Michigan (+6') vs. Notre Dame 3:30 PM EST NBC
Rev up the hype monster, because Michigan vs. Notre Dame is here! You really never have to dig into all the numbers in this rivalry game. Your best bet is to just take as many points as your out is offering since the underdog is a stellar 9-1 ATS the L/10 times they've met. The Irish knocked off the maize and blue in the "Big House" last year as seven-point underdogs, and now it will be Michigan that look's to return the favor this season. The Wolverines are saying all the right things heading into this match-up, and it's Notre Dame that's begging them to come and prove it.
Well, I believe they'll do just that and give the Irish faithful a major scare along the way. Michigan looked awfully good a week ago ripping apart what I believe to be a decent Central Michigan squad. The Irish looked good as well in defeating Penn state, but the Wolverines are a completely different monster. They're much more experienced on both sides of the ball, and I think they have the better overall defense. Look for them to try and get pressure on Quarterback Brady Quinn on a consistent basis since Georgia Tech showed that as being the key to keeping this Irish offense grounded.
Offensively, look for Running Back Mike Hart to be the reason the Wolverines cash this ticket. Passing has been darn near impossible against the Irish this year with their solid safety tandem, but running the ball hasn't. The Irish have given up a combined 277 yards in their first two games. Look for Running Back Mike Hart to bounce back with a huge effort here after getting knocked out of last year's game in the first half.
Free College Football Pick : This will no doubt be a more entertaining game than last season, but as much as things change they tend to stay the same. In other words, grab the points!
Iowa State (+13') vs. Iowa 12:00 PM EST ESPN
Get the latest college football point spreads here.
Remember, Quarterback Tate sat out last week's game at Syracuse with an apparent abdomen injury. He won't be 100% in this one, and if the Cyclones manage to knock him out you'll cringe once you see back up Quarterback Manson in action. He looks the part, but he can't throw worth a damn (4 INT's). This line is way too high people!
This is an enormous rivalry that's seen Iowa State hang with much better Iowa clubs in the past both ATS and SU! Don't fall for the trap! Even if you think Iowa will simply take it to the Cyclones after they were embarrassed in Ames last year. Don't do it. Take all the points you can get here, and enjoy what's going to be another classic battle. Iowa State is a solid 6-2 SU and 7-1 ATS the L/8 times these teams have met. Iowa State is a very well coached football team.
Head Coach Dan McCarney is an alumnus of the University of Iowa, and has coached on the same staff with Kirk Ferentz in the past. These two guys know each other very well, and that's a main reason why these games have been so competitive in recent years. The Cyclones still boast a fantastic offense led by Quarterback Bret Meyer who was one of the Big 12's best Quarterback's a year ago. They've got an excellent Wide Receiver corps and a solid running game. They will be able to put some points up on the board vs. the Hawkeyes defense.
Free College Football Prediction : Take the points with Iowa State.
Get the latest college football point spreads here.
Hawaii (-12) vs. UNLV
The Rebels lost a tough game last week even though they believe they won it on the final play of the game. In case you were unaware, the last play of the game saw Quarterback Steichen loft the ball into the endzone for an apparent touch down catch. However, the officials said the pass was incomplete and the game was over. UNLV was so irate that it refused to go into the locker room for 15 minutes screaming at the officials and waving their helmets in the air. Still, they lost the game and might have lost Quarterback Rocky Hinds for an undetermined amount of time as well. Now they have to trek out to the islands to take on a Hawaii team that I feel is a complete monster this season.
The Warriors have one of the best offenses in the country on hand, and its defense will no doubt play better in front of the home crowd. Quarterback Colt Brennan is the best Quarterback in the country whom you've never heard of, and he's got one of the best Wide Receiver corps in the country as well. UNLV is an improved team this year, but I don't believe their heads will be in this one. The island is always a tough place for opponents to come and play because of the beautiful surroundings. Hawaii has had two weeks to prepare for this game after nearly upsetting Alabama in Week 1.
Free College Football Prediction: It's lights out for UNLV tonight, but at least they'll get to partake in some beautiful sight seeing and maybe be fortunate enough to get leised.
