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Georgia Tech will be out for a little revenge against the Virginia Cavaliers this weekend after losing at home to UVA a year ago as a 14 point favorite. Tech’s rushing attack coupled with the improved play of QB Josh Nesbitt should be too much for the Cavaliers. Play: Georgia Tech -4
Clemson at Miami is an important ACC match-up for both teams if they want to reach their ultimate goal of competing in the conference championship game. The Tigers have the speed on defense to slow down a potent Hurricane passing attack and RB CJ Spiller should continue to make a late run for the Heisman Trophy. Play: Clemson +4.5
Buckeye QB Terrelle Pryor had to imagine his first year as a full time starter going a little better than what it as to date. Ohio media have had a field day criticizing the sophomore and more will follow if the Bucks drop a home game to Minnesota as a 18 point favorite. If Minnesota takes care of the ball, they should cover this number rather easily. Play: Minnesota +18
Pitt will look to ride the legs of the nation’s leading rusher in freshman Dion Lewis once against when the South Florida Bulls come to town. USF QB BJ Daniels showed a little frustration when things didn’t come easy to him against Cincinnati as they did in previous games. Pitt plays well at home and QB Bill Stull has taken on the leadership role. The NCAA football odds show Pitt as a 6.5 point favorite. Play: Pitt -6.5
Husker Country is reeling after a blowout loss at home to Texas Tech. The QB situation is up in the air and starting running back Ray Helu has been held out of practice much of the week. Iowa State is no Texas Tech, but they have an above average offense that has protected QB Austen Arnaud nicely. Play: ISU +17.5
Catholic school bragging rights are on the line when Boston College and Notre Dame hook up Saturday. The Eagles have had the Irish’s number in the recent pass, but have struggled on the road this season. I think this spread is a point too high as Notre Dame has had trouble closing out opponents in the 4th quarter. Play: BC +8
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Vols head coach Lane Kiffin will get his first taste of playing a Nick Saban led Alabama team Saturday afternoon. The Tide are the more talented team in every facet of the game, but I do not like either of these quarterbacks. Both defenses are fully capable of turning their mistakes into points so I am taking the large number here. Play: Tennessee: +15
Oregon at Washington has trap game written all over it. The Ducks host USC next weekend and could be looking ahead to a possible game that will decide the Pac-10 champion. They better not sleep on Jake Locker and the Washington Huskies. Take the double digit spread and run with it in this one. Play: Washington +10
Joe Pa squares off against arch nemesis Michigan Saturday. The Nittany Lions snapped a long losing streak versus the Wolverines last year with 37 unanswered points. These games usually come down to the wire, but Penn State has too many weapons on offense to not get the cover. Play: Penn State -4.5
Colt McCoy will need to put up some big numbers in the final five games to secure his spot atop the Heisman predictions. Missouri will provide a nice opportunity for McCoy and company to shine in primetime. The Tigers can suddenly stop no one and QB Blake Gabbert is coming back down to earth after a remarkable start. Play: Texas -12.5
Another tough road test for the seventh ranked Iowa Hawkeyes awaits and the public is all over the home team once again. Michigan State has played well the past few weeks after a disappointing loss to Notre Dame. Sparty won’t be able to match the physicality of this Hawkeye team on both sides of the ball and Iowa’s dream season continues. Play: Iowa pick em’
Other Notable Games/Picks
Florida -23 at Mississippi State
TCU -2 at BYU
Auburn +7.5 at LSU
Oregon State +21 at USC
Stanford -6.5 versus Arizona State
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3. Win the Turnover Battle - You can include winning the turnover battle in the keys to victory every week, but this week it is mandatory. The Huskers have lost twice and they lost the turnover battle 2-0 in both games.
4. Pass Defense – The Cyclone defense did a much better job last week of getting pressure on the quarterback and the secondary tightened up their coverage as well. ISU must continue to improve this week as the Huskers can throw the football.
Players to Watch
1. Reggie Stephens and the ISU OL – Stephens will be matched up with Suh for much of the game. It will be a great opportunity for Reggie to showcase his talent to NFL scouts. The offensive line must win the battle in the trenches against a talented Nebraska DL.
2. Grant Mahoney – Grant is a very good kicker that is going through a slump – the slump needs to end this week.
3. David Sims – Sims has been quiet for a few weeks – maybe he can breakout again against the Huskers.
Prediction
I was very impressed with the Cyclones coaching staff last week against Baylor. It was the most prepared I have seen an Iowa State football team in recent memory. Tom Herman had a great game plan and made some nice in-game adjustments as the Cyclones moved the ball up and down the field. The defense led by Wally Burnham made huge progress in one week in pass coverage. The decline of the Cornhuskers is being over exaggerated after the loss to Texas Tech. The defense is playing as well as any team in the Big 12 and as everyone knows Defense wins Championships. Iowa State has an opportunity to hang around in this game if they can play mistake free football, make some big plays on special teams and force turnovers. The Cyclones will run the ball well on Nebraska and will gain some respect around the league, but the Huskers win the football game.
Nebraska Cornhuskers 20 Iowa State Cyclones 17
Iowa State – Nebraska Video
Bo Pelini video after Thursday’s practice – Omaha World-Herald
Alexander Robinson and Austen Arnaud – Cyclones.com
James Smith and Nate Frere – Cyclones.com
Josh Lenz and Reggie Stephens – Cyclones.com
