Sign One that the world is coming to an end...Miami U is a 22.5 dog against Florida this weekend. To paraphrase Simon and Garfunkel, "Where have you gone Miami Hurricanes?" I am not fan of the U, but how does a program that was so dominant for twenty years become a three touchdown dog? The Hurricanes fall is more surprising considering the State of Florida owns about 300 five star athletes each year.
I focus on the Fla/Miami game since it is the only match up that is intriguing this weekend. All the ranked teams are playing unranked teams. Can Miami pull an upset? Unlikely considering Florida is led by Tebow and a group of athletes with speed close to Bolt. Additionally, Harvin and Spikes return to the lineup making it even more difficult for the young Miami squad. This game should give some insight into the prediction that Miami will return to glory in 2010. If the Hurricanes play well and keep the game close, the young starters will get big game experience and more confidence for not only this year, but 2009 as well.
My hunch is Florida wins by at least 18 and Tebow has an all world performance. Florida just has more seasoned athletes on both sides of the ball. Plus, Miami is starting Robert Marve, a redshirt QB that is untested. To beat the Gators, you have to pass, and I do not see a freshman QB having much success against a stingy Florida secondary. The only way for Miami to stay in the game is get some TO's and win the Special Teams battle. Prediction Florida 38 Miami 17.
Other games with some flare:
Georgia v. Central Michigan. The #2 ranked Bulldogs host the two time defending MAC Champions who are led by Junior QB Dan LeFevour. Will GA play with emotion and look to impress the voters who demoted them from #1 to #2 this week, or will they be looking ahead to their game next week against South Carolina? I think the Bulldogs are looking to make a statement and will steamroll the Chippewas 48-17.
Arizona State v. Stanford. The #14 Sun Devils host the upstart Cardinal. Stanford is coming into the game with confidence after beating Oregon State last week. ASU is looking for a repeat of last year when they torched Stanford 41-3. Though I think ASU will win the game, Jim Harbaugh's team will give the Sun Devils all they can handle. Prediction: ASU 35-28.
Oklahoma v. Cincinnati. The #4 ranked Sooners host the Bearcats in what should be a close game for three quarters. Cincy HC Brian Kelly says his team is ready to play with the big boys. He's going to quickly find out just how ready they are considering OU is 54-2 at home under Bob Stoops. The Sooners' big OL/DL lines should start to wear down the Bearcats early in the second half, and Sam Bradford will have a strong perfomance. Prediction: Oklahoma 42-21.
Boston College v. Georgia Tech. Neither team is ranked, but both are pretty good. The Yellow Jackets are getting used to playing in new HC Paul Johnson's option offense, and the Eagles will rely on a strong running game and stoudt D to win close games this season. The winner will compete for the ACC crown in a very down year for the ACC. Prediction: BC 31-24.
No other games really stick out this week. Pitt and Clemson look to rebound off their abysmal opening week performances. The Tigers will roar, but the Panthers will struggle against Turner Gill's Buffalo Bulls squad. If Wannstadt loses this game, I expect him to be fired.
Enjoy the games.
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