While the minds of MSU fans will be on hockey this weekend, the rest of the nation’s attention will still be turned to football. So in addition to picking this week’s top football matchups, the prognosticators will pick the outcome of “The Cold War” as a bonus.
It may not be football, but it’s still played in a football stadium thereby falling within the spectrum of our expertise. But Vanilla Rice better watch out because Racy Lacy - at 12-9 - is catching up to his 14-7 record.
“The Cold War” No. 4 Michigan at No. 1 MSU
Hockey in a football stadium? It’s true, it’s true. After months of planning and preparation, both teams will finally get their chance to be part of history. Spartan Stadium’s expected crowd of more than 72,000 will set the world’s record for the most spectators at a hockey game.
Vanilla Rice: The only difference between the intensity of “The Cold War” and the post-World War II strife between the United States and the former Soviet Union is that “The Cold War’s” drama will pause for bad weather.
But the dramatics in this game will play out like the national conflict did. U-M may hit first - like the Russians did by launching Sputnik - but like the good old United States, MSU will strike back twice as hard.
Just remember, MSU is USA spelled backwards if you switch the “M” with an “A” - think about it. Riiiiight.
MSU 2, Michigan 1
Racy Lacy: There’s no better way to kickoff hockey season than to have the largest game ever played in your own backyard. The only thing better would be if “Hockey Night in Canada’s” Don Cherry came to do color commentary. Spartan Stadium’s press box would have to stock up on plenty of adult beverages for the “Cherry Bomb.”
But even if Cherry could be in attendance, he still wouldn’t raise as much hell as the Spartan defense. They’re pretty much unstoppable. U-M head coach Red Berenson won’t have to worry about getting caught urinating in public like he did in Ann Arbor in 1994. He’ll be soiling himself in fear come Saturday.
MSU 3, Michigan 0
No. 2 Florida (4-0) at No. 18 LSU (2-1)
Florida has one of the most potent offenses in the nation and killed Mississippi State 52-0 last week. LSU will look to eliminate the mental mistakes it made last week when the Tigers fell to Tennessee 26-18.
Vanilla Rice: Florida quarterback Rex Grossman has passed for 300 yards in his last three games, but it doesn’t hurt that he has the No. 1 scoring offense in the nation behind him - one that averages 50 points a game this season.
Something tells me that LSU head coach Nick Saban doesn’t have anything in his play book to counter these numbers.
Florida 34, LSU 31
Racy Lacy: This one should be an easy pick. Florida’s offense is stellar, and it has only given up 30 points to its opponents so far. Saban must be shaking his head wondering what the Tigers can do to stop the Gators’ arsenal. Maybe if he gets into the fetal position on the field he can earn some sympathy points - he’ll need them. LSU’s offensive line and secondary could be in for a long day.
Florida 41, LSU 24
No. 3 Oklahoma (4-0) at No. 5 Texas (4-0)
Oklahoma is looking to extend its 17-game winning streak, but that streak may die in this rivalry matchup. On Saturday, the Sooners beat Kansas State 38-37, and Texas beat Texas Tech 42-7.
Vanilla Rice: It doesn’t get any better than the No. 3 and No. 5 teams in the nation butting heads. But if Texas quarterback Chris Simms plays anything like his dad Phil announces NFL games for CBS, Texas will surely repeat last year’s 64-14 loss to the Sooners.
But look for Simms to play more like his dad did for the New York Giants when he was winning Super Bowls for them.
Texas 31, Oklahoma 23
Racy Lacy: Yee haw! It’s the Red River Shootout, baby! Empty the trailer parks, bust out the Natural Light brew and gather around the tube because this one will be a doozy. The Sooners had a school record nine touchdowns against Texas last year. They really haven’t missed a beat since, winning their last 17 games. Oklahoma’s defense should make the difference, because it has had defensive scores in six out of its last seven games.
Oklahoma 38, Texas 27
No. 14 Northwestern (3-0) at Ohio State (2-1)
Northwestern beat MSU 27-26, and Ohio State beat Indiana 27-14. The Big Ten preseason favorite Wildcats are 3-0 for the first time since 1962.
Vanilla Rice: Come on. Did Northwestern really look that great against MSU to be ranked No. 14? Ohio State plunged out of the Top 25 harder than MSU did, falling from No. 19, but the Wildcats are going to have their hands full with the Buckeyes. And they’re not as bad as they’ve been playing.
Ohio State 24, Northwestern 20
Racy Lacy: The mystique of Ohio State’s “Horseshoe” won’t phase the Wildcats too much. Damien Anderson and company are fired up to break a 21-game drought against the Buckeyes and should be able to break this one open. Expected a spirited revival of the Wildcat’s running game, which struggled against the Spartans.
Northwestern 31, Ohio State 14
Iowa (3-0) at No. 21 Purdue (3-0)
Purdue’s quarterback Brandon Hance, free safety Stuart Schweigert and kicker Travis Dorsch are all coming off Big Ten Player of the Week honors for their efforts against Minnesota - a 35-28 win.
It is the only the fourth time in conference history a team has earned all three honors in one week. Iowa beat Penn State 24-18.
Vanilla Rice: Iowa is just as hot as any Big Ten team and could prove to be this year’s dark horse. But it won’t be easy to get past Purdue, who has also been hot. One thing is for sure - MSU will be paying close attention to this one since it plays Iowa next week.
Purdue 28, Iowa 20
Racy Lacy: Surprise, surprise, look at those Hawkeyes! They’re playing great team defense, recording six turnovers and nine sacks in three games. But the group will have to prepare for a diverse Purdue offense, which probably has plenty of tricks up its sleeve. Heck, running back Montrell Lowe threw a touchdown pass to quarterback Brandon Hance on Saturday! Expect anything in this one! A late fourth-quarter play should make all the difference.
Iowa 21, Purdue 17
