IT'S BETTER THAN CHRISTMAS...

IT'S BETTER THAN CHRISTMAS...

I loved Christmas as a child. There was always exctement as I saw the gifts mount under the tree as the weeks got closer. With every new gft that was placed under the tree, the anticipation grew. Then after what seemed like forever, it was Christmas Eve. Just one more day until the day that I had looked forward to since October 13th(my birthday, i'll send you my address so you can send gifts).

Now, I am an adult. I face real responsibilities and I have to balance visiting family, how much I can spend, I have to put the toys together, etc so even though I still enjoy Christmas, it is not the same. However, tomorrow Christmas comes in September. I have had the same child like anticipation looking forward to the game. This weekend has seemed like it would never come but now it is here. So many games, and I am going to give you some predictions for the major games...

Georgia @ South Carolina
This game is always a great ball game that is won in the 4th quarter. It nrmally does not carry as much national importance but with the struggles at Florida last weekend, the winner of this game may be able to contend for the SEC East. UGA will be without their best player, AJ Green. I don't think it matters. Look for a heavy dose of the ground game as UGA will not want to put too much pressure on the freshman qb. Look for Georgia to have a conservative game plan, run the ball, play good defense, and let Blair Walsh win it with a late field goal.

Michigan @ Notre Dame
Both teams looked good in week 1. A week 1 loss is normally not a big deal but it would have been major for both of these schools. I like Michigan on the road to pull the upset. Denard Robinson has more expierence in Rich Rod's offense and I do not believe Notre Dame has the athletes to limit his big play ability. Michigan wins a good ball game.

South Florida @ Florida
Last week was terrible for Florida. This weekend will not be much better. John Brantley is a very talented qb, but I do not know if he is the guy to run this offense. Florida lacks a running game and I don't care who you are, being one dimensional is a bad thing. Skip Holtz teams play good defense and usually does not turn the ball over, so that is bad for Florida. Look for this game to be close, I would not be totally surprised if South Florida wins (of course this means Florida will win by 4 touchdowns).

THE BIG 3:

Florida State @ Oklahoma
Oklahoma has a 31 game home winning streak. FSU is bad, they play in the ACC and they are no good. I know what you are all saying. I like the Noles and here is why. They have the best qb in the country in Christian Ponder and Oklahoma has a bad secondary. Bob Stoops and co will try to mix coverages all day as he tries blitzing, playing zone, and may even try to play 13 guys on defense to slow the FSU offense. The problem for the Sooners is that FSU has one of the best OL's in the country and Ponder has enough mobility and does a god enough job avoiding pressure and makes great decisions. I think it will be fairly close, but in the end, FSU has too much speed on offense and the defense will play good enough to slow DeMarco Murray and pull the upset and start what will be a very memorable season for Noles fans.

Penn State @ Alabama
This is going to be a great game in terms of 2 proud programs who have enjoyed success over the years. Then the game will start and the Tde will Roll. I know that they will not have Mark Ingram, but they will have Richardson, McElroy, and Julio Jones. A night game on the road in Tuscaloosa is something that a freshman qb should never have to do. Tide wins by 2 touchdowns.

Miami @ Ohio State
This is the game of the day. You have 2 Heisman Trophy candidates in Terrell Pryor and Jacory Harris. You have an established program with one that is on the way back. You have 2 teams with BCS Championship dreams from under rated conferences. Ohio State has a history of not matching up with teams who can spread you out and run you up and down the field and that is what Miami will try to do. Ohio State looks to me like a miror image of this Miami team. loads of fast athletes at the skill positions, a talented and athletic quarterback, but hey have 2 things the Canes d o not. The Buckeyes have a solid veteran offensive line who has been tested which Miami has not done yet, and they have the benefit of it being in Columbus. This game means more to Miami, because they need it to prove to America that they are back. I like Harris to have a good game and keep it close, but in the end, Ohio State will win the best game of the weekend.

GA Tech hammers Kansas, Oregon rolls Tennessee, and USC destroys Virginia.

What do you think...

UNTIL NEXT TIME...