MSU at Pittsburgh
Steve Highfield — This is the first real test for MSU, if you don't count that closer-than-expected Idaho game. Usually, I would expect MSU to go on the road against a quality opponent and struggle, but the Spartans did beat Notre Dame on the road last year after starting off with two softies. Pittsburgh's passing game will be the first true test on MSU's secondary, and they'll hold up juuust enough for the W.
MSU 31, Pittsburgh 28
Ethan Conley — MSU's first game couldn't have been less impressive. The Spartans' second game couldn't have looked much better — the end of the first half not withstanding. So which team will show up on Saturday? Pitt may have some game-breakers on the defensive side of the ball, but MSU shouldn't have trouble scoring points. They have eight legitimate players at the skill positions who can get the ball in the end zone. The question is: Can the defense get to Tyler Palko? I think the d-line — particularly junior defensive end Ervin Baldwin — should be able to rattle Palko enough to give MSU the edge in a shootout.
MSU 41, Pittsburgh 38
No. 11 Michigan at No. 2 Notre Dame
SH — Last week, Michigan and Notre Dame both won their games 41-17. The difference: Notre Dame beat a solid Penn State team while Michigan beat up on Central Michigan.
Michigan never lives up to the hype and has dropped a nonconference game every season since 1999. There's no reason to think that streak will end. And with every pass Chad Henne throws, he reminds me more and more of John Navarre — that's not a compliment.
Notre Dame 24, Michigan 17
EC — Notre Dame is riding high after demolishing Penn State last week. They have game experience against a major-conference opponent. U-M doesn't. The Fighting Irish will come out with guns blazing and put the Wolverines away quickly and painlessly. The Brady Quinn Heisman march continues.
Notre Dame 31, Michigan 13
No. 6 LSU at No. 3 Auburn
SH — Now this is a matchup. Last year's game went into overtime, and Auburn would've won if John Goss, um, I mean John Vaughn hadn't gone 1-for-6 on field-goal attempts. Look for Auburn running back Kenny Irons to carry the load, then look for Conley to jump on his bandwagon because he has a cool name and his former boy Colt McCoy floundered. The home team wins for the sixth straight time in this series.
Auburn 21, LSU 17
EC — Colt's gonna rebound. Just wait and see.
I won't be able to jump on Irons' bandwagon anyway, because LSU's nasty defense is going to shut him down. Just ask LSU safety Jessie Daniels: "We're going to stop him and make Auburn a one-dimensional team." Now, this may sound like meaningless pregame trash talk, but consider that the Tigers — the ones in purple and yellow — have yet to allow a touchdown this season and have the No. 3-ranked defense in the country. Geaux Tigers.
LSU 20, Auburn 17 (2OT)
No. 7 Florida at No. 13 Tennessee
SH — Tennessee, what's your deal? I pick against you in week one and you demolish California. But then you need a late stop on an Air Force two-point conversion try to beat them by one? Call me crazy, but I subscribe to the theory that if you barely beat a Mountain West Conference team at home, then you won't beat Florida there the next week.
Florida 28, Tennessee 21
EC — Florida's players should come into this game with steam rushing out of their ears and nostrils. Some questionable calls by the officiating crew cost the Gators a win against the Vols two years ago. They'll be out for revenge. Chris Leak is in a groove and seems to have a strong grasp on Urban Meyer's offense. Tennessee's big win over Cal was a product of A) emotion and B) horrible tackling by the opposing defense. Florida will get a big win on the road.
Florida 35, Tennessee 20
