Looking back on my predictions from week 1, I would say that I had a pretty decent weekend. Oregon laid an egg on Thursday, which I did not expect, and I think that everyone deserves a mulligan for the Sam Bradford injury leading to BYU upsetting Oklahoma (which was very unfortunate). In the other three games I selected, I had Bama by 10 over Virginia Tech, Miami over Florida State by 7, and Oklahoma State over Georgia by 13, so all of those picks were within a few points. Another big slate of games this weekend...a lot to be excited about. Let's take a look at this week's premiere matchups.
Thursday, September 10th
Clemson at Georgia Tech (7:30, ESPN)
I really like Georgia Tech this year, building off of what they were able to start last year in Paul Johnson's first year as head coach. They have a great rushing attack behind Heisman Hopeful Jonathan Dwyer, and I see this being a huge advantage in this game, along with being at home in what should be another crazy atmosphere on a Thursday night in college football.
Prediction: Georgia Tech 28 Clemson 17
Saturday, September 12
Notre Dame at Michigan (3:30 ABC)
Very intriguing matchup in Ann Arbor this weekend, as the Jimmy Clausen and the explosive Irish offense visit the young but talented Michigan Wolverines. So many storylines in this one, as both programs are looking to get back into the conversation as big time football programs. Both coaches are under a lot of pressure, and the winner will have lifted a lot of that weight off of their shoulders...at least for this week. This game will be decided on a few key matchups; Notre Dame's offensive line vs. Michigan's front 7, Notre Dame's receivers vs. Michigan's seconday. Also, I think that Jon Tenuta will have some more great blitz packages to confuse Michigans young quarterbacks which may lead to some key turnovers. I really like what Notre Dame brings to the table in this one, and I think they will come away with a big victory in the Big House.
Prediction: Notre Dame 35 Michigan 20
UCLA at Tennessee (4:00 ESPN)
Lane Kiffin has the spotlight shining brightly on the Tennessee football program this season, and he started the season off with a bang hanging 63 last weekend (Yes, it was Western Kentucky...but did you watch Tennessee last year? I don't know that they scored 63 points in the month of September.) I think that the Vols will put up some more big numbers this weekend, as their date with the Gators in the Swamp starts to creep up on them (God bless them).
Prediction: Tennessee 38 UCLA 24
South Carolina at Georgia (7:00 ESPN 2)
South Carolina is coming off winning one of the more boring games in recent memory, and Georgia will attempt to bounce back from a tough loss to Oklahoma State in their opener. Georgia could potentially receive a huge boost from the return of Caleb King, a highly touted running back that spelled Knowshow Moreno last season. I think that Georgia is going to come back strong in this one, as South Carolina will again struggle offensively, and Georgia should be able to get things rolling on both sides of the football.
Prediction: Georgia 24 South Carolina 7
USC at Ohio State (8:00 ESPN)
One of the most highly anticipated games on the slate this week as Pete Carroll and the Trojans visit the Horseshoe to take on THE Ohio State University. A lot of key components in this one...can freshman quarterback Matt Barkley handle the national spotlight in a hostile environment? Can Ohio State stop USC's lethal rushing attack (342 Yards in week 1)? Is Terrelle Pryor ready to take the next step toward becoming a complete quarterback? It won't be long before all of these questions will be answered. I like USC in this particular matchup, as I think that the veteran offensive line will be able to control the game, and Matt Barkley will manage the game and let his weapons win the game for the Trojans, with the defense keeping Pryor in check for the majority of the game.
Prediction: USC 27 Ohio St 20
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