They're Playing Football!

Now this is what I'm talking about. After a week that was about as bad as can be on paper last week, we get a week with at least a few big time showdowns. Of course, last week turned out to be better than expected so this week will probably be a bunch of blowouts and SEC defensive slugfests. I'd be better off not to get my hopes up.

#21 West Virginia at #5 Cincinatti
Cincinatti finally showed a chink in their armour last week with a near loss against UCONN. Cincy will have a serious decision to make at QB between former Heisman candidate Tony Pike and red hot backup Zach Collaros. I think the Bearcats would be insane to go away from Collaros unless he struggles. On the flip side WVU's Jarrett Brown and Noel Devine will try to generate the same offensive firepower that UCONN did last week. I think Cincy gets back to business and rolls in this one.

#3 Florida at South Carolina
With Alabama looking good against LSU last week and Texas running over Central Florida last week and assuredly Baylor this week I think Florida will feel the pressure to impress against South Carolina. The Gamecocks are coming off a bad beatdown to Arkansas and may be ready to go in the tank. I think Florida dominates in this one.

#19 Arizona at California
The Wildcats has a chance to show the skeptics that they are for real against a Cal team this week. The Golden Bears will likely be without star RB Jahvid Best who went down with a scary concussion against Oregon State last week (he could have been spared if he buckled his freaking chinstrap). I think Cal will keep this one close but won't have enough offense to stay in it.

Notre Dame at #8 Pittsburgh
The Fightin' Irish are coming off a very bad loss to Navy. I think Notre Dame is at a crossroads in this game. If the Irish win they can still get some momentum going and get to a decent bowl. If they lose then they may lose to UCONN or Stanford and finish the year in a slump. I think Notre Dame's offense will respond this week btu Pitt will still do enough to get the win.

#16 Iowa at #9 Ohio State
The Buckeyes got things going last week against Penn State behind a convincing performance by the OSU defense. Iowa will be without QB Ricky Stanzi this week and that will play well for the Bucks D. I think Ohio State keeps Iowa mostly scoreless. I can see a 20-3 Buckeye win.

Texas Tecb at #10 Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State looked great last week, albeit against Iowa State. Tech has had the chance to rest up for a week after beating Kansas. Will Sheffield be on the field. I still haven't heard. I think Sheffield could make a difference in the game but could he put Tech over the top? I don't think he could. I like Oklahoma State to show many of the things I saw in them before the season and get a solid win at home.

#20 Utah at #4 TCU
TCU has been crippling opponents ever since a close win against Air Force. That includes a thorough beatdown of BYU earlier this season. I like the Horned Frogs to stay focused and thrash a completely different set of Mormons this week in Fort Worth.