WEEK SIX - Preview

UPSET WARNINGS

Stanford @ Notre Dame
Why it could happen: Notre Dame isn’t “back” yet. A win over Purdue only proves that Purdue still isn’t capable of playing up to their potential on a weekly basis. Stanford is the kind of team that can take advantage of Notre Dame’s mistakes.
Why it won’t happen: Notre Dame is too talented for Stanford. If the offensive line can play even average, that will give The Ostrich enough time to take advantage of a young, improving receiving corps.
J.Pike’s Pick: Notre Dame 28, Stanford 27

#15 Texas Tech @ Kansas State
Why it could happen: Kansas State seems to get up for one or two big games every year and Texas Tech is one of the most vulnerable teams in the top 20.
Why it won’t happen: Even though Mike Leach isn’t smart enough to take advantage of Kansas State’s obvious weakness against the run, they’ll still be able to take advantage of K-State’s poor tackling.
J.Pike’s Pick: Texas Tech 51, Kansas State 37

Texas A&M @ Oklahoma State
Why it could happen: Oklahoma State is riding high off their press clippings and AP top 25 recognition, but Texas A&M will actually have the two best skill players on the field (RB Mike Goodson and QB Jerrod Johnson).
Why it won’t happen: The Aggies are still sorely lacking in talent and depth along both lines of scrimmage. Zac Robinson and the Cowboy offense shouldn’t have much trouble breaking 30 points against the porous A&M defense. But this one will be much more difficult than the 24 point spread would indicate.
J.Pike’s Pick: Oklahoma State 34, Texas A&M 28

UPSET CALLS

Arizona State @ #21 California
Why it will happen: Cal’s best player, Jahvid Best, is out for the game. Meanwhile Arizona State gets Keegan Herring back in the lineup. Rudy Carpenter and the gang are hungry to prove their disappointing 2-2 start was a mirage so they’ll put together their first complete game of the season and knock Cal back out of the top 25.
J.Pike’s Pick: Arizona State 30, California 24

Ball State @ Toledo
Why it will happen: The Glass Bowl isn’t an inviting place for opponents to play, especially when you will be without the services of Dante Love. Toledo has played pretty good football against decent competition so far this year, and it will finally pay off in the win column when they knock Ball State from the rank of the undefeateds.
J.Pike’s Pick: Toledo 36, Ball State 31


Iowa (+9½) over Michigan State
Last week I called the Northwestern “upset” of Iowa. But this week 9½ points is just too much. In fact, Iowa might even be able to pull off the upset here if they can manage to slow down Javon Ringer.

Illinois (+2) over Michigan
Michigan got lucky last week when their best half of football for the season coincided with Wisconsin’s worst half of football. They won’t be so lucky this weekend. Illinois is only 2-2, but their losses were at the hands of two of the top four teams in the nation (Penn State and Mizzou). They have a decided edge in speed in this game and they’ll use it to their full advantage to get their season rolling again.

Texas A&M (+24½) over Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State always seems to start out slow in conference play. It might have something to do with their weak non-conference scheduling, but that’s another topic. A&M has some weapons, but their weaknesses lie in the trenches and on defense. Those just happen to be two areas Oklahoma State doesn’t care much about. And honestly, I’d take Jerrod Johnson and Mike Goodson over any two players the Pokes could offer. The Aggies have won each of the last two meetings by exactly one point, so don’t be surprised if they do it again.

Florida International (-7) over North Texas High
You can’t go wrong betting against the Generous Green this year. FIU is coming off a big 35-16 win over Toledo and North Texas High lost to Rice by 57 points a week ago. It’s a no brainer!

Ohio State (-2) over Wisconsin
I’m starting to feel good about Ohio State again. After promoting freshman stud Terrelle Pryor to starting quarterback, the Buckeyes seem to be back on the right track. Even in Camp Randle, I don’t see the Buckeyes stumbling in anticipation of their big showdown against Penn State on October 25th.

Other games I like, but don’t feel good enough about to give them “Lock” status:
Penn State (-12½) over Purdue
Duke (+14) over Georgia Tech
N.C. State (+8½) over Boston College
Florida (-24½) over Arkansas
Western Michigan (-4½) over Ohio
Arizona State (+9) over California
Miami (-2½) over Florida State