Minnesota at MSU
Noon Saturday, Spartan Stadium, ESPNU
SH This will be the last game at Spartan Stadium for MSU's seniors. Unfortunately, they'll leave behind a legacy of disappointment and disarray. MSU probably will miss a bowl for the third straight season, but guys like Drew Stanton, Kyle Cook and Clifton Ryan deserve to go on top. I just hope the fans show up to support them.
MSU 31, Minnesota 28
EC I've learned my lesson after picking MSU to beat Indiana. I hope the seniors can end their last game in Spartan Stadium with a win. I hope John L. Smith can coach his way to a victory to finish up what has been a tough, up-and-down tenure. I hope MSU fans give some great Spartans Stanton, Cook and Ryan a loud, supportive send-off. But I'd have to be out of my mind to actually predict a happy ending.
Minnesota 41, MSU 17
TK I'm tired of trying to forecast this team. Here's another game the Spartans should win but probably won't. Unless pride kicks in, in which case, they will. Unless the offense runs as efficiently as a Model T again, in which case, they won't. Unless Javon Ringer rediscovers his rhythm, in which case, they will. Unless they announce Wayne Fontes as their new coach, in which case, I quit.
Minnesota 38, MSU 34
HC Glen Mason comes into the high cathedral of the Spartan nation and wants to get his team to a bowl. A loss to the Spartans would kill those hopes. The Spartans want to get the season over, and with half of the stadium there, as Minnesota pulls away, Matt Bishop eats his 11th hot dog from the press box. (I hope I am wrong.) On a serious note, these fifth-year seniors heard that Bobby left no talent and all they have done is stayed true Spartans. To all the seniors, we love you guys, and thanks!
Minnesota 24, MSU 10
South Carolina at No. 6 Florida
3:30 p.m. Saturday, Florida Field, CBS
SH Steve Spurrier heads into The Swamp for the first time since leaving Florida for the NFL in 2001. Something tells me the Gators won't be giving him a warm welcome, especially after they lost to South Carolina last year. Florida can't afford a loss if it wants to stay in contention for the national championship game.
Florida 28, South Carolina 13
EC Where has the Gators' offense been for the past few weeks? They haven't topped 30 points since Sept. 9. They'll need to end that trend quickly, because if they let the 'Cocks hang around, there's a great chance for an upset.
And I think it's going to happen. Spurrier nearly beat Auburn with some great play-calling. His offense just couldn't get touchdowns in the red zone. It will against Florida.
South Carolina 23, Florida 20
TK South Carolina's like a little kid that isn't quite good enough to beat his big brother yet. In the last five weeks, the Gamecocks have dropped three games to ranked teams all by a touchdown or less. I'd love to say the Gamecocks will break through this week, but the Gators haven't been even remotely challenged at home this season. Sorry. Go cry for Mommy.
Florida 27, South Carolina 18
HC The Gamecocks (I love that name and now want all my employees to call me Mr. Gamecock) head back into the swamp with the old ball coach and Urban renewal takes on new meaning. Charlie Strong's defense says, "Not in my house." In a side note, Ethan Conley notices the fine Gators ladies on TV and immediately transfers thinking even he can get a date. Memo to Ethan: Not with those clothes, bro.
Florida 31, South Carolina 13
No. 21 Oregon at No. 7 Southern Cal
10:15 p.m. Saturday, Los Angeles Coliseum
SH USC has huge games against California and Notre Dame coming up, so is it possible for the Trojans to overlook Oregon this week? No chance. Just look at Oregon's uniforms those things are impossible to overlook. There's no doubt Dwayne Jarrett and Co. are getting pissed off having to see those jerseys all week while watching film. When Saturday rolls around, they'll be ready to take their frustrations out on the Ducks.
USC 38, Oregon 10
EC If USC hadn't lost to Oregon State, I'd be calling for an upset. But the loss to the Beavers should have been a resounding wake-up call for the Trojans. They're not invincible again (Cal and Notre Dame are still major threats), but I can't imagine this team losing two out of three.
USC 38, Oregon 28
TK The Trojans score a late touchdown to go ahead by eight. On the ensuing kickoff, Ducks coach Gordon Bombay calls for a flying V, which Kenny Wu returns for a touchdown. But the Ducks' comeback hopes are dashed when, on a potential game-tying two-point conversion, Adam Banks is knocked unconscious at the 1-yard line by Gunner Stahl.
(What's that? Wrong Ducks? Oh. Forget everything I said then.)
USC 31, Oregon 23
HC Oregon's uniforms are about as ugly as some of the outfits Ethan wears. In the land of style, the Ducks spend more time eyeing the ladies of Troy (like Eric Fish's first semester at MSU) and get blown out. Memo: Matt Bishop just ate another hot dog and Tom Keller is angry at Bishop's food budget for a trip to Holt last week.
USC 31, Oregon 10
No. 13 Tennessee at No. 11 Arkansas
7 p.m. Saturday, Razorback Stadium, ESPN2
SH I don't think many people had the Razorbacks pegged as an 8-1 team at this point in the season. Now they have a chance to really turn some heads and erase their Week 1 loss to USC. For the Volunteers, this game comes after their heartbreaking loss at home to LSU. Unfortunately for them, going on the road in the SEC isn't the best way to cure your woes.
Arkansas 20, Tennessee 17
EC The Razorbacks are no fluke: They've beaten Auburn and South Carolina on the road. Now they're facing a wounded Volunteers squad that is still recovering from a last-minute loss to LSU. Arkansas will give Darren McFadden plenty of touches, control the clock and grind out a victory to stay undefeated in the SEC.
Arkansas 27, Tennessee 21
TK Which Arkansas team will we see if Toto pulls back the curtain: The one that lost by 36 to USC in its season opener, or the one that's undefeated in eight games since, including a pounding of then-No. 2 Auburn? I'm leaning toward the latter. Vols quarterback Jonathan Crompton filled in admirably for injured starter Erik Ainge in last week's loss, but there's a reason "filled in admirably" is usually followed by "loss."
Arkansas 21, Tennessee 20
HC The Vols have more personalities than that chick I dated back in ? well, anyway, they head down to the land of the pigs and get hog-tied. Houston Nutt gives them an old fashioned dose of southern hospitality and they get barbecued on a last-minute field goal. By the way, someone get Bishop away from the pork and beans that was a figurative barbecue, buddy.
Arkansas 17, Tennessee 14



