Trent's Touchdown - Week 6

Unlike past weeks, there were no major upsets last weekend. Color me shocked, as I figure Boise State would be residing in the number 4 spot right about now. Of course, we come into a weekend that would have looked great around week 2, but seems to have lost some of its luster now. More on this later. Now, on to the Touchdown.

1) No. 1 Florida at No. 4 LSU – 8:00 on CBS

You know, two weeks ago I would have figured this would have been a laugher, complete with Les Miles curling up in the fetal position at midfield for every Florida fans enjoyment. Oh the changes we’ve seen in those two weeks.

Most important was the shot to the head that Tebow took in the Kentucky game, leaving him questionable for this game. This means that John Brantley and his college career of 58 pass attempts might get to lead the defending National Champions into one of the harshest opposing stadiums in college football.

I think there is something else important at play here. With all the upsets of week 4, LSU catapulted to 4th and everyone promptly dismissed them (myself included). We figured the pretenders would be vanquished by Georgia and all would be right with the world (minus Boise State moving to the number 4 spot). However, LSU proved themselves worthy of the spot, by beating Georgia.

Even if Tebow starts, he won’t be at 100% and probably won’t be carrying the ball as much. With that, this game comes down to the team that can stop the run. Both teams have very good defenses, yet LSU relies on their defense to keep games close for their anemic offense.

Florida only needs a few chances and their run game can with this for them. I think they beat LSU but it’s going to be a lot closer than anyone will be comfortable with.

2) No. 3 Alabama at No. 20 Mississippi – 3:30 on CBS

The two teams are going in two opposite directions. Alabama is the best team not from Florida or Texas and have been beating every opponent silly. Ole Miss, on the other hand, lost to South Carolina and had issues against Vandy. Bama is not the team you want to face when you are having issues.

Over the last two games, we’ve learned by Mack Brown picked Colt McCoy over Jevan Snead. Against South Carolina, he couldn’t complete a pass. Against Vandy, he completed them, just to the other team. Ole Miss is a dangerous team because they have one of the best defenses in the nation. If the offense starts to click again, you better watch out.

Alabama just seems like a team willing to crush everyone in their path. They can beat you by running and passing the ball on offense. The defense is pure Saban, nasty and smart. Teams can’t sit back and wait for the Alabama defense to make a mistake.

If Jevan Snead gets back on track, this game could be very good. If his struggles continue, it’ll be a long game for Ole Miss. Unfortunately for Ole Miss fans, you can’t work out your problems against a team like Alabama. Alabama wins it. Roll Tide!

3) Michigan at No. 12 Iowa – 8:05 on ABC

Just when I jump on the Michigan bandwagon, they lose. Granted, I pretty much predicted they would lose, but that’s not the point. You know what this means? It means that if you are a LSU fan, you should be making hotel reservations in Pasadena.

This game really is a toss-up. Michigan has a really good, but young team. Nearly every game has been close, which either means they have trouble putting away teams or really are a middle of the road team making the best with what they have. Forcier is an extremely talented QB who has a great future in front of him.

Iowa needs to keep doing what they have been doing, which is play strong defense and serviceable offense. Stanzi needs to keep the ball out of the hands of the Michigan secondary. While a team like Arkansas State can’t capitalize on those mistakes, Michigan can.

In a close game, the Iowa home field crowd, experience, and coaching will make this a win for Iowa.

4) No. 13 Oregon at UCLA – 3:30 on ABC

I asked the Duchess which game I should put at number 4 and she said “Ducks”, so here we go. Actually, it’s a pretty good pick for someone’s whose college football knowledge comes exclusively from reading the Touchdown.

After Oregon’s disastrous opening game that would have sent lesser teams into a tail spin, they’ve ripped off 4 straight victories and are suddenly the team to beat in the Pac 10. The only question for this game is if Jeremiah Masoli will be able to play, after his knee injury against the practice squad….er, I mean, Washington State.

UCLA has been impressive so far this season, but are hoping to bounce back after last week’s loss to Stanford. They are going to need all hands on deck, so they better be praying to whatever deity to get back safety Rahim Moore, who suffered a concussion last week. He will help immensely in trying to slow down the Oregon passing attack.

However, with UCLA’s inability to move the ball through the air, it makes them pretty one dimensional. Like most good teams, Oregon can stop one dimensional teams. Oregon wins it and showcases why they are the best in the Pac 10.

5) Boston College at No. 5 Virginia Tech – 12:00 on ESPN360

I didn’t expect to be writing about this game, so it either means there is a lack of good games this week or BC is a little surprising. Seriously, the highlight of my day normally involves me giving crap to some BC fan. It’s not hard when you work in Boston.

Anyway, after the loss to Clemson, BC has been able to won back-to-back conference games, but they seem to have found some offensive rhythm. Competent QB play was the only thing holding them back from being a force to be reckoned with. If you add that in with the solid running game, BC should have no issues with moving the ball.

Virginia Tech, as always, is good on both sides of the ball. I have to say I’m most surprised at the offense, with Tyrod Taylor actually showing the ability to move the ball through the air. I just don’t understand this team. They beat up on Miami, but have issues putting away Duke.

I think the same thing happens here. BC sticks around for the whole game, but VT finally puts them away late to win it.

6) Notre Dame vs. the Bye Week

As per usual, ND makes some critical errors and bone-head plays, but somehow pulls this one out in the end.

Extra Point:

7) Once again, we visit one of my least favorite weeks in the college football season. It’s the “we’ll give you one or two interesting games, but the rest are crap” week. Unfortunately, the Duchess can spot these weekends and it becomes a shopping weekend.

The problem is that other then the LSU/Florida tilt, there is no real game I want to watch. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll watch what’s on and probably enjoy myself, but there isn’t any game that gets me excited. A cursory glance at next week and there are about 4 games I’m excited about.

I do admit that not every weekend can have classic match-ups. However, when you sandwich this in between week 5 (with the Georgia/LSU, Miami/Oklahoma, and USC/Cal games) and week 7 (RED RIVER SHOOTOUT), it gets tough to get excited about Oregon/UCLA. Don’t worry though, I will.