The Crier

The Lowdown

Right back where I belong

Tim Shields · Sport · Oct 27, 2007

So after an off week in which I finally lost to my counterpart, Andy Griesbaum, I worked my sports brain all week and regained my rightful position on top. It was a hard fought week but I was able to pull out a squeaker. As for the state of college football after another weekend of upsets? Pure chaos. The top two teams in the country haven’t played anyone (BC and OSU) worth mentioning thus far, but I will say Boston College did a masterful job not giving up after being down ten points at Virginia Tech with five minutes to go. They stormed back and defeated this season’s curse of being number two, which claimed South Florida as another victim last week. Amazingly, every week this season a top five team has lost to an unranked team. That is unbelievable. There has not been a college football season in my life like this one. Not knowing what is going to happen next makes it all the more fun. This week, look for the Pac-10 to have the best games. Of the top four teams, only Oregon and Cal have played each otherso far (I do not count UCLA as one of those top four). This week, all four square off against each other, and the hazy national championship picture should start to get a little bit clearer. Now, on to the Lowdown.

Three Games to Watch this Week:

West Virginia at Rutgers (Noon, ABC) Pat White and Steve Slaton lead West Virginia’s vaunted offensive attack against a Rutgers team coming off its biggest win of the season. Last week, Rutgers knocked off number two ranked South Florida at home on Thursday night, proving that it is hard to go into Piscataway and get a win. Ray Rice leads a powerful rushing attack for Rutgers that can gain yards against anyone. Last year West Virginia won in triple overtime at home. With almost the same teams playing each other this year, look for another high scoring close game. I think home field advantage and the nagging injuries to White and Slaton will give Rutgers a slight edge. Prediction: Rutgers 34 West Virgina 31

Ohio State at Penn State (8:00, ABC) Ohio State survived a sloppy game at home against Michigan State last weekend while Penn State has rebounded nicely after losing two straight to Michigan and Illinois. Ohio State’s defense shut down a MSU offense that has many more weapons than Penn State wields. The only problem is OSU’s offense was sloppy and almost cost them the game last week. Quarterback Todd Boeckman needs to bounce back with a more efficient game if OSU hopes to survive an upset bid in Happy Valley at night. Penn State’s defense should give Ohio State’s offense fits as Chris “Beanie” Wells is hurting and PSU has an outstanding group of linebackers, led by Dan Connor. The good news for OSU is Anthony Morelli has not looked good all year for Penn State. He needs to have a breakout game in order to lead PSU to victory. With a revved up crowd and a developing offense, look for OSU to fall just short of Penn State.
Prediction: PSU 17 OSU 16

California at Arizona State (10:00 Fox, Sports Detroit) Arizona State, yes that Arizona State, is undefeated and controls its own destiny not only in the Pac 10 race but in the National Title race as well. Win out, as unlikely as it may seem, and they will play for the BCS National Championship as well. This team has been flying under the radar all season, and while it hasn’t played anyone overly difficult yet, has looked good against inferior opponents. This week could and should be their coming out party as they play a Cal team that is slipping fast. Even though ASU lost their starting running back, Ryan Torain, for the season, they still have a potent rushing attack led by quarterback Rudy Carpenter. Look for Arizona State to try to throw all over Cal’s secondary. Cal is no slouch on offense either, with stars Nate Longshore, DeSean Jackson and Justin Forsett, this could be a very high scoring contest. Expect both teams to come out firing but the better defensive team, ASU, to come out in the end. Prediction: ASU 37 Cal 30

Upset of the Week: This is an easy one in my eyes. Kansas is undefeated but still over ranked in my mind. They have to travel to Texas A&M to take on an Aggie team that is underappreciated and will be ready to play. Kansas has been abysmal against Big 12 South opponents in recent years and that shouldn’t change this game. The Aggies and their decisive “12th Man” should pull away in this one. Prediction: Texas A&M 31 Kansas 17

Top 5 1. Ohio State- Number one until they lose… maybe this week will be the week? 2. Arizona State- Still undefeated and over looked. Dennis Erickson is an excellent coach and should have his team ready to take on a dangerous Cal team this week. 3. Boston College- I will finally give them some credit. They showed the heart of a top team by coming back to beat Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. 4. LSU- In my mind the best one loss team. If they can finish the season with only one loss they should find themselves playing for a BCS title. 5. Oregon- A tough match up with USC this weekend will show whether Oregon is for real or not. I’m excited to find out if they are a top team.