College Game Day Preview: Week 4

I’m never one to make outlandish predictions before the season starts. Not with college football. On any given Saturday there’s just too much at stake. Pride. Tradition. Bragging Rights. Hot cheerleaders to bang after the game if you win. The first few weeks change the whole dynamic of the season. Just ask USC.

Blow on my whistle..

So outside of any games you may have money on and regardless of where you went to school (I’m a Penn Stater myself), here are the big games I see this week.

Read on… you know you want to.

Michigan vs. Indiana in the Big House
Kickoff: Noon

Why it’s a big game?
Aside from a Big Ten conference kickoff for both teams, neither team is all that spectacular this year (usually Michigan is ranked and a powerhouse). Still, both teams are 3-0 and juiced outta their minds. Add to the fact that Indiana hasn’t won at the Big House in 42 years, I’d say there’s gonna be a rumble.

Predicted outcome?
Although I’d love to see Indiana break the streak and deliver an upset I doubt that’ll happen. However, I think the game is a gonna be a classic brawl with the fruits going to the team that best capitalizes on the others mistakes.

Michigan 34 – 28

Update: I called this one. Great game and Indiana came to win and capitalized early. They just couldn’t quite keep it together at the end. Make that 43 years.

Michigan 36 – 33

Alabama vs. Arkansas at Bama
Kickoff: 3:30

Why it’s a big game?
Bama is just good. They play some good ball and it shows in the rankings. Arkansas not so much. But given the national coverage on CBS and a notch in the loss column last week, the razorbacks have something to prove. Not to mention them southern boys like their football and need some braggin rights.

Predicted outcome?
I think Bama is gonna win handily but not until late in the game meaning through half time we’re gonna see some smash-mouth ball playing.

Alabama 31 – 17

Update: Alabama won handily, alright. I really thought this game would be closer and although the first quarter was tight, Bama walked away with this one.

Alabama 35 – 7

Miami vs Virginia Tech in Hokieland
Kickoff: 3:30

Why it’s a big game?
These are the most closely ranked teams playing this week. Miami is undefeated at No. 9 and the Hokies are at 1 loss (to Alabama no less) at No. 11. This may actually be the best game of the day. Miami needs to make a statement that they are for real while the Hokies need to establish a little steam for the rest of the season. That sting of an early loss resonates with teams every game thereafter.

Predicted outcome?
I think this game will be a squeaker.. close all the way through and contrary to what both teams are used to.. low scoring. Seeing as I don’t really care about either team, I’m gonna root for the underdog and call the upset.

Hokies 24 – 21

Update: Wow.. this little gem makes me three for three! I called the upset and judging by the twittersphere, this was the most popular game of the day. I’m the smartest man ALIVE. Ok, ok.. not the “squeaker” I predicted but a low scoring game for Miami.

Hokies 31 – 7

Penn State vs Iowa in Happy Valley
Kickoff: 8:00

Why it’s a big game?
Because it’s Penn State seeking a bone crushing, thrashing revenge against an Iowa team that dashed their national title hopes. Yeah, I’m a Penn Stater and yes this post will be biased. It’s an evening game, nationally televised and Penn State wants nothing more than pay back. Iowa will try to be the little trouble makers they are.

Predicted outcome?
Broken bones and beat up bodies. It’ll make the Normandy landing look like a Sunday picnic in Central Park. And I’ll be screaming my balls off the entire time. I may even be inebriated.

Nittany Lions 846 – 3

Update: Kickoff is still half hour away and I’ve managed to work myself up to a rabid frenzy watching White-Out videos for the last 2 hours. Kill em… KILL THEM!!

Yeah, I said it. What?

Filed by Mr. Joshua at September 26th, 2009 under Put me in coach!