.
USC ranks just 49th against the run but are an abysmal 116th out of 120th in America in pass defense. This game is under the radar, but I believe the winner of this game will eventually upset Oregon and possibly Oregon State/Stanford.
Why USC can win:
They have not fallen that hard, they are just no longer a legit top 20 team. They have major issues on defense and still have some quirks to work out on special teams.
However, they still have just as much talent as nearly any team in the Pac 10. Barkley is torching the opposition and has help from his receiving core. If he avoids turning the ball over (only 4 picks to 15 TDs), then USC should not have a problem putting points on the board.
The much-loved Lane Kiffin.... Needs this one after the loss at Stanford.
Why Cal can win:
Shane Vereen and the Cal ground game went bonkers against UCLA last weekend out-rushing them 304-26! If they can come close to matching that against the Trojans, it is safe to say they will win this one.
However, the Trojans have still have the linebackers needed to stuff the run and I just do not trust Kevin "The Turnover "Riley at throwing the football with success on crucial third downs. If he gets it done then the Bears will be golden.
FINAL SCORE:
Danny V's Pick: USC 24, CAL 20
JFAV's Pick: CAL 30, USC 28
No. 24 Oregon State Beavers at Washington Huskies
6 of 10
X-FACTOR:
Wide receiver Markus Wheaton is expected to have a big game once again this weekend because wide receiver James Rodgers has been lost for the season with a knee injury (sketchy play by the AZ corner). However, Wheaton stepped in and had the game of his life grabbing 7 catches for 113 yards and a TD.
Matchup to watch:
Linebacker Dwight Robertson against running back James Polk.
NOTE: When Locker does not get a running game, he crumbles up and throws picks left and right.
If the Huskies cannot win the battle at the line of scrimmage, then they are in big trouble. Locker was left out for dry against the Sun Devils last weekend. The Huskies run game got bottled up and if that continues, the Huskies will drop another game at home.
Why Washington can win:
The Huskies defense has surprisingly been decent enough to keep the Huskies in ball games. However, the story of Locker takes a different turn every single week. The Beavers' secondary did give up over 400 yards passing and the Huskies certainly have the wideouts to do the same.
Locker should be able to pass the rock around and if the defense for the Huskies shows up to play they could win this one.
Why OSU can win:
First off, quarterback Ryan Katz is an absolute stud. He threw a ball off his back foot for a 40 yard TD pass. He still has solid wideouts even without James Rodgers.
Jacquizz has to run the ball a bit better as Zona' bottled him up last weekend. If he can gain over 125 yards, the Beavers will stay undefeated in the Pac 10.
FINAL SCORE:
Danny V's Pick: OREGON STATE 24, WASHINGTON 21
JFAV's Pick: OREGON STATE 38, WASHINGTON 10
No. 15 Iowa Hawkeyes at Michigan Wolverines
7 of 10
X-FACTOR:
Quarterback Ricky Stanzi better be on target or else they will lose another close, tough road game. He has the targets to throw the ball to, he just needs to be able to set his feet and throw a bullet against an AWFUL Wolverines secondary that ranks 119 in the nation (Remember, only 120 teams).
Matchup of the Game:
Iowa wide receiver Marvin McNutt against Michigan cornerback James Rogers. If the Wolverines cannot pick off Stanzi at least twice, they will lose and fall off the face of the Earth.
Bye, bye, Denard Robinson Heisman invite. Michigan better show up this weekend, or else they will get a similar spanking that the Spartans put on them at the Big House.
Why Michigan can win: They still have a decent front four and Robinson is still running their spread offense, but they no longer have Martavious Odoms who was one of their top targets in the passing game.
They have decent guys in Roy Roundtree and Junior Hemingway to stretch the field against a solid Hawkeyes secondary.
Some trickeration might be in order with the skill players Michigan has on offense, but with Iowa's history of half-time adjustments, they will need to come in the first half.
Why Iowa can win:
The front four for Iowa completely shut down the potent ground game of the Wrambling Wreck of Georgia Tech in the BCS Fed Ex Orange Bowl last January. The same will happen to Robinson and his backs.
The problem for Michigan is that they have no studs behind Robinson in the backfield, so Iowa will just tee off on Robinson. Adrian Clayborn, Broderick Binns, Christian Ballard, and Karl Klug still possess one of the best fronts in America. That will make up for any mistakes Stanzi and the special teams unit commit.
Coming off a bye week many pundits have forgotten about the Hawkeyes, but depending on the outcomes of the games in Ann Arbor, Madison, and East Lansing; the Big Ten could look very different on Sunday.
FINAL SCORE:
Danny V's Pick: IOWA 27, MICHIGAN 21
JFAV's Pick: IOWA 34, MICHIGAN 24
Texas Longhorns at No. 5 Nebraska Cornhuskers
8 of 10
X-FACTOR:
Texas' quarterback Garrett Gilbert must be able to avoid the turnover bug against the most talented secondary in the nation. The Blackshirts are back and they are physical as any team in America. Gilbert must be able to hit his wideouts in stride or else they will get lit up!
Matchup of the Game:
Texas linebacker Keenan Robinson against Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez. The Longhorns better be able to play gap free football and it is imperative that they limit Martinez, or else this could get ugly.
Why Texas can win:
They still have a legit defense that on paper is a top 20 caliber defense. They have a hell of a secondary, ranking 8th in the nation and they are 19th against the run. If they can slow down and not allow Martinez to go bonkers, they will be just fine.
However, at the end of the day it comes down to what they can do on offense. Gilbert must find his studs in James Kirkendoll, Malcolm Williams, and Marquise Goodwin.
The juices from last years Big 12 title game surely will still be flowing, and that Colt McCoy karma will perhaps return for the Horns.
Why Nebraska can win:
Taylor Martinez is arguably the Heisman frontrunner right now and he has two bruising backs that are studs in Roy Helu and Rex Burkhead. Martinez has proven he can throw the ball as well. There are no weak links with this offense at the moment.
Texas must force the Huskers into third down and longs or else the children of the corn will feast all day long running the ball down the throats of the Horns.
In what may be the last meeting for awhile between these foes, it surely will be a good one.
FINAL SCORE:
Danny V's Pick: NEBRASKA 28, TEXAS 23
JFAV's Pick: NEBRASKA 14, TEXAS 10
No. 12 Arkansas Razorbacks at #7 Auburn Tigers
9 of 10
X-FACTOR:
This game will not only determine who wins the SEC West, but also who competes for a BCS at-large bid, the BCS National Championship, and who wins the Heisman trophy! So, what a sexy matchup we have with these two teams and the two signal callers.
Ryan Mallett and Cam Newton are two of the best players in America and they both have proven to come through the clutch when it matters most. Mallett did not prove to be the hero against Bama, but he has a chance to redeem himself against War Eagle.
Matchup of the Game:
Arkansas linebacker Anthony Leon is a fierce, fast, big hitter who is not afraid of anybody. Going toe to toe with the monster known as Cam Newton will be without a doubt, the top matchup to look forward to this weekend.
Why Auburn can win:
Cam Newton has carried this team to an undefeated season so far, so why can’t he continue the torrid pace that he is on? He is on pace to put together a Tim Tebow type of year so do not be shocked if he goes off for a total of 400 yards again.
He has solid weapons on offense, but they must play better if the Tigers want to remain unbeaten. Arkansas’s secondary is questionable so Auburn must be able to exploit it.
Many including myself still question the coaching abilities of Gene Chizik, but he is building a resume this season that is getting difficult to argue with.
Why Arkansas can win:
Auburn’s pass defense ranks 10th in the SEC against Pig Suey’s top ranked passing offense. Mallett and the best receiving core in the nation may very well expose this defense of Auburn that got booked by Kentucky last weekend.
Greg Childs, DJ Williams, Cobi Hamilton, Jairius Wright, Ben Cleveland, and Joe Adams are loaded with skills that would make your neighbor have success throwing the ball. It helps that Mallett has an absolute cannon of an arm to make any and every throw.
FINAL SCORE:
Danny V's Pick: ARKANSAS 34, AUBURN 28
JFAV's Pick: AUBURN 27, ARKANSAS 25
No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes at No. 18 Wisconsin Badgers
10 of 10
X-FACTOR:
Running back Daniel “Boom” Herron better step up since they have used Brandon Saine specifically as a slot receiver now. If Herron cannot gain 100 yards or more, then this game rides on Terrelle Pryor which plays into the hands of the raucous crowd of Camp Randall Stadium where Madison is not kind to the opposition.
Matchup of the Game:
Wisconsin Safety Jay Valai against Buckeyes QB Terrelle Pryor. Pryor has a 15-3 TD-INT ratio and though he has not been 100% healthy per say, he has been playing lights out lately.
Valai needs to bait Pryor into a few throws that he should not attempt throwing and the stud safety can also come up in the box and lay a big hit that could cause Pryor to leave the game for a possession or two. That would send a shockwave in college football, especially if the Buckeyes were to fall the very first week they were ranked No. 1 in both polls.
Why Wisconsin can win:
"Smash and Dash" is what Badgers country calls them. True freshman James White and Junior John Clay have formed together as one of the toughest backfields to shut down in the nation. It helps that Wisconsin still has an elite offensive line that can push anybody around.
I think the Badgers have a top 3 unit at the offensive line, and if they can prove me right, this game will come down to the wire.
The Badgers are tough to beat when there jumping around for those night games in Camp Randall. If the defense is better than most people think than they win it.
Why Ohio State can win:
They still are simply amazing when it comes to prime-time games in the regular season. They have won four of the past five meeting against the Badgers, and on top of that stat, Wisconsin is just 3-16 against AP No. 1 teams (’81 victory over Michigan was last). Wisconsin’s front seven is nothing to brag about ranking 22nd in the nation against awful competition.
If Cameron Heyward can cause any issues for quarterback Scott Tolzien, then this Buckeyes team can win this game without doing much on offense. This may very well be a special teams battle that comes down to a field goal kick.
FINAL SCORE:
Danny V's Pick: OHIO STATE 24, WISCONSIN 22
JFAV's Pick: OHIO STATE 35, WISCONSIN 14
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