How about those freshman quarterbacks? Tate Forcier bringing Michigan back to prominence, Matt Barkley going into the 'Shoe and coming out with the win, both leading game winning drives for their respective teams. It was a great weekend for college football, as many games came down to the wire, beginning on Thursday as Georgia Tech was able to hang on for the win after blowing a 24 point lead. As for my picks, I went 3-2 with my losses being Notre Dame and Tennessee, while picking up wins with Georgia Tech, Georgia, and USC.
We also had out first major upset of the year, with Houston defeating #5 Oklahoma State on the road. What a huge win for the Cougars, who all of a sudden has a Heisman Candidate at the helm in Case Keenum.
Another big weekend ahead of us on the gridiron. One word can be used for many of the matchups this upcoming weekend; Revenge. It's time for Lane Kiffin to face the music and take the trip into the Swamp after a controversial offseason. Michigan State travels to South Bend, where they have not lost since 1993, to take on Notre Dame, who is all of a sudden in need of a big win. Finally, Texas gets a shot at redemption against Texas Tech, two teams that gave us one of the best finishes in all of 2008. Let's take a look at the breakdowns of these games, along with this weeks other premiere matchups.
*All rankings from ESPN
Thursday, September 17th
Georgia Tech @ Miami (7:30 ESPN)
Big time matchup for the ACC, as Miami is coming off of a bye week which followed a great win against Florida State in week 1. Fortunately for Georgia Tech, they did not have to play on a short week as they played last Thursday as well. From what I have seen thus far, I think that Miami's athletic defense will be able to keep Georgia Tech's Spread Option attack under control, as they should be able to adapt to this and make adjustments throughout the game. I really like Jacory Harris and all that he has to offer for what is looking like a potent Miami offense. I like the 'Canes in this one, which would be a huge win for a 2-0 start.
Prediction: Miami 31 Georgia Tech 23
Saturday, September 19
Tennessee @ #1 Florida (3:30 CBS)
No matter what is said by Urban Meyer, this game has been circled on the schedule for quite some time now. Lane Kiffin has made a name for himself in college football, and right now it is not for the best reasons. Florida is a 29.5 point favorite in this one, and I do not know if this will be enough. I think that Tennessee is definitely an improved team from last year. However, I think that Florida is about ready to play against a formidable opponent, and the extra motivation will only add to the final result. Florida has too many athletes, and Tim Tebow. I like Florida, BIG, in this one.
Prediction: Florida 49 Tennessee 13
#19 Nebraska @ #13 Virginia Tech
Another premiere out of conference matchup for Frank Beamer and the Hokies. Bo Pelini has the Cornhuskers on the rise, and they will be hungry for this win to put Big Red back on the map. As Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast my friend!" I think that Virginia Tech is for real this year, led by a solid defense, and Blacksburg will be rockin' as usual leading to a big win for the Hokies.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 27 Nebraska 17
Michigan State @ Notre Dame (3:30 NBC)
Both the Spartans and the Fighting Irish are coming off emotional losses last weekend, falling to Central Michigan and Michigan, respectively. Charlie Weis is back on the hot seat (if he had ever left it), and the Irish are again in desperate need of a win. Notre Dame's offense was very effective last weekend, putting up 34 points in Ann Arbor, which probably would have been more if it weren't for a few questionable holding calls and other things that fell in the Wolverines favor. The big question is whether Notre Dame will be able to stop the run this weekend, as they have had a difficult time doing in their first two games. Michigan State has always been a thorn in their side, and they need to deal with this problem this weekend on the field, which I think they will do.
Prediction: Notre Dame 35 Michigan State 24
Texas Tech @ #2 Texas (8:00 ABC)
Although Texas Tech does not pose the same threat to Texas as it did last year due to the departures of Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree, this game will certainly not be taken lightly by Colt McCoy and Texas. McCoy is playing for keeps this season, as he is an early candidate for the Heisman and more importantly, the Longhorns are National Title contenders. I wouldn't look too much into this game, as I think that Mack Brown will have his team ready to go, and Saturday night's game of the week will not come down to the wire as last weekends had.
Prediction: Texas 52 Texas Tech 21
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