Once again, our progsters' picks all match. Come on, guys. Can't you at least pretend to disagree with each other?
Eastern Michigan at MSU
Steve Highfield — MSU learned its lesson with the 10-point win over Idaho — if you don't blow out the preseason lightweights, the criticism will fly. I expect a more focused and intense Spartan squad to show up and avoid the same result. Eastern Michigan does have an offense, led by quarterback Tyler Jones, that put up 435 total yards of offense last week. But MSU's offense is led by someone named Drew Stanton, and I expect more big plays — and a Brian Hoyer sighting.
MSU 44, EMU 17
Ethan Conley — I think Drew Stanton will throw at least three touchdowns and 275 yards. I think Javon Ringer will break ankles and outrun defenders on his way to a 100-yard rushing day. I think the Spartans' offensive and defensive lines will dominate. I think the defense will hold Eastern Michigan to 10 points or less. And I think if all of the above doesn't happen, MSU fans are going to be very, very worried.
MSU 49, EMU 7
No. 1 Ohio State at No. 2 Texas
SH —OK, so we know Texas quarterback Colt McCoy has a cool football name. Unfortunately, a catchy name doesn't guarantee success. (If it did, Southern Miss. kicker Britt Barefoot would be a Heisman candidate.) But it's simply too early in the season for Ohio State's defense to be at top form after losing nine starters at the end of last year. Texas rides the home crowd to a victory.
Texas 24, Ohio State 21
EC — What? Britt Barefoot? Come on, that's not real. Either Highfield made that one up, or Southern Miss. has a kicker who moonlights as a female porn star.
The Texas defense should be able to keep Troy Smith and Ted Ginn contained. And as Billy Dee Williams says, "Nothing is smoother than an ice cold bottle of Colt McCoy. It works every time!"
Texas 23, Ohio State 20
No. 19 Penn State at No. 4 Notre Dame
SH — The Fighting Irish struggled last week with linebacker blitzes, which doesn't bode well against Penn State's outstanding linebackers. Anthony Morelli makes his first road start for Penn State, and he'll need a running game to ease the pressure. Wait, Penn State rushed for just 76 yards last week? Against Akron? Oh. The Irish make adjustments for this game and pull it out.
Notre Dame 28, Penn State 20
EC — After sleepwalking through its first game, the Irish offense will explode. Brady Quinn will settle into a groove in the second half, and Notre Dame will pull away. After the game, Charlie Weis will challenge Rick Majerus and Kobayashi to a hot dog eating contest.
Notre Dame 35, Penn State 21
(Oh, and just for kicks: Weis 53 1/4, Kobayashi 52, Majerus 49 1/2)
