Breaking down Separation Saturday

By Justin Albers
basketballss132002@yahoo.com
INDIANAPOLIS- #2 Notre Dame vs. #11 Michigan
It doesn't get any better. The Irish and the Wolverines have had classic matchups in the last couple of years, and expect to see another one this year. In the past, the underdog in this series has been successful. I just think Notre Dame will have too much for the Wolverines to handle and they will get the win and head into the weak part of their schedule 3-0.
Final Score: ND 31 Michigan 17

#3 Auburn vs. #6 LSU
Looking at this matchup on paper it is almost too close to call. Both teams bring a Heisman candidate into the mix, and both teams are hoping to contend not only for an SEC title, but for a national title as well. I have to choose Auburn in this game, but not because I think they have a better team than LSU. I think the teams are pretty even, but this game is being played at Auburn and you know their fans will be ready. It should be a great game, but I see Kenny Irons' Tigers over Jemarcus Russel's Tigers.
Final Score: Auburn 28 LSU 21

#7 Florida vs. #12 Tennesee
Another classic SEC rivalry hopes to help shape up Separation Saturday. Florida quarterback Chris Leak will look to improve his Heisman numbers as he takes his team into Nashville to play in one of the most intense atmosperes in all of college football. Tennesee had an awful year last year, but I think the Vols are back. They are always tough at home, and although I see this as another close one, I have to take the home Vols.
Final Score: Tennesee 24 Florida 20

#12 Louisville vs. #17 Miami (FL)
Louisville was in the spotlight. They were playing an opening weekend football game on national TV, and everybody was watching. Cardinal running back Michael Bush ran all over Kentucky in the first half, and had many think they were looking at the next Heisman. It all changed in a blink of an eye because on a single play, Bush was gone for the season. A hard hit and a broken leg and all of a sudden his college career and Heisman hopes were finished. At that moment everybody in the country expected Lousiville to go straight downhill. I do not expect them to do that at all. It is like a Louisville player said yesterday.
"Our other two running backs are faster and more explosive then Michael was, and they can carry us."
I'm taking Louisville to win this game because of the simple fact that I think they will want to prove to the world they don't need Bush. Miami (FL) is a pathetic team anyway, but Louisville should be able to wrap this one up. Watch out for the Cardinals.
Final Score: Lousiville 34 Miami 17

#15 Oklahoma vs. #18 Oregon
In a rematch of last year's Holiday Bowl, Oregon will come into the game hoping to get rid of a sour taste in their mouth. Last year the Ducks were ranked #6 at the end of the season and were upset because they were not selected to a BCS bowl. Oklahoma came into the game as a large underdog, and handed Oregon's butts to them.
Oregon will make this a game, but Sooner running back Adrian Peterson will be too much and Oklahoma will beat Oregon for the second time in two seasons.
Final Score: Oklahoma 41 Oregon 28

#4 USC vs. #19 Nebraska
You better be tuned into the Florida vs. Tennesee game on Saturday night because if you are watching this game you are wasting your time. Nebraska will be no match for USC and their powerful offense, and this game will not be close.
Final Score: USC 45 Nebraska 17

Pittsburgh vs. Michigan State
Even though neither of these teams are ranked, this should be a great game to get you through to the afternoon. Both teams come in at 2-0 and are coming off disappointing seasons a year ago. I personally think Michigan State will be too much for Pitt, but I will pick to Panthers for my grandma.
Final Score: Pitt 38 Michigan State 34

#16 Iowa vs. Iowa State
The Hawkeyes looked awful last week against Syracuse, and I think their weaknesses will be exposed again this week. Iowa State has had Iowa's number in the past few years, and I don't see anyway for the Hawkeyes to get over that this week.
Final Score: Iowa State 28 Iowa 14