(Upset pick…)
#11 Wisconsin (4-0) vs. #24 Michigan State (4-0)
Vs.
3:30 ET ABC/ESPN, Sat. Oct. 2, Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI
Wisconsin: Like everyone expected heading into the season, the Badgers have relied heavily on running back John Clay to bring in the production of the offense. Quarterback Scott Tolzien has played well, stepping up big against Arizona State completing over 75 percent of his passes. The Wisconsin defense has been as impressive, even with the loss of linebacker Chris Borland for the season the Badgers are giving up less than 100 yards on the ground. PLAYER TO WATCH: Nick Toon, Jr. WR
Michigan State: Having a two headed rushing attack with running backs Edwin Baker and true freshman Le’Veon Bell has helped the Spartans offense out tremendously. Larry Caper, who was projected to start the season at running back, has been hampered by injuries and has yet to contribute full-go. Caper is finally off the injury report and gives the Spartans another option in their No. 17 ranked rush offense. The rush defense has been as expected this season, giving up just an average of 85 yards an outing. All-American linebacker Greg Jones continues to fill the stat sheet week after week. PLAYER TO WATCH: Chris L. Rusker, Sr. CB
The Pick: The Spartans have been one of the biggest surprises of the season so far. Through four games MSU has played stout defense and continued a strong rushing game, something Big Ten champions have always done well. To this point, Wisconsin has remained steadily out of the national headlines, yet still poses a potent offense and defense capable of a BCS bowl. This game may be determined by whatever team is able to shut down the others running back and right now, the Spartans have the upper hand in that department. Michigan State 28 – Wisconsin 27
#16 Miami (FL) (2-1) vs. Clemson (2-1)
Vs.
12:00 PM ET, ESPN2, Sat. Oct. 2, Memorial Stadium, Clemson, SC
Miami (FL): The Hurricanes defense was expected to be good this season, but at this point, they’re out-playing the high expectations. Miami ranks first in the country in tackles for loss, averaging over 11 a game, while also ranking second in sacks averaging nearly five an outing. Against a team that relies on the rushing game to start the offense in Clemson, the Hurricanes tackles for loss could come up big forcing Clemson into deep situations. The key for the Hurricanes will be getting running back Damian Berry going early. Berry rushed for 94 and 87 yards the last two games against Ohio State and Pittsburgh. PLAYER TO WATCH: Sean Spence, Jr. OLB
Clemson: The Tigers have relied on the running back combination of Andre Ellington and Jamie Harper a lot this season, bringing on comparisons to the Thunder and Lightning days of James Davis and CJ Spiller. Ellington has been especially impressive with an average of 7.4 on the season. Quarterback Kyle Parker has been unsettling at times and in nursing a back injury so it will be important for the Clemson offensive line to protect their single caller against a stout Hurricanes pass rush. The Tigers line has given up just two sacks on the season, good for second in the country, but will be without starting guard David Smith. PLAYER TO WATCH: Brandon Maye, Jr. OLB
The Pick: This one should be the battle of the rushing games, just like the Wisconsin vs. MSU game. The Tigers rely on the rush game and the Hurricanes want to be more involved in the rush department, taking pressure off of quarterback Jacory Harris. Heralded offensive line recruit Seantrel Henderson has impressed coaches this season may be getting his first start against the Tigers after practicing with the first team throughout the week. Against a Clemson defense that has allowed an average of 185 yards a game on the ground, it could mean good things for Berry and the Hurricanes. Miami (FL) 34 – Clemson 26
#21 Texas (3-1) vs. #8 Oklahoma (4-0)
Vs.
3:30 PM ET, ABC, Sat. Oct. 2, Cotton Bowl, Dallas, TX
Texas: To say that the Longhorns were embarrassed on their home field last week against UCLA might be a major understatement when talking to Longhorn fans. Giving up 264 yards rushing, as the Longhorns defense did, is never acceptable wearing the burnt orange. Texas’ problems may be even greater on offense, however, as their defense has actually played above average this season. The Longhorns have been unable to establish a rushing game, with running backs Cody Johnson, Tre’ Newton and Foswhitt Whittaker all failing to produce yards. Too much pressure has been placed on the young arm of Garrett Gilbert. PLAYER TO WATCH: Jackson Jeffcoat, Fr. DE
Oklahoma: I’m sure Sooner running back DeMarco Murray was licking his chops watching UCLA run up and down the field on the Longhorns defense last week. Murray has been impressive this season, rushing for at least one touchdown in every game, including three straight games of at least two. With Murray in the backfield and Ryan Broyles at wideout, the Sooners have two reliable offensive threats to score at any point. Luckily the offense has been as good as it is, because the Sooner defense is surrendering 23 points an outing to opponents. PLAYER TO WATCH: Tom Wort, rFr. MLB
The Pick: The first of many meetings to come between Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones and Texas quarterback Garrett Gilbert. The quarterbacks have been relied heavily on in the past, but it’s the defenses that have brought the most action to the Red River Rivalry. Both defenses seem fairly balanced with Texas strength being its secondary and Oklahoma its front seven. I think Texas’s inability to bring in productive offensive yards in this one will be the difference. The Longhorns may shut down Landry Jones, but they won’t be able to contain Murray as well. The last time Texas lost two in a row? Against Kansas State and then OU in 2007. Oklahoma 30 – Texas 23
#7 Florida (4-0) vs. #1 Alabama (4-0)
Vs.
8:00 PM ET, CBS 3, Sat. Oct. 2, Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
Florida: The Gators might have used a secret offensive weapon a bit too soon. Against Kentucky, the Florida offense unveiled new formations and plays involving backup quarterback Trey Burton, who scored six touchdowns, breaking a Tim Tebow record. Up until last week the Gator offense had been lacking their typical play-makers. Running back Jeff Demps, who is nursing a sprained ankle, has been impressive but can’t move the ball by himself. The Gator defense, especially its secondary, has been a ball hawking unit to this point in the season. PLAYER TO WATCH: Ahmad Black, Jr. SS
Alabama: The Tide almost looked human last week. Then Mark Ingram took the game on his back and refused to let go. After being outplayed for three quarters of against Arkansas, the Tide may have unveiled weakness to Gators coaches. Both Ingram and backup Trent Richardson have proved this season to be tough to slow down or even stop from piling up huge runs. The key for any team playing the Tide is to make quarterback Greg McElroy beat you, though. The Tides defense has been proven to be significantly weaker than last seasons and is still looking to establish any sort of a pass rush. PLAYER TO WATCH: Dre Kirkpatrick, So. CB
The Pick: Last week, Alabama proved it was beatable. Arkansas just seemed to fall apart in the end. If Florida can score a tremendous amount of points on the Tide, ‘Bama may not have the offense designed to score as quickly as they did last week after relying on defensive turnovers. The Gators defense, however, is young and apart from its secondary has failed to impress so far this season. If Ingram is able to break through the first line of defense on the Gators, it could be lights out and a huge day for the junior. Nick Saban and the rest of the Tide coaches will be too focused to let one slide against the Gators this week. Alabama 31 – Florida 21
(Game of the week…)
#9 Stanford (4-0) vs. #4 Oregon (4-0)
Vs.
8:00 PM ET, ABC/ESPN2, Sat. Oct. 2, Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
Stanford: Andrew Luck has picked up this season right where most thought he would. The sophomore single caller has passed for 11 touchdowns this season, nearly passing last season’s total of 13 through four games. There hasn’t been a defense that has been able to slow the production of Luck to come yet. A lack of a strong rushing game has hurt the Cardinal at times this season, after the loss of running back Toby Gerhart. The Cardinal defense has been far better than last season’s, though, giving up just an average of 13 points a game, while also bringing in 14 sacks in four games. PLAYER TO WATCH: Owen Marecic, Sr. FB/MLB
Oregon: The Ducks have punished opponents so badly this season; apologies may be appropriate following their first four games. The offense ranks within the top in the country averaging 57 points and 555 yards of total offense a game, while the defense ranks third in scoring defense giving up just an average of 11 points a game. A lot of credit goes to the offensive production of running back LaMichael James and quarterback Darron Thomas, but the defense has been the Ducks specialty raking in 18 takeaways, tops in the nation. PLAYER TO WATCH: Brandon Bair, Sr. DT
The Pick: This game could go two ways. The offenses are explosive and feature terrific playmakers. So there could be a lot of scoring. What people don’t know is that the teams defenses both rank within the top of the country in nearly every category. So this one could be a defensive shootout as well. The difference could be the number of turnovers each team has. The Ducks have been spectacular so far in the turnover department and may force Luck, who threw his first two interceptions last week, into making a few too many bad decisions. What the Ducks do best once they get a turnover is score. I’m going slight defensive shootout here. At least low scoring in these teams minds. Oregon 27 – Stanford 24
#22 Penn State (3-1) vs. #17 Iowa (3-1)
Vs.
8:05 PM ET, ESPN, Sat. Oct. 2, Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
Penn State: There hasn’t been a lot heard from Joe Pa and the Nittany Lions since they left Tuscaloosa with their heads in the dirt. True freshman quarterback Robert Bolden has done a modest job of filling the quarterback position, but the options beyond the heralded recruit are slim. Running back Evan Royster set a career mark last week against Temple rushing for 187 yards, sadly though, it was a game in which the Nittany Lions had to come from behind to win. A loss to instate Temple would have been devastating to Penn State’s season. PLAYER TO WATCH: Ollie Ogbu, Sr. DT
Iowa: Running back Adam Robinson was called upon to be larger part of the Hawkeyes offense this season and Robinson has not failed to produce. The sophomore has brought in three games of 100+ yards on the ground, with its loss to Arizona being the only game he has yet to bring in century mark numbers. The Hawkeye defense has continued right where it left off last season, ranking third in the nation in rush defense – giving up just 65 yards on the ground a game. Defensive lineman Adrian Clayborn and Karl Klug have failed to produce the numbers they put up last season, but with Big Ten play begging Saturday, it’s not too late to start. PLAYER TO WATCH: Broderick Binns, Jr. DE
The Pick: The forgotten teams of the Big Ten. Both Penn State and Iowa have taken a backseat to teams like Ohio State, Michigan and even Michigan State this season in national talk. Both the Hawkeyes and Nittany Lions can jump back into the conversation with a big opening round of Big Ten win Saturday, however. With the Iowa rush defense as strong as it has been this season and the Nittany Lions best chance to win being running back Evan Royster, it makes picking PSU a little hard. Robinson will bring in big numbers here and that means one thing this season. Iowa 33 – Penn State 14
Virginia Tech (2-2) vs. #23 North Carolina State (4-0)
Vs.
3:30 PM ET, ABC, Sat. Oct. 2, Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC
Virginia Tech: Can things really get any worse for the Hokies this season? It’s about to. The offense now has to deal with losing its biggest playmaker, running back Ryan Williams for the second straight game to a hamstring injury. Thought of as the best backfield in the country by many to start the season, backup and once 1,200 yard rusher Darren Evans has failed to produce anything. Last week, Evans ran for just 30 yards and a 2.1 average. The Hokies defense is giving up just over 20 points an outing, its worse since the 2003 season. At this point the season is still salvageable, but that doesn’t mean Frank Beamer isn’t counting the days until November 27. PLAYER TO WATCH: David Wilson, So. RB
NC State: Not many expected the offensive production out of NC State that the Wolfpack has put up so far this season. I know I didn’t. With quarterback Russell Wilson leading the way, the potential, however, was always there. Wilson has performed at an All-Conference level this season with three 300 yard outings to date. His 11-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio ranks top in the country. Not fittingly so the Hokies pass defense ranks No. 53 in the country giving up nearly 200 yards a game. A number Wilson will add to Saturday. PLAYER TO WATCH: Jarvis Williams, Sr. WR
The Pick: My first initial reaction was to pick the Hokies. They’ve got to get things going offensively; however, for me to do so after crunching the numbers and after looking at the East Carolina and Boston College wins, I’m still wondering how they did it. Wilson and the NC State offense has been potent this season and at home I can’t see how the spread setters thought Va. Tech by four would work? It’s time to forget about last season and the hype to start the year. Stop believing in the Hokies season and start believing in the Wolf Pack’s season. NC State 37 – Virginia Tech 20
Notre Dame (1-3) vs. Boston College (2-1)
Vs.
8:00 PM ET, ABC, Sat. Oct. 2, Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA
Notre Dame: In 19 years of coaching, Head Coach Brian Kelly has only once before lost three consecutive games, during his first season as Central Michigan’s head coach, in a 4-7 year. Kelly has never lost four games in a row, something the Irish are on the verge of doing Saturday. If there was ever a place to start for Kelly, it would be Notre Dame, who in 2007 started the season 0-5, then went on a four game losing streak following their first win. The Irish’s offensive production has been impressive this season, averaging 426 yards. Their defense, however, sits at No. 103 in the nation giving up 433 yards a game. PLAYER TO WATCH: Tai-ler Jones, Fr. WR
Boston College: The Eagles have had their share of ups and downs this season. The defense was impressive through its first two wins, and even so against Virginia Tech last week. Yet their offense, led by quarterback David Shinskie has been non-existent at times, which is why Head Coach Frank Spaziani is making a change this week. Last week against Va. Tech Shinskie completed just 44 percent of his passes with two interceptions. Signs point to true freshman Chase Rettig getting his first start. PLAYER TO WATCH: Luke Kuechly, So. MLB
The Pick: The Eagles have done a nice job of taking care of business at home over the years. Only losing two games at home twice in the last 10 years. Last week’s loss to Virginia Tech was at home, limiting the chances of a Notre Dame win. With a possible true freshman playing at quarterback, I don’t know if the young QB will be able to move the ball on even a horrendous Irish defense. Kelly can’t lose another game in a row either. He might just cut his entire team if that happens. When the Irish get into the redzone, though, they’re going to need to put touchdowns up. Notre Dame 34 – Boston College 28
(Give me a ticket to see…)
Navy (2-1) vs. Air Force (3-1)
Vs.
2:30 PM ET, Versus, Sat. Oct.2, Falcon Stadium, United States AF ACA, CO
Navy: A big Heisman dark-horse to begin the season, Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs has failed to set the offense on a steady sail this season. The rushing yards are there of course, with the Midshipmen averaging 272 yards on the ground. But the points haven’t been on the scoreboard. After averaging 28 points a game last season Navy is down to 21 points per game this season. With close outings against FCS Georgia Southern and Louisiana Tech, Navy just hasn’t looked like the disciplined team they have been, even if they have only lost three turnovers on the year. PLAYER TO WATCH: Gee Gee Green, So. SB
Air Force: There is nobody in the country better at the ground game than the Falcons. Junior quarterback Tim Jefferson has done an exceptional job this season setting up his backfield mates, letting them fly down the sidelines for touchdowns. Eight players on the Falcons roster have rushed for at least one touchdown on the season, with five players bringing in two or more. Fullback Jared Tew leads the team with 371 yards, with tailback Asher Clark not far behind with 353 yards. Jefferson himself has brought in games of 96 and 94 yards. PLAYER TO WATCH: Rick Ricketts, Sr. DT
The Pick: The Midshipmen have taken away 10 straight victories against Air Force, but Navy hasn’t seen an option attack executed as perfect as the Falcons have right now since their own last season. Dobbs and Head Coach Ken Niumatalolo will have his team ready for a rivalry against a service academy here but I know if it will be enough. The Falcons have been strong this season and nearly took down Oklahoma in the Sooners own backyard. Whatever the outcome, this one should be exciting to watch right from the opening game flyover. Air Force 35 – Navy 31
Tennessee (2-2) vs. #12 LSU (4-0)
Vs.
3:30 PM ET, CBS, Sat. Oct. 2, Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA
Tennessee: We’re still waiting on finding out who this Tennessee team is. It’s obvious the Vol’s aren’t on the level that Oregon and Florida are after getting blown out in back-to-back games against them. The Volunteers also blew out Tennessee Martin 50-0 and went to overtime for another win against UAB last week. The Vol’s rushing game has exceeded expectations with running backs Tauren Poole and David Oku leading the way. Tennessee’s defense is doing little to prove they’re a contender ranking No.61 in rush defense and No.72 in pass defense. PLAYER TO WATCH: Luke Stocker, Sr. TE
LSU: A lot like I thought South Carolina’s time was coming to lose, I feel the same about LSU. The Tigers quarterback play out of Jordan Jefferson has been less than what a starting quarterback in the SEC needs to provide. It may be time to pull the plug on Jefferson if he doesn’t come up big Saturday. Junior running back Steven Ridley has carried the offense along with wideout Russell Shepard. The defense has been the same stout LSU defense that has been kept the Tigers in games for years. It’s impossible to talk about the Tigers this season without mentioning corner back Patrick Peterson, who many have in the Heisman contention right now. PLAYER TO WATCH: Drake Nevis, Sr. DT
The Pick: This is a game for both teams to prove something. Tennessee needs a win to prove it can have a successful season and at least one marquee win. While LSU needs to prove it can score for four quarters of play. The Tigers seemingly gave up against UNC, stalled against Vanderbilt and failed to produce much of anything against Mississippi State and West Virginia. If this LSU team is a contender in the SEC, they’ll need to prove it Saturday. I think the Tigers defense is the only reason they walk away with a win, though. LSU 23 – Tennessee 13
(Bonus)
#19 Michigan (4-0) vs. Indiana (3-0)
Vs. 
3:30 PM ET, ESPNU, Sat. Oct. 2, Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
Michigan: If there is a Wolverines fan out there that expected this kind of production out of Denard Robinson and the rest of the Michigan offense. Slap them. They’re lying. Robinson has cut the diving tackle limbs off of everyone this season, on the way to another 4-0 start for the Wolverines. The defense, however, has failed to stop anyone. The secondary has taken hits from everyone from Notre Dame to UMass. Any sort of pass rush out of the Michigan front seven would be nice, but with just five sacks through four games, don’t count on it. Another game of the Robinson show may be on hand, especially with running back Michael Shaw expected to miss the game. PLAYER TO WATCH: Craig Roh, So. OLB
Indiana: Indiana undefeated? Sure they’ve faced Towson, Western Kentucky and Akron but it still has to feel good if you’re a Hoosier. Senior quarterback Ben Chappell has been perfect this season with two 300 yard games, throwing nine touchdowns and no interceptions. Chappell could expose the weakest part of this Michigan team, that being their secondary. The Hoosiers won’t put up a lot of yards on the ground but they haven’t needed to. The obvious key will be to slow down and contain Robinson, but with a No. 92 rated rush defense, it may be easier said than done. PLAYER TO WATCH: Damarlo Belcher, Jr. WR
The Pick: The first Big Ten test for both undefeated teams, Michigan, who has the most to lose, needs to make sure another fiasco doesn’t happen this season after they fell apart last year. Although I don’t expect the Wolverines to slow down Chappell in the passing game, I obviously don’t think the Hoosiers will be the team that figures out how to slow down Robinson. The Indiana track team doesn’t even have enough speed to close the defensive gaps on the speedy quarterback. It looks like another offensive shootout for the Wolverines. Michigan 42 – Indiana 36
Last: 13-0 Season: 35-9
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