NCAA Week 3 picks | Ballbright's Blog

Welcome to my first blog post here. Each week I will try to run down my collegiate and professional football picks, as well as give you an idea of why I think each will go the way I do. I welcome any and all readers, commenters, and the like. If you think I am wrong about somethng and want to challenge me to a throwdown I welcome that as well. This week I will only cover the top ten games as I am starting so late, but from now on I'll cover the top 25.

So without further ado...

#1 USC at #14 Nebraska

I like what Bill Calahan has done at Nebraska, I really do. The 'Huskers here are overmatched, however, against a very strong USC team that needs to make a statement to the pollsters about why they should remain ahaed of LSU in the polls. Nebraska will give them a fight until halftime, but in the third quarter you should begin to see USC pull away. USC 41 - Nebraska 24

#2 LSU at Middle Tennessee State

This one won't be close even at the half. Middle Tennesse did an admirable job putting up points on a sub par Louisville defense, but they'll find that spreading out LSU, won't be quite as effective. I like Middle Tennessee's quarterback, Joe Craddock, reminds me of a young Brett Favre, but even Favre wouldn't beat the Tigers today. LSU 49 - Middle Tennessee State 10

#3 Oklahoma vs Utah State

Oklahoma has been the most impressive team to me so far this season. I know LSU is living off the media hype right now after a win over the offensively hapless Hokies, but the Sooners have arguably the best receiver in college football and two pleasant surprises at quarterback and halfback. The Sooners are out to prove the belong in the title hunt, and will run it up on a Utah State team that was spanked by Wyoming last week. Oklahoma 51 - Utah State 13

#4 West Virginia already defeated Maryland 31-14 this week.

#5 Florida at #22 Tennessee

Tennessee has not looked impressive so far this season, and has been dealing with a myriad of injury issues. Tim Tebow has the number two passer rating in college football (228.2) Florida should have no trouble dispatching a hobbled Volunteer squad this week, even if it is at Tennessee. Florida 41 - Tennessee 24

#6 Texas vs. UCF

The longhorns have struggled early a bit this season. They escaped Arkansas State (one of the most underrated defenses in college football) with a win, and didn't look very good early on against TCU. Colt McCoy and the rest of the Longhorns got it going in the second half against TCU, and that momentum should carry over to a UCF squad coming off a win over NC State, and two weeks rest. Texas had better hope they dont come out flat. Texas 31 - UCF 24

#7 Wisconsin vs Citadel

The Badgers hold the nation's longest winning streak, but looked rather lackluster against UNLV. Citadelhas a nice spread offense, however they will not be the team to end the Badger's streak. Wisconsin 48 - Citadel 21

#8 Cal vs. Louisiana Tech

This is my first potential upset call of the week. La Tech hung tough with Hawaii's potent offense, and Cal has not been the most convincing team in their two wins. This game will be a close one, but I will go ahead and give it to Cal at home. Cal 35 - LA Tech 28

#9 Louisville at Kentucky

Upset alert. Louisville's offense has been nothing short of awesome so far this season, but then it should be given the competition they've plaed. Louisville's defense has been downright terrible, and given the level of competition they've played this should be very frightening to the Cardinal faithful. Kentucky has an almost equally potent offense, and their defnse has at least shown up for their games. Kentucky will need this win to go to a bowl this year, and I think they'll get it. Kentucky 48 - Louisville 45

#10 Ohio State vs. Washington

The Huskies deserve to be ranked, and they will be after this week. This will be a down year for the Big Ten, and I think Penn State has a legit shot at wresting the title away from other contenders this year, which should mainly be Wisconsin. Ohio State's defense isn't bad, but the offense has struggled this season. Freshman Jake Locker should be wary, but should be able to get the job done for the Huskies. Washington 28 - Ohio State 24

Interesting game of the week:

#16 Arkansas at Alabama

Darren McFadden's Heisman campaign, and probably the Razorback's season, really hinge on this game. Last year Arkansas won the game in overtime when Alabama kicker Leigh Tiffin missed 3 field goals and an extra point to give the Razorbacks the win. Tiffin, a third generation Alabama kicker, was then replaced by Jamie Christiansen who is now injured and being replaed by, you guessed it....Tiffin.