5. Georgia Tech (5-3) vs. #22 Virginia Tech (6-2)
After losing the first two games of the season to underdog Boise State and FCS James Madison, the Hokies have rebounded well by going 4-0 in ACC play and are chasing down a title bid. Virginia Tech has relied on the heavy passing/running combination of Tyrod Taylor who has thrown for 1062 yards and rushed for 527. On the other hand, Georgia Tech is desperately hanging on to their ACC championship hopes. With their number one rushing attack and triple option threat,
expect a close game in primetime on Thursday night.
My pick: Georgia Tech surprises Virginia Tech early and hangs on to the lead. Georgia Tech-31 Virginia Tech-27
4. #15 Arizona (7-1) vs. #13 Stanford (7-1)
Both teams are ranked in the top seven for points scored. With both teams still hoping for a Pac-10 title, expect a high-powered offensive attack from both sides. I believe the game will come down to the arms of both Arizona’s Nick Foles and
Stanford’s Andrew Luck. This will be a shootout that comes down to one or two key defensive plays.
My pick: Stanford makes those one or two defensive plays to win a barn-burner. Arizona-45 Stanford-51
3. #18 Arkansas (6-2) vs. #19 South Carolina (6-2)
South Carolina controls their own destiny in the SEC East, but a win over SEC West foe Arkansas will definitely strengthen their morale heading into the showdown with Florida. South Carolina can score points if Stephen Garcia can get the ball to his talented receivers such as Alshon Jeffery. Expect Marcus Lattimore to have a big game against a weaker Arkansas defense. On the other hand, the strength of the Arkansas passing game including Ryan Mallett, Greg Childs, and Joe Adams can overcome their defense.
My pick: Ryan Mallett and company escape Columbia with a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter. Arkansas-40 South Carolina-38
2. #3 TCU (9-0) vs. #5 Utah (8-0)
The battle of unbeaten non-BCS conference teams may decide who plays in the national championship game. With TCU jumping Boise State this week, TCU can further solidify themselves in the chase with a win while Utah benefits as well if they win. TCU boasts the number one defense in the nation, only allowing 8.7 points per game. They are also solid on the offensive side under the direction of experienced quarterback Andy Dalton. Utah is also in the top ten in points allowed as well as points scored. This is a very even game on paper, but TCU seems to be the better team to me.
My pick: Close at first, TCU pulls away in the second half. TCU-27 Utah-14
1. #6 Alabama (7-1) vs. #10 LSU (7-1)
With both teams in dire need of a win, this rivalry will be more intense than it has been in recent years. Alabama still controls their own destiny, while LSU could use some major help if they plan on reaching the SEC championship game. The big story will be Alabama’s offensive line against LSU’s strong defensive front. Everyone knows of Alabama’s plethora of skill players, but the line is easily the weakest link. On the other side, LSU’s defensive line is unarguably their strongest aspect. If Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson are contained, Greg McElroy and the receiving corps will have to cover as they tried in the South Carolina game. Expect LSU to be held on offense by a strong Alabama defense. The quarterback combination of Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee has struggled as of late which helps a younger Alabama secondary. Alabama seems to be the strongest team, but, at night in Baton Rouge, a Les Miles LSU team can do anything.
My pick: Alabama jumps to an early lead and holds a resurging second half Tiger team. Alabama-24 LSU-20
No comments:
Post a Comment