WAKE FOREST at CLEMSON
Line: Clemson by 9.
Angle: Man for man, the Tigers (7-2, 4-2 ACC) have more talent, and they don’t call their home field Death Valley because it’s a pleasant place to play. There probably isn’t a more hostile home crowd in the ACC. But the Demon Deacons (6-3, 4-2) have all the intangibles – discipline, consistency, maturity. Clemson is style over substance. One of the great misconceptions is that Wake is strictly a run offense. Quarterback Riley Skinner is smart and efficient. The Tigers have the best running back combo in the nation in C.J. Spiller and James Davis. Clemson prevails, but Wake covers.
Eyes on: Wake Forest WR Kenneth Moore; Clemson WR Aaron Kelly.
PREDICTION: Clemson 34, Wake Forest 27.
MICHIGAN at WISCONSIN
Line: Michigan by 2 1/2.
Angle: The Wolverines got out of East Lansing, Mich., last week with a dramatic come-from-behind victory over Michigan State that brought more questions than answers. Michigan (8-2, 6-0 Big Ten) can’t find a way to relax in the big game, and this one is huge. A win over the Badgers (7-3, 3-3) and the Wolverines, despite their 0-2 start, can still win the Big Ten by winning at home next week against Ohio State. So much of Wisconsin’s success is based on the health of running back P.J. Hill, that when he was out last week, Ohio State stuffed the Badgers’ running game. If Hill can go hard, which seems doubtful, he and the crowd at Camp Randall will carry the Badgers. Michigan, with nothing to lose, can win this one, beat the Buckeyes and Lloyd Carr can retire.
Eyes on: Michigan RB Mike Hart; Wisconsin TE Travis Beckum.
PREDICTION: Wisconsin 24, Michigan 23.
ILLINOIS at OHIO STATE
Line: Ohio State by 15.
Angle: The Buckeyes (10-0, 6-0 Big Ten) are two wins away from guaranteeing themselves a spot in the BCS title game. This is the last home game for the seniors and juniors who will leave for the NFL. Ohio State has gotten better in every phase of the game and there is no better defense in the nation. Ron Zook has brought excitement and much better talent to Champaign, Ill., but the Illini (7-3, 4-2) don’t have the depth and Zook can’t hold a candle to Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and his staff. The only time we’ve seen the Buckeyes fail to adjust was in last season’s BCS championship game. There’s too much going for the Buckeyes to go against them. Linebacker James Laurinaitis is on our short list for the Heisman Trophy.
Eyes on: Illinois WR Arrelious Benn; Ohio St. RB Beanie Wells.
PREDICTION: Ohio State 41, Illinois 14.
CONNECTICUT at CINCINNATI
Line: Cincinnati by 6 1/2.
Angle: It took until last week’s convincing win over Rutgers before we moved the Huskies (8-1, 4-0 Big East) into our Top 25. Just can’t shake the fact that two of their wins were tainted by blown calls by officials. Having said that, one can’t dismiss the job coach Randy Edsall has done getting this team to believe. Physically they are at a mismatch almost every week, but the Huskies know their strengths and weaknesses. Cincinnati (7-2, 2-2), Rutgers and South Florida are in a three-way race to see which program breaks into the top third of the league on a perennial basis. Cincy has a great staff led by Brian Kelly and a great talent base in Ohio. The Bearcats won at Rutgers and South Florida. Watch this program.
Eyes on: Connecticut LB Danny Lansanah; Cincinnati S Haruki Nakamura.
PREDICTION: Cincinnati 38, Connecticut 21.
FLORIDA STATE at VIRGINIA TECH
Line: Virginia Tech by 6 1/2.
Angle: The Hokies bounced back from their colossal collapse at home to Boston College by crushing Georgia Tech on the road. The Seminoles (6-3, 3-3 ACC) bounced back from a meltdown against Miami to end BC’s quest to get to the BCS title game. Both quarterbacks, Florida State’s Drew Weatherford and Tech’s Sean Glennon, are coming off solid performances, and both defenses have terrific speed. The key will be whether or not Tech (7-2, 4-1) can establish running back Branden Ore. Florida State needs a healthy Andre Fluellen on the defensive line. Special teams have always been a Tech strength and a ‘Noles weakness. Don’t be surprised if the game turns on a special teams play.
Eyes on: Florida State WR De’Cody Fagg; Virginia Tech WR/PR Eddie Royal.
PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 20, Florida State 16.
Last week 2-2-1; Overall 28-21-1.