An overview of Rivalry Week

By Justin Albers
basketballss132002@yahoo.com
INDIANAPOLIS- Let me start by admitting that I was wrong about last night's game. I really thought that Pittsburgh could pull it out, but that Steve Slaton is a special player. You can't miss a play because when you come back he probably put 6 more points up on the board. Congratulations to the Moutaineers.

Army (3-7) @ #6 Notre Dame (9-1)
I wish I could tell you that this is going to be an exciting game that comes down to the wire, but I can't. This will be another game in which Brady Quinn can pat his stats and get the Irish offense in gear for a meeting with USC next week. It is important for the defense to improve against a weak opponent, and build some confidence in preparation for the "big game" next week.
Final Score: Notre Dame 41 Army 13

#7 Rutgers (9-0) @ Cincinnati (5-5)
This may appear to be a game for Rutgers to run away with, but don't be surprised if this game is closer than advertised. A fact to keep in mind is Rutgers has not blown anybody in the conference out this season. They beat South Florida by 2, Pittsburgh by 10, UCONN by 11, and Louisville by 3. Cincinnati has stuck with some teams this year that nobody thought they would hang with. This WILL be a good game. Rutgers pulls it out in the end because of their stout defense and brilliant running game.
Final Score: Rutgers 27 Cincinnati 21

Ole Miss (3-7) @ #9 LSU (8-2)
Ole Miss is a tough team, even with there awful record. They play in the toughest conference in football and have hung with some of the elite teams in America. I don't think this will be an instant classic, but the Rebels will be true to their name. In the end strong play from JeMarcus Russel will lead LSU to their ninth win of the season.
Final Score: LSU 24 Ole Miss 14

South Florida (7-3) @ #10 Louisville (8-1)
South Florida is one of those teams that has sort of flown under the radar this year. They are 7-3, only lost to Rutgers by 2, and beat Pittsburgh and Syracuse handily. This is a team that is capable of an upset, just not this week. The Cardinals are going to play like the determined football team that they are in their quest for a BCS bowl bid. Louisville has one 3 point loss right now, imagine how good they would be if they had star RB Michael Bush. This could be a national championship team.
Final Score: Louisville 35 South Florida 14

#19 Virginia Tech (8-2) @ #14 Wake Forest (9-1)
Now this is what I call a college football game. Two top twenty teams playing for a chance in the ACC title game. For some reason I like the Hokies in this game. They are an underdog on the road, but they are the favorite in my mind. I think the pressure will finally get to the Demon Deacons, and they will fall in the late stages of this one.
Final Score: Virginia Tech 34 Wake Forest 31

#15 Auburn (9-2) @ Alabama (6-5)
Let me start by saying what an excellent team Alabama is. In any other conference they would be 8-3 or better, but they are in the SEC. They were defeated by just 1 point against #6 Arkansas, two touchdowns at Florida, and 3 points at Tennessee. You better believe that they will fighting with everything they've got in hopes of making a good bowl game. The bad thing for them is Auburn was blasted last week, and they will be out to get revenge. Both teams will be giving everything they have and it should be a splendid game. It is really a toss up, but I think Auburn will answer the call and win a close one.
Final Score: Auburn 20 Alabama 17

#21 Maryland (8-2) @ #20 Boston College (8-2)
Yet another great matchup in the ACC. This one should be a classic, but Maryland has the better football team. I know that is surprising when you look at the schedules, but that is what I believe. I think Maryland will pull the upset on the road in a tough domed environment. It will be close, probably coming down to the last series.
Final Score: Maryland 28 BC 24

#22 Tennessee (7-3) @ Vanderbilt (4-7)
UPSET ALERT! This will be the upset of the day. Vanderbilt is going to pull off the unthinkable and end Tennessee's season with yet another disappointment. Here is why. The game is at Vanderbilt, something that is very important in this rivalry. The second factor is that Vandy has played under control all year, and they are finally ready to pull the big upset. Tennessee's weaknesses were exposed last week, and they will be again this week.
Final Score: Vanderbilt 17 Tennessee 13

Indiana (5-6) @ Purdue (7-4)
My prediction in this game may be a little bias, but that's okay. I'm taking the Hoosiers to win in a shootout. The reasons why I am worried about that pick are obvious. Purdue has controlled the Old Oaken Bucket and the series for several years, and always play well when IU comes to town. I think James Hardy and Kellen Lewis will both have big games for the Hoosiers, Lewis going for a minimum of 4 total TD's. In the words of Terry Hutchens: "This should be a very exciting 60 minutes at the least."
Final Score: Indiana 31 Purdue 27

#5 Arkansas (9-1) @ Mississippi State (3-7)
Mississippi State might have a good team, but they have ABSOLUTELY no chance against Darren McFadden and the the Arkansas Razorbacks. This game will not be close, probably one of the biggest blowouts of the year in the SEC.
Final Score: Arkansas 38 Mississippi State 13

Arizona (5-5) @ Oregon (7-3)

#17 California (8-2) @ #4 USC (8-1)
This should be a good night game for ABC, but I see the favorite Trojans prevailing. Cal has an excellent team, but USC is determined to remain in the BCS title hunt, and with just one loss for the Notre Dame game next week. John David Booty and Dwayne Jarrett will hook up several times for big gains, and the defense will step it up.
Final Score: USC 27 Cal 17

#2 Michigan (11-0) @ #1 Ohio State (11-0)
And finally, the game that everyone has been waiting for. It has been one of the most anticipated games in a long time, and has many people all fired up. The thing is I don't think the game will live up to all that hype. Ohio State has been such a dominant team all year long, and I don't see that changing on Saturday. If Mario Manningham was completely healthy for the Wolverines, I would give them a chance. Ohio State will win in a pretty low scoring battle.
Final Score: Ohio State 20 Michigan 10