BCS Rank * Team(record) * TV * CST * Favorite
Thurs. Nov 27, 2008
Texas A&M (4-7) @ #2 Texas (10-1) ESPN 7pm, Texas by 35
Expectations are for UT to run up the score for BCS & Heisman style pts, however with expectations comes pressure. UT being favored to win by 5 TD's seems bizarre since this is an intense rivalry and A&M has upset UT the last two years. The UT 2005 national champ team was favored by 28 pts over a similar A&M team, but only won by 11 pts. A&M is capable of throwing for 300 yds, but they have too many costly turnovers, and their defense is horrible. Texas is far better in all 3-phases and protects the ball. Texas wins 49-20.

Fri. Nov 28, 2008
West Virginia (7-3) @ #25 Pittsburgh (7-3) ABC 11am, WV by 1.5
In last years Backyard Brawl, Pitt knocked WV out of the national championship. WV beat Lousiville last week, while Pitt lost to Big East leader Cinci. WV spread option QB White set the NCAA record for career rushing yds by a QB, but he will face a tough Pitt front 7 that knocked him out last yr. White must take advantage of passing opportunities v. a suspect Pitt secondary. Pitt relies heavily on the pass and will face a solid WV defense & secondary. WV has a far better turnover margin and thus will win this game 24-21.

Sat. Nov. 29, 2008
#22 Georgia Tech (8-3) @ #11 Georgia (9-2) CBS 11am, Georgia by 11
Last week, the GT triple option shredded a tough Miami defense, while 2-weeks ago Georgia won a squeaker over Auburn. GT's #4 nationally rushing offense v. Georgia's #16 nationally rush defense. The skilled Georgia offense with their injury riddled offensive line faces a GT defense that creates turnovers & is ranked #20 nationally in sacks, scoring, and total defense. The GT triple option will riddle another defense. GT wins 28-24.

#4 Florida (10-1) @ #20 Florida St. (8-3) ABC 2:30, Florida by 14
Both teams are ranked in the Top 10 nationally in total defense, but UF has the Heisman trophy winner at QB surrounded by more playmakers than when he won the award a year ago and UF is tied for the best turnover margin in the nation. FSU is erratic at QB and more turnover prone. UF wins 35-20.

Auburn (5-6) @ #1 Alabama (11-0) CBS 2:30, Bama by 17
Both teams are near the bottom nationally in pass offense and rely on special teams play and grinding run games to score pts. Bama has a slightly better defense and turnover margin, which will be the difference in the Iron Bowl. Bama wins 20-10.

#23 Oregon (8-3) @ #17 Oregon State (8-3), VS, 6pm, OSU by 3.5
An OSU win in the Civil War puts them in the Rose Bowl, but it's doubtful injured OSU star RB Rodgers will play. His replacement will be his brother who will move over from WR and was excellent filling in at RB during last weeks win over Arizona. Both teams have very productive offenses with OSU the more balanced than run focused Oregon. OSU does a better job at protecting the ball and will attack a horrible Oregon secondary. OSU wins 28-24.

#3 Oklahoma (10-1) @ #12 Oklahoma State (9-2) ABC 7pm, OU by 8.5
Two of the best offenses will be on display, with OU focusing more on the pass, while OSU implements a little more run option. Injured OSU star RB Hunter is listed as questionable. OSU has a solid turnover margin, but OU has been spectacular, tied for #1 nationally with Florida. Several pundits have picked OSU to upset OU by looking at the past few games in Stillwater where OU lost in 2002, and won squeakers in 2000, 2004 & 2006. However, OU has not struggled on the road like those teams and blewout OSU last year, shutting down the same skill players that they will face again this Saturday. OU wins 42-28.

Complete TV listings:
http://mattsarz44017.tripod.com/2008/week14.html

Latest Odds:
http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/odds/las-vegas/

BCS Rank * Team (record)* TV * CST * Favorite
Thursday Nov. 20
#23 Miami (7-3) @ Georgia Tech (7-3) ESPN 6:45, GT by 3.5

Huge ACC Coastal matchup with both teams still in the hunt. GT's spread option, #8 nationally in rushing v. Miami rush defense, #19 nationally, but gave up over 300 rush yds to FSU. GT must stop its habit of fumbling that would boost an average at best Cane offense who should be harrassed by an excellent GT defensive front. GT wins 21-17.

Saturday Nov. 22
West Virginia (6-3) @ Louisville (5-5) ESPN 11am, WV by 7

QB White leads the WV spread option offense that excels rushing v. Louisville's rush defense ranked #8 nationally, but that ranking could be skewed since they are last in the Big East defending the pass. WV has struggled defending kick returns and can't allow that to boost an average Louisville offense that has struggled on 3rd down and is turnover prone, but now must face the best defense in the Big East. WV wins 28-17.

Michigan (3-8) @ #10 Ohio St. (9-2) ABC 11am, OSU by 24

The one bright spot for UM has been a solid defensive line that is capable of stuffing a basic rushing attack, however QB Pryor is the type of running QB that has given UM fits. The UM offense has been horrible while trying to make the transition to the spread option without the right personnel and they now face one of the better defenses in the country. OSU wins 31-10.

Ole Miss (6-4) @ #18 LSU (7-3) CBS 2:30, LSU by 7
LSU trailed big at home last week to Troy in the 3rd Q. but somehow managed to rally for a win. The QB situation continues to be a huge concern after last summer's dismissal of SEC championship MVP Perriloux. Both teams are mostly even on offense and defense, but Ole Miss has the better QB and has proven itself winning at Florida in the swamp. Ole Miss wins 28-24.

#15 Michigan St. (9-2) @ #8 Penn St. (10-1) ABC/ESPN2, 2:30, PSU by 13
While MSU has a dark horse Heisman candidate in RB Ringer, PSU has the advantage on offense, defense, and special teams. Combine that with home field... PSU wins 35-17.

#20 Pitt (7-2) @ #19 Cinci (8-2) ESPN2, 6pm, Cinci by 5
Winner controls their destiny towards the Big East Championship. Both teams are mostly even on offense and defense, but Cinci has the better QB and home field advantage. Cinci wins 28-24.

Florida St. (7-3) @ #25 Maryland (7-3) ESPN 6:45, Pickem
Two erratic teams face off, despite the stout FSU defense, Maryland has the better QB, and the intangibles of the homefield, momentum, and the only team in the nation to knock off four Top25 teams. Maryland wins 24-21.

#2 Texas Tech (10-0) @ #5 Oklahoma (9-1) ABC 7pm, OU by 7
Two of the nations most electrifying offenses will be showcased in a game with Championships and the Heisman at stake. OU leads the nation in turnover margin with its efficient offense and opportunistic defense, but TT is not far behind with it defense creating just as many turnovers and its offense with 6 more turnovers. During the Stoops era, the OU defense has defended the nations best spread offenses better than anyone, having success each year against TT and twice last year v. Mizz. This year is no different with the defensive strength being the talent and depth at DT, which is crucial to pressure up the middle v. the wide splits of the TT offensive line. That won't be easy as the TT o-line has given up a mere 4 sacks, but OU counters with excellent blitzing OLB's and cover CB's, plus a big homefield advantage... OU wins 42-31.

Complete TV listings:
http://mattsarz44017.tripod.com/2008/week13.html

Latest Odds:
http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/odds/las-vegas/

BCS Rank * Team (record) * CST * TV * Favorite
THURSDAY NOV 13, 2008
Virginia Tech (6-3) @ Miami (6-3) 6:45 ESPN Miami by 3.5
Hokies questions at QB and being on the road have me picking the Canes 21-17.

FRIDAY NOV 14, 2008
#22 Cinci (7-2) @ Louisville (5-4) 7pm ESPN2 Cinci by 3.5
Cinci has knocked off 2 ranked Big East rivals the last 2 weeks and remarkably ranks #24 nationally in pass offense despite numerous injuries to their QB's. Louisville knocked off ranked S.Fla. but has since dropped 2 straight to lowly Syracuse before getting blown out by Pitt. Rugged Cinci wins a squeaker 28-24.

SATURDAY NOV 15, 2008
#11 Ohio St. (8-2) @ Illinois (5-5) 11am ESPN OSU by 8
OSU boasts the best D in the Big10, while the Illini Offense leads the Big10 in yds. Two of the nations most athletic QB's will be on display. Which Illinois team will show up, the one shocked by Western Michigan last week or the one who knocked off a hot Iowa team 2 weeks ago? The Illini defense has struggled...OSU wins 24-17.

#3 Texas (9-1) @ Kansas (6-4) 11:30am FSN TX by 13
Kansas QB Reesing is a gun slinger and will start, despite nursing a hurt leg. Not good when facing the fierce Texas pass rush. Texas needs style points to impress voters if the Big12 South ends in a 3-way tie with Oklahoma and Texas Tech, nod goes to highest ranked BCS team. Horrible KU secondary will be assaulted by high scoring Horns. Texas wins 45-28.

#25 So.Carolina (7-3) @ #4 Florida (8-1) 2:30pm CBS FLA by 21
Only Top25 Matchup of the weekend has added intrigue with Spurrier returning to the Swamp. Both teams boast Top 5 defenses, but Florida is far superior on offense and special teams, and they will not be overlooking the Gamecocks after already slipping up once this year and needing BCS style points. Florida chomps 42-14.

#16 No. Carolina (7-2) @ Maryland (6-3) 2:30pm ABCG Pickem
UNC must win to keep pace with Miami in ACC race. Terps are 3-0 v. Top25 teams this yr but were ripped by Virginia Tech last week as they could not stop the run or run the ball. UNC also has the better passing attack. UNC wins 24-21.

Boston College (6-3) @ #19 Florida St. (7-2) 7pm ABCG FSU by 6.5
Nationally, FSU ranks #5 in defense, while BC ranks #95 in offense. FSU has a powerful rushing attack, but will be without 5 WR's suspended for fighting and BC has the best run defense in the ACC. With the homefield in primetime, FSU wins 17-10.

Complete TV Listings:
http://mattsarz44017.tripod.com/2008/week12.html

Latest Odds:
http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/odds/las-vegas/

ABCG = game is being shown on ABC or ESPN Gameplan if not in your area.

Thursday, November 6, 2008
BCS Rank * Team (record) * TV * CST * Favorite
#23 Maryland (6-2) at Virginia Tech (5-3) ESPN 6:30 VT favored by 2.5
Maryland leads the ACC Atlantic and is 3-0 against ranked foes this season but just 3-2 versus unranked. Since winning five in a row, Virginia Tech has dropped back-to-back games. Maryland Star RB Scott has an injured shoulder and is listed as probable, while VT starting QB Taylor is listed as questionable and his backup Glennon is listed as probable.

#12 TCU (9-1) @ #8 Utah (9-0) CBSC 7pm Pick'em
TCU-Utah could go a long way in deciding which team plays the role of BCS-buster in January. The Horned Frogs own a win over BYU and their lone loss came to Oklahoma. Utah is undefeated, sitting on top of all other non-BCS schools. TCU ranks third in the nation in scoring defense (10.8 points per game), and second in total defense (214.5 ypg). Its run defense, which leads the nation with 38.9 yards allowed per game, will be tested by a Utah team that has rushed for 520 yards over its last two games. TCU is more battle tested and has the better defense. TCU wins 21-17.

Saturday, November 8
(ABCG = ABC or ESPN Gameplan; ESPNG = ESPN Gameplan)

#11 Ohio State (7-2) @ #24 Northwestern (7-2) ESPN2 11am OSU by 10.5
OSU is coming off a bye after a heartbreaking loss to Penn State, while NW scored a thrilling win over Minnesota. NW Quarterback Bacher was injured last week and is listed as probable, but in relief, backup QB Kafka rushed for a Big 10 record 217 yds and was efficient passing for 2 TD's. OSU wins 31-14.

#20 Georgia Tech (7-2) @ #19 North Carolina (6-2) ESPNG 11am NC by 4.5
Tar Heels look to knock off the ACC Coastal Division leader and beat a ranked team for the second consecutive game and are enjoying their best start since 1997. GT option offense ranks 8th nationally in rushing, but starting QB Nesbitt is battling injuries and is listed as probable. Backup QB Shaw has been solid in relief.

#1 Alabama (9-0) @ #16 LSU (6-2) CBS 2:30 Bama by 3
Extra security has been called in for former LSU Coach Nick Saban's return to Baton Rouge as the Tide looks to secure the SEC West. The Tide de-clawed "Death Valley" going 31 years without a loss there from 1969 until 2000. In both losses this year LSU has given up an eye popping 50 pts. Both teams RB's have injuries and are listed as probable. Bama has the advantage of a QB who does not create costly turnovers and LSU will not be able to rush the ball against the #2 ranked Tide defense. Bama wins 26-21.

#6 Oklahoma (8-1) @ Texas A&M (4-5) ABCG 2:30 OU by 20
Style points are at a premium as the Sooners dropped 2 spots in the BCS despite blowing out arch rival Nebraska sparked by scoring 28 pts in the first 5 minutes. Despite vast improvement with their passing offense ATM will not be able to keep pace with the Sooners no huddle offense. OU wins 56-21.

#3 Penn State (9-0) at Iowa (5-4) ABCG 2:30 PSU by 10
Both teams have solid rushing attacks and rush defenses, but PSU has the better QB and turnover margin ratio. PSU wins 24-17.

Cincinnati (6-2) @ # 25 West Virginia (6-2) ESPNU 6pm WV by 8.5
WV star QB White has rushed for over 4,000 yds and passed for over 5,000 yds in his career and has WV atop the Big East. Injured Cinci QB Pike made a surprise start wearing a cast on his non-throwing arm and played brilliantly in last week's big win over then #24 USF. He is expected to start again. WV is run heavy out of its spread option offense, whereas the Cinci offense relies more on the pass with it's no huddle spread. The better QB with the home field wins here…WV 24-21.

#21 California (6-2) @ #7 USC (7-1) ABCG 7pm USC by 17
Cal has won four of its past five games, including a win over No. 24 Oregon last week, but USC has been blistering opponents since being upset by Oregon State. Cal QB Riley has been upgraded to questionable, but there is no question a far more talented USC will roll at home in primetime while trying to impress voters. This could get ugly, but I will go conservative. USC wins 38-14.

#9 Oklahoma State (8-1) @ #2 Texas Tech (9-0) ABCG 7pm TT by 5
After a dramatic win over then # 1 Texas resulted in their highest ranking ever, the Red Raiders must avoid a let down against OSU, whose also off to one of their best seasons ever with their lone loss a squeaker @ then #1 Texas. Facing a highly ranked team is nothing new for the Cowboys either as this is their third game in five weeks against a top-3 opponent. Great matchup with both offenses ranked in the Top 10 nationally in total yds, facing two of the best defenses in the Big 12. Both teams have solid turnover margin ratios and special teams play, except TT has a walk-on kicker who has not been tested. He will fail this test. OSU wins 34-28.

Complete TV Listings
http://mattsarz44017.tripod.com/2008/week11.html

Latest Odds:
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