DiHard
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TOP MATCHUPS
OCTOBER 16
I find it very difficult to summon the motivation to look closely at this weeks games now that the Buckeyes are out of contention for both the Rose and Orange Bowls…..However; the games go on and there are a handful of intriguing matchups on tap this weekend…..One I am not previewing, because its not a conference game, is Louisville at Miami, Fl…If the Cardinals can get it rolling early, this could be the upset of the week.OCTOBER 16
Game of the Week: WISCONSIN @ PURDUE
Spread: Purdue –6 1/2
The Game: An argument can be made that this is the key game in the BigTen all season long….A Purdue win here and there is only Michigan left between them and an Orange Bowl Berth. A Wisconsin win on Saturday and only Minnesota is in the way of the Badgers going to Miami for the National Title Game. This is one of the best Big10 games of all-time that doesn’t involve either Ohio State or Michigan on one sideline.
My Prediction: Wisconsin by 4
Why: Purdue’s offense is looking mortal now that the BigTen slate is under way. I may have “over-underestermated” (bush accent) Purdue against Notre Dame, but I really liked what I saw out of Wisconsin last weekend. I think the Badgers control both trenches and force Purdue’s Kyle Orton out of rhythm and into two interceptions…one by Leonhard and one from Starks. My only concern in predicting a straight up win for Wisconsin is that they typically do not play well the week after facing the Buckeyes.
Would I bet on this game: Yes, I like Wisconsin
Game 2: ARIZONA STATE @ USC
Spread: USC -11
The Game: Another matchup of the top teams in the PacTen. This time the Sun Devils visit the Trojans and face double digit odds. This is the first game of a brutal three game stretch for ASU (at usc, ucla, at cal)..ouch….while after this weekend USC has nothing but scrimmages until their November 27 game against the Fighting Irish.
My Prediction: USC by 4
Why: Old Petey is going and getting a little conservative on us this year….as a result the Trojans are playing games closer than they should. That will happen again this week. If this game were being played in Tempe, I would be calling for the Sun Devils to outright win this game….why…because USC’s #1 receiver Steve Smith is lost for the season.
Would I bet on this game: No, but I may change my mind and bet ASU to cover…most especially with the Steve Smith injury.
Game 3: VIRGINIA @ FLORIDA STATE
Spread: UVA -3
The Game: Wow…an ACC team comes into Tallahassee as a favorite over the Noles? How can this be. Because Florida State has not looked good at all this season and Virginia is playing like a top five team nationally. Florida State has two quarterbacks available for the game Saturday in Rix and Sexton, but neither has even approached serviceable status yet this season.
My Prediction: UVA by 8
Why: The fantastic linebackers of the Cavaliers control the Florida State offense and the running of Wali Lundy will make the Virginia offense extremely effective. This is a Florida State team that I see starting a downward spiral this week that results in a four-loss season.
Would I bet on this game: Yes. Al Groh is doing a tremendous job at Virginia.
Game 4: OHIO STATE @ IOWA
Spread: Iowa -2
The Game: The pollsters and odds makers keep showing the Buckeyes some love despite back-to-back losses. I think they see the incredible youth on this Ohio State team and think that the “light” is going to go on for them any week now. Iowa and Ohio State both come into this game having performed at a level lower than expected this season…and both desperately need a victory on Saturday. A loss for Iowa would likely leave them with 5 BigTen losses at the end of the year…and a Buckeye loss on Saturday also would spiral them towards a 5-loss conference season. Unacceptable by either teams standards.
My Prediction: Iowa by 6.
Why: This is a desperation game for both squads, but it is being played at Kinnick Stadium giving the Hawkeyes a tremendous advantage over the youthful Buckeyes. Linebackers will rule this game on both sides and an enormous play by Chad Greenway will be the difference in an Iowa victory.
Would I bet on this game: No. Both teams have too many questions surrounding them.
Season Record Straight Up: 18-10
Season Record vs. the spread: 14-14
Season Record vs. the spread: 14-14
