Georgia Tech at No. 22 Virginia Tech
VT has clawed its way back into the top 25 after opening the season 0-2, which included a loss AT HOME, to an FCS opponent. Well, it seems that Tyrod has found his groove. Nesbitt has other plans, and while they are two games behind them in the division, they can close the gap to one game with a victory.
UCF at Houston
Could this be a preview of the C-USA CG? Houston owns the tie-breaker from SMU, but another loss will change that. The Cougars have gone 3-3 without Keenum in the lineup, which makes them potentially vulnerable to a loss any given week. However, that is more on the defense than anything, as Piland has been paying well in Keenum's place.
No. 21 Baylor at No. 17 Oklahoma State
This is a "separation" game, as both teams only have one loss in the division, along with Oklahoma. Yes, Baylor. Griffin III has been outstanding at the helm. On the OSU side, its the Weeden and Hunter show. Both have been lighting it up, but the defense can be slightly suspect at times.
Hawaii at No. 4 Boise State
Believe or not, Hawaii, and not BSU, is the leader in the WAC, but only by way of wins rather than loses. And while Hawaii's usual offensive ways are scoring points, its been their defense that has been helping them thus far. However, BSU is a whole other monster, and playing on the blue turf does not bode well for the Warrirors. Kellen Moore and his buddies continue to own the WAC and need to hold on in order to get a possible NCG push.
No. 6 Alabama at No. 10 LSU
While this may look like a big match-up, the only advantage LSU may have is homefield. Alabama does not intend on losing again and they need to start here and not look forward to the Iron Bowl with Auburn. LSU has gotten extremely lucky all season, but facing real competition between last week and this week are going to prove that the Tigers are merely overrated. But maybe, the luck that has gotten Les Miles this far will come around again and spoil the hopes of Alabama's NCG run.
California at Washington State
Why is this here? Because for whatever reason, Cal is really, REALLY bad on the road. Add to the fact that Riley is out, and WSU may just finally get their first Pac-10 win in over nearly 2 years.
No. 8 Oklahoma at Texas A&M
Oklahoma needs to win. Period. While they dont have a divisional loss, they do have a conference loss. But guess what? That counts. They need to take care of a TAMU team gaining confidence back and not look forward to a possible OSU match-up that could decide the south division.
No. 18 Arkansas at No. 19 South Carolina
SC COULD have the SECE locked up, but they need to take out Arkansas to do so. Otherwise, its mayhem. With a healthy Lattimore, the Gamecocks have a much better chance at winning games. Mallett is putting up big numbers passing wise, but can he do it against a very good SC defense?
No. 15 Arizona at No. 13 Stanford
As it looks right now, this looks like a game for 2nd place in the Pac-10. However, Arizona has not played Oregon yet. Therefore, Arizona needs to keep winning. Stanford destroyed and embarrassed UW last week, while Arizona took care of business in LA. Nick Foles could be back to play this week, although Scott has been more than formidable as the starter for him. The two stars in this game, however, will be the defense. AZ has two of the best DE's in the Pac-10, and getting pressure on Luck is key...this is no easy task against one of the most physical OL's in the nation.
Southern Methodist at UTEP
SMU needs to keep winning and hope for Houston to fall once, as they own the tie beaker for the division. While UTEP is out of the division race, that doesn't make them any less dangerous with Vittatoe and Buckram being big threats.
Colorado State at San Diego State
SDSU has quietly won and have put themselves in a position to win the conference, as they have yet to play TCU and Utah. First, they need to get past CSU, who isn't very good. That doesn't mean it will be easy. Junior Ryan Lindley has done well for the Aztecs, but struggled a bit last week against WY. However, that is where FR Ronnie Hillman comes in, who has been nothing short of great and nearing 1000 yards for the season. However, he ALSO struggled last week. Both Lindley and Hillman need to tune up if they want a shot at taking out Utah or TCU, and this is the game to do it.
LAME GAME(S) OF THE WEEK
Idaho State at Georgia
Wow.
Charleston Southern at Kentucky
Ridiculous.
Chattanooga at No. 2 Auburn
Disgrace.
GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 3 TCU at No. 5 Utah
Is there any doubt that this is the game to watch this week? Two top 5 teams, from the same conference, get to duke it out and get some separation. One loss will not cut it for a Non-AQ team to have a chance at a NCG. Utah has snuck all the way up, while TCU has held firm in the top 5 all year. Dalton is the senior leader for the Horned Frogs, but its been the stout defense that has helped them win every week. Utah brings the two-QB look with Wynn and Cain, although Wynn is the starter. Wide and Asiata have been sharing the load at RB, with over 800 yds combined coming into this game.
VT has clawed its way back into the top 25 after opening the season 0-2, which included a loss AT HOME, to an FCS opponent. Well, it seems that Tyrod has found his groove. Nesbitt has other plans, and while they are two games behind them in the division, they can close the gap to one game with a victory.
UCF at Houston
Could this be a preview of the C-USA CG? Houston owns the tie-breaker from SMU, but another loss will change that. The Cougars have gone 3-3 without Keenum in the lineup, which makes them potentially vulnerable to a loss any given week. However, that is more on the defense than anything, as Piland has been paying well in Keenum's place.
No. 21 Baylor at No. 17 Oklahoma State
This is a "separation" game, as both teams only have one loss in the division, along with Oklahoma. Yes, Baylor. Griffin III has been outstanding at the helm. On the OSU side, its the Weeden and Hunter show. Both have been lighting it up, but the defense can be slightly suspect at times.
Hawaii at No. 4 Boise State
Believe or not, Hawaii, and not BSU, is the leader in the WAC, but only by way of wins rather than loses. And while Hawaii's usual offensive ways are scoring points, its been their defense that has been helping them thus far. However, BSU is a whole other monster, and playing on the blue turf does not bode well for the Warrirors. Kellen Moore and his buddies continue to own the WAC and need to hold on in order to get a possible NCG push.
No. 6 Alabama at No. 10 LSU
While this may look like a big match-up, the only advantage LSU may have is homefield. Alabama does not intend on losing again and they need to start here and not look forward to the Iron Bowl with Auburn. LSU has gotten extremely lucky all season, but facing real competition between last week and this week are going to prove that the Tigers are merely overrated. But maybe, the luck that has gotten Les Miles this far will come around again and spoil the hopes of Alabama's NCG run.
California at Washington State
Why is this here? Because for whatever reason, Cal is really, REALLY bad on the road. Add to the fact that Riley is out, and WSU may just finally get their first Pac-10 win in over nearly 2 years.
No. 8 Oklahoma at Texas A&M
Oklahoma needs to win. Period. While they dont have a divisional loss, they do have a conference loss. But guess what? That counts. They need to take care of a TAMU team gaining confidence back and not look forward to a possible OSU match-up that could decide the south division.
No. 18 Arkansas at No. 19 South Carolina
SC COULD have the SECE locked up, but they need to take out Arkansas to do so. Otherwise, its mayhem. With a healthy Lattimore, the Gamecocks have a much better chance at winning games. Mallett is putting up big numbers passing wise, but can he do it against a very good SC defense?
No. 15 Arizona at No. 13 Stanford
As it looks right now, this looks like a game for 2nd place in the Pac-10. However, Arizona has not played Oregon yet. Therefore, Arizona needs to keep winning. Stanford destroyed and embarrassed UW last week, while Arizona took care of business in LA. Nick Foles could be back to play this week, although Scott has been more than formidable as the starter for him. The two stars in this game, however, will be the defense. AZ has two of the best DE's in the Pac-10, and getting pressure on Luck is key...this is no easy task against one of the most physical OL's in the nation.
Southern Methodist at UTEP
SMU needs to keep winning and hope for Houston to fall once, as they own the tie beaker for the division. While UTEP is out of the division race, that doesn't make them any less dangerous with Vittatoe and Buckram being big threats.
Colorado State at San Diego State
SDSU has quietly won and have put themselves in a position to win the conference, as they have yet to play TCU and Utah. First, they need to get past CSU, who isn't very good. That doesn't mean it will be easy. Junior Ryan Lindley has done well for the Aztecs, but struggled a bit last week against WY. However, that is where FR Ronnie Hillman comes in, who has been nothing short of great and nearing 1000 yards for the season. However, he ALSO struggled last week. Both Lindley and Hillman need to tune up if they want a shot at taking out Utah or TCU, and this is the game to do it.
LAME GAME(S) OF THE WEEK
Idaho State at Georgia
Wow.
Charleston Southern at Kentucky
Ridiculous.
Chattanooga at No. 2 Auburn
Disgrace.
GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 3 TCU at No. 5 Utah
Is there any doubt that this is the game to watch this week? Two top 5 teams, from the same conference, get to duke it out and get some separation. One loss will not cut it for a Non-AQ team to have a chance at a NCG. Utah has snuck all the way up, while TCU has held firm in the top 5 all year. Dalton is the senior leader for the Horned Frogs, but its been the stout defense that has helped them win every week. Utah brings the two-QB look with Wynn and Cain, although Wynn is the starter. Wide and Asiata have been sharing the load at RB, with over 800 yds combined coming into this game.
