College Football Weekend Setup

Week 10 is already here and the national championship picture now has taken shape. Two teams know that if they win out they should be in the championship game (Auburn and Oregon), three non AQ teams looking for one of them to fall (Boise St.,Utah, and TCU), and then you have the one loss teams praying for the right set of circumstances to get in (Alabama, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Ohio St, LSU, Missouri, Stanford, Michigan St, Iowa, Oklahoma St.).

There are some tremendous games of importance this week starting with BCS No.3 ranked TCU as they take thee spotless record to Utah, the No.5 ranked BCS team. Alabama is the highest ranked one loss team (and that is huge with their upcoming showdown with Auburn) and will be taking on LSU in an SEC showdown. Arizona faces Stanford with the loser falling out of the Pac-10 race. It's just a big defining weekend in College Football. Let's break down the three biggest games of the weekend

TCU vs. Utah - This is the first time the Mountain West Conference has two teams facing off ranked in the top 10. Both of these teams hang their hat on their defense. TCU is vying to lead the nation in total defense for third straight season. TCU also leads the nation in scoring defense, pass defense, fewest first downs allowed per game and opponent third-down conversion percentage. The Utes are no slouches either, Utah is ranked in the top 10 in the nation in total defense, scoring defense, pass defense, opponent first downs, opponent third-down conversions and opponent fourth-down conversions. With two great defenses on the field, Quarterback play will be at a premium. Andy Dalton is the more experienced one in this game. He is the active leader in wins with 38 and hopes to add one more to his total with this game. Jordan Wynn of Utah is more athletic than Dalton and leads the MWC in passing averaging 238.5 yards a game. This is an epic clash of two similar teams. Since the they are so evenly matched, the team that limits its mistakes will win the game. I look for it to be a close game but TCU's experience will pull this one out in a close one. The Pick: TCU

Alabama vs. LSU - Bama has positioned themselves perfectly in the scheme of things. If they can win out the rest of the year (which is no easy task with LSU,Mississippi State, and and the Iron Bowl with Auburn, then the SEC championship with a likely rematch against South Carolina) than they would deservedly be in the National title game. No team has played a slate like Alabama, and thats why they should be where they are now. I still will take them on a neutral field against ANYBODY, including Oregon. LSU(with my favorite coach of all-time Les Miles) still has an outside shot for the SEC west crown. LSU needs to win out in the SEC against Alabama, Mississippi and No. 17 Arkansas then hope unbeaten Auburn - the only team to beat LSU - loses to Georgia or 'Bama. Sorry Tigers fans but thats not happening. I look for Bama to wear down the Tigers with their dual RB threats Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. There is just no way the anemic offense of the Tigers will be able to score on the Crimson Tide. LSU will keep it close thanks to there good defense but just don't have a offense capable to beating Bama. The Pick: Bama

Arizona vs. Stanford - Andrew Luck is probably the best QB in the nation. He just annihilated Washington in the much hyped battle with Jack Locker (so much for him going number 1 in the draft, thanks Mel Kiper) and will lead his Cardinal versus the multi faceted offense of the Wildcats. Something has to give in this game as Stanford (7-1, 4-1) is fifth in the FBS in scoring at 42.4 points, while Arizona (7-1, 4-1) seventh in the nation in scoring defense at 14.4 points. Arizona's injured starter Nick Fowles will try to give it a go but even if he doesn't, Arizona looks to be fine at that position. The offense put up 583 yards with backup Matt Scott directing last week. I am interested in seeing what kind of defensive scheme Jim Harbaugh comes up with. If you haven't seen the Wildcats play, then your in for a treat. They are multi-talented with a two headed running back tandem featuring Nic Grigsby and have some of the best receivers in college football especially Juron Criner. I predict a high scoring game and think Stanford is in for a let down. The Pick: Arizona

Game of the Week - TCU vs. Utah. This is easily the biggest game of the year for non BCS conference teams.

Most Intriguing game - Boise St. vs. Hawaii. This is another huge game for Boise. They have a chance to show the pollsters just how good they are.

Rivalry Game - Tennessee vs. Memphis. In-state game with two not very good teams. Freshman Tyler Bray gets the start for the Vols.

Under the Radar game - South Carolina vs. Arkansas. This could very well turn out to be the best game of the day

Wake me when it over game - Akron vs. Ball St.

Coach better get it right game - Illinois vs. Michigan. Both coaches are on the hook if they don't produce more wins by the end of the year. I think the seat is hotter for Ron Zook than Rich Rodriguez but both are warm.

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