(Thursday Games)
South Florida (3-2) vs. #25 West Virginia (4-1)
Vs.
7:30 ET ESPN, Thur. Oct. 14, Mountaineer Field, Morgantown, WV
South Florida: South Florida is currently a team in a state of flux. But any team would be after a loss to Syracuse on their own field. Quarterback B.J. Daniels has played awful at times and last week was one of those times. Daniels wasn’t pulled against the Orange, and is expected to be the starting quarterback this week, whether or not that may be a good thing remains to be seen. PLAYER TO WATCH: Sabbath Joseph, Sr. OLB
West Virginia: The Mountaineers have been a seldom talked about team this season. Star running back Noel Devine has been hampered by an injured toe, but looks to be fully healthy. Devine had just three carries last week against UNLV, two of which went for touchdowns. The real hero of the Mountaineers this year has been quarterback Geno Smith, who has passed for a 12-to-2 touchdown to interception ratio. PLAYER TO WATCH: Robert Sands, Jr. FS
The Pick: The Bulls have played the Mountaineers tough over the last few years. In fact, South Florida has beaten West Virginia three out of the last five years, coming away with the victory at home last season. They always have the speed to matchup with the Mountaneers quite well. This is a different South Florida team, however. The Bulls have struggled offensively and defensively throughout the 2010 season. With a number of defensive backs battling injuries and Smith playing as well as he is for the Mountaineers right now, it’s hard to pick against the home team here. West Virginia 24 – South Florida 17
Kansas State (4-1) vs. Kansas (2-3)
Vs.
7:30 PM ET, Fri. Oct. 14, Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS
Kansas State: The Wildcats will be hoping this week’s early game goes far better than last week’s against Nebraska. After starting the season as one of college football’s most impressive running backs, Wildcat running back Daniel Thomas has been held to modest games of 76 and 63 yards. If Kansas State wants to have a chance against their rival this week, getting Thomas open running lanes is a must. The ground game may take a hit, however, with the loss of guard Ethan Douglas for the season. PLAYER TO WATCH: Terrance Sweeney, Sr. CB
Kansas: The addition of head coach Turner Gill has worked as a slow process this season. The only thing worse than Kansas’s offense putting up 19 points on average each week is their defense giving up an average of 27 points. True freshman running back James Sims has been a nice addition to the team, leading the Jayhawks in rushing thus far. Getting Sims the ball, against a Kansas State team giving up more than 280 yards a game, will be the key early for the Jayhawks. PLAYER TO WATCH: Jake Laptad, Sr. DE
The Pick: This is a tough one to pick. It’s a rivalry game and a Friday night game. I usually like to go with the home team in this instance. The Jayhawks, whose last game was a 55-7 blowout loss at Baylor, have had two weeks to prepare for their rival, while the Wildcats are still stitching themselves up from Nebraska. This will also be Kansas State’s first road game of the year. If the Jayhawks can hold Thomas to another modest game, or at least not 150+ yards, they can win. I’m looking for Sims to have a lot of room to run here. Kansas 26 – Kansas State 20
(Friday Game)
Cincinnati (2-3) vs. Louisville (3-2)
Vs.
8:00 PM ET, ESPN, Fri. Oct. 15, Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, KY
Cincinnati: This Cincinnati team is clearly changed from last season’s undefeated regular season team. The problem so far for the Bear Cats is that they have yet to win the big game. They’re 2-3, but their losses have come to a good Fresno State team on the road, at NC State and Oklahoma at home. It’s been a little unfair for new coach Butch Jones. The offense is still there. Quarterback Zach Collaros has thrown three touchdowns in each of the last three games. The rush game has been impressive as well with running back Isaiah Pead gaining 366 yards the last two games. PLAYER TO WATCH: DJ Woods, Jr. WR
Louisville: Louisville has played tough this season. Head coach Charlie Strong has brought a new mentality to the team and it has shown. Running back Bilal Powell has been impressive with at least one rushing touchdown in every game this season. Powell also ranks within the top 10 in the nation in rushing with 689 yards. Louisville’s wins, though, have come against FCS Eastern Kentucky, Arkansas State and Memphis. Not exactly the most impressive group. PLAYER TO WATCH: Rodney Gnat, Sr. DE
The Pick: Don’t pay any attention to the records here if you’re placing money on the game. Cincy has played some tough teams on the road this season, and is a far better team than they get credit for. Louisville played Oregon State tough on the road and has received very little attention from anyone this season as well. A Friday night spotlight game could be the time the Cardinals decide to throw a big victory party. I wouldn’t bet on it, however. Not when the Cardinals bread and butter is their rushing game and Cincy ranks No. 8 in the country in rush defense. Cincinnati 35 – Louisville 27
Last Week: 9-4 – ATS: 8-3-1 – Overall Season: 57-14 - Upset Pick: 4-1
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