Florida (+21 ½) over Kentucky- No, they are not at full strength with some starters suffering from the flu, but Florida has beaten the Wildcats 22 straight times. The Gators have the largest collection of talent in the nation, and should be ready to give a fierce performance after the subpar Tennessee game last weekend. With the Wildcats thoroughly overmatched, this will be a great opportunity for Tim Tebow to pad his states. Gators 45-14
Texas (+36) over UTEP- Texas has to like this matchup as they get a breather in their schedule. UTEP should have a nearly impossible time stopping the Longhorn’s offense, ranked fifth in the nation. The biggest storyline in this game will be seeing how Colt McCoy returns from the flu that slowed him last week. I don’t see it affecting him at all. Longhorns 42-17
Alabama (+17 1/2) over Arkansas- Alabama begins defense of their SEC West title with this matchup that promises contrasting offensive styles. The Crimson Tides 11th-ranked offense relies on RB’s Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson, who have six touchdowns between them, while the Razorbacks are propelled by Ryan Mallet, the nation’s top-rated quarterback. Alabama’s stout defense, giving up a league-best 185.3 YPG, should be able to slow down Mallet enough for Alabama to win what could be a tough matchup. Crimson Tide 35-24
Iowa (-10) over Penn State- And here’s my upset special. Penn State’s avoided stiff competition so far this year, and their offense is ranked only 47th in the country. Iowa looked very impressive, especially on defense, in wins over Iowa State and Arizona, and has a more balanced offense than the Nittany Lions with steady QB Ricky Stanzi and a powerful rushing attack. Expect a defensive battle and a loss exposing Penn State as pretenders. Iowa 17-14
Cal (+6) over Oregon- One of the best games of the weekend and the conference opener for both teams. Cal has the best RB in college football in Jahvid Best, who has collected 924 yards and 9 touchdowns. Oregon, trying to get back in the national conversation, also relies on the running game, but will have difficulty against a Golden Bears defense that’s allowed only 187 rushing yards. The Ducks may have to rely on QB Jeremiah Masoli’s arm to win the game, and that’s a daunting proposition. Expect Cal’s pressure on Masoli to make the difference. Cal-35-17
LSU (+13) over Miss. State- This game should be fairly easy for LSU, as they face a Miss. St. program in rebuilding mode under Dan Mullen. The Bulldogs 77th ranked-offense should be overmatched against the Tiger’s suffocating defense. This contest will be most important for the opportunity it gives LSU to work out its kinks on offense, where they’ve struggled and are ranked 90th in the country. Expect the Tigers to use their athletiscm to their advantage and start doing so. LSU 27-10
Miami (-3) over Virginia Tech- There is no reason that Miami should be listed as the underdog in this game, even if on the road. The Hurricanes have been the best team in the nation this season. QB Jacory Harris has completed 69.5% of his passes. The rushing game has is solid if not spectacular. And most importantly, Miami has shown they are a force to be reckoned with in their victories. Va. Tech, on the other hand, has struggled mightily on offense against the two ranked teams they’ve faced so far this season, averaging only 216.5 yards. QB Tyrod Taylor has held back the offense with his struggles and by only completing 47.6% of his passes. The Hurricanes will truly prove the Hokies don’t have the horses to compete with them this weekend and they are part of the nation’s elite. Miami 28-21
