Overall 14-16
Power Rankings (Week 9)
1. Auburn (8-0)
2. Oregon (7-0)
3. Boise State (7-0)
4. TCU (8-0)
5. Michigan State (8-0)
6. Alabama (7-1)
7. Utah (7-0)
8. Missouri (7-0)
9. Oklahoma (6-1)
10. Ohio State (7-1)
11. Stanford (6-1)
12. Nebraska (6-1)
12. Nebraska (6-1)
13. Florida State (6-1)
14. Wisconsin (7-1)
15. LSU (7-1)
16. Arizona (6-1)
17. Oklahoma State (6-1)
18. Arkansas (5-2)
19. South Carolina (5-2)
20. Virginia Tech (6-2)
21. Miami (5-2)
22. Mississippi State (6-2)
23. USC (5-2)
24. Baylor (6-2)
25. Nevada (6-1)
Others Receiving Consideration: Hawaii, Michigan, Navy, East Carolina, NC State
#2 Oregon (-7.5) @ #23 USC
The Nike is on the other foot when Oregon meets USC at the Los Angeles Coliseum. After dominating the Pac-10 the past decade, the Trojans come into this one as the underdog, and it's the Ducks who sport the high-powered favorite. Last season, Oregon handed USC its worst loss since 1997. USC will try to return the favor on Halloween weekend this year. This is basically Southern Cal’s bowl game so they should play hard and fast, but not fast enough to keep up with Oregon and their mind boggling tempo. Oregon wins in a classic and covers on the road.
Oregon 38 - USC 28
#5 Michigan State (+7) @ Iowa
Last season, Iowa was the Big Ten's undefeated darling until falling late in the season. This season, Michigan State is playing that role and Iowa is the team that could play spoiler. This is likely the Spartans' last big test since no ranked teams are left on the schedule after the Hawkeyes. Michigan State has not won at Iowa since 1989. Iowa can’t possibly lose two in a row at home can they? Not in my mind. Sparty is knocked off, but cover the spread on the road.
Iowa 24 - Michigan State 21
#8 Missouri (+7.5) @ #12 Nebraska
After knocking off nemesis Oklahoma last week, the road doesn't get any easier for Missouri with a trip to Nebraska. Huskers QB Taylor Martinez bounced back from a rough outing two weeks ago, accounting for over 400 yards last week against Oklahoma State. The Tigers have dropped 15 in a row on the road to AP Top 25 teams, but they've won four of seven over Nebraska since losing 24 straight in the series. However, I believe Nebraska would like to send undefeated Missouri a parting shot before they leave for the Big 10. Nebraska rolls at home and covers.
Nebraska 38 - Missouri 24
#24 Baylor (+7) @ Texas
Normally, when Texas and Baylor meet, it's the Bears struggling to put wins together while the Horns are climbing the polls. It's the opposite this season. Baylor is the surprise leader of the Big 12 South, and Texas is looking to avoid its fourth loss in five games. Heading into the 100th meeting between the schools, Texas leads the series 73-22-4 and is 43-8-2 at home against the Bears. But this isn’t your same old Bears. Robert Griffin may be the most under rated talent in all of college football. Look for him to steal the show and lead the Bears to victory.
Baylor 30 - Texas 27
Florida (+3) @ Georgia
Both of these teams are headed in opposite directions despite their records. The Gators have lost three in a row and are reeling, while the Bulldogs have been riding the back of AJ Green after he returned from suspension to get back to .500. The loser of this one will be all but eliminated from SEC East contention. Florida has owned Georgia over the years, but this Gator team lacks an identity. The Bulldogs have a freshman QB who seems to have found his game with the return of Green, but what QB wouldn’t love having the future NFL star on his side. Seems impossible for Urban Meyer’s team to lose four games in a row, so look for the Gators to come out firing against the Dogs in Jacksonville.
Florida 27 - Georgia 21
