Week 4 NCAA FBS Predictions By Max Baez Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online

Week 4 NCAA FBS Predictions
By Max Baez Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online


The marquee story of the third week of the college football season were clearly the events in Seattle, where an uberconservative approach by USC caused them to lose to Washington. Aaron Corp showed why Matt Barkley was named their initial starter, and many are still wondering what in the world happened to Mitch Mustain. Lots of teams are starting up their conference schedules this week, which makes for a solid weekend of football. Now, for the five games to watch this weekend, at least in my mind:

Ole Miss @ South Carolina

I don’t know what’s up with South Carolina and playing on Thursday night, but this is already their second appearance there this year. Ole Miss is already ranked number four in the nation, and this is their first true test. South Carolina looks like they can be solid on both sides of the ball. Against North Carolina State, they were great defensively, while the offense looked great against Georgia. They haven’t put it together on both sides of the ball in a big game yet this year (they’ve only had two), but if they can, they can definitely pull the upset at home. Stephen Garcia looks like he will be a great QB for the future, but while part of me wants to take South Carolina and the upset, my gut is just telling me that the talented Rebels will pull out a close win.

Ole Miss 24, South Carolina 20


North Carolina @ Georgia Tech

These are definitely two rising programs, and you can say Georgia Tech has already risen after their performance last year. Georgia Tech was embarrassed last week at Miami, and took a major hit by the pollsters, falling out of both polls. While North Carolina is ranked, I don’t think they are the better team. They looked pretty flat in their one semi-difficult game this year, a road game at UConn, while Georgia Tech still has a strong run game and defense, outside of last week’s mishap. Georgia Tech gained a reputation as a tough team last season, and I think they are going to be real hungry this week, so expect them to run all over the Tar Heels.

Georgia Tech 28, North Carolina 10


Cal @ Oregon

Many have given up on Oregon after the bad start to the season against Boise State (and then losing LeGarrette Blount for the season), but Oregon has recovered nicely, with wins against Purdue and Utah. Cal is a solid all around team, but this game is going to be a test. Autzen Stadium is a very tough place to play, and you can guarantee that the Ducks don’t want to start the season 2-2. However, Cal matches up well against Oregon. The Oregon offense won’t be able to pass at all on Cal’s stellar secondary, and Cal will be able to stack the box and make themselves more effective against the run. My guess is that we will see Cal pull out the solid road win and put itself in a great position to start the Pac-10 season.

Cal 24, Oregon 13


Miami @ Virginia Tech

And here goes my upset of the week. Virginia Tech is good all around, just like they tend to be. Very well coached, good defense, solid offense – they are a very good team. They’ve also been tested, already playing Alabama and Nebraska. However, Miami looks electric this year. Jacory Harris is the real deal at QB (and looks better than his adversary in this game, Tyrod Taylor), and while the defense didn’t look good against Florida State, they really showed up strong against the vaunted Georgia Tech run offense. Miami has already won two big games, and they are filled with confidence. They’ve had two extra days than Virginia Tech to prepare for this one, and I think it will pay off, with Miami winning a close one. Jacory Harris could become a darkhorse Heisman candidate with a win here, if he hasn’t already.

Miami 23, Virginia Tech 20


Iowa @ Penn State

With a schedule featuring the likes of Akron, Syracuse, and Temple, Penn State better have the record it currently has: 3-0. Now, their first conference game of the year has Iowa coming to town, and the stars are well aligned for a Penn State win. Iowa has gotten off to a 3-0 start, but nearly lost to FCS team Northern Iowa, and simply doesn’t have the talent that Penn State has on either side of the ball. Also, Penn State will surely be out for revenge against the Hawkeyes. Penn State lost one game last year, which was at Iowa, and if they had won out, Penn State would have played for a national title. The circumstances simply favor a Nittany Lions victory.

Penn State 24, Iowa 7


Five more to watch: TCU @ Clemson, Arkansas @ Alabama, Arizona State @ Georgia, Texas Tech @ Houston, South Florida @ Florida State

Last week’s record: 5-0