By Danny Atkinson
Georgia (-4) over LSU- The Tigers have struggled all season against tougher competition. LSU is unexpectedly last in the SEC at offense at 310.0 yards per game and needed special teams touchdown against Miss. State last week to assure victory. The Tigers still have a shot at winning because of their defense, which has allowed only 61 points. Georgia’s offense has already totaled 52 and41 points in games this season and A.J. Green leads the SEC in receiving with 428 yards. Georgia has been mediocre on defense, and the question of the game will be whether LSU can shake take advantage of offensive opportunities. I am not so sure they can, and with the game in Athens, I will give a slight edge to the Bulldogs. Georgia 24-21
USC (+6) over Cal- Cal’s looking to bounce back at home, but USC should be too stern of a test to overcome. Freshman QB Matt Barkley is quickly improving for the Trojans and they have enough weapons to accommodate for the loss of injured RB Stefan Johnson. The Golden Bears averaged 47.6 points per games before last week’s debacle, but USC is a team built on defense. They have given up only 40 points. Cal will have to get a huge game from star RB Avid Best and better play from QB Kevin Riley to win. Riley has not thrown a TD in his past two games. The Golden Bears defense struggled last week and will need to obtain significant pressure on Barkley to slow down the Trojans. Somehow, I do not see all these factors going in Cal’s favor. USC obtain get an important road victory. USC 31-21
Oklahoma (+8) over Miami- This should be a thrilling matchup between two teams desperate to prove themselves. Miami wants to show that their start was not a fluke, while Oklahoma’s trying to prove they can win a big game without QB Sam Bradford. The Sooner’s defense has led the way since his loss by recording back-to-back shutouts, including against offensive juggernaut Tulsa. Oklahoma’s defense should be able to harass Hurricanes QB Jacory Harris, who recorded three turnovers against Va. Tech. Miami’s rushing attack has been ineffective and is ranked 95thnationally. The Hurricane’s defense is somewhat thin and could struggle against the Sooners offense, which is averaging 40.7 points a game even in Bradford’s absence. Miami will put up a strong fight at home, but their offense will be held in check and suffer the loss. Oklahoma 24-14
Penn State (+8) over Illinois- This contest should serve as a chance for Penn State to get its sputtering offense on track. The Nittany Lions committed four turnovers against Iowa and are getting inconsistent play from QB Daryl Clark and RB Evan Royster. Clark has thrown six interceptions and Royster has held under 70 yards in three games. Their cure could be facing Illinois’ defense, which is giving up 28.0 points per game while allowing opponents to convert on third down 46.7 percent of the time. Penn State’s defense has recorded 12 sacks and five interceptions and should be trouble for the struggling Illini offense and QB Juice Williams, who has yet to throw a touchdown pass. The Illinois do not have a good enough offense to swing the outcome. Penn State should win a low-scoring affair. Penn State-21-10
