USA Today: Saturday’s Top 25 College Game Winners and Times
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No doubt the big college football game of the weekend is LSU and Alabama, but USA Today predicts the top 25 winners. Now that some of the games are being played or have been played how are they doing?
No. 1 LSU at No. 2 Alabama, 8 p.m.
It’s hard to draw a distinction between the defenses in this game. They’re both outstanding and should overwhelm the offenses. The Tigers have more experience at quarterback and skill at wide receiver. The Tide have standout running back Trent Richardson and the advantage of playing at home. Expect a classic, low-scoring SEC game where one big play or turnover could make the difference. Alabama 20, LSU 17.
No. 3 Stanford at Oregon State, 3:30 p.m.
The Cardinal showed their grit in a triple-overtime win at Southern California. It will be interesting to see how they respond after that physical matchup and the mental challenge of not looking past the Beavers with a date with Oregon next. Stanford 35, Oregon State 21.
No. 4 Oklahoma State vs. No. 19 Kansas State, 8 p.m.
The Wildcats, and specifically their pass defense, was exposed in the loss to Oklahoma. You have to think Brandon Weeden enjoyed watching that tape and thinking about how many ways the Cowboys can get the ball to wide receiver Justin Blackmon. Oklahoma State 40, Kansas State 20.
No. 5 Boise State at UNLV, 10:30 p.m.
A no-win situation for the Broncos. Even if they dominate this week, their standing in the BCS should take a hit because of the weakness of the Rebels. Boise State 45, UNLV 7.
No. 6 Oregon at Washington, 10:30 p.m.
Like Stanford, the Ducks need to focus on the task at hand this week with the Huskies having the ability to score. It will be interesting to see how Chip Kelly employs Darron Thomas and Bryan Bennett after some talk of a quarterback controversy in Eugene. Oregon 38, Washington 31.
No. 7 Oklahoma vs. Texas A&M, 3:30 p.m.
How close to perfection are the Aggies? They could easily be unbeaten but have lost two games in regulation by five combined points and another in overtime. Don’t expect the Sooners to look past them with memories of their home loss to Texas Tech still in their head. Oklahoma 40, Texas A&M 30.
No. 8 Arkansas vs. No. 10 South Carolina, 7:15 p.m.
Maybe this is the week the Razorbacks finally play four quarters after two dismal first halves on the road the last two games. The Gamecocks should be credited with getting past Mississippi State and Tennessee on the road, but their defense needs help from quarterback Connor Shaw to put more points on the board. Arkansas 28, South Carolina 14.
No. 9 Nebraska vs. Northwestern, 3:30 p.m.
Like the new kid on the block who stands up to a bully, the Cornhuskers gave Michigan State a taste of how hard it will be for Big Ten teams to win in Lincoln. The Wildcats get the memo this week. Nebraska 35, Northwestern 14.
No. 13 Michigan at Iowa, noon
Hard to believe it is November and there is still a lot to learn about the Wolverines. An impressive showing on the road would go a long way to erasing doubts about their ability to win the Big Ten. Iowa 23, Michigan 21.
No. 14 Houston at UAB, 7 p.m.
After throwing for nine touchdowns against Rice, it is conceivable Case Keenum could reach double figures in scoring passes this week against the 1-7 Blazers. Houston 59, UAB 24.
No. 16 Michigan State vs. Minnesota, noon
November brings a chance for the Spartans to catch their breath after facing a ridiculously difficult schedule in October. Michigan State 42, Minnesota 17.
No. 17 Wisconsin vs. Purdue, 3:30 p.m.
Lightning did strike the Badgers in consecutive weeks. Now they have fallen two games back in the Leaders Division and could be a bit flat this week against the Boilermakers. Wisconsin 34, Purdue 20.
No. 18 Arizona State at UCLA, 7:30 p.m.
Crazy as it seems, the Bruins control their destiny in the Pac-12 South. They have alternated losses and wins this season, which is not a good sign after their win against Cal last Saturday. Arizona State 30, UCLA 24.
No. 20 Georgia vs. New Mexico State, 12:30 p.m.
The Bulldogs don’t have anyone to carry the ball with three running backs suspended, including Isaiah Crowell, and Richard Samuel out (ankle surgery). That has to make quarterback Aaron Murray and his receivers happy with the burden on them to move the ball through the air. Georgia 42, New Mexico State 13.
No. 21 West Virginia vs. Louisville, noon
While their future in the Big East remains unresolved, the Mountaineers have no margin for error if they want to win the conference championship. They cannot look past the improving Cardinals. West Virginia 34, Louisville 24.
No. 22 Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.
Not too many teams are talking about the Bearcats, but they just keep winning. They had the week off to prepare for the Panthers, who must figure out a way to generate offense without running back Ray Graham. Cincinnati 31, Pittsburgh 26.
No. 24 Southern Mississippi at East Carolina, 4 p.m.
How balanced are the Golden Eagles? They’re in the top 20 in total offense and scoring defense and in the top 21 in two special teams categories. Southern Mississippi 31, East Carolina 20.
No. 25 Texas vs. Texas Tech, noon.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde doesn’t begin to describe the Red Raiders the last two weeks with a win at Oklahoma and a lackluster loss at home to Iowa State. Maybe that is a good omen this week for their trip to Austin. Texas Tech 27, Texas 24.
MadMikesAmerica bows in thanks to USA Today for their really cool predictions. Do you have any predictions of your own?
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If I were an Alabama fan, I’d be on my way to jail or the hospital right now.
Hrumph! Where’s UCLA?