Week 10 Preview

Week 10 is already here. Where has the season gone? Didn’t it just start? We have already seen upsets and blowouts galore, close games and proof that football is a game of inches. As we hit the home stretch of the season, let’s hope for more of the chaos that makes us love/hate this sport so much.I can’t write a blog about sports and not mention what happened last night. The Boston Red Sox won the World Series for the 3rd time in 10 years, but for the first time in Boston since 1918. The Red Sox were in last place last season and are now world champs. They beat the Saint Louis Cardinals, taking the series 4-2. David Ortiz was named the MVP after reaching base 19 times in 25 plate appearances. Congrats to the Red Sox for winning, and apologies to all my friends who are Cardinals fans.

Notable Games
Another Florida State Blowout? The last two times Florida State has played a ranked conference foe, it has been a huge blowout. And both times, I picked incorrectly against the Seminoles. I’m not making that mistake again. Some are predicting a close game. I’m not. I think this will be another big win for Florida State and will expose the weakness of Miami. I have yet to see a good game from the Hurricanes. They have barely won their last two games against average opponents. I would be a surprise if this is a close game. Florida State is just too good. I am picking Florida State by at least 2TD.

Battle of Once Beaten Big 12 Foes Last week, I picked Texas Tech to beat the Sooners, and while I was wrong, the Red Raiders played well on the road. I think being at home this week will give them the edge over a relatively good Oklahoma State team. Both teams are still in the running to win the Big 12 if someone can stop Baylor’s insane offense. This game could give a lot of momentum to the winner. Texas Tech needs the win to rebound while Oklahoma State is coming off huge win over Iowa State. This is an interesting match up and should be a good game. I am picking Texas Tech by a TD.

Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy At the beginning of the season, I thought these teams would be ranked a little bit higher going into this game. 21Michigan goes to 22Michigan State to play for possibly the chance to go to the Big 10 Championship game. Though the winner of the division can’t be decided by the game, it will go a long way especially with Nebraska’s loss last weekend. Michigan had a bye last week while the Spartans are coming off a huge blowout of Illinois. In my opinion, Michigan has been underwhelming since their win over Notre Dame. Their only loss came to Penn State in 4OT, but they should have won that game. I haven’t seen much of Michigan State, but their loss came in South Bend to Notre Dame. I think this will be a close and hard fought game, with the home crowd being the difference. I am picking Michigan State by less than a TD.

Can the Beavers Rebound? Last week, Oregon State fought hard with Stanford but lost at home and USC got a win over Utah. With a win, USC would be bowl eligible even after firing Head Coach Lane Kiffin. But I don’t think the Trojans will be able to get there this week. Sean Mannion is one of the best QBs in the country and I think he will be able to handle this USC team. But I think it will be a close game. It should also be low scoring, that is if USC’s defense can contain Sean Mannion. I think Oregon State will get a win at home this week to avenge last week’s home loss. I am picking Oregon State by a TD.

Who Will Overcome the Injuries? This game is being payed in Jacksonville, not in the Swamp. I guess you could call this the “Injury Bowl” based on the amount of players not playing. But Georgia might be getting back one of their major playmakers in Todd Gurley. I think because of Gurley’s return, the Bulldogs will have the edge over the Gators. Both teams started the season well, but have been on the decline because of the injuries. Both are pretty far from the SEC East title, but they are playing for pride and a bowl game. They are both two wins away from a bowl game, making this a must win for both teams. I am picking Georgia by a TD or less.

Can UNLV Finally Become Bowl Eligible? I almost don’t want to talk about this game because I don’t want to jinx my Runnin’ Rebels. But this might be the biggest homecoming game in recent memory for UNLV. I’m really interested in seeing how full Sam Boyd will be after last weeks big win over UNR. It has been a long time since UNLV filled the stadium, and I am hoping they can pack Sam Boyd the way they pack the Mack. They face San Jose State for the chance at bowl eligibility. You can bet I’ll be on my phone checking the score the whole game. And if they win, you won’t want to be near me. I’ll probably scream and you could possible get hit by my arm. I am picking UNLV by a TD or more.

Can Arkansas Get a Win On Senior Night? Arkansas had a bye last week to lick their wounds from a thrashing in Tuscaloosa. They get the 11th ranked Auburn Tigers in Fayetteville and it will be the last game in DWRRS for the seniors. Can they go out in style? Can they get that signature win that makes the season a success? It will be hard. Very hard. But they can. The have to play the best game they have ever played. Receivers need to catch balls, Allen needs to be accurate, the OL needs to block for Collins and Williams, the DL needs to stop that Auburn offense and the secondary needs to come up with some turnovers. They have to play lights out, no mistakes, no regrets. And I think they can. They can upset the 11th ranked team on national TV. They can get the win that says “we might not be there yet, but we are on our way.” They can show the fans Bret Bielema is the right guy. The can beat Auburn. But, that means playing at least 60 minutes mentally and physically. It will be tough. Auburn is a good team. But this is Donald W Reynolds Razorback Stadium. And it’s loud when we call the Hogs, and we love to call those Hogs, and we love to sing that Alma Mater at the end. I don’t think Auburn will be able to handle the Tusk. WPS.

Top 25
4Ohio State at Purdue
8Clemson at Virginia
Tennessee at 9Missouri
UTEP at 12Texas A&M
Mississippi State at 14South Carolina
Nevada at Fresno State
17Northern Illinois at Massachusetts
Colorado at 20UCLA
24Wisconsin at Iowa
Navy at 25Notre Dame

Other Games
Arizona State at Washington State (Thursday)
Temple at Rutgers
North Carolina at North Carolina State
Arizona at California
Minnesota at Indiana
Northwestern at Nebraska
Iowa State at Kansas State
West Virginia at TCU