Week 6 Preview

Ok, sorry I missed last week, there was a lot to do with college classes, so, I kind of got behind and didn't want to make picks the day before. However, let's get to business for this week. First off, no Oregon State will not upset Utah and Pitt should get destroyed at South Florida. That's all for the pre-Saturday games.

Some fun matchups to watch out for include Duke at GA Tech in an early game. If the Blue Devils really want to establish themselves in the ACC, a win over the good Yellow Jackets triple-option offense would go a long way in proving the doubters wrong. Indiana can make up for a home loss to Michigan State by pounding Minnesota in the Metrodome. All things considering, I doubt the Gophers will shut down Kellen Lewis. Penn State also needs to stay awake against Purdue as the Boilermakers have a good TB in Kory Sheets and a pair of fantastic WRs in Desmond Tardy and Greg Orton. Their defense just needs to step it up a notch. Arizona State at Cal is the overrated Pac-10 game of the week as neither team is that good, even though the winner be hyped as "back on track" with a win.

For the mid-afternoon games we have many subplots; Florida State couldn't have asked for a worth spot than to travel to Miami needing a win. The 'Canes won't let that happen. Texas Tech should roll over Kansas State in a game where neither is expected to play much defense. Heck KSU could barely stop Louisiana-Lafayette. For the night games, Maryland needs to be careful at Virginia, as usually rivalry games produce surprise outcomes, no matter how inept one offense may be. Texas A&M could keep coach Sherman off the hotseat with a win at Oklahoma State, but I think the Cowboys will be too focused and have too many weapons on offense. Nonetheless, should be an entertaining game. Let's get to my picks of the week...

South Carolina at Ole Miss- This is the perfect letdown game for Ole Miss after a huge win on the road against Florida. However, I think being at home takes the pressure off and Rebels' QB Jevan Snead will do just fine. Besides that pressure, have you seen how horrible the Gamecocks are offensively? There's no way they win, even if their defense will keep it close. Ole Miss 26 South Carolina 14

Stanford at Notre Dame- I can't pick because I hate the Irish too much. I would never root for ND to win so I can be right. I think ND wins, but go Stanford.

Illinois at Michigan- The Illini have not many things going for them; they still need a dominant RB to produce and their offense is just finding itself after transitioning to more of a spread passing game instead of option. The balance will prove to be a good thing next year, when a lot of their key players have another year of experience. I still think this game could make or break both team's season. The winner is still in the hunt for a Big 10 title. I would say Michigan has momentum and the home-field advantage, but their lack of a passing game makes the Illini a slight favorite. Illinois 21 Michigan 17

#13 Auburn at #19 Vanderbilt- Nobody will taking the Commodores lightly this season, not after they beat South Carolina and have now become ranked in the top 20. That's the bad news for them, considering their biggest wins in the SEC have come from teams underestimating them. Auburn will not do that here. I know Auburn's offense is really bad, and has trouble establishing the run, which should be their strength. However, I just don't think the Commodores will be able to put enough points on the board against that tough Tigers' D. Commodores QB Chris Nickson is the key; if he can scramble for good yardage and make good choices in the passing game, with no turnovers, Vandy wins. I'd love to see Vandy win, but... Auburn 13 Vandy 7

#24 UConn at North Carolina- I love how the Huskies play ball; a smash-mouth running style combined with an effective passing game and a defense that can score points at any time and make big plays. However, losing their starting QB, Lorenzen, is not a good sign. UNC just saved their season last with a gigantic win at Miami, in comeback fashion no less. The momentum is so far on the Tar Heels side that I think it swings a pick 'em game into their favor. Hakeem Nicks will have a huge game I think, and while Donald Brown may have a big game rushing for the Huskies, it won't be enough. Surprisingly high-scoring here... UNC 34 UConn 30

#23 Oregon at #9 USC- Let's see, a freshman QB on the road, a passing game that rarely goes anywhere and a defense that was blasted at home by Boise State. These aren't good signs for the Ducks. If the Trojans aren't focused in this game, after losing to the "other Oregon" football team, then they don't deserve to be ranked, period. Blount and Johnson are great TBs for Oregon, heck even TE Ed Dickson and WR Jaison Williams are great weapons. However, their QB just isn't experienced enough to pull this off. USC 45 Oregon 28

#14 Ohio State at #18 Wisconsin- The Badgers seem like they should pull this game off. The Buckeyes are starting a true freshman at QB in one of the toughest places to play in college football. The only thing is, this is the LeBron James of freshman football players. And I promise you Buckeyes fans, this frosh won't turn out like Maurice Clarett. Terrelle Pryor will use his stable of RBs and his quick feet to move the ball early, then use play action to Robiskie and Hartline and it will be smooth sailing. The Badgers have no threats on offense. PJ Hill is a good, bruising TB, but you won't beat the Buckeyes in a ground-it-out, smash-mouth Big 10 game this season. The Buckeyes can score now that Boeckman is benched and this isn't your Woody Hayes/John Cooper OSU squad. The Buckeyes jump out early and the Badgers play catchup with little results. OSU 38 Wisconsin 28

Also, ranked Big 12 teams will face stiff competition on the road; Oklahoma plays at Baylor and the Bears have a phenomenal freshman QB, but the Sooners need not worry, their depth and talent will eventually win out. The Longhorns travel to Boulder, CO and will crash the Buffs. Missouri also goes on the road to Lincoln where the Huskers are ripe for getting blown out. Like I would trust that 'Huskers defense to stop a Mizzou offense that's averaging 600 total yards and 54 points per game. Enjoy the games everyone.