By Danny Atkinson
Nebraska (+4) over Missouri- This matchup serves as the Big 12 opener for two of its best teams. Nebraska is creating an identity through their defense. The Cornhuskers are first in FBS in scoring defense (7.0) and the 28 points they have allowed are the fewest allowed at the school in four games since 1990. What’s surprising about Nebraska is how well their offense has played. The Cornhuskers are ninth in FBS with 39.3 points per game. Nebraska this season is suddenly a well-balanced team. Just as in years past, Missouri wins games with their offense. The Tigers score 36.8 points per game, and QB Blaine Gabbert has thrown 11 touchdowns and no interceptions. Mizzou’s 4-0 start is impressive, but their schedule has been extremely light, with their opponents combined record just 6-12. Despite the level of competition, the Tigers have already given up 62 points. Both these schools seemingly have elite offenses, but only one has an elite defense. Nebraska will pull off the big road win and establish themselves as the favorites in the Big 12 North. Nebraska 24-17
Alabama (+5) over Ole Miss- A must-have game for Ole Miss, at least to the extent one can be at this point in the season. The Rebels flopped on the big stage two weekends ago in a 16-10 loss to South Carolina and Ole Miss’s offense is still struggling. QB Jeven Snead, considered a Heisman candidate when the season started, is only completing 51.9% of his passes, and threw three interceptions last week. The Rebels are ranked a pedestrian 44th nationally in points scored. These stats seem even more ominous when one looks at Alabama’s dominant defense, ranked second nationally. If the Ole Miss offense struggles, there will be even more pressure on their strong defense to stop the Crimson Tide offensive attack. Alabama averages 228.2 rushing yards a game, and QB Greg McElroy has thrown nine TD’s and only one INT. In my opinion, it would be a big upset if the Rebels defeated the Crimson Tide. Alabama is just too complete of a team for Ole Miss. Their defense is virtually unstoppable, the offense can kill defenses on the ground but also keep them honest through the air, and the Crimson Tide have proven the ability to beat good teams, something Ole Miss has yet to do. Alabama is set to keep on rolling. Alabama 27-17
Iowa (+8) over Michigan- An important contest for two surprising teams. Iowa’s trying to continue on their best start in more than twenty years, while Michigan’s looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Michigan State. The undefeated Hawkeyes have been inconsistent in some of their wins but have also shown flashes of brilliance, none more significant than during their huge win against Penn State. Much of their inconsistency can be laid on the offense, which is only 77th nationally in points per game at 24.8. What’s kept the Hawkeyes undefeated is their excellent defense, one of the best in the Big 10. Iowa’s defense allows only 13.4 points per game and is very opportunistic, with their 14 forced turnovers good for second in the Big 10. Michigan is all offense and are averaging 34.0 points per game. The Wolverines are led by Tate Forcier, the multi-threat freshman QB who’s third in the Big 10 with a passer rating of 142.69. Michigan’s defense is solid but nothing special, having already given 117 points. Despite their inconsistent play, the Hawkeyes should be able to score enough on the Wolverine’s defense to put heavy pressure on Forcier and cause him to make mistakes. Expect a low scoring game and Iowa to win by taking advantage of a turnover or two. Iowa 14-10
