My players of the week selections had a bit of an off week last week, but still went 9-5 with the QB’s really bringing down the record at 1-3. The record the last 7 weeks now stands at 41-16-4 (72%), so I’m sure you’ll see some more great surprise picks again this week. First a review of last week’s selections.

My QB selections from last week:

Colt McCoy, Texas – McCoy hit 33 of 42 (78.6%) for 470 yards with two TD’s and 1 interception in the 35-3 win over UCF. McCoy was only averaging 247 passing ypg coming into the game as the 470 yards were easily a season-high. BIG WIN

Juice Williams, Illinois-Williams hit 5 of 5 (100%) for 53 yards with one TD and 0 interceptions in Illinois’ 35-32 win over Minnesota. Williams was injured in the first quarter when he fumbled on a running play. Freshman Jacob Charest replaced Williams at quarterback on the Illini’s next possession. Williams threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Cumberland on the team’s opening possession before getting hurt. Had he stayed healthy Williams was on pace for a big win but due to the injury, Loss.

Nick Foles, Arizona-Foles was 12 of 19 (63.2%) for 136 yards with one TD and 0 interceptions in the 48-7 trouncing of Washington St. Foles came in averaging 233 yards per game (72%) and his possessions were limited with Arizona returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown and jumping out to a 34-0 halftime lead. Loss.

Kevin Riley, Cal–Riley hit 19 of 34 (55.9%) for 200 yards with one TD and 0 interceptions in Cal’s 31-14 loss to Oregon St. Riley came in averaging 226 yards per game (55.5%) with a 13-2 ratio. Riley’s numbers and the team’s overall performance was clearly effected by star RB Jahvid Best’s frightening injury in the second quarter with the score 14-7. Loss.

Honorable Mentions:

Ryan Mallett, Arkansas–Mallett hit 23 of 27 (85.2%) for 329 yards and had 1 rushing TD in their 33-16 win over South Carolina. Mallett came into the game averaging 268.5 yards per game and just (54%) and the South Carolina defense was giving up just 141.3 pass ypg (53%).

Jeff Van Camp, Florida Atlantic–Van Camp was 24 of 36 (66.7%) for 254 yards with 3 TD’s and 2 interceptions in the Owls 56-29 loss to UAB. Van Camp was making his first start on the road as he was filling in for FAU’s 4-year starting QB Rusty Smith who was out for the year with a shoulder injury. Van Camp’s numbers obviously were career-highs across the board.

Zach Frazer, Connecticut–Frazer was 19 of 32 (59.4%) for 261 yards with 1 TD and 0 interceptions in the 47-45 loss to Cincinnati. Frazer was starting in place of the injured Cody Endres. Not bad numbers for the back-up quarterback on the road facing the #4 team in the country.

No Brainers:

Kyle Padron/Bo Levi Mitchell, SMU–Padron got the start and was 17 of 24 (70.8%) for 234 yards with one TD and 0 interceptions in the 31-28 win over Rice

Levi Brown, Troy – Brown was 20 of 33 (60.6%) for 251 yards with one TD and 0 interceptions in the 40-20 win over Western Kentucky. He also had 41 yards rushing (13.7 ypc).

Colin Kaepernick, Nevada–Kaepernick was 9 of 14 (64.3%) with 1 TD and 0 interceptions in Nevada’s 62-7 stomping of San Jose St. Kaepernick also ran for 115 yards (10.5) with three TD’s to lead the nation’s #1 rush offense.

Kellen Moore, Boise State – Moore was 28 of 41 (68.3%) for 354 yards with 3 TD’s and 1 interception in Boise’s 45-35 win over La Tech. The 354 yards were a season-best as he came in averaging 238 ypg.

My RB selections from last week:

Donald Buckram -Buckram became only the fourth player in NCAA history to have 200 yards rushing and 100 yds receiving in the same game in UTEP’s 45-38 overtime loss at Tulane on Saturday. Buckram amassed 343 all-purpose yards, 234 rushing (6.9) and 109 receiving on three catches. He scored 4 TD’s in the game (3 rushing and 1 receiving) including a 72-yard scoring catch. His 343 all-purpose yards are the fourth-most by a UTEP player, and the most by a Miner since 1965 as well as the second-highest total in the country this year. BIG WIN

CJ Spiller, Clemson – Spiller ran for career-high 165 yards (7.5) with one TD in the 40-24 win over Florida St. Spiller also had 3 receptions for 67 yards and a TD. Spiller broke his own school record with 312 all-purpose yards, which nearly doubled his 185 ypg average that he came into the game with. WIN

Frank Goodin, ULM-Goodin ran for 102 yards (5.4) and two TD’s in the 33-6 win over North Texas. Goodin came in averaging 88 ypg and now has 809 yards (4.9) and 12 TD’s on the season. WIN

John Clay, Wisconsin –Clay ran for 134 yards (8.9) and a TD in Wisconsin’s 31-28 win over Indiana. These numbers are amazing when you consider Clay missed the entire second half of the game with a concussion. His 8.9 ypc was a season-high. WIN

Honorable Mentions:

Daniel Thomas, Kansas St–Thomas ran for a season-high 185 yards (7.7) and one TD in the 17-10 win over arch-rival Kansas. Thomas easily had his best game of the season as the 185 yards were 85 yards over his season average coming in and the 7.7 ypc was also a season-best.

Dion Lewis, Pitt – Lewis ran for 110 yards (6.1) and a TD in the 37-10 win over Syracuse.

Mark Ingram, Alabama – Ingram ran for 144 yards (6.5) in Bama’s 24-15 win over LSU. Ingram’s rushing totals came against a LSU defense that was only allowing 114 rush yards per game (3.2) coming into the game.

No Brainer:

Ryan Mathews, Fresno State – Mathews continued his great season with 143 more yards (5.5) and three touchdowns in the 31-21 win over Idaho. Matthews is the nation’s leading rusher with 1,459 yards (7.1) and 14 TD’s on the season.

My WR Selections from last week:

Golden Tate, Notre Dame – Tate had 9 receptions for 132 yards and a TD in the shocking 23-21 loss to Navy. Tate’s averages didn’t take a hit even with the return of Michael Floyd who had 10 receptions for 141 yards and a TD. WIN

Brandon Banks, Kansas St–Banks had just one reception for five yards in the 17-10 win over Kansas. While Banks had just 65 all-purpose yards, keep in mind his touches were limited in the return game with Kansas scoring just ten points and having several turnovers. Also the Wildcat offense centered around RB Thomas who had 185 yards rushing. Loss.

Damaris Johnson, Tulsa – Johnson had 10 receptions for 144 yards and 0 touchdowns in the tough 46-45 loss to Houston. Johnson’s reception total and yards easily were a season-high. WIN

Honorable Mentions:

Jerrell Jernigan, Troy – Jernigan had 6 receptions for 81 yards and no TD’s in Troy’s 40-20 win over WKU.

Marcus Easley, Connecticut–Easley had 6 receptions for 87 yards and a TD in the 47-45 loss to #4 Cincinnati. While coming into the game Easley had 3 straight 100+ yd receiving games, the six receptions tied a season-high.

My Defense Selections from last week:

USC vs Arizona St – Last week it was the USC offense that struggled as the USC defense limited Arizona St to just 347 yards in their 14-9 win. The 347 yards allowed was the best performance by the Trojans in the past four games. A week after allowing 391 yards rushing to Oregon, USC gave up only 81 to the Sun Devils. Also the Trojan D scored a TD off a 55-yard int return. WIN.

Penn St vs Ohio St – Penn St’s poor offense and special teams play really hampered the Lions defense in this game. Ohio State’s first TD came after a big punt return by Ray Small as it was just a nine-yard drive. Penn St allowed 354 yards and 24 points which was much higher than I expected. Loss.

Honorable Mentions:

Clemson vs Florida St –The Clemson defense forced five key turnovers in their 40-24 win over the Seminoles. FSU came into the game averaging 444 ypg and 32 ppg behind the solid play of QB Ponder, but the Seminole QB threw four interceptions and tallied 392 yards of offense.

Oklahoma St vs Iowa St – The Cowboys defense was superb in their 34-8 win. OSU allowed just 242 yards (season-best) and 8 points to a Cyclone offense that was averaging 381 ypg and 22.7 ppg.

No Brainers:

Florida vs Vanderbilt –Florida’s defense was dominant as expected in their 27-3 win. The Gator defense allowed only 199 yards of total offense. While Tebow and the offense get a lot of the headlines over the past few seasons, the defense is allowing just 232 ypg. They have limited six opponents to under 100 yards rushing this year and amazingly five opponents to under 100 yards passing!

Pittsburgh vs Syracuse – The Panther defense allowed just 10 points and 285 yards of offense in their 37-10 win. Despite these great numbers, the defense was a little disappointing as my computer called for the Orange to have just 223 yards and that didn’t take into account the departure of Syracuse’s top WR Williams.

My Upset of the Week Selection from last week:

ILLINOIS over Minnesota
Another upset winner as the Illini won 35-32 and had a 351-271 yard edge as they limited the Gopher run offense to just 50 yards. What’s even more remarkable about the upset was that starting QB Juice Williams left the game with an injury in the first quarter and backup Charest played the rest of the way. WIN

Now for this week’s selections.

QUARTERBACKS:

MY QB’s of the WEEK (2 selections): Ryan Griffin, Tulane and Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame

Ryan Griffin, Tulane-Griffin is only averaging 140 pass ypg (66%) with a 4-3 ratio starting the last 3 games. Last week he threw for 278 yds (67%) with a 3-0 ratio in Tulane’s OT win over UTEP. This week he takes a step down in competition facing Rice which is dead last in my pass defense rankings allowing 257 ypg (66%) with a 21-4 ratio. Calling for a player averaging only 140 pass ypg to have a big day is certainly a surprising pick no matter who the opponent is. Also have you really ever heard of Ryan Griffin? He is a PS#45 so the potential is there for a long and successful carrier.

Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame-Clausen is #5 in the NCAA in pass ypg (308), but takes on #8 Pitt this week. Clausen is hitting 68% of his passes and has an exceptional 20-3 ratio but is coming off an upset loss to Navy in which he had career highs with 37 completions, 57 attempts and 452 yds and the 37 completions set a school record. It wasn’t all rosy for Clausen last week as he fumbled at the Navy 1 and was intercepted at the Navy 5 on back-to-back drives late 3Q, early 4Q. Although Pitt’s pass defense numbers look decent (allow 204 ypg, 57%, 11-10 ratio), they haven’t faced a strong slate of opposing QB’s so far. The only above-average pass offenses they have faced are Buffalo (433), NC St (322) and Rutgers (248) for an average of 334 ypg allowed. Clausen is superior to any other QB Pitt has faced by far and should have a big day even on the road at #8 Pitt.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Andy Dalton, TCU-The national spotlight is now on the Frogs who hopped over Cincinnati in the BCS standings last weekend and now get a visit from the Game Day crew for what has become the MWC championship game. Dalton is #4 on the NCAA pass efficiency charts averaging 209 ypg (64%) with a 16-3 ratio with 341 net yds rushing and he has been steady in the big games this year passing for 215 ypg (63%) with a 6-0 ratio and 118 rush yds vs Virginia, Clemson and BYU. My computer is calling for the Frogs to have 452 total yds including 223 pass yds and 35 pts vs Utah’s #18 ranked defense and for Dalton to lead them to their first MWC crown since 2005.

Joe Cox, Georgia-Cox has had a rollercoaster season throwing for 375 yds and a 5-1 ratio at Arkansas, but then throwing for just 146 with an 0-2 ratio in a blowout loss to Tennessee and 165 yds with a 2-3 ratio vs Florida. Prior to last week’s game vs FCS Tennessee Tech, HC Richt gave Cox his vote of confidence and said they will stick with him the rest of the year because he gives them the best chance to win. Cox only threw for 140 yds with a 2-0 ratio before giving way to backup Gray last week in a 38-0 win. This week Cox must prove himself worthy of Richt’s confidence versus their rival Auburn. Auburn ranks #29 in my pass defense rankings allowing just 191 ypg (54%) with a 12-12 ratio, but has faced many run-oriented teams this year. Against the more balanced offenses they’ve faced (WV, Tenn, Ark and LSU), Auburn has allowed 272 pass ypg. UGA needs to win this game to quiet their critics and Cox will have to have a solid game for that to happen. Picking a QB only averaging 209 pass ypg (58%) with a 17-12 ratio vs the #29 pass defense is a surprising pick.

Sean Canfield, Oregon St-This guy is quietly having a great season averaging 265 pass ypg (70%) with a 13-5 ratio. Canfield has had four 300+ yd passing games including 3 versus the tough D’s of UCLA (305), USC (329) and Arizona (303) which are all in the top 26 of my pass defense rankings. This week Canfield takes on Washington’s #101 pass defense which is allowing 263 pass ypg (66%) and my computer predicts that Canfield will throw for 350 yds!

No Brainers:

Colt McCoy, Texas-McCoy is averaging 272 pass ypg (73%) with a 17-9 ratio. He put himself back in the Heisman conversation after throwing for 470 yds (79%) with a 2-1 ratio last week versus UCF. With a win this week, he will tie Georgia QB David Greene for the NCAA record of 42 career wins. This week Texas takes on a banged up Baylor squad that is #52 in my pass D rankings allowing 235 ypg (61%) with a 13-9 ratio. My computer predicts McCoy will throw for 308 yds which would be just his fourth 300+ yd passing game this year.

Joe Webb, UAB-Webb is one of the best athletes playing QB in the entire country. His passing stats won’t blow you away, but when you look at his rush numbers you can’t help but be impressed. Webb is #10 in the NCAA averaging 126 rush ypg, which is even more impressive when you factor in the 97 yds he has lost due to sacks. He had is best passing day of the season last week vs FAU as he threw for 292 yds (74%) & 4 TD’s, while also rushing for 120 yds (8.0) & 2 more TD’s. This week he faces a Memphis defense that is ranked #105 in NCAA allowing 433 ypg. The Tigers were scorched by Tenn for 429 pass yds last week & are also allowing 221 ypg rushing in CUSA play. Look for Webb to have another big day though the air & on the ground.

RUNNING BACKS:

MY RB’s of the WEEK: Roy Helu, Nebraska, Darius Ashley/Vic Anderson, Louisville, Leon Wright-Jackson/Alex Green, Hawaii, and John Clay/Montee Ball, Wisconsin.

Roy Helu, Nebraska-Helu is finally healthy and proved it last week with 138 rush yds (6.9) vs Oklahoma. On the season, Helu only has 806 yds (5.8) averaging 89.6 rush ypg with three 100+ yd rush games. Nebraska controls their own destiny in the Big 12 North race and travels to Kansas this week. KU is reeling off 4 straight losses, but has only allowed 118 rush ypg (3.6). However versus the 2 strong running teams they have faced recently, KU allowed 266 yds (6.2) to K-St last week and 219 yds (5.1) vs Iowa St. I expect back-to-back 100 yd games from Helu.

Darius Ashley/Vic Anderson, Louisville-Anderson leads the team with 480 rush yds (5.6), but has missed the last 2.5 games with a shoulder injury. Last week rFr Ashley took over rushing for 164 (5.0) which is the best output by far for a UL RB this year. Anderson might return this week from injury which only bolsters the running game for a must-win game versus Syracuse this week. Syracuse is banged up with 4 more players lost this week (3 starters) including super DT Jones and Safety Suter. Ashley led the team to its highest rushing output all year last week (201 yds, 4.7) and they could top that with Anderson back versus a banged up Syracuse team.

Leon Wright-Jackson/Alex Green, Hawaii-No, these two aren’t WR’s listed in the wrong category, and no, this isn’t a typo either. The Warriors utilize the “Run-&-Shoot” offense in which 75% of its yardage output is compiled through the passing game and UH made a concerted effort to get back to more of a wide-open passing scheme this season after trying to squeeze more yardage out of the ground game last year. However, in the midst of a six-game losing streak, the Warriors leaned a little heavier on their run game in last week’s 49-36 victory over Utah State as Hawaii recorded 697 total yards of offense (just 44 yards shy of the school record) with 360 of those yards coming on the ground. Wright Jackson (PS#8) rushed for a career-high 167 on just 15 carries (11.1 ypc) with 3 TD’s and Green (PS#44JC) chipped in with 110 yards on just 10 attempts (11.0 ypc). The end result was the most rushing yards by the Warriors in 14 years as Wright-Jackson & Green became the first UH RB tandem to crack the century mark in the same game since 1993. Last week’s output brings Hawaii’s rushing average up to 111.3 ypg & while the Warriors won’t go away from passing the ball, look for them to utilize their “new found” rushing attack for at least another week going up against a New Mexico State defense that is allowing 200.3 ypg and the Aggies’ initial focus on the bye week was to only stop Hawaii’s passing game.

John Clay/Montee Ball, Wisconsin-The Badgers take on a reeling Michigan defense which is allowing a league worst 33.3 ppg and 191 rush ypg (4.8) due to a smallish defensive front and a thin back 7 which now starts 2 former walk-ons. I used Clay as my RB of the week last week and he ran for 134 yards (8.9) and a TD despite missing the entire second half of the game with a concussion. Ball took his place and rushed for 115 yds (4.3) and 2 TD’s.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Toby Gerhart, Stanford-With his huge 223 yd & 3 TD performance vs Oregon, Gerhart’s name has popped up in Heisman chatter. Gerhart is #2 in the NCAA rushing with 1,217 yds (5.2) and his 16 TD’s rank 2nd in the nation. Now he takes on a Trojan defense which has softened as the season has gone on allowing 452 ypg the last 4 including the eye popping 391 yds (8.0) rushing 2 weeks ago to an Oregon team which Stanford just beat last week. Taking any RB against the mighty Trojans falls into the surprise category.

Jonathan Franklin, UCLA-Here’s definitely a surprise pick as Franklin only has 510 rush yds (4.4) and only has two 100+ yd rush games this year. Last week he was held to 7 carries after an ankle injury. My computer predicts that UCLA will rush for 176 yds with the bulk of that going to Franklin as long as he is healthy. WSU is allowing 229 rush ypg (5.7).

Warren Norman/Zac Stacy, Vanderbilt-Here’s a pair of true freshmen RB’s that no one has heard of from a 2-8 Vanderbilt team. Norman actually leads the SEC in all-purpose ypg (169.6) and has tied an SEC record with 3 kick return TD’s this year. Norman leads Vanderbilt with 658 rush yds (5.7) and Stacy is #2 with 421 (4.6). Stacy was the starter at the beginning of the year until suffering an injury and is finally healthy again so that he has been able to split carries with Norman the last 2 games. VU is averaging 171.5 ypg rushing and faces Kentucky which is allowing 188 rush ypg (4.8) which is last in the SEC.

Andre Anderson, Tulane-Anderson has been steady, but not spectacular this year with 778 rush yds (4.5) and 7 TD’s averaging 86.4 rush ypg. Anderson has had three 100+ yd rush games but one was versus FCS McNeese St, so calling for a big day from him is a surprise. This week Tulane takes on 0-9 Rice that is allowing 197 rush ypg (4.8), so Anderson should have this fourth 100+ yd rush day.

No Brainers:

Donald Buckram, UTEP-For the fourth straight week I am mentioning arguably the hottest RB in the nation. Buckram has not disappointed the previous 3 wks as he has 563 rush yds (6.4), 165 rec yds (23.5) & 9 total TD’s. This week Buckram faces a SMU defense that is allowing 163 rush ypg & 28 ppg at home. I expect Buckram to continue to be a factor in the passing game, so he is definitely a no-brainer.

WIDE RECEIVERS:

MY WR’s of the WEEK: AJ Green, Georgia, Keith Smith, Purdue, Jeremy Williams, Tulane, and James Cleveland, Houston.

AJ Green, Georgia-Green is the top receiver in the SEC leading in receiving ypg (91.5) and receptions per game (5.5). Green sat out last week’s game vs FCS Tennessee Tech with a bruised lung, but is expected to play this week vs rival Auburn in a must-win game for bowl positioning. Despite leading the SEC, Green only has two 100+ yd receiving games this year and hasn’t had a 100+ yd game since September 26th, so this qualifies as a surprise pick since he’s facing the #29 pass defense in my rankings. Auburn is very thin in the secondary after losing their starting FS Etheridge last week to injury and the Dawgs will exploit Auburn’s injury riddled defense with Green having a big game despite coming off an injury.

Keith Smith, Purdue-The Boilers must win out to go to bowl and face a forgiving Michigan St secondary which has allowed the 2nd most TD passes in the country (22). Smith leads the conference in receptions with 70 and receiving yds (863) and at 6’2” 226 is a tough matchup vs the Spartans struggling secondary.

Jeremy Williams, Tulane-Williams is one of the top receivers in CUSA with 62 receptions for 879 yds (14.2) and leads the conference in receiving ypg (97.7), but probably isn’t very well known outside of CUSA. Williams has four 100+ yd receiving games this year (but just 1 in the last 4 games), but should be a safe bet to have a big day vs Rice’s pass defense which is last in my pass D rankings allowing 257 ypg and should add to his TD total (just 3 currently) as Rice has allowed a 21-4 ratio this year.

James Cleveland, Houston-Cleveland (PS#50) was a chosen for the Big Ten All-Freshmen Team at Iowa in ’07, so you know he has talent. He spent a year in JC & then found his was to Houston’s pass happy attack. He leads the nation’s #1 pass offense (434 ypg) with 74 rec (11.5) & 11 TD’s. Over the past 2 gms, Cleveland has 357 rec yds (14.3) & 5 TD’s. This week Houston faces a UCF defense that allowed 470 pass yds to Texas last week, including 273 yds to 1 player (Shipley). My projections show the Cougars with 463 pass yds this week so Cleveland & the Cougars should have a field day against a UCF secondary that features 2 true frosh & a converted QB in the starting lineup.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

TE Ed Dickson, Oregon-Dickson is Oregon’s top receiver so I’ll include him in the blog this week. Dickson has 34 receptions for 464 yds (13.6) this year and two 100+ yd receiving games. This week Oregon is off a disappointing loss, but still controls their own destiny in reaching the Rose Bowl. Arizona St is #17 in my pass defense rankings allowing 204 ypg (53%) with an 11-14 ratio, but allowed 351 pass yds to Cal and 279 to Washington. Since ASU is solid in rush defense allowing just 87 ypg (2.8), the Ducks will be forced to take to the air and Dickson is a sure-handed target.

Shay Hodge, Mississippi-Hodge is an under-the-radar guy on a run-first team who is quietly having an outstanding year. Hodge has 45 receptions for 733 yds (16.3) and last week had 7 receptions for 169 yds (24.1) with 2 TD’s. This week he takes on Tennessee’s strong secondary led by AA SS Eric Berry. UT ranks #19 in my pass defense rankings only allowing 176 pass ypg (56%) with a 4-7 ratio, so this isn’t a gimme pick. UT has some off-field problems to deal with this week including their starting FS Janzen Jackson that could be distracting for the team. Plus they don’t have much depth on defense to begin with. Hodge has been overshadowed by all-purpose guy Dexter McCluster, but with McCluster getting more carries at RB out of necessity, Hodge should get more passes his way. If Hodge has a big day vs Berry and Co. then that is a great surprise pick.

No Brainers:

Jordan Shipley, Texas-Shipley broke Texas’ all-time receiving record last week in a career day with 273 yds on 11 catches vs UCF. He is the frontrunner for the Biletnikoff Award with 75 receptions for 1,050 yds (14.0) with 6 TD’s ranking #2 in the NCAA in rec pg and #4 in receiving ypg. Shipley has five 100+ yd receiving games this year and takes on a Baylor defense allowing 235 pass ypg (#52 in my rankings).

DEFENSES:

MY DEFENSES of the WEEK: TCU, Oregon and Ohio St

TCU vs Utah-This is TCU’s last real threat to keep them out of the BCS and both teams are undefeated in MWC play. TCU is #3 in the NCAA in total defense allowing just 241 ypg and #5 in the NCAA in scoring defense allowing 11.2 ppg. Utah averages 411 total ypg and 29 ppg, but my computer predicts that TCU will hold them to 215 total yds and 9 points (one-third of their season average!). TCU will leave no doubters after this one.

Oregon vs Arizona St-Oregon is off a disappointing loss to Stanford, but still controls its own destiny in reaching the Rose Bowl. This week the Ducks take on an Arizona St team averaging 354 total ypg and there is a possibility that ASU might be starting true freshman QB Brock Osweiler in his first career start at Autzen stadium. Osweiler took over last week and threw for 153 yds with a 1-1 ratio after starter Danny Sullivan was yanked after throwing 2 ints. Oregon allows 418 ypg and 20.9 ppg, but my computer predicts that Oregon will hold ASU to 240 yds and 13 points.

Ohio St vs Iowa-The Bucks dominated the line of scrimmage vs Penn St and rattled the Big Ten’s best QB Clark holding the Lions to Clark-era lows in points (7), FD’s (9) and yards (201). The Bucks now return to the Horseshoe to face an injury-riddled Iowa offense which will be without 3 offensive starters including QB Ricky Stanzi. The Hawks will start an all freshmen backfield with true frosh RB Wegher and rFr James Vandenberg who hit just 9 of 27 for 82 yds with 1 int in relief during last week’s game vs Northwestern. The Bucks will be ready to tee off on a QB making his first road start in what is the de facto Big Ten championship game. Iowa averages 350 yards per game on offense and is #15 in the country.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

UCLA vs Washington St-I think picking 2 Pac-10 defenses in the same week would be considered a surprise by most folks. UCLA is middle of the Pac at #5 in the Pac 10 in total defense allowing 359 total ypg and #5 in scoring defense allowing 23 ppg. This week they take on a Washington St team still under construction and my computer said they will hold them to 13 pts and 289 total yds and both of those totals are well under UCLA’s season averages.

Boise St vs Idaho-Boise comes in #10 in the NCAA in total defense allowing just 272 ypg and #14 in scoring defense allowing just 16 ppg. This week they take on an Idaho team that is averaging 437 ypg (#22 in the NCAA) and 30.8 ppg (#31). My computer predicts that Boise will hold Idaho to just 277 yds and 21 points, which are both well below their averages, but I think after last week’s scare vs Louisiana Tech, Boise will go for the throat in this instate rivalry to stay in the BCS hunt.

UPSET OF THE WEEK:

MY PICK for UPSET OF THE WEEK: UTEP over SMU

Last year UTEP outgained SMU 544-201 and won convincingly 36-10. This year UTEP is off a crushing overtime loss to Tulane in which they allowed the Green Wave to tie the game with :01 left. At 3-6 UTEP is in a must-win situation if they want to keep bowl hopes alive while SMU theoretically just needs to win 1 of their last 3 games to be bowl eligible. SMU has struggled a bit versus ground-oriented teams allowing 240 rush ypg vs UAB, TCU, East Carolina and Navy with a 2-2 record in those games. UTEP is still the only team to beat CUSA leader Houston (8-1 with 2 wins over Big 12 teams), so I think the Miners will pull out all the stops this week and RB Buckram has been outstanding with 3 consecutive 100+ yd games including 234 yds (6.9) and 3 TD’s last week.