College Football Picks Week 7: Predictions for Every Top 25 Game

There are 12 teams in the AP Top 25 that will put their undefeated records on the line in Week 7.

The No. 11 Michigan Wolverines travel to East Lansing to face Mark Dantonio's Michigan State Spartans. Can Denard Robinson regain his school's prestigious title by knocking off one the best defenses in the NCAA?

The No. 12 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are looking for their first 7-0 start since Bobby Dodd's last season in 1966. However, the Virginia Cavaliers are 3-1 at home against the Jackets since 2003.

The No. 6 Oklahoma State Cowboys lead the nation in scoring, putting up over 51 points per game. But Texas will be looking to bounce back from an embarrassing blowout at the hands of the Sooners, and is 14-6 after a loss in the last nine years.

This week could be just another stepping stone for those on the path to a BCS bowl, but it may set up a disastrous weekend for some teams.

Florida (4-2, 2-2 SEC) at No. 24 Auburn (4-2, 2-1 SEC)

Last Week

Florida lost at LSU, 41-11.

Auburn lost at Arkansas, 38-14. 

The Last Time These Two Met

Auburn won 20-17 (2007). 

When Florida Has the Ball

John Brantley will still be out with his injury, and the backup QBs have proven to be very inexperienced. Charlie Weis needs to center the pro-style offense around running back Chris Rainey, who is averaging 5.4 yards per carry. The Gators have to sustain long drives to keep the Tigers offense off the field, or else it'll be a third straight blowout loss for the chomps. 

When Auburn Has the Ball

The Tigers have scored 30 points combined in the last two games due to junior quarterback Barrett Trotter's inability to move the ball through the air. He's completed 18-of-42 passes (42.9 percent) for 193 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions in this time.

Florida's defense has allowed 464 yards rushing in its last two games combined, so Auburn will still rely on a heavy dose of Michael Dyer. However, Trotter is obligated to step up his performance this week. Otherwise, he may see himself with a headset on the sidelines very soon. 

Prediction

Auburn 24, Florida 16 

No. 20 Baylor (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) at No. 21 Texas A&M (3-2, 1-1 Big 12)

Last Week

Baylor won vs. Iowa State, 49-26.

Texas A&M won at Texas Tech, 45-40. 

The Last Time These Two Met

Texas A&M won 42-30 (2010). 

When Baylor Has the Ball

Robert Griffin III (RG3) has been phenomenal on the field in 2011. So far, he's completed a ridiculous 80.3 percent of his passes, thrown for 19 touchdowns (he's thrown five TDs in three of five games) and just one interception. Griffin is averaging 304 yards through the air per game and will continue to shine against A&M.

However, he's not the only star on the Bears offense. Senior running back Terrance Ganaway has been outstanding, averaging 6.1 yards per carry and 107.2 per game—he leads the team in rushing (536) over Griffin (280) and Martin (197)—and WR Kendall Wright has at least one touchdown reception in every game, with three multi-score performances.

Baylor should have no problem putting points on the board against the Aggies, who have allowed 30 points or more three games in a row. 

When Texas A&M Has the Ball

The combination of tailbacks Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael has been the nation's 17th-best rushing tandem thus far, compiling a total of 939 yards and 13 touchdowns. However, it's the defense that has barred A&M's success as of late, allowing 37.3 points on average in the last three games.

Senior quarterback Ryan Tannehill will have to produce big numbers if the Aggies want to hang with the high-flying Baylor Bears. 

Prediction

Baylor 41, Texas A&M 39

No. 19 Virginia Tech (5-1, 1-1 ACC) at Wake Forest (4-1, 3-0 ACC)

Last Week

Virginia Tech won vs. Miami (FL) 38-35.

Wake Forest won vs. Florida State, 35-30. 

The Last Time These Two Met

Virginia Tech won 52-21 (2010). 

When Virginia Tech Has the Ball

The Hokies are very inconsistent with the ball. In Week 1, they put up 66 against Appalachian State. Then they scored 17 vs. East Carolina. VT finished with 26 and 30 when it played Arkansas State and Marshall, but then followed those by barely breaching the scoreboard with three points against Clemson.

Virginia Tech has high hopes of finally pulling its offense together after a nice 38-point outing during last week's win over Miami (FL), but it's hard to tell at this point.

Beamer's offense has turned the ball over twice in a game on four separate occasions and is subpar at converting third downs (43.5 percent). Wake Forest's defense has forced nine turnovers in five games and is holding opponents to just a 32.4 percent third-down conversion percentage. You do the math on that one.

The Hokies are due for their annual upset loss, and this matchup looks to be the perfect fit. 

When Wake Forest Has the Ball

The Demon Deacons find success through the arm of quarterback Tanner Price, who has thrown for 10 TDs to just two INTs. Wake Forest averages 8.4 yards per pass attempt compared to its 2.9 yards per carry on the ground. However, running back Josh Harris is averaging 82 yards off 18 attempts per game (4.6 YPC).

WF is scoring nearly 35 points per contest and its only loss came on the road to Syracuse in an overtime thriller. 

Prediction

Wake Forest 21, Virginia Tech 17

No. 17 Kansas State (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) at Texas Tech (4-1, 1-1 Big 12)

Last Week

Kansas State won vs. Missouri, 24-17.

Texas Tech lost vs. Texas A&M, 45-40. 

The Last Time These Two Met

Texas Tech won 66-14 (2009). 

When Kansas State Has the Ball

Four of the Wildcats' five wins this season have come within seven points or fewer. They virtually have no passing game, ranking 115th out of 120 schools (127.0 yards per game). This means they rely on the running game (49.4 attempts per game), which they rank 26th in the nation (208.6 YPG).

Kansas State has won the majority of its games with smart coaching and great defense. However, it has proven to struggle a bit against above-average quarterbacks and have yet to see a passing attack such as the Red Raiders'. 

When Texas Tech Has the Ball

The Red Raiders are coming off a disappointing shootout loss to the Texas A&M Aggies. Nevertheless, it was a game that showed a lot of positive things for a squad we were all pretty uncertain about.

QB Seth Doege leads a pass offense that ranks No. 6 through the air. He's completed 71.4 percent of his passes for 1,704 yards, 17 touchdowns and just one interception. Like every other game, he and sophomore receiver Eric Ward will be the key to Texas Tech's success.

Tech is 26-5 at home since 2007. 

Prediction

Texas Tech 44, Kansas State 34

Ohio State (3-3, 0-2 Big Ten) at No. 16 Illinois (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten)

Last Week

Ohio State lost at Nebraska, 34-27.

Illinois won at Indiana, 41-20. 

The Last Time These Two Met

Ohio State won 24-13 (2010). 

When Ohio State Has the Ball

If you watched the OSU-Nebraska game, you saw that the Buckeyes offense was smooth sailing with true freshman quarterback Braxton Miller under center, as they took a 27-6 lead halfway through the third quarter.

But you also saw that as soon as Miller went down with an injury, the entire team collapsed; senior QB Joe Bauserman went 1-of-10 for 13 yards and an interception and the defense acted like it had never seen a running back before.

The key for OSU is, obviously, to keep Miller in the game and give the ball to the reinstated senior tailback Dan "Boom" Herron. A lot. 

When Illinois Has the Ball

Illinois owns the nation's 22nd-best rushing offense, compiling an average of 209.8 yards per game. It has found the end zone via running the ball 12 times this season (T-18th) and the tailback trio of Jason Ford, Troy Pollard and Donovonn Young are combining for 5.6 yards per carry.

However, in the Fighting Illini's battle with the Arizona State Sun Devils—its only genuine opponent so far—the running game was put to a halt. ASU held Illinois to 105 yards on 45 attempts (2.3 YPC), but failed to take advantage of its three turnovers, falling 17-14.

Expect the Buckeyes to load the box and force sophomore quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase to throw the ball this week, which could be a do-or-die situation for Illinois. 

Prediction

Ohio State 23, Illinois 20

No. 15 South Carolina (5-1, 3-1 SEC) at Mississsippi State (3-3, 0-3 SEC)

Last Week

South Carolina won vs. Kentucky, 54-3.

Mississippi State won at UAB, 21-3. 

The Last Time These Two Met

South Carolina won 38-21 (2007). 

When South Carolina Has the Ball

Well, you won't see the troubled quarterback Stephen Garcia on the field for the Gamecocks anymore. After his 9-for-23, 160-yard, two-INT performance in their 16-13 loss to Auburn, backup Connor Shaw became his successor for the Kentucky game. Shaw finished with 311 yards and four TDs en route to a 54-3 dissection of the Wildcats defense.

The next move was inevitable.

Following Shaw's impeccable outing, athletic director Eric Hyman made it clear that he no longer wanted Garcia around. Hyman permanently dismissed him from the team on Tuesday after testing positive for alcohol and marijuana.

Shaw, a sophomore, hasn't played in a big game yet, but may present the fresh start South Carolina needs to reach a BCS bowl. Besides, opposing teams have pummeled Mississippi State's defensive line, averaging 159.0 yards per game (the Bulldogs have played just one ranked opponent). This sounds like an offer RB Marcus Lattimore can't refuse. 

When Mississippi State Has the Ball

Honestly, not a whole lot happens when the Bulldogs have the ball. They have quarterback problems—ranking 88 of 120 through the air—mainly due to the fact that senior QB Chris Relf has struggled mightily.

And when your quarterback is having difficulties, your entire offense feels it. Two weeks ago, the Bulldogs barely touched the scoreboard, putting up 10 points against a Georgia squad that previously allowed 45 points to South Carolina. Last week, Mississippi State was shut out at halftime against UAB—the Blazers rank 96th in scoring defense—before backup QB Tyler Russell stepped in and threw three touchdowns to win 21-3.

However, whether Relf or Russell is under center, this offense will continue to struggle in the perennial Southeastern Conference. 

Prediction

South Carolina 27, Mississippi State 13

No. 12 Georgia Tech (6-0, 3-0 ACC) at Virginia (3-2, 0-1 ACC)

Last Week

Georgia Tech won vs. Maryland, 21-16.

Virginia won vs. Idaho, 21-20. 

The Last Time These Two Met

Georgia Tech won 33-21 (2010). 

When Georgia Tech Has the Ball

When you think Georgia Tech offense, you think of a squad that runs the ball every down with that triple option, can't utilize the pass and has trouble playing catchup if losing.

Well, look out, because the Yellow Jackets can throw the football now. Not only are they averaging 360.5 rushing yards per game, but junior quarterback Tevin Washington has completed 37-of-73 passes (50.7 percent) for 1,052 yards, 10 touchdowns and just two interceptions.

This is an extremely difficult set up for opposing defenses to contain, and has resulted in almost 47 Georgia Tech points per game. The Yellow Jackets should improve to 7-0 for the first time since 1966 against a Virginia team that simply isn't very good. 

When Virginia Has the Ball

The Cavaliers possess a balanced offensive attack, which will have to be utilized to perfection if they want to come out with one of college football's biggest upset of 2011. Not only will the offense will be battling Georgia Tech's defense, but the clock as well; time of possession will be a key factor in Virginia's journey to its fourth win.

However, Virginia's struggles with the quarterback position may end up being its poison in this matchup. Georgia Tech will undoubtedly put multiple points on the board, which will require QB Michael Rocco (116.3 passer rating) to step up and excel.

The Cavaliers' three wins come from opponents who currently combine for a 5-13 record. 

Prediction

Georgia Tech 38, Virginia 16

No. 11 Michigan (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten) at No. 23 Michigan State (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten)

Last Week

Michigan won at Northwestern, 42-24.

Michigan State was on a bye. 

The Last Time These Two Met

Michigan State won 34-17 (2010). 

When Michigan Has the Ball

It'll be in the hands of Denard Robinson. He hasn't been putting up the Heisman-contending numbers that he did at this point a year ago, but he's come up big in some clutch situations. "Shoelace" has led the Wolverines to 38 points per game and their first 6-0 record since 2006, being the dual-threat athlete everyone knows him to be.

However, Michigan State's defense has been stellar thus far, holding four of five opponents to seven points or fewer. And in last year's matchup (at the Big House), the Spartans held Robinson to just 81 yards rushing and forced him to throw the ball—something he tends to struggle with—as he threw three costly interceptions. 

When Michigan State Has the Ball

Michigan's defense has been surprisingly good under new coordinator Greg Mattison, and the Spartans running game has been surprisingly incompetent of moving the ball.

Like usual, senior quarterback Kirk Cousins will be forced to have a big game if the Spartans want to contend with this year's Michigan squad. However, he is coming off a game against Ohio State in which he looked as if he was trying to throw the game away (literally). He had an extra week to disperse all the kinks in his arm after going 20-of-32 with 250 yards, a touchdown and two picks.

Cousins put together a 180.6 passer rating in last year's battle with the state-rival Wolverines. 

Prediction

Michigan State 24, Michigan 20

No. 18 Arizona State (5-1, 3-0 Pac 12) at No. 9 Oregon (4-1, 2-0 Pac 12)

Last Week

Arizona State won at Utah, 35-14.

Oregon won vs. California, 43-15. 

The Last Time These Two Met

Oregon won 42-31 (2010). 

When Arizona State Has the Ball

Last year, the Sun Devils had no problems moving the ball up and down the field against Oregon's defense, pretty much doing whatever they wanted.

Except for holding onto the football.

Arizona State combined for 597 yards of offense but turned the ball over seven times. If it had narrowed that number down to a mere two or three, it's almost certain that it would have won the game.

However, the starting quarterback and running back from a year ago are no longer playing. Junior QB Brock Osweiler has performed exceptionally well this season, passing for nearly 1,700 yards and 13 TDs in just six games. However, he has had to do a lot of it on his own, as the rushing attack ranks among the bottom quartile in the NCAA (76th).

The Sun Devils will have to make good decisions and play smart football to have a chance of knocking off the high-scoring Ducks. 

When Oregon Has the Ball

It's almost certain that LaMichael James will not be active for Saturday's game due to his arm injury he sustained in the fourth quarter last week. This means freshman tailback De'Anthony Thomas will receive a decent load of responsibility.

When LeGarrette Blount was suspended for punching a Boise State player back in 2009, it was James that stepped in and showed the nation what he was capable of. Thomas has shown signs of excellence, averaging 7.6 yards per carry and catching 17 balls for 286 yards—16.8 yards per catch is ridiculous for a running back—and has six total touchdowns off 42 overall touches.

I think the Ducks will be just fine. 

Prediction

Oregon 39, Arizona State 27

No. 8 Clemson (6-0, 3-0 ACC) at Maryland (2-3, 1-1 ACC)

Last Week

Clemson won vs. Boston College, 36-14.

Maryland lost at Georgia Tech, 21-16. 

The Last Time These Two Met

Clemson won 31-7 (2010). 

When Clemson Has the Ball

Quarterback Tahj Boyd says he plans to play this week after hurting his hip against Boston College, according to the Charlotte Observer. Boyd has been the focal point of this successful Clemson offense, completing 61.3 percent of his passes for 1,742 yards, 15 TDs and two INTs. The versatile sophomore has also added three scores on the ground.

Whether Boyd plays or not, expect running back Andre Ellington to get more touches than usual on account of the QB situation and the fact that Maryland is putrid against the run, allowing nearly 200 yards per contest. 

When Maryland Has the Ball

The Terrapins rely on the play of sophomore quarterback Danny O'Brien. In their two wins, he is a combined 45-of-65 (69.2 percent) for 471 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. But in Maryland's three losses, he is 52-of-91 (57.1 percent) for 459 yards, one touchdown and five interceptions.

O'Brien was benched after the first quarter of last week's game, but backup C.J. Brown finished just 4-of-17 for 36 yards and a pick.

If the Terrapins want to avoid a 2-4 start in Randy Edsall's first year as coach, O'Brien needs to step up and be the leader he was in 2010. 

Prediction

Clemson 30, Maryland 24

No. 7 Stanford (5-0, 3-0 Pac 12) at Washington State (3-2, 1-1 Pac 12)

Last Week

Stanford won vs. Colorado, 48-7.

Washington State lost at UCLA, 28-25.

The Last Time These Two Met

Stanford won 38-28 (2010). 

When Stanford Has the Ball

You know what you're going to get with Andrew Luck. He's the game's most prolific quarterback at the college level and is assuredly the No. 1 overall pick in next year's NFL draft.

He is the leader of the offense, the team and is looking to grab his first conference title. Can he do it? Well, he's well on his way; the Cardinal are beating opponents by an average score of 46-11 and Luck is third in the nation with a 182.3 passer rating.

Washington State has not seen a balanced offensive attack such as Stanford's and may find itself overwhelmed at an early stage of the game.

When Washington State Has the Ball

The Cougars have an excellent quarterback in the 6'3", 215-pound Marshall Lobbestael, who owns the NCAA's seventh-best passing attack (350.2 YPG). The senior QB has thrown for 300-plus yards and three or more TDs in three of five games this season.

However, Washington State's previous opponents have a combined record of 10-18, and the Cougars have yet to defeat a team with a winning record. 

Prediction

Stanford 45, Washington State 21

No. 6 Oklahoma State (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) at No. 22 Texas (4-1, 1-1 Big 12)

Last Week

Oklahoma State won vs. Kansas, 70-28.

Texas lost vs. Oklahoma, 55-17. 

The Last Time These Two Met

Oklahoma State won 33-16 (2010). 

When Oklahoma State Has the Ball

It finds the end zone. The Cowboys are the nation's best at scoring—averaging 51.4 points per contest—and a large thanks goes to senior quarterback Brandon Weeden, who is 120 yards away from hitting the 2,000-yard mark. He is on pace to finish 415-of-548 (75.7 percent) for 4,700 yards, 38 TDs and 15 INTs (including a bowl game).

Oklahoma—a team that shares great offense similarity to the Cowboys'—crushed Texas last weekend, jumping right out of the gate to take an early 34-10 lead at halftime. Landry Jones passed for 367 yards and a clean three touchdowns. It's hard to think that a Mack Brown squad would be blown out in back-to-back weeks, but it is viable.

And Oklahoma State wouldn't stop at 55 points. Just ask Kansas.

When Texas Has the Ball

The quarterback carousel didn't work against the Sooners, as Case McCoy (116-0-0) "outplayed" David Ash (107-1-2). Mack Brown was forced to use his inexperienced QBs due to the nonexistent running game (45 carries, 36 yards).

If the Longhorns don't get support from tailbacks Malcolm Brown and Foswhitt Whittaker to aid the pursuit of controlling the clock—something that will be pivotal for an upset win—they'll be down by 35 in a blink of the eye. 

Prediction

Oklahoma State 48, Texas 33

No. 5 Boise State (5-0, 0-0 MWC) at Colorado State (3-2, 1-0 MWC)

Last Week

Boise State won at Fresno State, 57-7.

Colorado State was on a bye.

The Last Time These Two Met

This is the first time these schools have met. 

When Boise State Has the Ball

Boise State will be playing in its first game as a member of the Mountain West Conference. Unfortunately for Colorado State, they're first on the list. The Broncos will be embarking on their quest to run the table in their new conference—just as they did in the WAC—so expect an offensive explosion to start things off hot.

As if that's anything new.

The Broncos are averaging 450 yards per game in 2011. Kellen Moore accounts for 300 of those alone and, with a 42-2 overall record, he is likely to become the all-time winningest quarterback in NCAA history (Colt McCoy finished 45-8) very soon.

No disrespect to San Jose State, but Colorado State allowed the Spartans to score 38 points in a Week 5 loss. SJSU has won five games in the last three seasons.

The outcome isn't very difficult to predict, but the point discrepancy might be. 

When Colorado State Has the Ball

I'm going to keep this short and sweet.

The Rams scored 14 points in their season-opening victory over New Mexico. Since then, UNM has allowed 50.3 points per game.

'Nuff said. 

Prediction

Boise State 49, Colorado State 6

Indiana (1-5, 0-2 Big Ten) at No. 4 Wisconsin (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten)

Last Week

Indiana lost at Illinois, 41-20.

Wisconsin was on a bye.

The Last Time These Two Met

Wisconsin won 83-20 (2010). 

When Indiana Has the Ball

Indiana has lost the time-of-possession battle in five of six games and has turned the ball over 10 times. It has scored a total of just 14 offensive touchdowns.

The Hoosiers have put up 15 points per contest against opponents with a winning record (two games). 

When Wisconsin Has the Ball

I can't say enough about this Wisconsin offense, but it is for real.

The 5-0 Badgers are beating opponents by an average score of 48-10. Heisman-contending quarterback Russell Wilson is tearing defenses apart with his dual-threat suave on the field, completing 75 percent of his passes for nearly 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns. Running back Montee Ball has found the end zone at least twice in every game so far (14 total TDs).

The defense is ranked second in the nation, allowing just 10.2 points per game, holding Nebraska to 17.

The Indiana defense is allowing a whopping 210 yards on the ground per contest, so Wilson could hand the ball off on every play and the Badgers would still score 25-plus points.

I hate to sound biased, but there's really no upside to this Hoosiers team and Wisconsin wins this game 999 out of 1,000 times. 

Prediction

Wisconsin 56, Indiana 7

No. 3 Oklahoma (5-0, 2-0 Big 12) at Kansas (2-3, 0-2 Big 12)

Last Week

Oklahoma won at Texas, 55-17.

Kansas lost at Oklahoma State, 70-28. 

The Last Time These Two Met

Oklahoma won 35-13 (2009). 

When Oklahoma Has the Ball

What doesn't Oklahoma do? It has a superior pass offense, can run the ball effectively if needed and has a stellar defense to back it up.

The Sooners have outscored its opponents 117-20 in the last two games. QB Landry Jones has gone 54-of-83 (65.1 percent) with 792 yards and eight touchdowns in this time, while RB Dominique Whaley has averaged 6.9 yards per carry.

Kansas has the worst (120 of 120) defense in the nation, giving up a horrendous 49.4 points each time out. How the Jayhawks are 2-3 I'm not sure, but there's no way that they hang with Oklahoma. 

When Kansas Has the Ball

For as bad as its defense is, the Jayhawks offense is almost refreshing. It finds success through the rushing tandem of five different tailbacks, who have combined for 1,032 yards and 11 TDs off 208 attempts (5.0 YPC).

Sophomore quarterback Jordan Webb has been a bright spot on Kansas' disappointing campaign, but only throws the ball 23 times per game.

And believe me, he'll have to air it out a lot more if the Jayhawks want to compete with the Sooners. 

Prediction

Oklahoma 61, Kansas 20

No. 2 Alabama (6-0, 3-0 SEC) at Ole Miss (2-3, 0-2 SEC)

Last Week

Alabama won vs. Vanderbilt, 34-0.

Ole Miss was on a bye. 

The Last Time These Two Met

Alabama won 23-10 (2010). 

When Alabama Has the Ball

Nick Saban is an expert at controlling the pace of the game. Trent Richardson is a future 2012 first-round draft pick and has been utilized for maintaining long, time-consuming drives to keep the defense off the field and points off the opponent's side of the scoreboard.

Sophomore quarterback A.J. McCarron has quietly had a solid season following the controversy of his ability to take over the helm after Greg McElroy's departure. He hasn't put up big numbers, but he hasn't made the big mistake either, and the Crimson Tide are beating opposing teams by 30 points per game.

And the scary thing is that McCarron is just getting better.

The Ole Miss front seven is awful, and opponents know it. Teams are running the ball 42 times for 193 yards (4.6 YPC) and 1.6 TDs per game against the Rebels.

In other words, Richardson should have a field day. 

When Ole Miss Has the Ball

The Rebels had better hold 'Bama to under 14 points if they want any chance to contend for the upset of the year, because their offense is atrocious.

Ole Miss is ranked 118th through the air (158.4 YPG), 99th on the ground (115.6), 92nd in points per game (22.6) and has scored a grand total of 12 touchdowns.

Match this up with arguably the best defense in all of college football and you get a shutout. Which, by the way, would be the Crimson Tide's third forced goose egg of 2011. 

Prediction

Alabama 31, Ole Miss 0

No. 1 LSU (6-0, 3-0 SEC) at Tennessee (3-2, 0-2 SEC)

Last Week

LSU won vs. Florida, 41-11.

Tennessee lost vs. Georgia, 20-12. 

The Last Time These Two Met

LSU won 16-14 (2010). 

When LSU Has the Ball

Tennessee's adamant defense has given up just 204.2 yards passing per game and 139.6 on the ground, while allowing a grand total of 11 touchdowns. However, it doesn't force turnovers (just two in the last four games) which is important when trying to set the tone, especially against a team such as LSU.

As cliche as it sounds, the Tigers just need to keep on doing what they're doing—handing the ball off to Spencer Ware and letting Jarrett Lee poke it through the secondary here and there—and they'll have no problems handling Tennessee.

Their defense will overwhelm backup quarterback Matt Simms with pressure, forcing him into some bad decisions—as they have against every opposing QB—and ultimately give the LSU offense great opportunities to score.

Like usual.

When Tennessee Has the Ball

Sophomore Tyler Bray is really good. The 6'6", 210-pound quarterback already has NFL scouts drooling with his size, accuracy and smart decision-making. Bray leads the 11th-best passing offense with 1,579 yards, a 65.9 completion percentage, 14 TDs (he had 18 in all of 2010), two INTs and a 165.3 QB rating.

However, he won't be playing this week due to a fractured thumb and senior Matt Simms will take over. Tennessee averages a mere 2.5 yards per carry, which has been a major setback in conference play, and needs to find some holes to give Simms some leeway.

We the defense will be good enough, but the running game must come up in the clutch if the Volunteers want to get their first win over a No. 1-ranked team in school history. 

Prediction

LSU 27, Tennessee 3