Predictions for the Upcoming Weekend (Sept. 11)

Game of the Week

No. 12 Miami Hurricanes at No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes

One of the most highly anticipated weeks of the season is finally upon us, highlighted by the showdown at the Horseshoe in Columbus, Ohio.

The game includes a pair of highly touted quarterbacks in Miami's Jacory Harris and Ohio State's Tyrelle Pryor.  While many expect both to perform well, I actually expect both to struggle.  Both will be facing stout opposing defenses, and neither has shown the ability to make consistent safe decisions throughout their careers.

I can't give an edge to either running game, as neither stable of backs is really all that impressive.  That brings me to Saturday's key player...Matt Bosher.  Ya, I hate to deem a kicker the deciding factor in a game of this magnitude but I think Terrelle Pryor makes one mistake around midfield allowing Bosher to boot a 45+ yarder at somepoint in the game.  This will be the decider as Miami pulls the upset and propels themeselves into the national title hunt.

Side Note: As a Miami Killian Alum I would like to give a shout out to freshman RB Lamar Miller, who ran for rushed for 65 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown.  He also returned a kickoff 34 yards.  Congrats Lamar, I look forward to seeing you dominate fellow Miamian Jaamal Berry (Ohio State RB and Miami Palmetto grad) in the near future.

Final Score:     Miami 20         Ohio State 17

No. 18 Penn St. Nittany Lions at No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide

Penn State freshman QB Rob Bolden lead his Nittany Lions into Bryant Denney Stadium for a night contest that should provide plenty of firepower.  This firepower just won't be coming from the blue and white sideline.  Alabama should have little trouble disrupting the fresh-faced QB forcing him into several bad decisions.  The Penn State D will keep them in the game for the first half, but after being on the field for most of the first half due to a plethora of 3 and outs by the offense, Alabama will roll in the second half.  (With or without Mark Ingram)

Final Score:    Alabama 35     Penn State   14

 No. 17 Florida State Seminoles at No. 10 Oklahoma Sooners

Jimbo Fisher and the Crimi"noles" head to Norman for what is sure to be a close affair.  In the words of my dear friend Lee Corso (not really), "Not so fast my friend!" Oklahoma watched itself fall to No. 10 in both the AP and coaches polls following a lackluster home performance against the dreaded Aggies of Utah State.  Possibly looking ahead to this marquee matchip against the Noles? I think so.  I'll take Bob Stoops and the team he just lambasted this entire week of practice against a better than I expected Seminole squad.

DeMarco Murray finally flashed his jaw-dropping brilliance, while Ryan Broles and Landry Jones hooked up for a very quiet 142 yards and two touchdowns.  Expect those numbers to suffer a little, but the overall result will be much better.  A certain someone will be yelling "Dog 'Gonit!" over and over at his television set back in Tallahassee. (Cough Bobby Bowden, cough)

Final Score:    Oklahoma 30    FSU  17

No. 22 Georgia Bulldogs at No. 24 South Carolina Gamecocks

QB Stephen Garcia may have finally figured out what Steve Spurrier has been preaching for two years now.  The junior QB threw for 193 yards on 16-of-23 passing last week against the fighting Brett Favre's of Southern Mississippi.  Georgia presents a much stiffer test in what is the SEC opener for both schools.  Amongst the greatest news today is A.J. Greens 4 games suspension amid allagations of selling a game-worn jersey to an agent. (I will give my thoughts on the severity of this decision later in the week) 

The severity of this suspension may be too much for the 'Dawgs to overcome on the road, in what should be an emotionally driven Williams-Brice Stadium.  Unfortunately for The 'Ole Ball Coach, I trust Mark Richt in these sort of games too much to bet against him.  Junior runningback Caleb King and company will find a way to get the job done in a game will they will surely see plenty of carries.  Garcia will commit one too many turnovers and have a certain someones visor flying all across the field....what's new.

Final Score:    Georgia   24       South Carolina 23

Michigan Wolverines at Notre Dame Fighting Irish

I won't elaborate much on this game ... shoot what is there to elaborate on both teams are awful.

Point blank I trust Brian Kelly more than Rich Rodriguez.  Notre Dame Stadium serves no home field advantage, but I guess it's better than being at Michigan. (Note: I have lost much respect for Notre Dame fans since the "Sea of Red" that Nebraska fans brought to South Bend in 2000. See picture below and don't adjust your screen, that is half the stadium wearing red)

Final Score:     Notre Dame 23      Michigan   20

Well, that's it for the predictions folks.  Feel free to comment and don't forget to follow the blog for your daily dose of college football.