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 at #15 Georgia Tech - Both teams left room for improvement in last week's wins by nearly identical scores over inferior opponents. Clemson running back CJ Spiller is a bit nicked up, and the Tigers will start a freshman quarterback. If Georgia Tech can secure the ball, after fumbling five times against Jacksonville State, the Yellow Jackets' triple option attack will prevail.

#18 Notre Dame at Michigan - Does anyone else think that the state of affairs in Ann Arbor can best be described as turmoil? Michigan is starting a freshman at quarterback for just the second time since Gerald Ford was president, while Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen seems to have finally gotten a clue. Something tells me that the Irish will win this in a squeaker. Maybe I'm just ready to see Rich Rodriguez get all misty again during the post-game press conference.

South Carolina at #21 Georgia - There is one sure thing about Steve Spurrier; he loves to beat Georgia. This series has turned into a pretty good rivalry, with 6 of the last 8 games being decided by a touchdown or less. South Carolina QB Stephen Garcia has been schizophrenic, looking at some times like a gifted athlete, and at other times like he's just stepped on to the field for the first time. The Dawgs scored a measly 10 points on a very average Oklahoma State defense last week. Is there a quarterback controversy brewing in Athens? Hmmm. I think the Gamecocks find a way to win this one.

UCLA at Tennessee - Neyland Stadium is an intimidating place, and it will most certainly make UCLA's freshman quarterback Kevin Prince a little nervous. If Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin will shut up long enough to notice there's a game going on, the Vols should win this one with strong defense and a solid running attack.

#3 USC at #8 Ohio State - Freshman quarterbacks seem to be an early, recurring theme in this young season. USC will start Matt Barkley Saturday against Ohio State. The Buckeyes, meanwhile, are ranked eighth in the country, and what I want to know is, why? Until both teams prove me wrong, I'll continue to pick against the Buckeyes and for the Trojans.


EXTRA POINT - I think Western Michigan has a solid shot at beating Indiana at home. The Broncos aren't bad, and the Hoosiers aren't good. Oregon is a 12 point favorite at home against Purdue. After Thursday's performance, how can the Ducks be double-digit favorites over anybody? I think the Boilermakers keep it close.