No. 10 Texas Tech @ No. 15 Oklahoma
I don’t know quite what it is, but Bob Stoops and the Oklahoma Sooners year after year simply can’t get it done– this is yet another huge opportunity. Despite coach Kliff Kingsbury’s good looks and a perfect (7-0) start, look for Oklahoma to recover, from a Texas loss that still has to sting. With the nation’s 9th-ranked defense at home, the athletic abilities of Oklahoma should prevail versus a Red Raiders squad that to be honest–really hasn’t beaten anyone that scares me. Look for a close game, however when all said and done Texas Tech should come back down to earth and Bob Stoops should get the Sooners back on track this time around.
Prediction: Texas Tech 28 Oklahoma 31
No. 12 UCLA @ No. 3 Oregon
The Bruins’ schedule in 2013, has been more than daunting and this Saturday is no different, as ESPN’s College Gameday heads to Eugene, Oregon to celebrate the matchup. #3 Oregon will be a huge test especially for the Bruins’ defense, as top Heisman candidate (for the moment) Marcus Mariota sets out to impress on a national stage and continue his dominating run (they’ve only turned over the ball 8 times). Simply put, the Ducks will roll UCLA, as Oregon will prove to be the quicker and more talented squad. Although, the offense is the unit that receives most of the attention, the Duck’s defense is also stingy compiling: 11 interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries and 20 sacks. Overall, an obviously important game in the Pac-12 conference.
Prediction: Oregon 42 UCLA 21
Tennessee @ No. 1 Alabama
Alabama has continued to Roll and in my opinion QB A.J. McCarron should be a top candidate for Heisman consideration. After shutting out what was suppose to be a decent team in Arkansas, the Crimson Tide come into Saturday boasting a stellar defense and plenty of confidence as they have allowed just 9.7 points per game. The bottom line, Alabama is the definition of balance and an upset won’t happen. Last week, Tennessee beat South Carolina with a last second field goal, so the Volunteers should be feisty to play well, however QB Justin Worley won’t be able to accomplish the feat. I see Alabama repeating a performance similar to last week, as the Tennessee offense is surely to be overwhelmed by a defensive unit laden with future NFL players.
Prediction: Alabama 35 Tennessee 7
No. 6 Stanford @ No. 25 Oregon State
Stanford is one of the biggest and most physical teams in the country and should be able to come out on top this Saturday. As the Oregon State’s passing attack has literally been on fire (Sean Mannion has completed 68.6 percent of his passes with 29 touchdowns and three interceptions). Expect the Cardinals to keep the signal caller off of the field with a powerful rushing attack featuring RB Tyler Gaffney. Although, I feel that this game will be closer than people think, in the end QB Kevin Hogan and a defense led by LB Shayne Skov should lead the way as Stanford looks to get back on track with their hopes for an outstanding season and a Pac-12 title.
Prediction: Stanford 30 Oregon State 24
No. 21 South Carolina @ No. 5 Missouri
Fans around the country are finally starting to realize that indeed Missouri is a legitimate contender, after two huge SEC victories over Georgia and Florida have propelled the Tigers into the spotlight, a No. 5 ranking and contention in college football’s toughest conference. With players such as RB Henry Josey and WR’s L’Damian Washington, Dorial Green-Beckham watch for more of the same balanced formula. Missouri’s combination of athletic receivers and new starting QB Maty Mauk should pick up where they left off last week, as Mauk has proven he can replace prior starter QB James Franklin. South Carolina’s dream season has been a bust and the defense is largely to blame, as they surrender 22.7 points a game. Things really turned to dirt, when the Gamecocks lost a heartbreaker in Knoxville this past week 23-21 and QB Connor Shaw went down with an injury. With the Gamecocks having to travel for the third consecutive week, I like Mizzou at home to continue their rise–and Spurriers’ fall into mediocrity.
Prediction: Missouri 30 South Carolina 21
Follow me on Twitter @Walloffamesport/ Like my FB Page
