Fact: The Miami Hurricanes read Campus Confidential yesterday and used it as motivation. (OK, not fact)
Fact: You'll have a problem when you have a three-headed rushing attack and one of the heads doesn't get a single touch in the first 30 minutes of a football game.
I figured the Aggies would have a tough time playing defense against Miami's athletes, but I didn't figure Dennis Franchione and his staff would be completely out coached. Right now all of the Big XII is smiling because they've been saying it all along. Texas A&M was a complete mess last night.
How do you not get Jorvorskie Lane the ball? I mean, it's not like the coach forgot he was around, he's impossible to miss. He had seven touchdowns in the first three games and left Miami with just two carries. That's embarrassing.
Definite props to Miami. They were definitely playing with an extra bounce in the step and the defense was flying to the ball while playing very disciplined. With a little time, I am liking Randy Shannon's chances in Coral Gables. The recruiting class he's putting together this year is insane. He has 17 verbal commitments, 15 are from Florida. Five are from the nation's top prep program, Miami Northwestern High.
Heck, if I saw Sebastian the Ibis crankin Soulja Boy on the field, I'd sign right up (see video, and remember the Barney video I posted about three weeks ago). It was also featured as the Campus Craze on the telecast.
But enough about last night. There's five great games to watch this Saturday.
No. 12 South Carolina at No. 2 LSU (-19)
South Carolina was able to use its defense to top Georgia between the hedges, but it ain't gonna happen in Death Valley. If I'm Les Miles, I'm sitting Matt Flynn with that ankle sprain for one more week. He's definitely earned his bones to be the starter, but Ryan Perriloux should play against a good defense (Flynn proved he can handle the challenge against LSU). Let Flynn rest and get him geared up for the rest of the season. There's a lot of points to cover and the Gamecocks haven't been letting up that many points this season. 34-16 is not a cover, so I'll say LSU to win, but not cover.
North Carolina at No. 23 South Florida (-13)
Exciting times in Tampa. The Bucs beat division rival New Orleans this week and the Bulls are playing their first game as a ranked squad. The game is on at noon on ESPN. Just watch it and keep an eye on Mike Ford, the USF running back. North Carolina isn't working with a lot at this point outside of quarterback T.J. Yates, so I'm not confident in the Tar Heels covering the points.
No. 10 Penn State at Michigan (+3)
I'm nervous if I am a Penn Stater (that goes for you, Mike). These are the kind of games that you flip on the TV and hold your breath for 200 minutes. Michigan is sure to play with a little extra bounce in its step, but one glaring fact remains: the Wolverines still can't play defense. Well, the Nittany Lgions can play offense. I like Penn State to cover, but it'll be close for a while. If Anthony Morelli tanks, someone bless this young man because I don't know if he'll be forgiven.
No. 21 Kentucky at Arkansas (-7)
My heart goes out to the Wildcats. I'm sure nobody was pulling for the Razorbacks last week more than Kentucky (although the thrillers were on at the same time). Rich Brooks' boys are walking into the belly of the beast because Arkansas is rather ticked. Kentucky has been rather susceptible against the run this year which means Darren McFadden is primed to snap off another 200 yard game and work his way back into Campus Confidential's Heisman watch. I like Arkansas to cover, but I also like Andre Woodson to have another big game. Arkansas' pass defense just looked pathetic at times against Alabama.
No. 22 Georgia at No. 16 Alabama (-3.5)
If the underdog Bulldogs decide they want to play offense, they'll win this game no problem. The question is, will they want to play offense? The Tide is high after what will go down as one of the top five games of the year and that emotion can be a powerful thing for a 6 p.m. kickoff (will it be 5 Tuscaloosa? I'm pretty sure). I'm having a hard time picking a winner in this one. It's only Week 4 but Georgia really has its back against the wall with an SEC loss under its belt. Georgia is once again starting two true freshman on the offensive line and Mark Richt has said publicly they should not be playing. Can I just not pick? I guess that's not possible. I'm going with Georgia. Don't prove me wrong again, Nick Saban.
Two locks for you. First, Clemson will destroy N.C. State. James Davis and C.J. Spiller should both clip 100 yards because the Wolfpack are atrocious against the run. Clemson giving just seven is a gift.
The other is Southern Cal hosting Washington State. With all of the athletes the Trojans have, there's no shame in putting up 60 points. USC is giving up 25 points but will win by at least 28. John David Booty is looking for a 5-TD game.
Happy watching.