The biggest news out right now involves Cam Newton and the alleged agent he had while being recruited from Junior College. This story will be talked about for weeks maybe even months. In the meantime he is eligible, according to Auburn head coach Gene Chizik. Now that this story has broken we can gather information and move on. The NCAA will do it’s own investigation and we will know the results here in a short time. Now on to how I see this weeks big games going.
#21 Baylor @ #17 Oklahoma St (12:30ET)
Baylors quarterback Robert Griffin may be one of the most underrated players in the nation but after a good showing against Texas last week, he gets another chance to shine. Baylor, who is 7-1 overall, has a defense that is starting to step up. They aren’t what you’d call a shut down defense but they are a strong defense which can hold opponents enough to allow Griffin and company to score more than their opponents. This week it may be a little different, Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State’s star wide out and the rest of the Oklahoma State Cowboys offense comes calling. OK State’s offense averages 45 points a game but does allow a little over 28. This game will be a shoot out in every possible way. With the home crowd in Stillwater, OK going crazy I think the Cowboys get the offense jump started early and out score Baylor despite Robert Griffin having a good day. This game will come down to which team can get a few stops on defense and grab a lead and hold on for dear life.
Projected Winner: Oklahoma St
#3 TCU @ #5 Utah (3:30ET)
The Horned Frogs have won 22 straight regular season games while Utah has won 21 straight home games. Something is going to give this weekend. Andy Dalton and the Horned Frogs offense is a very potent offense but across the field isn’t a weak offense either. This game will be a great game to sit back and watch. The Utes will come out firing at home, a place where TCU hasn’t played well. I still see this game being a 20-30 point type game, it won’t be a shoot out. Both teams have good defenses, this game will come down to which team can consistently move the ball on offense. I think the running attack of TCU will dictate the game and I have a hard time picking against them. I think these two teams are very even and I’d give the edge to Utah only because they are the home team.
Project Winner: Utah
#18 Arkansas @ #19 South Carolina (7:00ET ESPN/ESPN3)
Ryan Mallett and the vaunted Arkansas passing attack come into Columbia, SC where the Gamecocks have been impressive this year. S. Carolina is still fighting for the SEC East. Arkansas can score from anywhere on the field, normally, this week will be different. Greg Childs, Arkansas’ top receiver, is out for the game, S. Carolina will confuse Mallett who hasn’t played well on the road in his career and win this game by 2-3 TDs. I think Alshon Jefferys has a good day catching the ball for the Gamecocks along with Marcus Lattimore I think S. Carolina leaves no doubt who the better team is on the field. The biggest question will be can Mallett find another target while still maintaining poise on the road.
Project Winner: South Carolina
#6 Alabama @ #10 LSU (3:30ET CBS)
Alabama comes back to Baton Rouge for the first time since 2008 where they escaped in overtime. Both teams are coming off their bye weeks so look for a fresh Mark Ingram and Courtney Upshaw to have big games this weekend in Louisiana. The LSU Tigers come in with one of the best defenses in the nation, despite being run around, over and through by Auburn two weeks ago. Patrick Peterson and Julio Jones match up on the outside will be another battle. Peterson who is arguably the best cover cornerback in the nation against Jones who is one of the nations best receivers. Julio got the last laugh last year when Patrick Peterson left the game due to cramps and Julio Jones broke a long touchdown run which put the Tide back in front. LSU’s defense will try to shut the run down and make Alabama throw the ball on them and I think they will, and will be successful in throwing as well. LSU has little to no offense and their two quarterback system hasn’t worked too well for them. I think Alabama wins a tough one by 10-13 points. Alabama will control the line of scrimmage and force LSU to have to drive the ball long distances to score. Tiger Stadium will be a big factor in this though, if Alabama starts slow and allows the crowd to get into the game it could be a lot closer. The turnover battle is a major point of emphasis for Alabama this week, not turning it over, while on defense forcing as many as possible. Alabama escapes and moves on to next week likely at #3-#4 in the BCS.
Project Winner: Alabama
I went 1-3 for this week. Obviously wrong on Utah, Alabama and S. Carolina. Bad week for me. Looking to rebound next week.
