UCLA at Stanford: These two Pac-10 foes are trying to break into the upper echelon of the conference this season. Stanford’s Toby Gerhart and the Cardinals #11 rushing attack will find yards tough to come by against the Bruins and their #9 ranked rushing defense. If injured UCLA QB Kevin Prince were back, I’d got with the boys in blue. Instead, look for a big day from Stanford’s freshman quarterback Andrew Luck. Stanford 24, UCLA 20.
Washington at Notre Dame: This game is a lot more interesting than what it appeared in the pre-season. It’s just a matter of which team will show up. The Fighting Irish won a thrilled last Saturday night, defeating Purdue in the final minute, while Washinton lost at Stanford. Jimmy Clausen says he’ll have to battle through his turf toe for the reaminder of the season. As long as he’s playing, they’ve got a chance. Notre Dame 27, Washington 24.
LSU at Georgia: One of the biggest stories for the Tigers and the Bulldogs have been their defensive coordinators. John Chavis, LSU’s new defensive “chief” has been able to get just enough plays to keep the Bengal Tigers undefeated. Meanwhile, Georgia’s DC, Willie Martinez, has been like a sinking boat that continues to take on water. Fans and the media are in an uproar over the team’s performance. They’ll still be upset with the Bulldogs defensive play come Saturday night, but thankful for the offense. Georgia 37, LSU 31.
Auburn at Tennessee: The two most controversial offseason coaching hires face off in Knoxville with both Lane Kiffin and Gene Chizik heaping high praise onto one another. Can Auburn’s high flying offense outwit Tennessee’s Monte Kiffin? Just barely. Auburn 27, Tennessee 24.
USC at California: It’s been a challenging time on the field at Cal this week, while a challenging week off the field at USC. The Bears, who were exposed by Oregon last Saturday are reeling and don’t have time to feel sorry for themselves with the Trojans and undefeated Bruins next up on the schedule. The Trojans, on the other hand, are dealing with the horrific injury to RB Stafon Johnson. Look for SC to keep the pressure on Cal QB Kevin Riley and put an emotional week behind them. USC 38, Cal 24.
Oklahoma at Miami: The big question for this game is whether or not Sam Bradford will return to play for the Sooners. It won’t matter as the Sooners keep the momentum rolling against the Hurricans. Oklahoma 27, Miami 13.
Central Michigan at Buffalo: No team has fallen as far as Turner Gill’s squad. Gill who was one of the nation’s hottest coaches last season is mired in a 1-3 slump to start the season. Unfortunately, it won’t get any better on Saturday. Central Michigan 45, Buffalo 20.
Texas A&M at Arkansas: The upstart Aggies have been a huge surprise to start 2009. With Baylor QB Robert Griffin out for the season, the door is open for Mike Sherman’s squad to earn their first bowl victory since 2001. First, they’ll have to contend with the nation’s 4th best passing offense. Arkansas 38, Texas A&M 31.
What about you? Who are your picks for the weekend?
