MICHIGAN at MICHIGAN STATE – Noon Ch. 7 –
Line: Michigan State -5 1/2.
Angle: The Wolverines (2-2) were favorite to get to Pasadena and the Spartans (4-0) were supposed to be an also-ran in the Big Ten. The Upper Peninsula is now the Lower Peninsula and vice versa. Michigan is out of the top 25 for the first time this century, and Michigan State’s offense is coming off a 705-yard performance against Illinois. There always has been talent in East Lansing. Now there’s coaching, too.
Eyes on: Michigan WR/KR Steve Breaston; Michigan St. QB Drew Stanton.
PREDICTION: Michigan State 27, Michigan 20.
VA. TECH at WEST VIRGINIA – Noon ESPN
Line: Virginia Tech -10.
Angle: Because of Tech’s move to the ACC, this is the last scheduled game between these border rivals. Tech (4-0) has the best defense in the country and its special teams make it even more dangerous. The young Mountaineers (4-0) have overachieved under Rich Rodriguez, who is destined for greatness.
Eyes on: Virginia Tech DE Daryl Tapp; West Virginia C Dan Mozes.
PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 17, West Virginia 9.
FLORIDA at ALABAMA – 3:30 Ch. 2
Line: Florida -3 1/2.
Angle: The Tide (4-0), because of years of NCAA penalties, have not won the SEC title since 1999. LSU and Auburn have losses in the SEC West. An Alabama win signals the Tide has rolled back in. Urban Meyer hasn’t lost since 2003 and the Gators (4-0) got banged up in their last game.
Eyes on: Florida LB Brandon Siler; Alabama WR Tyrone Prothro.
PREDICTION: Alabama 28, Florida 27.
MINNESOTA at PENN STATE – 3:30 Ch. 7
Line: Minnesota -2 1/2.
Angle: Is Penn State (4-0) for real? Timeout. Here’s a better question: When was the last time the Nittany Lions played a meaningful game in Beaver Stadium? How about 1999 when they were 9-0 and lost on a last-second field goal to Minnesota. The defense was an elite unit last year and is better this year. The offense lacks a big-time back and QB Michael Robinson is turnover-prone, but Penn State has playmakers.
Eyes on: Minnesota C Greg Enslinger; Penn St. LB Paul Posluszny.
PREDICTION: Minnesota 27, Penn State 21.
NOTRE DAME at PURDUE – 7:45 ESPN
Line: Purdue -3.
Angle: Last season Purdue lost five games by a total of 14 points. Last week it led 28-20 with about five minutes left at Minnesota and couldn’t close out. Do the odds finally go the Boilermakers’ way or is this team simply unable to win the close game, especially the important one?
Eyes on: Notre Dame TE Anthony Fasano; Purdue DE Ray Edwards.
PREDICTION: Purdue 24, Notre Dame 23.
Last week 2-3; Overall 8-11-1.