My Crystal Ball Says...

...that I know what will happen in this week's key games. Always remember that I'm right, and your team sucks.

Clemson @ #21 Wake Forest
So far this year, four ranked teams have lost to unranked opponents in Thursday night games. I don’t see it happening this week. Wake Forest usually plays relatively mistake-free football. Except for last week when they turned the ball over six times in the shocking home loss to Navy. Clemson needs this game to stay alive in the ACC race. A Demon Deacon win makes them the clear favorite to win the Atlantic Division. I like the Deacons in this one.

Tennessee @ #10 Georgia
Until the loss to Alabama two weeks ago, the last team to beat Georgia was… that’s right, Tennessee. On October 6th, 2007. This year, though, Tennessee is not good. Really not good. They scored 13 points at home last week in a close win over Northern Illinois. This time, the Dawgs get their revenge.

#5 Texas vs #1 Oklahoma (in Dallas)
This is a hard game to pick. Each team is impressive on both side of the ball. Oklahoma has outscored opponents 103-3 in the first quarter this year. If Texas can withstand the early onslaught, they might keep this one close. My gut feeling is that Oklahoma is the better team. And, this time, I think my gut is right.

Notre Dame @ #22 North Carolina
These teams enter the game with identical 4-1 records. The Notre Dame offense seems to be coming around. And QB Jimmy Clausen has shown improvement in the last three games. But North Carolina is another team trying to claw their way back to respectability. Their defense is fast and physical. I like the Tarheels at home.

#4 LSU @ #11 Florida
This is another hard game to pick. On the surface, these two teams appear to be evenly matched. While Florida fans whine about the Gator offense, they lead the league in scoring. And LSU is second. Something tells me that the Gators are still trying to renew their focus after the disappointing home loss to Ole Miss two weeks ago. It should be a great game.

#17 Oklahoma State @ #3 Missouri
Missouri is #2 two in the nation in scoring offense. Oklahoma State is #3. Let’s hope they have extra light bulbs for the scoreboard on standby during this game. Here’s an amazing statistic – Missouri has had 48 offensive possessions so far this season, and have yet to have a three-and-out. Missouri is a great passing team. Oklahoma State is great on the ground. I’d love to see the Cowboys pull an upset, but I think the Tigers win at home.

Nebraska @ #7 Texas Tech
Texas Tech has put up some huge offensive numbers, but against some pretty lousy opponents. The Red Raiders may not score 60 in this game, but they’re good enough to beat a Nebraska team still struggling to find an identity.

#6 Penn State @ Wisconsin
Penn State leads the Big Ten(+1) in total offense and total defense. Wisconsin doesn’t lead the Big Ten(+1) in anything, including the league standings, where they are 0-2. And about to be 0-3.

South Carolina @ Kentucky
Kentucky leads the nation in scoring defense. Then again, three of their four wins are over Norfolk State, Middle Tennessee State and Western Kentucky. Kentucky did have a decent showing against Alabama last week, losing 17-14. Part of me believes that Kentucky should win this one at home. The other part of me thinks the Cocks will win this one. I’m going with the other part of me.

#25 Ball State @ Western Kentucky
Quick, name the team that’s 11th in the nation in total offense. That’s right. Ball State. The Fighting Testes. Oh no, wait. The Cardinals. They’ve started a season 6-0 for the first time since 1965. And that includes a win over the Navy team that beat Wake Forest at home last week. And Western Kentucky is… well, Western Kentucky.