The Crier

The Lowdown

Yes, Michigan State weekend is upon us once again.

Tim Shields · Sport · Nov 03, 2007

So Boston College proved that they’re legit last weekend, and Ohio State destroyed Penn State. West Virginia welcomed itself back into the BCS title picture, and three more top ten teams lost. What does this say for the landscape of college football this season? Essentially nothing. College football is so messed up this year that I have come to expect the unexpected and let nothing surprise me, even if that means preparing for a loss to our soul-searching friends up I-96 in East Lansing (Michigan State for those of you who are not from Michigan). Anything could happen from now until the end of the season, that one, wouldn’t surprise me and two, could determine the picture of the National Title and BCS. Anyways, this week is kind of a down week for marquis rivalries and match ups. My counterpart, Andy, and myself will try our best to give you six good games to watch. On that note, it’s on to the Lowdown.

Three Games To Watch:
Wisconsin at Ohio State (Noon, Big Ten Network)
First off lets give another warm shout out to Big Ten Network for taking another great Big Ten match up and making it so no on can see it. You go Big Ten Network. As for the actual game, Wisconsin is hurting and Ohio State is dominating anyone that bothers to stand in their way. From this perspective, it doesn’t seem like too good a match up, but remember that we should be able to expect anything this year. Running back P.J. Hill and tight end Travis Beckum are really Wisconsin’s only hope in knocking off the Buckeyes in Columbus. If Beckum can clear up some space in the middle and give Hill room to run, Wisconsin could stick with OSU. As for Ohio State, their offense is best described as efficient. It is not really scary in any facet, but at the same time, they’re good at everything. OSU should be able to win this one easily but you never know.
Prediction: Ohio State 27 Wisconsin 17

Michigan at Michigan State (3:30, ABC)
I will be heading to East Lansing this weekend to cheer on my Wolverines, since I am from the Lansing area. I am excited because it will be somewhat of a homecoming for my friends and I, and we have a friendly back and forth jive about the two schools. The game itself could go many ways. A lot of it depends on if Chad Henne and Mike Hart play. Word around is that Hart is definitely in and Henne is most likely out. If Ryan Mallett plays a majority of the game, expect it to be a close one. Whoever our primary running back is should get a good chunk of yards against a poor interior defense of Michigan State. If our quarterback gets time he should be able to throw on a not-so-good MSU secondary, but that is a big if considering the amount of sacks State has already piled up this year. Michigan State’s offense should challenge our defense as well. Their “thunder and lightning” running back combo of Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick is a force to be reckoned with. Look for Ringer to break off at least one big run this week. Their other offensive weapon is Wide Receiver Devin Thomas. Our cornerbacks have to contain him to slow down State’s offense. He is also a threat and kick returns and, with our terrible kick coverage, could have a big day bringing them back. In the end though, I think Michigan pulls it out with or without Henne.
Prediction: Michigan 31 Michigan State 27

*Rutgers at Connecticut (7:15, ESPNU) *
I know right, Rutgers versus Connecticut? What a blockbuster match up! Well, this should be a good one as Connecticut is fighting for a Big East title and a BCS berth. Meanwhile, Rutgers is looking to play the spoiler again, just like they did for South Florida two weeks ago. Last week they took a pounding at the hands of West Virginia, but they gave that game away early. Look to see Ray Rice run early and often for Rutgers and for a surprising UCONN defense to shut down everything else. I don’t see this one being very high scoring as no Connecticut game is. UCONN’s defense should hold strong and I see them pulling out another close one.
Prediction: Connecticut 19 Rutgers 14

Upset of the Week
Umm… how bout Oklahoma State over Texas. Oklahoma State likes to score a lot and Texas does not like to defend very well. This one is at OSU and the Cowboys are still in the Big 12 Championship picture. Texas is overrated and hurting with Limas Sweed not likely to play. Don’t overlook the fact that OSU has had two weeks to prepare for this game as well.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 34 Texas 31

Top 5:
1. OSU - Undefeated heading into a big showdown in Ann Arbor? This week will go a long way in determining that.

1. ASU - Still undefeated and playing in this year’s best conference, the Pac-10. Tough matchup this weekend versus my number three team…

2. Oregon - That offense is ridiculously good, and it looks as if their defense is coming around as well.

3. LSU - Still only one loss, although that loss is starting to look worse as the season progresses and SEC teams lose more and more.

4. Boston College - Ok, so I might have been wrong to not rank them earlier. They seem to be legit this year.