Thursday- South Florida at Rutgers-

The Bulls seem ripe for an upset, but Rutgers has proven to be a step below what they were last year without Brian Leonard in the backfield.

This is an important game for Rutgers to continue their progression as an up-and-coming team in the Big East now that other teams like USF and Cincinnati have stepped up their levels of play as well.

Because of the emotion of the crowd and Rutgers' power running game, I think the Scarlet Knights pull this one out.

Prediction: Rutgers 28-24

{mosimage}Saturday- Michigan State at Ohio State-

This seems like a big mismatch on paper, but that's what everybody thought in 1998 when the Spartans knocked OSU out of the title game.

MSU coach Mark Dantonio knows Jim Tressel's schemes as well as anyone and MSU has always had a lot of talent. Now, they're a smarter and more focused team.

I think this game will be close but OSU has a much stronger defense and more playmakers overall.

Prediction: 24-20 OSU

Auburn at LSU-

The gauntlet of difficult games continues for LSU, and Auburn has been playing very well on defense lately as Darren McFadden of Arkansas had his worst game in a long time against them.

All of the SEC games seem to be pretty close and this game should be no different, but I like LSU thanks to better QB play.

Prediction: 30-24 LSU

Florida at Kentucky-

Another difficult matchup to call. Florida's defense is young and therefore very hit-or-miss.

Kentucky will need to run the ball to keep the Gators' pass-rushers from wreaking havoc.

Florida's offense should be able to put up points, but I think Kentucky's experienced offense will outscore them.

Prediction: 38-35 Kentucky

Kansas at Colorado-

No one knows if the Jayhawks are for real. Will we know after this week? Only if they lose.

Colorado shocked Oklahoma but had the advantage of coming in under the radar.

I think this will be a very close game that could go either way, but I like Kansas.

Prediction: 31-28 Kansas

USC at Notre Dame-

The Irish will grow their grass nice and thick in anticipation of the speedy Trojans' arrival, but it won't be enough to even keep the game close this time.

Joe McKnight burst onto the scene last week for USC and could have another breakout game against ND's defense.

Prediction: 34-13 USC

Tennessee at Alabama-

'Bama barely escaped last week at home against Houston while Tennessee has looked good in recent weeks.

But this is college football in the year 2007, so that means next to nothing. Alabama will find defending Tennessee's pro-style offense much easier and make this game a low-scoring slugfest.

The 'Bama receivers will make a few plays and help pull out the win.

Prediction: 17-13 Alabama

Texas Tech at Missouri-

This game will be anything but a defensive battle featuring two prolific spread offenses.

Missouri is more balanced, but their defense will be shredded by Tech's passing attack.

Prediction: 44-34 Texas Tech

Michigan at Illinois-

Mike Hart's return is paramount for the Wolverines, but he should be able to go.

Juice Williams can run it for Illinois but he can't throw all that well. Still, if he hits a few deep balls, Michigan will be in trouble.

Champaign will be rocking as the Illini fans hate Michigan more than any other team, but I think Michigan is hitting its stride and getting its passing game into a rhythm. They'll simply out-talent the Illini in a not-so-great coaching matchup between Zook and Carr.

Prediction: Michigan 27-17

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Lloyds Apple said:

I'm glad you picked 'em because my experience in picking games has been tough. This season I prefer broad generalizations followed by zingers, with little insight provided. I would have picked UF. I would have picked USF. I would have picked the Illini. Auburn vs. LSU should be a good one. LSU has yet to show a passing game. I expect a low, close score. The Michigan game is very interesting. Can they stop a mobile qb? Great weekend of football and it starts Thursday night. MSU vs. OSU could be scary close too. Ohio State has the best run defense because nobody has tried to run on them. This will change this week unless they jump out to an early lead. Don't forget, Dantonio coached at MSU in '98 when the upset occurred, in addition to being the DC during OSU's 2002 title run. But this is the same MSU team who lost to Northwestern, a team Ohio State beat worse than anyone during the Tressel era.

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October 17, 2007
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Lloyds Apple said:

	1 down, 8 to go...
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October 19, 2007
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