Campus Confidential

Oklahoma State at Texas (-12.5)
Abramson: I don't see the Longhorns stumbling in this one. Oklahoma State is a team playing with a lot of confidence after shocking most of the country with that Missouri win. But at this point, I just can't see much slowing down what Texas is doing on offense. The Cowboys are outstanding at running the football with Kendall Hunter and keeping teams off balance with Zac Robinson as a dual-threat, but Texas' defense is light years better than Missouri's and will give more fits than OSU can handle. 38-17.

Rose: Texas has looked too good to doubt the Longhorns at this point. There was absolutely no letdown last week against Missouri after the big win over Oklahoma. Offensively, Colt McCoy is clearly the Heisman frontrunner and has a variety of good weapons to score points. The defense is quietly doing a solid job, with a bend but don't break mentality. The Cowboys could cause problems with quarterback Zac Robinson and running back Kendall Hunter. I think Oklahoma State will score, but not enough. Texas rolls on, 44-33.

Alabama (-5) at Tennessee
Abramson: Everyone is waiting for Alabama to stumble in that deep conference, and Tennessee presents a trap road game scenario. The Vols are under .500 large-in-part to an offense that averages less than 300 yards a game, which is sad when you have that kind of depth in the backfield. I see Alabama losing this year, but I see it in Death Valley two weeks from now. Alabama gets Phil Fulmer that much closer to losing his job, 24-10.

Rose: Alabama has been living dangerously. The Crimson Tide only beat Kentucky 17-14, following the big win over Georgia. Then Alabama had a big halftime lead on Mississippi, but had to hold on for a 24-20 win. Alabama hasn't really put together a full game lately. The Crimson Tide seem to play well for a half, and then hang on for the win. The offense has been disappearing at times during games. This will all catch up with Alabama. This is the week. Tennessee has had a nightmare season thus far, but the Vols get Alabama at home. Tennessee pulls the upset, 24-23.

Penn State (-2.5) at Ohio State
Abramson: This game has to strike fear into the hearts of the Penn State faithful. But one group I don't feel is rattled is the bunch that will strap the blue and white pads on this weekend. Ohio State and Terrelle Pryor are whining like Rodney Dangerfield about respect, but PSU won't buy into it. Penn State respects what Ohio State is bringing to the table, and it's quite good, but I feel PSU is mentally tougher than any of the teams in the past -- mostly because of a steady hand at quarterback for the first time since Michael Robinson. Nittany Lions win with tough defense and grinding it out on the ground, 20-13.

Rose: This game is an absolute toss-up. The Big Ten doesn't have a title game. But it gets one this week. Penn State has national title hopes. Ohio State is playing its best football of the season. I know -- Penn State hasn't won in Columbus since 1978. But the game will be decided on these key factors. For Penn State, the game will be won with the lines. If Penn State's offensive line can get to the second level of the Ohio State defense and pick off the linebackers, the Nittany Lions should be able to roll up the yards and points. On defense, the front four must stop the emerging rushing tandem of Chris Wells and Terrelle Pryor. If Pryor is forced to beat Penn State with his arm, expect Tom Bradley to turn up the blitzes. Ohio State -- with Wells leading the way -- must get good chunks of yardage early on. The Buckeyes simply can't put Pryor in 3rd-and-long situations. While Pryor is a phenomenal athlete, he has a tendency (which isn't unusual for a young quarterback) to hold the ball too long and can't afford to do that against Penn State's defense. Ohio State's defensive line must play like it did last week against Michigan State -- shut down the run and pressure Daryll Clark. I think this game will come down to late a turnover and a big field goal. Penn State wins, 23-20.

USC (-15.5) at Arizona
Abramson: I'm liking the favorites so far, because I think Southern California, along with Texas and PSU, is the hottest team in the country. The swagger is back, as the Trojans have scored 97 points and given up ZERO in the last two games. Go back one more week and you're talking 143-10 combined score since the loss. I don't see the loss total going any higher this year, and I think Arizona is about to meet an avalanche of a football team that can hang 600 yards on you in just three hours, 42-15.

Rose: I've had this game circled all season as a potential upset. Arizona's offense is pretty good with quarterback Willie Tuitama, running back Nic Grisgby and wide receiver Mike Thomas. That trio could cause big problems for USC. I was impressed by Arizona's win over Cal last week, but I've got to wonder how the Wildcats lost to New Mexico and Stanford. I think this game may be close for a while, even into the third quarter, but USC looks so focused now. The Trojans are rolling and I think they could be even more focused if one of the top three teams in the polls stumbles early in the day. USC gets a big win, 41-27.

Georgia at LSU (-2)
Abramson: Tough call...Always is...But I don't know if it is as tough as years past. LSU's offense is a far cry from last year and it can't keep up with a punishing Georgia team. Sure, LSU can leave some black-and-blue marks on defense, but you're talking about Knowshon Moreno, who is a superior talent to guys like Mike Davis, Anthony Dixon, Jeffrey Demps and Ben Tate. A well-crafted offensive gameplan by Georgia, setting up the run by throwing A.J. Green and Mohamed Massaquoi early on will translate into a 18-13 win on the road.

Rose: Really a tough game to pick. LSU's defensive line can cause all sorts of problems for Georgia's young offensive line. But the key matchup is Georgia's wide receivers against LSU's secondary. The Tigers' secondary is not as formidable as in seasons past. If Matthew Stafford can get some time, A.J. Green and Mohamed Massaquoi could be open for big plays. I think Georgia's speed on defense can be big trouble for LSU. I know this game is in Death Valley, but Georgia is a good road team. The Bulldogs prevail, 24-21.

Texas Tech at Kansas (-1)
Abramson: Can Kansas stop Texas Tech? Not gonna happen. But what can happen is the Jayhawks keep up with Texas Tech and create some opportunities late if the Red Raiders start to press. These two teams combine for about 80 points per game, so watch this one if you need a fire lit under you Saturday afternoon (at noon). Las Vegas thinks Kansas will win this game, especially considering the line has moved in KU's favor. In what will be the game of the week, I will take Texas Tech, 48-43. 91 points should do.

Rose: They better make sure the scoreboard is working before this game because there will undoubtedly be a ton of points scored. Kansas, with quarterback Todd Reesing, can score with the best around. I'm more curious how Kansas plans to slow down Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech. Texas Tech's defense hasn't looked good, giving up 21 points per game this season. In fact, Texas A&M was able to score 25 points against the Red Raiders. I really think Texas Tech could be looking ahead to No. 1 Texas the following week. The Jayhawks pull the upset, 50-47.

Rutgers at Pittsburgh (-10.5)
Abramson: Pittsburgh is putting a good football team on the field this season ever since getting socked in the mouth by Bowling Green during Week 1. LeSean McCoy's 115 yards per game give the Panthers a chance every time they take the field. Rutgers' defense isn't what it has been in years past, and I don't know that they can keep McCoy from hitting a home run if he gets the ball 25 times, which he should. Remember how the Scarlet Knights used to beat up on everyone with Ray Rice...taste of your own medicine time. Pittsburgh 31-14.

Rose: Pittsburgh has turned it around and running back LeSean McCoy has become a star. Rutgers hasn't been able to find any offense, but the defense has played well in spots this season. McCoy, however, is the best running back the Rutgers defense has faced. I think McCoy carries the ball at least 30 times and Pittsburgh's defense forces a few turnovers. The Panthers win this one, 27-6.

Virginia at Georgia Tech (-14)
Abramson: Not many are talking about it, but Virginia is hot right now. They're definitely on a high after beating North Carolina in overtime. Can they carry that mo' on the road to Atlanta? It's really all about turnovers for Georgia Tech. If they don't make it easy for the Cavs, then a pedestrian football team cannot beat the Yellow Jackets. However, like I said, the Cavaliers are anything but pedestrian. I don't know that this team can win on the road, though. I'll take the Yellow Jackets 17-13.

Rose: The spread for this game is definitely way too big. Virginia is playing really good football and is coming off a nice win over North Carolina. For a team that looked horrible early in the season, the Cavs have made a complete turnaround. But it has to end, doesn't it? Virginia will keep this game close throughout, but I really like Georgia Tech's defense. The Yellow Jackets wins a tight one, 16-14.

Virginia Tech at Florida State (-5.5)
Abramson: I really hate how I have to pick Virginia Tech games. The team is far too young to have any business competing in this football game, but there is talent there that will likely put them in a position to win. The problem is, I don't know how the Hokies will respond to FSU's speed. The Noles have done a good job of outcoaching Tech over the years, and I see it happening again Saturday. 24-13.

Rose: I have always thought that Florida State would be a factor in the ACC race this season. OK, the 12-3 loss to Wake Forest wasn't good, but the Seminoles are really looking good now. Christian Ponder is starting to look comfortable at quarterback and running back Antone Smith has played well since the Wake Forest game. Florida State can score. Virginia Tech, however, is still having some problems on offense. The Hokies are running the ball fine, but Florida State's defense is very fast. Tyrod Taylor is going to need to complete some big passes. I don't see it happening. Florida State wins its fourth straight, 24-16.