Campus Confidential

By Adam Abramson

I hope you listened to me. I don't recall me ever being so sure that Virginia Tech was going to win a football game, but the Hokies looked darn good in all facets.

But you all saw it, so we don't need to dwell on the past. Let's get into this weekend.

While everyone is talking LSU-Alabama, the showdown between the Tigers and Nick Saban, Ryan Perrilloux suspended, etc., there's some other really important action this weekend that didn't seem so enticing five weeks ago.

I'm talking Arizona State-Oregon, Kansas-Nebraska, Wake Forest-Virginia, Rutgers-Connecticut and Indianapolis-New England. OK, that's fodder for Bob's blog. But I've been far more successful than Bob in picking NFL games this year, so I'll take New England to cover, no Qs A'd.

Oh, disclaimer: I wrote this on the Long Island Rail Road, so if there are any typos, my apologies. No resources while writing.

Arizona State at Oregon (-7)
Both programs are having fantastic seasons. The job Dennis Erickson has done in Tempe speaks for itself. Rudy Carpenter has come alive leading that Sun Devils offense and they're playing some pretty solid defense as well. Being able to negative the big play ability of Cal's homerun hitters and showing some toughness on the ground really impressed me -- especially considering the team they beat went up to Oregon and knocked off the Ducks. As tempting as that may be, we all know that's not a way to gauge how good a team really is. The Ducks have been quite impressive in their own right and have two guys in the backfield that deserve some Heisman hype. There's a lot of firepower that will be showcased on Saturday and the better offense will win. I don't know that Arizona State's defense can continually answer the bell. Where I struggle is the spread. However, I'll give the benefit of the doubt to Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart. If the Sun Devils pull this one off, it's time to start talking BCS.

Purdue at Penn State (-7)
The Boilmakers have shown some flashes of dominance on offense and can really pick apart defenses. However, despite Penn State being up and down, the defense has been rather consisant. Dan Connor has been a rock in the middle and Curtis Painter will have his hands full with guys like Anthony Scirrotto and Justin King (the secondary has been a little out of sorts, but there's enough talent back there). The Nittany Lions really have to stop turning the ball over and take advantage of things like field position and that defense forcing turnovers because I think everyone's starting to realize what I've been saying all along: Anthony Morelli is not good.

Wake Forest at Virignia (+1)
Virginia is actually in decent shape as long as it beats Virginia Tech. However, a winning mentality is curcial for the Cavaliers at this juncture. The offense has been rather dry all season and finally it came back to haunt Al Groh's team. On the other side, Wake is a model of doing things the right way. Will mistake-free football be enough to top the Cavaliers? I'll go with yes, only because there's really no reason to put faith in the offense (well, maybe Mikell Simpson, but that's it).

Nebraska at Kansas (-19)
That line just makes me laugh. Cornhuskers everywhere must be in a state of panic. With Sam Keller out for the season, it doesn't look good for a team that played Texas rather tough last week. Expect a healthy dose of the ground game, but don't sleep on Nebraska backup Joe Ganz. It may be his first rodeo, but the junior has waited a long time for this. Kansas has done everything right to this point and I don't see the Jayhawks losing this game, but 19 points is a lot to ask, so I'll take Nebraska to cover. Rock Chalk, baby. Gotta love it.

Navy at Notre Dame (-3.5)
I don't really know what to say about Notre Dame. I actually don't think the Irish will beat Navy because that defense is going to get dog tired around Q3. Shameful.

Michgian at Michigan State (+4.5)
I like the Wolverines in my lock of the week (well, Virginia Tech was my lock, but this is close).

Rutgers at Connecticut (-3)
I've said on here and on the radio that the Big East is a very, very mini-version of the SEC and I'm sticking to it. Connecticut has been fun to watch this year and the Huskies have had their share of breaks, but I don't see it going on forever. The gravy train stops against the Scarlet Knights, as unimpressive as they've been at times. I do think that Ray Rice is rather unsatisfied with his overall body of work this year, whether he'll say it or not, and it's games like these (despite it being on ESPNU) that he makes up for his lack of week-to-week dominance.

South Carolina at Arkansas (-4.5)
What happened to the Gamecocks? I'm tempted to pick them because it's the SEC and it would make perfect sense, but the power of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones at home against a banged up team is enough for me. Steve Spurrier needs a win here before the wheels come off. Who is his quarterback? Why isn't the defense dominating? This is a game worth watching just to find out those answers because Arkansas is going to run all over 'em.

Texas at Oklahoma State (+3)
Unless Jamaal Charles can set up shop and throw another one-man party, I don't see the Longhorns winning this game. Even with all that talent, Texas has been incredibly so-so this year and there's no real reason why. If I had to give something a guess I'll go with Colt McCoy having an overall sophomore slump. Things can definitely breakdown all around if the QB isn't giving the expected output. Oklahoma State has looked good since Mike Gundy received a copy of the paper from a mother....of children. And I think that continues at home. By the way, is it me or does it seem like going to school in Stillwater would be an absolute blast? Go Pokes.

Florida State at Boston College (-6.5)
This is the perfect letdown game. Before you say "He's just bitter from last week," let me explain. There's no denying the existing talent on Florida State's roster. If you disagree, then you can't deny the athleticism that Florida State brings to the table. It's enough to outclass BC. Now, the Eagles are coming off a monumental win in Blacksburg and I'd venture to say that a handful of guys on that team feel rather invincible right now. So you have the high and mighty Eagles returning home to their rabid faithful on one side and the down-and-out Florida State Seminoles searching for a big win against someone not named Miami. Xavier Lee is suspended, so there's no worrying about the quarterback juggle this week. The entire offense can look to Drew Weatherford for leadership and he'll be there all 60 minutes. Oh, I also forgot about that 2007 curse of No. 2 teams.

Illinois at Minnesota (+11.5)
The Illini's running attack is my other lock of the week. Rashard Mendenhall is enough to give Illinois a 2-touchdown win.

LSU at Alabama (+7.5)
Alas, you probably thought I forgot. I didn't. There will surely be a ton of emotion on the LSU sidelines and the Alabama fans are ready to flaunt their fancy head coach. But I will stick to the Xs and Os. What does Alabama do well on offense? Throw to DJ Hall. What does LSU do well on defense? Everything, including cover receivers. The Tigers are going to give the Tide all sorts of fits when they have the ball. As for the flip? Les Miles' offense will be somewhat more vanilla with Matt Flynn taking every snap, but like I said while talking about FSU-BC, that's not such a bad thing. The bottom line is that LSU is far more dynamic on offense and dominant enough to stop an all-over-the-place Bama team. But it should still be fun. LSU to cover.