Another big weekend for the Top 25, as we have the No. 1 team in the nation facing the No.7, as well as another Top 10 matchup and several other games within the Top 25. Let’s get started and see how the matchups are looking!
No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 7 Florida – While Alabama might not have looked the greatest in surviving a scare at Arkansas last week, Florida got a chance to get their offense in gear for the first time this season. Trey Burton had a huge week, with 6 all-purpose touchdowns for the Gators in their blowout win over Kentucky. However, the key matchup for this game will be Florida’s defense vs. Alabama’s running game. Mark Ingram was the deciding force down the stretch last week, and slowing the Crimson Tide’s running game will be key in any upset attempt.In this instance, the young Gators still need some seasoning, and in what figures to be a low-scoring game, you have to give the edge to Alabama, who spent last week – not to mention all of last season in the SEC – playing exactly that type of game.
Prediction – Alabama 24, Florida 17
No. 4 Oregon vs. No 9 Stanford – The Cardinals have been an early surprise, jumping into the Top 10 after pounding Notre Dame in South Bend last week. Andrew Luck didn’t have a great game vs The Fighting Irish, but has been in the early conversation for the Heisman this year. Oregon is no slouch either, as both teams feature Top 5 offenses in the nation. However, Oregon’s defense did just give up almost 600 yards to Arizona State last week, while Notre Dame’s offense couldn’t really get on track all last week against Stanford’s D. In a battle of offensive powerhouses, expect Stanford to come through with enough key stops to turn back the Ducks.
Prediction – Stanford 33, Oregon 24
No. 17 Iowa vs. No. 22 Penn State – This is a bad matchup for the Nittany Lions, as they have had problems on the offensive line, and they face one of the strongest defensive fronts in all of college football, with Adrian Clayborn looking to have his breakout game under the big lights on Saturday night. Penn State is going to need freshman quarterback Rob Bolden to step up in a big way, but I don’t see it happening this week. Expect Ricky Stanzi to make enough big plays in the passing game to bump up the score just enough.
Prediction – Iowa 24, Penn State 10
Some other games that will have an effect on the hunt for the National Title include:
No. 8 Oklahoma vs. No. 21 Texas – Texas got exposed as a team that is built to lose to power running teams. Oklahoma’s not that team, but they’ve looked better so far, and should take this round of the Red River Rivalry.
Oklahoma wins it, 34-21.
No. 11 Wisconsin vs. No. 24 Michigan State – The Spartans have played strong this season, even in the absence of coach Mark Dantonio. Wisconsin looks like they will be revisiting the days of Ron Dayne and the pounding run game. This is the week that Michigan State comes back to earth a little.
Wisconsin 31, Michigan State 24
Virginia Tech vs. No. 23 North Carolina State and No 25. Nevada vs. UNLV – These games are more important in how they affect Boise State’s futures than the teams playing. Anyone rooting for Boise State needs to see VA Tech run the table, and Nevada to enter their November matchup with Boise unbeaten and in the top 15.
See you all tomorrow with the recap of all the Top 25 action!
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