NCAA Predictions Week 6
By Max Baez
Contributing writer Football Reporters Online
Last week, we discovered a few things. Firstly, LSU may be a top 10 team (I still don’t think they are a top 5 team) for reasons I’ll discuss in a little bit (as their game against Florida is definitely the game of the week.) Secondly, the U is a 10 win team as they have already finished up their hardest games. Thirdly, I’m still wondering what happened to Cal. They did this a few years ago; remember when they were ranked second in the country then pretty much lost out to finish 6-6? They looked like a top 10 team early on, but I think they might not be able to recover from their collapse this season. They have looked like a bottom feeder the last two weeks, and while they have some solid talent, I think they will be mediocre from here on out, especially since they already know that they have no shot at getting to a BCS game. Anyway, for my top 5 games of the week:
Nebraska @ Missouri
I’m excited for a few years from now, when this game could be a battle of the Gabberts: Blaine for Missouri, and his brother Tyler at QB for Nebraska (Tyler is a HS senior headed to Lincoln next season.) However, this is a game of top 25 teams now, and while its probably still unfathomable to the Nebraska faithful that they don’t steamroll Mizzou every year, that’s the new reality for the Cornhuskers. Missouri has been a big surprise on the back of Blaine Gabbert, and I expect another win for the Tigers this week. The matchup of the great Missouri offense against the tough Nebraska defense should be a lot of fun to watch.
Missouri 24, Nebraska 17
Georgia @ Tennessee
An absolute must win for both. Tennessee already has three losses, Georgia has two. Tennessee’s season is lost with a loss, and considering how much talking Lane Kiffin did in the offseason, he can’t get away with it just because it’s his first season. Georgia is definitely the better team of the two, especially since Tennessee’s offense is barely an offense, but going to Neyland Stadium is never easy, and Tennessee is still pretty competitive on the defensive side of the ball. However, I really can’t pick against Georgia here. Too much on the line, and too much of a need for a W at this point of the season. The Bulldogs get the revival they need.
Georgia 20, Tennessee 13
Alabama @ Ole Miss
Remember when Ole Miss was a top 5 team? That once happened? Oh wait, it was two weeks ago. Okay, so we all know they never should have been ranked that high, but if they want to prove something, they will use this home game to knock off the Tide. Easier said than done, as Alabama has looked phenomenal this season. Jevan Snead really needs to turn it around for the Rebels if they want to be one of the better SEC teams, but playing the Alabama defense isn’t the best recipe for that. Bama is simply the more complete team, but this one will be close.
Alabama 21, Ole Miss 17
Florida @ LSU
Firstly, about LSU, I think I’ve figured it out. They don’t put up great numbers on offense or defense, so many think they are overrated and not that great. However, that’s not it. They are simply a team that knows how to win. They are that team that will underwhelm you all game, but keep it close, then in the end, have some big play and get the win. That’s what happened at Georgia last week, and they will have similar things happen to them all season. As for the Gators, we all know what the big question is. Will he play? How effective can #15 be? Really, in a road game this tough, the Gators need Tebow, otherwise LSU might just do what they did last week. However, the man who is literally God to the Gator faithful will play. He’s Tim Tebow, he doesn’t miss this game. He also doesn’t lose it.
Florida 28, LSU 17
Michigan @ Iowa
Which Iowa team will show up this week? Will it be the one that crushed Iowa State and soundly beat Penn State, or the one that needed two blocked kicks to beat Northern Iowa? How about that same team that squeaked out a win against Arkansas State? With Iowa, you just don’t seem to know this year, but they have managed to win every game so far. As for Michigan, that was a real tough loss last week, not only losing to Michigan State but doing it in overtime. It’s really terrible for them, especially since Sparty has been more a fairy this season. As for this game, I really like Michigan this year, outside of that game last week. I think Tate Forcier is one of the best freshmen in the country and could definitely be a Heisman quality player by his junior year. They can do good things on both sides of the ball, and can beat an inconsistent Iowa team. However, I’ve picked the road game in three of the other games on here, so can I really pick the road team in another? I think I’m going to have to trust my gut and do it.
Michigan 23, Iowa 13
Five other games to watch: Boston College @ Virginia Tech, Auburn @ Arkansas, Wisconsin @ Ohio State, Oregon @ UCLA, Arizona @ Washington
Last week: 3-2
Season to date: 11-4
