This is always a HUGE rivalry game inside the Big Ten every season no matter what the records. But, Michigan State has already beaten Wisconsin and does not have to play Ohio State this season. Meaning unless they get upset somewhere down the road they could have a great shot at the Big Ten Title. This will be the first time since 1999 that both team enter the game with 5-0 record. Michigan State is going for their third straight victory over their in state rival. In my opinion this game comes down to Michigan State's ability to get stops. We saw in last weeks game that time of possession does not matter to Michigan as Indiana nearly doubled the time with the ball. Michigan is predicated by the big play ability of QB Denard Robinson. I fully expect MSU to run the ball with their two young backs Bell and Baker and try to keep Robinson off the field as much as possible. For Michigan obviously they have to out score opponents because their defense can not cover air. But so far that as not been a problem. The amazing part about Robinson is how accurate he has become as a passer this season completing nearly 70% of his passes. Last year Robinson would come into the games and not even attempt a pass.
My Prediction: I think that MSU came off an emotional win over Wisconsin without their head coach last week. Can they get up again this week with an even better opponent? I think not, Robinson has proven to be a dynamic player and the game is in Ann Arbor, I like the Wolverines 42-34.
#12 LSU @ #14 Florida
This game will put to teams against each other that both have a negative feel around thier program. LSU enters the game coming off a bizarre win over Tennessee last week and undefeated but most of the talk around Baton Rouge is the bad time management by Les Miles and the struggling play of QB Jordan Jefferson. Florida comes in after their first loss of the season last week against Alabama. I fully expect a low scoring game in the swamp with both teams ranking in the bottom third of the country in total offense. Both teams could use two quarterbacks at some point in the game. The Gators are 37-2 against SEC opponents in the Swamp. The key for this game will be what team gives up more turnovers. Any time there are two struggling offenses' field position because very important and short fields could be the key.
My Prediction: I expect this to be a very low scoring game considering the talent these two teams possess. Turnovers will be they key so neither offense has to go very far for points. I like the home record for the Gators and feel like they have less questions than the overrated Bayou Bengals, Gators 21-17.
Other Big Games:
#23 Florida State @ #13 Miami:
I am still concerned about the amount of turnovers by Miami QB Jacory Harris. I heard last year it was because of the broken thumb but the same pattern has returned this season. Harris will be facing an extremely aggressive defense in Florida State. On the season the Noles have only allowed 15 points per game. On offense the Seminoles will continue to pound the ball on the ground where they are averaging 208 yards per game.
My Prediction: I like the Canes to find a way to keep the turnovers down and produce points on a very tough Seminole defense. I like the Hurricanes 31-17.
#1 Alabama @ #19 South Carolina:
Every week that goes by Alabama continues to prove how much distance there is between them and the rest of the country. In the first five weeks they have played Penn State, Arkansas and Florida without blemish. They have to get up again for a crazy crowd at South Carolina. The Gamecocks enter the game with the usual position under Spurrier which QB will get the more downs. Spurrier is beginning to spin his QB carousel between Garcia and Shaw.
My Prediciton: I believe that Bama is the best team in the country and there is no way the Gamecocks slow down the power running game of Ingram and Richardson. I expect Bama to be slow out of the blocks but then turn it on in the second half just as they always do, Roll Tide Roll 35-17.
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