DiHard
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TOP MATCHUPS
OCTOBER 30
After a down week for college football in terms of great games, this week promises more of the same. There are only two really, really good games this week…and only a couple so-so games. So, again, look for an upset to jump out somewhere…
Game of the Week: Michigan State @ Michigan
Spread: Michigan -12 1/2
The Game: Last week I was arguing that Michigan was getting no respect and that they not only would cover against Purdue, but win straight up….and they did just that. At first glance I thought that 12 ½ was too much for this weeks rivalry, but after looking further I believe Michigan will win and cover. Michigan State appears ready to roll after getting some recent wins and having a bye week before this game, but it still doesn’t resolve the fact that the Spartans have beaten nobody this year….and they wont beat Michigan this weekend either.
My Prediction: Michigan by 16..
Why: This is the biggest test left on the Wolverines schedule…. a win on Saturday keeps the pressure on Wisconsin to see which team wins the BigTen. If the Wolverines win against MSU this week, they are almost assured of going to a BCS bowl. On the other hand, a Spartan upset throws the BigTen into chaos for spots 2-5…as a wolves loss would all but guarantee Wisconsin no worse than a Rose Bowl berth.
Would I bet on this game: No, I would be dead before I bet for SCUM. But, If I didn’t hate scum so much…I would jump this one…
Game 2: OKLAHOMA @ OKLAHOMA STATE
Spread: Oklahoma –12 1/2
The Game: This is going to be another great game between two intra-state bitter rivals. Both teams play solid defense and both run the football well. OSU has also won two out of the last three in this rivalry and the game is in Stillwater. Oklahoma has played many teams close for the first 1/3 of the game this year…and I see the same trend continuing on Saturday.
My Prediction: Oklahoma by 10
Why: Did you just read what I said above?? The Sooners play games close early and then pull away late. This game will be close early, but the ground game and home field advantages of the Cowboys will keep them close throughout the game. However; they will never really threaten to win, but they will cover.
Would I bet on this game: No, Oklahoma could blow the Cowboys out too easily.
Game 3: TENNESSEE @ SOUTH CAROLINA
Spread: Cocks -2
The Game: If Tennecheat wins this game on Saturday, they are all but guaranteed their spot in the SEC Title game in December. If the GameCocks can win, they can still hold out hope that UGA loses to both Florida and Auburn and then the Cocks will play in the SEC Title game….This is going to be a low-scoring, hard hitting game with the crowd going nuts. This may be the most entertaining game of the week.
My Prediction: USC by 3
Why: Again, the crowd and the atmosphere…coupled with young Tennecheat quarterbacks….lead to a GameCock win here. Lou Holtz has one of the nations best teams here that nobody is paying any attention to. They will after this weekend.
Would I bet on this game: No. Both teams are too up and down for my taste…
Game 4: PENN STATE @ OHIO STATE
Spread: tOSU -6
The Game: One play…one single play will decide the outcome of this game. Two coaches who are so conservative that they make Pat Robertson look like Timothy Robbins…will result in a low scoring slug-fest that will keep fans on the edge of their seats just like in 02..
My Prediction: Ohio State by 2
Why: Homefield advantage and the fact that…believe it or not, for the first time in 4 years, the Buckeyes are actually better on offense than an opponent. Add in a little Nugent and the Buckeyes win a close one late with a young Buckeye making a great play that determines the game.
Would I bet on this game: I’m not betting on the Buckeyes for awhile.
Season Record Straight Up: 25-11
Season Record v. the spread: 19-17
Season Record v. the spread: 19-17